Guldrin’s Gluttony: Family Bound by Speed & Food

Bellies full, their shopping spree nearly complete, they decided to make two more stops, a bookstore, and a store called, Buy More. Thankfully, both stores were located rather close, only separated by a few blocks.

Inside the bookstore, Guldrin and Shiro marveled at the view. The bookstore was a sprawling labyrinth of shelves, each aisle neatly labeled with genres ranging from history and philosophy to science fiction and graphic novels. A soft hum of air conditioning filled the space, mingling with the faint scent of old paper and coffee brewing in a small café tucked into the corner. Dim, warm lighting gave the entire store an inviting glow, casting long shadows across the polished wooden floors.

Guldrin's footsteps echoed faintly as he wandered deeper into the science and engineering section. Rows upon rows of books lined the shelves, some with titles embossed in bold, others with worn spines that suggested years of use. He ran his fingers along the edge of the shelves, pausing every so often to pull out a book that caught his eye.

One title in particular, 'Advanced Circuitry and Quantum Engineering Theory', immediately piqued his interest. The cover was sleek, adorned with a complex diagram of a quantum chip. Flipping through its pages, he found intricate schematics and explanations detailing the theory behind quantum tunneling and its practical applications. His brow furrowed as he absorbed the information, making mental notes. "This could be useful," he muttered, tucking the book under his arm.

Nearby, Shiro had found her way to the gaming section. A stack of gaming manuals sat precariously in her hands, the colorful covers depicting fantastical worlds, epic battles, and elaborate rule systems. One particular book, 'Mastering Tactical Strategies & Victory,' had her enraptured. She flipped through the pages, her eyes lighting up as she read about advanced strategies, character builds, and resource management. "Hey, Guldrin, this book is basically cheating," she called out, waving it in his direction.

He glanced over, smirking. "Then it's perfect for you."

"Don't pretend you wouldn't use it too," she shot back, sticking her tongue out.

An elderly-aged employee wearing a name tag that read 'Stan' approached them with a polite and knowing smile. "Need any help finding something?"

Guldrin considered for a moment before replying, "Do you have anything on advanced weapon engineering or metallurgy?"

Stan's smile didn't falter, but his eyes lit with curiosity. "We've got a specialized section for materials science. Aisle seven, towards the back. For weapons... Hmm, maybe try the historical warfare section for design concepts? I personally" He paused and looked into the distance, "Recommend 'Building Blocks Of The Universe' I think it would serve you well."

"Thanks, Gramps" Guldrin said, making his way to the indicated aisle. As he walked, he couldn't help but notice the intricate layout of the store. The aisles were designed to encourage exploration. Small alcoves housed comfy chairs where readers sat immersed in their books. Posters advertising upcoming author signings and book club meetings adorned the walls.

He reached the materials' science section and scanned the titles. 'Modern Alloys and Their Properties,' 'Forging the Future: Advanced Metallurgy Techniques,' 'Designing for Strength: Structural Engineering Principles, and 'Building Blocks Of The Universe'  were among the books he picked up. The depth of information was staggering, and he found himself flipping through them eagerly, imagining the possibilities for creating stronger, lighter, and more efficient tools and weapons. The recommended book seemed, too far advanced, like it was something normal people should have never seen. Like a gift from someone way beyond him; every sense in his newly enhanced mind was screaming at him that something was off, that he NEEDED, HAD to take this book.

The weirdest part was that this was the only copy of the book in the whole area. He looked high and low and couldn't find a single other copy. Even the assigned shelf was gone after he returned to the area where he had found it. Looking around, the man was gone. Maybe he was done with his shift. He was old, after all.

Meanwhile, while Guldrin was getting more and more confused, Shiro had found the graphic novel section. She was engrossed in a vividly illustrated volume of 'Saga of the Moon Blade,' a high-fantasy epic filled with battles, romance, and political intrigue. She clutched a few other titles to her chest, including a science fiction anthology and a manga about a group of gamers trapped in a virtual world. She was shocked to see Manga in a bookstore in the USA, but she wasn't going to complain, who cares why, she's buying them.

