Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Telamon was aware of the dangers of the ghostwalker. I guess you could say everyone was, but that didn’t stop some idiots trying to get their hands on it.
So Telamon locked it away. Away where no one could reach it. It was all going alright. No one had found the ghostwalker, even better was no one had mentioned it. Until they did.
Word spread through the manor Shedletsky had ordered a retrieval of all the SFOTH swords through his dumb, optimistic, adventurer kid. Telamon knew this kid. They were stubborn. If they wanted to find the ghostwalker, they would find the damn ghostwalker. He couldn’t say he didn’t respect that. He heard whispers around the manor that Player had got their hands on the venomshank and was now heading for the ghostwalker. He made the grave mistake of assuming Player would take their time coming over to the manor. He waited around, planning out the interaction in his head. He would see Player, tell them about the dangers of the ghostwalker, shoo them home.
Boy was he wrong.
He’d severely underestimated the time it took the adventurer to make it from Turitopulis to the Manor, and before he knew it, he had everybody crowding round him making him aware of players arrival. He rushed over to the secluded area in which he’d hidden the ghostwalker, but he was too late. Player was there, passed out on the floor. It was odd. They weren’t dead or anything. Just unusually cold. He assumed from the ice dagger. It does after all tend to have that kind of effect. He sighed. He knew the moment Player woke up, they would dash to the ghostwalker and stuff it in their pocket. He sat them up against the wall and climbed up the ladder.
‘You can tell they’re Shedletsky’s kid.’ He thought to himself.

The dream world was cold. Player darted up and a shiver ran down their spine. Looking to their right they inspected the environment. This wasn’t their house they were sleeping in. This wasn’t their bed they were sat in. And it certainly wasn’t- Is that? No. No it can’t be. But Player would recognise that smile and hard hat anywhere.
“Builderman?” They got up out of bed, only to be immediately ushered back down by ‘builderman’ “You hit your head pretty hard kid. Don’t want to push yourself,” He chuckled. “I’m just kidding get the hell out of my bed.” Player complied, standing out of the way whilst Builderman mumbled something inaudible whilst making the bed. He turned round and Player could’ve sworn they saw Builderman’s eyes turn red under the shadow of his hat. They brushed it off however, I mean they just got knocked unconscious, they were bound to make some stuff up.
“Hey Builderman?” They looked around and then back at Builderman, who was still stood staring at Player, mid making the bed, almost frozen. “yes, kid?” He dropped the bedsheet, letting it fall onto the bed, messing up what he’d just fixed. Still holding eye contact with Player, his smile growing more and more obviously fake. “Where exactly are we? I don’t recognise it at all.” They picked up their iron sword, which was conveniently placed on the floor at the bottom of the bed.
The room was silent for a moment, filled only with Builderman’s heavy breathing. Player stood up, about to ask again, before being cut off by Builderman’s plastic smile snapping to face them. “You’re in the dream world, kid. Where else would you be?” He cackled, almost as if that was the most stupid question they could’ve asked in the moment. “somewhere that exists?… you know…like bizville, turitopulis…” Player mumbled under their breath, slightly put off by Builderman’s tone.
“Anyhow,” Builderman continued “We best set off, we have a long time ahead of us if you want that ghostwalker.” He dashed off out of the bedroom door, leaving Player to sprint to catch up.
3 fights against what can only be presumed as negative emotions later, Player thought they were getting the hang of it. Fear was out of the picture, and Builderman looked ecstatic. “I knew you could do it, kid! I knew you could set me free! Come on, let’s go.”
Player collapsed to the floor shaking. Looking up, There it was again. The red glint in Builderman’s eyes. His smile widened.
“What’s wrong?” He sneered, like he was holding in laughter. “Why…can’t you get up? You’re so close, kid! You’re almost there! Your soul’s been cleaned! It’s completely clear.”
Player tried to pull themself up, but there was some kind of force, weighing them down.
Builderman stopped smiling. “Open. Weak. Corruptible. Defenceless. Exposed. Susceptible. VULNERABLE. It’s FINALLY. ALL mine.”
Player tried to speak as they watched Builderman twist and contort into what can only be assumed to be his real self.

And just like that they were back in his bed. But unlike the other time they bolted up to a shiver running down their back, this was different. They were alone.

They slumped out of bed, still feeling heavy from whatever the hell happened last night, and turned to face the unmade bed. They left it and dragged themself out of the door. They weren’t going to win a fight like this, they stood no chance. They were going to try still. For Shedletsky, for the ghostwalker.
The sky had changed from the cool blue they remembered it to be to a bright red covered in foggy yellow clouds that did nothing but obscure Player’s vision. They travelled. They travelled far. They must have searched through the whole dream world. Until they came face to face with hatred.
They got beat up. Hard. They barely made it out alive. But that final hit must not have been enough to completely tame hatred.
When they returned back to the manor and were greeted by Terry, Jerry, and Kitchen wizard, they felt different. They felt hate.
They brushed it off and, to Kitchen wizard’s dismay, pulled the sword out.

