Lost Morals (Brawl Stars)

Chapter 39: Rethink

Song: Rethink by Peppson (https://peppsen.bandcamp.com/track/rethink)

"Camera's up! Say cheese!" Buster yelled for the team as they posed in front of the Ghost Station.

...

"Oh hey Jade. Yeah...about the duel...good game. I realised that I should accept that we all are good fighters. Brawl News was talking about our duel last week! Cool yeah?"

...

"Yo! Dude! It's Jade! Max, come out!" Surge high-fived Jade. "Greetings fellow hero! How's you adventuring? Found any shards?" Max asked in a more casual(less overhyped)tone.

"Found one at the ghost station—was quite the blast for me though!" Jade replied, a little disappointed. Meg punched Jade's arm, "Hey cheer up! Statistically speaking, one is better than none ya?"

...

"Who's there? Oh hi Jade! It's been a while, yeah?" Colette greeted as she opened the staff room door in the giftshop

Edgar held his scarf up, "Whadup." Griff came out from the back, "Oh greetings! If it isn't my favourite employee!" He looked to Edgar and Colette nervously before turning back to Jade, "Did you bring customer fans?"

...

"Aye! It's been ages since I last met you pal!" Jacky greeted as she hugged Jade and shook his hand.

Dynamike hauled a sack of gems, "Wouldn't it be so convenient if you shard were to just appear outta' thin air?"

Carl shook his head, "But sorry Jade. No signs of any shards."

...

"Ya packing up to head north? To the desert right?" Lou asked as he packed a suit case and gave it to Jade.

"Yes. I'll be out for a bit, wanna get some fresh air you know?" Jade answered as packed some water into his sling bag.

"Well in that case, have some frozen water! It'd keep you in the cold zone~" Lou laughed.

...

Jade walked past the Biodome as sparks of light were seen from inside. He stopped by but was startled when a girl in yellow and purple stumbled up with a stack of books, "Oops! I'm terribly sorry sir!"

The girl placed a had on her mouth after seeing Jade, "You are the famous guy that...well you aren't that new but nevertheless!"

They chatted for a while before Bea and Rosa had to get back to work, "We'll see you later I guess, good luck in your search! If anything fishy is served, I'll inform you."

...

"Welcome back traveler." Gene said as he landed on his feet from meditation. Tara rolled her eyes, "You didn't need the spell Gene! But anyways—looks like you made a name for yourself...Jade."

Jade patted his chest, "I guess I did!"

Sandy came out from his room, "The villages here have a different view on you now, but are still skeptical." He informed.

Jade rubbed his chin as he looked at Sandy, "Hey kid. How did Leon know about my secrets?"
Sandy grew sweaty as he looked around.

"Uhh..."

Jade laughed, "Pfft! I was just playing!"

...

Before long, Jade was back in the capital and had received a call from Pam.

"Aaaand...that's the last piece!" Pam marveled as she dusted her hands off and admired her work. Jade smiled and nodded, "Truly remarkable..." he sauntered over to the desk with a computer displaying statistics of the universe.

Pam patted Jade's back as she looked at the fluctuations on the screen , "You know, I never thought I'd see someone like you...comin' ere' to this world. Must be a busy life for you on the other side huh?"

Jade shook his head, "Eh...nah. I'm glad I came here. You people taught me a lot."

Pam raised an eyebrow, "And what's that? I'm interested."

Jade shrugged his shoulders, "I'm my world, there were only me and my machines. People have respect for me out of fear. Now, folk here actually give care and concern...for the right reasons."

Pam was taking in the info and sighed, "Welp...guess I'll take my leave now. Glad we could help you."

Jade looked behind his back as he heard the door click shut. He touched the portal frame and sat down, leaning against it.

He took out a photo of his friends and himself, together. But then took out a photo of him and the brawlers together.

"Isn't it funny?" Jade asked himself.

"This was a study. I have restraints to prevent me from interacting too much with the people here."

He looked at the photos, "Now look at me...if I leave, I leave in disappointment. People would feel dread. I would feel dread."

He took out the picture of Gus, Buster and Penny in a selfie with him, "But is it that bad?"

He kept the photos and counted his shards. "5...2 more to go." he placed his hand on his cranium, "At least I'll remember you all..."

"...for good reasons..."