Before Forsaken, There Was A Tale As Old As Time

by SpaceFriedEggs

Summary:

The time ticks yet stays in a relative state of stagnancy. Each loop goes back to 12:00 but today, it went past that threshold.

The journey that never ceases, with no beginning nor an ending in sight might finally reach a conclusion for a story unchanged for the longest time.

For in the wake of a repeating story where even time loses its meaning, anomalies occur that were once overlooked and maybe this one spells the end for an eternity of restless venture.

With its end, a new storyline unfolds. The script of destiny changes and something lurks beneath the consequences of its divergence.

(Or: Before feeling the guillotine of Forsaken's wretched damnation, another adventure took place in a tale of a yearning child derailing an unspoken script like a line of dominoes in Block Tales and maybe that's their greatest sin yet.)

Chapter 1: Escapades

Notes:

If I am being honest, I am very hesitant to post this story since I don't play Forsaken much but you have to understand that I am very invested in Block Tales and Forsaken lore and I figured mixing both games' lore is a great way for me to better remember the speculations and theories that I have for both games.

— Sources say that 1x1x1x1 is genderfluid so I'm going to be switching their pronouns every chapter.

This is the best solution I can come up with because I can't just keep switching pronouns for 1x1x1x1 mid-sentence or paragraph since that would be extremely confusing

Screams tore through the eardrums of Player, all of them murky yet so loud at the same time.

In front of them was a mysterious figure with their face covered in a hood, underneath them was Builderman who squirmed in his binds with a look of pure dread and unimaginable terror painting his visage sheet white.

Their hands shake as they held the rubber ball close to their chest while their mind pounds with confusion so overwhelming it threatens to crack their own skull into smithereens.

"...Your mere existence is insulting." The Mysterious Figure sneered "Shouldn't you give up already?"

"I should be asking you that." Their words felt so unfamiliar as if these letters clawed its way from the back of their throat. It left Player frustratingly confused, why did they say that?

"This is pointless, all so pointless..." The hooded figure murmurs, their voice raspy as if their vocal chords were ripped out "It's eating me alive, hero. This eternal dance, a neverending stalemate in our game of chess— is maddening and I know that feeling of hate is affecting you too."

"..."

"Tell me, are you still you?"

"...I know who I am."

"Oh, vessel of suffering, you don't know half of it! Let's start anew then, this time— and this time, once you finally learn the choreography of our wretched dance... I expect you to be at your wit's end!"

"Dude!!!" A scream so faraway yet so close "Aim for the device!"

"No, stop, don't do it! You're—" Builderman's pleas went on deaf ears as his voice was drowned from all the noise of the crowd.

And like impulse of a movement done many times before, Player obeys and attempts to hit the machine held in the hands of the mysterious figure.

But the opponent stood unfazed as they blocked Player's attack before deflecting the ball and letting it bounce off the stage.

A chuckle came from the mysterious assailant "So—" but before they can say anymore they were cut off by a headbutt on the chin.

"Quick get the device!" Builderman yelps as he fought back against the Mysterious Figure.

"You little— oof!"

"Dude, watch out!" The elder penguin yelps as Player barely manage to dodge a steady arrow from a winged noob from above the ceiling.

The atmosphere tenses as more enemies streams down from above and the hero ran as fast as they could towards the device but it was soon snatched by the Mysterious Figure who huffs in frustration.

The unconscious body of Builderman lays a few studs away as they laugh maniacally.

"The world implores you to unwrap its mysteries since you stepped into this convention. Hero, see the world for how it truly is!"

Beep!

The machine whirs to life and levitates in the air as the world so suddenly warped in itself before a bright light tore through the seams of reality and it wasn't before thunder roared from the machine that everything went black.

 

---

 

1x1x1x1 woke up with a gasp as cold sweat clung to his back. He sat up with haste as he slowly surveyed his dark room with a pounding heart.

All of their things still seems to be in place. The drawer by the foot of the bed, the painting of mister Cassel and Builderman taken from the living realm still hung upright, the small carpet is recently cleaned and the window that shines streams of moonlight inside this desolate yet cluttered room is the same as it has ever been.

"Young master, it is time for breakfast." The old butler knocked on his door before opening it to let out an announcement.

"I'm coming..." He groaned a reply back as he stretched his arms and blinked his bleary eyes open.

The bed creaked as 1x1x1x1 stood up, stretching a bit more before leaving his room to enter the dining hall.

"Where is the dining hall?" Was the first thing 1x1x1x1 asked upon arriving at where the dining room is supposed to be only to find a pit and multiple floating furnitures.

"Uh... Young master, this area has been currently undergoing a renovation." The butler explains "You can eat in the kitchen for now, I arranged for you a chair and a table to dine in."

"...Alright."

Breakfast was mid. There was barely any taste to the meat and the texture was tough to bite through yet 1x1x1x1 persists in his chewing with a furrowed brow.

Seriously? In all his time in the manor, they did not even bother to hire a single chef to cook some good meals. The only one who's at least qualified to cook was miss Brighteyes who barely even visits.

"Did you enjoy the food, young master?" The butler asks as he made his way to pick up the dirty dishes to clean.

"...When is miss Brighteyes going to visit?"

"Not today."

"Can I... leave?"

The butler can only let out a sigh "Young master, you know Master Telamon does not permit you to leave the spirit world."

"I never even met the guy!" 1x1x1x1 complained "Who's he to tell me what to do? Please, I want to see what the realm of the living is all about."

"Not that interesting..."

"You destroyed that dining hall just so that I can't go find the exit, didn't you?"

"No, that was Master Telamon's orders. He said that he didn't like the look of the dining hall."

"He never even visits the manor..." The child retorts "How would he even know what the dining hall looks like?"

His words are filled with utmost truth and sincerity. The enigmatic Telamon doesn't visit his home, 1x1x1x1 daresay he never even bothers to enter this haunted manor. In all his ten birthdays he has never even catch a glimpse of this Telamon— there isn't even a single painting in this art-filled manor that depicts him.

He has a small suspicion that the painting of Erik Cassel and David Builderman Baszucki does but the canvas has been repainted to only show the two. But in his bored stupors, he sometimes stares at the painting with scrutiny and manages to catch glimpses of faded outlines and washed-out colors.

Too bad he can't make anything out from just that.

The butler can only sigh as he rubbed his hands on a clean towel "Just because he's not here, doesn't mean he can't see what's happening here. Master Telamon is a man with powers I can't even comprehend."

"I bet I can though..."

"Yes, yes..." The man patted his head as he escorts the child out to kitchen "Now, if you excuse me young master, I have duties to attend to."

1x1x1x1 only hums in understanding as he left the kitchen and came face to face with the door leading outside the manor but it was locked tight and he doesn't even think to leave by going through the front door.

"Hey X!" He turns his head to see an older individual wearing a pumpkin head greet him "Got rejected again?"

"Spookster, how can you even endure being in this stuffy mansion?"

"Well duh, it's my home, technically... Besides this place isn't that stuffy, its pretty spacious in fact!" Spookster defended before muttering in a low voice "More spacious than my last house, at least..."

1x1x1x1 groaned as he pulls his hair in annoyance before turning back to his room, ignoring all other residents he passes by.

The room is the same as ever. A bed facing the door, the hanged painting of Erik Cassel and Builderman (two people he doesn't know but the painting was a gift from Brighteyes who hated his nearly empty room), scattered crayons, scribbles on the wall, his floating desk, piled up papers in the corner— it was all in the same place in this repetitive and monotonous room.

The mattress dipped as 1x1x1x1 laid down, facing the same ceiling that was filled with dust and cobwebs. The only entertainment he could get in this godforsaken manor was talking to the other residents (which he already did for so many times) or doing nonsensical parkour on floating objects (to which he always ended up falling down).

Parkour...

Wait a minute.

A slow and dawning realization made him slowly rise from his bed to look back at the door.

The butler is forgetful, that he knows. Perhaps there's a chance that he may have forgotten to close the entrance to the living realm, giving this conniving child a ticket out!

With newfound hope and a devious plan brewing in his mind, 1x1x1x1 quickly gathered up a few of his belongings before bolting out the door and running towards the backyard that was oftentimes forbidden for him to enter.

He sneaked around, avoiding each and every resident that came his way before finally, he's face to face with the door outside.

He gripped the knob but before he can twist it further open, a hand met his shoulder resulting in the little child jolting to look back in panic.

"...So the little child has hungered for the outside, do you not?" A being as dark as the night with a small and cryptic book placed on top of its head stood behind him.

"Necrobloxicon?" 1x1x1x1 raised a brow before frowning "You're not stopping me."

"I know that."

"So, why are you still holding my shoulder? Let go!"

The only response he got was a tighter grip on his shoulder as the entity pulled him close.

"I came to deliver a prophecy."

Should he entertain this mysterious and cryptic fool? He never shared a deep personal bond with it unlike some others in the manor. Its cryptic riddles and prophesized words left a bitter taste in 1x1x1x1's tongue, a unique frustration of not understanding its beyond comprehensible words that feels as though its mocking his low knowledge of the occult.

But the man is also wise, a person that can give decent advice and he needs that more than anything right now.

"What is it?"

"Your future is grave and unpredictable, like a tempestuous sea that threatens to swallow cities. Once you leave Spooksville, there's no turning back."

That was not helpful at all!

"Are you trying to dissuade me? It's not working."

"No, I'm merely stating facts." Necrobloxicon objects "Your choices matter and every step you take, a ripple forms in the fabric of space and time. The written destiny will be shaken."

"...Ok." What is he talking about?

A tug of anger bubbles beneath the deadpan facade of 1x1x1x1 but just as easily, he pushes it down.

"I'll keep that in mind." He says before he turned the knob and left.

Necrobloxicon watched with a burning stare as the kid, no older than twelve left the manor for the first time "May your path be more righteous than the hero's fate..."

The purple grass sways by the breeze and 1x1x1x1 can faintly hear the soft crunch of the dirt and gravel beneath his shoes as he made his way to the living realm.

A gate, higher than his stature and as tall as a tree can be seen at the end of a long and winding path. It's doors were left ajar and a green glow emits from its surface.

Like a moth to a flame, the child ran towards it with no hesitation.

The other side was still dark but the color palette seems to desaturated and off from its usual colors.

1x1x1x1 stares in awe at the sight as he strolls along the only path leading towards somewhere before he froze and hid before he was spotted.

"Have you gotten any news from the master yet?" The voice of his butler asked another individual with sagging skin and rotting exterior.

The undead shook its head as it let out a low groan "Nooooo...."

"I see..." The butler turns back to the area leading to the Spirit Realm "This is bad, there has been no new delivery of supplies."

The undead groaned in response and the butler shook his head.

"It is better to wait for now, he might be busy. Keep your guard up though, pay attention to the whispers of the wind."

The undead nods before it soon burrows back into the ground and the butler walks back to the Spirit Realm.

After making sure the coast was clear, 1x1x1x1 hops out of his hiding spot with confusion written all over his face.

"What the heck was that?" He mumbles to himself.

Pay attention to the wind? The heck does that mean? Who are they talking about anyway? Oh well, those questions won't matter soon after he leaves this place to adventure and finally explore the world.

So with a pep in his step, he stopped in front of the oddly similar manor to the one from the Spirit Realm but 1x1x1x1 knows better than to believe that it's the same. The color palette is different and the architecture seemed brand new unlike the dilapidated and crumbling infrastructure of his own home.

He can feel himself get envious and a little angry. What's so special about this place that it has to look completely brand new? Why is the one in the Spirit World more dilapidated? The place he calls home looks less taken care of with squatters living rent-free inside the walls of the manor, an odd odor coming from pits of green gas and floating runiture that have been busted down from overuse.

But those question can wait to be answered, he will confront the butler about this once he comes back from his little exploration.

He can hear it from beyond the closed door, the sounds of muffled conversations and it was loud and so unlike the manor he's so familiar with.

He opens the door ever so slowly.

The conversation became louder and the world became brighter. He sees people lazing around, sitting on armchairs in the corner of the room or were seated at the dining table (that was demolished in the Spirit Realm) enjoying a small feast that looks absolutely delectable to bite on.

It almost made 1x1x1x1 have a whiplash, it was so different from the manor he knows and it's disorienting.

"Want some kid?" A person seated at the head of the table asked "There's enough room for you to eat!"

He can only bashfully nod at the invite as he took a small slice of the turkey leg. It looks so juicy and tender and so similar to how Madame Brighteyes cooks meat.

Gingerly, he took a bite and his taste buds exploded with wondrous flavor. The meat was well-seasoned, cooked to perfection and tender to chew unlike the food served at the manor that looks like inedible bricks of meat.

"This... is so good." He says in awe.

"Hahah, I don't pride myself as a cook to be honest but this is the highest form of compliment to my first turkey dish, never cooked turkey before!"

"What are you saying man, this is great!" Presumably her buddy, interjects "Seriously need to stop downplaying your skills... Hey kid,"

1x1x1x1 turned to the man who called him.

"Do you think my friend here can be a spectacular enough cook to maybe even be a personal chef of Blackrock's king?"

"Oh c'mon! My skills are practically incomparable to the chef at Blackrock..."

"I think she can be a great cook, maybe she can be a chef at Telamon's instead!" 1x1x1x1 answers with utmost sincerity.

"See told ya!" The man laughed "Actually kid, she's planning to intern here as a witch cook!"

"Woah really?!"

"Yeah, Telamon's getting a great cook that's for sure!"

The two laughed as they take more portions, and 1x1x1x1 laughed with them as he briefly glances to the side.

"...I need to head out now." 1x1x1x1 abruptly stood up from his seat as he looks back warily to the door leading to the backyard.

"It's cool, kid!" The one across him laughs "Take some portions with you though, you look starved of good food!"

"Tell me about it..." Reluctantly, he dug in to store in more portions of the turkey and a little piece of pumpkin pi before leaving.

So far, the entire manor's structure is nearly the same as the one he lives in, albeit more neat, clean and less destroyed. After exploring the last room and comparing it to the one in the Spirit Realm, boredom gnaws at the back of 1x1x1x1's head and an urge to explore more overtakes his senses because surely the living world isn't just this right? There's gotta be more.

There's only one place left, the area outside the manor. Not the backyard but the one outside the front entrance of the place.

Upon arriving at the main lobby and going down the winding staircase, he sees it, the door leading outside the mansion wide open as if welcoming visitors to come take a look inside the manor and bidding those who are leaving a nice goodbye.

Unlike in the Spirit Realm, the weather looks nice outside. Beyond the manor was a clear sky with a big moon up above brightening the dark surroundings and he can so vividly see the landscape from faraway unlike in the Spirit Realm where the world outside the front door of the manor was covered in an eternal grey fog with a layer so thick you can barely make out anything.

The butler tells him that no ghost or undead ever came back from leaving the spirit realm's front door of the manor. He was right, every spirit that does exit through the front door was swallowed by the fog, never to return to the manor and he never knew what happened to them nor what was beyond the fog.

But this isn't the spirit world, he can go outside without problems and he can even see some people in the distance talking and walking around, no fog and still visible in his peripheral vision.

He's not a kid anymore, he shouldn't be afraid in taking the first steps to a brand new world waiting for him with open arms.

Slowly, he walked out of the manor and into the cemetery that glows by the light of the moon.

A rush of excitement and a tug of wanting more, he walked deeper and deeper into the cemetery until he comes across a crypt.

"Hello." A person greets him "What would you like to know?"

"Uh... Nothing particular." He answers as a quiet befell upon the two that locked eyes in a staring match.

"Then just know that the beds are to my left."

"Okay... Thank you."

"No problem."

The messages on the crypts' tombs are nothing but hilarious and wacky but right now, 1x1x1x1 isn't really looking forward to sleep so with a wave of goodbye towards the lady, he left the crypt to venture deeper into the cemetery.

The place was odd yet unlike anything he has seen before, years trapped in that stuffy manor had deteriorated his sense of wonder. Seeing the same areas, rooms and furniture can be quite maddening and being out here— away from that house is nothing but a breath of fresh air, an ecstacy from a torturous hell of repetitive routine.

He explored every nook and cranny, no stone was left unturned (except for the ones guarded by the undead) and each time he sneaked past a rotting guard brought a rush of adrenaline he never though he'd earn.

It wasn't until he finally got to the end of the cemetery, where a wide plain encompasses a large plot of land. In the distance was some sort of machinery, he can guess it to be a train— if the books he found in the manor were of any help and the testimonies of recently deceased spirits were credible.

There were many people loitering around the area too. Most were chattering to one another about things he could care less about but one such group caught his eye.

It was people in the same age range as him, children probably no older than twelve ran around the large place with sing-song laughter reverberating across the area.

Frustration rears its toxic head from the back of 1x1x1x1's mind as he surveyed his appearance to make sure he looks presentable.

He combed irrationally through his unkept hair and tried to smoothen the wrinkled fabric of his clothes but the longer these endeavours take, the more he became frustrated until he finally made the decision to not interact with them until he checks out the cool (probably) train.

But before he can even take a step forward, a harsh tug on his arm sent him reeling back towards someone's body.

"What are you doing, young master?!" The butler tugs him back towards the manor.

"Wait, no! I'm not going back there." A pang of anger rushed through the child as he harshly pulled back his arm from the butler, but the older man's grip is strong and he doesn't budge no matter how much 1x1x1x1 pulls.

"This isn't a place you're permitted to traverse now let's go—" His words were halted as a groan from an undead alerted him to the rotting corpse shambling towards them "What is it?"

The flying corpse groaned as it flapped its wings in reply.

For a moment, it was silent and 1x1x1x1, looked around in confusion as the breeze became evermore harsher as it scatters piles of leaves.

If he strained his ears enough, he could hear soft laughter from a distance.

"...I see." Finally, the butler nods as he lets go of 1x1x1x1.

The cemetery buzzed with the sounds of insects and the cawing of crows, but between the kid and the butler, everything felt all too quiet.

"Master Telamon has informed me, that you are finally ready." The butler coughed, his tone a soft murmur "...He says that you can finally stretch your wings and fly across Robloxia without needing supervision."

"...What?"

"I never thought, that I'd see the day." The butler began, his voice filled with pride yet also filled with goodbye "Come here, young master."

1x1x1x1 hesitantly obeyed, his steps were meek and careful as he neared the butler who's crouched down to level with him eye to eye.

The butler gifted something to him, held out his hand for the child to take.

It was a pouch filled with tix and bux and a small feather. With how delicate the butler is to the object, he feels that it might've been plucked from an exotic and rare species of bird. 1x1x1x1 inspected it but he can't trace it to anything from the books that he had read.

"Take this, it is a small charm of protection." The old man explains "You've grown but don't forget the teachings I've taught you."

"Yeah, yeah... Still remember." 1x1x1x1 grumbles before a small smirk made its way to his face "I've been preparing it for this day, so how could I forget?"

The butler laughs, the flying undead joining soon after, although croaked.

"Well, I've been holding you back for too long. Take this too, you'll need it for the train." The butler hands him a ticket "Now go, see the world with your very own eyes."

A wave of excitement rattles 1x1x1x1's bones as he gazed excitedly at the train, his first steps meek but as he got closer to the locomotive he became more assured but something was holding him back.

1x1x1x1 stops before looking back longingly towards the man whom practically raised him better than his so-called creator. It took him a moment to think before he sprinted back towards him to give the man a big hug.

"Ah, young master... You shouldn't." The old man hugs back, a big and sincere smile present on his stitched and wrinkled face "You've grown so much..."

1x1x1x1 sniffles. It was embarrassing and he feels angry for showing such vulnerability but it all fades as he comes to realize that it was his butler that he has shown weakness to, a man who has seen him cry time and time again.

The world felt better knowing he is there to support 1x1x1x1's adventures.

"Do... you know where Telamon might be?" He finally pulls back, a question slips out from his tongue, something that has been lingering in his mind for years.

"Ah, Master Telamon... He is at Bizville, at Roblox Headquarters, last I've heard. I haven't visited there in a while though so I won't know how it looks now..."

"..."

"If you want to meet him, go there. I'm sure he won't mind so don't worry too much." He comforted while the ghoul groaned in agreement.

"Alright..."

"Now go, don't let us hold you back. If you want, i'll even escort you there."

"...Yes, please..."

The man held out a hand and the child took it without hesitation. The walk towards the train was quiet, but not uncomfortable. A string of lingering nostalgia binds him in place before a small push of encouragement finally made him take the first step to the train.

"Ticket please." The conductor demands as his butler nods for him to hand over the slip of paper with printed words and symmetrical ends.

The conductor skims the ticket(?) before his eyes widened and a gasp slips through his lips "This is—"

"Yes, personally autographed by the Master of the Manor, Telamon himself."

"Yes, yes... Right away, to the first-class you'll be staying."

"Take care of the young master..."

"Yes sir, the child will be safe with me."

The conductor leads the way deeper into the bowels of the train as the doors slowly close behind 1x1x1x1. He looks back to see his butler with a big smile waving at him goodbye.

The train whirs to life, the engine roars as the horns blew a loud honk of departure.

1x1x1x1 waves back a goodbye as Spooksville became farther and farther away from his line of sight.

But in front of the train's path was a new horizon, a new area and a new adventure that awaits.

The hero's story starts in the future who went back to relive the past but to the little 1x1x1x1, who's filled with awe and wanderlust, his story starts here, in a train that paves a path to a brand new future ahead of him.

Notes:

— Necrobloxicon and Spookster are NPCs you can find in the manor.

— Hope the exploration parts aren't too boring. It was a way for me to solidifiy my characterization of 1x1x1x1 and to better understand my interpretation of him.

— Shout-out to all the Forsaken x Block Tales crossover fanfic. Never would've gotten me invested in Forsaken lore otherwise.

— Again, I am very hesitant to post this so I hope you guys provide some feedback for this very first chapter.

Chapter 2: Catastrophe at Headquarters

Notes:

Characterizing 1x1x1x1 is slightly hard because I am trying to balance that childish curiosity and innocent personality of a 10 year old child with the way they are portrayed in Forsaken. 1x1x1x1 in the current timeline is 10 years old but as the story progresses and they become a bit older, I hope it'll be easier to finally flesh out their negative traits that was inherited from Telamon.

1x1x1x1 left the station after a good nap in one of the rooms with the conductor escorting her and the other passengers outside.

People scattered away from the station as newer passengers entered the train. 1x1x1x1 looks around at the bright scenery of Bizville in awe.

"Oh, engineer. What are you doing out?" She heard the voice of the conductor question.

"Hmm? Oh, I'm just going to visit the kids, y'know how they can be a handful. Have to make sure they ain't doing too much trouble." Another unfamiliar voice replies "I also got a new mission today from Turitopulis, I'll have to check it out."

"Don't overwork yourself, have you at least eaten?"

"I'll eat on the way back but thanks for the concern."

"Nonsense, you should've at least grabbed a snack in the train's shop. C'mon, I'll be treating you, it would still be awhile before the train departs!"

"Oh no, I dont really—" The voice was cut off before they can ever finish their sentence, so 1x1x1x1 diverts her attention from eavesdropping.

The streets were abuzz with music and cheer. People chatter and lazed around while the birds chirped from their perch on the trees.

The place was bright and so full of life. A sight that made 1x1x1x1 shocked yet excited as she has never seen a place so crowded and loud.

It was so unlike the Spirit World of Telamon's manor where the walls whisper, the pumpkins chuckle menacingly in the gray fog and the residents murmur and groan like hungry ghouls whenever dinner time is nigh.

She was almost starting to miss it but it's no good to start feeling homesick this early into her adventure.

Shaking her head to rid herself of such depressing thoughts, she distracts herself by exploring as much to her heart's content except for the restricted areas blocked by engineers and architects busy with labour.

Soon enough, she managed to arrive at what seems to be Roblox headquarters— if the sign outside the building telling the whole world that this is Roblox Headquarters wasn't enough of a dead giveaway.

This is it. She's going to meet Telamon and demand of him answers for why he has never visited he manor in all her life living there, she's going to ask where the best vacation spot is or where the best treasure site is located to spice up her adventure and possibly add this to her portfolio detailing how good of an adventurer she is.

But hesitation bubbles from the back of her head with the thought of denial, confusion and getting kicked out from the building by the man she urgently wants to meet as she fidgets in place while her eyes wander to the doors leading inside the building that suddenly stood very ominously.

A second or so passes watching employees filter in and out the building until she finally got the courage to march inside with light steps.

The receptionist looked over to the doors upon hearing the sounds of footfall before perking up at the sight of 1x1x1x1.

"How can I help you?" The receptionist asked as he fiddles with his name tag that says: Ronnie.

"Is there a man here named... Telamon?" 1x1x1x1 hesitantly asks after a beat of silence passes between them.

"I'm sorry, Mister Telamon wishes not to be disturbed for he's currently in a meeting with Builderman." Receptionist Ronnie apologetically explains "If you have an appointment with him, I can schedule you another time."

"What??? But it's really important!"

"Sorry for the inco— what the?!" A low rumble stops him in his tracks, completely halting their conversation as they both looked at the staircases in unison.

The rumble increased in intensity as faraway screams from the upper floors alerts the two of something serious happening from upstairs.

Soon, scrambling employees rushed out of the door like a mob. Receptionist Ronnie pulled 1x1x1x1 by the hem of her shirt away from the path of the double doors as the stampede of panicked workers congregate near the entryway, pushing and shouting for escape.

It was grating to her ears but none could be as alarming as the slow creak of metal bending from faraway. It started off muffled and low but as the people crowding around the door decrease in numbers, the groaning of the building becomes louder and piercing in the silence.

Metals scrape off of metal, the spontaneous crunching of glass as its cracks became ever so larger until it reaches the ground floor in big shards of segregated lines.

Something pulled at 1x1x1x1's clothes as they were dragged outside the building by the receptionist before— in clear view, the building collapsed. The top half of the building getting swallowed by the lower counterpart.

She heard screams of terror; she heard panicked cries— sounds she thought she became used to at Telamon's manor. She can even pretend these screams to be of those visitors from the other side whom stumbled upon the Spirit World that were always shrieking like an alarm whenever they triggered one of her traps that sets off a hilarious prank... But this isn't Telamon's manor anymore, this is different and this realization sends her heart thumping rapidly for an unknown reason.

"What happened?!" A voice from her right shrieked as she turned towards a man (too average and forgettable) craning his head to look in shock and horror at the sight of the HQ.

"Mister Doe..." She heard the receptionist, Ronnie call out.

"Explain."

"That's the thing..." The man scratched his cheek in nervousness "I have no clue, perhaps the other employees do... All I know is that it happened on the upper floors."

"I see..." Mister Doe sighed in frustration as he massaged his temple in annoyance "More work yet no overtime pay for me..."

"Ehem..." A new voice cleared their throat as the three individuals looked over towards a young robloxian (that looked like a foreigner with their odd clothes) standing awkwardly to the side.

"Can I help you?" Mister Doe questions, his tone carries an edge that dares not to be messed with.

Wordlessly, the foreigner hands over a piece of paper with a stamped letter 'R' on the sealed envelope while the wax is colored gold that shimmers in the sunlight. It looked like a letter from a reputable sender.

Mister Doe opened the letter with sluggish movements and as his eyes read the lines of the page, 1x1x1x1 could see his gaze becoming increasingly confused.

"Alright, let me stop you here..." He gently folded the paper as he assessed the foreigner with keen interest "I'm not going to doubt this paper, it seems to be legitimately signed by Shedletsky himself but I have to ask you this... What business do you have with him and is this related to the building's collapse?"

The person could only shrug their shoulders "I dunno, I just got here..."

The conversation was cut short as paramedics and officers from the local station finally arrived at the scene.

They efficiently bordered the entire area while rescuing any stragglers that were trapped in the building.

"...How many do you think is still there?" Mister Doe asks.

"There isn't much employees today, sir. I'm sure everyone is fine..." Ronnie replied as a heavy quiet befell the group.

"...What happened?" The oddly quiet foreigner inquires as they stared at the crumbling structure with an unreadable expression.

"...We don't know."

Quietly, they excused themselves as they made their way to a planked off area leading to the meadows.

They looked at the fenced off area for a few moments before they figured to do the best thing they could come up with and that is to climb to the other side.

"What are you doing? Get down from there!" A voice from Mister Doe halts them in their tracks as they turned around to look at the man with an inquisitive glance.

"Please don't climb those boards, you'll hurt yourself!" Ronnie warned with concern as his eyes flicked towards Player and the wooden planks.

They nod without struggle, not before giving the wooden boards a glare as if it has personally wronged them and 1x1x1x1 can't help but feel as though they're a liar.

And they are a liar, a big one. After getting scolded by Ronnie and Mister Doe, they soon retreated to a secluded corner as the receptionist and the employee converse about the cause of the building's sudden crumble.

But 1x1x1x1 watched like a hawk as the suspicious foreigner blends in to the crowd a little too well before sneaking off inside the halfway collapsed building and she— the ever curious opportunist, followed like a duckling as appall crosses her face when not a single person notice the two sneak inside.

The inside has seen better days.

Unlike a few minutes ago, the entire ground floor was littered with cracks and dust while the floor above was practically sunken in with only a few bits of concrete anchoring it together.

Ever so slowly, 1x1x1x1 ascended to the roof while avoiding pits, cracks and crumbling floors.

The very last floor of the building was submerged and assimilated into the floor below. Broken computers littered the entire area as its smashed bits and chopped wiring proved to become quite a hassle to get through.

1x1x1x1 can make out the view of the rooftop. Its doors flew off its hinges and the walls were caved in.

But before they can make it there, a hand grabbed her shoulder to turn her around.

It was none other than Mister Doe. His face held disappointment, tired eyes burning with exhaustion, clothes rumpled and the name tag pinned to his clothes was askew.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Uh, uhm..." 1x1x1x1 was speechless.

"Kid, are you trying to kill yourself? This place is dangerous!"

"Yeah— but... That foreigner—"

"What about them?"

"Look over there!" With her hand pointed forward on the rooftop, the lone figure of the foreigner stood with their back away from the two.

"How did I not see them?" Mister Doe murmured, flabbergasted.

"I was just... following them, sir."

"You should've told me; this is no excuse to be exploring a crumbling building."

"...Sorry." 1x1x1x1 wasn't sorry.

Mister Doe only sighs in exasperation, his brow furrowed in frustration as he cups his hand around his mouth to shout: "Hey, fo— Player, get down from there before you hurt yourself!!"

The foreigner— now known as Player, perked up upon the voice of Mister John Doe (1x1x1x1 squints at the name tag pinned to the man's clothes and gags at how basic his name is). They turned around to stare at the duo with confusion.

"Don't think we didn't see you sneak in!" 1x1x1x1 joins.

Their face remained neutral and nonchalant as they turned their back away from them to crouch down at something 1x1x1x1 and John Doe can't make out.

"Are you even listening?! Get down!"

Slowly they rose up, now carrying someone in their arms as they slowly staggered their way over to the two.

Mister Doe gasps as he took in the sight of the person that Player was carrying "Mister Shedletsky?!" He yelps.

"Augh... John Doe...?" The man stuttered. He was bleeding from his head and a horrible gash was on his side while multiple of his limbs looked to be out of place.

1x1x1x1 held the urge to make a disgusted look.

"Mister Shedletsky!" Mister Doe calls out "Who did this to you?!"

"M— Maaan... It hurts soooo bad." Shedletsky bemoans as he attempts to move his body only to groan in pain.

"A man?"

"D— devil, with... A— a dominus...Th— they want... the swords, John... Th— the Sword Fight on the Heights s— swords..." Was the last thing Shedletsky uttered before passing out

"Quick, we need to get him to the ambulance now!"

The three made their way down the building, each giving effort in assisting the crippled and unconscious Shedletsky down with them by guiding Player on the right path.

It was tedious work and 1x1x1x1 wishes that they just drop the guy and let the officers handle him.

But eventually, they exit the building to pass over the injured man to the paramedics.

A silence fell over the three before it was broken by Mister Doe "What else did he tell you?" He glanced at Player with a meaningful look.

"...Builderman is kidnapped." Player quietly murmurs.

John Doe's eyes widened in horror as he looks away from the two in panic.

1x1x1x1 meanwhile, wonders if the Builderman they're talking about is the same one with a picture hung up in his room in the manor. She was also confused at the absence of Telamon and the deal with the SFOTH swords.

"What do you mean by Builderman is kidnapped?" Mister Doe quoted "The CEO of Roblox Corp? Him? How did it happen?"

"...I dunno."

"Stop fooling around."

"He never told me."

"Seriously, still not getting paid for this..." John Doe groans in frustration as he looked over to the entrance of the meadows which was blocked by wooden boards "Say... That person that Shedletsky mentioned was finding the SFOTH swords right?"

"Yeah..." 1x1x1x1 nods "I've heard about those swords, erm..."

She recalls her butler talking about it with another resident of the manor. Hidden deep beneath the basement was the sword from SFOTH called the Ghostwalker. She has never seen the weapon herself but she does have the dream to use it one day once she finally achieved the honor to, another way is to just sneak in but she was always stopped by those barbed wires only ghosts and permitted individuals can go through.

They said it was for her safety. What a joke, what's so harmful about a safeguarded sword? The biggest injury she could've possibly get from it is nicking her finger on the blade.

"I know the location of one of them. The Ice Dagger is held at Blackrock Kingdom, we should go there quickly." John Doe urges "If whoever terrorized the headquarters was strong enough to defeat one of our admins then no doubt that they must be heading their way to the closest SFOTH sword and we need to warn its guardian, quickly!"

Player nods in agreement and the two made their way to the boarded up path. John Doe pulls out a hammer from his inventory and with one smash, the planks splintered and the path forward opens.

"Let's go—"

"Wait!"

Hesitantly, 1x1x1x1 steps forward "Can I come?" She asks.

"No." However she was immediately shut down by John Doe.

"But— I can help!"

"No kid, you're reckless and stubborn. Let the adults handle it."

Before Player and John can even take a step forward to the meadows, a tug on both their arms sent them reeling back to face the perpetrator.

"I know where one of the SFOTH are located!" 1x1x1x1 impulsively confesses in desperation before the guilt and gnawing realization that they've just leaked one of Telamon's most guarded artifacts starts sinking in.

"...?" Player only tilts their head with an unreadable expression.

"And how did you know that?" John Doe asks with suspicion in his eyes.

Oh man, she's doomed.

"I— uh..." A pause "I live in Spooksville. Of course I'd know."

"No, no, kid. Only people that works in Telamon's manor knows where the sword is hidden— ugh, what sword was it even again? The Ghostwalker or was it Illumina?"

"...Ghostwalker." She huffs out in frustration "And what if I told you that I'm related to the one in charge there, hmm??"

She reasons with herself that technically, she and the butler were related— not by blood but by relation and if this average joe just shut up and stop acting like he runs the place, she might just have a chance to sneak in to the team with this lie.

"And why would he send you here?"

"Ugh, didn't you hear?!" The little child gasps in shock "I thought the news would've traveled here by now..."

"The building just collapsed..."

"Well— He told me that I should meet him here..." Upon uttering these words, she could feel the awkwardness in the atmosphere and she scrambled to get the next words out before a misunderstanding occurs "He hasn't been sending supplies to the manor, and the boss has started to get worried..."

"I see..."

"...Can we get going?" Player interjects, their hand raised awkwardly as if asking the teacher if they can go to the bathroom.

"Yes, yes! Let's not waste time. Kid, stay close and don't wander."

"Yes sir."

Mister Doe held out his hand as 1x1x1x1 reluctantly takes it. The man's hand is rough and calloused quite similar to his butler who's tasked with laborious work everyday.

It gives 1x1x1x1 the slightest bit of comfort in such an unfamiliar environment.

With one last look towards the collapsed headquarters, the trio entered the meadows and start their journey towards Blackrock Castle.

Notes:

— It was not explicitly told who beat up Shedletsky (Red and Blue only took credit) but seeing the might of the Mysterious Figure, it's plausible that they're the one who made Shedletsky end up in a wheelchair (they're at least the only candidate available).

— It is also partially implied that Shedletsky kept his identity as Telamon a secret. Proof is when you talk to an NPC theorizing Telamon's identity in the manor.

— There isn't much lore on the personality of John Doe so I just took inspiration from the many NPCs in the Roblox HQ.

— In my knowledge, Receptionist Ronnie is an NPC located near the entrance of Roblox Headquarters.

— First divergence spotted and its in Chapter 2! Player now has a full party after journeying alone for so long. John Doe is melee (Player has not received the wooden sword), Player is ranged (Baller) and 1x1x1x1 is support.

Chapter 3: print( "Hello, World!" )

Notes:

— Fixed the tagging of the story.

— Changed story description (Last one isn't very interesting and doesn't have a proper hook). New one might still be subjected to change.

Old Description:
"There was a statue at Bizville that depicts a faceless Hero's Journey.

A journey that never ends, with no beginning nor an ending in sight. The statue tells a tale of an unsung hero whose adventure has continued for so long, time loses its meaning.

But in the wake of a repeating story, anomalies occur that were once overlooked and maybe this one spells the end for an eternity of restless venture.

With its end, a new storyline unfolds. The script of destiny changes and something lurks beneath the consequences of its divergence."