Something felt off as they walked back to Roblox HQ to talk to Shedletsky. The kind strangers who greeted them on their way didn’t seem to want to know them, only to frustrate them and throw them off track. This didn’t bother them enough to aggravate them, however. Yet.

Chapter Text

Just like that, Player returned to Shedletsky like normal. They were given the instructions to collect the next sword like normal. They got the firebrand like normal. Returned to Shedletsky yet again, like normal. But something about the time didn’t feel normal. They had a growing pit in their stomach, a constant grumble in the back of their head. Subconscious thoughts they weren’t aware they felt.
Walking into Roblox HQ, they stopped at the top of the stairs leading to the basement. The thought of having to listen to Shedletsky ramble on gave them a headache. They were caught off guard by a kind lady interrupting their thoughts.
“Hello, kid! Are you lost?” She smiled.
They turned to face her. Kid? They aren’t a kid. This woman didn’t look a day over 25. She couldn’t be calling them kid. They ignored the thoughts, and plastered a smile onto their face.
“Ah…No. I’m alright.” Player chuckled under their breath nervously.
“Alright then. See you around.” The lady waved and walked off. The second she turned her back, Player’s smile dropped. They sighed and began to walk down the stairs.
‘What a weir-‘ They stopped. In the middle of the stairs. ‘What am i saying? What have i been saying? That lady was being nice..’

As they walked into the basement, they were immediately greeted by Shedletsky, rushing over to meet them, beaming.
“Player! Hi! Did you get the firebrand?” He grinned, resulting in a smile from Player.
“Yeah…Yeah. I did.” They replied, and pretty soon after Shedletsky continued talking he was drowned out by their thoughts.
‘God damn it. Why’s that always the first thing he asks? Never how are you, never-‘
They were interrupted. There was a voice in their head. A voice that wasn’t theirs.
‘BECAUSE HE DOESN’T CARE ABOUT YOU, PLAYER.’
What the hell was that? They don’t think that. Shedletsky cares about them. Doesn’t he?
‘What’s up with me today…’ They were brought back into the conversation by the feeling of Shedletsky's hand aggressively patting them on the upper-arm.
“But we can talk about that later. You can take a little while off… I suppose.” He laughed, and turned around to continue with what he was doing.
“Really? Thanks. I was actually hoping to check on Griefer and you know… apologise or something..”
Shedletsky stopped and turned around. He wasn’t expecting Player to bring up Griefer in a conversation. “Oh- Alright. You go do that then.”

It’s true. They did. After hearing about his situation regarding stabbing himself with the venomshank, they wanted to see if there was anything they could do to help.
So they did that. They cured him, received their thanks from Mayor Thaniyel, who left the two alone.
“W3 c0uld h4ng 0u7 50m71m3… 1f y0u’d l1k3 7h47.” Griefer mumbled. Despite his initial resistance to admit he was grateful for player saving his life, he did in fact want to hang out. There was something about Player, something that felt different. They were so… strong. He couldn’t find a better word, but he admired their persistence, and almost inability to give up on something.
“Yeah. I’d love that.” They replied.
Player almost felt the same way for Griefer. You wouldn’t go so far as to say they admired him, but something close.
“H0w 4b0u7… 70m0rr0w?” Griefer smiled, making Player laugh.
He could’ve sworn his heart skipped a beat.
“Tomorrow’s good. I’ll meet you back here at 12. See you, Griefer.” They waved and walked off.
“See you later, Player.” He hesitated to raise his hand to wave back. He stood there, silent, for a moment and before he knew it, Player was off.

Griefer didn’t sleep that night. Half the night was spent texting Kyoko, trying to find as much information about Player as possible before they hung out the next day. He asked her for every detail of every interaction they’d ever had with her, and was disappointed when he got hardly anything in response.
“idk what you want me to say brad i dont actually know player that well they seem nice i guess i hope it goes well tmrw u seem excited”
All her unpunctuated, all lowercase text- messages for the next 6 hours went unread and unanswered because he spent the rest of the night alone with his thoughts, sat in his bed.
What the hell had he done in his life, what wrong decisions had he made, to lead him to be texting his best friend at 11 o’clock at night about some person she vaguely knew?
He didn’t like Player. Not like that, at least.
He didn’t think.

