Nightshades and Past Regrets

by Anonymous

Summary:

Azure recalls his first life.
Two Time has their regrets.

Sometimes, things aren't meant to be.

Chapter 1: Our fated first encounter

The first time Azurewrath laid eyes on Two Time, it felt like fate.

 

Azure was nervous, his heart racing with uncertainty. He couldn't make sense of what was happening- everything was a blur. Days had passed since he had first joined the group, yet he had not spoken a word. Today, however, he was summoned to meet the leaders. He could sense their eyes on him, staring into his soul.

 

"Fire... Parents..."

 

"Witches, they say..."

 

"He’s just a child..."

 

Azure stared blankly ahead, unsure of how to react. He felt so disconnected, so detached from everything. Their figures towered above him, their judgment pressing down on him with every silent gaze.

 

A man donning a long cloak approached him, his presence commanding.

 

"What do you remember, child?"

 

All Azure could recall was the maddening flames rising, and rising, engulfing everything in sight. The screams, and horrid smell of burning flesh.

 

And then… there was nothing.

 

The villagers had spared them, thinking they were nothing more than a child, and sent them off with this passing group of travellers. Almost like a lamb to the slaughter, Azure was taken in by the group.

 

Azure didn't trust the man. He couldn't trust anyone- not after everything that had happened. So, he said nothing.

 

The man seemed to understand, his expression softening.

 

"I understand... It must be difficult for you, little one. May the Spawns bless your soul."

 

For a brief moment, Azure saw something dark flicker across the man’s face- a flash of anger, quickly masked by an uneasy smile.

 

“Hm...” The man’s brow furrowed in thought. Then, as if reaching a decision, he turned and walked away, only to return shortly with another child, around the same age as Azure.

 

“Here. I’ll let the two of you get acquainted.” He gave the other child a pat on the back before leaving them alone with Azure.

 

Azure stared at the other child, unsure of what to do or say.

 

"Hello... I’m Azurewrath. But you can call me Azure." He murmurs.

 

The other child remained eerily silent, their eyes distant. The tension hung in the air, thick and uncomfortable.

 

"What's... your name...?" Azure asks nervously. He wasn't sure if he was going to get a response at this point.

 

The child looked at him and shook their head. "...I don't have a name."

 

Azure blinked, taken aback. "You... don’t?"

 

The child gave a small nod. Azure takes a moment to think, before coming up with the perfect nickname.

 

A moment of silence passed, and then Azure, as though struck by a sudden inspiration, smiled shyly.

 

"Sorry if it sounds kind of silly... But how about... Two? I just thought it seemed fitting, seeing that it's just the two of us here."

 

Azure hopes it's okay. They aren't very good with names.

 

The child hesitates.

 

"That... sounds nice.”

 

For the first time in what felt like forever, Azure felt a sense of hope. He found a friend in this strange place, someone could trust and confide in. Deciding to make a bold move, he reached out, taking Two's hands in his, offering his brightest smile.

 

“Let’s be friends, Two.”

 

Two’s lips twitched upward, a soft smile forming. It's... kind of adorable.

 

"I'd like that... Azure."

 

Two's eyes twinkle, with a glistening sparkle in them. Something seemed to change at that moment. The weight on Azure’s chest seemed to lift, and he felt his heart skip a beat.

 

Maybe, just maybe… things weren’t so bad after all.

Notes:

(6 April 2025)

Chapter 2: In its fullest bloom

Over the next few days, Azure learns more about his new friend.

 

Two had been born into the group. They were raised by them, and cared for by them. They said that the cloaked man, which they called Amarah, had found them, abandoned on their doorstep. So naturally, they had taken the child in. That's why, as Two had explained, they did not really have a name, nor an identity.

 

The group was a strange one. Eccentric members, with even wilder beliefs. The Followers of the Almighty Spawn, they deemed themselves. They devoted their days to ceremonies, rituals, and prayers in honour of this mysterious entity- The Spawn. Honestly, Azure didn't really believe in any of it, but what could they do? He was stuck here, whether he liked it or not.

 

At least he had Two.

 

Although Azure hated the hands of cards the universe had dealt him, he still couldn't bring himself to be bitter about it. Unlike Two, Azure had been raised in a home full of warmth, one taught to see the good in others and to love them in return. Two never knew theirs.

 

But now, Azure couldn't help but feel a common kinship between him and Two. Abandoned by everyone else, and forced to face the rest of the world, all alone. He couldn't help but feel a little overprotective of his new friend. He opted to spend the rest of his days with Two. They spent nearly every waking moment together, inseparable. Even the others in the group noticed this, and started calling them "Two" as well. As strange of a name it was, it stuck. They were always together, the two of them.