1x1x1x1 never expects the meadows to be serene. They halfheartedly expected the place to be either eerie with nothing but crooked trees that covers all light, bathing the forest in darkness or loud with animals constantly making their presence known by making noises and yet, they were proven wrong as they strolled along the desired path in a comforting silence with only the sound of soft footfalls stepping on the most greenest grass 1x1x1x1 has the pleasure of ogling accompanying them.

But things went awry when a bunch of noobs blocked off the path leading to the next area demanding tix while sharpening their wooden swords with a smug grin on their faces.

"I'm stopping you kids right there." Mister John Doe interrupts "Step aside, we are employees from Roblox Headquarters."

The noobs halted, brain in overdrive as they processed each syllable that came out of Mister Doe's lips in confusion.

"... Employees?"

"From Roblox?"

"Yes, admins specifically."

"..."

An air of silence (that would've been more awkward if it weren't for the sounds of nature acting as white noise) befell the two groups. The noobs in front of them seems to be short circuiting as if the wires in their brain ran into overdrive or has come across a command contradicting their code.

"Yes, yes!" A small nooblet yelps before hitting their partner in the shoulder lightly "Uhm... You're free to pass!"

"Thank you." Mister Doe thanks dismissively as he gestures to the group to keep moving. Player and 1x1x1x1 have no other option but to do so with confusion written on their face.

"How did you do that?" 1x1x1x1 asked, incredulous.

"Do what?"

"I mean— tamed them so easily?"

"They're a toxic bunch but if you know how to handle them, you can get by pretty easily. No matter how much they intimidate you, most of them are just thugs or kids looking for a quick fight or spark of drama so if you enforce that you are of higher authority, they'll stand down easily with no problems." John Doe explains with a prideful tone like a man who knows his tricks and has done this multiple times before.

"Are you really an administrator?" 1x1x1x1 asked another question as they watched the face of John Doe sink into a deadpan.

"No, not really. I just say that to convince them to move quicker. We're in a bit of a time crunch aren't we?"

"Yeah, I thought so, you don't look like an admin." 1x1x1x1 mumbles as Player hums in agreement beside them while Mister Doe led the way with swift movements.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, we are in a bit of a time crunch after all."

As they made their way through the forest, 1x1x1x1 took the time to examine everything he comes across from the ants in the ground, the bees in their nests and the beetles perched on tree barks. All of the colors in the meadow are so saturated and bright unlike in Spooksville where only death and quiet fill the halls of Telamon's manor while the scent of metallic iron wafts through from the basement's storage room.

The trio reached an area by a cliff as the river flows down calmly. A small fishing spot was set up by the flowing river and a ladder was propped up and anchored to the rocky terrain.

"If only Jane was here." John Doe murmured in a dreamy trance that made the hair of the back of 1x1x1x1's neck bristle in alarm as they fought down the urge to gag from the lovesick display of the guy that was so composed a second ago.

The trio can only stare and dream before moving on. There is no time to be relaxed, there is no time for fishing although Player's gaze seems to linger at the spot for a little longer before soon following the others.

"We need to get there as fast as possible. Pretty sure there's a shortcut around here somewhere..." Mister Doe mumbled as he eyes the surroundings warily.

"Hold it right there!" A voice bellowed, stopping the trio in their tracks as a man jumps down from a tall height, coming face to face with the party as he crossed his arms.

"Can I help you?" John Doe asks.

"I'm looking for my niece and nephew." The man began "They're supposed to meet me here but they haven't showed up, I've been waiting for a while now. Have any of you folks seen them?"

"...No, sorry." John Doe apologized while 1x1x1x1 shook their head in denial.

"Oh, I see. Well, thank you anyway... If you've seen them, tell them that their uncle is waiting by the usual spot." The man with a luchador outfit thanks them as he walked away, leaving them alone.

"That's strange..." A low mumble came from the quiet foreigner.

"What's strange?" 1x1x1x1 inquires with curiosity.

"...It's probably nothing." Player replies, shaking their head before leaving to follow John Doe who seems busy chatting up with a resident near a house that has a watermill that operates by the small stream.

"And who's this, Mister John?" The man asks as they tilt their head to inspect the new arrivals.

"They're with me, Jabroingle." John Doe responded tiredly.

"Well, hello there! Have seen many new faces around these parts but you two look surprisingly unique!" Jabroingle greets.

"My clothes aren't that weird though, right?" Player hesitantly murmurs, a subtle insecurity laced their tone.

"Oh no! Don't get me wrong, I don't mean it like that!" Jabroingle refutes as he waves his hand in denial.

"Well... Now that I think about it..." 1x1x1x1 interjects with a hand on their chin as if in deep contemplation "You're clothes are really weird like you're trying to be trendy with the latest fashion but miserably failing— ow...!" A jab on their side stops them from their monologue as they turned their head to glare at Mister Average Joe looking at them with distaste and disappointment.

"So... Retroslop." Player ends, their face unreadable but 1x1x1x1 could make out the miniscule movement of their eye twitching.

"What's that?" The three others with Player question in unison.

"Oh uh..."

John Doe sighs "Don't worry about the kid, you know how they are. Anyways, Jabroingle, have any idea in getting to Blackrock Castle faster?"

"Well, you'll have to get to Roadtown first and it'll take ages to get there by foot but luckily, I know a shortcut!" Jabroingle clears his throat "There's the route to the town in the caves... But be careful, that path is dangerous. There's many ants there and the air humid."

"Thanks, we'll keep that in mind."

The trio made their way towards the entrance of the cave. There was not much fanfare in the whole ordeal and the three communicated in silence as they took the first step inside.

The cave is darker than the eternal night of the Spirit World but that's to be expected because this place has no moon to shine a luminescent glow and the air is humid as if stuck in a state of stagnancy. Stalactites and stalagmites jutted out of the cave's ceiling and floor with no recognizable pattern while the faint sound of water dripping echoes from an unknown source.

The place looks similar to some back end in the Spirit World. 1x1x1x1 could vaguely recall the times when they sneaked a peek of the other side of the backyard's fences only to find an out of bounds restricted area, still unfinished with garbled code left strewn about with no prompt nor command—

"Ow!" 1x1x1x1 yelps as he jolts from their position to slap their legs and feet, flinging a few ants in the process before shaking their leg from any more lingering insects crawling on their skin.

"Careful, they must be those ants Jabroingle talked about." John Doe warns as he brought down his hammer to crush the entire army into flat paste "This should do it..."

"Ugh..." 1x1x1x1 can't hide the disgust that flared inside him as he stares at the collapsed form of the ant army.

"Take that frown off, kid. You'll need to get used to it if you're going on an adventure."

"Yeah but..." They paused as irritation deepened the frown on their face, their eyes glared at the wall as if it personally wronged them instead of the average schmuck in front of him "Can't you find a better way... I don't know, more refined than barbaric?"

"It is a bit of an overkill for some ants..." Player pipes up from beside them in agreement "But this doesn't mean I'm thankful, if you weren't here... I feel as though this place may be a little harder to traverse."

"Yeah, this is pretty mean bro..." The little ants also squeaked from their flattened forms on the floor to give John Doe their share of opinions.

"...Let's just get going." John Doe sighs for the nth time like a babysitter to a bunch of toddlers with dented heads and underdeveloped brains.

The trio traverse the caves with ease. Player, with grubby hands, picked up left behind junk from other people; John Doe mapped the entire lower floor of the caves and bashed through hostile mobs in an attempt to make the area safer while 1x1x1x1 watches from afar near the entrance.

Soon, they grouped up again to climb a ladder with Player leading the way.

"I'LL KILL YOU!!!" An angered voice bellowed out from above, alarming John Doe who soon climbed up with haste while 1x1x1x1 followed behind in a slower pace.

"Player are you— huh?" John Doe halts in his steps upon seeing the unexpectedly civilized sight of Player and an odd penguin standing side by side inspecting a small card on top of a rubber ball in-between them.

"What is a penguin doing in a cave?" 1x1x1x1 inquires as they regarded the strange penguin with suspicion.

"And who the heck are you to— is that a kid?" The Penguin pauses with eyes that held nothing but appall before his frown deepened as he turned towards Player "Seriously, bruh? First you're a squatter, then you're a slob but now you're being irresponsible too?! Whose great idea is it to send an infant down in a cave? They can't even spell properly let alone fight, dude!"

It took 1x1x1x1 all their willpower for their anger to not burst through and chop up that nasty penguin for lunch.

"It's alright, Terry." Player consoles nonchalantly, clearly uncaring about the situation.

"Ugh, whatever bruh. Continue on with your trashy and reckless parenting style but don't say I didn't warn you when I find your kid dead in a ditch somewhere." With one last glare, the small blue penguin waddled away from the group.

"What is his problem?!" 1x1x1x1 complained as soon as the blue freak was out of earshot as they crossed their arms in anger.

"He's just like that." Player unhelpfully replies.

"Well, seeing as you don't seem to be hurt... We should get going. The faster we get to Roadtown, the closer we are to rest." John Doe exclaims as the other two nodded in agreement.

As they wandered deeper inside the cave, they could feel the temperature drop into a colder air that bit their skin and turn their breaths into puffs of white speckled frost as the stalagmites turn into icicles and the ground was frozen solid with ice.

"This must be what Jabroingle was talking about." John Doe murmurs to himself as he examines the iced cave.

"Huh?" An utterance of confusion came from 1x1x1x1 as they squinted their red eyes to prevent the cold from drying them.

"Jabroingle said that there was a snow storm that covered Roadtown last night, we must be getting close."

At the very top, they could make out a faint light that shines from above as snow drifts from the exit of the cave in slow motions.

Hiking up the steep slopes was a tedious task but as soon as they finally made it to the top, a small whisper stops them in their tracks.

"Your majesty... we have visitors..." A cacophony of voices squeaked.

"Quiet..." Another voice replied with disdain before its voice increased in ferocity "Quiet! Quiet!! QUIET!!!"

"What was that...?"  1x1x1x1 asks as they hid behind their two older companions.

"Good question, child." It praises with satisfaction as antennas pokes out from the ground covered with a thin layer of ice.

An ant as big as a man clawed out of the ground from its icy tomb as it faces the group with pride and ego.

"I SEE YOU HAVE TAKEN A WRONG TURN, AND VENTURED INTO MY TERRITORY!!! BUT FEAR NOT, DEAR SUBJECT. I SHALL EXCUSE THIS INEXCUSABLE BEHAVIOR AS YOU BOW TO MY GLORIOUS STATURE!!!" The Supreme Ant hollers out as he struck a mighty pose to assert his unyielding dominance.

1x1x1x1 held a curse beneath their tongue as the urge to refuse and insult the egotistical bastard was starting to get too strong.

"Forgive me, o' great and supreme ant... We are simply travelers seeking to get by the cave." John Doe, like the spineless fool that he is bows to the Supreme Ant. He doesn't look sincere but he seems to act polite enough to satisfy the Supreme Ant's pride and demands.

Silently, Player follows with a stoic expression while 1x1x1x1 was the last who bowed their head begrudgingly.

"VERY WELL, YOU WHO SEEMS TO KNOW RESPECT SHALL PASS! GO ALONG NOW, YOU'RE FREE TO LEAVE!" The Supreme Ant let out an obnoxiously villainous cackle before flying away to another part of the caves with his ant army in tow following close behind.

"Since when were there giant ants in this cave?" John Doe mutters to himself before leaving the cave with sluggish movements.

Player and 1x1x1x1 followed behind as the world brightens once they stepped outside. In their eyes, the world was filled with white, shimmering snow that they can only see in picture books and try to code with horrible expertise back in the manor.

"Wow..." 1x1x1x1 stares in awe as they looked around the winter wonderland in excitement.

"You three look new!" A voice exclaims as a man with a blue ushanka nears the group with a smile "Welcome to Roadtown! The sunniest part of crossroads, or at least it was."

"Hello, uh... Can I talk to the mayor? Its very important." John Doe greets back as they looked around the snowy terrain with scrutiny.

"Oh, yes! Town Hall is the light-colored cabin, that's where Mayor Monty usually is." The man informs before going on a tangent about the missing ice dagger and rumors about Blackrock.

1x1x1x1 couldn't really care to listen but as they observed their companion's faces turn into one of shock, worry and urgency, they thought that maybe they should've paid attention.

"Thank you for the information." John Doe thanks before the three walked away to the Town Hall.

Upon arriving at the light colored cabin. John Doe instructs Player and 1x1x1x1 to stay outside while he negotiated with the mayor about adult business (or whatever) before walking inside and leaving them to stand in the snow.

Snowflakes danced in the wind like scattered data waiting to be analyzed and 1x1x1x1 could not resist attempting to catch the closest beside them with glee but in the corner of their eyes, they see Player looking forlorn and melancholic as their eyes seems to be somewhere far off reminiscing something in their memories on loop.

A snowball to the side of their head snapped them to attention as they looked around to spot 1x1x1x1 holding a snowball and a mischievous grin.

Player laughs before dropping down to make a snowball of their own before punting the child on the forehead with it.

The civilized air between the two devolved into a snowball fight as snow went flying in all directions like codes that have gone haywire.

"Oof!" A man hit by a snowball face-planted to the ground unceremoniously.

"Ow, can't a girl get some rest? You guys are going to regret that!" A girl by the riverbed groans as she got hit by a snowball before she made one of her own to throw towards others.

"Me snowma!!!" A little child shrieked as a stray snowball hit her little snowman "Yu meanies!" She yells out before joining the free-for-all.

The more time passes, the more snowballs hit innocent bystanders and the more people join in on the snow fight made the once quaint and quiet Roadtown into a giant mess of snowy warfare as the sounds of laughter and squeals decorate the air like chiming bells and well-placed sfx.

John Doe exits the town hall with Mayor Monty after hearing the loud noise only to be met by a snowball to the face. The Roblox employee can only groan in resignation while the Mayor hollers out a loud laugh like he has never seen anything funnier in his life.

He really shouldn't be surprised upon seeing that the two dimwits were the ones who started it.

"Alright you two, let's get going." John Doe announced as he pulled Player and 1x1x1x1 away from the impromptu battleground.

"What C'mon! Can't you have fun too?" 1x1x1x1 complained as they groaned in annoyance.

"That can wait, we need to get to the castle now." John Doe explains "Things are more serious than I thought."

"Ugh. Please?" 1x1x1x1 begs "One more round, one more round!"

"One more round!" Player soon follows as they joined the chant.

"One more round!" Mayor Monty, in a lighthearted mood, joined in the chanting.

"One more round!" Soon the entire Roadtown was chanting the same phrase in an appeal for one more round of fun.

John Doe sighs for nth time, something he has come to realize to be doing often recently "Fine, just one more round."

The crowd cheered as a new wave of snowballs were made and another round of snowball fighting ensues.

Notes:

— Since 1x1x1x1 is technically a 4th dimensional being in the canon lore of Roblox. I feel as though they would've been proficient in math and coding (since coding is literally the building blocks of life in Roblox like this it this world's DNA, matter, atom, etc.). I tried to replicate that by sprinkling in math and coding lingos and jargon in their thoughts and speech.

— Turns out the Supreme Ant was a male not a female.

Chapter 4: Winter Wonderland

Notes:

Forgot that block tales dialogue capitalized on words they want to emphasize. I'm going to imitate that here just for immersive purposes, I'm sure no one minds right? If you are though, eh... I guess you can say something about that in the comments and give a lengthy explanation on why I should change it.

Italics would be used for more serious scenes though.

— After going through a bunch of theories about Block Tales and Forsaken (especially after the new update) I have come to finally make a solution to some of the plot holes I've been boggled about so this chapter will be released early because this chapter didn't end up lore focused but more character focused instead.

Snow covers the terrain like a blanket. The trio trudge through with restricted movement all while repelling off the hostile wildlife with intimidation tactics.

1x1x1x1 and John Doe waits as the bridge lowers itself while Player emerged from below after hitting a lever.

"As I was saying, we have to find the mayor's accountant named Jim." John Doe states "I made this deal with the mayor to acquire the ID's to be an adventurer."

"I want to see it!" 1x1x1x1 exclaims as he looked at John Doe expectantly.

"The ID's aren't completed yet." John Doe informs "We still need a photo of ourselves and some more personal information. Took a lot longer to have these laminated because the mayor kept talking about something— I can't recall..."

"...His stories are interesting though." Player mumbled in defence as they looked ahead of them.

It didn't take long for them to reach the entrance of the castle but a problem arises when they notice that the drawbridge has stayed suspended and wasn't lowering down.

"Hmm..." John Doe hummed in thought.

"The king..." Player pauses as they massaged their temples, a look of concentration had their brow furrowed intensely "Must be expecting our arrival, so he isn't letting visitors in."

"Most likely conclusion." John Doe nods in agreement as he examines the castle "But how would he know that?"

Player only shrugs in response.

1x1x1x1's eyes wandered down to the ravine where the entrance of the castle's dungeon is. Unfortunately, it was blocked by debris "Look down there! There's an entrance there but it's blocked off..."

"Does anyone here have a bomb or something?" John Doe asks as he glances at the other two with him who only shook their head in response.

"There's another way over there." Player points towards the forest where a heavy fog rolls like clouds.

1x1x1x1 hesitates as he remembers the same gray fog of the Spirit World but shook his head in denial before following the others through it.

He didn't disappear upon entering the white fog but took notice of how it soon turns into a light mist that specks the air just like how snow decorates the ground in white.

There was a tent nearby. It was red in color and looks recently placed.

As the trio got closer to the tent to inspect it, the cracking of a branch alerted them to nearby entities.

Hidden behind a tree were two noobs with clothes colored a deep blue and red.

"Hey, we can see you!" 1x1x1x1 yells as they stared at the oddly shaped tree.

The noobs behind it flinched before slowly moving out from hiding. Their faces were of deep shame and embarrassment from being caught but 1x1x1x1 could make out the slight anxiety that lingers as they look at each other in silent communication.

"What are you kids doing here?" John Doe asks the two who only responds with another silent eye-to-eye contact with each other, probably questioning whether they should tell the truth or not.

"Ehm..." The blue noob utters as she fidgets in her spot "We were hiding..."

"From who?" 1x1x1x1 inquires with a raised brow.

"From a guy—" He was promptly elbowed on the side "I mean our uncle, he's going to be MAD once he founds out what we did!" The red noob cries with his hands behind his back as if he's getting cuffed and sent to jail.

"We didn't mean it, we swear!" The blue one adds on "We were only trying to help him in satisfying client's orders..."

John Doe exhales a deep breath of air before crouching down to their height "It can't be that bad, I'm sure your uncle won't be mad at whatever you did."

"What did you do?" 1x1x1x1 butts in a question impulsively.

"We were just going to meet with the person our client wants us to talk to... But then, the building crashed and there's this per— ow!!" The red noob yelps as he was jabbed on his side by his companion.

"Excuse me? A— are you talking about the Roblox Headquarters?" John Doe asks with, incredulous and wide eyed before his face becomes serious "Kid, this is a serious matter. What did you see?"

"W— we saw someone..." The blue noob explains after being pressured to "Wearing a HOOD and leaving the building in a suspicious manner a— and before they l—left..." She trails off as unshed tears welled up in her eyes.

"They LOOKED at us..." Red mumbles "Like, really looked. We got scared and so, we ran away..."

"Holy ####" 1x1x1x1 guffawed before getting hit in the head lightly by an agitated John Doe.

"No cussing." The man more average than the word average, scolds.

"Okay, Basic Ben." Another hit in the head was given to him while he heard a low snicker come from Player who stood behind him.

It did work in lightening up the atmosphere as the resounding giggle of the two noobs resonates like the laughing pumpkins at the manor.

"It doesn't look safe for you two to be out here alone then." John Doe looks back at the two noobs "What are your names?"

"I'm Red and this is my sister, Blue!" Red introduces with enthusiasm.

"John Doe." The Roblox employee that keeps getting paid minimum wage, introduces himself.

"Player." The person that keeps wearing weird clothes, also introduces themselves.

Soon, all eyes turn to 1x1x1x1 with expectancy and curiosity. He can make out two of his companions look shock for a split second after realizing that they never asked for his name before that look was washed away to a facade that looks like they know him since he was in diapers.

"1x1x1x1." He says nonchalantly.

"That's a long name." Red complains "Can we call you X instead?"

"Nah, Twitter is better." Player objects as they crossed their arms.

"Everyone, stop." John Doe commands in a tired and mellow voice "How about let's come to a decision and give them a nickname called... Onyx?"

"Can it be one eggs instead?— agh!" Player was cut off by a punch to their ribs as an angry 1x1x1x1 stares at them with malicious intent.

"Just call me 1x!" He yelled in exasperation.

His exclamation was followed by noises of agreement as they soon pack up to venture deeper into the forest.

"We already read that." Red informs when Player made a move to try and grab the note on the floor.

"Yeah, uh..." Blue pauses "It just talks about something relating to a mining operation in the area... I can't be sure though, I still have trouble reading."

"Haha, can't be me!" 1x1x1x1 boasts "I can read with my eyes closed."

"Oh yeah? Well—"

"Hold on..." John Doe looks like he just struck gold, a eureka  moment passes between his eyes like a glimpse into the future. "I think we found a lead on where Jim might be!"

"Who's Jim?" Asks Red with a confused face.

"Beats me..." 1x1x1x1 replies unhelpfully.

The now fully formed squad travels deeper into the woods before coming across a knight blocking the way towards an uncharted part of the forest diligently.

"So, there's retaliation already?" The knight questions as he unsheathes his sword from his scabbard tied to his waist.

"Sir, put the sword down. We can talk in a civil manner." John Doe dissuades as he puts his hands up in surrender "We have children; we are just trying to pass by."

"Hmm?? Oh... My apologies." The knight wearing blackened armor apologized as he sheathes his weapon back "I was once a trusted knight of the KING, but I failed him one too many times... I guard this area in an attempt to regain his trust again, but it seems I'm only hurting the innocents in my quest for HONOR..."

"It's cool man." Player gave thumbs up in forgiveness.

"Well, I shan't take up your time any longer! You may pass..."

So, the squad walked passed the surprisingly chill knight to go deeper into the forest of Blackrock mountains. It was cold, the more higher up they went and the terrain was filled with nothing but white, grays and light blues as they trudged through confusing paths in the snow with Player leading the way and John Doe herding the children like lambs towards the right direction.

They eventually stop at a cabin nestled between the pine trees. It is simple in its design yet it is enough to make 1x1x1x1 stop in his tracks as a buried memory resurfaces in his mind like a centipede.

His nightmares of a cabin by the woods, where the air is haunted by the chill of death like a cold embrace. A place where the grass is as desaturated as they are decaying and where the sun never rose— not like it was ever odd as a person who lived in the Spirit World but it was in a way that is was odd, like someone is watching from far beyond the sky with the the moon acting as its pupils.

The memory was vague and he knows that this cabin can't be the same as the one in his restless dreams and yet, why does he feel so anxious?

The nightmare always ends when he opens the door to the cabin and enters the dark void, something scary lies inside he knows. He doesn't want to enter.

The door creaks open like a screeching maw of a hungry beast. There was light inside yet there was no one around.

"Can I stay outside?" 1x1x1x1 requests as he fiddled with his hair in nervousness.

"Sure, kid." John Doe accepts "But if you see something strange, tell us okay?"

1x1x1x1 nods as he watches the group enter the cabin, leaving him behind with all the snow.

In a desperate attempt to distract himself from the nightmare that haunts his very memories, he scoops up a bundle of snow and cradled it in his hands tenderly as he opened up his GUI to inspect its coding.

So far, it was pretty basic yet it was still so mystically unfamiliar to him as he squints his eyes to study it a little better.

"Woah..." He murmured in awe as he squished the snow in his hands as it crumbles back into the earth.

As he made a move to disable his GUI, a hand suddenly intercepts to capture it.

"Hey, what the heck?!" 1x1x1x1 stood up abruptly as he looked at John Doe for such a confusing action.

The man instead looked at him with darkened eyes and a face that held worry and wariness.

"Care to tell me what this is?" He asks with a tone that held anxiety and urgency.

1x1x1x1 would've made the decision to retort but something about the way he said it and the way he looks sent a shiver down his spine because this is so unlike him. So with a heavy heart, he answered honestly.

"It was a gift..."

"From who?"

"..."

"From who?"

"Do we really have to do this?" 1x1x1x1 groans "Why does it matter?"

"Because, this is an illegal contraband." John Doe informs as he looks at the child's eyes widen in shock "Don't tell me you don't know, have you been living under a rock? GUI's can only be strictly owned by high-ranking programmers, moderators and administrators. Those with unregistered GUI's are almost always owned by exploiters and hackers!"

"Whuh... Wuh???"

"Kid, WHERE did you get this?"

"It is, it's just... From..." 1x1x1x1 sighs in defeat "Miss Brighteyes... She gifted to me when I turned seven, she told me I had great potential for programming..."

"Brighteyes?" John Doe looks at him with suspicion and clear distrust "Yeah, I don't believe you kid. Why would an admin gift you something like this?"

"Why would I lie?"

"...Are you really telling the truth?"

"I don't lie like that; I make better lies than that. I am telling the truth!"

"...If I found out you're lying, I'm confiscating this."

"Whatever..."

As if run-of-the-mill Rob can even do something about it, he'll just snitch to Brighteyes if the guy even dares.

"Is everything okay?" Player who watched from afar neared them with slow steps while Red and Blue trailed behind.

"Yes, just a small misunderstanding." John Doe replies "I need some coffee and some good sleep."

"I get it, let's just go. The faster, the better." Player nods as they continue on their journey.

Soon, their adventure takes them to a man selling bombs while a killbot floats in front of the path to the caves.

"Hey, you'll need some bombs to kill that bot over there! And if you don't have any, well you're in luck, cause I just got some in stock!" The man waves the squad over with enthusiasm.

"Ooh..." Red was wowed.

"How much for one?" John Doe asks

"Just a cheap price of fifteen tix."

John Doe slides the money over as the man hands him a bomb. The group thanks him as they walk away to face off the killbot standing in their way.

"Step back." Player instructs as John Doe lights the bomb and threw it at the bot.

BOOM!!

A loud bang shook the air and kicks up dust and snow off the floor as the killbot and John Doe collapsed at the same time.

"Mister John!" Red and Blue calls out while Player ran towards the unconscious man in panic.

Hesitantly, 1x1x1x1 got closer too as they pulled out their GUI and activated a command to heal the target to maximum health and energy.

"Ughhh...." The group heard John groan as he sat up cradling his head like a hammer bashed through his skull— which technically, it was a bomb that did the job instead.

"You passed out." Player explains.

"Yeah, yeah... I figured, ugh!" John clicked his teeth as he stands up with a few of his bones letting out audible pops.

After making sure John Doe was alright (and having them get 1x1x1x1 to check his vitals using his GUI at least five times), they moved on to walk deeper into the forest.

Soon, they came across a part of the snowy biome that had them skating on ice. The only one actually experienced enough to slide through the frozen water was Player whom after seeing John Doe, Red, Blue and 1x1x1x1 flop on the icy sheet for nth time, is forced to guide them by the hand as they skate while avoiding obstacles across the other side.

"How are you so good at this?" 1x1x1x1 inquires as they bump besides a rock wall.

"Call it, natural talent?" They joked, clearly not taking 1x1x1x1 questions seriously which only agitated the child.

They finally skidded to a stop besides John Doe, Red and Blue who were waiting for them on the other side. Upon inspecting everyone for injuries (which were only minor scratches because they kept skidding on ice) and deeming them healthy, they all continued on the path.

The road led to one place, and that was a cave secluded in a vast forest with only a small path indicating the way.

Inside the cave was a man stuck in some rubble, the entrance was blocked off and the guy with a green visor seems to be shivering from the cold while lying face down on his stomach.

A lone dynamite was just a stud away from where he can't reach.

"He— hello? Is t— there anyone?" He stutters as shivers wrack his body and he sniffles as icicles clung to his lashes "I— I need th— that dynamite... Please..."

It was a rather pathetic sight and 1x1x1x1 won't be surprised if he sees this guy in the Spirit World sooner or later from how he looks.

"He looks like he's freezing...!" Blue shrieked as panic had her looking expectantly towards the two adults.

Player picked up the dynamite with hands that does not look like it cares about safety and preservation but before they can actually light up the fuse, a voice from far away startles the group.

"How can this keep happening bruh??" A small blue penguin waddles to the group, its signature frown growing even deeper upon seeing the new members of the party.

"It—" Player can't even finish before the Penguin screeched.

"Bruh?? Where do you keep getting these children?! Don't tell me you KIDNAPPED them, dude! And is that, DYNAMITE?" Terry points at the dynamite in Player's hands.

Player nods in response with a lopsided and frankly, stupid grin on their face.

"Do you even know how to use that?! And don't tell me you're involving these children in your below average criminal activities!" Terry got close towards Player to snatch the red dynamite in their hands "Alright, listen up. I'll be teaching YOU how to properly handle dangerous explosives because YOU clearly can't be smart enough to know on YOUR own."

"And who are you to teach us, chump?" Red interjects with a frown "This oddball can do whatever they want with it!"

"And who's this punk? Shut up before I put a rocket on your big forehead!" Terry soon clears his throat "Anyway, the first and only precaution in using dynamite is to make sure there's no one near it."

The Penguin got close to the red bricked debris and stood on top of the head of the guy trapped in it.

"For example, this guy. Dunno how dumb he must be to get stuck in these, like what a moron— but do NOT plant a dynamite on the top of his head. That is one way to get a criminal charge and serious injuries!" Terry informs "That's all there is to it bruh. Easy to follow isn't it? Don't even need step two. Anyways I'm out of here, I don't wanna get involved when the police finds out you've kidnapped three children."

After Terry disappears to some penguin retreat (or something I guess), Player held the dynamite between their hands, lit it up and promptly put it on the top of the poor guy's head.

"Player what are you—?!" John Doe sputters in shock and horror but he can't even finish his sentence as—

BOOM!

The loud explosion of the bomb covered the entire cave in dust and debris. Once the dust settles, the silhouette of the man trapped in the rubble slowly stood up with shivering movements.

"Don't try this at home, kids." Player warns nonchalantly before walking towards the freezing man, taking off their gloves and offering it to them "It's not much but take it."

"Take my hat too!" Blue offers.

"And my scarf, it's old anyways!" Red follows.

"Take this mask, it'll protect you from the cold winds." John Doe says after recuperating from the shocking sight of a bomb going off on the top of someone's head.

"I got nothing to offer." 1x1x1x1 informs with raised hands in surrender.

"Th— thank you...!" The man smiles in gratitude as he sniffled with a nose as red as Rudolph's "P— please see me back in Roadtown, y— you don't know how g—!"

"Just go back home, Jim. Mayor Monty is worried!" Player informs as the glazed eyes of the accountant snap into clarity.

"O—oh my goodness! Yo— you're right, oh... I ha— have to go now, please visit me back at R— Roadtown!"

With that, the man stumbles out the cave and walks away as the squad gave out a hi-five to each other in congratulations and praise.

With the help of the dynamite, they were able to bomb a nearby blocked off skyline and promptly ride it back towards the entrance of Blackrock Castle that was still unopen for visitors.

"Kids!" A voice from afar called out as Red and Blue freezes in their tracks as if they've turned into ice statues.

"Oh, sir. We found your kids." John Doe greets as the other man nods.

"Thank you, I forgot to introduce myself but I'm Noobador, the legal guardian of these two—" He flashed a disappointed look towards the two children that made them look down in shame "I really am thankful, I hope they weren't too much trouble."

"Nonsense, they're great." John Doe compliments with a small smile.

"Well, it's best for us to be going. It's getting chilly and the sun is going down; these two must be out in the snow for a while and I don't want them to get sick."

"Oh c'mon uncle, we're not that fragile!" Red retorts in dismay.

"Sssshhh!" Blue hushes "This means he's going to make us our favorite soup."

As if a switch was flipped, they've suddenly had wide smiles painted on their faces. Their uncle can only sigh as they bid goodbyes and left the trio in their lonesome.

"It's about time we entered Blackrock... Who got the dynamite?" John Doe asks as Player pulls it out of their inventory with a smug smirk.

It's time to storm the castle.

Notes:

— To save Jim from the rocks, you'll actually have to plant a dynamite on their head.

Chapter 5: Blackrock Castle and Child Labor

Notes:

— If you guys have keen eyes, you might've noticed that chapter 4 was posted on the same time as a more popular fic called: "Wait you're not Builderman!" by awelldressedtornado and bro, it was scarily intimidating like seeing one of the most popular fanfics in the Block Tables tag get updated at almost the same exact time as yours. (I don't know how to describe it better)

(Turns out the tornado went through hell and back just to post that chapter, that's crazy.)

— Fixed a paragraph in Chapter 2.

— Anyways, even after 4 chapters, this story still has not gone above the 1,000 milestone activity. This MUST be a sign for me to axe this fic and write season 2 of Hello and Goodbye.

Blackrock's dungeon carries the stale air of dust and crumbling infrastructure like it's on its last legs trying to keep up its own weight. There were moss growing in between the cracks of its walls from the humidity of the environment and water running through a man-made canal.

Knights patrol the hall, all welding swords and shields with eyes that survey the area like a hawk.

John Doe insists to be sneaky while 1x1x1x1 urges to beat them up head-on while Player just wants to run away, from everything and all this responsibility.

All plans went downhill as a guard took notice of them and immediately decided to attack without reason.

It wasn't that hard of a battle, barely even needed any outside assistance from scripts.

Their steps echo inside the winding labyrinth but it alerts no one since all the guards have already been incapacitated.

The doors leading towards a new area was locked.

"What are we going to do now?" John Doe asks.

"Break it down!" 1x1x1x1 suggests.

"There must be a key nearby." Player analyzed as their eyes wandered to the prison to their right "I'm going there, stay here."

"Be careful."

Four prison cells lined up the wall to their left and a sleeping guard snores loudly parallel to it. At the end of the hall was a lone cell with a key inside instead of a prisoner.

There was a lock on it with a note attached that reads: Type in the correct passcode.

2605. It felt like muscle memory but they don't know why. They never tried this before yet surprisingly, they guessed the password correctly in the first try.

They snatched the key without any trouble and went back up to where their companions were.

It's strange really, something about them doesn't feel right.

John Doe took the key and inserts it in the lock. With a loud creak, the door opens as its wooden walls drag across the stone floor in a grating manner.

The next room has a crumbling pillar and more debris blocking the path ahead.

"This pillar is on the brink collapsing." Sally comments as she looked at the group that has just entered the room "A single hit should cause it to tip over."

Understanding the subtle implications beneath her words. Player pulls out their superball with no hesitation and threw it at the pillar.

It collapsed and fell, making a new path as it acts as a makeshift bridge for the party to walk on as they walk above the canal with careful steps.

Player arrived at the other side first and without any prompts, pulls out the dynamite from their pocket to drop it off amongst the many rocks blocking the path forward.

Kaboom!

They went up the stairs after that.

"By the king!" A man stops them for their tracks— well, attempts to, as the knight was not in front of them but beside them "I put my mask the wrong way and now I can't see!"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"I can TELL someone's walking by— three people specifically. Assert yourself!" The Black Knight demands "You're a fellow knight, correct?"

The trio looked at each other in silent agreement before responding:

"Yes."

"Yessir!"

"Absolutely!"

"Excellent! Keep watch for any intruders." The Black Knight nods in satisfaction "For the king!"

They made quick work of the floor by breaking down weak pillars, planting dynamite on more debris, fighting the guards that can see (and looting whenever the team wasn't looking) before going upstairs further inside the castle.

The room was filled with more decor than the previous ones. A stairwell that leads further up was in front of them blocked by a trio of knights. Player took the time to observe the decor that litters Blackrock's dungeon (before the knights notices them) and they're sure that these cost more than their salary as a no-named artist and musician.

They weren't hard to defeat and the group ascended to the next floor before coming across a lone knight idly standing besides the stairs.

"Wait!!" The Novice Knight shrieked before the group can pull out their weapons "I... AM not going to fight you!"

"And how would we know that?" 1x1x1x1 questions with suspicion in her voice.

"Because! I am not permitted to..." The knight's voice trailed off into a slow murmur "Because I am still a novice... I do not have the authority to fight or arrest you. So uh..."

John Doe hums, his grip on the hammer going steady in preparation for a sneak attack.

"I hereby... r— request you..." The novice stutters and Player could imagine beads of sweat running down his face inside that helmet "To stay with me until someone of... 'Higher Authority' comes by and does the job themselves."

The party did not, in fact, wait beside the novice knight and instead went up the next flight of stairs without much fanfare.

"Oh, alright..." They can hear the knight's voice murmur in heartbreak before they left.

Another room and another sweep until they finally reach a room with a tall pillar and embedded in its stone architecture, was a long flight of stairs.

"Ugh..." 1x1x1x1 groans "Another one, how many stairs are in this castle?"

"Yeah, I'm surprised too... Surely we didn't go that far underneath the castle, did we?" John Doe agreed besides the child.

Before they could continue the conversation further, a group of knights ambushed them and the party was forced to run up the flight of stairs with hurried steps.

Something feels off though, it feels like they should've fought those knights before going up but they've already arrived at the top of the stairs so there's no more room to regret—

"HALT, in the name of BLACKROCK!"

A sentient statue zooms in front of them with concerning speed.

"I shall strike you down, for the KING!" It declares but before the fight can even start, the sound of increasingly loud footsteps came from behind.

"Stop right there!" The group of knights that they've left a floor ago appears with brandished weapons and expertly coordinated moves.