Tomorrow came faster than he’d liked. He arrived in the placed they’d agreed to meet a whole 4 hours early and was sat waiting until 12 o’clock came and , exactly on time, so did Player.
They got along a lot better than Griefer had liked. He assumed they’d find out they weren’t the type to be friends, they say their goodbyes and never speak again. But Player had stories. They told him all about the SFOTH swords, from their own life and before either of them were born. He’d kind of hoped they would have nothing to say to each other, but around Player, there was never a moment of silence.
Griefer found himself taking more than he ever had around anyone.
So they hung out more.
Then some more.
They hung out almost every day at this point. All throughout this time, Griefer had sworn he didn’t like Player. To everyone. Kyoko and Mayor Thaniyel had both stopped believing him. Player was the topic of every conversation he had. Kyoko had to admit, it was getting quite boring listening to him ramble about his new “friend” but she was glad he’d finally found someone he was happy around. Mayor Thaniyel thought exactly the same.
Player didn’t mention it to anyone. Not a word about Griefer was mentioned to Shedletsky since they first came back after collecting the firebrand. Shedletsky didn’t think much of it. They often had quiet episodes like this, occasionally, every so often days would go by without them saying a word to anyone. He assumed it was just one of those times.
He wouldn’t have guessed they were talking more than they ever had.

Chapter Text

Griefer and Player were around each other 24/7 at this point. Every day they'd promise to meet up, same time, same place. Every day Griefer would show up 4 hours early and, every day, Player would be exactly on time. They'd spend the day together, say their goodbyes, and the moment they got home, they'd call each other. Although Player felt completely comfortable around Griefer, they couldn't help but feel the need to hide their friendship from Shedletsky. They'd do anything they could to avoid bumping into him on the street, taking the long way round to get somewhere if it meant they didn't have to go past Roblox HQ.

Griefer noticed. He didn't think much of it at first, he himself was hesitant to tell Mayor Thaniyel where he was spending the day. However, after Player caught a glimpse of the back of Shedletsky's head and immediately made the both of them stop what they were doing and turn back the other way, it started to confuse him. Shedletsky was a supportive person, most of the time. He wouldn't have anything bad to say about Player making a 'friend'. He was too anxious to say anything about it though.
He also noticed how surprisingly popular Player was. It wasn't too out of the ordinary, considering they were Shedletsky's kid, but they didn't come off as the kind of person that was waved at by every other person on the street. Every day, at least 10 people stopped them and Griefer to say hello. Over the course of their time together, however, Player began to react to these people differently. At first, they'd smile, wave, say hello back, but this turned into a half-hearted wave, which turned into a slight smile and a heavy sigh.

Player didn't do this intentionally, of course. They'd often find themselves in the passenger seat of their body. They'd try to smile, wave and say hello back, but they couldn't control themselves. Almost as if some other being was in their body. Maybe there was. Maybe they were the voice. The voice was only getting louder after Player first heard it. It was so full of hate. Everything it had to say was putting someone in a negative light, or bringing someone down, trying to get Player to give in to give in and say all the thoughts the voice was forcing into their head. They had to be honest, it was getting difficult not to.

Player stayed up late one night, after Griefer had ended the call and gone to bed. They couldn't sleep. They tried to think of why on earth they were hearing the voice while, simultaneously, trying their best to ignore the voice.

And it hit them.
Hatred. They'd obviously tamed them after they fought back in the dream world, but it must not have been enough.
So it's back. And there was no point in avoiding them this time. Their mind was racing with thoughts. Why now? Had they been naturally bringing it back? None of it made sense. Did it-
Shit. It was going for Griefer. It had used Builderman's image to trick Player into letting their guard down, to attack them when they were weak. God did it work. They barely made it out alive. Griefer stood no chance against hatred. But how were they supposed to tell him? They couldn't just walk up to him tommorow and say "oh yeahhh... The embodiment of my hatred is taking over my body in order to attack you and most likely use you as some fucked up vessel because it sees you as weak... Sorry about that...." because that would just be stupid. Griefer wouldn't belive them either.
They were making assumptions. Did Hatred tell them they were using them to take over Griefer? No, absolutely not.

So it was either they figure out what it really was doing, and figure it out quick, or let Griefer make the discovery himself.

Chapter Text

Player jolted up, head throbbing and the floor beneath then uncomfortably warm. The void-like expanse's dark walls seemed to go on forever and these red streaks, seemingly shaped with the intention of resembling veins trailed along the floor. It wasn't until Player pulled themself up and inspected the environment around them did they see the large, cracked, beating heart behind them and realise just were they were.
It was too late. They'd swapped places with Hatred in their sleep. They stumbled over to the heart and placed their hand on the top. It was exactly the same as it was when they first entered the dream world, except now it had a big, gaping hole down the middle. They traced the edge of the crack with their finger, before they were caught off-guard by the sound of their own voice.
“Player.” The voice laughed.
“Hatred. What do you want with Griefer.” They replied, searching around for a source of where the voice was coming from.
Hatred ignored their question. “Oh Player— I thought you’d never reply to me again! I’ve been trying to get a hold of you, but I’ve been ignored every time.”
They stayed silent for a moment. “I know.”
“You can’t get yourself out by the way.”
“I know.”
“I’m gonna ruin your god damn life by the way.”
“…I know.”
“Great!” Player heard Hatred clap their hands together. The sound echoed through the walls and the floor rumbled, almost knocking Player off their feet. “I better start heading off! I’m going to see Brad.”
“You’re 4 hours early, what the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Hatred went silent. The only sound that could be heard for what seemed like miles was the quiet beating of the heart.
“I never said I was going over to Turitopulis yet.”