 

Azure liked that. He hoped it would stay like that, forever.

 

It just seemed like another night, the two of them embarking on their midnight escapades. This time, Azure had convinced Two to sneak out. He had recently found the most perfect spot for star-gazing, and he wanted to share it with Two.

 

"Come on-!” Azure urged, grabbing Two’s hand and pulling them along.

 

“We don't have much time!”

 

"Are you sure... this is alright...?" Their voice clearly apprehensive. They seemed to be more worried about getting caught.

 

"Just trust me, okay?” Azure insisted, turning back to give them a pleading look. "It'll be worth it, I promise."

 

After a long moment, Two sighed and nodded.

 

"Okay..." Two answered hesitantly, before following Azure, letting them lead the way.

 

The spot was up high, hidden from plain sight. The journey was a long one, but Azure knew the view would make it all worthwhile.

 

Azure smiled, a sense of pride in his voice. "We're here."

 

Two took some time to look around in awe. It was almost dark now, and the stars were shining brightly, each one shimmering brighter than the last. It was a sight unlike anything they had ever seen before.

 

"It's... beautiful."

 

Azure sank onto the grass and patted the spot beside him, motioning for Two to join him. "I'm glad you like it, Two."

 

"You know, I always dreamed of seeing the world out there. The one beyond the town, and beyond this place. One day, I hope I can see it all... with you." Azure pauses, their gaze lingering on the horizon.

 

"Hey..." Azure hesitated, lowering his gaze. "Promise we'll always be together?"

 

Two gives Azure's hand a reassuring squeeze, comforting him. "I promise. I'll... always be by your side, Azu. Now, and forever more."

 

“Thank you... It means a lot."

 

Azure stops for a moment, suddenly remembering the gift he had prepared. "...I have something for you."

 

Azure rummages through their bag, before pulling out a meticulously wrapped flower. "This... is for you. It's a nightshade- They're my favourite."

 

It was difficult, growing that flower. They typically didn't fare well in this kind of environment, but regardless, he had made it bloom, with the help of some love and care. Aided with a special technique he had discovered, he had managed to ensure it would never wilt. He thought it would be the perfect gift- a testament to their never-ending friendship, one that would persist throughout time.

 

He moves closer, and carefully places the flower in between a lock of their hair. Azure doesn't miss the way Two blushes, ever so slightly, at his gesture. The flower looks perfect on them.

 

"Thank you... I'll always treasure this."

 

Azure smiles, pleased. He felt a bit nervous doing this, but...

 

With trembling hands, Azure traced the outline of Two’s face, his fingertips lingering gently on their skin.

 

"I like you, Two.”

 

"You… do?” Their eyes widened in surprise.

 

Azure took a deep breath, gathering his courage. “Can I… kiss you?”

 

"I..." Two looks away, unable to meet Azure's gaze. They don't know what to make of this.

 

"I’m so sorry, it's okay if you don't-" Before Azure could finish apologising, Two leaned in, closing the gap between them, and pressed their lips gently against his.

 

"Azu." Two whispered.

 

There it is. The words Azure had longed so desperately to hear.

 

"...I love you too."

 

And in that moment, as the stars danced above them, Azure had never felt happier.

Notes:

(7 April 2025)

Chapter 3: Bittersweet first love

Azure doesn't know when it started, when they started to drift apart from one another. The gap between them grows ever so slightly, bit by bit, until one day, he realised he could no longer see the other side.

 

Life was just so different now. He didn't see Two as often. They were always separated. Two was busy now, with Amarah taking them in as their apprentice. The only time they actually got time together was at night, since they shared a room together. However, by that time, Azure was too exhausted from the day's events to properly stay awake. Moreover, Two seemed to be coming in later every night, but by sunrise, they were gone. Their bed was made, as if no one had slept in it at all.

 

Maybe that's the thing about growing older, things change, regardless of your intentions. No matter how much you desperately try to stop it, change is inevitable.

 

Azure had hoped their relationship wouldn't change, but... Two seemed distant now, more than ever. They became quieter, and increasingly reserved. Nowadays, they opted to keep their thoughts to themselves. Azure still loved them, it was simply... strange. That's the best way he could put these mixed feelings into words. It didn't feel the same, without Two by their side.

 

He missed those moments, just the two of them. The countless nights they spent together, gazing at the stars, contemplating their hopes and dreams for the future. Enjoying one another's embrace, basking in each other's warmth. But all of that… It was gone now, lost to the hands of time.