After nearly an hour of exploring, their combined haul was impressive. Guldrin carried a stack of books so high it obscured his view, while Shiro balanced her own pile precariously. They approached the checkout counter, where a friendly cashier rang up their purchases. The total was enough to make Shiro wince, she never liked spending money, even if they had more than enough, but Guldrin handed over a credit card without hesitation. Knowledge was an investment, after all.

"This feels weird," she said after a while. "Doing normal stuff. It's almost like nothing ever happened."

"Yeah," Guldrin agreed, shifting the weight of the overstuffed backpacks they bought just now to help carry their purchases… No one likes scuffed edges from carrying newly purchased books in plastic bags jumbled together. "But maybe that's the point. We've seen the worst. We know how bad it can get. So, we can appreciate the small stuff more."

Their strides slowed as the smell of freshly baked goods and rich coffee wafted toward them. The small café tucked inside the bookstore seemed to call their names. Without a word, both were drawn in like moths to a flame, or perhaps more aptly, like bees to honey.

The café was quaint, with soft jazz playing overhead and warm light spilling from shaded sconces. Shiro ordered a steaming caramel macchiato, while Guldrin opted for a white chocolate iced mocha. A glass case displayed an assortment of pastries: flaky croissants, gooey cinnamon rolls, and oversized cookies that practically screamed to be sampled. Shiro couldn't resist the allure of a cream-filled éclair, and Guldrin added a raspberry Danish to their order, citing "research purposes for the future" for his choice.

They claimed a small corner table, piling their treasures in a teetering stack next to the coffee cups. The two sat in companionable silence, savoring their snacks. Shiro took a delicate sip of her macchiato, eyes closing in contentment.

"This," she said, her voice almost reverent, "is what civilization was made for."

"Right? Pastries and caffeine," Guldrin agreed, tearing off a piece of his Danish. "And books. Can't forget the books. Though, if we keep this up, we'll need a bigger Go-Kart."

Shiro smirked, poking a fork into her éclair. "Or maybe you will need a trailer, haha, the idea of a Go-Kart pulling a little trailer, baha, I would love to see it. But to do it, you would need to actually put work into the engine, this thing would need to be souped up by a few levels. "

Guldrin pretended to be offended, dramatically clutching his chest. "How dare you! This Go-Kart is a marvel of modern engineering. I have put many hours…" His words trailed off as his mind went into overdrive and began making plans, ideas flowing like a flood.

With snacks demolished, purchased again, and caffeine levels topped off, they loaded up their books and headed back to the Go-Kart, their arms full once again. Shiro clutched her coffee like a trophy as they navigated through the parking lot. The Go-Kart, laden with backpacks, books, and tools, looked like it belonged in a junkyard rather than on city streets.

"Who knew bookstores had such amazing pastries?" Shiro mused, taking another sip of her coffee.

"Right? We should make this a regular stop," Guldrin said.

They barely made it halfway across the lot when the distinct whoop-whoop of a police siren shattered the tranquil evening air. Both froze, the flashing red and blue lights catching their attention.

"You've got to be kidding me," Shiro groaned, lowering her coffee.

Guldrin sighed, already bracing for the inevitable. A police cruiser pulled up beside them, its headlights bathing the overloaded Go-Kart in an accusatory glow.

The officer who stepped out was in his mid-40s, with a weathered face that suggested he'd seen it all, or thought he had. He gave the Go-Kart a once-over, his expression hovering somewhere between bemusement and exasperation.

"You kids know this isn't exactly street legal, right?" he began, his tone more amused than stern.

Guldrin straightened up, plastering on his best innocent smile. "We're just running errands, officer. Nothing dangerous, I promise. I even kept it below the speed limit, Sir" He mock saluted,

The cop raised an eyebrow, gesturing at the modified Go-Kart. "With that engine?"

Shiro snorted but quickly disguised it as a cough, hiding her grin behind her coffee cup.

