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Robloxia was a place known for it’s socialist culture.
Every experience was brimming with people all over the world. A place for fun with friends.
Where you could share ideas, stories, meet new people, etc. Experiences crafted with love and care, experiences expertly created purely for the happiness of others. Entertainment was bountiful.
A place where anyone could express their creativity.
Make connections that would strengthen themselves.
‘Powering imagination.’
Communication was a vital factor in this cycle. Robloxians around the servers relied heavily on verbal language.
One of those Robloxians happened to be Seven.
A father happily living and caring for his three children. All while juggling financial struggles. Though he always managed, because that’s what fathers do.
Using his words to comfort when his children felt hurt. To discipline when they wrongfully acted. To laugh with them when they would play together. His voice being an anchor for the three of his kids.
Now, what would happen, if his dear words were ripped away?
Blocked against chains. A lock firmly keeping the distance between hearing his children’s mingling voices ever again.
Now that, would be bad.
But what am I even talking about?
The land of Robloxia would never have such restrictions.
Seven tried to reason with his head.
But the language barrier was becoming too apparent.
Only a day had passed when the restrictions went into place.
And he was already missing Coolkidd’s playful banter, Princess’s proper words, and Bluudud’s quick jabs.
His house felt empty despite having the three directly within arms reach.
Coolkidd and Princess having a conversation he couldn’t even fathom.
He could see them mouthing out words, but never knew if he was spot on.
Maybe Coolkidd was saying drakobloxxer? Or maybe he was saying something completely different.
The thought of being so oblivious was driving Seven insane.
Not only that, he didn’t have anyone to talk to in his spare time.
With only his kids occupying him in the house.
He was beginning to feel lonely.
And he was running out of paper for them to talk to him…
Bluudud waltzed into the living room firmly seating himself on the couch. Nintendo switch in hand. He only gave Seven a wave of recognition, not like he could do much else.
Seven could see Bluudud mutter something. Seven could perfectly decipher his words though. He was calling Coolkidd stupid.
Seven arched his brow pulling his index finger out to scold Bluudud. After a thought set in.
He’d just look like an idiot himself, waving his fingers around like that and mouthing out words.
How would he discipline his kids like this?
Seven let out an audible sigh, though it’s not like anyone could even hear it.
He slumped on the couch looking not so enthusiastic at the moment. Coolkidd and Princess’s heads immediately flicked to their father. The second they noticed his sluggish behavior.
Coolkidd bounce on top his father’s lap. His tail wagging as he flailed his hands around, smiling bright. Princess moved to his side, shoving a picture of a princess in his hand.
Bluudud furrowed his eye’s looking around, seemingly for something he could do to help his father’s mood.
His eye’s landed back on his switch, which he pushed into his free hand. Mario kart already opened and ready to play.
His smile faltered before appearing back on his face. He was grateful for his kids efforts.
He ruffled Coolkidd and Bluudud’s hair. Avoiding Princess since he knew how she liked to always look pristine.
He lightly placed the items back on the couch.
“That’s it! I can’t keep wallowing in my loneliness! I’m calling Noli.” Seven said with a look of determination.
His kids watched pensively. Probably wondering what their father could be up to.
Seven turned to them, one hand holding his phone while he gave a quick thumbs up.
The ringing on the phone line only continued.
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
“The number xxx-xxxx-xxx cannot be reached right now, leave a voicemail after the tone.” The robotic sounding voice answered back.
Damn it.
Seven’s demeanor changed, a part of him losing his courage from before.
Maybe Noli’s busy right now?
Seven exhaled, feeling his excitement start to fade.
“W-Wh4t d0 y0u w4n1?” Noli popped in from next to him. His glitchy voice buffering a bit.
The sparkling remnants of his C00LGUI being used to teleport him here.
Instantaneously all the kids crowded around him. Coolkidd pulling on his hood’s cape while jumping up and down. Princess quickly scribbled with crayon on scratch paper.
She gestured to the paper, the words reading out ‘Noli!’
Bluudud seemed to beam as well, opening his mouth to mutter out words that they would never be graced with hearing.
“W-wh4t th3 h31l.” Noli’s voice dropped. As he registered that he couldn’t hear Bluudud.
“Dude you mut3d your own ch1l6ren? Noli blinked.
“That’s brut41 even for you.” Noli let a face of concern wash over him as he pointed at the three.
“What!” Seven’s face sunk.
“I would never do such a thing!”
“Dunn0 you can be pretty b0$sy at t1m3$.” Noli said with slight doubt.
“What no! It’s the age restriction thing!” Seven pressed a hand to his chest in offense.