The group is surrounded.

"You take on the statue; I'll take on the knights." John Doe instructs as Player nods their head in agreement.

"What about me?" 1x1x1x1 speaks up from beside them.

"You can just stay ba—" John Doe can't finish his sentence before someone else answers.

"Support us from behind." Player replies with a wink before attacking the statue.

A chaotic fight ensues, one that has its odd charm fitting to be framed as a painting that depicts nothing but nonsense that critics will fight their lives for a deeper meaning. If Players wasn't so focused and busy with dodging the attacks of the Sentient Statue, they perhaps could've fantasized in drawing this chaotic scene with digital pixels, watercolor or poster paint.

Clang!

The sound of metal hitting metal resounded in the claustrophobic corridor as the ground pounds with the force of a shipping container being dropped.

Great!

Excellent!

Player barely manages to dodge being crushed by the statue's body. The ground quakes by the sheer might of the slam and everyone almost loses their footing.

Sneakily, Player opens up their Screen GUI to assess their health and stamina before carefully summoning a Billboard GUI right after to hover over the enemy to examine their health while trying their hardest to not alert their companions about them holding contraband while avoiding the attacks of the statue.

Gosh, why does it have to be 2010?

–4 HP, Player.

They became too distracted as the statue zoomed past. Their carelessness costing them injuries that ache whenever they moved.

"For the King!" The Sentient Statue hollers, boosting the morale of the knights fighting 1x1x1x1 and John Doe.

"For the King!" They roared back.

–3 HP, John Doe.

"Oof!" John Doe yelps as a shield from a knight bashes his head before doing a boomerang back to its owner.

"You okay, Too-Boring Toby?!" 1x1x1x1 shouts as she knocks out a knight using her GUI hacks.

–2 HP, Loyal Knight.

"Just peachy..." John Doe responds as he rubbed his bleeding nose "Also, don't call me that!"

It took a few turns before the last knight was knocked out but once they did, their attentions snapped towards Player and the Sentient Statue. Both were on low health and on the brink of collapse as multiple scratches and wounds marred the flesh of Player while cracks formed on the surface of the statue.

"For this kingdom... For these people... MUST LIVE ON!!!" Its words ring hollow in the now empty hallway with the bodies of knocked-out knights littering the floor. All it took was one swing of a hammer before its exterior crumbles into dust and regular stone.

"You look horrible..." John Doe comments as he and 1x1x1x1 grimace at Player's appearance.

"It can't be that bad, right?" Player attempts to downplay the situation while quickly disabling the GUI before they notice.

"It is." 1x1x1x1 bluntly replies before walking closer to them "Let me help, just sit still..."

The ten year-old typed something in her GUI while mumbling before a bandage in the size of three studs pop up in existence whilst floating in the air before falling down and being caught by 1x1x1x1.

"Are you trying to bandage up an ant?" John Doe asks as he stares at the short bandage not even enough to wrap around an arm once.

"Hold on! I'm trying to resize it..." 1x1x1x1 answers while in deep concentration in operating her GUI.

A few clicks later, John Doe got to work in bandaging up Player with a concentrated look while 1x1x1x1 observe from besides him.

"Were you supposed to wrap it this way or that way?"

"I dunno, I'm ten years old."

After getting shoddily bandaged up, the trio finally arrived at the courtyard where many of Blackrock's residents loiter around and complain about the locked doors leading inside the castle that was abruptly closed without warning.

"Can we get ice cream?" 1x1x1x1 suddenly asks as she glanced back and forth to the guy selling ice cream and her two companions with pleading eyes.

"It's cold out, not a good idea for ice cream unless you want to get sick..." John Doe reasons.

"Okay... Simple Sam..." 1x1x1x1 sassed "What about you, Retro Robber? Let's go get ice cream!"

"Hmm..." Player hums in thought.

Should they? Sure, why not!

They nodded their head in enthusiasm as the two skip off towards Varrick with bright smiles on their faces.

"Man, setting up shop here was a great idea!" Varrick exclaims after seeing the two "What can I get for you two?"

"Strawberry ice cream!" 1x1x1x1 orders.

"Chocolate, please." Player orders too.

The two glanced at each other weirdly for a split second.

"Why would you like strawberry?"

"And why would you like chocolate?!"

"Well— oh, and a vanilla ice cream." Player hastily cuts off from the brewing disagreement as they looked at John Doe waiting for them with a tired complexion.

After a few seconds, Varrick hands them their ice creams and bids them goodbye with a bright smile after Player's payment (how could they charge a tired employee and a child?).

"What's that?" John Doe asks after being handed a vanilla ice cream "Oh! Uh, thank you... vanilla is my favorite."

"Of course it is, No Wonders Winnie." 1x1x1x1 comments from the side.

"John Doe."

It was oddly in character of him, Player can't help but pat themselves on the back for choosing the right flavor.

"More importantly..." John Doe trails off "How are we to get inside? The doors are locked..."

"I know a spot..." Player actually did not know a spot. They just have a hunch that the glass on the far left of the castle has become extremely weak.

"Well, what are we waiting for?"

The group shuffled suspiciously to the window while trying to act normal after consuming their ice creams. The window itself was made up of stained glass and filled with an artistic flare one would see on medieval castles and gothic churches, although the sight is soured once you see the obvious crack on its surface.

The ball bounced back at Player while the glass shatters in smithereens as the group climbs inside with John Doe leading the way.

An army of knights stood on the other side. Alerted by the shatter of glass, they turned their heads to the three perpetrators with fury behind their bascinet.

"YOU!" A man screeched "HAH YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD JUST WALTZ THROUGH, HUH??"

"Wait, hold on this isn't—"

"C'MON BOYS, BUILD IT UP!!"

They walked over to the right and built up a barricade in record time. The sounds of pikes being built and the area being blocked off echoes across the hall.

After a few moments, pikes and wooden walls were set up to face them. In the small holes and tiny crevices, numerous eyes watch the group as the knights peep from the other side with wariness.

"WELL THEN, LET'S SEE YOU GET THROUGH THIS!!!!"

"THIS REALLY ISN'T NECESSARY!" John Doe yells, his hands cupping his mouth to enunciate every word "We are just here to seek an audience with the KING, it is very IMPORTANT!!"

"Yeah, yeah!" Another voice from the other side scoffs "As if you guys didn't BULLDOZE through our army from the dungeon. Really caught us by surprise but we are prepared this time and we are NOT letting you through!"

"It's for self-defense!" 1x1x1x1 objects "They hit us first and you wouldn't let us in!"

"King's orders!"

Player slinks off and sneaks away as a heated debate and a pointless argument erupts between the two sides. They dashed up the stairs and to another floor suspended in wooden floorboards and a chandelier that is being held by a thinning rope as it stretches itself to its limits to hold up the weight.

"The king is... SICK. We are not welcoming visitors at this time, that's why!"

"Your knights attacked us without provocation back at the dungeon!"

"####"

"Dude..."

"What the heck, kid??"

"No swearing."

"Please, this is VERY important."

"It's only a message!"

The sounds of an argument echoes, bouncing off the attic walls yet sounds so faraway at the same time.

An attic dweller stands by the side, their eyes held deep longing "I long for the day I can go downstairs."

Moving past them discreetly, they pulled out their superball and threw it at the top that held up the chandelier.

They heard the rope creak, the material breaking apart as stray fibers pop out from the braiding while the chandelier clinked in the instability as it whirls around hanging dangerously close to the barricades.

It only took another hit from their ball for it to snap and fall down.

Crash!

How weak was that rope? It only took two hits!

Screams tore through the air, replacing the once loud debate beneath the attic as Player descended down.

The sounds of groaning greets them as they walked closer towards their companions who looked at the scene with wide eyes and gaping mouths.

"Let's go."

"Did you do this?"

"..."

John Doe held his head in his hands before he groaned in absolute exasperation.

"I'm not going to lie..." 1x1x1x1 began "That was a pretty funny prank."

"Kids these days... Making my life harder... Ugh..." John Doe grumbles in dismay "I'm gonna... Never, have one..."

Player can only pat his back in consolation before leaving to go the unlocked room filled with swords and shields where the blacksmiths gathered to keep the key to the dining area.

After getting the key, they went back to finally unlock the dining hall.

"You guys can go first; I'm going to stay here." John Doe admits "I can't let those guys stay like that."

Player nods and 1x1x1x1 shrugs as they both made their way to the kitchen.

"Are you the assistant mage I ordered? I've been waiting... Goodness, I knew RentAnAssistant™ was slow but jeez... No more fooling around! We've got knights to feed!! While I prepare the stove with my MAGIC, I need...." The wizard trails off as he hummed in thought "...One bottle of Rose-Colored liquid. Yes, one will do just fine for now."

Player and 1x1x1x1 looked at each other before their gazes slowly directs to the bottle rack at the corner of the room.

Hesitantly, the two pushed each other forward before Player finally takes the lead and stops at the rack filled with numerous bottles all sporting the same color of glass and with no labels. The only thing specify their differences were the monochromatic color on the side and Player has a feeling that they'd need magic to decipher it.

"I think I can code its true colors..." 1x1x1x1 speaks up from beside them.

Player nods in consent and compliancy as the child pulls out their GUI discreetly before expertly typing in a string of code.

An urge to just randomly pick a bottle made their fingers twitch for just a moment.

It isn't really that big of a deal, why would they need to pull out a GUI for it? Besides the bottle over there gives Player deja vu, a striking feeling that something rewarding will happen if they chose it.

The code works perfectly unlike the spaghetti code that Player often ends up with as an amateur coder whenever they try to paste their PNGs on flat surfaces.

"The one over there!" She points to a bottle as Player obediently takes it for inspection.

Seems like the right one— Actually, they have no clue! But they asked for it though...

They handed the bottle to the Kitchen Wizard with an innocent smile.

Is it the right decision to trust a kid that holds illegal contraband? Yeah, it seems legit.

"Aha! Here we go... Let me just drip a few drops into this here container and..."

The concoction fizzled before turning into a shade of rosy red.

With great satisfaction, the wizard smiles and turns to the duo "There, that should be it! And now— hold on..."

An unnerving silence encompasses the room as the duo stared down at the Kitchen Wizard with varying amounts of anxiety.

"Is that a kid?" He asks as his eyes scrutinized 1x1x1x1.

Player nods in confusion.

"I don't condone CHILD LABOR!" A sudden shout from him jolted the two to clarity "What were you thinking?! I ordered one assistant and RentAnAssistant™ got me two— with a child??? I can't believe this, you bet I'm going to give your website a one-star review!"

"...About the payment." Player began with insane audacity before being immediately cut off.

"Payment? PAYMENT?!" The wizard screeched "Haven't I already gave you advanced payment? What do you mean?! I knew I shouldn't have made that online transaction and just give the money face-to-face..."

"Uh..." 1x1x1x1 scratches her head "I think that guy over there got scammed..."

"What was that?" The Kitchen Wizard asks with subtle fury.

"I think my spine just got rammed...!"

"Ugh..." He groaned "Fine, I'll give you something extra. I'm sure raising a child is pretty tough..."

Player got the urge to tell him that it's not their kid but the fear of being painted as a child kidnapper stops them from doing so.

"First, help me with serving this to the knights— not you kid, stay here and don't touch anything."

It took a few minutes to completely serve all the knights in the dining hall but it's a good thing none of them recognize Player and if they do, they're too hungry to even care at all.

After coming back into the kitchen, Kitchen Wizard turns to the duo "Okay, come with me to the treasury." He instructs as the trio left the dining hall filled with chatter and chewing.

"What the heck happened here?" Kitchen Wizard stares at the scene of multiple guards sprawled around the floor in a line-up, a big chandelier crashed unto the ground and multiple wooden splinters littering the room.

"A chandelier fell!" 1x1x1x1 replies.

"Yeah, I told those architects to fix the ceiling of this castle but they kept being a wimp because there was an attic guy terrorizing them or something..." Kitchen Wizard sighs "Whatever... Is that a new nurse?"

"That's just Average Aaron!"

The three stopped at the door to the treasury. Kitchen Wizard pulls out a key from his pocket to insert it in the lock before opening the door inside.

1x1x1x1 and Player stares in awe at the multiple gold nuggets that's scattered around the floor while chests lined with gold are organized along the shelf overflowing with riches and goodies inside it.

Kitchen Wizard walks towards a chest and opens it as he rummages through to find something.

Player sneaks a glance at the open chest with a key lying unassumingly on top of it. They shuffled closer and closer before snatching it away and hushing Mr. Sunshine and 1x1x1x1 from snitching.

"There it is!" The Kitchen Wizard let's out a sigh of relief before grabbing something inside the chest and heading over to the two "Here."

It was a pouch filled with tix and a few bux inside it. For some reason, it didn't really satisfy Player as they expected something more... card-like, perhaps one that can let you go through places normally inaccessible.

"That should be it, thank you for the help but DON'T EVER force your kid to do child labor again, okay?"

Player nods albeit begrudgingly.

They don't look that old... Do they?

"That money should be enough to let you survive a month. I'm going back to my kitchen."

With that the trio left the treasury and Kitchen Wizard went back to his kitchen.

"Have you got permission to go inside?" John Doe asks while tending to a knight's wounds after feeling the duo's presence behind him.

"Yep!" 1x1x1x1 nods "Let us go!"

John Doe got up after hearing her words as the trio walked towards the double arched doorway that towers over them menacingly.

Player slowly inserts the key unto the lock and with a click, the doors creak open and they were one step closer to the throne room, one step closer to the Ice Dagger.

For some reason, a chill went through their back.

Notes:

— SP doesn't actually mean stamina points but rather special points instead. But here, I'm going to be referring it as stamina for easier understanding.

— In Roblox, there's three types of GUI: screen, billboard and surface. Screen GUI appears on the screen of a user or player (most common, used widely in any kind of genre), Billboard GUI appears in a form of a billboard hovering above an object (I think Brookhaven's and tycoon games' plots are like that), while Surface GUI appears in a form of text plastered on the surface of a part or object (I think an example is the newspaper clippings in Dead Rails or those instructions you can find in obbies).

— Online payments became a popular way of making transactions in the late 1990s and early 2000s but there were still many suspicion and distrust among using it.

Chapter 6: Ice Cold Parasites

Notes:

Since we hit the 1,000 milestone hits for this story, this chapter will be released early!!!

— I wasn't specific of what fanfics that inspired me in creating my own crossover without risking spoilers from the sources, but I'd say that the 1x1x1x1 and Player adventure is inspired by Muffin_Chip's story contains no more spoilers for my fanfic and is safe to read.

— Fixed the narrative of Chapter 5 in the chandelier scene (I completely forgot that Player did not get their wooden sword from Shedletsky.)

The hall before the throne room was chilly but not so much that it would get anyone shivering just yet.

There were people standing in the stairwell that leads inside the King's throne room. They all wore clothing fitting for someone of high status, with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship radiating from every wrinkle of fabric they don with pride and grace. Matching these clothes were hats that would've cost Player a fortune to get a hold of if it were back in present time.

It didn't take long before a troop of knights gathered from the other side, all of their bellies filled with the Kitchen Wizard's cooking. They looked battle-ready.

Perhaps it was a mistake serving them food. Player sighs as they wondered what could've happened if they just took another bottle or ate the food while the cook wasn't looking.

"HALT, in the name of BLACKROCK!!" The leader shouted as the commotion paused all activity in the room.

The residents all stared at the confrontation happening at the entrance with curiosity.

Their eyes burned Player's skin and they can't help but feel like they held judgement even though they don't (but perhaps maybe they do).

"Step away, do not disturb the KING!"

"This is very IMPORTANT!" John Doe argues "We simply can't just let this be..."

"And what importance would your message be?" The head knight questioned "You committed an act of TRESPASSING. You cannot RESPECT the wishes of the king and yet you dare to act like you're in the right?!"

"This is about the ICE DAGGER!!!" John Doe screams in frustration as the room was suddenly bathed in a cold and dreary silence.

It was deafening, every single person hushes as a horrible and unsettling feeling itches at the gut of everyone in the room.

"...It is held in the hands of our king." The knight answers, the increasing void of dreadful realization has their voice wavering "What about it...?"

"...Has your king...?"

"I'll stop you right there, that's confidential information." The knight growls "I suggest you leave without resistance..."

"I'm afraid that won't happen."

A cold breeze swept by the hall coming from the throne room. A shiver went down Player's spine as they gazed into the entrance of the throne room with a feeling of dread gnawing at the back of their skull.

Before they knew it, the two sides have pulled out their weapons and the trio were surrounded by knights.

Tensions rise high as the two glared each other down as if they could kill each other with looks alone.

"What the heck is happening here—!!" A man in a chef's uniform pushes through the front lines before he was cut off by the obvious confrontation.

He looks worse for wear. His clothes were rumpled, covered in soot and gunpowder while his hair was charred and blackened at the tips, the hat that was situated on his head was gone.

"Mister Chef, stay back. These intruders are trying to disturb the King's peace!"

"What but that's..."

"For your safety, please stay at the back."

"...I don't understand but, please... don't do anything that steps out of line."

"We won't."

"Player..." John whispers from besides them "... We'll make an opening for you."

Player nods their head in understanding as the squadron of knights surrounds them from all sides while a few got the residents evacuated from the hall.

Player sneakily pulls out their GUI, a risky move but a needed one.

Bang!!

John's hammer bashes down the ground, creating a quake that rippled the code of the floor.

–3 HP, Loyal Knight.

–3 HP, Loyal Knight.

The opening was quickly blocked off by new bodies as the previously injured knights were transported to the side where they were healed by the Kitchen Wizard.

+2 HP, Loyal Knight.

+2 HP, Loyal Knight.

The GUI in 1x1x1x1's hand made a ding before a small baseball was ejected from it, hitting a knight on their helm.

0 (Attack Deflected), Loyal Knight.

It didn't do any damage but it was enough time to distract them and with another mighty slam of a hammer, the front lines tumbled and made an opening big enough for Player to dash through in the nick of time.

"They're running away!"

"Get them— Ugh!" They were cut off by a hammer to the side of their head while Player ran without looking back at the damage that was caused.

Upon their arrival in the throne room, they immediately grabbed the double doors and slammed them shut before grabbing one of the candelabras that lined the walls to wedge it in-between the handles.

And now, they're alone... with the king.

They looked behind them to see the ruling monarch of Blackrock Castle sitting silently upon his icy throne. Icicles grew on the outer edges of his face while his arm was frozen like a block of ice yet held tightly inside it, was the ice dagger.

The dagger radiates a refreshing breeze, calming in nature like a soothing balm— enough for Player to forget the wounds they've sustained in fighting the statue yet they know of its deceptive nature. They felt its icy grip, that thorny frost that spikes the hand with frostbite as it whispers protection yet gives nothing but annihilation.

Apprehensiveness overtakes their body as they stood stunned near the entrance before taking a step forward.

They felt something jolt their foot as they look down to see what it was before their eyes widened in alarm.

A spawn symbol was beneath their feet, the same symbol that they try so hard to ignore in their journey for the longest time. But now, they simply can't ignore the elephant in the room anymore. The symbol was simply getting annoying to look at and Player wants nothing more than to scrape the floor of the castle clean of its presence.

Player had the small window of time to wonder whether such a thing manifested as a result of time travel or their past sins coming to haunt them in a reminder of what they left but can never outrun.

Whatever it came from, whatever its business with them doesn't matter right now. They walked closer to the king who narrowed his eyes upon their slowly creeping form.

"...It's you, I've been waiting." The man spoke in a slow mumble.

"You were waiting...?"

"I've heard so much... From you dismantling my guards, breaking in without authorization... The disrespect is incomprehensible." He informed "You are just as filthy as everyone else. Parade as a HERO all you want, in the end you are nothing but SCUM..."

"..."

"I've heard of the future. The voices whisper to me that this story has been repeating for an eternity..." His eyes become dazed and foggy like reminiscing a faraway memory "Is this what you wanted, to see me doom my kingdom over and over again...?"

"...I don't know what you're talking about."

They really don't, all they wanted was to attend that stupid convention. They wore their best, greeted everyone they came across and anxiously fidgeted in their seats only to see Builderman get kidnapped right in front of their eyes.

"DO NOT PLAY DUMB!!!"

Player flinched at the booming voice of an angry monarch whilst he scorns at them from his high and mighty throne.

"How do you think I feel...?" His voice turned shaky and uncertain as he looked at them with eyes that held desperation "Witholding this information to my people... That their home, their happiness will be gone in just a few years?"

It must've felt horrible.

"..." The words get stuck in their throat.

"Tell me, do I give in to that prophesized future?"

Player attempts to move their head only for a hand to stop them from their tracks. The king looks on in frustration and with barely held back fury.

He massages his temple, his eyes bloodshot yet looks so lifeless "No, don't say anything... I've already heard all the possible answers you could have said."

The echoes of a fight echoes from beyond the locked doors of the room, acting as background noise inside the unbearably quiet throne room. A chilly wind breezes by from the Ice Dagger held in the hands of the half-frozen king and it billows the tapestry embroidered with the insignia of Blackrock while all the candles on top of the candelabras went out and bathed the hall in the light of the sun from outside yet the ice turns the yellow rays blue and cold.

"It doesn't matter..." The king murmurs "Because with this Ice Dagger... I'll rewrite our future, and this time... This time, to break apart destiny at its seams!!"

Player's form tenses as every fiber of their muscles stiffen as if dunked in cold water.

"And you..." He points the dagger right at their heart. The barely constrained wrath turns his eyes bright blue while the whites blood red "You will not stop me... I'll do whatever it takes!"

The temperature drops until it is freezing and their breaths were puffed with white speckles of frost.

Player shivers as the ice on the King's body creeps up to their torso and the other half of his face. He aims his scepter towards their vulnerable form before unleashing a freezing wind before them.

It nips at their skin and forms icicles on their lashes and hair as the cold forms snowflakes that does nothing but freeze their body solid.

–5 HP, Player.

Pulling out the dynamite from their pocket, they lit it up before throwing it at the king. A terrifying explosion shook the ground and burns the carpet yet it does the job of warming the area from a snowy tundra to a bearable chill.

–5 SP, Player.

–5 HP, Cruel Demented King.

The smoke from the explosion drifts away, revealing the king with barely any burns on his body— if anything, he looked colder than he already is.

"I—..." He coughs up smoke, his breathing ragged.

Before Player can even blink, the king was in front of them. His scepter raised high before slamming down on top of their head and freezing them for a moment while every joint in their body stiffens as a result.

–5 HP, Player.

They felt weak, weaker than they've ever been. It feels too cold yet it kept getting colder. It saps away their energy, the ball held in their hands feels too heavy and yet with a mighty throw, it hits the king right on his crown.

–1 HP, Cruel Demented King.

–1 HP (Defense Ignored), Cruel Demented King.

A grueling back and forth between them occured. This time each of the King's hits has been dodged by Player and each hit they landed can only enrage the man even further.

It was up until they were both on low health. Player kneels on the floor as blood pooled from their wound, dyeing the carpet beneath them a sickening red. The king, meanwhile, stands above like an immovable boulder yet the injuries that marred their body prove that the man isn't as strong as he may be.

"It is over, give up...!" The king demands.

"... No..." But Players refuses to obey.

Slowly they stood up and with every bit of strength they can muster, threw two dynamites that cracked the ground and broke every window of the entire hall while the icicles melted, the carpet burned, the candelabras fell over and the tapestries turned to ashes.

–10 SP, Player

–10 HP, Cruel Demented King

It was over, the battle has ended.

Shakily, Player arose from their kneeling form to slowly stumble to the defeated figure of the king.

"... I failed them..." The king cried yet his words ring hollow to their ears as their eyes narrowed to the sword in his grasp.

"..."

"No... No, No, NO!!" He screamed, one of pure terror and dread as if the whole world is going to end as he looks at Player with bloodshot eyes filled with so much pain and hate.

Player flinched as they took a step back, then another as the monarch of Blackrock Kingdom stood up with renewed vigor.

It was impossible— he looks like a cold and frozen corpse.

"I cannot let it happen... I will not be bound by a looping fate..." He looks at them, his face shadowed by his crown yet the malice radiates off him like a snowstorm "And you, oh you... I see it now— you still chose to be compliant...? Even knowing that it'll all repeat— that this will never matter... Not in an hour, not in a week nor a year..."

"What are you saying...?"

"It has to stop... I'll make it stop..." The ice crawls on his face, freezing him as icicles juts out from his skin "The voices... The voices... The Ice Dagger... You... Must be the key to ending this all!!"

"Get away— I don't understand you...! Stay back—" For the first time, visible panic overtakes Player yet a sharp spike from their chest has them coughing their lungs out, cutting off any words that they'd form in the meantime.

It must be from the ribs, it must've gotten shattered.

But Player's thoughts were proven wrong as something cold crept up the back of their throat and with another heaving cough, a bloodied icicle drops to their hand.

"It's cold... It's too cold..." The demented king mumbles the same phrase over and over again like a mantra as the temperature drops even lower— if this goes on, it would be below freezing.

The entire hall is frozen solid. The carpet is covered in mounds of snow, the windows were replaced by a thick layer of ice and it blocks the cold air from escaping the room and it is so cold.

Without a moment's hesitation, Player ran to the doors leading to the exit of the throne room as they slammed their entire body weight for it to open but it's no use, ice has completely taken over its surface and froze the doors solid while the candelabra proved to be nothing but a hindrance now that they realized.

They can hear muffled banging from the other side and with quick thinking, they pulled out their dynamite to throw unto the door.

Suddenly, icicles juts out from the ground before Player can even register it and completely blocks the doors, freezing it even more.

Now, they are alone with the king...

Player turns around to gaze at the king. Most of his body is frozen solid with icicles jutting out of his skin like a thorny armor, one half of his arm has turned to snow on the ground and his crown seems to be embedded on his head by the ice's doing and despite it being blue, the ice is dyed red with the king's blood.

He looks at them with a beastly wrath, his face was covered in crystallized ice and his remaining eye stares at them with hollowness similar to a corpse.

He is rotting yet he has enough determination to still stand.

Player's hands shook, whether it was the doing of the cold or the anxiety of impending death, they are not sure. They can only face the king with nothing but a rubber ball that they are sure will pop before it can even hit him.

They grip the dynamite tighter. Player became startlingly aware of their blood drying up in an alarming rate and was instead replaced by ice covering the wound like an infection.

There's no more time, they have to do something.

Gathering up all the last remnants of their stamina, they took out and drank a storm tea (that they bought from the Iron Cafe) and two bloxy colas (that they found somewhere while exploring), lit up three dynamites and threw it at the door as the a torrent of hail assaulted them from the back and giving them severe hypothermia.

–20 SP, Player.

–10 HP, Player.

–2 HP, Cruel Demented King.

A loud crackle then a sudden booming explosion rattles the hall, cracking the ice and melting the big mound of snow that blocked the door while snapping the candelabra that was wedged between its handles like a twig.

The double doors open to a wave of knights rushing inside the throne room before all stopping to stare at the sight of the once beautiful throne room reduced into an icy and barren tomb.

A puff of cold air blew from Player's mouth as they sighed in relief before all of their consciousness gets sapped away.

 

---

 

The snowstorm has not once calmed, it remained unforgiving and wrathful as the cold bites their skin and freezes them through their embarrassingly thin clothes.

But this is at least better than the clothes they used to wear day by day until they are driven mad with insanity.

Their back feels heavy despite having barely anything weighing down their backpack. They have left almost everything back there and they don't plan on going back to retrieve anything.

They are ready to leave everything behind, they will leave it all behind them and they won't look back.

By this time, they must've sent search squads to track them down. They have always been a persistent bunch but it doesn't matter.

Those people can't lay a finger on them any longer, they barely even knew them in the first place and they have never come to accept them.

By the time this hail settles, there would be no trace of them left. They made sure of it or they will die trying in the snow, their body lost in the weather. Either way, they'll be free and that's enough of a consolation.

Every trace of what they were before will be stripped away and they will be reborn start anew. Who they were back there isn't them, they won't let their past and their people drag them down.

They can beg all they want or use every lure they can but they won't catch them even in death. By a few years, their name will be spread out through the community as a cold case and a lesson to what never do.

Yet seeking shelter proved to be harder than they thought as every knock was met with silence, every call for help was met with ignorance and every step felt like knives through their feet. It didn't take long for Player to feel the hope dwindle in their chest.

This was supposed to be easy... Why would no one help them? It isn't fair.

The small seed of fear grew the longer they stayed out in the snow. Every door closed shut no matter how much they beg to open and every path is filled with nothing but a monochrome palette of white and grays.

They don't know how long they stayed suffering in the hail but at some point, they succumbed to hypothermia and fell down as their feet froze over with frostbite.

Darkness blots their vision but a small light glowed from afar, reigniting their dwindling hope.

Mustering up all their strength, they clawed their way up from the mound of snow that blocks the way and stumbled to the end of the light. What greeted them was a person— a woman that held an umbrella.

Her face was unreadable and her demeanor relaxed as if going out on a fine stroll.

"Please..." They coughed, clinging to the woman's clothes like an unyielding parasite "C— Can I... stay the night, out from the cold...?"

She says something they can't decipher but they felt themselves nod their head in agreement nonetheless.

"I'll do anything...!" They exclaimed "Please, just get me away... Far away!"

Notes:

— I'm just going to say it in advance here because when I get to the Forsaken part of this crossover, updates WILL start slowing down because you can't really acquire lore when you're too busy getting chased.

— The name Cruel King is just a title I'm sure. That's why in this fic, his name is changed because of the new ways he has acted in the Player's eyes.

— Cluemer would originally have a more prominent role in Player's backstory but I changed my mind.

(I know most of you are very hesitant in commenting and I know I am not that funny but can you guys tell me your reactions in this chapter and share with me your theories on what might happen in the future? It would really motivate me bruh.)

Chapter 7: Writhing Masses

1x1x1x1 suffered from a nightmare again.

He can't remember anything about it but he knows something terrifying happened.

The only thing he could glean on was the scenery of forests and... a cabin being built in the woods?

The child shook his head to rid himself of the nightmare that plagues his mind and wiped off the cold sweat from his brow.

The door creaks open as he exits from his room. The house of Mister John was simplistic, just like the man that accompanied them in the journey to get the Ice Dagger.

The Ice Dagger... It was a blessing that the nightmare didn't consist of Player. The scene from his memories were horrifying to reminisce even though it were only snippets before his eyes were covered by the adults around him.

Player was crumpled on the floor with wounds dyeing their clothes red with their own blood while behind them was a monster overtaken by ice, its form beastly as a hail surrounds them like a barricade.

It took almost the entire army to subdue the former king of Blackrock and by then, it was already too late. The king only died because they've succumbed to the cold, their body froze into a statue before crumbling to become a pile of snow and ash.

It has been close to a week since the incident and the motions had started to become repetitive.

In the first few days, he could at least distract himself with exploration but now that the places have become familiar and ingrained, the novelty of something new fades away and the thoughts have come to haunt him.

He slowly walked over towards the balcony, hoping for reprieve only to find the fiancee of Mister John to be occupying the space already.

He hesitates before slowly slinking away back to his room.

"Is that you, John?" A voice called out and 1x1x1x1 immediately freezes like a deer on headlights.

The woman turns around with an inquisitive brow raised.

Just like her future husband, she is as plain as she is boring. Truly, how could John Doe pair with a match made from heaven? They both have the most sleep inducing interests that 1x1x1x1 has the misfortune upon experiencing.

Their music taste are heavily influenced by mainstream songs, their fashion relies heavily on what is trendy and their apartment is absolutely covered in minimalistic furniture— and 1x1x1x1 knows they have the money to afford a better interior designer. Seriously?! He lives in Telamon's manor for crying out loud (where things are practically outdated) and these two looked like they'd fit better there.

Not like 1x1x1x1 knows of anything mainstream... or trendy. They just see it on social media whenever there's enough signal to power the internet cables in the manor.

The woman squints her eyes before smiling warmly— 1x1x1x1 almost feels bad that he ranted about her in his mind (almost).

"Oh, little Onyx!" She called out with glee.

"1x." 1x1x1x1 corrected as he crossed his arms

"If you want to take fresh air, don't mind me! We live in the same place, there's no need to be shy."

"Well, I just don't know... It's almost three in the morning and my bu— they normally get mad when I'm up at this hour..."

"Oh, is that so? Well, I sure am supposed to get mad at you at this time of hour but... I'll let it slide, you seem distressed."

"... It's not that serious." 1x1x1x1 attempts to downplay the situation.

"Come here." She pats the chair right next to her, the one that Mister John always sits upon in the mornings.

Hesitantly, he sat down that chair with as much awkwardness as a child would when it comes to something unfamiliar.

"What's bothering you?"

It was a trap for them to spill secrets all along! For some reason though, he finds himself opening up.

"I had a nightmare..."

"Is that so?" She sneaked a glance towards him before looking back at the view "Perhaps you should calm yourself with a view from the outside."

No matter how long it has been, the sight of Bizville remains beautiful. There were a few lights turned on despite the ungodly hour and a few pedestrians strolled along the dark streets illuminated by streetlights.

"I saw it, some sort of cabin... being built in the woods?"

"How would that be scary?" She asks and 1x1x1x1 could find himself getting mad over her questions.

"Oh— I don't know...?! Maybe because the sky was red and there were white eyes in the forest???" He snapped before shutting himself up before any more outlandish words were spoken.

Oops, they may have lost their temper there...

But instead of furrowing her brows, she instead let out a laugh before patting his head softly.

"Sorry, it was my fault for bothering someone who has just woken up so early." She apologizes "Though, that is a pretty scary dream... Want me to make you some hot cocoa to feel better? I'm sure John wouldn't mind his stash having one less packet."

He can only silently nod at her suggestion as she stood up from her chair and went inside. She turned on the light, the interior of the apartment glowing brighter— the light did not reach the balcony though, it was only in the kitchen but nevertheless 1x1x1x1 finds himself getting distracted looking at his silhouette.

For a moment, he lets himself become dazed by the surroundings. From the clinking of kitchenware to the buzzing of the street lamps, it all felt almost calming to the point where he felt safe enough to just close his eyes for a moment and relax—

The sound of radio static cuts through the air like nails on chalkboard and it was enough to snap him awake to assess his surroundings warily.

There was nothing to take note of but the low humming buzz of static reverberating through the air like a fly near his ear. 1x1x1x1 pulls out his GUI as he walked closer to the railings of the balcony with slow steps.

Half concealed in an alley near the apartment was a writhing mass of red and black. The view from the balcony gives 1x1x1x1 a clear enough view to put the anomaly into a description but he's not close enough to actually examine it better.

"What are you leaning on the railing for?" The soft voice of Madame Jane broke his train of thought as he whirls around to look at her with confusion.

Silently, she joined him in leaning on the railing. Her eyes trained on the general direction of where he laid his eyes too, perhaps figuring out what has got him so interested to pull out a GUI out in the open so suddenly.

"Look over there!" 1x1x1x1 guided as she refocuses her vision and finally sets her sights on the mess of red and black squares or perhaps rectangles.

"What the..." She let out a gasp, the mug in her hands were abruptly set on the table before she leaned in to take a closer look with squinted eyes.

"What is it?" 1x1x1x1 asks in curiosity for no matter how much he searched his brain, nothing resembles the mass he's seeing before his eyes.

"It looks like..." She trails off before shaking her head "It looks like dead code but that's impossible..."

"Dead code?"

"Code that is no longer used. The more professional term would be defunct code but dead is more fitting to my vocabulary."

"Yeah, I know that! What I was saying is— why impossible?"

"Well, to simply put it... These kinds of things should only exist in the out-of-bounds zones or experimental plates." She explains, a hand on her hips as she kept a close eye on the writhing mass "What could possibly have it manifest in a fully built and functioning city?"

"Huh, that is strange..."

"Stay here kid, I'll have to contact the authorities about this" With those final words, she went inside and left 1x1x1x1 wondering about the dead code in the alleyway.

1x1x1x1 has never really gotten to fully code out an entire world with the snap of his fingers but they are familiar (if all the books and lessons Brighteyes gave him whenever she's around be of any use) that these experimental plates and out-of-bounds were simply experiences in progress, constructions sites that are being built before habitation. Although, the question stands on where these supposed experimental plates may be still alludes him since Brighteyes never told him no matter how many times he asks.

Either way, the writhing mass of dying code in the alley seems very interesting to look at. It is his first time to witness something this phenomenal and a small urge to prod squirms at the back of his mind like an eager researcher's thought.

The sounds of shuffling became ever so louder inside the Doe apartment. Whatever Madame Jane did must've woken up her fiance.

John Doe joins him in leaning on the railings, a loud yawn was uttered from the man and 1x1x1x1 can't help but roll his eyes at him.

"That blob of code looks dangerously big..."

"Yeah, I can tell."

"Does it hurt for you not to act like a know-it-all every once in a while?"

"... Can't help it when you keep saying such things, Captain Obvious."

John Doe rolls his eyes at the obvious display of a retort and turns around to go back inside.

"Jane— honey, did you call the authorities about this?" The muffled shout of John asks.

"Yeah, said they'll be coming over soon!" Jane replies, voice more muffled.

1x1x1x1 meanwhile, kept his eyes trained on the amalgamation from faraway. His hand operated the GUI, typing out lines of code and pulling out tools from its interface to get a closer look at the writhing mass.