 

Azure sighs, before deciding to return back to their room. Perhaps if he got some shut-eye... He could think about how to patch things up later.

 

He makes his way to the room, intending to get some rest. After a brief stroll, he reaches his destination.

 

It seemed that Two still hadn't returned.

 

There was an eerie silence, one that sent a chill down his spine. The sensation unsettled him, but he didn't know why.

 

He should have known something was wrong. No, he knew something was off, right from the start. He was merely afraid to admit the truth.

 

He would never be able to forget what he saw that night. It was a sight that would forever haunt his thoughts, keeping him awake. A reminder of who he had failed, and how he had failed them.

 

As he reached for the doorknob, he turned it slowly and eased the door open, peering inside.

 

"Two...?"

 

The first thing he sees... is his lover's lifeless body, suspended from the ceiling.

 

His whole world came crashing down. Everything stopped at that moment.

 

Azure screams.

 

It didn’t feel real. His mind was spinning, struggling to understand what was happening. He kept asking himself if there was something he had missed, something he could have done.

 

The silence was overwhelming.

 

Azure snapped back to reality, the urgency of the situation flooding his senses. He rushed to Two's side, grabbing the dagger from the desk, his hands shaking as he cut the rope binding Two's neck.

 

Feeling a faint pulse, Azure's heart raced with relief- Two was still alive. He finally managed to free them completely, and they collapsed to the ground, coughing and struggling to breathe.

 

Two attempted to regain their senses. They were clearly disoriented, and distraught at their evident failure. They rub their neck slowly, realising what had occured.

 

"Two...?" Azure murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.

 

His heart raced as he hears Two's strained whispers, their words tangled and indistinct. Panic grips him, but relief floods in as he realizes his lover is alive. Without hesitation, he rushes to Two's side, enveloping them in a tight embrace.

 

"...Why...?" Azure's voice was laced with concern, his mind struggling to comprehend why Two would consider ending their own life.

 

"You... You- can't tell anyone. Please..." Their voice quivers, shaking.

 

"I don't want them to know I failed... They can't know." Two's words were filled with fear and vulnerability, and barely audible. But Azure could hear them, as clear as day.

 

Azure's heart aches as he holds Two closer, his mind racing with questions about what kind of torment Two had to endure under Amarah. But now was not the time. His priority was being there for Two, especially now, since they needed him the most.

 

Two leaned into Azure, sobbing. Azure continues to hold them, gently rubbing their back in soothing circles, in hopes of comforting Two. He starts to notice the bandages around Two's arms are loose and stained with... blood.

 

"Two... Is that what I think it is...?"

 

Two's only response to his question is another choked sob, their body trembling in Azure's arms. After a long pause, they finally speak, their voice barely above a whisper.

 

"I, I've tried before... But I couldn't... I always thought of you- I couldn't leave you behind." Two's confession hangs heavy in the air, and Azure is at a loss for words. He tightens his embrace, realising just how many times he was close to losing them.

 

"I'm sorry, Azu... I'm so sorry..." Two's words were broken now, their sobs intensifying.

 

"It's okay... It's okay..." Azure repeats, his voice trying to sound reassuring.

 

“I'll... always be here for you. I promise."

 

"Okay..." Two sniffles, their grip on Azure tightening as they bury their face in his chest.

 

They remain like this for a long while, the world outside fading away as they find comfort in each other's presence. Eventually, Azure feels Two's body grow still, as they drift into a peaceful sleep. Azure can't help but stay awake, his mind still racing with questions.

 

This place... It was a cold, unwelcoming home, but a home nonetheless. A brief respite from the daunting futures they must face.

 

So many joyful memories were created here, but... this happiness was now at the expense of the one who had made him happy. Azure couldn't help but start to question their reality, something he had never even dared of doing in the past.

 

Was it... really worth staying here?

 

The Spawn... The unnecessary rituals, the needless sacrifices…

 

What... was the point of all this…?

Notes:

(8 April 2025)

Chapter 4: It's over, isn't it?

After that night, Azure never really saw Two again- he could barely even manage to have a conversation with them alone. It was almost as if Two was avoiding him. Azure didn't understand- maybe Two felt uncomfortable, sure- but that wasn’t a good reason enough to shut him out completely. As time passed by, they had definitely grown colder.

 

If Azure thought they had been distant before, this was much worse.

 

Far, far worse.

 

Azure loved Two. Terribly so, in fact. But this place... it was ruining them. It was distorting everything- filling them with paranoia, fear, resentment, to the point where he couldn't even recognise his old friend anymore. He missed the old days, where everything had been carefree and easy. But those days were gone- they had grown up. And growing up in this place had come with a cost- Two's happiness.

