Fix the Problem [Ep: 004

"Take a seat. Let's discuss why we're here." As we enter what looks like Alix's office, I can see many guns and weapons placed on the wall. They were clean and well placed. I couldn't take my eyes off of them. "I've been using those." Alix said. What he said made my spine shiver. He's been using them? For what....?

There were two vacant seats. The one on the left that's close to the collection of weapons, and the one on the right which was close to a big window. I chose the one on the right, of course. The view was amazing. City lights going along with the dark night sky, cars driving in the highway, people minding their own business...it was peaceful in my opinion.

Coward took the seat beside me. ((It's pretty dark...)) "...I wonder what time it is." "Currently 12 AM." ((I'm guessing our timezones aren't different.))

"Make yourselves comfortable. If you're going to ask any questions, ask them now." "Oh, I have many~ questions. How is this possible?" "What exactly are you talking about?" "Like the portal, alternate universes, different timelines and shit?" "It would be better if I don't tell you...yet. Any other questions?" I glare at Alix. "How old are you? What year is it? Where am I right now?"

"Calm yourself down and be patient. We're all the same age, 23. The timezone isn't different from yours, it's 2033, and you're in my office (which is obvious) that's in the building I made." I'm still confused. I tilted my head a little bit in confusion. "The building we're in right now is his home." "WHAT?!" I yelled in shock. "I didn't build it normally...I used those science-y magical crap. "Ah jeez..." I tried to catch my breath. "So you're here all alone?" "No. I made this building specifically for the other alternate us'." "...I live here now?" "Not yet."

"That's it." Alix leaned back on his chair, adjusting his glasses. "What? I haven't even had a chance to ask a question!" "Coward, hush. I know you don't have any questions, you just want to talk." Coward pouted and looked away.

"Why are we here?" I asked in an anxious tone. "We're here to fix Clover's problem." ((What? Am I hearing this right? Fix that bastard's problem?!)) "Why?! He should fix it himself!" I accidentally yelled. "The thing is he can't, idiot." Coward scolded me.

"In his timeline, he's been hurt and looked down at ever since he was born. Then there was this awful rich person that influenced him to be like him. To be rich. Clover worked hard to be like his father figure..but eventually he became a greedy, desperate and impatient person." "...Father figure?" "That man basically raised him since Clover was around 11." That's young. I'm quite jealous.

"I know, we're the same, we grew up without a father, it's annoying when people call us that boring old phrase." Coward said, smirking. "Fatherless?" "Yeah. I thought people stopped saying that stupid thing in 2024, people still use it." ((Using a year for an excuse I see.)) "Moving on. We're going to help him by bringing him back to his own alter-universe." Alix took out a small bag. I can hear some time of metal in there clacking and hitting each other as the bag moves around a bit.

He opened the back and what I see are pieces of gold similar to the one on my choker, my eyes widened. "These are all portals. Throw them wherever you want, a portal to another universe. Although the alternative universes aren't on random—it depends on what piece of gold you have" He then looked at the gold I was wearing and up to my eyes. "So...how did you get them?" "By asking the other alternates for their gold." Is he asking me for my gold?

Coward pulled out his gold and placed it on the table, Alix took it and threw it in the bag. "I need yours. If I don't have it, you're not going to able to get back to your timeline." I felt strong shivers after finding out I won't be able to get back home. But I'm not really sure if I can trust him. "Can I..trust you?" "You can trust yourself. You can trust me."

I slowly reach for my choker and took it off. "Sorry. I don't know how to get that thing sperated." "It's fine.." I scratch my neck and felt a bruise. (( Have I been wearing it too tight? It hurts a bit... ))

"Is that it? Can I eat now?" Coward asked in a sarcastic tone. Alix nodded as he works on my gold. "Let's go." Coward walked through the door. They didn't even wait for me. I hurry and catch up to them. I made it beside them, he then took a glance at me. "You're about to meet the other ones. If you see your face again and again, don't panic. We're just going to get a snack." Did he comfort me? I'm not sure but it made my mind fall into ease.

We made it to the dining area. I can hear multiple voices and utensils as I get closer. Coward opened the door and I saw more alternates! It felt so unreal!

"Hey! Who's this guy? Another alter?" "Yeah. He just got here, we're just getting a snack." "Welcome to the crew! What's your name?" "....Blank." "Great! Call me Kahiro!" Kahiro...he's an upbeat person. He has black hair that's similar to mine, but longer. He was wearing an extra sized black shirt with cyber designs. He looks like a gamer...? "Nice to meet you. May I ask, what kind of universe did you come from?" "Me? I'm from a neon district arcade-y gamer-y type of city. I raised myself in an arcade, just so you know!" (( That sounds fun. )) I gave Kahiro a warm smile as a response.

Coward walked up to me handing me a bag of chips. They were eating the chips too. "Here. You two were busy talking so.." "Thanks. Do you want some?" I offered Kahiro. "No thanks, you should meet the others!" He insisted as he smiles. I look at Coward only to see him mouthing 'go on'. So I took a seat.

As soon as I sat on a chair, many of the alternates look at me.

"You must be Blank."

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