“Wh41 are you talking about?” Noli said dry.
“Haven’t you been watching the news?!” Seven fluttered his eye’s in disappointment.
“No why the h3ll would I care about that?” Noli muttered in mock disgust.
“The chatting restrictions?! Y’know the update where Robloxians are broken up into groups based off age?”
Noli stared at him straight faced.
“We can’t talk to anyone under 18 Noli!” Seven tried to jog his memory.
“O00OOH.” Noli blurted out.
“THAT WAS R34L?” Noli grasped the sides of his head. As if his life was flashing right before his eyes.
“Yes. Now I can’t talk with Coolkidd, Princess, or Bluudud.” Seven sighed.
“What 4ge bracket were they pushed into?” Noli placed his hand over his mouth, as if he was thinking.
“9-12. There’s no way for us to get permission to speak with them.” Seven noted.
“WH4T?! H0W AM 1 SUPP0$ED TO T4LK WITH M7 POOR LITTLE BABIES?” Noli yelled out in panic.
“…I was gonna ask. If you’d wanna stay over?” Seven hesitantly inquired.
“It’s uh. Pretty lonely not being able to verbally speak with anyone.” Seven blatantly said. Looking off to the side in awkwardness.
“0f course! I can help you take care of the k1d$!” Noli flipped around in the air.
“Well I guess it’s settled then. Bring your stuff.”
“SL33P0V3R!!” Noli energetically screamed before popping his C00lGUI into view. After typing some commands a pile of his belongings fell onto the floor.
“Not even an hour of staying here and you already have mess on my floor..” Seven pinched the bridge of his nose.
…
Noli floated over to Sevens side.
“So, what’s for d1nner?” Noli said slyly.
“…” Seven turned to face his kids. Usually he’d ask them, but it would prove more difficult than that.
Seven waved his hands around trying to get their attention.
All three of them equally tilted their heads, eye’s darting to Noli for some sort of clearance.
Seven pinched his upper nose. Before an idea sprang into his head.
He made a pinch motion with his fingers, swirling them around. Trying to mimic the ‘here comes the choo choo train’ motion. Hopefully that would give them the idea of food?
Princess jumped up and down like she understood.
She absentmindedly scribbled with a crayon.
The paper saying ‘train’? The other two kids opened their mouths as if they let a chorus of ‘oooh’s’ out.
“Dear Telamon, this is gonna be a long night.” Seven sighed.
“Id10t, why don’t you just wr1t3 on the paper too?” Noli said less than impressed.
“Oh! You’re right.” Seven jumped up.
He carefully worded the letters, spelling out ‘F-O-O-D’?
Princess tapped her finger, Coolkidd and Bluudud bundling around her.
Seven could tell they were conversing, he just didn’t know what about.
All three of the kids nodded their heads at each other like they had come to an agreement.
Coolkidd picked up an orange color pencil, trying his best to curve his lines. The crooked shape of what appeared to be a macaroni noodle somewhat manifesting.
Noli quickly zoomed to the kitchen, his hands sorting through their pantry before pulling out a box of Kraft Mac and cheese.
“Th1$?” Noli said audibly. But his words were meaningless to the kids anyway.
He shook the box, the sound of noodles clumping together and rattling around.
Bluudud nodded his head, while Princess pointed out with enthusiasm.
“Well let’s g3t too 1t!” Noli smirked while placing the box down on the marble countertop.
…
Seven poured the noodles into the now boiling pot.
Thankfully Mac and cheese was a simple dish. He didn’t have to put much thought.
Seven idly stirred the noodles as water vapor lifted up.
Noli flipped around a kitchen knife, juggling it around like a ball.
Seven’s gaze narrowed, his scolding face taking form.
“Alr1ght, 4lri9ht I’ll stop. No need to tr3at m3 like a kid.” Noli lazily rolled his eyes.
Seven gave a satisfied smile, continuing his attention on the bubbling pot of noodles.
“Soo0o…”
Seven sighed, “I don’t even know how I’ll manage tomorrow. The kid’s have school.”
“Wh0 the fuck ev3n 4ppr0ved this?” Noli grumbled.
“W41t—“ Noli blinked.
“Fuck!” He repeated.
“I CAN C-c-CUR$3!?” Noli’s eye’s widened, his speech buffering with his excitement.
“Oh yeah!” Seven snapped his fingers.
“I think It’s because we’re trusted connections!” Seven’s eyebrows lifted upward.
“Just say we’re b3st friends N3rd.”
“It also might be because we’re part of the 21+ category.” Seven tapped his chin.