 

Azure had been thinking. About the strange nature of the group, the eerie rituals, the unsettling occurrences that had been happening recently. Something was brewing beneath the surface, and it scared Azure. He could feel it, the tension so thick it clouded his thoughts. Lately, he had started to wonder what it would be like if they were to leave. But he didn’t know if Two even shared the sentiments... let alone if it was even possible, at this point.

 

Azure didn’t know what to do anymore.

 

His gaze drifted toward the flower he had given Two. Two had cherished his gift, and cared for the flower tenderly. It sat neatly in a vase. Beside it, lay Two's dagger, the only connection they had to their parents, and the same blade Azure had used to cut the noose from Two’s neck. The incident still kept him awake at night. The what-ifs, and what could have happened if he was too late. It terrified him to think about what he would have done if Two had...

 

He couldn't bear to entertain that thought any longer. That day, Azure decides to take the long way back home, to give him time to think.

 

He walks slowly, deep in thought. Each step sinks himself further into a question with no answer.

 

Eventually, his feet somehow lead him to their old meeting place- the spot where they’d shared their first kiss. Sadly, they had never returned since. As he looked around, the air feels different. It felt... wrong, and distinctly heavy.

 

Then he sees it- strange carvings in the bark of the old tree. Jagged text, frantically etched into the wood. The symbols look ancient, forbidden, like desperate prayers devoted to something not meant to be uttered.

 

The Spawn.

 

He decides to keep on walking, shaking off the unusual sight.

 

The smell hits him first.

 

The rotting flesh, and the stench of fresh blood.

 

He sees them- animal carcasses.

 

Desecrated and disfigured... Birds with their wings ripped off, robbed of their ability to fly. Flies buzzing incessantly, feasting on whatever remains they could gobble up. The ground is soaked in something foul. He recognises it immediately. It's blood.

 

Azure's stomach lurches, he feels sick. He stumbles back, bile rising in his throat.

 

Who would do such a thing?

 

A part of him whispers an answer he refuses to believe.

 

No, it couldn't be. It couldn't be them.

 

Right...?

 

But the doubt is already placed in his mind. He knows the truth, but he still stays gullible. He becomes guilty, complicit in the matter.

 

Horrified, Azure turns and leaves, shaking, broken. There was only one person he could turn to now, in order to find Two.

 

Amarah.

 

Even thinking about him fills Azure with unease. Amarah was suspicious, in every sense of the word. He didn't trust him- not at all. But if anyone knew where Two was, it would be him.

 

Still shaken from his recent discovery, he heads straight for Amarah’s room. He knocks once. Twice. Three times.

 

The door opens.

 

Amarah greets him with an unsettling smile. “What brings you here, dear Azure?”

 

Azure narrows his eyes. “Can I speak to Two?”

 

“They’re busy,” Amarah's gaze hardens, almost threatening, before he masked it again with a smile.

 

Azure opens his mouth to argue, but Amarah cuts him off, not allowing him to speak.

 

“If there's nothing else, I’m afraid I have more pressing matters to attend to. Perhaps... another time. Goodbye, Azure.”

 

Azure mutters a quiet apology and turns away. He hears door slam behind him.

 

He couldn’t risk angering Amarah. Not now. He decides to head back to their room, hoping that Two would somehow be there, though unlikely.

 

When Azure returned to his room, he was stunned.

 

Two was there.

 

For the first time in weeks, Azure finally meets them again.

 

“Two…” Azure breathes, still unable to process the reality in front of him.

 

“I needed to get something,” Two says flatly, picking up their dagger without taking a second to even look at him.

 

“We need to talk,” Azure said, his voice firm yet gentle.

 

Silence. Two doesn't say a thing.

 

Azure swallowed, gathering his thoughts.

 

“We don’t talk anymore- are you okay? Especially after…” His voice faltered, the weight of the unspoken words hanging between them. He didn't dare voice his thoughts out loud, but they both knew what he was referring to.

 

The carvings. Two's attempt. The carcasses.

 

“I’m fine,” Two replied dismissively, their gaze avoiding Azure’s.

 

Azure stepped closer, gently reaching out for their hand. “I'm worried, Two. I care about you- I’ve always cared about you... especially after what happened.”

 

“No, you don’t,” Two snapped, pulling their hand away. “You shouldn’t care at all.”

 

What Two had said hurt him deeply, but Azure didn't want to give up just yet. “Why would you say that? Of course I care about you."

 

Two’s expression hardened, their voice growing colder. “Well, you shouldn't. I don't know why you would."