Just as his GUI finally starts decoding what material the mass is made of, he was suddenly pulled back by a hand grabbing his shirt.

"Are you trying to dive off the balcony, kid? Don't do that!" John Doe scolds as he pulls the child back inside "Anyway, Jane says she prepared some hot cocoa for you so try not to think about the code— the programmers have it handled so just drink a very late midnight snack."

"Ugh..."

Sitting down at a chair, he hesitantly picked up the mug from the table and slowly took a sip while looking at the balcony with a focused gaze.

A conversation about something 1x1x1x1 couldn't hear came from the other side of the bedroom door, muffled yet loud enough to hear.

With his interest piqued, he slowly got out from his chair to move quietly to the closed door and put an ear on its rough surface.

"You're seriously going outside to deal with it?!" A muffled shriek that came from Jane questions in disbelief "John, it's supposed to be our day-off. Take a break for once, won't you?"

"It'll be fine, Jane. I'm only going to take a look— I mean, the thing is really close to our apartment that I can't help but be worried!"

"And that's why I called the authorities about it!"

"..."

"...Do whatever you want just— stay safe and don't get too close."

1x1x1x1 quickly goes back to the table to finish drinking his mug of hot cocoa just as John Doe exits from the room wearing a coat.

"Where are you going?" 1x1x1x1 feigned ignorance for his earlier eavesdropping and questioned the man who opens the door that leads out the apartment.

"Outside. I'm going to check out something..." He responded monotonously.

"Can I come?"

"No."

"Oh, come on!!"

1x1x1x1 hastily got out from his seat and sprinted to the door to cling on to John's coat.

"Take me with you. If you're going to see that defunct code, I NEED to see it too!"

"Ugh— seriously?! Kid, it's dangerous so let go!"

"NO."

"What is going on here?" A voice from behind them utters in confusion.

"Jane, help me out...!" John requests while attempting to shake 1x1x1x1's deathly grip on his coat.

She giggles at the sight instead.

"Jane!"

"Alright, alright..." Slowly she came closer to the two and crouched down to be on eye level with 1x1x1x1 "1x1x1x1, let go of John. He's only going to be there in a quick second before returning so why don't you just sit back here and watch television instead, hmm?"

"Lala lala, I can't hear you!"

"It's dangerous."

"Then I am staying eight feet away!"

She sighs before looking at her fiance with resignation.

The man, in turn sighs before closing the door and taking off his coat.

"Hey, what's the hold-up?"

"I changed my mind, I'm not going down anymore."

"What??? Aw man..."

"Yep, I figured my energy is better spent on getting ready to visit the hospital later."

"Wait— they're finally letting in visitors?!"

"Yep."

"...Fine, let's prepare."

With that, the discussion was closed and the trio spent the rest of their time doing absolutely nothing but watch TV and do chores until it was time to visit the hospital.

The walk there was quite calming but to 1x1x1x1, it gives them nothing but anxiety as the doors to the hospital seem so menacing than comforting.

He has wondered multiple times what he's going to say to them but all possible conversation starters has been scrapped after he cringed at the corniness and how bland it is as frustration overtook him when he realizes he has still not made up his mind once he entered the hospital.

"Player, uh... Doe." John Doe asks and 1x1x1x1 cringes even more.

He sure hopes that the nurse at the counter does not think of them as weirdos for that. The only reason why Player even got their last name to be labeled 'Doe' was because the man beside him was the only one with a concrete last name to register in the hospital. Even though the name 'Player' isn't even that common, the staff still insisted for a last name and their two companions didn't have a single clue of their real last name.

After being given directions, the makeshift family went to the second floor where Player's room is but along the way were another group blocking the staircase.

"Hey— hey! Watch it, Matt, don't push me like that— AAAHH!!!" A scream came from upstairs before a crippled man gets pushed down the stairs and landed on the second flight before the first floor.

The trio stopped in their tracks as they watched the (probably illegal) scene with gaping mouths and wide eyes.

Shedletsky seems to be unharmed, though, there was an obvious frown on his face and the palpable annoyance that exudes from his aura is visible as he looks at the man who pushed him. The man who pushed him meanwhile, wears a blue pumpkin head with deer antlers jutting out from it (that reminds 1x1x1x1 of some of the residents in the manor) and a long, flowy white robe with a golden buckle while in his hands was a staff that seems to be made of some magical wood.

"Do not mind this banter for this man went and involve me in his matters." The cryptic pumpkin rhymes as if he is Dr. Seuss or something.

1x1x1x1's face twists at the hilarity of the scene before a voice completely halts all his thoughts.

"1x, baby?" The familiar voice of Brighteyes made 1x1x1x1's brain cease to function for just a moment before he slowly starts to feel bashful and completely attempts to make himself feel small.

But such actions does not deter his uh... technically, mother(?) as she does not hesitate to walk towards him with confident strides before crouching down to level with him eye-to-eye.

She examines him and checks for injuries before sighing "Oh, thank goodness..."

"What's wrong...?"

"I was so worried when I didn't find you at the manor... Only for someone—" A harsh glare was thrown at the direction of the crippled admin "To not tell me that you apparently went here..."

"It was supposed to be a short trip, until uh... I can't really find Telamon and the building collapsed." 1x1x1x1 scratches the back of his neck while avoiding (in any way he could) to look at Brighteyes (not that it would matter when she wears shades but still—).

"Oh, it's okay... It's okay." She consoles "You aren't hurt, are you?"

"No... They took care of me." 1x1x1x1 admits begrudgingly as he points at the couple besides him.

Brighteyes finally tore her attention away from him to look at them with eyes filled with gratitude as she hurriedly stands to give them a handshake.

"I suppose I should say my thanks." She gratefully admits "You don't know how much I owe you..."

"Oh it's nothing at all!" Jane Doe shyly shakes her hand back while her husband stood behind her, feeling intimidated.

1x1x1x1 tore his gaze away from them and directed it to the guy getting aided to have his wheelchair stand upright by the other who's responsible in pushing him down the stairs. Noticing his gaze, the duo directed their attention to him.

"Hey, kid." Shedletsky lazily greets, a hand stiffly moves to wave at him.

"Greetings, little bird." Matt Dusekkar greets.

"I'm not a bird." 1x1x1x1 retorts, a look of appall was quite striking on his youthful face.

"Hmm, perhaps not, but your father is quite the chicken who is very well-known to be wicked." The pumpkin man scoffs "How dastardly he is, avoiding responsibility only to turn up like this?"

"What are you talking about... You know Telamon personally or something?"

"Quite the headache he could be, I'm surprised you don't know who he might be!" Matt Dusekkar let out a small gasp of shock.

"What do you mean?"

"Perhaps it is not in my place to meddle. Farewell, I have places to be so I must skedaddle." With that, the man flew away by exiting through the second floor window.

"What."

"That's just Matt." The voice of Shedletsky pipes up from the side "He is quite the rhymer..."

"Yeah, I can tell but thanks for the info, Crippled Crony."

"..."

"Anyway... Let's go back home." The voice of Brighteyes spoke up after conversing with the couple.

"Wait— what...??" 1x1x1x1 groans in dismay "No way, I'm not going back to that place."

"1x, you need to grow in a good environment."

"But that place isn't a good environment. I hate it there, it's too repetitive!"

"Hey, kid, listen to Brighteyes, she knows best." Shedletsky advised.

"And who are you to tell me what to do??? You're not my dad— not even anybody to her!"

"..."

"..."

"We were here to visit a friend, Player..." John Doe finally got the courage to interject as he stepped out from hiding behind his wife to finally face the two admins.

"Oh, is that so? Alright. But after this, we are going home."

"Ugh... But wait—!!!" An idea forms in the head of 1x1x1x1 "Our butler says that there were no supplies left back at the manor since Telamon has stopped giving any!"

"Don't worry about it; I have it handled." Brighteyes says with gritted teeth as she sneaked a glance towards the crippled man who only whistled in response "Now go dear, you don't want your friend to wait."

"Ugh..." 1x1x1x1 groans as he follows the couple up the stairs and down the halls of the second floor hospital before arriving at the door labeled '207', the room where Player must be resting in.

Notes:

CORNER TRIVIA:

— Like with John Doe, there's not much information going around about Jane's personality so I just took whatever fits the most for a Block Tales and Forsaken version of her. Uuuhh, something boring for gags yet also sweet for seriousness.

— Ever since the previous developer (I think the name was SoulDrivenLove?? Controversial stuff) was kicked out of the development team, the lore of the game has recently been undergoing changes since the dev team has been trying to cut the guy's involvement of the game and apparently previous lore is connected to the other game that Soul made which was Buckshot Frenzy (shame, the arg was good). I might have to power myself through with headcanons for now especially since it is uncertain whether characters that are only mentioned in the ARG (Tyler and David) will still be involved.

— I also found out that if you climb the walls of the main cabin in Forsaken, you will find a random note from somebody with the initials —S.K.N. It is speculated that this person may be Jane who wrote the note for John calling him gumdrop but I am not sure about this since the initials do not match at all.

Chapter 8: Sterile Rooms Curing Untreatable Diseases

The television inside the hospital room was on. The channel was directed on to some kid's cartoon after 1x1x1x1 entered the room (much to her dismay).

While the adults go on with their introductions, all 1x1x1x1 had to do was sit in the corner and watch TV while the adults talk about some boring topic.

"Ring around the rosie, a pocket full of posies!" The television drones, the nursery rhymes ringing loud in her ears.

"Have you been feeling any better though? That... ice on your face doesn't hurt that much, I hope. It looks really serious..." The voice of Jane asks in concern.

Someone hummed, 1x1x1x1 could guess it was Player.

"It looks permanent, although I am hoping that isn't the case." John Doe assesses.

"Well, it's—"

"We all fall down!" The television sings before the episode ends and direct itself on some advertisement promoting some non-stick frying pan.

"Onyx, can you please turn down the noise? Thank you!" Jane requests.

"It's 1x!" The child corrects before obeying and turning down the volume.

It was calming being in this room with the breeze of the airconditioner blasting her from the side yet there's one odd thing about this place and that it feels clean— too clean that 1x1x1x1 swore she could smell the brand of bleach they used on the tiles and the disinfectant that clung to the walls of the room.

It was so unlike the manor, it makes her feel overwhelmed with unfamiliarity.

Yet it's not too bad because for a moment, she lets herself relax until the exhaustion from before (where she did not get proper rest because of a nightmare) went crawling back to her now that she has no distractions to keep herself awake.

Slowly, ever so slowly, her eyes soon close. The noises of the room became muffled and faraway like she's been dunked underwater yet the television drones on without stopping, another nursery rhyme rings loud in her ears before it all went mute.

"Oh my darling, oh my darling! Oh my darling, Clementine... You were lost and gone forever. Dreadful sorry, Clementine."

 

---

 

There it was, the same cabin in the woods. Its exterior looks beaten up as if a tornado thrashed the house into what it is.

There were multiple gears lying around, most are for building yet there are some that were not but she can't tell what they're supposed to be.

The trees looked halfway built with poorly pasted PNGs of leaves on trees while the plate looks rough and barely anchored. The only constant here is the skybox that glitches into a red and black hue before reverting to an endless maw of darkness.

Defunct code, glitches and bugs littered the area like they're a resident of this horrendous place and they skitter and crawl with no sense of direction nor do they care.

She felt her body moving towards the door of the cabin. The closer she got, the more the roaring of radio static became louder and once she stopped at the porch, she can make out something from beyond.

A rhyme, so condensed and sweet "In the cabin in the woods, we will sing, we will play; we will be here every single day!"

An unknown voice sang with a tone that sticks like honey yet traps you as if caged in a spider's web. It feels deceptive and fake yet she cannot stop herself from taking another step closer to the door as if she has been possessed.

"Oh, David, why so blue? Take that hat off and wipe those tears for your presence is due!"

The sound of faraway crying, a sobbing of a young child that she can never see.

"Oh, Tyler, have you no fun? Come here and play with everyone!"

A sudden bloodcurdling scream tore through the eerie forest. It sounds distant yet it was so loud and 1x1x1x1 just knew whoever that was will never be found.

"Wind the clock, turn the dial. Come in, come in for we have a new arrival!"

The phrase loops again and again like a broken record cursed into a repetition that can never be shattered until the noise of static became prominent and the voice became barely audible from the sound of the grating radio waves.

The knob of the door turns by itself and as the doors creaked open, the interior of the cabin shows itself to be a giant maw of darkness with nothing but a radio floating in the dark void.

"DoN't LeAvE, dOn'T fReT. ThE FUn Has juSt BegUn! NoW, cLosE thAt dOoR anD CoMe HeRE, yOu lItTlE rAt."

 

---

 

1x1x1x1 woke up with a flinch as the hand that held her shoulder retreats. The face of Madame Jane stares back, obvious worry has her face twisted into a frown.

"Are you alright? You look like you're having a nightmare." She informs, her eyes held the gentleness of a caretaker as she rubbed soothing circles on the child's back.

"Ugh, what time is it?" 1x1x1x1 asks as she rubs her eyes and yawned before getting up from her seat.

"About time we leave; visiting time is almost over." John Doe interjects, wiping his glasses with a clean cloth.

"What?? But I haven't even gotten to talk to Player! Why didn't you guys wake me?" 1x1x1x1 complains with a huff as she glared at the two.

"Well, you look like you needed the rest. You haven't slept at all after you've woken up at three in the morning."

"Well you guys should've— I had a dream where there's this entity singing the most horrendous nursery rhymes, it was dog####! Not to mention grating to the ears. I hate it!"

"Oh, well... I'm sorry, maybe next time?"

"Hey, don't swear, it can't be that bad."

The couple teased, not taking 1x1x1x1's dreams seriously.

"Ugh, it was. Look, look!" 1x1x1x1 pointed towards her ears where the nonexistent bleeding is "I can't hear in my right ear anymore—"

"Sssshhh! Player's sleeping."

"Oh..."

With the conversation cut off, 1x1x1x1 turns her head towards the hospital bed where the figure of Player sleeps. Disappointment flares at the back of her mind after seeing such a sight before it turns into unreasonable anger as she asks herself why would they not wait for her to talk to them before going to sleep but it all simmers down as she rationalizes their state and lets it go.

"Uh, by the way... Is Brighteyes your mother?"

"Hmm...?"

"You really surprised us back there, kid." John Doe comments from the side "Having THE administrator, Brighteyes interact with you so casually— Is that why you own a GUI without a permit?"

"Were you deaf that time or did you recently get diagnosed with dementia? I literally told you that she gifted it to me."

"Oh, please... You can't blame me for not believing. Things like 'my dad is the CEO of Roblox' is a phrase I heard quite often on the job."

"..."

"It's alright if you're not comfortable in saying so." Jane comforts as the hand that rests at 1x1x1x1 retreats.

"She took care of me, that's all. From when I was little to now..." 1x1x1x1 mumbles out a reply, oddly quiet and recluse.

Jane hums "Well, I just wanted to ask you if you want us to accompany you to her."

"What?! I'm not going back to the manor— not yet anyway..." The child trails off with a small pout.

"She must have a good reason to want you back home." John reasons.

"You're just saying that because you want me gone." 1x1x1x1 retorts.

The man in question, chokes and coughs while looking at her like she had just said something offensive. Jane meanwhile laughs rambunctiously before forcing herself to muffle her voice as she looks back at the sleeping patient with the anxiety of waking them up.

"That's not— kid, I don't want that..."

"..."

"I'm just saying, that you should trust your mother a little more. She knows what's best for you; the adults always have more experience after all."

"He's right. Although being independent is a nice trait, at your age, it's better if you relied on her until you grow big and mature."

"...Fine, but if I find out that going back in the manor is ###, I am going back out."

"Language..."

"The guys back at the manor say such things all the time, it's not that big of a deal..."

"It is still not appropriate for a child like you to say such stuff casually. Now let's go, we don't want to wake up Player."

The trio silently walked out the room, the door closing with a small click as the buzzing of fluorescent lights became louder now that they're in the empty halls of the hospital.

They walked down the hallway until they came across (nobody else but) Shedletsky who seems to be in a deep conversation with the pumpkin man from before.

Their conversation stopped as the group neared them. Shedletsky made a lopsided grin and waved them over while Dusekkar's face remains unreadable.

"Hio, looks like the visit is over eh? Took a while." Shedletsky comments.

"Yes, we did not get to note of the time." Jane sighs.

"Well, no matter. Say, how's the little patient? The last time I visited their room, they were fast asleep."

"They're doing fine. It was said that they'll be discharged tomorrow."

"Wonderful, that's good news!" Shedletsky cheers "Oh— and by the way, can you let 1x1x1x1 stay here? Brighteyes will be picking the little guy up."

"Oh, is that so?" Jane gasped before looking at John.

"... Then, we'll leave her in your care."

1x1x1x1 could feel someone pat her on the back before the couple looks at her meaningfully and left.

Man, so much for friends... What were all the things they've been through together??? And they decided to hand her over just like that...?

A wave of disappointment washes over her before it was soon tempered down to a mild degree as only the small furrow of her brow indicates her being upset.

"You okay, kid?" Shedletsky asks with a raised brow.

The man apparently has a keen eye.

"...Nothing." The child grumbles back an answer.

The moment was cut between them by Dusekkar who glanced between the two with an unreadable expression.

"Can I perhaps ask the little chick an inquiry? It would do me some good to obtain more info for clarity." Dusekkar explains.

"Sure, go ahead." 1x1x1x1 replies with a curious glint in her eyes.

She wonders whether this pumpkin can even rhyme his question. Truly, that would make for an honorable mention.

"In the alley near the Doe's residence, have you seen anything noteworthy like an exploiter or a menace?"

He really rhymed that...

"No, but Miss Jane told me it was defunct or dead— whatever, code."

"Yes, yes, I've heard of the lady's testimony."

"So...?"

"The thing is, Matt was telling me about how there was harmful malware inside of that supposed dead code." Shedletsky speaks up from besides the pumpkin "Tried to be REALLY slick too as if we wouldn't know that something's wrong with it!"

"Indeed, having defunct code out on the street is really not discreet."

"Anyway, the thing has been handled so don't worry about it. Matt here is just asking if there was an exploiter in the area."

"No, haven't sensed any..." 1x1x1x1 responds with brows furrowed in concentration while she sifts through her memories "I can't really remember noticing one."

"Well, there goes your answer Matt."

"Much appreciated." Matt Dusekkar nods in understanding before leaving, although not without looking oddly at 1x1x1x1 and Shedletsky first.

A silence settles between the crippled man and the disturbed child before it was broken than none other than the former.

"So, Telamon's manor huh?"

"Uh-huh..."

"Do you like that place?"

"Oh please—" The flame of agitation was reignited with that one simple inquiry "Don't get me started— the air is stale, the furniture is outdated and the residents always leaves! It's not fair that I have to go back; this place is ten times better than back there..."

"Hmmm... Then, why don't I try convincing Brighteyes to let you stay at Bizville a little longer. I'm sure she'll cave once I make a good reason!"

"...Why you?" 1x1x1x1 asks with suspicion laced in her voice "You sure you don't have any ulterior motives for this?"

"Me? Oh please... Regard this as, doing you a favor."

"...?"

"Christina is a great woman, y'know?"

Oh so now he's calling her by her real name?? Something is fishy with this guy and 1x1x1x1 doesn't have one good feeling about him. Just the way his face moves makes her skin crawl with alarm.

"She deserves some rest once in a while! After all, being head of customer service takes a toll on a person's mental health and sanity."

The explanation did not convince 1x1x1x1, not a single bit. It was nothing but full of whack excuses that may have some underlying meaning beneath, but what?

"..."

"Oh, speak of the devil."

Behind him, Brighteyes emerged wearing a pink cowboy hat and a black vest with a pink top underneath while her eyes were hidden by some seemingly expensive shutter shades.

"Oh, there you are!" Brighteyes sighed "Visiting time is over so—"

"Wait, Christina!" Shedletsky calls out, stopping the woman in her tracks.

"...?"

"You know... You worked really hard all the time."

"What are you getting at here?"

"I'm saying to let me take care of the kid while you go on ahead to your long delayed vacation time."

Brighteyes gasped, her eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked at Shedletsky in awe while 1x1x1x1 stares with the dreadful and horrific realization of what's about to happen.

"You'll really do that, for me?"

"Yep!"

"Am I missing something here?" 1x1x1x1 chimes in with furrowed brows.

"..."

"..."

The two adults looked at each other awkwardly before looking back at 1x1x1x1. Their eyes held the emotion of anxiety, uncertainty and apprehension.

"Spit it out!"

Brighteyes sighs, her eyes darting all over the hall to look for any passer-by before opening her mouth to utter words 1x1x1x1 cannot believe.

"You see, baby... This man here, Shedletsky, is the person who created you."

"..."

"... 1x1x1x1?" Brighteyes called, her eyes held worry as the stretching silence continues to unnerve her.

"Earth to child? The news can't be that crazy." Shedletsky meanwhile, joked with a silly smile.

"No..."

"What was that?"

"NO!"

"Ooh, tone down on the shouting. Don't want to alarm other patients, kid." Shedletsky lightly scolds as he waves his hands dismissively as if nothing is wrong.

"You can't be saying that this guy—" 1x1x1x1 points to the man bound to a wheelchair "Is the same guy you keep giving me stories about wiping the entire arena to be the best sword master there is!"

"Well, I tell you what kid—" Shedletsky pauses as he took out a chicken wing to nibble on "Sometimes, things change and the people you know becomes someone unrecognizable. You can't seriously be thinking we all stay the same, do you? Time isn't like that."

"Yes..." Brighteyes sighs "Shedletsky, or well, you might know him better as Telamon... He has started to focus on other things rather than sword fighting."

"Yeah, and look where that got him." 1x1x1x1 sarcastically adds.

"1x1x1x1, be nice."

"Nah, it's alright. The kid is just being a kid."

"Can you handle them though? 1x1x1x1 is a bit of a rowdy child—"

"Oh, I already know that, Christina! Seen it myself how much of a troublemaker they are in the manor— really inherited that from your old man, eh?"

This guy's has to be lying, there is no way he'd know what she'd be doing when he's absent all the time in the manor.

"Liar, liar, pants on fire."

"Not lying, I saw everything that you did." Shedletsky defended his claims as he takes another bite of the chicken "You made many people cry from your insanely hectic pranks— especially that one kid who I had to relocate to the Living Realm because his father kept filing a complaint about you."

"Why didn't I hear of this?!" Bright eyes gasped as she looked between the two.

"...It wasn't with malicious intent, I swear." 1x1x1x1 horribly excuses.

"Eh, don't scold the kid too much, Christina. They're just trying to have fun!"

"And you didn't think to stop it when it gets too much?!"

"But I did though...?"

"Simply relocating them isn't enough! Did you at least make a formal apology?"

"Well—"

"I'll do it..." 1x1x1x1 mumbles, their voice low yet so loud in the empty halls "After one more adventure though... Please?"

Bright eyes stayed silent, her eyes squinted in deep concentration behind her shutter shades.

"Let me handle the kid, don't worry about it. They'll always end up home after a fun day so let them have it!"

"Alright..." Finally, she relents but not before muttering to Shedletsky in a low voice "Don't be too lenient and spoil the kid too much, okay?"

"Yep, got it!"

With one last sigh, Brighteyes left. Her receding footsteps echo in the empty halls before the sound soon fades away.

"I got a gift for you kid, help push me to my room." Shedletsky starts, his hand curled into a beckoning motion that only had 1x1x1x1's eyes rolling in annoyance.

But without a choice, she obeyed as the crippled man had her direct him to his room.

"Isn't visiting hours over?"

"They won't know if you don't tell."

Shedletsky pushed his wheelchair to the other side of the hospital bed as he bent down to pick up something hidden in the mess of a blanket that had half of itself drooping out of the bed.

"Here we are!" Shedletsky exclaims as he brought a box to sit atop of the bed.

"What is that?" 1x1x1x1 questions as she walked closer to it.

"Why don't you find out?" Shedletsky retorts, pushing the box closer towards her.

Reluctantly, 1x1x1x1 accepts the gift as she took it for inspection.

It feels heavy in her hands. The exterior was wrapped in shoddily packaged polkadot wrappings and a horribly knotted ribbon at the top. Whoever made this looked like they didn't even try— or they did, but they were so bad at it, they gave up halfway through.

"Gonna open it or not?"

1x1x1x1 rolls her eyes in response as she attempts to untie the knot of the ribbon only to fail miserably until the third attempt where Shedletsky is forced to grab the box from her and cut the ribbon off with some scissors.

"You had that all along and you didn't think to tell me?"

"Heh, it was funny."

She had an unusual urge to take one of the wheels of his chair...

Yet upon sensing his higher authority, she is instead forced to be content by only sending the bastard a harsh glare. After that, she took off the polkadot wrappings and opened the box to see—

"Shoes?"

Really, shoes? Is he making fun of her or finally making up for the horrible fashion choices he has made for her in the ten years of living in the manor? Honestly, 1x1x1x1 can't tell but she knows very well that this man in front of her cannot give normal shoes nor clothes because they always get to have something ridiculously embarrassing that makes her unable to wear it near others.

But surprisingly, this one was actually one of the better ones he has gifted and 1x1x1x1 is convinced that Brighteyes was the one to pick this one out for her instead.

"Like it?"

"It's fine. It should've been green though, not light yellow."

"What's wrong with yellow?"

"Green is better— dark green... It won't be easily ruined by dirt."

"Oh please— all things degrade, and no matter how much you hold back on getting those shoes dirty, it will eventually." Shedletsky states as if he's some kind of philosopher "So why not try it now and have some fun! Save yourself from future stress and missing opportunities."

He was right but 1x1x1x1 is too prideful to admit that. She was only trying to find flaws on the newly gifted sneakers he gave her. Why? She doesn't know, maybe payback for all he did and all the times he wasn't with her— but really, does it matter anymore...? These are some kick-ass shoes!

So without delay and with a bit more encouragement from the man in front of her, she finally tried out the newly bought sneakers that was just for her.

It was comfortable and soft unlike the battered and old shoes lying next to her. It was new and it was great but too good to be true, it made her suspicious and this resulted in her becoming irked at the many possibilities of repayment.

"Y'know, I was planning to gift that to you back at the headquarters but as you know... That place, kinda collapsed." Shedletsky laughed halfheartedly, oddly making light of the situation.

A frown made its way unto her face, twisting it into a grimace.

"It'll look ugly... I think I'm going to stay wearing the old ones for now."

"Suit yourself, kid. But don't blame me when you realize that by the time you get to wear it, it doesn't fit you anymore."

"...I know what I'm doing."

"I'm just saying that you can't hold back on using things for its own purpose. A shoe is designed to help you walk without problems, a bed is there to help you get a good night's rest and—"

"Yeah, yeah... And is it wrong for me to want to preserve something I like?"

"Wow, so you do like it! I am so—"

"Okay, I'm done. Goodbye Mister Telamon— Shedletsky, thing... I'm going back to the Doe residences!"

"Just wear it, the ground isn't going to swallow you whole!"

The door closes shut and 1x1x1x1 sighs.

The day has ended and the night arrives like a silent whisper. The halls that were once bathed in dusk now glows with the light of the moon and the many lampposts that were outside.

1x1x1x1 left the hospital that day with a feeling of giddiness and a bit of anger from the crippled man's teasing but she'd be lying if she said that this day is the worst.

Despite being alone, she has already memorized the way back to John Doe's apartment from the week she has stayed here at Bizville and for some reason, today it feels like that the travel back feels shorter than normal.

Notes:

CORNER TRIVIA:

— The wiki states that Brighteyes and Shedletsky married in 2014. Block Tales takes place in 2010 so by this point, they aren't married yet— perhaps they're fiance's at this time or maybe still dating but I dunno.

— Brighteyes' clothing in 2010 consists of a pink cowboy hat, blue skin, a top with a vest and some pants.

— Nursery Rhymes: Ring around the rosie (Black Death); Oh my Darling, Clementine (1849 California Gold Rush + Telltale's The Walking Dead)

Chapter 9: Off To PLAINSTOWN!

Notes:

— Removed some character tags that are less relevant to the story right now because the tags of this fic is starting to look bloated.

— Edited author notes and story description (again).

OLD STORY DESCRIPTION:
"In all their life, 1x1x1x1 has always been haunted by nightmares, with most they were unable to recall after waking up.

All abstract blobs and unpredictable colors dancing in their vision but to the ones they could vaguely remember were those that always reoccur every single night.

A statue, in front of a large building with faceless figures beneath it and then it warps into a dark forest with no end in sight, all looping to the same place:

The cabin in the woods.

It was maddening and 1x1x1x1 want nothing more than to leave, run away to see a more brighter environment and to take a glimpse of the world outside the manor.

That is, if they could leave the manor.

(Or: The world Pre-Forsaken is Block Tales.)"

Today is the day where Player is discharged from the hospital.

The nurse beckoned them to sit on a wheelchair. Although they don't even need to do so when they can walk just fine, perhaps with a small limp here and there but not serious enough to require aid but the hospital insists. So without a choice, they sat down awkwardly as the nurse began to push Player out into the hallway and to the front doors of the building.

The days spent in the hospital weren't too bad. They were first worried about their documents and the questions they'd shoot at them for their health yet Shedletsky saved the day by having them focus on their recovery instead and taking care of the legal matters while they rest.

A few visited them like Terry, John Doe, Jane and 1x1x1x1. Most meanwhile, just sent them gifts due to being unable to be present like Accountant Jim, Mayor Monty and the Kitchen Wizard.

It felt nice, being taken care of like that.

Though it felt foreign, which is weird... Because the incident at the convention was only a few weeks ago, and they can still vividly remember their mother nagging them about their baggage before leaving for Bizville.

The light spills out from the glass doors leading outside and as Player finally left the hospital to stand on the concrete lot, the nurse left and they were met with John Doe who was waiting for them just outside.

"How're you feeling?" He asks.

Player gave a thumbs up in response to which John Doe nods in understanding.

"Roblox HQ is being built back up. Shedletsky is waiting for you at the basement." John informs "And before you ask, he was the one who discharged himself, the hospital doesn't agree with him walking around in the condition he's been in but the man is stubborn..."

They nod as their eyes widen in shock upon the mental image of Shedletsky running away from healthcare.

So, the two walked towards headquarters. A comforting silence nestled in between them until John Doe spoke up.

"By the way, yesterday, 1x1x1x1 was really bugged that you fell asleep before they can talk to you."

"Really?"

"Yup, glared at me and Jane after finding out. Brighteyes has such an odd kid."

"Brighteyes?"

"Oh, I forgot to mention... The kid is Brighteyes' child— Brighteyes and Telamon's child."

Player let out a hum, the gears in their head turning like a cog in a machine.

"Isn't..." They trailed off as they reconstructed their sentence "Isn't Telamon and Shedletsky the same person...?"

Silence settles between them as John Doe puts a finger beneath his chin in thought.

"Oh yeah... I think so... Maybe they are? Now that I think about it, I have never seen them in the same room ever and Shedletsky is a part of the creative team too, last I've heard."

"...?"

"Eh, I dunno though. Heard Shedletsky was a new hire with eight years of experience or something..." John Doe shrugs "If they are the same person though, I won't be surprised why their child's name is 1x1x1x1 of all things. You didn't hear it from me but, those two have weird naming habits..."

They nodded in surprise towards the uncalled for gossip. There's that underlying suspicion about Shedletsky's identity that still ceaselessly crawls in their gut.

After some time, they finally arrived at headquarters where it seemingly looks like it is in a better condition than last time.

"Construction workers sure do work fast. The entire first floor and basement has been renovated to look brand new."

"That's nice."

"Shedletsky is at the basement. I'll be heading somewhere else now. My job requires me to be away from the cubicles as much as possible."

"Stay safe."

"Yeah, hope whatever talk you need with Shedletsky goes well too!" With that, he left.

Player stood silently observing the building and a strange sense of familiar unfamiliarity washes over them. A contradiction yet something refreshing for some odd reason.

They head inside, pushing the glass doors open and heading down the basement with swift steps.

The farther they went down, the more prominent and loud the sounds of typing and clacking keyboards became. Digitized beats and the sounds of dinging rang throughout the noisy basement like a rush hour at a diner.

But in the farthest room, it was quiet. Only the sound of two admins conversing and a rowdy child playing ping-pong on the company's can be heard.

"So, you're telling me... That someone beat you up and made the building collapse?" A man, burly in stature with a bucket hat on his head and a giant banhammer on his back recounts, the disbelief evident in his tone.

"I dunno why you're so surprised about this, Cliff." Shedletsky shrugs as he spins around in his wheelchair nonchalantly.

"It just doesn't make sense, who would do such a thing?" MrDoomBringer sighs with a hand massaging his temple in exasperation.

"Apparently someone with enough pettiness to also shave off this guy's hair too." 1x1x1x1 chimes in as they closed the tab where they were playing ping-pong on the browser.

"Hey, kid. Shut up." Shedletsky commands with gritted teeth while the target just rolls their eyes "And also, you better not click any sketchy links in that computer."

"Now that I think about it, did they do that too?" MrDoomBringer questions as he looked at Shedletsky in confusion.

"Indirectly caused the death of my beautiful hair— yes. I had to get brain surgery from the concussion that bastard gave me that ended up cracking my skull."

"Seriously, this is what happens when I'm away from headquarters? The building collapsed and you got beaten up... HOW did this news not reach me sooner?"

"Probably because the building collapsed." The crippled admin and child spoke in unison.

"Ugh..."

"Oh, right! By the way Cliff, how's your post in the Banlands?"

"...Going great." For some reason, MrDoomBringer doesn't seem the least bit convinced at his words.

"Right— oh, if it isn't the little hero! Come in, come in." Shedletsky cuts himself off as he finally took notice of Player standing by the doorway.

Heads snapped to attention, their focus now completely on them. Player waves, bashful and meek as they look towards the two intimidating people in the room.

"Morning."

"Hio."

Player bows in greeting which earned a dismissive wave from MrDoomBringer.

"Don't stress, we aren't that much special." He says with an air of nonchalance.

"Foreigner!" 1x1x1x1 yelps from the back of the room with squinted eyes before springing up from their chair and walking towards the three.

"Anyway, thank you for retrieving the Ice Dagger and I'm very sorry about what happened to the king." Shedletsky states "But the journey is not over, THEY are still after the other swords..."

"Yes, about that 'Mysterious Figure', what's their deal?" MrDoomBringer questions as he crossed his arms.

"I'm not sure..." Shedletsky replies back.

"Maybe, they're here to just shave your head." 1x1x1x1 pipes up beside Shedletsky while staring at his bandaged head.

MrDoomBringer bursts out laughing as Shedletsky took the time to glare at the clueless child.

"Anyway," Shedletsky clears his throat "If you don't mind, the next sword up on our list is the VENOMSHANK held in the RUGGED RAINFOREST. I have already notified MAYOR THANIYEL about the case so he should be more willing to have that sword off his hands."

"Wait— You're making us leave, right now?" 1x1x1x1 inquires incredulously as they looked at their creator with an apprehensive look "Player's just been discharged!"

"I can handle it." Player assures as they pat 1x1x1x1's shoulder.

"Are you sure?" MrDoomBringer interjects "We have other employees that can take up the job instead... I don't know why Shedletsky chose you specifically but if anything, if you have just recently recovered then maybe let some other professional do it."

"No, I'm really fine. The hospital did better than I thought."

"See? The kid is good to go!" Shedletsky huffs "Anyway, go to the airport. It's west then go north of Bizville once you see a building named 'In The Cards'..."

"Right, thank you."

"I'm coming too!" 1x1x1x1 chimes in, a determined gleam in their eyes as they glared at Shedletsky who glanced at the side, avoiding eye contact with the persistent child.

"Haha, you got one heck of a kid, Shedletsky!" MrDoomBringer chortles "Though, I'm not sure. The jungles of Plainstown can be quite dangerous, but unless Player here agrees to take you and makes sure to take care of you, I'm sure it'll be fine."

"Ehm..." 1x1x1x1 pauses before craning their head to look at Player "You'll take me with you, right?"

Player nods after a bit of contemplation.

Surely, having a friend to tag along the journey isn't so bad.

"Well, I guess that's that. Head on over to the airport, I've got a private plane that can take you there." Shedletsky orders as the two nod before leaving the HQ's basement with swift steps.

A silence fell between Shedletsky and Doombringer with only the sound of keyboards clacking from the other room can be heard. No doubt the employees were working overtime after the building's collapse.

"So, got any more explanation you have to tell? This is THE Roblox Headquarters, and this place isn't a building that can be destroyed so easily... Especially as the home and main workplace of the best admins."

"A shame that I had to tell you so soon..." The wheelchair-bound man sighs in dismay "I've tried my best to keep this a secret but with the recent events I'm afraid I cannot withhold this no longer. Builderman is kidnapped and the consequences have been devastating."

"What...?"

The atmosphere drops as the two became locked in a tense stare while the sounds around them becomes muffled and distant.

The focus is here, this conversation requires the maximum attention.

"What do you mean by this, TELAMON?" Doombringer asks the words in a low mumble.

"I said what I said. If you still don't believe me, consult with Matt." Shedletsky's brows furrow in stress as he glances at the door with some unknown expectancy.

"How...?"

"I don't know their motivations. It happened so suddenly and I am SURE that was a calculated attack, they have planned this for a long time..."