“Th1s is amazing!! Now I don’t have to l1ve through all that h4shtag crap!” Noli widened his arm’s in glee.
“At the price of communication with family.” Seven dryly added.
“Y3ah…” Noli sunk down.
“Pass me the cheese packet?” Seven ordered, though his voice was more asking.
“G0tcha!” Noli tossed the packet from across the room.
Seven scrambled to catch the packet mid air only for it to fall beside him.
“H4h! You st1ll suck.” Noli snickered.
“You know I’m bad at catching..” Seven spat under his breath.
Noli scrunched his body up in the air laughing like crazy.
“Ooh shut up.” Seven playfully rolled his eyes.
He carefully emptied out the water from the pot, making sure not to get burned. After leaving a tiny bit of water he cautiously emptied the cheese packet and stirred. Adding some extra sliced cheese and milk for thickness.
Noli hovered over the stove before dropping what he called a ‘pinch’ of butter into the pot.
Though it was at least two scoops.
“No more, it’s already soft enough.” Seven swatted him like a fly.
“Pfft, 1t’s n0t like your l4ctose 1ntol3rent or anything.” Noli flipped back in the air humorously.
Seven knocked the spoon on the side of the pot trying to get rid of any excess cheese stuck.
“How are we supposed to tell them it’s done?” Seven paused.
“3rrr…”
Noli waved his hands around in the air like he was screaming S.O.S, trying to get their attention.
But Coolkidd and Princess were distracted by some cookie YouTuber. The obnoxious intro of the video playing off a small phone.
Seven could faintly hear the video talk about unboxing some new Barbie doll.
Bluudud was no different, practically glued to Clip it on his phone.
“You h4ve $uch Ip4d kids.” Noli said unimpressed.
Seven gave him a dirty look before walking up to Coolkidd and Princess on the table. The two of them talking energetically about something. Possibly the Barbie dolls in the video they were watching.
He patted Princess on her shoulder.
Her head curiously bounced up ceasing her prior conversation with Coolkidd.
Noli pointed to the pot of food.
The two of them buffered for a moment before realizing.
Seven could see them call out something to Bluudud.
Seven watched as the four of them sat at the table.
Everyone awkwardly eating in silence.
“Y0u not hungr7?” Noli politely asked.
“…Not really.” Seven simmered down on the couch.
“…”
The off feeling of no chatter hung in his head.
The way he could hear the peaceful humming of the house.
Even if it was ‘peaceful’ he still felt a sense of distress.
How long would they have to live like this?
Robloxia had planned to make this a server-wide feature. That would be permanent.
Not all servers had the restrictions forced yet. But he highly emphasized the ‘yet’ part.
Would they really put this into effect, knowing how it’d mess up countless family’s?
How were teacher’s meant to teach, parents meant to communicate, there’s plenty of errors that just weren’t thought through. Seven had already known why the chat restriction had been put into place.
The sick presence of bad actors on the platform.
Was it really worth it though, severing contact between age groups completely?
There had to be some other way.
Noli tapped his shoulder, halting his brain.
“H3y bud. You s3em S-str3$sed.” Noli worried.
The rest of his kids already had made their way to their respective rooms. All labeled with colorful signs on their doors.
Since they had school tomorrow, it was already past their bedtime. Though Bluudud always ended up staying up earlier than he should.
Seven anxiously tapped his foot.
“Y’kn0w, I’m sure y0u’ll m4nage. 1t’ll be hard at f1rst, but y0u’ll g3t through it.” Noli tried reassure him.
“I-Im just worried. I don’t think this is going to go away anytime soon..” Seven bit his lip.
“N4hh 1 bet people are pr0testing alr3ad7. 1t’ll b3 gone in a sn4p.” Noli patted his back.
“I hope.” Seven sighed.
“I’ve gotta wake up early, Night Nol’s.” Seven briefly waved.
Noli paused, as if contemplating something.
“N1ght.”
…
Seven’s alarm rung exactly at six in the morning.
The sound irritating Seven. If only he could sleep for just five more minutes…
Seven begrudgingly lifted himself from his bed.
He moved through his room door, leaving the doorway slightly askew.
Seven could faintly hear the sound of at least three consecutive alarms going off. Each one of the alarms having a different ringtone.
Seven pinched his nose, knowing that Noli was the cause of all the ruckus.
He went to the bathroom, quickly freshening up as to remain on time.
Princess came skipping out of her room.
Seven kindly waved. Not knowing any other way to speak.
His hands reaching out to grab four eggs from his fridge. As he buttered the pan, he popped two frozen waffles into the toaster.