The officer crossed his arms, leaning slightly toward them. "Alright, I'll bite. What's the story here? You're clearly not just two kids who decided to grab groceries and a stack of books in a glorified lawnmower."

Guldrin exchanged a quick glance with Shiro, who gave a subtle shrug as if to say, Your move.

"It's a custom build," Guldrin began smoothly. "Inherited it from a friend… A brother who used to race these things. I've been tinkering with it to learn more about engineering." A mix of truth and lie, is the best way to hide the truth.

The officer didn't look entirely convinced, but seemed intrigued enough to let Guldrin continue.

"And," Shiro added, jumping in with practiced ease, "we've got helmets! Right here." She pointed at the two sleek, high-tech helmets that looked more suited for motocross than a humble Go-Kart on their heads.

The cop chuckled despite himself, shaking his head. "Alright, points for safety. But you're still pushing your luck. Where are you headed, anyway?"

Guldrin thought quickly, his mind racing for a plausible excuse. "Just one last stop to Buy More," he said, gesturing vaguely to the mountain of books and tools piled on the Go-Kart. "Picking up some supplies for a school project… A home project? We are homeschooled so…" Shiro pinched him, "Muttering again, focus." Guldrin shut up and blushed a bit.

The officer sighed, clearly debating whether this was worth the paperwork. "Alright, here's the deal. You go straight to Buy More, get what you need, and then this little road trip is over, you go home. No joyriding, no funny business. Got it?"

"Yes, sir!" Guldrin said earnestly, even throwing in a small salute for good measure.

The officer gave them one last scrutinizing look before stepping back toward his patrol car. "Don't make me regret this," he warned, his tone more fatherly than threatening.

As the police car pulled away, the siren switching off, Shiro let out a low whistle. "Smooth. I thought we were toast for sure."

"Eh, just another chapter in the Go-Kart chronicles," Guldrin said with a grin as he climbed into the driver's seat. "Hop in. Buy More awaits."

The Buy More was in full swing, its chaos was an odd mix of buzzing electronics, disgruntled customers, and the faint hum of malfunctioning air conditioning. Somewhere near the televisions, two toddlers were locked in a primal battle over a SpongeBob DVD, while an elderly couple loudly debated the merits of different microwave brands. The scene was alive with the peculiar blend of aimless energy and low-stakes urgency that defined the store's atmosphere.

Guldrin and Shiro stepped inside, their contrasting demeanor making them stand out like a pair of sore thumbs. Guldrin moved with a calm, deliberate air, his sharp eyes scanning the aisles for the tools and components he sought. Shiro, on the other hand, practically radiated enthusiasm, her boundless energy pulling her toward the gaming section like a magnet.

"I bet they've got VR headsets!" she exclaimed, practically skipping. Oh, would she be disappointed, sometimes she forgets how backwater the time she found herself in was.

Moments later, she skidded to a stop, her hopeful expression turning sour. She stared in dismay at the shelves, stocked with clunky consoles and games that might as well have been relics compared to the world she knew.

"They're still using wired controllers," she groaned, holding up a game pad like it was a crime against humanity. "No VR. No immersive experiences. This world is practically prehistoric! I can't even… Ughhhh," She puffed her cheeks and hurried to Guldrin to receive consoling attention in the form of head pats.

A nearby shopper edged away cautiously, muttering something about "the youth these days," while Shiro crossed her arms in a huff as she bee-lined to Guldrin.

Meanwhile, Guldrin was busy inspecting a display of soldering kits and circuit boards. His fingers traced the packaging, and his mind began mapping out all the projects he could build or improve with even these basic tools. The world might not have been as advanced as others that they would encounter, or the items they drew from the system, but the charm of tinkering and problem-solving never faded.

On the far side of the store, Chuck Bartowski, a nerd herd employee, was manning the checkout counter. As he tried to decipher the chaos of a particularly aggressive coupon user, his attention drifted. When his gaze landed on Guldrin, something shifted.