"This is bad..."

"I know, that's why since you're here now... Can you help out a little?"

"And what can I do? I'm a moderator, not a builder nor do I have an innate specialty in programming like you and the others... Besides, my hands are already full in guarding the Banlands."

"It isn't too difficult of a task. I just need you to guide the remaining employees whose cubicles are still being rebuilt. After that, guide Player to obtain the other swords of the heights. You understand what I'm getting at here, don't you?"

"Yeah, yeah... Easy enough, I can try."

"Thanks."

With that, the conversation ends. MrDoomBringer sighs with the new workload on his shoulders as he walks away to leave before stopping at the doorway.

"By the way, Shedletsky, have you always had a kid?" He asks the admin who perked upon hearing his name.

"What do you mean, Cliff? I've always had a child. They're ten years old today."

"...Forget it, my memory must be bugged."

 

---

 

The two stopped by a card shop called 'In The Cards'.

1x1x1x1 doesn't have a single clue why they stopped by here but Player seems to be pretty passionate about their card collection to be unable to pass up the opportunity to browse a different deck so with a tug, the older dragged the child here with them.

It made 1x1x1x1 a little angry to be wasting time like this instead of finally taking off to a new place with bigger opportunities after a week of blurry repetition but for now, they suppose they can let Player have some fun after being bedridden.

They looked better and healthier. Their skin shows some melanin that was lacking in the previous days and the ice that coats their arms and fingers seems to be slowly melting and it looks smaller than yesterday so it seems they must be feeling better.

But its not all okay, 1x1x1x1 would be naive to think so. Player shivers ever so slightly whenever they thought no one is looking, oftentimes they'd flinch so suddenly, sometimes their hands would shake and their knees would buckle before reverting back to normal. 1x1x1x1 is sure that they still suffer from the aftereffects of hypothermia no matter how much they try to hide it.

Their clothes seems thicker and there seems to be more layers covering their body like a cocoon.

Player looks at the child with a raised brow "Want anything?"

"Hmm?" 1x1x1x1 hums as they looked around "No, not really into cards..."

"Suit yourself." They take their new batch of cards and shove them into their backpack as the two made their way to the airport.

Turns out, the airport was just above the train station.

They stop upon the presence of a locked gate in front of them.

"Are you sure this is the right path, or place? This area looks restricted." 1x1x1x1 began as they look beyond the chain fence to what looks more like a garage for planes than an airport but they couldn't be sure, they've only seen an airport in a form of a picture in the magazines that were present in bookshelves of Telamon's manor.

"I'm sure." Player replies with utmost confidence with a smug smirk.

Wordlessly, they neared the fence and crouched down to face 1x1x1x1 expectantly.

"Climb on." Player beckons "Then, pull the lever from the other side."

"...Okay." So, with great reluctance and even greater difficulty, Player hauls 1x1x1x1 to the other side of the fence with a thud.

The child lands on their feet like a cat. It seems all those parkour practice at the manor was worth something after all.

Immediately, they pulled the lever on the side as the fence retracts to open up a passageway that Player walks through without hesitation.

"Let's go!" They cheered as the two got closer to the nearest plane with an irritatingly familiar penguin standing idly beside it.

"AND WHAT DO YOU TWO THINK YOU'RE DOING???" The Penguin screeched upon spotting their forms.

"Not him again..." 1x1x1x1 mumbles under their breath in agitation.

"I see that you still haven't gotten your parenting rights revoked, but what is this??? Resorting to BURGLARY now, are you??" Terry rambunctiously accused "I should kick your can right now for that, bucko!!!"

"It's okay, Terry." Player consoles.

"Just because you're struggling as a single parent doesn't mean I'm obligated to help you out for free. I'm guessing you're here for MY PLANE, right?!!??"

"Actually, Shedletsky told us to go here." Player explained with a lopsided smile.

"Huh?? SHEDLETSKY told you to come here? For a plane?? What do you even need this for bruh."

"We just need an airplane to get to PLAINSTOWN." 1x1x1x1 informs with apprehension as the penguin's beady eyes turns to them.

"Well, I have one right here and guess what bucko, today's your lucky day because I used to be a professional pilot!" Terry announced with pride "My brother Jerry calls me 'The Blue Eagle'... We're not Eagles but...You don't really care do you."

"No, not really..."

"Nah..."

"Whatever bruh. Are we going to PLAINSTOWN or not?????"

"Ye—"

"What are you two doing here?" A voice called from faraway as the familiar silhouette of a lady with pink hair nears the trio.

"Miss Jane?" 1x1x1x1 called out with confusion as Jane finally stops in front of them.

"Now, I was wondering why DUSEKKAR called telling me that I won't be the one to collect the VENOMSHANK anymore. I guess I know now why."

"What??? Huh???" 1x1x1x1 guffawed.

"Well, uh... Funny story, but last night while me and John were walking home, we bumped into Mister Dusekkar on the way and before he could leave, I made an impulsive decision and volunteered to retrieve the Venomshank in Turitopulis after seeing Player's condition and finding out that John wouldn't be able to come because of a different assignment given to him..." She sighs forlornly "I don't like seeing someone who has just recently recovered go out of harm's way to retrieve a sword and besides, I was heading there anyway to fix some bugs and glitches in the terrain so it's like killing two birds with one stone."

"That is pretty impulsive."

"Yeah, lady, what were you thinking???"

"So sigma..."

"Anywho, uh... I guess I'm here now. John is pretty upset when I said it so suddenly, but um... I guess I could tell him I got you guys with me now and my assignment changed!"

"Great, another passenger..." Terry sighs "Alright everyone, all aboard the Blue Eagle's plane, and don't make me say it again!"

With that, the three boarded Terry's aeroplane and with a few clicks on the panel buttons, the plane took off and soared the skies.

1x1x1x1 looked on in awe at how the world below being minimized into little dots before becoming swallowed by the clouds as they eagerly looked over the window to observe the world above the skies.

There was barely anything but clouds in fact— except for maybe the tall jutting pillars in the distance with lines of bridges connecting them together.

"Sword Fight on the Heights..." A breathless murmur from their left mumbled as Jane joined the child on sightseeing "That place must also be housing a SFOTH sword. At least, last I know of..."

Soon, the majestic sight of the SFOTH arena became farther away as the plane took a turn to Plainstown.

It took a few hours before the plane finally dipped below the clouds and the wide grassy planes stretched out before 1x1x1x1's eyes. A small airport was visible in the distance and an even bigger jungle peeks over the horizon like skyscrapers.

The plane finally lands and everyone got off upon its arrival in the airport.

"It's your stop bud. Welcome to PLAINSTOWN. Time to pay up and tips are appreciated." Terry announced before looking at the trio expectantly while holding out a flipper for payment.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"DUDE, YOU THOUGHT I WOULD FLY YOU OUT HERE FOR FREE??? REALLY???? BRUH????" Terry screeches as he thumps his feet on the ground "INSANELY CHEAPSKATE BEHAVIOR BRUH. WHAT YOU GONNA DO NOW DUDE. JUST WALK AWAY???"

Player did indeed walk away with 1x1x1x1 following in tow. Meanwhile Jane, feeling a bit bad for the underpaid pilot, ransacked her bag before pulling out tix to give to the penguin with an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry about them..." She apologizes before walking away to follow the others to the airport.

"... Yeah, yeah, whatever bruh..."

Jane went closer to the door leading inside the airport, only to stop upon seeing Player talking to a girl lightheartedly while 1x1x1x1 stands by the side with an impatient frown.

"Oh, hello!" The girl greeted "Anyway, I'm probably taking up too much of your time. Good luck out there, I'm rooting for you!"

With the conversation coming to a close, the three went inside the airport.

"Do you know her?" Jane asks Player with a raised brow.

"She seems familiar so, I think so...?"

"Not good with remembering faces? I get it." Jane laughs before spotting a stand selling souvenirs "Hold on, let me buy one real quick!"

"Oh, come on..." 1x1x1x1 groans.

"It'll be just a second, I'll be right back!" Jane assures before heading off to browse.

"Let's wait outside." Player suggests as the two exited the airport.

After talking to a few of the locals in Plainstown, the two ran out of things to do so they decided to sit down near the airport's entrance.

"By the way, Player... Can I tell you something?" 1x1x1x1 spoke up abruptly besides Player.

Player hums acknowledgement as they looked at the child with curiosity.

"I may or may not have installed a malware called MyDoom in the company's computer."

"..."

"Would you trust me if I say it was an accident? I thought it was MrDoomBringer's file or something and turns out I was wrong, haha." For some reason, 1x1x1x1 does not sound regretful at all but instead sounds amused, like this was a funny prank to pull on others and not that they've wrecked an entire computer and opened a backdoor for hackers.

Player does not trust them yet they can't do anything about it. So with a sigh, they closed their eyes in response and promptly wipes the memory in their mind in case they get involved in this problem.

Jane soon finally left the airport holding a bunch of trinkets.

"Oh, good. You guys are still here... What are we waiting for? Let's go!" Jane beckons as she led the way.

The temperature in Plainstown is a bit hot but that didn't deter the group as a new adventure awaits them just beyond the horizon and buried in the deep jungle.

The Venomshank will be retrieved soon enough.

Chapter 10: Terrible Jeep Driving

After fighting off native animals that seems less than happy to see them in their turf, they finally arrived at Turitopulis.

Thriving with many species of plants he can't name, trees that shade the entire village from the rays of sunlight and architecture that screams 'small and quaint village life'.

"Oh, hey guys! I remember you three." A voice greets, it was none other than the girl at the airport named Kyoko.

How did she get here so fast? 1x1x1x1 will really never know.

"I'm so glad you guys made it! Welcome to TURITOPULIS!" She announced proudly with visible excitement.

"Yes, it's quite peaceful, isn't it?"

"Yes it is! I'm excited to adventure out into the RUGGED RAINFOREST..." She states with a dreamy look "I heard the wildlife is super active at this time of day!"

"Oh tell me about it..." 1x1x1x1 huffed as he crossed his arms "We got attacked here by them multiple times along the way!"

Oh! That must be rough but—"

A crash cut off her earlier words as multiple villagers ran away from the source of the noise in panic. One climbed a tree while the other went to the jungle and soon, other villagers started to murmur amongst themselves as they slowly gathered closer to the reason for the commotion.

Honestly, 1x1x1x1 couldn't care less about what is happening there for all he wants is to explore the village and leave to venture the jungles.

Too bad Player is really nosy. It didn't take long for them to immediately gravitate to the massive congregation while pushing themselves to the front.

1x1x1x1 and Jane reluctantly followed while the girl named Kyoko stayed behind. By the time they arrived, they found that Player is currently participating in a confrontation against a guy with a crowbar, a gorilla and a balding man getting held up by his feet by said gorilla.

Before they left, the guy with a crowbar is says something about the bald guy leading him to somewhere or something? 1x1x1x1 didn't really pay attention when he was too busy staring at the small garden with a chicken on it clucking obliviously.

For some reason, they started to crave some good food. There's a fruit shop nearby, but it seems like the two adults besides him were too focused on catching the crowbar man and the balding hostage.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Jane beckons the group to a jeep, the car keys she picked up from the ground jingling on her fingertips.

Without a word, the group entered the car with Jane becoming the driver of the green jeep.

"What's that look on your face?" Jane asks as she gazed at the small child's frowning visage "Don't want me to be the driver, little Nyx?"

"It is 1x... And, it's not that you're the driver..." 1x1x1x1 trails off as he formulates his words "This jeep just looks busted up and old, the 2002 Honda Accord looks better."

The other two snickered like they've never heard anything funnier.

"What?" 1x1x1x1 questions defensively.

"Never knew you were a car enthusiast!" Jane teased as she starts up the car while a resident opens the gates to the jungle "Let's ride!"

Vroom! Vroom!

The woman is a really good driver. Every obstacle from a small tree to a giant boulder was quickly weaved upon by Jane as she initiates a car drift as if she's a pro racer on a racetrack and not on uneven and rough terrain that hasn't been cemented.

"Woah!!" Jane screams as she hit the brakes as hard as she could after seeing a figure walking on the dirt road in the distance.

"Oof!"

"Ack!"

Meanwhile,  Player and 1x1x1x1 almost got launched from their seats as the car skidded to a stop in front of the giant.

"Car, scary!" The giant exclaims "YOU! What wrong with you?!"

"Uh... Sorry, sir!" Jane hurriedly apologizes "Just a joyride—"

"Maybe you should've gotten off the road, fatty!" 1x1x1x1 retorts with a snide remark.

"What you say?! You green goop!" The giant snapped back as the look on 1x1x1x1 became that of anger.

"Green goop cards mentioned...!" Player whispered under their breath. They looked like they couldn't care less and wasn't taking this seriously.

"I said: move out the way, you elephant!"

"Me hate you, green goop! Me make you PAY!!!"

As the hulking giant roared, he grabbed on to the sides of the vehicle and lifted it up into the air like a wrestler.

"Wa— wait a minute!" Jane shrieks "Perhaps we've gotten into a misunderstanding! Let's talk about this—"

And threw the entire jeep forward towards the sky like a makeshift paper aeroplane.

"AAAAAHH!"

"WOOOO!"

"EEEEEEEEKKK!"

 

---

 

Quack! Quack! Quack!

A group of ducks swims idly by in the small lake near the community. They squawk and quacked, oblivious to the turmoil brewing in the little child's head.

Their eyes looked murky from the reflection in the water. In their hand, was a loaf of bread they did not dare try to eat.

They picked off a portion from the main body before throwing it at the lake where the ducks feed on it before going back to their crouched form expecting for more.

How greedy...

The little child repeated this process until there was no more bread left, nothing but crumbs in their hands.

They stood up from their hunched posture after sitting on the grass for who knows how long but they did not think to return, no. They instead went on a walk around the edge of the lake, careful not to get wet while a flock of ducks followed behind obediently.

They quacked, their little feet made patters on the gravel and distracts them from their duties as the time ticked by and before they even knew it, they were back at the start.

Sometimes, they wonder if it all even made sense. Whether this place's purpose is even the truth, it sends them into a crisis that only the calming sounds of nature can quell yet today, it seems especially difficult to get their head straight.

They have looped around the lake for so many times to the point where they lost track on what loop they're now on and even then, no one bothered to come and visit them in that time spent walking around in a circle.

It's annoying; this place is maddening... But there's no other place that they can go to, no one would accept them other than here yet they still have a hard time accepting it.

If only this place is less strict and they can go outside— see the world for its beauty. But too bad, only those who were charismatic enough to be missionaries can go on an adventure and every time they come back, horror stories of heretics and devil-worshippers never cease to scare the others.

They'd be lying if they said that it doesn't scare them too... But, if the people here in this wretched community can have at least one difference amongst each other surely the outside should be as, if not, more diverse, it has to be.

The one time they said this though, nobody listened and the only response they got was a glare and a harsh scolding to not question superiors with a side of interrogation asking whether or not their faith is waning.

Honestly, are they even qualified to be superiors or missionaries? It's not fair that they keep going outside only to complain to the children how horrid the people there are.

They are sure they can do better, get more people to be invited in this boring community than those 'professionals'.

"Quack!" A little duckling shook its head. Out of all its brethren, this duckling looks odd and ugly with fur that looks darker than others and a stature that towers over other small babies.

For some reason, the 'duckling' seems to like them a lot. Not that they're complaining, it's good to have someone be there for company no matter the species.

As they were preparing for another round of walking around the lake, a voice called out to them.

Obediently, they looked at where the voice came from to see another person, one they're familiar with. A child that looks like their age (albeit a bit older) wearing an aged witch hat that he seem to take everywhere while pinned to his clothing were a small bundle of purple flowers.

"The priests at church are calling for you."

Seriously, the first person here to visit them is just here to talk about tasks and work? Not even a hello?

"...Why?"

"They gave you a grandly task!" He cheered without explantation as he took the other's hands in his and they both made their way back to the community "They want you to paint the walls of the cathedral again, isn't that lovely?"

Yeah, sure it is, until they come to find out that all they'd be doing is painting the same symbol over and over again on those barren walls. What's the point of a good canvas if it's only limited to painting one thing.

"Aren't you busy with tending the garden at this time?"

"Yes— well, the priests holding their commune pulled me over to call you and they gave me a pass to go outside!"

"But, I'm supposed to be free today..."

They giggled "The Spawn sees potential in your artistic creativity— the priests told me so! they'll surely reward you once your masterpiece is fully realized." They encouraged with a big smile "Think on the bright side! Instead of complaining about losing your free time, think about how you can further serve the Spawn by painting their holy image."

"Lead the way, Azure..."

Mundanity in its finest, they'd say that this is more boring than walking around the lake on loop for eternity yet nothing is more blinding than seeing paint dry, but it sure is better than painting one symbol on so many walls. They can't find the entertainment in this but sure it is with a purpose so they won't complain, they'll have to work through hardship before earning a reward first, don't they? But their opinion still stands, and if they ever do find this task fun or worthwhile, they'd find that they'd be damned in hell first before then.

"How's your mission going?" A voice from besides them asks and they don't know whether they're condescending or just curious.

It was just Azure, the same guy who called them in the lake with another stuck besides them by the hip with their hands interlocked and covered in dirt and callouses.

"...Well." They'd say.

The paintings are okay, not too bad but just decent. They can't say the same for how they're feeling while painting it though.

"Wow..." An awed tone of voice came from Azure's companion "It's so beautiful! This must be the highest form of servitude you can offer to the Spawn, your work will forever be entombed here in our cathedral!"

"Praise the Spawn!" Azure smiled "Painting isn't my calling though..."

"Yes, yours has to be gardening, Azure!" The person besides Azure (that they can't be bothered to remember the name of) squealed "Once you get older, perhaps you'll also be a part of the farmers that harvests the crops gifted by the Spawn to feed us, their children!"

"And you, will be one of those missionaries spreading our faith." Azure compliments back as the other's cheeks turn a rosy red.

Before they knew it, they have been completely sidelined. Oh well, they get back to work.

The symbol of the Spawn stares back, mockingly asking whether they're even qualified to become a painter for the church. No... Do they even want to be a painter for the church, having to paint the same symbol over many barren walls for the rest of their life?

It doesn't matter because they're too young to think about that right now so with a shake of their head, they get back to work.

It took a long time but they soon finished with a huff. Their apron gifted by the church with a small symbol of the Spawn, was given back to the priests and they prepare to head back until they spotted something in the corner of their eyes.

They can vaguely recall it as a phone, rectangular in shape and with a screen so smooth their fingers slide off it easily.

Wasn't that... from one of the higher ups? Yes, the casing looks similar to someone who makes one of the bigger decisions in the community, but they're not sure whose (there's a lot of people active in the community after all).

For a moment, their mind plays a small tug of war before the compulsive side one and they snatched the phone lying unassumingly on the table.

It won't be stealing, they're just borrowing. Not like it's that important if they leave it alone on the table anyway.

They can't remember why they did this, it was impulsive and out of character. Acts of rebellion gets squashed down quickly in the community and they're not one to be so disobedient knowing the eyes of the Spawn reaches every nook and cranny but perhaps the boredom has gotten to their head, the lack of stimulation urges them to make decisions they wouldn't normally do...

Or maybe, sinning has always been intertwined with their character. Perhaps they're just destined to always be filthier than the dirt Azure tends to.

 

---

 

Player heard the sound of running water, the rustling of leaves and someone's footfalls thudding on soft grass.

They stirred awake as their vision blurs. The earlier dream becoming nothing more than a distant memory.

"Player...?" A soft voice asks from besides them before they felt someone's hand on their shoulder.

"Miss Jane?" They mumble as their vision clears up to show the face of Jane, her normally calm demeanor is replaced with that of concern "What's wrong?"

"It's complicated, but maybe you should get out of there first..." She exclaims, her eyes darting to the ground with anxiety.

"Where is 1x1x1x1?"

"That's the problem..." She sighs before pointing her finger at a small archway hidden in clusters of vines "Let's go there first, I've prepped a snack and you must be hungry..."

Slowly, Player sat up from the ruins of the wrecked jeep. They have come to notice that the front of the entire vehicle was embedded into the wall, the bumper did not stand even a single chance; scratches covered the jeep, peeling away layers of paint to reveal the metal underneath; one tire was missing while the rest were busted and buried under a mound of dirt.

This jeep looks like it has experienced war, and got absolutely mauled.

"... The car is totalled." Jane informs with a frown "I have no clue what to say to the owner... Ugh, today is just— not great..."

The duo enters the secret tunnel leading to a small pond with a waterfall. It's a nice secret spot, one they can recall hunting back when they're a kid just to get some reprieve from others.

To their left was a machine with scribbles on its surface depicting a coconut turning into a husk with juice inside of it. It looks delectable.

"Right, I shook the trees inside this place and put them in the, uh... machine. So, we got some coconut juice, here!" Jane hands them some coconut juice before sipping on her own drink.

Feeling thirsty from the disastrous ride, Player did not hesitate to take a large gulp.

Its consistency is the same as water yet it offers the same refreshing and savory taste that a regular cold drink gives on a hot summer day. Player can't help but relax and melt into drinking more while eating the small chunks and strips of coconut fruit inside the drink.

"Pretty good, right? It's the stuff that I'd need too after that crash..." Jane breathes a sigh of relief.

"Is 1x1x1x1 exploring outside?" Player asks the woman leaning on to the machine while sipping her drink leisurely like it's wine.

"I'm not sure at this point..." Her face twisted into a grimace, a guilty look passing by her face "I— I got a little mad... after that stunt they pulled... and I yelled at them."

"..."

"After that, they ran away deeper into the rainforest. I was planning to follow but I don't want to leave you alone and vulnerable when there is so much hostile entities around..." Jane ran a hand through her hair. It was clear that she was completely torn over her decision "They just left recently, so they should still be close. I'm worried about them, I feel horrible for yelling at such a small child who knows no better... I want to make it up to them. They went straight so if you're ready we can try and find them."

Player nods as Jane stood up straight and the duo continued on their way to find the rowdy child.

It felt quiet without them.

From rickety bridges that drops down to a large ravine filled with toxic and deadly plants to fighting tree golems and hostile natives wielding spears, the two had it rough.

"I am sure they went this way, they couldn't have learned to climb up large hills like this..." Jane mumbles as they traverse the harsh terrain of the jungle.

"It'll be okay..." Player pats her back while keeping an eye out for something green and light gray, although the colorful foliage of the jungle makes it hard to spot anything but plants.

They kept walking until a scream made them jolt as the feeling of dread overtakes them.

"LET GO!!!"

"That... That sounds like 1X!" Jane shrieked before sprinting to the source for the sound with Player following close behind.

They kept running before being stopped by a bunch of mangled plants blocking the way. Its height towers over the both of them while it stalk is covered in thorns and squeezing past these seems to be impossible with how tightly knit they are— not to mention how it seems coated with a poisonous touch that can send you itching with rashes with a single graze.

"Stand back." Jane orders as Player obeys. After making sure that they were in a safe distance, she pulls out a small hand-axe from her inventory before slashing it.

The plants make way as the initial foundation of its form crumbles and a path was formed. Beyond that path was 1x1x1x1 and Griefer.

The little child trembles with their GUI pulled out while Griefer seems nonchalant with his crowbar slung over his shoulder and a hand grabbing 1x1x1x1's arm.

"Let him go!" Jane shouts, the grip on her axe tightens as she stared at them.

"4ND, WHY SH0ULD 1?" Griefer scoffs "THI5 L1TTL3 BRA7 H3RE TH0UGHT 1T W4S 4 GR3AT 1D3A T0 SN3AK 4N ATT4CK 0N M3!"

"Brad, don't do this! They're just a little child..." His father, Mayor Thaniyel cries before being shook by the gorilla hard enough to make him dizzy.

"SHU7 UP, 0LD M4N!" Griefer hollers "IF Y0U R3ALLY W4NT TH1S K1D B4CK, TH3Y'LL HAV3 T0 P4Y F0R WH4T TH3Y D1D FIR5T! B0Y5—"

"Yes, boss?"

"Wassup leader!"

"Yo."

A toxic squad emerges from the forest consisting of a man with darts, a spearman and a green mage.

"You think this is going to stop us?!" Jane scoffs as she brandished her axe "I'm telling you now, don't make this harder than it is!"

"Who does this lady think she is?!" The spearman laughed "Come on! All bark, no bite. Let's see how you do!"

"B34T TH3M UP F0R ME, TH4NKS."

With that Griefer ran away, dragging little 1x1x1x1 behind like dead weight while his gorilla followed dangling Mayor Thaniyel to a big tree.

A battle has been initiated by the opposing party. Player sneakily pulls out their GUI to assess the battlefield before chucking their ball towards someone.

–1 HP, Toxic Spearman.

–1 HP (Ignored Defense), Toxic Spearman.

"Ack!" They yelped "You're going to regret that!"

The spearman roared as he ran towards Player. The looney tunes sound effect overlayed each step they took on the grass before thrusting their spear.

Great!

Player dodges by just a hair as the spearman retreats back to their group.

–2 HP, Toxic Dartman.

Status Effect (Debuff): Bleed, Toxic Dartman.

An axe from out of nowhere hits the man in the shoulder, incurring bleeding.

The venom wizard hidden in the back called for help.

Venom Wizard called for Help!

A tree golem emerges from the big tree. It huffs and cracks its knuckles while facing the duo.

"Think you can handle the dart and spearman?" Jane glances at Player momentarily.

They nod in confirmation as they faced the two while Jane faces the two others.

–1 HP, Player.

Great!

Amazing!

Status Effect (Debuff): Poison, Player.

–2 SP, Player.

–1 HP, Toxic Spearman.

Status Effect (Debuff): Small, Spearman.

–4 HP, Jane.

Status Effect (Debuff): Poison, Jane.

–4 HP, Venom Wizard.

Status Effect (Debuff): Slowness, Venom Wizard.

–2 HP, Tree Golem.

Blows were exchanged, each attack saps the energy in each group and before they knew it, it has been fifteen minutes of non-stop brawling.

But something seems... wrong. Like they're waiting for something or for someone—

"YOU!!!" Another voice that came from the south screeched.

Oh no... Player reread the battle log.

*Venom Wizard called for Help!*

Did they sneak someone in while pretending they only called for one?

Hard footsteps that shook the ground became ever more intense as a familiar giant peeks its head from the foliage of plants.

"Jeep almost hurt me and now you try hurt me friends too?!" Bigfoot screamed in anger "US HURT YOU FIRST!!!"

–3 HP, Jane.

Status Effect (Debuff): Minimize, Jane.

His foot made the earth quake, sending debris and dirt flying wildly around the air while Jane became small.

She coughed, realizing her shortened stature and smaller attack.

"We gotta run!!" Jane commands as Player nods. Hand in hand, they both made a run for it.

"Where do you think you're going?!"

"After them!!"

"Get back here!"

Annoyance flashes through Player's mind after they looked back to see Griefer's hooligans trailing after them before looking back at the front.

Their eyes widened as they and Jane stopped at an impasse. A great body of water blocks the path and the squad was getting closer to them.

"Crap—"

"Hey, what are you buffoons doing out here?!" A voice from a familiar penguin made the corners of Player's lips tug upwards into a crooked smile.

Those guys are sooo cooked... They can recall the cards the little penguin stashes in their room peeking out from drawers and secret spaces, and they low-key might've experienced getting blasted by him but they're not really sure.

"Oh, oh my—?!" Jane shrieks as their heads turn towards Terry and his new companion before reverting back to her normal size.

"Oh, hello, strangers!" The taller light blue penguin greets with a wave of his flipper.

"Jerry, what did I tell you about strangers?!" Terry scolds the other penguin "Especially those associated with DUMMIES who can't keep rooms clean!!!"

He is still not over that...

"But big broooo..." The younger Penguin whines "You're talking to them so surely they're fine, right?"

"See that you sore losers brought back-up!" The voice of the toxic squad mocks.

"And who are these goobers?" Terry claps back.

"Hey, watch your tone, bird! This is our turf and these two broke the law of our forest!"

"Beat it, man and go back to the tundras with ya lil bro!"

"..."

"..."

"..."

Oh no...

"Jerry, get behind me."

"Big bro—"

"I'mma bout to teach these wusses a lesson."

"You don't have t—"

But before Jerry could even finish his sentence, Terry pulls out a rocket launcher straight from his inventory and fired it towards the opposing team.

"WAAAHHH!!!"

"OOF!"

"AURGH!!"

"ROCKET HURTS!!!"

"UGH!!!"

A terrifying explosion swept through the rainforest, disrupting the natural ecosystem and having native wildlife run from the source of the loud bombing.

Once the smoke clears, everyone saw the unconscious bodies of Griefer's toxic team. Their clothes were charred black and they're covered in soot, mud and grass.

Terry huffed "Serves them right, they're lucky Jerry is here, or else I would of—"

"Oh no!! Are they okay?!" Jerry screeched, his flippers waving hysterically in panic.

Jane walks closer to the sprawled forms of the toxic gang "They're okay... just unconscious."

"Would be... for a while, sent them straight to a coma!"

"Big bro!!! Don't do that again...!!" Jerry cried before turning to the duo "I'm sorry, strangers! Big bro has always been like this but don't worry he isn't this violent every day, just grumpy!"

"Yes, yes... You saved our skin so we should thank you—" Jane coughs as the poison wears off.

"What even happened, bruh?" Jerry questions "Let me guess, this goober beside you did something stupid again." He guesses as he points a flipper aimed towards Player who can only look at him flabbergasted whilst pointing a finger to themselves in confusion.

"No, no... It was actually me..." Jane answers vaguely with a tired look "We probably should get going— it's a very important problem..."

"You two lost the kid, didn't you? Not surprised."

"Big bro, that's mean."

"Yeah, yeah... Well have fun finding your kid— and evading the CPS, probably. I'm leaving."

"Bye strangers!"

The two penguins left, leaving Player and Jane to patch up their wounds with the limited resources they have before finally walking back to where they faced off against Griefer's goons.

"Stand back." Jane orders as she swung the axe down, cutting the intertwined stems that blocks the path forward.

Beyond them was a big tree, a SACRED HOLLOW and at the very peak of its body was where the VENOMSHANK is kept and 1x1x1x1 must be captured in.

Without hesitation, they took the first step.

"Squawk, what's the password?" A toucan asks, standing over a small perch in the middle of a clearing with eight hanging vines in its left and right "🦍🦅👻💥."

Man...

Notes:

CORNER TRIVIA:

— In this fanfic crossover, the cards can only be helpful to a select few of programmers because although Block Tales knowledge on how cards work seems pretty widespread, in Forsaken (despite knowing little about the outside worldbuild) there has been no indication of the same power system so I made a workaround that and I'll explain it in future chapters (but if you guys are impatient, there are small bits of foreshadowing about it).

— The obstacles of Block Takes demo 2 were a bunch of tall grass. In this fic, I tweaked its appearance to looking more formidable and harder to go through just to put a wrench on everyone's journey.

— Jane's kit in Forsaken includes an axe to stun killers so I thought that she'd make a good stunner here in this fic too (She'll essentially replacing John). According to the wiki, she'll be a sentinel/support (first of her kind!)

— Bleed status effect doesn't exist in Block Tales and if it was, it would've been similar to poison and slowness (still tweaking it).

— It isn't specified in lore but gameplay wise, there are enemies in the Big Tree that were toxic type enemies. Not to mention that they're dialogue got some similarities and hints of relations with Griefer so I think they know each other.

— Player's backstory originally doesn't contain anything related to the Spawn cult in Forsaken but since this is a fusion of Forsaken and Block Tales, I thought this would be a great opportunity to further mix in the world building of both games. So I took another route of divergence and added their backstory to be intertwined with Azure and Two Time and honestly, I feel like this is a great decision since I'm already thinking of multiple ways on how this could go.

Chapter 11: It Shouldn't Have to End this Way

Notes:

"I have my whole life ahead of me"
The mysteriously devious time travelling bomb:

Anyway, it's already been a month in since I've started writing this fic, Coolios.

— Last chapter, I forgot to mention that Jane is referred to as just her first name and without the Doe and that's because she isn't married to John Doe yet.

— Honestly was planning to leak more of Player's backstory in later chapters but I feel as though this was a good opportunity.

The insides of the tree is spacious, truly worth being called a sacred hollow just for this.

Woodsmen littered the area, either hiding in corners or standing around near ladders. They greeted the duo with warm smiles and broken grammar but once asked about Griefer and 1x1x1x1's whereabouts, they became vague and cryptic, with none of their testimonies leading to a concrete conclusion.

"I Sawz Da Crowbar Guy Take Da Balding Guy And Green Goop Up Dere!" A woodsman testified.

"I Think's Dey Goes Down!" Another argues.

"Dey Must Went To May Go To Eh... Room."

After circling around inside the hollowed trunk of the tree a few more times and talking to everyone they come across, they finally came to a stop in front of a mysterious woodsman.

"Lookingz For Green Baby, Yes?" They inquired to which the duo nodded with urgency "Zaw A Big Fight Wid Crowbah Guy Up De Steps To Hiz Room. Broke Stair Path And Now Oder Woodsman Are Fixing It!"

Jane's eyes widened, her worries doubled in amount "Is there any other alternative paths we can take up there?"

"Ehm..." The woodsman held up a finger to their chin in thought "Crowbar... Grief Man Go Buys One Thousand Ands Thirteen Can's Ofz Cola..."

"...And?"

"Dere Is Pathz Secret Dat Go To Hisz Room Dere!" They explained "But Yous Help With Packing Colaz First's."

"We don't—"

"We can do it." Player cuts off Jane's earlier refusal, determination swirling in their eyes.

"Yippee! Follow Me's."

The woodsman beckoned them and they all started walking, following the woodsman inside a discreet spot in the sacred hollow.

Woodsman #13 fidgets in their spot before clearing their throat and knocking on the surface of the tree twice. The sound rang hollow before a voice on the other side echoes a yelp.

Player and Jane gasped, not at all expecting this kind of surprise.

"Pazzword!!"

"Waz Bee!"

"Proceedes!"

The thick hollow bark was pulled off, revealing a dark tunnel leading to an unknown place. Another woodsman guards the entrance wearing some sick pair of sunglasses.

The trio walked down the long tunnel in silence until Jane spoke up from besides Player in a hush whisper.

"Why did you say yes? You know we don't have time. What if it's a trap?."

"It's the fastest route... The woodsman said the path up to the room is broken." Player responds with assured confidence.

"And how do you know they're not lying?"

"I don't think they're capable of lying about stuff like that, I think."

"...Okay then, I trust you."

It took a few more moments before they came out on the other side. The two gasped as they saw an entire hidden village underneath the sacred tree hidden in the rainforest.

The place is an odd mixture of a village like Turitopulis and a factory. All work is done outside and there is absolutely no building to accomodate the storage, there was just a bunch of shelves sitting out in the open filled with consumables and gears that they can't name.

The place feels otherworldly and foreign, a bit alien despite being so similar to Turitopulis.

"That's a lot of stuff..." Jane murmurs under her breath "Is this supply just exclusive to the SACRED TREE or has a portion of it go to TURITOPULIS?"

"Ya, Stuff Goes Tart Off Police, Some Stayz Here's." Woodsman #13 confirms "Good Live! Us Woodsman Here Likes Items and Wood!"

"Huh... What's the pay?" Jane asks.

"Pay? No Py."

"You don't get paid?"

"We've House, Food, Happy Tings and Tree! People's From Da Outside Helpz Take Care's Of Housah."

"I guess that's enough to satisfy you guys huh..."

The trio stops at a conveyer belt made up of wood and leaves, a few woodsmen were operating it while some others were sorting out goods and classifying them to different boxes.

"Here's We R!" Woodsman #13 announced "Help See's Cans Of Colaz If Dey're Goalas, Witch Or Bloxyz. Alright, Byez Nowa!"

"...Bye...?"

The two were left on their lonesome, Jane and Player looked at each other for a few moments before nodding as they formulate a plan.

"Alright, so I'm not good with all the exploration and puzzling stuff that I'm sure will be here." Jane began "It seems those woodsmen really like parkour too, in my eyes, at least... And since you—"

"I can handle the exploration." Player responds with a nod.

"Yes, thank you." Jane breathes out a sigh of relief "Then, I guess I'll have to get to working... I'll distract them while you roam, or if I ever finish first, find a way up."

The two separated, each with their own agendas. Jane introduced herself to the other woodsmen at work whom welcomed her with a box of unsorted colas while Player went on a walk.

"I Sawz Crowbar Guys And His Papa Goes To His Room In Dis Route's With Little Baba!" A woodsman exclaimed "I Wonder's If Dat's New Familee? Do Lil Greenz Like Cake's To?"

"Strange... Grief Baby Never Goesz Here After Da Staircase Got Finished." Another ponders.

"The staircase broke." Player informs.

"Wah??!!"

"Bb Green Was Screaming While Big Green With Crowbah Was Mad. Us Woodsman Tries To Get Bb From Da Papa But Got Scared With Crowbar... Big Green Never Threatens Us With Crowbar..."

"Did Crowbah Guy Finally Havez Babies? Why R Dere Little Green Baby With Him?!"

After conversing with many woodman residents, Player stops at a small shop.

"Henlo!! Warez Made B Woodman, For Woodsmanz!!" The shopkeeper greets before their face turned into a sad frown "Oh Noes, Sorry New Peoplez. Foreigner Wares Are Over Dere!" They apologized before pointing at another stall with messily scribbled words saying: 'Peoplez #2 Wares!'