Griefer had had enough of just wondering what was wrong with Player- if something was wrong with them, of course. So he made the impulsive decision to visit Shedletsky and question him. He’d heard from many of Player’s stories of a thing called Hatred, and their near-death experience with this guy whilst getting the Ghostwalker. They'd told him Hatred had impersonated Builderman to trick them into letting their guard down, and he was wondering maybe, just maybe, Hatred was impersonating Player to trick him? Whatever it was, something was different. They weren't themself.

He flew over to Bizville and, with the help of Kyoko, made his way over to Roblox HQ. The last time he'd visited the place was when he was a very young child, he went with Mayor Thaniyel, most likely for something to do with The Venomshank.
Ugh. The Venomshank. He hates to think about it. The sheer mention of it makes him ache all over, but it's ok. He's ok. He's changed, and moved on.
He snapped back to reality with a quick slap on the side of the face from Kyoko. He’d been stood there staring at Roblox HQ for a good minute, thinking of The Venomshank.
"Brad! Get in there! This is your partner you're saving here, not mine. Though I do care about what happens to Player, don't get me wrong-"
She was cut off by Griefer.
"7H3Y'R3 N07 MY P4R7N3R! W3R3 N07 D471NG!" He heard Kyoko laugh behind him as he slowly walked into Roblox HQ.

Hatred jumped out of bed and inspected themself in the mirror. They adjusted their hood and laughed.
"You sleep in this? You're such a slob! I'm surprised Shedletsky even lets you inside Roblox HQ."
Player sat back down and rested on the heart. Since them and Hatred swapped places, they've seemed very heavy. Kind of like when they collapsed in the dream world. They can hardly hold themself up without falling over. The hot floor underneath them, but the pain being put on the back of their legs was easier to bear than the feeling of being crushed.
"Oh so now you're back to ignoring me. Whatever." Hatred sighed and walked out of the door. Since Player started collecting the SFOTH swords for Shedletsky, he let them stay in their childhood bedroom. It was still messy and definitely still smelt like it was last used by a teenager, but that didn't matter, because they only slept in it. The rest of the day was spent out, probably in Turitopulis somewhere.
"I don't know how you sleep in there." They looked around the house. "I can hardly see the damn floor."
"Just be grateful you can see the room at all." Player mumbled. They didn't like not being able to see what exactly Hatred was doing.
"Oh can you not see? My mistake- I'm not that cruel. If I'm going to ruin your life I want you to watch."
Player heard a click rumble through the walls as the space in front of them opened to reveal what seemed to be Hatred's vision. It was exactly the same as Players, but with a heavy, dark red tint covering it.
Before Player could even think of a response, Hatred was out of the door on the way to Roblox HQ.
They slid through the doors and tiptoed down the stairs to the basement, where they saw Griefer walking through the basement to Shedletsky. It was early, so the room was still empty, meaning Hatred could successfully hide behind the wall and listen to their conversation.

