The virtual meeting was chaotic, but in the best way. Bryn’s lore notes filled the screen, Nettie held up mock-ups of new character designs, and Logan created a social media calendar on the spot. Jess was already working through scheduling and venue issues, while Owen, ever the motivator, steered the conversation with infectious enthusiasm.

Cayden listened intently, his thoughts racing as he mentally took note of all the moving parts. It was a blur of creativity and logistics, but when Owen proposed a trial run for a new campaign mechanic, Cayden’s eyes lit up. “What if the geomancer’s abilities are tied to the emotional state of the character? It could make gameplay more unpredictable,” he suggested, eager to see how his idea would be received.

“That’s genius,” Owen said, leaning closer to his camera with a grin. “It fits perfectly with Nyxara’s chaotic nature. Tell us your ideas.”

Cayden launched into his thoughts—how the geomancer could manipulate terrain based on their emotional state, how stress could cause wild changes in the environment, or how a moment of calm could stabilize the area. The team rallied around the idea, brainstorming together. By the end of the call, they had a clear plan. Cayden felt a rare sense of belonging, his confidence slowly returning as he realized how much his input mattered.

•♥•♥•♥•

Later that evening, after the meeting had ended, Owen lingered in the virtual chat. He noticed Cayden had logged off a little earlier than usual. Feeling a gentle nudge of concern, Owen shot him a message.

Owen: “Hey, you still there? I’m glad you presented your ideas today. Seriously, that was great thinking.”

Leaning back in his chair, Owen couldn’t help but think about how different Cayden was compared to the first time they met. Back then, he was quiet, unsure, distant—frustrated by his own self-doubt. Now, he was contributing, his ideas sharper, his voice a little more confident. Owen appreciated their conversations, whether they were about game mechanics or random musings about life. It felt natural. Easy. And he enjoyed the moments when they’d veer off-topic, talking about music, movies, and books.

Owen: “So, what’s your go-to music when you’re deep in creative mode?”

Cayden’s response came after a long pause.

LeapingLizard: “Depends on the mood, but I usually have something chill going. Lo-fi beats or some instrumental stuff. Keeps me in the zone.”

Owen: “Lo-fi is a solid choice. I get that. I’ve been on a weird 80s kick lately. It’s like a whole vibe I didn’t know I needed.”

There was an easy camaraderie now—something Owen never thought he’d have with Cayden. But as their chats became more frequent, the connection felt more like a friendship than anything else.

•♥•♥•♥•

Cayden sat back in his chair, rereading the messages from Owen. It was a small thing, but it meant a lot. They’d been talking more lately—about everything and nothing. It felt like he was slowly starting to get his groove back, both with the game and with himself. Owen’s casual support was a big part of that.

Still, the upcoming collaboration left him unsettled. The expectations. The team watching. What if he failed? What if his ideas didn’t hit the mark? What if he messed everything up again? He pushed those thoughts away, but they lingered.

To clear his head, he decided to talk to Carl (IEatHands). The conversation started with small talk—just a check-in. But soon enough, Cayden found himself opening up about his worries.

LeapingLizard: “I’m kind of freaking out about this collab. What if I can’t pull it off?”

Carl’s response was quick.

IEatHands: “Cayden, you’re gonna do great. You’ve got something no one else has—the way you think about the game is fresh. Don’t second-guess yourself. Take the opportunity. It’s a big deal.”

Cayden wasn’t sure if Carl’s words would help, but they did. He let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Carl had always been the kind of guy who saw the bigger picture, who reassured people without hesitation.

LeapingLizard: “Thanks, man. I really needed that.”

Carl: “No problem. Just remember, we’re all rooting for you. Take it one step at a time. You can always come to me if your mom says something, too.”

As the chat ended, Cayden felt a little less burdened. It wasn’t about perfection. It was about doing his best.

•♥•♥•♥•

The date for the collaboration event was drawing near, and Cayden sat in front of his streaming setup, the decision heavy on his shoulders. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to quell the nervous flutter in his chest. He’d been here before, on the edge of something big, something important. But this time, it felt different. He wasn’t sure if it was the team, the game, or the pressure of it all—but something had shifted.

“Can I really do this?” he whispered to himself, his fingers hovering over the keys.

The countdown to the collaboration ticked on.