"Hello, I am a woodsman that knows proper grammar." An oddly scary woodsman greets with a wide and eerie smile "No one will believe you though."

A shiver crawled through Player's back to which they shook off to examine the displayed items.

There were six items up for selling: A goala cola, a bloxy cola, a banana, coconut water, apple pie and mangoes (a lot of mangoes, 67, those who know 💀. Stop, Player— focus).

"Three mangoes, please— oh and two goala colas!"

"Comez Right Upah!" The shopkeeper exclaims before preparing their order. After packaging it in a small box, the woodsman smiles as they handed it over to them.

"Thank you."

"Didz You's Know???" The creepy woodsman asked with a tilt of their head "That Goala Cola has a chance to propel you fifty studs forward into the air so be careful when using it... You will need good body control to fly that high up in the air, though!"

"..."

"Byez Friend! And remember, no one would ever believe you."

"..."

After walking away from that shady shop. Player is left with a few more items and still without a way to go up.

"Yousa Goes Up's?? Take Elevators! Over Der!"

Silently, Player steps inside the automatic elevator as it starts to move up. Upon stopping at the next floor, Player is surprised to see platforms and hanging vines that requires skilled parkour to traverse.

"We R Woodspeople! We Hab Tons Ofz Likiez. Like I Wans To B A Park Ors Masterz." A small woodsman pops up from the ground.

After acknowledging their interests, Player hopped to the other side and swung from great vines until they've stopped at an impasse.

A wide gap (practically impossible to jump across) is in front of them, blocking the way. A lone woodsman looks on with eyes that seems to examine the area, heavily perplexed.

"Grief's Boy And Smol Grief Boyz Gots Angie's Andz Broke The Bridges Across... Sowwy For Da Incon Venien Ces."

"..."

Crap, what now? The two broke every single way up! Can't they at least be a little more considerate for the others and not just recklessly destroy anything in their path?

A loud commotion from across the bridge snapped the two into attention. From shouting to rumbling and in no time, woodsman from the other side came out from the archway leading deeper inside the tree.

"HALP!!!"

"Crazies Here!!"

"Waaah!"

They screamed before climbing on to the vines hanging from the sides or hiking down the tree's bark and escaping.

"Oh..." The woodsman turned silent before turning to Player "I Noes Now Why."

With nothing else to gain from here, Player reluctantly went back to where Jane is. A radical plan forming in their head, reckless in nature yet effective for progression.

The woman seems to be almost done with her work, only really having to package and sort a few more colas before she wiped the sweat off her brow and let out a loud sigh of relief before spotting Player walking towards her.

"Well?"

"Bad news..." Player mumbles before pausing for dramatic effect "The path up in this way was also destroyed..."

"What?!"

"But on the bright side," Player cuts off "I got a brand new plan!"

"...Oh, thank goodness!" Jane breathes out a sigh of relief "For a moment, I thought I packed those colas for nothing."

Player beckons her over as the two started their journey to the last place they were in before coming back to her.

"That's... a long way down." Jane comments as she peers down the ledge of the broken bridge "A shame we don't have a jump coil... Ugh, if only I knew!"

"Here." Player taps her on the shoulder before giving her a Goala Cola.

She looks at the beverage intensely for inspection before looking at Player expectantly "Did you steal this?"

"What? No!" Player denies, offended at her statement no matter how true it may be if it were in any other situation.

"What do you want to do with this?" Jane asks as she held the soda can in her hands, the metal condensing drops of cold water on its surface.

"I heard from someone that this cola gives you a chance to propel yourself forward. I think it's worth a try."

"How likely is that chance?"

"...I guess we'll have to find out!"

"Fine with me."

With a pop of the tab, the carbonated soda fizzled from it and without hesitation, Jane took one big gulp.

"..."

"..."

"Huh, this cola tastes like—"

She didn't get to finish her words as the shifting of her feet sent her propelling through the air by fifty studs before she landed on the other side of the platform with a thud and a loud "oof!".

"I'm okay!" She exclaimed from the other side.

A bead of sweat ran down Player's forehead as they looked at the gap of the platforms together. But with the can in their hands, they hesitantly opened it and took a drink of the fizzling carbonated drink.

Mmm... Tastes like soda and diabetes.

Player hesitantly looks back, to the floor of the platform they stand on as they now notice the familiar glow of a swirling symbol of the spawn point beneath them.

That finally gave them the confidence to take a step forward and jump.

One stud, ten studs, forty studs...

Yet, they didn't make it to fifty, the cola was defective!

The wind whistled in their ears as they fell sixty studs down to the ground—

A hand caught them before they can fall further, Jane grunts as she pulls them up with great strength.

The lingering taste of soda and diabetes rests in Player's tongue.

"Ack!"

Player lands on the other side with a painful pop in their bones but thankfully, all is well. They didn't sustain any life threatening injuries.

Jane assists in getting them up and after checking their condition, she breathes out a sigh of relief before leading the way deeper inside the tree.

The muffled sounds of destruction became more intense. It ranges from something snapping, wood creaking and a loud buzz of furniture being thrown across the room.

They stopped at a blocked off exit, the end of the secret passage is what Player presumes.

Gathering up all their strength, Jane and Player helped in pushing the blockage off with Jane carrying most of the heavy weight.

Finally, they arrived at the top where Griefer's room is just beyond the corner. The sounds were now deafening.

Slowly, the two prepared for battle before finally turning a corner only to see 1x1x1x1 in a jail cell located in the corner of the room with a bed besides them.

It was silent— not like the loud screaming kids do at the supermarkets whenever their parents refused them something yet the anger was palpable in each furniture being thrown, each item broken beyond repair, each remains of items on the floor strewn about and each huff and scratching of his hair.

"1x1x1x1...?" Player calls out hesitantly as his eyes snapped to them and Jane's.

"...What took you so long?!" He screamed with unshed tears in in his eyes before he wiped them away and he was back to being an angry child.

"...Where is the key?" Jane asks as she inspects the lock on the door.

"I think he left it over by the shelf..." 1x1x1x1 mumbled as Player went closer to rummage through the said shelf before finally finding a key nestled between two video game cartridges for the Workplay 3.

Hold on, Workplay 3?

Player's eyes roamed to the box containing said game console looking brand new and fresh out of the store with little to no scratch marks on the exterior.

They considered taking it when no one is looking.

They gave the key to Jane who promptly unlocked the cell door.

"He didn't hurt you, did he?" She asks as she took 1x1x1x1's hand in hers.

"Do you think I'd let him?"

"..."

"Where is he?" Player questions as their eyes gazed at the empty pedestal in the middle of the room where the Venomshank is supposed to be kept in but now, there is nothing but a stump covered in vines and leaves.

"He took it, I don't know where he went but I know that he went out." 1x1x1x1 informs.

The symbol of the spawn point spins near the doorway of the crib. Eternal in its duty and dazing to look at.

"Well then we should probably—"

"WATCH OUT!!!"

 

---

 

A splitting headache tears at their skull before it all fades away into nothing but a phantom sensation. Player felt speechless as they clutched their head for a moment, dazed and confused while their eyes watered from the unexpected pain.

"Player, are you alright?" A voice asks from faraway as they craned their head to look at the other two in the room who held worried looks.

It's best not to think about it; they don't want anyone to worry.

They gave a small thumbs up in assurance as they looked at the shelf with a collection of gaming cartridges for the Workplay 3.

It felt like their life was replaying at that very moment. They took the key from between the cartridges, Jane unlocks the cell and—

"WATCH OUT!"

Player dodges before they can even blink, the Venomshank stabs the air instead of their head before embedding itself into the ground.

Jane acted quickly as she grabbed the child before hiding him behind her as she faced the battle.

"Ugh..." Player groans as they got up.

Before dodging another attack from Griefer's crowbar.

"Brad, don't do this!!" His father screamed in despair as he enters the room, the binds that were once restricting him now loose and on the floor. But Griefer paid no mind to his father's voice as he swung another blow to Player who promptly dodged again.

It felt like muscle memory, and in just a few more rounds of back and forth, the two stood face-to-face across each other.

"G1V3 UP. Y0U R3ALLY 4RE LIK3 A R0ACH!"

"..."

"SH3DLETSKY'S BEEN D3ALT W1TH. 4ND Y0U'RE L1TTLE FRI3NDS ARE N0 M4TCH F0R ME!"

"Shut up, dork!" 1x1x1x1 insults from behind Jane who promptly covered his mouth with her hand.

"YOU. PUNK. N3VER LE4RNED Y0UR L3SS0N, HUH??"

"Back off." Player blocks the way as they faced him off.

"H4H."

"..."

"4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4 H4H4H4H 4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4HH 4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H44H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4 H4H4H4H 4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4HH 4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4 4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4 H4H4H4H 4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4HH 4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4 4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4 H4H4H4H 4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4HH 4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4!!!!!!!!"

"...!"

"D1E."

Player immediately pulls out their GUI, their urgency washing away any and all worries of illegal contraband as they dodged another slash from the Venomshank.

Great!

Amazing!

Excellent!

"ST0P M0V1NG!"

"Nuh-uh!"

–2 SP, Player.

–1 HP, Griefer.

Status Effect (Debuff): Minimize, Griefer.

–3 HP, Griefer.

Jane joined the battle with her axe that she swung down, her eyes held confusion as she looked at the panel in Player's hands.

"I—"

"There's better things to worry about, I get it."

Player feels grateful for that.

–4 HP, Jane.

Status Effect (Debuff): Slowed, Jane.

"Oof!!!"

The battle was fierce and blows were exchanged. Player, even though they have a companion still struggled due to their limited arsenal of cards in their inventory.

Maybe it was better to be alone. They're sure they would've gotten something better along the way if only they had the chance to take their time exploring—

"WATCH OUT!"

Great!

But as Player looks behind them to see their companions, a renewed vigor courses through their body and a small smile made its way to their face as they could feel that burning anxiety from the fight lessen after hearing the voice of their party members.

Perhaps having friends along the journey is worth it. They may have missed the chance to obtain rare loot but a companion is priceless, more rarer than bux and an artifact with more value than an ante up card. It can't be replaced and it can't be bought.

–8 HP, Player.

Status Effect (Debuff): Poison, Player.

Though, it would really be nice to have a better deck than their current equipped cards but they had a tight financial budget upon buying their current cards in the 'In the Cards' store, still do but at least they can rob this discord mod after the fight.

–2 HP, Griefer.

"H3H, 1S TH4T ALL Y0U GO7? WE4K!"

Player has decided to steal his Workplay 3 too after this.

The battle was tedious— at some point, 1x1x1x1 decided to join as a support. Player feels thankful for the regenerative aid although with their skills in dodging and their recently leveled up GUI that they improved thanks to being hospitalized for a week, 1x1x1x1's help stays limited.

It took a few more hits for Griefer to kneel, panting and sweating bullets while he glared daggers at the group, his eyes were becoming more green than red and the Venomshank is... glowing awfully bright...?

Griefer gags before coughing up a lung "D4MN... S0 TH1S IS I7, HUH...?"

"..."

"CHEAT3RS... L0TS OF Y0U, 4LL 0F Y0U." A wheezing laugh erupted from his throat, maniacal and filled with an underlying insanity Player cannot recall "IT'S... IT'S ALL JUST A S1CK PR4NK, ISN'T 1T...?"

"Young man, I don't know what you're saying but please—"

"W3LL??? 4R3 Y0U L4UGHING NOW?!?! B3CAUSE Y0U ALL TH1NK IT 1S S0000 FUNNY T0 S3T ME UP JU5T T0 SEE M3 FA1L?!"

"Brad, don't listen to it. Please snap out of it!" His father begs but Griefer does not budge, his sanity slips away like grains of sand as he clutches his head in pain.

"SCR3W. IT."

"He's gone insane..." 1x1x1x1 mutters from behind them.

"SCREW. THE. PROPHECY."

"BRAD!!!"

"1F I'M G0ING OUT..."

"Step away from the sword...!"

"1'M T4KING Y0U OUT WITH M3!"

The grip on the Venomshank tightened before Griefer lifts it high up in the air and—

"AGH!" He screamed in pain, the grip on the word loosening as an explosive spark blinds him and sets off the pain receptors in his skin as multiple pops burns skin.

Before Player can register what just happened, 1x1x1x1 dashed from behind them with his GUI equipped as he navigated the interface to press buttons.

"Kid, STOP!"

"Y0U L1TTL3 BR4T!!"

There was a splatter of red before their very eyes; it was similar to the spilling of paint as it slowly coats the floor before they felt it, a blooming pain by their stomach and it almost made them miss the shock and absolute horror twists on everyone's face as the sword dug deep into Player's abdomen.

It dyed their clothes a shade of bloody red and they can vaguely hear someone scream but— they can't focus on that, they can't focus on anything for they can only tighten their hold on 1x1x1x1 while their eyes stayed stuck to the haunting symbol on the floor, unseen by everyone yet so, so, so blinding to them.

The spawn point glows brighter as its form spins like a wheel, a cog in a machine that never stops and they can't tear their eyes away no matter how much it watered.

Why does their tears hurt? Why does their body feel like it's boiling with acid? Why is something squirming inside them, like roots?

Their hold on the child loosens as they looked at their hands hardening into logs, their nails curling like branches and plants bursting from the cracks of their skin while the blood oozing out of their body transforms into something foreign— a hideous concoction of sap and honey.

They can recognize it, plants from all around the world tearing their body to shreds and turning them into an accessory for nature to leech off of like parasites and they are nothing but the unfortunate host of the Venomshank's clear desires for control.

Oh, God... Make it stop, MAKE IT STOP—

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

CORNER TRIVIA:
— I designed the woodman workplace to be similar to Temmy Village from Undertale.

— Mango 67 meme appeared 2 months ago... I think, June and if that is the case, Player must've known about it since Demo 4 and Pre-prologue came out at that time.

— Goala Cola is an item from the catalogue that was published in June 12, 2010. It is to celebrate the FIFA world cup, might be based on RC Cola and also has the ability to propel you 50 studs (this is really helpful since Player has not obtained the Rocket Boots)

Here in Block Tales, I guess it could grant the player and the party a speed buff or just a random buff upon consumption idk.

— Workplay 3 is just Block Tables version of the Playstation just like YouTube and YouCube; Apple II and Bapple II.

(Happy day everyone)

Chapter 12: In My Restless Dreams

It felt like a cold embrace, a very tight embrace, a suffocating embrace.

It does them no good to romanticize, it truly doesn't— but with how long they've been stuck tied to a tree with the yellow ropes burning their skin while the sun cooks them alive, there really is nothing better to do.

This is the case of one in many. By this point, this tree might as well be their mentor with how much they've been forced into close proximity with it for so many times.

The higher-ups decided to tie them up here with their feet dangling in the air while their whole body is unable to move no matter how much they squirm. It all just makes the pain of the ropes digging into their skin even worse while the sun helps their sweat turn into glue that sticks itself to the ropes practically burning their skin. They said that it's to teach them a lesson, but for what? For the smallest sins, that's what!

They already tried appealing to the adults yet they're never convinced so by this point, they've learned that it's better to just suck it up.

In this instance, they were punished because it was about the next ritual and they were chosen to be one of the next dancers to perform in the ceremony. They were afraid and felt unqualified; their sloppy performance led to the perception of them being an apathetic and faithless member.

"Such sacred act must not be sullied by a blasphemer!"

"Hang them by the trees and have the SPAWN burn its name in their skin! For that is the lesson all the faithless must face to find their way back to the Almighty..."

"You think this dance is some kind of hilarity?! Are you even trying, or are you just a SLOB?? A bum like you doesn't deserve this DANCE OF SACRILEGE, this matter must be told to the others!"

"Uncooperative, apathetic and recluse. I'm not saying that they're a child of the devil but their manners are... problematic."

So, here they were tied to the tree of shame— a dead tree with roots that stays mangled in the soil and branches without leaves while its trunk rots from the inside out.

The child slowly moved their head somewhere else— to another tree with green leaves decorating its branches, a healthy body that can withstand storm and drought, and roots that anchored itself in the soil. Tied to one of the branches was a swing and they can hear the ropes creak as the other children flocked to it like bees with laughter as they play.

They always wanted to play in the swing but the adults always said that they didn't deserved it. Only good kids play in the swing and gets to enter the playground.

They were not one of them.

It feels like eternity to be stuck tied to a rotting corpse of a once living tree while every glance sent in their direction feels like a stab of a thousand needles, more painful than the bites of ants crawling on their skin as they migrated from the tree to their flesh and clothes.

Today was a good day though, there were less insects than normal but that's probably because they've recently cleaned it up just to prepare for this moment.

A horrible ringing starts to intensify like some sort of tinnitus from a gunshot as their surroundings became watercolor and paint, abstract in a canvas before it soon blurs into—

"Can you hear me...?"

It was finally night time, and it's raining. There is a woman in front of them holding an umbrella that stood out from the dark surroundings. Her face is covered by a shadow and they can barely make out her features.

"...Why didn't you stand up for me?" The child mumbles, barely incomprehensible yet the woman understands, she always has for she is the only person that was willing to mentor them.

She stayed silent before her hands dug deep inside her skirt's pockets to pull out a box cutter. With swift motions, she cuts the eye-catching yellow rope binding them to the tree with a precision that indicates that she has done this more than once.

"It'll all get better soon, you just have to trust me..." She solemnly whispers "I'll get us out of here, dear... They won't inflict pain on you any longer, you just have to let me think..."

"..."

"The world out there, I was so stupid to abandon my family and my friends for this place... No good, horrible place..."

"Can you tell me about the outside?"

"It's... It's not like what the missionaries say. The people out there are never that cruel; people can always change and their personalities are as diverse as the people here."

"..."

"Promise me you won't tell the others about what I told you...?"

"Mhm..." They hummed with a sleepy slurring of their voice before tears welled up in their eyes as a question forms in their head "They don't like it when I question about the church, or the village... They don't like it when I paint the walls with anything but that symbol... They don't like my dancing, they don't like anything about me! They hate me for being me..."

"Shhhh..." She hushes with a comforting lull "I like you for being you, as long as one person here does, that means you can still be yourself..."

The rains patters before thunder strikes a tree from the distance as the world blurs and they close their eyes while the droning of their mentor's voice led them to a dreamless sleep.

 

---

 

Confusion dazed them as they try to register their surroundings yet the effort was cut short as they noticed that all they can see is a crown of vines blocking their eyes.

Yet they can feel it, a pain like no other that threatens to burst their ribcage and split their head open.

"Player!" A muffled shout blocked by all the plants covering their ears called out.

"Snap out of it, please!" Another, one who seems to be crying, begs. Their voice was hoarse and dry and it felt oddly painful to hear.

Their head spins as they felt their body move on its own. No doubt it was the doing of the Venomshank that they can feel squirming deeper in their guts to burrow into their very marrows.

And like the parasite that it is, it saps away their consciousness like how a leech sucks off a host's blood.

 

---

 

She left them...

She left them and never dared to return.

The bitter taste of hatred was often familiar in their tongue, yet when it comes to her, it felt foreign— it shouldn't be, they shouldn't feel like this to her and yet they did, because she's gone without even saying a goodbye.

A heartless betrayal from a trusted individual in the community— one with a high rank, no less. It was a huge scandal, and there was no better way to blame anyone for her disloyalty towards the community and the church than her child disciple— who was known to be nothing but a liability and a nuisance with the only good they can bring to this village was a talent for drawing and a penchant for creativity.

They were demoted to the lowest class in the community's hierarchy with little chance for climbing higher into the rankings, perhaps of fear they'll be the next one fleeing after her, maybe it is to teach everyone a lesson by using them as an example, or they're probably using them as a pawn to lure her back in to this wretched place.

They don't know, they wish they were older... Maybe they'd know and figure it out like an easy puzzle if they were.

That was a week ago, and most of their time has now been spent here in the lake where no one visits other than to feed the ducks.

They're mostly the one that feeds them now though. They carefully tore a portion of the bread up and sprinkle it all over the ground as the ducks flocked to them for a good meal.

Although, one duckling separates itself from them all. It was ugly, it was big and fatter than any other of its siblings and has been always the oddest among all of them.

After eating, the ducks go back into the water. The deep blues hiding the insurmountable depth of their loneliness and the gnawing isolation that threatens to crush them like a tsunami.

A distant splash of water made them tear their gaze away from the (too blue) waters as they looked beyond the edges of the lake to see another individual throwing rocks in the water. They scream in frustration as they threw three other rocks into the lake in bitter anger before their eyes slowly wandered to them.

"Oh, it's you." He recognizes them but that's to be expected because practically the whole village knows.

"..."

"I guess we're both here to forget about our problems... perhaps, escape from the scrutiny of others, yes?"

They nod their head silently.

The other sighed in return "You probably don't know me, but my name is Azure. I am just here for a short while so don't mind me..."

"...Okay"

"It must be rough, having to be treated as an outcast just because of someone else."

A twinge of anger rushed through them for just a second before they extinguish that feeling out. They can't afford being violent here, not now. Although, it was a horrible move to even think of reminding them of recent events that is still a sensitive topic to them.

"Just so you know, I don't believe it is necessary to treat you like that."

Glad to know but sadly, that opinion won't change the verdict.

"I heard there'd be another meeting today about your situation. I'm going there to testify that you're of no harm and that you deserve to climb up the hierarchy, just like all of us."

"..."

"..."

"...Why are you here?"

"Can't a guy get a break?"

"...?"

"It's just, I feel overwhelmed. Perhaps it's because I have lately been so obsessed in proving my worth to the Almighty Spawn that I just, completely forgot about myself." He says as he nervously adjust his wide brim witch hat before his hands traveled down to fidget on the flowers pinned to his clothes "I feel like a false worshipper... The Spawn won't like to see me like this yet I can't help it..."

"..."

"My mentor told me to take a break, and I did but... I just can't settle!" They groaned in frustration as they ramble on "I have been attending every sermon, each and every community gathering, all the ceremonies and so when I rest— like, like this, it's just— Agh!"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...Can you not tell anyone of this side of me? It feels shameful for me to act so immature and... angry." He requests with the aversion of his eyes "Yet for some reason... I feel a little more lighter after unloading this burden unto you and the waters."

"Don't worry about it..."

"Thank you. As for repayment, I'll make sure they change your punishment to be a little less cruel."

"...Thanks."

"I'm just enacting justice."

 

---

 

Their consciousness is nothing but a flicker. In this bout of clarity, they can feel new limbs that they're unable to control wrap around something solid and rough before throwing it across the room.

A loud crash, more screaming and a jolt of pain ran through their body as the sharp edge of a blade dug deep into one of their new limbs.

The pain is nauseating, practically rendering them immobile yet the Venomshank refuses to wither. It has always been so stubborn.

The world warps into darkness as their waking moments were snuffed out yet again.

 

---

 

A harsh bang of something hitting the wooden pews of the church's cathedral rang out in the quiet hall as an angry man marches down the walkway to scrutinize each and every one in the room.

"Who took my phone?!" He screams in anger "C'mon now everyone, just admit your faults and nothing will go worse than it is now."

What a lie, they've heard better. They decided that they're keeping this thing and perhaps, maybe using that phone they could... maybe... reach out to her.

Bang!

They flinched at the sound of someone's fist hitting the wood of the pew that they kneel on and slowly, they looked up to be met with a glare from the man that towers over them.

For a moment, they saw the horns of the devil before they blinked again and it was gone.

"Are you listening, problem child?"

They nod their head silently. The fear at the back of their mind being pushed to the forefront as it grew from an inkling to becoming the main emotion overtaking them.

The purple of each flowers inside the small pots that lined the walls of the church's interior seems so saturated in their seat. Nightshades, they recall.

"So, any clue on who that thief may be? Seeing as you were in the church when the incident took place last time I recall." He bellowed an accusatory implication yet they weren't fazed.

"There were others that visited the cathedral too..."

Why is this man so hell-bent on blaming them? Even though he's right, it doesn't hurt to shut up once in a while.

"Oh, and who? Name me one person that visited the cathedral!"

"Maybe go ask the priests..." The child retorts which only made the man angrier.

"You think this is a JOKE?!"

They want to snap back at him, tell him something about common sense that he so clearly lacks but doing something that reckless here now, where everyone's eyes seems to be glued to them isn't a good idea.

"...Two Time, Azure—" In a low mumble, they started to list down each and every individual that visited the cathedral. From the time they started their shift to the end.

Each of the people called perked up before either glaring at them, seemingly offended at being accused to be a thief or unfazed, knowing they're not the guilty.

Their reactions doesn't matter though, because practically everyone visits the church everyday so in the end, they listed off practically everyone in the room.

"You think this is some kind of joke, huh?" The man laughed, sickeningly boisterous for his age "You trying to be a smarty-pants and think you can just list the name of everyone here and accuse them of something they didn't do? The lessons that the Almighty Spawn taught the little lambs is that pointing the blame on others without proof will chain you from a second life for you are damning the innocents and pardoning the guilty..."

"..."

Adults will always be unreasonable.

"Punishment for thirty minutes, I expect you to learn your lesson."

The torture will always be crueler.

He grabbed their arm as they pulled them from the pew violently all while shouting out commands to the others "Get the rope, this unruly child will be tied up at the tree!"

They will always to forget to untie them, except for her but she's not here anymore and she'll never come back.

Each second felt like a year as they were kept scarily aware of the minutes counting down the time of when they'll be free yet even after thirty minutes passed, they still haven't been let down.

It feels like eternity being tied up here and each second slows down to a millenia. With nothing to do, they reflected on their actions and buried themselves in their thoughts like how they always do.

Do they deserve being tied up here? Probably. They did steal the phone but it was the fact that they have no proof against them and just recklessly tied them up is what irks them the most.

Did they regret stealing the phone? No, not even a bit. They saw some cools things there whenever they sneak behind the higher-ups to see what they're looking at. Why can't they use it but not them anyway?

But now that doesn't matter. They will have to wait for a savior so they they waited, then waited.

Yet nobody came—

"You're still tied up there?" A voice questions in disbelief. In their blurry haze of a vision, they saw that familiar witch hat and they just knew it was Azure.

He got closer to their tied up form, still stuck on the trunk of the tree with insects crawling in their hair and clothes like its a nest.

"I, uh... don't know how to get you down." He began "I dunno how to untie that, but I'll try."

It was tedious but Azure managed with their help. It wasn't special really, they saw themselves being untied for so many times already that something like this has just become routine.

Their skin is red, it itches and aches but they'd rather turn away Azure's help because it is not really that serious but they didn't realize how disoriented they really were, until a hand touches their shoulder and with reluctant consent, let Azure guide them home.

 

---

 

A pounding headache ransacks their brain into mush as the roots invade their brain like a hive mind. Their heart bleeds a sticky residue, liquid transparency from native plants mix with the red globs of their blood cells as it adapts to a foreign intrusion.

By this point, the Venomshank becomes a second limb and another bone in their body yet even with all the odds stacked against them, they still stubbornly continue to fight back against the parasites that continued to eat away at their flesh and ravage their body like a feast.

"...1— 1T'S 3XP4NDIN6!"

"Evacuate the woodsmen, call the admins and warn the others!"

"Wait, we can't leave yet, what about—!"

"Then someone's has to pull out that sword, NOW!!!"

"PLAYER!!!"

They can feel something— no, someone grabbed a hold of the Venomshank embedded in their torso before it was violently pulled back.

A scream tore through their throat, guttural and hoarse before the world pulls them back into unconsciousness.

 

---

 

The most vivid memory, the most blurred reflection; they remember, they can't.

It was snowing so heavily that day as a blizzard freezes through all life in the land to the point where one would think an apocalyptic ice age has fallen across the world. Snowballs that felt like bullets smashed through their room's ceiling where it creaks in response as its weakening structure bent and cracked before it fell down. The remains embedded itself on their bed while the sea of snow rumbled like a tsunami as it covers the windows and enters their room from the hole above.

The world is dead out there, and they'd be dead in this room if they don't leave either. Their room is poorly ventilated with barely any warmth to find in this cold prison but going outside spells a death wish for someone with low-quality clothes on yet they'd rather die free than die a chained prisoner that has never seen the beauty of the outside world that the cellphone describes.

Hawaii, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Spain. The world was bigger than they could've imagine— could've thought of!

They want to see it, experience it... Life is a waste being shackled in this village.

Stealing that phone might be the greatest idea they've ever had. Who cares if they were subjected to thirty minutes of being tied up to a tree, they saw the beauty of the world for the first time because of it and they're not wasting a chance in experiencing it in their lifetime.

Besides, if they were already banned from a second life, why not make the most of the first? This is what they wanted to do before dying, and no one is going to stop them!

So, following their plans, they packed their bags (putting all their clothes and the now busted up phone of a higher-up) and emptied their room.Their hands gripped the barred windowsill before starting to cut through the bars with a saw they've smuggled from the metalwork station.

They forced themselves to learn metalwork just for this moment. The ability to create beautiful works by using metal was just an added bonus.

They aimed to muffle the noise of their sawing as much as possible with the help of the loud snowstorm terrorizing the village, and with one final cut, the bars drop and freedom was only a touch away.

But before they can climb over, the door opens without warning and they cursed themselves for not remembering to block the doors.

They got so used to being locked in a shed that they forgot that their room has no lock.

On the other side was Azure with a hand on the doorknob and flowers on the other while their face twists from neutrality to shock and confusion.

"What are you—" Before he can even finish his words, they pulled him inside their room before blocking the door with a nearby chair.

Azure stumbled before falling into the bed, the flowers now crushed on the floor with petals littering the ground before the cold wind blew it away.

"I can't stay here..." They mutter their very first words in a while in a hoarse voice.

"...What?!" Azure asks in disbelief, their voice rising an octave "What do you mean by that?! I— ugh... Aren't you— I don't... understand."

Of course he wouldn't.

"..." The words stayed stuck in their throat, their vocal chords refuse to obey.

A hand brushes theirs, Azure took a step forward and another with eyes that held desperation and denial.

"Tell me, tell me you are lying. This is a joke right? Tell me it is— that you're happy here and that you're learning to get better!" They rambled on with furrowed brows.

His hands shook as it tightened it's grip on their shoulder and it hurts, but not as much as having rope burn their skin and indent itself on their flesh.

"You know we're here for you, right?"

The countless hours in isolation and the lake with the ducks where no one visits. No one checks on those ducks just like how no one checks up on them. It gets to the point that they're sure they know more about those ducks than they do of their own peers.

Hell, they've became their feeder for Spawn goodness sake!

"Tell me... you still believe in the Spawn— in us, the community." He pleaded.

They can make out figures from outside their room relighting the torches as it brightens the cramped space and the shadows of both them and Azure became terrifyingly long as the angles shift to where they believed they can make out the figure of the devil replace their shadow and a monster in Azure's place before it all goes back to just them.

"If you care... Please, stay."

To this community that only knows cruelty.

Make them stay, for an eternity of damnation in this godforsaken community where they will spend half of their life tied to a rotting tree.

Stay in this wretched place that mistakes suffering as salvation and where holy scriptures were written with the blood of sacrificed livestock.

Make them stay?

Stay...?

"Was it the punishments? I'll make sure they won't hurt you as much..."

In their life in this secluded community, the color that they see the most was red. It became a familiar color and it became associated to them and them only.

The red of their blood; the red of their scrapes and bruises; the red of their clothes and beaten up shoes; the paint of red bleeding through the fabric of their apron.

The red of their hate. How they loathe this village to the point of fantasizing the reds of the fire they want to see as it watched it all burn and how they despise its residents to where they dream the redness of their blood dripping down from the doorway.

It was always red, and it will continue to be red.

"Just because you'll lessen the pain doesn't mean I don't feel it, it never gets better. Pain is still pain at the end of the day..."

"Then, what about— what about your place?"

"Forget about it... They always end up demoting me for the smallest reasons anyway, I'll never get to where you are."

"What about your friends?"

"I don't have any."

"Then... what about me?"

"..."

"I'm your friend, aren't I?"

A friend is pushing it. He only ever talks to them whenever they're the only one around and everyone else is busy.

A friend is too much, a stranger is too little yet an acquaintance feels strange... The last choice seems perfect.

Does he even know their likes from dislikes? Does he know that they hate the purple of nightshades and that sickening taste of community harvested food in their mouth?

Does the other even know their name???

"Tell me, why are you here?"

He blinks "I, I came to see you..."

"Why?"

"Why not? It's just, I don't want to see someone alone all the time so—"

"I know it's because the others are busy, you don't need to try that hard to hide it."

"No that is—"

"Let me go, Azure."

"...No."

Without a word, you shrug his hand off before walking to the windowsill. The world outside seems to calm yet the storm will come back, they know.

"Is it the room? I can fix it, and I can tell the others to give you a better living space!"

A pestering hand grabs on to their shirt and Azure's fingers twitch upon contact as they stop the urge to pull them back from the window.

"Jon—"

"Don't call me that, that's not my name."

"I—"

"None of you know a damn thing about me and it shows... Jon, Joan, Jones, Janette, Jane, Jen, Jan. It's not even close..."

"I'm sorry then, I can correct myself if—"

"Just stop." Player scoffs "This place never accepted me even when I was a child, and I know they won't accept me as an adult either... I'm running out of time, Azure. They want me gone and I know..."

"..."

"So please, don't let me stay..."

Emotions have started to rush through, all those years of trapping these nonsensical feeling have now started to push back at the worst time possible, showing vulnerabilities to an already vulnerable individual.

They feel hate for everyone in this village, they feel isolated from their peers, they feel greedy whenever they looked at the other children who have more, they feel afraid of the higher-ups.

"No, no. I can't do that!" Azure refuses, the words were slurring together with how fast they uttered it.

"Then come with me..."

It was impulsive and not a part of their perfect escape plan, but, a companion would be nice.

Anything to know that someone cares, that at least one person in here would choose them out of everyone.

To quell that greed for wanting more, no matter how undeserving they are of it.

To lessen that loneliness that plagues them in their life.

To calm their fears of the unknown and of the things that they do know.

To rid themselves of the filthy feeling of hate that drives them to a guilt ridden sleep.

They want to see that they matter, that they're not just a someone in the masses.

Because as much as they deny it, Azure is someone that they've come to know. A person that they care about from how much they've done to get them out of situations that cursed them to a life of misery.

And they owe him for that, they do. But they can't stay here just for him.

"I can't, my home is here."

Just like how he can't leave everything behind just for them.

Yet bitterness and hate bubbles underneath their skin upon hearing those words like a sour candy that melts too slowly in the mouth. With a huff, they pushed that feeling to the back of their mind.

"Then, pretend that you never knew me..." Player demands "Forget about me, Azure. I'll do the same."

Because they will forget everything, they will leave everything behind and start a new life away from here.

Away from everyone that ever hurt them.

The windowsill's lifted open, and Player climbed up. For the first time in their life, freedom feels so magnificent.

The snow that crunched beneath their shoes, the wind in their hair and the blizzard that blurs their figure into nothing but a burning memory.

"You might die out there!" The faraway voice of Azure echoes "It's cold and storming. You won't get far, come back!"

"Then drag me back! You've always been such a slow runner, Azure... Try to keep up!"

That'll be the last time they will see each other again.

Player would like to think that some day they'd meet again in Stinky's Coffee at Bizville, or go to the beach to cowabunga, perhaps go goof around in the playground.

But they'd come to find— years later, that this dream will never come to fruition and the community will burn under the sins of their own making taking with it the burning embers of everything they once knew.

But at least they got away. Through downtrodden snow and unending hails, they finally escaped.

Notes:

Heaviest character backstory lore drop yet! I planned to sprinkle all this Player backstory in other chapters but I feel as though this is the perfect time to reveal everything so that the future chapters can be given to other character backstories and lore instead!

— In the drafts, Player was intended to blame Azure and say that they're the one that stole the phone and even planted it in their bag but I feel that's out of character so it was scrapped. There was also a scrapped scene where Player becomes a missionary and tries to escape after seeing the beauty of the world but was stopped by Azure but it was scrapped for a more realistic and more dramatic view than the earlier plans I have and besides the cellphone is enough to change someone's view of the world.

— I'm not tagging Two Time but I am tagging Azure since they finally showed themselves more than once. Also characterizing him is pretty hard due to the small tidbits of information I'm only given with found in the wiki but I think I managed to get the core components down. Tell me if I didn't though, i'll change it before it's too late!
* Brochacho has a hard time controlling their anger according to the wiki but I'm pretty sure that is only applicable when he got Forsaken so I'm not fleshing that out yet.
* One thing that was noticed by others is how perfect Azure seems to be from another's perspective (Two Time). This is either their twisted sense of perception of Azure tries to hide the ugliest parts of himself and I choose both.
* The wiki says that they got attachment and paranoia issues, this might also mean that they get attached easily. I hope I characterized that well in this chapter.

— Jon is the name playtesters and devs use as a placeholder name for Player. It doesn't feel gender neutral though so I am against using it here often.

Chapter 13: Oh, Trees, The Agony!

1x1x1x1 saw that sickening transformation with their very own eyes, as the person they once knew morphed into a monster right in front of them.

Player let's out a blood-curdling scream, one that shook 1x1x1x1 to the core as they slowly back away from them despite their mind wanting nothing more than to be closer to comfort Player and attempt to calm their agony.