Griefer cleared his throat. "... MR 5H3DL375KY?"
Shedletsky was sat at a desk. After he heard his name, he turned his head to see who was talking to him.
"Ah! Brad, Hi! What's wrong?" He stood up and walked over to Griefer.
"17'5 PL4Y3R." Griefer tried to brush back the plants sprouting from the top of his head that where sticking out of his hat, but they bobbed back up immediately.
"Really? Are they ok? Are they hurt?" Shedletsky looked concerned.
"W3LL, 7H47'5 7H3 7H1NG." Griefer paused for a moment. "7H3Y’V3 B33N… D1FF3R3N7. N07 70 M3 0R 4NY7H1NG, BU7 3V3RY0N3 3l53. 7H3Y'V3 B33N 4C71NG M0R3 4NGRY 4ND L1K3...4GGR351V3."
"Oh? I didn't know you two spent time together. But that doesn't matter, ignore me. When did you notice?"
"1 F1R57 N071C3D QU173 50M3 71M3 4G0, BU7 17'5 G07 4 L07 W0R53.” He fidgeted and looked down at his feet. Maybe this was a bad idea. He was probably just overreacting.
Shedletsky looked like he didn’t know what to say. Crap, he’s just made a complete fool of himself in front of one of the most important men in Robloxia. “1 UHM... 1 F33L L1KE 7H3 GH057W4LK3R M1GHT H4V3 50M37H1NG 70 D0 W17H 17?”
Hatred bit their lip and Player laughed. ‘YOU’RE FUCKED’ Hatred sighed.
“…shut up. they’re still talking.” Hatred whispered.
“What makes you think that?” Shedletsky asked.
“7H3Y'V3 70LD M3 4LL 4B0U7 17, 4ND 4B0U7 7H353 V01C35, 51M1L4R 70 7H3 0N35 1 H34RD." He cleared his throat again. "4-4ND 4B0U7 H47R3D."
"Yeah, They mentioned Hatred. It impersonated Builderman in the dream world, did it not?"
Griefer nodded. "PLRY3R B4R3LY G07 0U7 0F 7H3 F1GH7 4L1V3."
"I haven't spoken to them in a while. You're suggesting Hatred could've somehow... Took over Player?"
"Y34H- 1F Y0U D0N7 7H1NK 50, 17'5 F1N3. 1 KN0W 1M PR0B4BLY 0V3RR34CT1NG-"
"No, this is all possible. I suggest we speak to Telamon. I'll give you my number and I'll call you when I can sort a date to talk to him."
Whilst Griefer and Shedletsky were exchanging numbers, Hatred slid out of the room and ran up the stairs.
'GOOD LUCK GETTING OUT OF THIS ONE.'
Hatred growled and walked out of Roblox HQ. "I'll just have to not go back to the house. Simple."
'YOU NEED TO GO AND MEET UP WITH GRIEFER.'
"Yeah whatever. I can question him about his recent conversation with Shedletsky."
'JUST SHUT UP AND GO.'

Chapter Text

Griefer decided to act like this was any other day. Once he leaves Roblox HQ, he’d pretend he was never there. But over the past few days, he’d began to come to terms with his ‘budding’ feelings for Player. What he really meant was feelings he’d had since the moment he was cured, but refused to acknowledge.
What better time to confess than right before he was about to return the favour and help them? All he had to do was return to Turitopulis before 12. He could make it, but not 4 hours early like usual.
He heard a buzz come from his phone.
“how was it brad did u make it to shed without throwing up”
It was from Kyoko. He decided to ignore the initial question.
“1’M G0NN4 73LL PL4Y3R 1 L1K3 7H3M”
“what huh really when ?”
You know she really means it when she uses punctuation.
“70D4Y. 45 500N 45 1 G37 70 7UR170PUL15.”
“finally bruh”
He sighed and put his phone back in his pocket. In person, Kyoko was such an expressive, intellectual person, but conversations over text with her never really seemed to go all that far.

Hatred was sat, hidden, near their meet-up spot, waiting for Griefer to show up. They’d somehow got there quicker than they’d planned, and was sat there for almost an hour waiting to see him.
After that hour had been passed with a wry riveting conversation with Player, (Hatred saying something and either getting a grumble or being completely ignored by Player) Griefer finally showed up. They waited 5 minutes until the clock hit the 12 o’clock mark, when they waltzed into view of Griefer like normal.
Before Griefer could even begin to muster up the confidence to confess, Hatred Interrupted him.
“We need to talk. Come with me, this is better spoken in private.” Hatred was already walking off and Griefer could’ve sworn he felt his heart skip a beat. Was Player going to beat him to it? It wouldn’t be the end of the world if they did. It’s not like he would say no, anyways.
Griefer followed closely behind, but started to get increasingly confused as they kept going. He hadn’t seen a person, hell even an animal in a good ten minutes, and Player was still going. They didn’t even seem to start to run out of breath, or stop for a break once. Griefer definitely did. All the Witches brew he drunk out of stress and anxiety the night before we’re repeating on him, and Player definitely wouldn’t want to go out with him if he was covered in bright green throw up. He stopped and stared as Player started to climb up an incredibly steep hill, presumably to sit on the cliff edge that rested about 15 foot above him. He just watched as Player climbed up to the first place they could stop and turned to look down at him.
“Are you coming?” They stared at him.
“1DK H0W Y0U 7H1NK 1 C4N G37 UP 7H3R3”
Player reached their hand out and Griefer heated up. He shakily reached for Players hand and the second the two’s palms touched, he was pulled up next to Player. In a split second. Like it was nothing. Their hands stayed together for a few seconds. It seemed as though Player had forgotten they were holding hands. Griefer didn’t look away from their hand. They stood up and after realising they hadn’t let go, stared down at the two’s hands, then up at Griefer, who looked back at him. They let go and cleared their throat before turning around and carrying on.
To get to the edge it was only a slight slope and so obviously, Player darted up. Griefer trailed behind and sat on the edge next to Player.