He cracked the eggs into the pan, the low sizzling providing great background noise.
Noli strolled into the kitchen, without a care.
“Oh Noli! Could you put some coffee to brew?” Seven asked, juggling waffles and the spatula in his other hand.
“Gee, I just w0ke up and I’m alr34dy being put t0 work.” Noli floated over to the coffee machine, filling the coffee pod.
“You agreed to stay here, you better contribute.” Seven scoffed.
Bluudud and Coolkidd waltzed out of their rooms. Taking their seats on the couch.
Seven plated their breakfasts, tapping aggressively on the table to get their attention.
The three of them hopped over. Eating just as quickly as it was served.
Seven washed his hands, motioning to the door.
The three kids didn’t seem to notice.
Seven grumbled.
“You’re gonna have to do something n0tic3able. Not just st4nd ar0und.”
Noli pushed the front door open, the sound immediately catching all three of the kids attention.
“S33, watch and learn. 1m th3 real pro.” Noli boasted. Of course Noli could catch their attention so easily. He’s used to being in the spotlight.
“I’m just not used to all this.” Seven groaned.
Coolkidd skipped by Seven’s side, holding onto his hand.
Hopefully they’d get through the day fine.
…
Seven and Noli entered Builder Brothers Pizzeria. Not as many customers were present due to the early time.
It was still around ten in the morning.
Who’d be going to a pizza place at this time anyway?
“This place is so empty.” Seven noted.
“It is way to0 3arly.” Noli grumbled.
Seven walked up to the register, a confident look on his face.
“You thi1nk 3lliots h3re?” Noli squinted his eyes.
“Probably. Isn’t this place run by him and some other girl exclusively?”
“D4mn I didn’t know they were that und3rst4ffed.” Noli quipped.
“4lmost mak3s me feel bad for when w3 used to hack this pl4ce.” Noli gave a cocky smirk.
“Thank Telamon they took us off the blacklist, my kids basically live off these pizza’s.” Seven leaned on the register counter.
“H3h. They never took m3 0ff the bl4ckl1st.”
“What-“
“Welcome to Builder’s Brothers Pizza, may I take your order?” Elliot spoke in his monotone cashier voice.
“Oh! Didn’t think I’d see you guys here, not so early at least.” Elliot jolted.
“Tw0 ch3ese p1zza’s. M4ke it quick p1zza boy.” Noli ordered smugly.
“What he means is, Hi Elliot.” Seven pushed Noli’s floating form away.
“No I m3ant get to w0rk—“
“Noli!” Seven playfully slapped his shoulder.
“Ouch! a-Alr1ght I g3t it!” Noli’s voice buffered.
“Gotcha! Your order should be ready in ten.” Elliot typed some buttons into the register.
“Thanks.” Seven politely waved before finding a booth to sit in.
Noli sat across from him, looking through menus the store had put on the tables.
“They serve w1ngs here?” Noli said, still skimming the menu.
“I guess, they probably branched out to different foods. I only remember them serving pizza back then.”
Seven leaned back in his seat. The red cushion sinking under his weight. The store was a wasteland, aside from one stray Robloxian in their own seat. He could see the other pizza worker serve an online order to a customer.
A tag reading ‘Lulu’ on her red shirt. The girl also sported magenta pink hair.
“D4mn. Ell1ots still stuck in this m1nimum wag3 hellhole?” Noli said recalling how long it’s been.
“For your information, I’m not stuck.” Elliot popped in, placing the piping hot pie on the table.
“You guys mind if I sit? We don’t have a lot of customers so I have some time to kill.” Elliot said casually.
“I d0n’t m1nd.”
“Sure.
Elliot placed himself next to Noli, making sure they were elbow distance.
“Have y0u heard about th4t age v3r1fIcation sh1t they put out?” Noli quizzed.
“Yeah. It’s been hell trying to talk to my little sister, Mia.” Elliot griped.
“I can’t talk with any of my kids.” Seven added.
“Huh!? Really? I didn’t even consider how parents would be affected.” Elliot gritted his teeth.
“How are they even going to learn at school? Half the teachers can’t even speak with the kids.” Seven complained.
“Y0u’r3 right! Why’d we 3ven dr0p th3m off?” Noli groaned.
“I tried calling my little sister over the phone but the system wouldn’t let me. Had to get in touch with my parents to talk to her. Somehow.” Elliot continued to fuss.
“Y0u think they’re gonna r3move 1t?” Noli inquired.
“I doubt it…” Seven murmured under his breath.
“They have too! It’s Impossible to live like this!” Elliot’s words quickly overshadowed Seven’s quip.