"Oh— Oh my gosh!" Jane gasped as she starts to panic, her words slurred and jumbled and her eyes darts towards every corner of the room before her eyes locked in on the child and she lunged to pull them away from their mutating companion.

"####, I didn't mean it..."

And there's the bastard who was the cause of all this, acting like an innocent bystander going all shocked knowing that he's the reason why—

"GET IT OUT— GET IT OUT!!!"

Player's scream echoes in the room, shaking the walls and almost bursting their eardrums. Small branches starts to protrude from their body and their skin starts to be covered by a bark while their eyes turned teary from the pain.

"It's... It's the Venomshank!" Mayor Thaniyel cries "Someone has to get the Venomshank out before the mutation kills them!"

There was one problem. They are facing the front while the Venomshank is buried deep into their back, except for Brad.

"Hey!" Jane calls out "I'll buy you time, I'll distract them!"

"Hurry, Brad, before the transformation finishes!" His father urges.

The guy from the other side nods, the grip on his crowbar tightening.

Jane let's out a roar as her axe swung down on a newly-formed branch, cutting it in half.

Player screamed while the Venomshank glowed with a powerful aura as it churns something to push out of its host and in no time, some sort of wood starts to swallow it up and provide a protective bark for the blade despite looking like a huge tumor that serves to only pain the host.

The sight made 1x1x1x1 feel a deep pit of dread in their stomach.

"I think it's speeding up the process!" 1x1x1x1 theorized with a yelp as a branch narrowly avoided them by a hair.

The ground rumbles and the Sacred Tree's bark corroded as new roots from a monstrous growth anchored itself deeply in its trunk while the screams of the host echoes like a haunting tune.

Player is forced to an upright position despite their body's protest. Every twitch and jolt of their body made the wood spread to cover up their torso and soon, their arms.

"What the..." Jane gasps "1x, MOVE!"

1x1x1x1 dodges something whizzing past them and they felt their hair stand on end as something electric, anomalous and wrong latch on to the ground behind them. They turned around and their eyes widened to see something hideously impossible.

It was defunct code. Its body abstract and it creates sparks that sent another of the Sacred Tree's body decaying faster than they can register it.

"No, no... That's not right...!" Jane mutters from beside them, her voice shaky and horrified "How did it get here...? No, how did it spawn—"

"N0 T1ME F0R TH4T!" Brad yells out from the other side of the room.

Another scream tore through from Player in the middle of the room. It sounds muffled as if getting buried underneath the plants now covering their body. The growth has started to morph from a sapling to a tree while the growing trunk on their right leg twists and traps its beneath its bark like a protective barrier.

"Player!" 1x1x1x1 called out upon seeing a glimpse of their face peeking out from the overgrowth with their eyes covered by thorny vines.

"Snap out of it, please!" Jane begs with her hand on her axe shaking and eyes filled with unshed tears.

"It hurts..." They grunted in agony before their voice became completely muffled by a vine that covered the entirety of their face.

Like a whip, a branch swung down with a loud crackle resulting in injuring Jane's leg before Player's body jerked to pull out their superball to hit Brad in the head with a loud thunk.

The woman grit her teeth and endured as the newly sprouted branches curled to look like the horns of the devil all while suffocating the host inside of it.

"Get away...!" They yelled in hysteria as the roots entangled to jut out from the ground.

A clang of a crowbar rang out in the room. Brad groaned as he gripped the handle of the crowbar with the top wedged between the handles of the Venomshank and with a pull, it subtly shifted before the vines wrapped itself on the blade's hilt to prevent any more forceful escape, swallowing the crowbar as a result.

"UGH, 1T 5WALL0W3D MY CR0WBAR!!" Brad shouts in annoyance.

Can't he do anything properly?!

"Then pull it out!" 1x1x1x1 demanded.

"Both of you, stop!" Jane commands at the top of her lungs before another frustrated shout cuts through the air.

Brad's leg got caught in the newly sprouted slithering vines before he was thrown at the back of the room with a crash before he fell unconscious.

1x1x1x1 tries their hardest to hold on the biggest laugh of the century.

Before a bellowing scream filled with so much agony echoes from the inside of the large overgrowth, and they saw the blade of the Venomshank getting pushed deeper by the vines as Player's body slowly becomes swallowed by the newly erected tree.

Acting fast, Jane cuts off the next vine that was wrapping Player deeper in the overgrowth but was met with a superball smashing into her face afterwards.

1x1x1x1 joins the fray as multiple lines of code converge to create a 2d sword that slashes at the vines and roots trying to spread across the room.

"...It's trying to block off the exit!" 1x1x1x1 screeched upon noticing the roots slowly crawl to the doorway before setting it on fire with the use of their GUI's copy-pasted code but due to everything in the room being flammable, they can only cause a small burst of fire before it was soon extinguished by the tree itself.

1x1x1x1 felt so utterly useless. If only they had a weapon to do something instead of a GUI that takes even longer to code a slash and summon a sword with a damage output of cardboard.

A cane smashes through the plants that were attempting to cover the doors. The mayor looks at the child with eyes that held worry.

"Child, it's not safe for you here. Let the adults handle it."

"What?! Heck no! I'm not just gonna leave. I'm not useless, I can help!" 1x1x1x1 stubbornly objects "And I sure as heck won't leave them behind while I run like a coward."

"Please, just listen to me. You don't know how dangerous this is!"

"He's right, Little Nyx!" Jane's voice agrees as she dodges another strike from a stray branch "You can warn the others and—"

A monstrous roar echoes in the Sacred Hollow as the glow of the Venomshank becomes almost blinding as it illuminated the insides of the tree where 1x1x1x1 can make out the silhouette of Player weakly scratching the hollow trunk.

"NO!!!" 1x1x1x1 shouts in anger "I'm not leaving— I'm not leaving at all, and none of you can change that! Stop saying things I don't want to do!"

"Come on...!"

The Sacred Hollow groans as the ground creaks from the tremendous weight of the parasite in its body before it gave out and a portion— specifically, the one underneath the monstrous tree crashes down yet the overgrowth refuses to fall as its vines anchor itself to the ceiling to hold up its fattened body like a persistent tumor all while something festers by its roots.

"...1— 1T'S 3XP4NDIN6!" Brad exclaims from the other side as he groaned from the terrible concussion that he obtained from the hit.

"Evacuate the woodsmen, call the admins and warn the others!" Mayor Thaniyel commands as he grabs on to both 1x1x1x1 and Jane to start pulling them back to the entrance.

"Wait, we can't leave yet, what about—!" Jane hurriedly utters, her voice filled with worry and her eyes glued to the sickening mutation and endless twisting of Player's body.

"Then someone's has to pull out that sword, NOW!!!" The mayor cries in abject horror as he looks back at the crumbling infrastructure that used to be Griefer's crib.

"PLAYER!!!" 1x1x1x1 calls out before the next words died in their mouth. What they instead uttered was a gasp of pure horror and disgust as a rotting stench emits from the overgrowth in the middle of the room before their eyes widened upon witnessing the body of a companion they knew transform even more from who they once were.

Multiple rafflesia bloomed from the lower half of its trunk as it emits an odor similar to a corpse while in the branches of the trees, were flowers similar to titan arums but flowering on the top of a branch and hanging down like a body.

It was a disturbing sight, one that 1x1x1x1 had the misfortune upon gazing.

The monster roared as the very last will of Player clawed the skin of the horrific growth-like tumor of a plant before their resistance weakened and all movements ceased.

1x1x1x1 heart pounds with adrenaline as its thuds sounded louder than any sound but as they looked closer, they saw Brad gripping the Venomshank with his bare hands while the rotting tree's thorny vines cut and slashed at him with ferocity.

But the man isn't fazed and with a loud grunt, he yanked the sword out Player's body with one swift pull and fell down the ground from the acceleration with a groan as blood, sap, and aloe vera coated his body before the wound of the rotting tree was sealed by a bark.

"1 G0T I7!!" He yelled from the other side as he got up with extreme agility to run through the dense thicket with a few cuts and scrapes being obtained along the way.

"Oh— Oh, Goodness! Brad!!!" Mayor Thaniyel calls out as he hugged his son before just as quickly pulling back to look at everyone "We need to leave, now. I have never seen this severe of a transformation by the Venomshank towards someone, and I... I have no clue what this means...!"

The conversation was cut short as a branch whips itself near the wall besides them like a thunderclap as the splinters from the wall flies in all directions.

The group ran far away, rescuing other stragglers in the process until they finally reach the bottom of the tree where they made their exit.

Beyond them were a bunch of woodsmen, all gathered up in one area following the orders of what 1x1x1x1 thinks to be their leader whom halts their activities once they spotted the group.

"Yousa Ok??"

"Yes, is everyone out?"

"Da Ones Beehind You's Are Da Left Over."

Mayon Thaniyel nods as he guided the remaining woodsmen to the group before turning away.

"You've... never seen such a thing before...?" Jane speaks up, her voice wobbly and tired while her eyes held the darkness of an ocean's depth.

"Yes... I've never seen such a case as severe as theirs. Normally, the ones that I've seen inflicted with the Venomshank never reached the stage where they flowered, oftentimes, they can only get to be a sprout or an early version of a vegetative growth before reverting back."

"So, Player would go back to how they were if we just wait?" 1x1x1x1 inquires with suspicion and disbelief.

No, that sounds too easy for a solution after witnessing Player's body become mangled into a horrific plant-like beast.

"...No, no, it's more complicated than that..." Mayor Thaniyel sighs "I— I would have called the doctors from Turitopulis but, they've too violent, and I'm afraid they'll get injured by them so I will notify this straight to the other guardians, and the admins too."

"...If you're going to notify the admins, tell them about the defunct code that spawned there too. That would make them ten times faster in getting here, trust me." Jane mutters before she looks down in resignation, a hopeless air clouding her form to a depressive state.

"I'll keep that in mind—"

"You know how to turn them back, right?" 1x1x1x1 asks with an expectation of confirmation as their voice carries the subtle tone of anger.

"Yes, but as i've said, I have never seen them transform into the late-stage mutation so I'm not even sure if the special works or not..."

"..."

"..."

"Brad Thaniyel, come with me. We need to have a talk." The old man turns to his son who refuses to look anyone in the eye "Leave that sword there..."

He loosened his grip on the Venomshank on his hand and sets it down gently on the grass before following his father to a secluded area.

The area became empty and quiet despite the loud buzzing chatter from the woodsmen near them. It feels like something has gone wrong... terribly wrong. It felt dark and it's not because of the night sky filled with twinkling stars, it is because of the atmosphere of despair hanging over them like a noose.

"...You should rest." Jane states as she turns to look at 1x1x1x1 with a tired gaze "Come here, lean on me and I'll support you."

"I don't want to..."

"C'mon, today must be a hard day. A growing child like you needs extra care... especially after what happened, it must be scary so you should sleep."

"...No," 1x1x1x1 shook their head yet refuses to tell them of their anxiety so with a flick of a switch, they turn to anger and hostility "Stop asking."

"Alright, I won't force you."

"..."

"..."

Was it their fault? Did Player turn into that monster because of them? Because of their actions? They were only trying to help, they barely did anything! They didn't mean it, they really didn't...

It's his fault, it is! If he hadn't been so arrogant, prideful and toxic this never would've happened, Player would still be here! And yet, here he is, acting like an innocent man after stabbing a blade right behind their back. It should've been him...

"It SHOULD'VE." A voice echoes right by their ears. Startled, 1x1x1x1 turned around only to see... nothing?

"What the...?" 1x1x1x1 trails off as they assessed their surroundings a little more thoroughly only to see nothing abnormal in around them.

"What's wrong?" Jane pipes up from besides them.

"It's nothing..." They replied even though there is something, something BAD.

"Nothing says love than a stab in the back, no? Why don't you reciprocate his gift... Pick me up."

"...?"

"Over here..."

The sword (laid unassumingly on the grass) beckons their name again and again, grating their ears like nails on chalkboard, horrible soundtracks and distorted tunes from a faulty radio. The blade is still coated in Player's blood and other liquids from the tip to the hilt and it is an eyesore to gaze upon it.

Like disobedient strings, spiders in potluck and the sight of an atrocious overgrowth, the sword becomes more twisted the longer they look until they forcefully tear their eyes away from it.

"YOU can't live without me, it is your destiny to wield me, 1X1X1X1. Don't deny your heritage, become someone honorable for TELAMON..."

"..."

"I'll make the one who turned your companion into a toxicity that nature will frown upon. A body fit for life to rot, to decay...!"

"..."

"I saw the future, child. Oh, woe is the fate of the most dearly beloved, Player... Something bad will happen to them soon, again and again, over and over, and it is all THEIR fault! You must get rid of everyone that can harm them before they become an even larger threat! Carry me and drive me deep into their hearts..."

1x1x1x1 covered their ears before summoning their GUI. Its glow flickers and blinks as 1x1x1x1 forces music into their ears (no matter how awful they are) just to make the voices shut up.

"Suit yourself, but don't say I didn't warn you."

The voice fades, and 1x1x1x1 is left with the sounds of some sort of intense music thudding in their ears.

They clicked on their GUI, switching to another— more calming soundtrack to soothe their eardrums.

The music flowers like a lullaby and 1x1x1x1's eyes drooped in drowsiness. Perhaps they do need the sleep after all...

Unwillingly, their body started tilting to lean on Jane and before they knew it, their eyes closed to another restless sleep.

 

---

 

"What did you do?!" A harsh kick on the ribs sent Builderman coughing up his lungs.

"Dunno what to tell ya, don't even know what happened for you to act so pissy all of a sudden." Builderman retorted as he squirmed in his chains.

"Don't know what happened... Don't know what happened?!" They let out a maniacal laugh before their face turned into a grim blank "This isn't funny and you know it."

"Ain't lying."

"A little henchmen told me that someone has been meddling into fate. Do tell whether or not you have anything to do with it."

"..."

"Thought so, this isn't part of the script."

"Errors are bound to happen sooner or later."

"Haha, stop acting like you're clueless. I know you're hiding something..."

"Doesn't my future self know better than me, the past? Go ask that guy, sure he'll lend a hand."

"We are getting nowhere. I know that you know better than him— this is your timeline, so stop treating me like I'm dumb."

"I told ya all I know. Mess with time, get the end of the dime."

"Oh, I messed with time all right. Far more than you think, and none of them ends with something like this."

Builderman sighs, one filled with sorrow and exhaustion "If that's the case then... What is it all worth, kid?"

"..."

"Is what yer lookin' for really worth to go through all this trouble?"

"Eternity is bleak but a future filled with corruption is bleaker. Your inherent greed disgusts me and I will make sure that in this timeline, light will be shed towards your capitalistic vanity." Mysterious Figure points a finger to Builderman's chest, their eyes bore nothing but resentment.

"No idea what yer yammering about, bud."

"Of course you don't; you're as blind as a bat. If you did have eyes, you would've known that your community was suffering— yet you didn't."

"..."

"I'll make them see it. This time, I have practically ensured my victory. I won't let THEM save you, if it is the last thing I do..."

"...What are you plannin'"

"Try to find out."

"You ain't gettin' far."

"But I did, didn't I? So many times, you and your future self have became mere nothing in the palm of my hands with your powers sealed and you, trapped, waiting for a savior who never even agreed to be one..." Mysterious Figure mocked before frowning "I suspect you have something to do with this... divergence— compliant with it, at the very least. But that's no matter, just another thing to fix in this derailing timeline."

"..."

"So what, have you gone tired with this unending charade...?" They asked with their arms crossed "Finally willing to change and fix YOUR mistakes? I'm sure that anomalous error in the timeline can't have spawned from nowhere!"

"I seriously don't know half of what yer saying..." Builderman wheezed as the chains that bind him tightened "Shouldn't you be asking this to my future...?"

"YOUR future, is hopeless. He won't change and he can't be redeemed."

A suffocating silence blankets the interrogation room as the figure in front of Builderman waits patiently for an answer.

"How many have you been?" Builderman mumbled a question, loud enough for the other to hear beneath his wheezing.

"More than you think." Mysterious Figure's posture turns to that of contemplation "And guess what, Mister Baszucki, I won't give up until I have it MY way. My anger is justified and my wrath won't be quelled until YOU absolve yourself of your sins and if it takes eternity for you to fix everything, then I can wait."

"..."

"You may not know the full picture, but you would. I'm not letting you get to that point, not when you refuse to tell me anything of what I want to know."

With that, Mysterious Figure left the room. Their form swallowed by the darkness as if they've never been there in the first place.

"Wait!" Builderman called, his voice hoarse yet still loud. He took a step closer towards the darkness from where the Mysterious Figure vanished and he can hear the footsteps stop in their tracks.

"...What."

"My future self... What did they do?"

"Oh, so you're asking me that? I can't believe you don't know! Aren't you supposed to have at least a sliver of knowledge about it, oh great being of the fourth dimension?"

"You know I sealed my powers shortly after founding Roblox Corporation with Erik."

"..."

"You're right, I don't have the full picture but I'd like to... I mean, what ye said about MY community, I— ya worry me, kid! Our entire corporation's motto has always been about—"

"'Powering imagination' and 'Safety is a Top Priority'. Yeah, yeah, I know. And well, I'm not divulging you anything. Have fun being unable to sleep at night as this memory haunts you."

The door was opened with a blinding light spilling into the empty room before the door was soon slammed shut and the room was bathed in darkness yet again.

Mysterious Figure sighs, horribly frustrated as they examine their actions.

"I should've waited a little longer, my movements were hasty and I was impatient... This is all my fault!" They groaned, their eyes beneath the hood narrowing in annoyance "It's no matter, it's still salvageable and I can still fix it..."

The fluorescent lights flickered, the whirring of machines felt so loud in the empty halls.

"I have to believe things will change... It WILL change, I have to— the things that I do... have to mean something... So something must change, I'll make sure of it...!"

The world looks desaturated as they walk along the halls they've passed through countless times in an infinity of timelines.

They'll do this, and if they fail, they'll do it again until they make every version of Builderman realize their mistakes, until each of his sins have been washed away in the river of redemption so that nobody else has to suffer again.

But until then, they trudge on a repetition that has started ages ago, one that they started and one that they must end— so that they can save the others of a burden that lasts an eternity. They'll make sure to ingrain every regression and progress into the creases of their brain, promising better results in the future as they learn their lesson over and over whilst they experiment with stagnancy to create a change, a good one.

The halls felt like it goes on forever.

Notes:

I have recently gotten confused on how to refer to 1x1x1x1 so, new order: I will now randomize how I should call them each chapter via spinning wheel. But right now is they/them and next is she/her, these have already been decided. The wheel will decide in the chapters that follow after.

CORNER TRIVIA:
— I have reason to believe that the Sacred Hollow is the creation of the Venomshank or is a place that can withstand the Venomshank.

Chapter 14: Information Wiki

Summary:

Moveset and kits of all recruitable companions, gameplay-wise.

Notes:

NOT A FORMAL CHAPTER but there are some information on it that lets you better understand the characters. This chapter is mostly to confirm some gameplay stuff, tidbits and sprinkled lore that wasn't really shown too often, obviously or just implied in the chapters due to the story format.

Excerpt from: Totally legit Block Tales x Forsaken wiki.

 

This article contains content that is not following the manual of style, contains false information, or contains low quality content and/or screenshots.

If the personalities are not true to the way they are shown and characterized in the story, please file a formal complaint with an address (chapter) of when they behaved out-of-character. Of course, characters can change so this chance will only applicable to Chapter 13 and below.

 

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Tales before Forsaken Wiki

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1x1x1x1

(Support)

First Met:

Chapter 1: Escapade

Telamon's Manor

---

"You're not stopping me."

APPEARANCE:

A child no older than ten with white hair wearing a green sweater and black pants. Wields a GUI gifted by Brighteyes and wears some beaten up shoes.

PERSONALITY:

Read the story bro... Snarky, sarcastic, oftentimes repressing anger yet easily angered, stubborn, reckless and often apathetic but they're not cruel, although, they would find some of other's suffering to be funny.

(Some early chapters were edited to accomodate and show these personalities better.)

1. Chapter 2: Catastrophe at Headquarters, when talking to Receptionist Ronnie: "No, no... It's fine." (Old Dialogue); "What??? But it's really important!" (New Dialogue)
2. Chapter 3: print( "Hello, World" ), talking to John Doe: "Yeah, I suppose so" (Old Dialogue); "Yeah, I thought so, you don't look like an admin.", "Nothing, we are in a bit of a time crunch aren't we?" (New Dialogue)
3. Chapter 8: Sterile Rooms Curing Untreatable Diseases, talking to John and Jane: "..." (Old Dialogue); "Were you deaf that time or did you recently get diagnosed with dementia? I literally told you that she gifted it to me." (New Dialogue)

MOVESET:

Passive:

Unseen (Passive)

"I dunno, I'm ten years old."

— Due to being a child with shorter stature, enemies will usually avoid targeting them.

1st Move:

Sword Levitation (Ranged)

"You okay, Too-Boring Toby?!"

— 1x1x1x1 will open their GUI and spawn a floating 2d sword which will attack the enemy and deal 2 damage.

2nd Move:

Mass Infliction (Debuff or Buff)

"This is... Mass Infection!"

— 1x1x1x1 summons their GUI to either inflict a random debuff towards all enemies or a random buff to all allies in the battlefield, these will be applicable for 1-2 round(s).

3rd Move:

Eye for an Eye (Heal)

"I had a nightmare..."

— Similar to the Sacrifice and Sacrifice+ cards.

— If 1x1x1x1 is the only remaining unit in battle or Player has been downed, they will summon their GUI to heal all allies in the party whilst hurting themselves in the process as the GUI explodes and deals 50% of damage to their health which will be divided evenly across all members, excluding self.

 

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Demo 1

Demo 3

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John Doe

(Offense)

First Met:

Chapter 2: Catastrophe at Headquarters

Roblox Headquarters

---

"More work yet no overtime pay for me..."

APPEARANCE:

A man that seems to be in his early to mid thirties with pale yellow skin and sunken eyes. He wears a white long-sleeved shirt underneath a yellow vest with blue pants. He regularly puts on some glasses post-Demo 1.

PERSONALITY:

A little boring, a bit uptight due to his job and is (oftentimes) exhausted but he is easygoing, casual and friendly. He also seems to be knowledgeable in his expertise with a ton of connections due to his job requiring him to travel. He likes to play it safe due to his experience from his career and becomes strict or protective when it comes to dangerous situations and harmful objects. He can be regularly seen checking for danger and safe-proofing potential hazards.

MOVESET:

1st Move:

Hammer Down! (Melee)

"Seriously, still not getting paid for this..."

— John Doe pulls out a hammer from his inventory before slamming it down towards an enemy, dealing 3 damage.

2nd Move:

Entrapment (Melee)

"Just peachy..."

— John Doe taunts all enemies in the battlefield, having them all direct their attention towards him instead of the others for 3 turns whilst applying Spiky on himself for 1 turn.

 

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Jane Doe

(Offense)

First Met:

Chapter 7: Writhing Masses

Doe's Residence

---

"Want me to make you some hot cocoa to feel better?"

APPEARANCE:

A woman that seems to be in her late twenties to early thirties with pale yellow skin. She wears a yellow blouse and blue pants and equips a brown messenger bag on her right waist while an identification cards stays pinned on her clothes.

PERSONALITY:

She does seem a bit bland on the outside with a stereotypical archetype of someone with a cheery and outgoing exterior. Despite this, she is easily anxious and this stress can sometimes lead to reckless behavior, but this doesn't stop her from being quick-witted, courageous, and headstrong in the face of catastrophe for others to look up to as she is a fast learner and possesses great leadership.

MOVESET:

1st Move:

Blood Swing

"Stand back."

— She pulls out her hand-axe from her inventory before swinging it towards an enemy dealing 1 damage and applying Bleed that lasts for 3 rounds and deals 2 damage consecutively that stacks up over time.

2nd Move:

Slow Axed

"You think this is going to stop us?!"

— She slams down her axe and hits the enemy's leg, dealing 4 damage and applying Slow for 3 rounds.

 

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Tumorous Growth

(Boss)

HP: 35

First Met:

Chapter 13: Oh, Trees, The Agony!

Griefer's Crib

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"GET IT OUT— GET IT OUT!!!"

APPEARANCE:

A tumorous growth like cancer has started to mutate in Player's stomach to cover the Venomshank like a barrier. Branches and plants starts to jut out of their skin as their flesh tears apart from the protrusion while they slowly transform into the Venomshank's new unwilling host.

MOVESET:

Passive:

Two Turns

"I can't stay here..."

— They have the ability to have two turns to attack. It is recommended to stun them first by either applying Sleep, Slowness, Exhaustion or Dizzy.

1st Move:

Grab

"Oh, God... Make it stop, MAKE IT STOP—"

— Player grabs someone from the party by using their new limbs before slamming them down three times in the ground dealing 2 damage each.

2nd Move:

Super Smash

"It hurts..."

 — Player pulls out a superball from their inventory before going near one of the party members to beat them up using the ball for 4 times dealing 1 damage each time.

3rd Move

Ball Throw

"Get away...!"

— Player throws the superball while imitating the Linebounce card which aims to hit everyone in the battlefield, all attacks take 3 damage.

 

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Tree of Rot

(Boss)

HP: 50

First Encounter:

Chapter 13: Oh, Trees, The Agony!

Griefer's Crib

---

"Then drag me back! You've always been such a slow runner, Azure... Try to keep up!"

APPEARANCE:

Player was swallowed by the creation of the Venomshank. The tree is rotting and looks like a freak of nature. Its color is unnaturally a mix of yellow, blue, purple and red yet it is desaturated enough for greys to be the most prominent; many rafflesia and titan arums starts to grow either on the trunk, by the roots or hanging from the branches; the branches are crooked and the roots are mangled. A small part of Player protrudes from the monstrosity, stubbornly struggling to break free.

MOVESET:

1st Move:

Apprehension

"So please, don't let me stay..."

— The Venomshank glows brightly and summons a green orb inside the rafflesia above itself that gradually increases in size. After around 2 seconds, a thumping sound will play and the orb will strike the entire party with a beam, dealing 5 damage and inflicts Poison for 5 turns.

2nd Move:

Beanstalk

"Nothing says love than a stab in the back, no?"

— The tree's trunk becomes spiky before it roars loudly and summons a massive spiky beanstalk that deals 3 damage and inflicts Bleed to the target for 3 turns.

3rd Move:

Uprooting

"I'll make the one who turned your companion into a toxicity that nature will frown upon. A body fit for life to rot, to decay...!"

— Roots uproot itself from the ground, shaping into two crudely clawed hands before slamming it down to its target dealing 4 damage each.

4th Move:

Detach

"Because they will forget everything, they will leave everything behind and start a new life away from here."

— The tree's upper body contorts into an odd umbrella-like shape. It screams in dismay as it starts to self-mutilate, removing multiple branches and inflicting Detachment upon itself.

 

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TRIVIA:

• John Doe likes vanilla ice cream the best! (Chapter 5: Blackrock Castle and Child Labor)
• John Doe likes to drink hot cocoa in the mornings instead of coffee (Chapter 7: Writhing Masses)
• John and Jane have jobs involving travel (Chapter 9: Off to PLAINSTOWN)
• 1x1x1x1 finds Necrobloxicon weird and creepy (Chapter 1: Escapades)
• Player has their own cool GUI they use to assess enemy stats
• Due to unforseen circumstances, Player only has their ball as a weapon but the ball can be switched into either a melee or a ranged weapon to make up for their losses.
• Jane (and possibly John) likes trendy things (Chapter 7: Writhing Masses)
• John and Jane are engaged.
• 1x1x1x1 has a strong resistance against the swords (Chapter 13: Oh, Trees, The Agony!)
• 1x1x1x1 is a thrill seeker. (Chapter 1: Escapades)
• Player hates nightshades and the food harvested in the communal garden of their village (Chapter 12: In My Restless Dreams)
• Tree of Rot moveset is based off of the 4 embodiment's movesets (4 characters that were scrapped, it is unsure if they'll be re-added and there's barely any info on their environments other than small leaks in the Discord)
• The wiki was originally named "Forsaken Tales" but it was deemed corny by many.
• The Venomshank and the Tree of Rot is a stationary enemy. It also takes nutrients from the Sacred Hollow to further its own growth.
• Bleeding is an effect where the damage an ally or enemy stacks upon hit. Example: original hit is 2 damage, the next turn will be 4 damage, then the damage will become 6, and so on. The damage output is technically a multiplier, just multiply it by the original damage output.

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REFERENCES (Spoiler Free):

• 1x1x1x1's personality may have been based off of Muffin_Chip's 1x1x1x1, from "Birds of a Feather". https://archiveofourown.org/works/66317866/chapters/170988031
• One of Tumorous Growth's attack in their moveset has evidence to be inspired by Knocky_Knock's "Quest to Survive". https://archiveofourown.org/works/66333781/chapters/171033850
• John Doe's personality has similarities to my_valent1ne's John Doe in "Under the Same Moon". Even though this story was published first, that doesn't mean you still can't get inspired by other's work. https://archiveofourown.org/works/68280596/chapters/176678506
• Player's backstory has been based on a Tumblr blog (block-tales-headcannons) from someone named "Spawn Anon". This headcanon was what pushed me to decide to further mix in the Block Tales and Forsaken fusion and to further propel the canon divergence agenda. https://www.tumblr.com/nyxnotnyc/792270208889962496/i-have-a-headcanon-that-the-player-use-to-be-part?source=share

Notes:

— Do take note that I am replicating what it would be like if this thing is the base game of both Block Tales and Forsaken, not a fanfiction.

— Some information that I put here are either teasers for future chapters or will be scrapped. None of the things that have happened have happened, so don't take it as a confirmation or rejection because I'm still not sure about them!

— The original Block Tales doesn't have a "Bleeding" status effect, this is exclusively Forsaken but this is a crossover so... Bleeding is similar to Poison and Burn but I don't want to just copy and paste its abilities because there's already 2 similar ones, that's when the idea of stacking up damage came to mind when I was reviewing status effects and saw Solitude's "detachment" ability.

— I honestly never planned to squeeze in the Trivia section because I wanted everyone to find these out for themselves, but then again, everyone has probably already read the whole story (Unless... They skipped to this chapter) and probably won't be spoiled by this since the section is only to recap. And also, this is supposed to be a wiki and what is a wiki without a trivia?

Chapter 15: Departing to Telamon's Manor, Choo Choo!

1x1x1x1's eyes snapped open and she gasped in terror right as afterimages of another nightmare blurs into oblivion.

She can't remember a thing from it.

By this point, one more nightmare and she's taking it as a premonition about her life.

"Had a nightmare?" A familiar yet unexpected voice made her snap her head to the side to see none other than Brighteyes looking at her with a raised brow.

1x1x1x1 hummed in confirmation "Cabin in the woods..."

She heard the woman sigh in response "Want me to buy you some medicine on the way? It'll take a few more hours to get back to Bizville, and the manor."

Now that got her attention piqued, as her head swiveled to turn towards Brighteyes in panic.

"Wait what about—"

"Yup, I've heard and I've decided I'm not letting you go on any more dangerous adventures. This is final, and your father has agreed to it."

"But what about JANE, PLAYER? What happened to them???" 1x1x1x1 questions.

"...Jane decided to stay near Turitopulis— I told her that she should come with me now that there would be others handling her work yet she refused; Player, is... being checked up on, assessing the severity of the mutation."

"And?"

"No news yet..."

"Well they need to hurry it up, tell them to make it go faster!"

"I can't do that..."

1x1x1x1 groans, her eyes rolling at Brighteyes' response.

Her body creaks as she properly sat up, her mind whirling with scenarios of the worst case scenarios yet she did not let it show and instead tries distracting herself with her surroundings.

The airport has now looked emptier than the last time she was here. The lights flickered— clearly aged and faulty, the daylight from outside is practically gone and replaced by stars glittering the sky, the clerk behind the desk keeps yawning while they surveyed a magazine, and the sounds of insects from outside has been louder in the hushed waiting room.

She heard some sort of announcement on the intercoms before looking outside to witness a plane park down the lane.

"That must be ours." Brighteyes exclaims as she pulls the child and their belongings outside.

It took a while to get seated in the small plane. 1x1x1x1 got the window seat and starts looking out to see the view outside, only to realize how small the airport looks.

Only two lanes for a plane and a small building that acts as a waiting room with barely any stalls that sells food while waiting.

Plainstown sure is lacking in the hospitality department. Now that she thinks about it, she has never actually got to explore the town outside of the airport and stuff...

Someone starts speaking in the intercom, presumably the captain, telling everyone to buckle up and relax on the ride back to Bizville.

The plane departs. 1x1x1x1 saw parts of Plainstown she has never got to explore and the small airport got smaller and smaller before it fades away, replaced by clouds that dotted the sky like a sea.

It took a lot longer to arrive back at Bizville. After downing an entire meal and another long nap later, dawn arrives, and the plane finally landed at Bizville airport.

1x1x1x1 and Brighteyes exited the plane while an attendant waved at them goodbye. Waiting for them at the airport was none other than Shedletsky who seems to have recovered from being wheelchair-bound and has now been instead assisted by a cane.

The damn two-timing bastard...

"Well, if it isn't my favorite people! I hope the flight wasn't uncomfortable, booked the best class for a reason." He greets with a lopsided smile that only made 1x1x1x1's frown worse.

"Yes, it's nice to see you too." Brighteyes greeted back with a bit of awkwardness as she scratches her head "Anyways... Are the trains at the station operational?"

"Leaving so soon?" Shedletsky asks in disappointment "Gee Christina, at least get some breakfast first."

Brighteyes having to talk to him and be near his annoying presence is already considered charity, when will this bloke learn to be grateful?

"Are you hungry?" Brighteyes turns to the little kid besides her.

"No." 1x1x1x1 replies, too stubborn to admit her hunger.

"Well then—"

"You guys sure you don't want FREE food?" Shedletsky drawls, a smug smirk on his face that can't seem to be wiped off.

"...Alright fine." Brighteyes huffed out an agreement.

"I said I'm not hungry." 1x1x1x1 scoffs yet only received a pat in the back from Brighteyes.

"At least get a snack." She says as the three made their way to a diner after a few minutes of walking.

Seating themselves near a corner, they looked like a family that 1x1x1x1 would want nothing to do with and yet, to her dismay, the waiter gave them the 'Family Menu Special' (probably hiked up the process too while they're at it).

"What would you want?" Brighteyes hums as she flips through the menu.

"... The one with dehydrated limes."

"But, this one is just a light snack." Brighteyes pointed out with furrowed brows "This won't make you full, you need good nutrition!"

"You said I can get a snack!"

"..."

"Everybody ready to order?" Shedletsky asks from across them as he waves someone over after Brighteyes nodded.

"I'll get a three-piece meatballs with spaghetti; 1x1x1x1 here will get the fried fish, mashed potatoes, ice-cream float and the dehydrated limes snack." Brighteyes listed off to Shedletsky with utmost sincerity as she closed the menu and laid it back down.

"Right, then I'll get some chicken!" Shedletsky nods as he told their orders to the waiter before paying them the price of the meal.

The sound of utensils clinking with porcelain and other patrons' chatter rang out, masking their table of something to distract themselves from the awkward waiting and deafening quiet.

"A shame that you had to cut your adventure short and don't worry too much about Player, I'm sure they're fine; they're pretty resilient!" Shedletsky attempts to console out of the blue.

"..."

"Don't get too annoyed, there'll be... other opportunities once you grow older!" Brighteyes nods, her words sounds unsure yet she too, tries to comfort the sullen child.

"I don't want to go back..." 1x1x1x1 mumbles,.their voice barely audible from the background noise.

"What did they say?" Shedletsky inquires.

"He doesn't want to go back." Brighteyes responds with a sigh "Look, I understand how you feel, 1x1x1x1. But it's just too dangerous out there right now. I'd rather have you be accompanied in your adventures by either me or your father!"

"And when is that going to happen? You two are always too busy for anything!" 1x1x1x1 scoffs as they balled their hands into a fist as their fingernails dug in to their palms resulting in indents on her skin.

"1x1x1x1..." Brighteyes sighs. "It's just how it is, I promise I'll visit more next time!"

"And what about him?" 1x1x1x1 questions. "What is his excuse for that?"

"What do you mean? I'm right there the entire time with you."

"You know what, just— don't talk." An urge to curse almost slipped out but she held it back by biting her tongue.

The waiter returns with their foods on a tray and they placed their platters on the table in a neat line with graceful expertise.

1x1x1x1, has probably the largest portion of food out of the three of them— thanks to Brighteyes practically ordering an entire meal for her despite her protests.

The meal tasted quite well, although, it isn't really a competition considering the manor only ever had what looks like soup as a meal and if there isn't, there's a good chance it's fried chicken (the chicken doesn't taste fried nor seasoned enough though).

Brighteyes finished uncannily fast. Her plate has been practically wiped clean a few minutes after eating, but perhaps that's just because she ordered a plate of very few appetizers.

1x1x1x1 followed a little while after. Practically finishing the entire meal yet withholding herself from finishing the fried fish just to prove a point that she's not hungry (although no one looks convinced at her reasoning).

This only evoked a sigh from Brighteyes who finished the plate for the child while Shedletsky savours the taste of crispy, fried chicken that they can hear crunching while he chews from across the table.