Hatred hesitated, almost as if they hadn’t been planning out what they were going to say all the way here.
‘GO ON THEN. SPIT IT OUT.’ Player’s quiet voice rung through Hatred’s head.
“I heard your… conversation with Shedletsky this morning.” Hatred turned to face Griefer.
His heart dropped. They didn’t bring him out here to confess like he’d hoped. His mind raced trying to find the words to reply.
“50… Y0U’V3 B33N 574LK1NG M3?” He might have jumped to conclusions slightly, but the only thing he could do in the moment was hope he would be wrong.
“I wouldn’t call it stalking.” Hatred didn’t break eye contact, and it started to make Griefer feel uneasy.
“Y0U H34RD 4LL 0F 17?”
Hatred nodded.
“Y0U UND3R574ND? 7H3R3’5 50M37H1NG WR0NG, PL4Y3R.”
Griefer slid his hand closer to Hatred’s. Hatred turned their head to look over the vast expanse of forest in front of them both.
“Nothing’s wrong. You’re overreacting. If you had strangers on your back every time you dared to step out of the house, you’d get sick of it too.”
Griefer slid his hand back to it’s original spot on his leg. He looked down and sighed.
“1… 1’M W0RR13D. Y0U’V3 CH4NG3D. 1 JU57 W4N7 70 H3LP.”
Hatred stood up. Griefer could’ve sworn the shadow cast over their eyes by their hat turned their eyes some sort of red colour.
“I SAID I’M FINE, BRAD. JUST SHUT UP ABOUT IT ALREADY.” Hatred walked off. Griefer couldn’t say anything.

Brad. They’d never called him that. Not once had Player even mentioned his real name. Not in front of Kyoko, not Mayor Thaniyel, no one. He wouldn’t have been surprised if they’d forgotten it. The argument and sudden change of heart in what they called him didn’t change anything to him. If anything if confirmed what he thought. Something was wrong with them, and he was gonna do whatever it takes to get them back to normal.

Chapter Text

Griefer met up with Kyoko back in Turitopulis later that day. He'd vaguely explained what had happened, but the whole thing had shook him so much he could hardly get his words out.
They both bought themselves a drink and sat down on a nearby bench. Griefer sat, hunched over his cup, staring at the floor. Kyoko sat down next to him and took a sip of her drink.
Griefer leaned back. "1V'3 FUCK3D UP, H4V3N'7 1."
Kyoko stay quiet for a moment. "No. No you haven't. I'm sure this is all just a big misunderstanding, that's all. Player was probably just stressed. O-Or you're right, and something is wrong, and if that is true, you made the right descision in going to see Shedletsky," She paused. "You were just trying to help, Brad. Don't stress about it. Everything's gonna work out."
She smiled at Griefer, and he tried his best to convincingly smile back.
"7H4NKS, KY0K0. 1 GU355 N0W 1M JU57 W4171NG 0N 5H3DL375KY 70 G37 B4CK 70 M3."
"Yeah, I'm sure he'll text you soon. Telamon's schedule can't be thaatt busy, right??"
Griefer laughed. "Y0U'D B3 5URPR153D."
Kyoko was then reminded of her short trip to his manor, and the two were quickly lost in a conversation.
Griefer could'nt shake the feeling the two weren't alone, however.

Hatred sat with a drink of their own, under a shaded canopy far enough away to not be recogined, but close enough to hear the two's conversation.
'WHAT ARE YOU EVEN TRYING TO DO, HATRED. WHAT ARE YOU GAINING OUT OF USING MY BODY AS SOME KIND OF... VESSEL?' Player asked, their voice equivalent to a small whisper at the moment, despite it still having the ability to ring through Hatred's head.
"That's a good question." Hatred smiled, seeming content with their answer. They leaned forward to better hear Kyoko and Griefer.
'ARE YOU GONNA TELL ME, OR WHAT?'
"I'm just using you to get to Brad, and use him as 'some kind of vessel'"
'WHAT DO YOU WANT WITH GRIEFER.' Player shifted around. Their body wasn't getting any lighter and the air didn't seem to be getting any cooler. Any warmer and let were sure they would pass out.
"You're still my main priority, Player, don't you worry. I just figured you like Brad," Hatred chuckled and Player stayed silent. They knew Hatred was just saying things to torment them at this point. "And what better way to torment you than to...I don't know... destroy Brad? I might do it physically, maybe mentally, I might just kill him and make you watch if I feel like it. The world's your oyster when you have control over someone's body."
'YOU'RE GONNA WHAT.'
"You heard me, bitch. Don't play dumb, you know me."
'YOU'RE IN OVER YOUR HEAD, HATRED. I DON'T KNOW HOW POWERFUL YOU THINK YOU ARE. WHEN YOU'RE IN MY BODY, YOU'RE AS STRONG AS I AM.'
"Player, kid. You've done your job. I'm just staying in your body for the thrill of it now. Brad is gonna gonna meet up with Telamon, and it's alllll gonna go exactly as I planned. Just the thought of seeing your face whilst your boyfriend blows his brains out is making me feel so... euphoric." Hatred laughed and Player couldn't help but believe them. The beating of the heart behind them, still synchronised with their own, throbbed down their back and ran down their spine.
'YOU- YOU'RE INSANE. THAT'S A HORRIBLE THING TO SAY, EVEN FOR YOU, HATRED.'
"Get used to it. You hardly know me Player."