A jolt of data surged through his brain like a lightning strike, fragments of classified files, snippets of rumors, and incomplete but damning? Connections. His pupils dilated as the Intersect activated, bombarding him with rapid-fire flashes:

A family name associated with immense wealth and unimaginable influence.

Political dealings so secretive they were whispered about only in the darkest corners of intelligence networks.

A boy reported missing for over three years.

A single, ominous word: Goldblood.

Chuck blinked, his hand frozen mid-scan over a barcode. His breathing quickened. "Oh no," he muttered under his breath, the words barely audible.

"Hey, you okay, Chuckster?" called Morgan, his ever-loyal bearded best friend, as he wandered past holding a display model lightsaber.

Chuck barely registered him. His mind raced, replaying the flash, trying to make sense of it. Guldrin wasn't just some kid picking out tools. He was someone significant. Someone dangerous, potentially… Maybe, but totally not normal.

"Chuck?" Morgan prodded. "Dude, you're looking like you just saw the ghost of Comic-Con past. You good dude?"

But Chuck was already moving, heading toward the break room with a muttered, "Hold the fort, Morgan."

"Sure, because I'm great at forts," Morgan replied, waving the lightsaber like a true Jedi. The customer tried to stop Chuck, but he simply walked away; a strange man… Child? Man-Child? Leaned over in an almost conspiratorial motion and brought the customer over before saying something that got him slapped and the customer left.

In the break room, John Casey, a man who clearly didn't fit the Buy More mold of bottom-of-society rejects, sat nursing a cup of coffee so black it probably doubled as jet fuel, while Sarah Walker, a blonde bombshell who looked like she should be anywhere but here, flipped through a dossier with all the intensity of someone who really didn't want to be in her Wienerlicious uniform.

Chuck barged in, nearly knocking over a stack of paper cups.

"What is it now, Bartowski?" Casey growled, his glare sharper than the knife he was undoubtedly concealing somewhere.

"I flashed," Chuck blurted, his voice an octave higher than usual. "Big time. There's a teen out there, a boy, like 14 or 15 years old. The Intersect went nuts. Goldblood nuts."

Casey's coffee cup stopped halfway to his lips. "Goldblood?" he repeated, his tone dangerously low.

Sarah frowned, looking between the two men. "What's a Goldblood?"

Chuck waved his arms in exaggerated frustration. "I don't know! That's the thing! All I got was this mishmash of vague data and terrifying implications. Missing for three years, a family that could probably buy half the planet, super-secret, super-powerful, like James Bond-level times ten. And he's here. In the Buy More! I have never seen the Intersect so redacted before."

Casey set his cup down with a thunk, his expression darkening. "Goldbloods are a pain in the ass. They're old money. Real old. Deep connections, blackmail files on everyone that matters, and a reputation for making people disappear if they feel like it. Why does it matter? There are only a few left after the incident a few years ago? Why do we care that the kid is here; did he run away, or was he missing?" Casey seemed to be the only one aware, as Sarah just looked as confused as Chuck was.

"Not just missing," Chuck said, his voice rising. "He's been gone for over three years. Even the Intersect wasn't able to give me the full details, it was hidden from even it. Guys, what is a kid like that doing here?"

Sarah straightened, something didn't seem right and her expression sharpened. "Where is he now?" 

Chuck pointed toward the store's main area. "He's with a girl, about his age. They were shopping when I saw them. But we need to act fast. They might leave any second."

Casey stood, his chair scraping ominously. "If one of them is here, it's not by accident."

"Should we be worried?" Sarah asked, already tensing for action.

"Worried? Try terrified," Chuck said, gesturing wildly toward the sales floor. "He's right out there! Probably buying stuff to build a laser cannon or... I don't know, a mind-control drone!" He exaggerated, his mind brimming with evil villain vibes and scenarios.

Casey grunted and pushed past him. "Let's find out."

(Give me your POWER, Please, and Thank You! Leave reviews and comments, they motivate me to continue.)