It didn't take long for the both of them to finish. Once they're done, they organized their dirtied platter and left.

"Then, I guess this is it. I'll stay here to monitor Player and the other's wellbeing, you be a good kid, 1x1x1x1." Shedletsky sighs in disappointment. "Anyways, did you two at least like the food?"

"Yeah, say... How did you find this place?" Brighteyes inquires as she held 1x1x1x1's hand while the trio made their way to the station.

"I like trying out new things!" Shedletsky flexes with pride. "The place was newly opened, at least five months old!"

"I mean... It's alright." 1x1x1x1 begrudgingly gave out an opinion.

The food was actually great. But they'll die before they admit that to this sword's loser.

They arrived at the station. The train has yet to arrive but there were already a few people waiting to board with their tickets ready.

"1x1x1x1, stay here, I'll go buy some tickets; Shedletsky, watch the kid." Brighteyes instructs before she left.

An awkward silence befell the two as they waited for the train by a bench.

"If you really feel alone, take this with you, kid." Shedletsky says unexpectedly as he handed the child a whistle decorated with a single feather.

"... What's this for?" 1x1x1x1 asks skeptically.

"Well, I'm proving to you that I'm always there for you so, take that! You can add another feather that was given to you by the butler, I dunno if that'll make it more effective but it does serve as some pretty neat decor."

"... Right." 1x1x1x1 murmurs as she pocketed the whistle carelessly.

It didn't take long for Brighteyes to come back. Her demeanor was rigid yet it relaxed upon seeing the two as she showed the tickets to them.

"You sure you're leaving so soon?" Shedletsky asks again even though the answer was pretty obvious "I could've bought that instead!"

"I'm not gonna let you do that. Focus on recovery first, John."

"Bah! Fine." Shedletsky sighs with a dramatic flare as he turns to leave the station with a wave "Have a safe trip, you two!"

They heard the sound of a horn whistling as a train stopped at their station. The same conductor from last time walked out, a little more tired than when 1x1x1x1 last saw him.

"Morning..." He greeted with lingering exhaustion as he stamped Brighteyes' two tickets before welcoming them and the others passengers aboard.

The train didn't really change much since the last time she went on here, though, she doesn't remember the dents on some of the walls and floors nor some of the furniture being different. Although she can't recall much of the last time she went aboard because she was too busy thinking about the city ahead (and Telamon), she knows that something happened here since this place looks like it has seen better days.

"You're welcome to explore this place as you wish!" The conductor exclaims "Just don't mind some of the scuffle, we are intending to fix our facilities, tighten security and improve the quality of everyone's stay here so best not to worry!"

Everyone went about their own ways and scattered, leaving Brighteyes and 1x1x1x1 near the doors as the train departed from the station.

"My, I don't recall this place looking like a mess..." Brighteyes clicked her teeth to show her pity.

"What happened?" 1x1x1x1 asks with a curious tilt of her head.

"It's not suitable for children like you to know." Bright eyes stayed as she took the child's hand on her own. "We are going to our room. Come on, it's a long journey back to the manor, you need a nap."

"I'm not a child anymore, I can go without a nap."

"Nope, you should aspire to outgrow Shedletsky, and me."

"That won't really be a challenge..."

"Confident, are we? I'm not budging, go to bed!" Brighteyes orders in a sing-song tone as she opened the door to their room that contains one big bed and a television mounted on the wall across it.

"Where are you going to sleep?" 1x1x1x1 asked Brighteyes.

"Me, sleep? No, no, I'll keep watch— checking whether or not we're close to our destination! We can't afford going past Spooksville, it'd be a waste of money." Brighteyes explains as she sets down their luggage near a drawer.

"Hnn..." 1x1x1x1 hummed with a raspy tone, clearly agitated.

"Alright, I'll be just outside— probably near the INDOOR POOL or the small shop near the FRONT of the train!"

1x1x1x1 doesn't really know where that is— considering that the last time she was on this train, the conductor didn't let her out of his sight and she never really gotten far from the main cabin (It was funny seeing him distressed though whenever she went to hide somewhere).

"Okay." Nevertheless, she pretended she knew what the other was talking about.

Brighteyes let out a small smile of amusement (knowing that the little kid has no idea of what she's talking about) before turning around to twist the knob of the door.

"Brighteyes," She stops herself abruptly to listen on what the little child on the bed has to say. "...Why do you tolerate me so...?"

Perplexed, she turned around to gaze at the child with her deep iridescent eyes that held nothing but the depths of a bright abyss. "...Why are you asking me this all of a sudden?"

"I had time to think about it..." 1x1x1x1 replies, a hand fiddling on the hem of their clothing. "I can't find a reason for why you'd take care of me. And, I don't think you have that close of a relationship with HIM to do this as a sign of companionship, especially when I was a newborn..."

Brighteyes let out a sigh as a hand ran down her face. "It's... not for you to know yet."

"..."

Brighteyes falters as she stared at the little child's down demeanor and sour mood before she finally relents with another sigh. "I can only tell you that Builderman was worried about Telamon's... inexperience in childcare so, he tasked me of the job of taking care of you... It was only until the manor was finished building and staff were to be hired where our relationship ends but, I, got attached and was worried about Telamon's lack of proper handling of you."

1x1x1x1 raises a brow and tilts her head in confusion and annoyance at her cryptic words. "What about Telamon's parenting?"

"He... Uh... lacks proper parenting skills back then."

"..."

"Anywho, I'll be taking my leave. There's snacks in my bag but if you ever want something else, take some tix from my wallet and buy yourself something at the store— make sure to lock the doors before leaving, okay?"

"Okay."

The door clicks shut and 1x1x1x1 is left alone in the small room.

She doesn't feel tired enough to sleep.

So after waiting for a couple more minutes, she got up from the bed, took some cash and the keys she left on the drawer and exited the room silently.

As she turns to lock the doors, she saw the conductor heading out from the storage car of the train with sluggish steps.

"Hey..." 1x1x1x1 greets awkwardly. "What's gotten you so tired all of a sudden? Didn't remember you being like that before..."

"Hmm? Oh! It's you, the kid from Telamon's manor." The conductor recognized her as a sudden rush of enthusiasm made him quirk his lips in a rare smile.

"Yeah, it's me. Glad to know that you remember."

The guy looks like he's about to keel over and wither.

"It's just... Umm..." The man sighs in dismay, a hand ruffling his neat hair as he averted his eyes from her. "The train, has experienced a hijacking recently..."

Oh my god, man... Does he always say the most diabolical stuff so unexpectedly?

"D— Don't tell! Okay? I'm not supposed to be talking about this at work hours, especially to a kid..." The conductor scrambled his words in a panic as he looked at the child with (probably) too much trust.

"I won't." She probably would. "Is that the reason why some parts of the train has been busted up— why would they even do that?"

"I, don't really know the full details either..." The conductor can only sigh. "Nobody does... except for the engineer, but they took them and the children he's taking care of. After that, our train has ended up being stranded in the railways— had to call for help to the others in Bizville Railways station to come help..."

"Uh-huh. Were they ever caught?"

"No... But, they were last seen departing the train at the second to the last station. But that's what I've heard... I got knocked out pretty early on."

What a loser.

"Huh... They can't be THAT good at hiding."

"They might be..."

With that, the conductor left and 1x1x1x1 turns to where he exited from and entered the storage car with silent steps.

Crates and shelves full of preserved goods are arranged neatly in rows. There's a very suspicious man hiding behind the boxes like a creep while another guy relishes drinking a box of sugary bloxy cola in another corner like a hedonist and beyond a shelf, hidden between rows of goodies, was a big pumpkin sat atop a pedestal for some reason.

"My friend says I have an addiction..." The addict hiccups "Want one?"

"Sure..." As long as no one would know she already had one at the diner in a form of a soda float.

1x1x1x1 grabs a can of the carbonated drink and with a pop of the metal lid, she downed a quarter before the sugary soda starts to become acidic to her throat. She coughs as she stops drinking like a drunkard.

"See, feels nice right?"

"It's... too sugary."

"That's the best part about it, no? Ugh, grab me another one from that crate over there!"

Is this guy's supposed to be a staff or a thief?

With heavy reluctance, 1x1x1x1 obeyed as she turned to open up a crate filled with a year's worth of cola in it. She took one out to hand it to the other who snatched it from her to down the entire drink in a minute.

Is she supposed to be enabling this guy's addiction?

The man burps before hiccuping. "Ugh... The original still tastes sooo good even after ten drinks... But did you know, kid? There was once a time where these Bloxy's were so delicious, it had half the country fighting to get a good taste of a can!"

"Okay..." 1x1x1x1 drawls unsurely while the other continues their drink.

"And you know the secret ingredient to it? Some sort of medicine was slipped into the recipe, making it not only delicious but also healthy!"

1x1x1x1 is not convinced of whatever misinformed blabber this guy is on about.

"...Right. I'm going now..."

"Safe travels, kid!"

Yup, she's going back to her room after this.

The lock of her room clicks open as she twisted the key to unlock it. She entered the room with haste and after closing the door, she made her way to the bed and grabbed the remote to turn on the television for a good distraction.

Some sort of melodrama is what greeted her before she changed the channel after a roll of her eyes.

The sound of an action movie plays but, it's closer to mediocre than it is to a masterpiece yet it does serve to be a good distraction for a while, until 1x1x1x1 felt the bump of something hard in her pockets right as she's about to sleep.

Annoyed, she took out the item only to realize it was the whistle Shedletsky gave her before leaving.

Right, where was that other feather the butler gave her?

"..."

It probably got thrashed in her other clothes. That thing is probably gone with the wind and will never be found again.

Eh, oh well!

She yawns as she dropped the whistle on the bedside drawer before finally dozing off into a short slumber.

 

---

 

Muffled noises came from the other side of a barbed fence, yet it still sounds... quiet, for some odd reason.

No matter how much she tries to focus on their words, it always blurbs into gibberish so with a babble, she gave up.

She tries to interact with the toys scattered about in the wife area yet the persistent sound of muffled voices from beyond the door only serve to grate her ears and distract her from her playtime.

In a fit of impulsive anger, she threw an action figure at a statue of a person holding a sword which only broke the toy apart yet she did not care.

She stood up with a small wobble and entered another room that leads to the entrance of the catacombs. Coffins lined each side of the room but in the middle was a transparent and ghostly blade embedded into a pedestal like a weapon of an Arthurian legend.

Slowly, the toddler waddled closer and closer with each step feeling like a chore until they are right in front of it face-to-face.

She hoisted herself up and grab the hilt before letting out a grunt as she pulled the sword from the pedestal with smooth swipe.

Surely, now, they will finally stop arguing... She doesn't know why they keep doing it, but it always ends with one of them pulling something like this out. So maybe, just maybe...

The child didn't get to think further as the mistake having her hand loosen on the hilt caused the blade to slip by her fingertips and—

 

---

 

1x1x1x1 woke up clutching their stomach, phantom pain rendering her body almost immobile as she seems to curl into herself even more like a fetus.

Nothing is worse than having to relive a memory as a nightmare.

They pulled up their clothes, only to see no injury but a transparent torso that does nothing but show the world her ribs, past mistakes and childish stupidity.

A knock on the door distracts her from her thoughts yet forced her to get up from her comfy seating on the bed. 1x1x1x1 unlocks and opens it only to see Brighteyes on the other side.

"You look like you had a nap, that's good." She exclaims as she enters the room to pick up their belongings. "Come on, our stop is almost there. Let's go!"

Holding her hand, the two exited their room and waited for the train to slow to a stop at the Spooksville station.

The train horn honks loudly, and the doors to the outside slid open.

Brighteyes and 1x1x1x1 left the train last as the conductor waves them goodbye before the train welcomes in more passengers, closes and leaves.

"I'll only escort you to the manor, then the butler will be the one to take care of you, okay?" Brighteyes informs as the two made their way to the graveyard.

"Aren't you at least going to say hi to the others?" 1x1x1x1 asks with a tired frown.

"Tell them I said hi. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to because I'm still not done with work."

1x1x1x1 sighs in disappointment yet nods their head to show understanding.

Brighteyes looked at the weirdly before giving them a hug. "I'm not going back down on my promise."

"Yeah, yeah... In fact, you can drop me off here. I know my way back..."

"Are you sure?"

"Who do you take me for?!"

"Im just worried but if you're—"

"I can."

"Then, I'll be leaving now. Be good, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah..."

"I'll tell the butler about your arrival, he should be waiting!"

With that, Brighteyes left after handing 1x1x1x1 her belongings and kissing the crown of her head.

1x1x1x1 sighs as she started walking to the cemetery that leads to Telamon's manor.

It's going to be a long walk from here...

Notes:

Look at my parents dawg I ain't making it past 10. 💔😞✌️

CORNER TRIVIA:
— Bloxy Cola is based off of Coca Cola according to the Wikipedia.

— An ice cream float, soda float or ice cream soda, also known as a Spider in Australia and New Zealand, is a chilled beverage made by adding ice cream to a soft drink or to a mixture of flavored syrup and carbonated water (Coca Cola or in this case, Bloxy Cola). When root beer and vanilla ice cream are used, the beverage is referred to as a root beer float.

— Coca-Cola contained cocaine from coca leaves in its original 1886 formula, but the cocaine was removed from the drink in 1903, leaving only trace amounts from the spent coca leaves in the flavoring extract, which was replaced with cocaine-free extracts by 1929.

The drink was invented in 1885 by John Pemberton, a pharmacist from Atlanta, Georgia, who made the original formula in his backyard. Pemberton’s recipe contained cocaine in the form of an extract of the coca leaf, which inspired the “Coca” part of the beverage’s name. The “Cola” comes from the kola nut (which contains caffeine, another stimulant).

When Coca-Cola was invented, cocaine was legal and a common ingredient in medicines. People thought it was safe to use in small amounts

Chapter 16: Home Sweet Home

The road back home is supposed to be quiet and desolate yet tonight, it sounds too loud. The ambient noise from cawing birds migrating from the south and the malicious laugh of harmless pumpkins at least gave 1x1x1x1 the illusion of company yet despite all their efforts, it failed to distract them from the bubbling anger boiling underneath their skin like wriggling worms.

They hate the way the others treat them... They hate how they all think that they can't handle it or can't be there just because of their age and maturity.

1x1x1x1 is plenty mature all right. They are ten, not five! Their age practically crosses the double-digit boundary yet they still see them as unqualified for everything.

There was no transparency, nobody woke them up to ask for their opinion, and NO ONE gave them a heads-up. Jane just handed them to Brighteyes so that they can go back in this dreary and rickety mansion, Shedletsky broke the promise he made of letting them stay at Bizville, and Brighteyes yet again deciding what's best for them even though she's barely there for company.

1x1x1x1 looked around the desolate and dark graveyard in wariness, frightful of the possibility of anyone seeing them break down but before they can even make it to their room in the manor, the tears filled with a thousand hateful words started to stream down their face in small droplets before they were quickly wiped away by their hands.

Yet it didn't stop, it only got worse. Any time they tried to wipe it away, more just streak down their cheeks like an overflowing dam; each visual landmark in the overgrown graveyard that serves to distract them failed as the sudden unbearable silence made way for their thoughts to fill their brain with a bucket of nasty memories.

Until, they just snapped and started thrashing the nearby nature furiously. Pulling out tall grass and snapping them by their roots, kicking a tree until the bark falls off, hitting a lever until it broke, and so on until they tire themselves out and they can only afford to just curl into a ball in a middle of the field and simply... wither.

There were no more tears of anger left to shed, no hate to direct. There was only exhaustion and the need to just sleep it off or take a really long shower.

The sound of something crunching made their head snap up in alert as they analyzed their surroundings with a squint that cuts through the darkness ahead.

Then, 1x1x1x1 saw something that made their eyes widen in startled confusion.

A red and black glitchy mass peeks out from beneath a bush. A string of spaghetti code that so obviously does not belong to where it is yet it tries so hard to blend in like a functioning string.

That's not right... How did that get here?

Something nags at the back of their mind, a thought filled with concern and paranoia yet with resolute steps, they inches closer to the mass of faulty code that sparks red and black like electrified wires.

There was no one else but 1x1x1x1 to properly do the job, they doubt anyone in Spooksville nor Telamon's manor even knows how to run a script, let alone modify it.

With a few clicks on their GUI, their terminal shows the defunct code presenting nonsensical and glitchy bits before 1x1x1x1 soon presses 'delete' and the mass let's out a bright spark before it was eradicated promptly like weak malware against an antivirus software.

1x1x1x1 sighs in exasperation before thoroughly checking the area for any more defunct code wriggling underneath the foliage and behind gravestone but it seems like there aren't any others except for the one they eliminated.

Has the outside of Telamon's manor always riddled with unexpected bugs? Seeing Shedletsky's demeanor, it would makes sense with such laid-back and sleazy attitude... But 1x1x1x1's impression of Telamon has always been uptight and a bit of a perfectionist because although the Spirit Realm's mansion doesn't look regularly cleaned, it has always upheld a haunted and ghostly prestige fit for the dead to take residence in as opposed to the extra clean version of the manor in the Living Realm. Regardless, both mansions always follow a strict line of code with no bugs or strange glitches that can be regularly found especially out in the open.

...It seems they'd have to tell the others about this.

After that, they finally forced themselves to make their way to the manor, the path that leads to the top seems cleaner than before and more organized than last time. The grass was trimmed, the stairs up the manor were properly paved and other small changes that made the place feel cleaner.

The butler waits for them by the entrance of the manor with his hands behind his back and posture straight. He looks at them with an unreadable gaze before his lips quirked up in a welcoming smile.

"Young master, welcome home!" The old man greets them with a warm hug which they reluctantly accepts. "How was the adventure?"

"It's alright."

"You don't seem satisfied."

"That's because they sent me home early."

The butler can only sigh in pity before patting their head guiding them back inside.

"Well, worry not, young master. We have thoroughly cleaned the manor while you were gone!"

"Are you sure? The outside still looks like it needs a bit of work."

"Whatever do you mean? We make sure to thoroughly trim the grass and replace the steep stairway!"

"I came across some DEFUNCT CODE on the way here. Be glad it didn't take me longer to eradicate it, it was really persistent!" 1x1x1x1 exaggerates in an irritated and haughty tone.

"Well then I'll have to notify Master Telamon about this. But first, let's go inside, shall we?"

The duo head inside the bustling interior of the Manor that was packed with tourists from all across the world.

Maybe 1x1x1x1 was just blind but they can't tell a difference whether or not the manor underwent a thorough cleansing. Suppose it was the version of the Spirit World that they cleaned instead?

"Well, I'll be going first. I have to open the gates to the... You-know-where." He said the last part in a whisper as eavesdroppers were nearby.

"Uh... I guess I can grab a snack in the kitchen then."

The butler nods before making a move to leave. "Oh by the way," He stops in his tracks just as a cold wind blew from an opened window. "Master Telamon told me that you should formally apologize to Mister Draco and his son, Scion."

"...Sure." They really don't want to.

"Don't think about trying to sneak away, I'll know." The butler warns with a stern gaze.

"Do I really have to? I SWEAR my pranks aren't that bad!"

His hands landed on their shoulder with a tight grip. "I think you're old enough to understand what you did wrong... Master Telamon created the manor as a place for all souls go to rest, and where they won't be discriminated against. Please, it would really mean to that family everything for you to apologize." He whispers a plea before letting go and with one final look, the butler left with haste.

1x1x1x1 has now been left alone to reflect on their actions before they shook their head and strolled in the kitchen where they see a witch brewing a concoction of carbonated fizz inside of a big cauldron while another guy raids the fridge like a glutton.

"Ah, if it isn't the young— little one!" Amber greets with a haughty laugh before her eyes narrowed at the guy raising the fridge. "Hey, quit that at once before they kick your can!"

"Ugh, huh— Whaaaaa????" The guys grumbles with a mouth full of brownies before his eyes widen and he straighten up like a soldier upon seeing 1x1x1x1. "Oh, uh, it's not what it looks like!"

1x1x1x1 heard the audible sound of someone slapping their face and they had an urge to do the same (or just kick this freeloader out).

"Anywho... What does such a rambunctious child like you want with a mere lowly servant of Master TELAMON?"

"Can I get a snack?"

Knowing Amber, the chef who has been the main provider for the food in the Spirit Realm, the snack is either going to be some malicious gummy worms, stale stew, or a can of Witch's Brew.

"Ah... My dear child, I am afraid I cannot brew you a nice shark fin stew for the MASTER of the manor has urged me to perfect my craft very recently. That is also why I'm here, in the Liv— crazy mansion that earns me a LOT of TIX!" Amber cuts herself off with a nervous flare as she looked around the kitchen before reverting back to her earlier demeanor. "But worry not, once I perfect my culinary craft I will return to serve you the best dishes the man— Spooksville can provide, but for now a replacement I especially recommended awaits in the other side of the backyard!"

"Oh alright."

"Don't act so down, I still have one Witch's Brew in the fridge. It's made with the best ingredients found here— and also were the leftovers from Master Telamon's Haunted Hill soda factory nearby."

"Neat, too bad I just had soda."

"Oh dear... Perhaps the newbie might be the only one left to help you out with your cravings then."

"Alright... Bye, Amber— and, guy who raids fridges..."

"Farewell!"

"Myeagh, booooiiii!"

1x1x1x1 walked away from the kitchen and made a turn to the familiar yet unfamiliar path leading to the backyard before they were stopped by a familiar duo at the middle of the hallway.

Draco and his son, Scion...

The butler really made sure they can't escape this, huh?

Although, the family hasn't taken notice of 1x1x1x1, they sure took notice of the duo but they didn't go closer nor farther and just awkwardly observed them instead from a distance. Their palms were sweaty and their heart beats a little faster at the possibility of taking responsibility and having their apology rejected— in front of all these people too...

But wouldn't it be even more awkward to do it where it's quiet?

Before they can make a solid decision on what to do, a hand grazed their shoulder and made them jump to face the other who did such a thing.

"Sorry!" A feminine voice apologized. "I just thought I recognized you. You're the kid from Plainstown, yeah?"

1x1x1x1 hummed in confirmation as they realized the individual to be the same woman back at the airport, they're sure of it. Pink beanie, brown hair, some sort of journal in their hand while the other held a briefcase.

What's her name again?

"Hi." They replied awkwardly which earned them a giggle from the brunette.

"Where's your family? Haven't seen them around and I'm sure you didn't travel here all alone!" She asks as she looks around them to try and spot a familiar figure among the crowd of tourists.

What are they supposed to say? Oh yeah, my house is just in the backyard and it's technically supposed to be an inverted version of this tourist attraction, haha!

That's like saying they live in an amusement park.

"I live in Spooksville, the town near the railway." They have never been to that town in their life.

"Oh... Is that so? Then I should visit later. By the way, that foreigner with you was really cool! I was rooting for them the entire time while they're confronting Brad— don't tell him I said that though, he'll throw a fit knowing I rooted for someone I know in less time than him!" The girl laughed nervously as she scratches her freckled cheeks.

"I'm not telling you their address."

"Oh, I TOTALLY get it! Privacy is really important, and respecting it is the least anyone can do for a friend."

Since when were they friends? They talked once!

"I'm just saying— can you tell them that they're really cool? I didn't manage to say anything since my trip exploring the jungle was cut short by the authorities."

"Why would the authorities cut you off from your exploration? Seems suspicious..."

"That's what I'm saying! They said that there was a really dangerous wild animal near the area and I had to leave immediately— which makes no sense because I was in an area where Brad said was SAFE!" She huffed before going into contemplation. "Though, it is a jungle... The place is really unpredictable when it comes to danger; there's just so many territorial wild animals there that I'm not surprised they shooed me off."

1x1x1x1 only nods in response.

"Speaking of Brad, he hasn't been responding to any of my messages since yesterday. Hope he's alright..." The brunette mumbled to herself yet it's loud enough for 1x1x1x1 to hear who only frowned at the mention of the mayor's son.

"He ghosted you, happens to the best of us."

They heard her giggle, clearly taking their statement as a joke. "And you're standing there like a cryptid! I can't help but be confused— ahem, n— now enough about me... What about you?"

"Ugh," 1x1x1x1 looks down with a look of annoyance before pointing at the father-son duo minding their own business. "They're trying to get me to apologize to that family over there."

The girl hummed as she looked over to spot the two. "Oh, that pumpkin family? Oooh, they got great costume... I should steal that idea next halloween."

"Do you even understand my predicament? I'm being FORCED TO APOLOGIZE, to a prank I did years ago that wasn't even that bad!"

"Like what?"

"I dunno, he just keeps blaming me for stuff. Like, he says I put a cockroach under his pillow, and that I painted his pumpkin pink while he was sleeping."

"So, did you do that?"

"...Yes."

A calloused and rough hand suddenly ruffles their hair haphazardly, making 1x1x1x1 groan with irritation while the girl only giggles even more at their suffering.

"You're a rascal, you know that? Just as crazy as my sister! She used to do that too when I was young, ha, crazy times... Well, I won't hold you back any longer but if you want, you can come with me to get a snack first... Y'know, to get your mind less stressed and all."

"No thanks, the snacks here suck!"

"Well, suit yourself. Anyways, go apologize. I'm rooting for you!"

The girl waved goodbye before leaving and they both went their separate ways.

And now, they're left alone and because of that, they did what they do best first: examining the code of the area before finally getting bored and walking up to the family with hesitant steps.

In no time, the two noticed their presence. The father, Draco, wasted no time in hiding his son behind his back while looking at them with a strained gaze.

1x1x1x1 held up their hands, trying to indicate to them that they're harmless. Though, they don't seem convinced so they sighed and spoke out: "I'm not here to play a prank, calm down."

".dlihc melborp ,ton retteb uoY"

Translating this was easy: "You better not, problem child."

But ouch??? Are they supposed to cry after that? C'mon they're not as sensitive as his son!

"I'm just here to apologize." 1x1x1x1 sighed as they turned to his son "I'm sorry for what I did to you all those years together."

The father and son went silent, baffled and surprised.

Them apologizing can't be that surprising though, stop looking like that!

".degnorw ev'uoy taht noisnam eht ta srehto eht lla ot ezigolopa osla tsum uoy ,su ot ezigolopa ot gniog er'uoy fI"

It took a moment before the words register in their brain: "If you're going to apologize to us, you must also apologize to all the others at the mansion that you've wronged."

"Ugh, I will..." 1x1x1x1 looks down, already expecting the rejection yet the uncertainty of whether they do accept their apology stings more than rejection.

They really shouldn't have done this—

A hug cuts off their thoughts and 1x1x1x1 froze like a statue. The son of Draco, was hugging them tightly with eyes that held no grudge nor malice but innocence.

"!1x1x1x1 ,srehto otnu senihs taht thgil eht eB"

The translation was easier than the last one: "Be the light that shines unto others, 1x1x1x1!"

1x1x1x1 forgets how cryptic people from the Spirit Realm can talk.

".sklof su ot yldnik oot ekat t'nod stnediser eht ,ecnetsixe fo enalp siht ni ,ereH ...syaw hsidlihc uoy morf derutam evah dna tsenoh era uoy tub dlihc ythguan a eb yam uoY" The man patted their head with a ghost of a smile worn on his aged pumpkin face.

The words are a little too much to comprehend but 1x1x1x1 understands after a moment: "You may be a naughty child but you are honest and have matured from you childish ways... Here, in this plane of existence, the residents don't take too kindly to us folks."

"!yhtapa etipsed erac ot seirt taht esoht ot desselb tfig a si noissapmoc tub uoy rof drah eb nac ti wonk I .1x1x1x1 ,gnizigolopa rof uoy knahT" His son exclaimed, chipper and bright.

It was a bittersweet message to translate for the little 1x1x1x1: "Thank you for apologizing, 1x1x1x1. I know it can be hard for you but compassion is a gift blessed to those that tries to care despite apathy!"

"Uh-huh, I... probably should get going now."

Despite their hospitality, 1x1x1x1 feels uncomfortable from the reminding atmosphere and wants nothing more than to leave and forget this all happened.

The two nodded, and with one final hug, they were let go. 1x1x1x1 left a few seconds after they parted with a wave of their hand.

1x1x1x1 walked closer and closer to the door that leads to the backyard, only to stop once they realized who was sitting in the chairs of the dining room.

Knights from Blackrock. Despite their King's passing that led to the kingdom's ruin, they still stubbornly adorn themselves in that shiny metal armor. Was it to commemorate the king or the denial of letting go of the past? 1x1x1x1 doesn't care, they just want to get to the backyard.

"...It's you." A voice, echoey yet muffled as if uttered from an enclosed space spoke out and 1x1x1x1 just knew that their efforts of sneaking around were in vain.

Reluctantly, they turned towards the squadron of knights with a sheepish demeanor, attempting to look weak just so they won't hear a fitful of yelling.

But they were instead met with an unexpected silence that had them awkwardly standing around in front of their table like a scolded child.

"...Sorry, you're just a young chap involved in a scandal way too big to handle." Another knight sighs in forlornly. "I'm sorry that you had to see such things at such a young age..."

"Look, mate... We aren't trying to come off as intimidating, you can rest easy now. You're not a trespasser anymore nor will you have our ire."

"What are you people doing here...?" There's no use in holding their questions in anymore when they've clearly been found.

They heard someone clear their throat as a man with a black helmet walked closer to the group. 1x1x1x1 faintly recognized him to be the one guarding the path in the snowy thicket.

"We are just here to simply mourn the loss of..." The blackened knight sighs before continuing back again. "Our king, our castle, our home, everything..."

"That's why we came here... This place, has a calming effect that I can't help but feel tranquil in." Another knight, one that seats themselves at the head of the table, exclaims.

"It makes us forget at least a second of that... horrifying scene." Another one, seated near the wall, shuddered in terror. They sound tired yet alarmed, perhaps insomnia ate away his sanity long before getting here. "I... I want to forget... If only— I was..."

The others pat his back and whispered comforting words in hushed voices, careful not to let others overhear their vulnerabilities and privacy.

While the other guards seated at the table were murmuring consolation to each other, the blackened knight stood besides the small child with a straight posture (though he feels like he wants nothing more than to slouch).

They stayed silent for a moment, just watching the others like how an observer would, until it was broken once a voice spoke up besides them: "I heard of stories about the manor at the edge of Spooksville carrying the souls of the dead and guiding them to a paradise where peace is absolute and happiness lasts an eternity."

It's not peace, it's silencing; it's not happiness, it's just delusions. What a sham! 1x1x1x1 can't believe that this man is describing the same Spirit Realm they live in for ten years.

"I came here in search of consolation after his passing with my fellow brethren following after, and I'd say that this place is indeed the closest you can be towards peace and tranquility. I wonder... whether HE is experiencing this too. I'd like to imagine that this place makes me feel at least a little of what my majesty feels in the afterlife..."

That place sure is a great place to rest in peace, but to 1x1x1x1, who wants to feel nothing but the stimulation of living, the Spirit World was nothing but damnation where all souls go to rot until they open the doors that leads outside the manor, and never return from the fog.

...And they'll never return from the fog, they WILL ALL leave one day and leave them behind as a afterthought.

"Do you really believe that?"

"I am a spiritual man, even more so today than all the other days I've lived." The knight with a black helmet defended. "Many here in Telamon's manor visit to sightsee, but there are just as many to mourn and feel closer to their loved ones after their death."

"Then, I'll leave you to do just that."

"Nonsense, forgive us if we made you feel unwelcome, it's truly not your fault but ours. This table is all glum from the recent incident but this does not mean we are turning people away. Come sit with us, you seem tired and just as stressed— perhaps, some quiet may do you good?"

"That's right, child. It's All Hallow's Eve— a day for rest, not only for the dead, but for the living too. After all, there's a reason why so many tourists are here!" A knight from the table interjected with a casual wave of their hand.

"Someone is waiting for me."

"Oh, is that so... Are they perhaps the people you're with previously at the castle? Well then, don't let us stop you, but do visit some other time. We feel as though we'd be here for a while." The knight pats his head lightly to which the child responds by scooting away and earning them a lighthearted chuckle from the knight. "Stay safe, but if you're going back outside, don't go alone! The locals at SPOOKSVILLE keeps warning us about creatures that target the lonely."

"Don't worry too much, they'll target you before they target me."

"Oh haha." The man fakes a really sarcastic laugh at 1x1x1x1's equally sarcastic remark. And with a light push of his hand, urges them to get going.

They were given another pat in the back before 1x1x1x1 finally left with the knight wearing a disappointed yet amused gaze at them until they exited to the backyard.

Stars glimmered and dotted the skybox in a big mass, insects chirped in their nests and burrows making for a nice ambience while a soft breeze billows past them like a fleeting embrace.

Procrastinating on going towards the gate, 1x1x1x1 took their sweet time in analyzing the bugs and the asset code in the surrounding area until there is nothing else left to distract them.

They can hear the audible sound of the dirt crunching beneath their shoes as they made their way to the gate with loud footfalls.

The butler stood at the middle with his hands behind his back, looking deep into the light green vortex that leads to the Spirit Realm. Upon hearing the sound of someone approaching, the old man turns around to face the child with a small smile.

"I have a wonderful surprise waiting for you at the other side, young master. I hope this will be enough to cheer you up!"

It won't.

He held out his hand for them to take which they do after a second of contemplation as they both face the gate with differing expressions.

The wind howls and tussles the child's hair without a care and just as quickly as it swept, it went away like a phantom.

It left 1x1x1x1 looking at themselves with aggravation upon realizing that their earlier neat appearance was completely destroyed by a meddling wind that has nothing else better to do than ruin someone's day.

"Master Telamon has bid us a good day, a farewell, and a goodnight. May he bless the Spirit Realm with utmost joy upon his child's safe return." The old man chatters on cryptic gibberish that 1x1x1x1 cannot care to understand. "Now, child. Your father has celebrated your return safe and sound, let us share his joys and—"

A loud crash from inside the manor broke the atmosphere as the two hesitantly looked back to witness the manor being suddenly swallowed by a darkness dotted with a sea of stars after summoning a barrier— blue, transparent, ethereal and otherworldly in nature from the depths of nowhere.

Not long after, screams erupt like a loud siren unable to be turned off. The volume snapped the two back into clarity and with ease, the butler swiftly pulled 1x1x1x1 behind him as the man faced the path leading back to the mansion all while the screams died down bit by bit in a surreal fashion that feels so close yet so far at the same time.

Yet, even after a of couple minutes passed by, nobody came.

"Young master, stay here, okay?" Their butler orders with a stern tone as they closed the gate that leads to the Spirit Realm and ventured back into the manor.

So now, all they could do now was to simply wait, and that's what they did. But as the time passes, a second felt like a year; a minute might soon equal a century and their patience wears thin.

How long is this going to take?

After another minute has passed, 1x1x1x1 cannot take it any longer and soon followed after the path their butler took, until they arrived at the backyard of the manor.

They heard noises from inside the bubble barrier yet they can't make out what it is. They slowly pulled out their GUI as sneakily as possible as they start to analyze their surroundings.

What the...?

Their GUI just suddenly started glitching out of nowhere— showing errors messages upon errors messages until their terminal has been completely override by text notifications warning about viruses. The screen was tinted a horrible shade of blue and white as sparks flew from it like stars as it failed to analyze the code of the barrier.

That can't be right... Their stuff might be outdated but it's not incompetent. Whoever did this must be an expert programmer!

1x1x1x1's hairs stood on its ends as goosebumps riddled their skin like rashes and a terrible pit of dread started bubbling in their gut. They quickly turned off their GUI that has now been infected by multiple types of malware and swiftly hid behind the door.

The door clicks open, as a noob with a helmet peeks their head out to examine the surroundings for a few moments before slowly starting to turn their head behind the door.

Before they can think, they acted. The kick sent the helmet bozo tumbling down the stairs and without hesitation, they immediately snapped a loose board from the porch's rotting wooden beams and smacked the guy in the chin for it.

They were immediately knocked out like a light, their helmet falling off from their head and picked up by 1x1x1x1, who puts it on like it was theirs in the first place and was not stolen.

Guess that helmet really didn't do much, might as well take it.

They quietly peeked inside from the slit in the doorway and their eyes widened after taking in the sight of the interior.

The Blackrock Knights sitting at the dining table were suspended in the air by an invisible force, their bodies stuck as if it's frozen in a t-pose motion while those that have no experience in fighting were herded into one corner like cattle by a hooded noob that keeps chanting witchcraft.

They slowly backed away as they searched their pockets for the whistle that Telamon gave them before groaning in frustration upon realizing that they left it at the bedside drawer in the train.

Well, what to do now?

They looked back at the interior of the manor that looks to be stuck in time in a perpetual limbo before their gaze shifted back to the path ahead that leads into the Spirit Realm.

 

 

 

 

 

####!!!

Notes:

CORNER TRIVIA:
— Draco and Scion of Draco are NPCs in Telamon's manor, they don't do much other than request Player to be respectful in the Spirit Realm.

— 1x1x1x1 is actually supposed to be fluent in multiple languages because of their time cooped up in the manor and having nothing to do other than talk to others (that possess different languages). The translation parts are only there for readers that have trouble reading and don't care to translate word by word.

— Absolutely screw the timeline of Block Tales bruh. I'm debating with myself whether I should tweak the sequence of events in this fic to overlap with canon because I just noticed that Chapter 3's title is just the original name for Halloween while an NPC in Roadtown says something about snowing in the middle of July.