The next day, despite the pit in his stomach telling him his friendship (and anything he could’ve had beyond that) with Player was over after their argument the day before, Griefer still showed up to their regular spot, waiting for them. Four hours early, like normal.
Four hours passed.
Four and a half.
Five.
He sighed and buried his head in his hands. That’s it. They’re over. Player doesn’t want to see him anymore. He isn’t surprised. They looked really angry yesterday. He looked around, hoping maybe he’d spot them, or anyone he knew. He just wanted to see somebody. He just wanted to hear someone’s voice. In fact, he couldn’t quite pin down what exactly he wanted. It was like some… unknown sense of need, really. Whatever it was, it was put to the back of his mind when he heard a buzz come from his phone. He took it out of his pocket.
It was a message from Shedletsky.
“Hey kid! I’ve got a time to meet up with Telamon.”
“0K C00L. WH3N?”
“Uh Today. Hope you’re not busy. I doubt you are.”
“1 5H0ULD H4V3 B33N, BU7 PL4Y3R 571LL H45N’7 5H0WN UP.”
“Tell me more when you get here. Meet you at the station.”
He slipped his phone back into his pocket. He better get going to Bizville.
Hatred hadn’t left since they were watching Griefer and Kyoko the day before. They may or may not have also followed him home, and may or may not have also watched him sleep, especially after Player told them to stop and go home.
Griefer took the first plane and rushed over to Bizville train station, anxious that he was keeping Shedletsky waiting, followed shortly behind by Hatred. They were keeping a good few paces behind him, stopping every now and again to make sure they didn’t catch up to him. It didn’t matter how far away they were, as long as Griefer never left their sight. Ever.

Griefer walked down the stairs next to the hotel, before he was stopped by some strange, sketchy, shadowed figure. They pulled him into the dark alley they were stood in.
They grinned at him. “Got any of them…” They chuckled. “…Bux?”
Griefer looked at them. “UHH…WH47?”
Their smile dropped. “MY CARDS. DO YOU WANNA BUY MY CARDS??”
“WH47 C4RD5?” He looked around.
“Oh- Well! We’ve got SP finder, Hp drain… resurrect, you never know when you might need that, kid.”
“R1GH7. 1 7H1NK 1’M G00D. 7H4NK5 4NYW4Y5 7H0.” He smiled and walked out.
Hatred gave the figure a dirty look as they passed him.

Griefer looked around the station, looking for Shedletsky and just like he expected, there he was. Sitting back on a bench. He looked so calm. Griefer could never understand how he does that. He’s constantly been so anxious since he was cured, especially on the topic of the venomshank. But alas, here he was, standing less than a metre away from the man who created it. The one who got him in this mess in the first place. He’d probably never have stabbed himself if Player had never showed up. But then again, that meant he would’ve never met Player. The thought felt so strange. This time last year, he knew next to nothing about Player. And now, they were his everything. His reason to keep going. So he needed to help them. Whatever it takes.
He stared at Shedletsky, who clearly wasn’t paying attention, and cleared his throat. Shedletsky didn’t move. Didn’t turn his head, didn’t blink.
‘570P B31NG 5UCH 4 PU55Y, M4N. JU57 74LK 70 H1M.’ He sighed and thought to himself.
“MR. 5H3DL375KY?” He adjusted his hat and Shedletsky turned his head.
“Brad! Good to see you,” He stood up and patted Griefer on the shoulder. “Come on, let’s get a seat on the train and you can talk to me in more detail about Player. Then take all of that, and tell it to Telamon. He’s nothing to be scared of, he just looks all intimidating because he’s basically a god or something, but he’s sweet when you get to know him, really.”
“WH473V3R Y0U 54Y, MR. 5H3DL375KY…” Griefer mumbled under his breath.
Hatred had a struggle getting into the train without a ticket, and after the conducter refused to fight them for a spot, they ended up spending a crap-tonne of Player’s hard earned tix. They slipped inside of the train and sat as close to Griefer and Shedletsky as possible.
“So, has anything happened between you and Player since we last spoke?” Shedletsky asked, and he couldn’t be closer to the truth.
“Y34H…1 F0UND 0U7 7H3Y W3R3 K1ND4… 574LK1NG M3. 7H3Y’D F0LL0W3D M3 70 R0BL0X HQ 4ND L1573N3D 70 0UR 3N71R3 C0NV3R54710N,” He sighed. “W3 G07 1N 4N 4RGUM3N7 B3C4U53 7H3Y 1N51573D 1 W45 0V3RR34C71NG 0R 50M37H1NG… 1 H4V3N’7 533N 7H3M 51NC3.”
“Really? They haven’t been home in a while now… You mean to say you haven’t seen them at all today?”
“N0. 47 L3457 1 H4V3N’7 533N 7H3M.”
“There’s definitely something wrong. Good job Telamon is free now, before things get worse. Be warned though, I don’t know what you’re going to have to do to help them.”
“D0N’7 W0RRY. WH473V3R 17 15, 1’LL D0 17.”