“You really think they’d throw away the restriction when they were praising it all this time?” Seven grumbled.
“Well it’s not their decision, it’s the public’s decision.” Elliot waved his index finger around.
“Hah! Have you tw0 seen the curs3d im4g3s everyone 1s making 0f Roblox and Builderm4n?” Noli snickered.
“What images—“
Noli quickly shoved his RoPhone-X into Seven’s face.
Seven’s face turned disturbed within seconds.
“W-what the hell.” Seven scrunched up in a mix of disgust and disbelief.
“Dear Telamon!” Elliot yelped at the sight of the distorted photos.
The panda keychain hanging on Elliot’s belt slightly jingled at the sudden jump.
“Was scr0l1ing 4ll night and found th3se, they are N0T ke3ping this upd4t3.” Noli laughed.
“I dunno, Roblox is pretty persistent.” Elliot hissed through teeth.
“I can’t im4g1ne h0w much f1r3 the adm1n$ are under.” Noli giggled.
“I’d be scared. They even started writing in curses-“ Seven pointed out.
“H4h. Robloxians are s0 funny.” Noli chuckled.
“How much L0nger until all of R0bloxia starts going insane?”
“Based off that photo, not too long.” Seven said with concern. The three getting silent as the sound of ovens being turned on and off hit them. Probably the worker Lulu in the back.
“How are your kids doing? If they can’t speak to you.” Elliot prodded. Seven pensively tapped the table.
“Oh well, they’ve been keeping each other company. Only thing is it gets lonely. So I asked Noli to stay with me.”
“I only hope this will blow over soon. It sucks not being able to talk with my little sister. She was so excited to show me stuff too.” Elliot laid back in his seat.
Noli reached for a slice of pizza, the cheese almost instantly falling off.
Noli stilled, blinking his eyes in disappointment.
“It was ten robux. Don’t know what you expect.” Elliot laughed.
“So uh, Elliot. How about a friend discount?” Seven gave a small grin as if posing for a camera.
“Hmm… I’ll think about it.” Elliot tapped his finger on his chin.
“I think you’ll pay full price.” Elliot looked back smugly.
“Fair” Seven sighed playfully.
“Well, thanks for the small chat. I’ve gotta get back to work. Almost double time.” Elliot saluted, getting up and heading into the back.
…
Even with the issues that the chat barrier caused, Seven found ways to jump over the hurdles that Roblox kept on throwing.
He remained persistent, vowing to continue to raise his kids strong.
With the help of Noli, it made life a little more bearable.
It was only so long until Roblox eventually reverted the changes. Especially with the protests that Robloxians had organized. Life was becoming more difficult in Robloxia after all. Why would us Robloxians let Roblox continue raising prices and add horrible laws?
Robloxians were definitely exercising their freedom of expression. With mostly Robloxians in the 18+ age range speaking verbally. Though every age group unanimously banded together to fight against the unfair treatment. Seven had noticed people purchasing T- shirts that spoke up about the age verification.
Some people chose to dye their hair pink or blue in resemblance of old Guest outfits. Back when Guests were non verbal. There was much discourse about how complicated the age verification made it for friends and family to speak.
And the terrifying edited photos of Roblox and Builderman never stopped being produced.
Though Seven had gotten used to the annoying updates Roblox had started endlessly throwing at players. Even using his free-time to participate in peaceful protests that had been organized around his community.
It was safe to say that Roblox would have their karma. Even if they still got things their way from time to time.
Noli wouldn’t stop sending videos of Roblox’s passive aggressiveness during interviews.
It was funny.
For once,
The absence of his children’s voices were filled with Noli’s snorting and laughter.
Coolkidd and Bluudud running around the coffee table as Princess rolled her eyes.
Even if I couldn’t hear them, I still could feel the personality and sense their voices.
Just the instincts of a father, I guess.
“S3eev3eeen!” Noli whined like a child.
Snapping Seven out of the void of his thoughts.
“Y-yes?” Seven fluttered his eyes, trying to regain context of the conversation he was having with Noli.
“Y0u’re d01ng th4t thing wh3re you look 0ff into the v01d” Noli complained.
“T44aa4lk to m3-3e!” Noli’s voice stuttered as he sniveled on about it.
“Ok, ok. No need to bitch about it.” Seven absentmindedly rolled his eyes. A small smile planted on his face.
Maybe, just maybe.
This wasn’t so horrible.
So long as Noli was here to keep him sane.
He could hope that Roblox would fix their problems soon.
For now, he’d find a way.
Whether that was through drawings, charades, or even Morse code.
Nothing could sever his love or determination for his children.
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