The train stopped off at Spooksville and Griefer and Shedletsky stepped off the train, followed by Hatred soon after, who scowled at the conductor, who had stopped at the door to wave Shedletsky off.
The two made their way through the graveyard smoothly, Shedletsky not even batting an eye at all the zombies that stomped past them with large, steel swords and before they knew it, they were stood outside the manor.
They slipped inside and snuck past the crowds of people to the small, secluded area Telamon had agreed to meet them, where he was stood waiting.
“Telamon!!! Buddy it’s good to see you!” Shedletsky jumped and pulled the other into a tight hug. Telamon chuckled under his breath and patted him on the back.
“Hey Shed.” He looked over at Griefer, who hadn’t moved since they stepped into the room, and sighed before pulling down his hood. He was litterally just Shedletsky. Griefer would say he was in awe he was one of the only people in Robloxia to have seen Telamon’s face, but he just felt like he was looking at Shedletsky, which was objectively less impressive.
“Brad. You’re here to talk to me about Player, correct?” He was replied to with a nod from Griefer. “Or more to help confirm your suspicions, that is.”
“Y34H. Y34H 1 4M.” He brushed back the leaves that sprouted from the back of his head (despite the fact they immediately spring back up again.
“So tell me, Brad. What’s been going on?”
Griefer told Telamon, in between stuttering and clearing his throat, everything he’d told Shedletsky, about the stories Player had told him from the dream world, and how he thinks that the ghostwalker might have something to do with it.
The second he mentioned the ghostwalker it all clicked into place for Telamon.
“Don’t worry Brad. I know exactly what’s going on.”
Griefer was surprised with how silent Shedletsky was staying throughout all this. “R34LLY? Y0U D0? D0 Y0U KN0W H0W 1 C4N H3LP?”
“Yes. But im going to need you to listen very carefully to me, alright. You too, Shed.”
Griefer nodded and Telamon began to explain.
“So Griefer, do you remember Hatred?”
“1 D0, Y34H.”
“When Player entered the dream world they fought. Successfully defeating Hatred not only tames them, but stops them from being able to take over your body.”
“50 Y0U’R3 54Y1NG PL4Y3R D1DN’7 D3F347 7H3M R1GH7?”
“Exactly. I imagine Hatred is using Player to get in control of you for the soul purpose of destroying you.”
“…HUH. WH47. WH47 D0 Y0U M34N…’D357R0Y M3’.”
“Hurt you, embarrass you. They can do anything when they get full control over you.”
“CR4P. H0W D0 1 570P 7H47 FR0M H4PP3N1NG?”
“Fight Hatred for yourself. Shedletsky,” He turned his head to face Shedletsky. “Do you know where the ghostwalker is?”
“Yeah. It should be in Player’s room, back home.” He looked over at Griefer. “I’ll grab it on our way back and take it to Roblox HQ.”
“Great. I’ll come with you,” Telamon smiled and pulled his hood back up. “Let’s go, we don’t have much time.”
He slipped out of the room, closely followed by Griefer and Shedletsky. Shedletsky picked up the pace to walk beside Telamon. Griefer didn’t dare to do the same.
“Hey Telamon?” Shedletsky whispered. Telamon turned his head. “Are you sure Brad’s gonna be able to do it?”
“Probably not. There’s nothing to worry about, Hatred cannot control Player whilst Brad’s inside the dream world, and you can’t die inside there either. He won’t do it first time, I’m almost certain. But it’s the only way to save that kid’s life. I didn’t want to tell him, but if Hatred got control of him, he’s dead.”
“I’m not gonna let that happen, don’t you worry, Telamon.” Shedletsky smiled.
“Good. Too many lives have been lost to the swords already. I can’t let the sword I’m responsible for have that tied to it’s name as well. And of course Brad doesn’t deserve to die.”
Griefer heard the whole thing. He felt as if he was going to throw up.
But he has to keep going.
For Player.