 

The pain in Azure’s chest deepened, but he regardless, pressed on. “That's because you're important to me, Two. I just want to help you, with whatever you're dealing with."

 

Two’s eyes flashed with anger. "You... You just don't get it, Azure! I don't need your help... I don't need you...!"

 

In a sudden, uncontrollable fit of rage, Two hurled the vase placed on the desk onto the ground, watching as it shattered it into pieces. But Two didn’t stop there. They continued slam with every single potted plant Azure had gifted them, sending them crashing to the floor. Amid the wreckage, the delicate flower Azure had gifted them lay crushed and ruined, all alone in the surrounding chaos.

 

“What... What is wrong with you-?!” Azure yelled, his anger starting to get the better of him.

 

Two's voice cracked, as if breaking under the weight of their own emotions. "You don’t get it, Azure...! I’m not who you think I am- I never was. I'm sorry."

 

Azure’s heart began to ache, upon hearing his lover sound so hopeless. “Then why won’t you talk to me, Two?” His voice softened, desperation seeping in. “You’re everything to me- Don’t you see that?”

 

There were tears welling up in their eyes now. Still, they remained silent, the distance between them growing unbearable.

 

"I'm begging you... Let me help you-" Azure's tone grows shaky, his voice trembling.

 

"...I need to go. Please, leave me alone," Two murmurs, their expression turning chilly as they prepare to leave.

 

"But... You can't just-" Azure stammers, trying to hold them back.

 

"Just leave me the fuck alone, Azure-!" Two retorts, shoving him violently to the ground.

 

"Fine then... you want to be like this? Then leave-! Fucking leave, Two! See if I care!" Azure shouts, his anger spilling over.

 

It wasn’t the plants he was angry about- it was the crumbling relationship between them. There was a unbearable ache in his heart, accompanied by the crushing guilt for not seeing how terrible things had become.

 

Without another word, Two turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind them. Azure stood there, trembling. The silence was deafening.

 

What... just happened?

 

His mind was racing.

 

Azure sank to the floor, defeated. The remnants of his gifts to Two lay scattered around him, a painful reminder of what had occured moments ago. He glanced back at the flower, the nightshade he had so carefully grown for Two. The one that was never supposed to have the ability to die.

 

But now... it was wilting, like everything else- like the two of them.

 

All alone, in the chaos, it was dying.

 

Just like Two.

Notes:

(11 April 2025)

Chapter 5: What have you done...?

Despite everything, Azure couldn't bring himself to hate Two. He still loved them, even though they had hurt him deeply. He found himself replaying the past events, trying to understand what had gone wrong, and why Two had acted the way they did.

 

Lately, Azure had spent more time in the library, poring over books, learning about the world beyond the walls of their confinement. In secret, he uncovered texts Amarah had strictly forbidden them from reading- fragments of the outside world that painted a future far different from the one they'd been fed. There were places he dreamed of visiting, places he had once longed to share with Two. He had always imagined they would escape together, one day. But he had never dared to voice these dreams aloud to anyone else but Two. To even think of leaving was considered treason- punishable by death.

 

Still, over the past few days, Azure had finally made up his mind. This place was ruining the both of them. He couldn’t stay- He wouldn’t. But he wouldn’t go alone. He would run away... with Two.

 

Eventually, he resolved to find Two again, to try talking to them one more time. Maybe if he approached more calmly, things would go differently.

 

With newfound resolve, he stepped out of the room to search for Two.

 

But as soon as he left, an uneasy feeling settled in his chest. The other members he passed in the corridors looked... a little strange. Their eyes were wild, movements jittery and erratic- definitely more frantic than usual. Almost deranged. Their whispers echoed off the stone walls, like the building itself was holding its breath.

 

As he moved past one of the inner chambers, he froze. A voice caught his attention- a voice he knew all too well.

 

"Prepare the offerings… Tonight, we shall surrender ourselves fully to our God," Amarah declared.

 

Wait- Did he hear that right…?

 

A cold shock surged through him. He stumbled back, breath caught in his throat. In his daze, his elbow knocked over a vase, the crash echoing like thunder.

 

"Who’s there?" Amarah’s voice snapped, sharp and suspicious. He stepped out, his gaze falling on Azure. The suspicion melted into a mask of feigned concern.

 

Ah, it’s just you, Azure." He raised an eyebrow, studying him closely. "Did you hear something?"

 

"Y-Yes… I-I must’ve tripped…" Azure mumbled weakly, fumbling for a believable excuse.

 

"No worries." Amarah smiled thinly. "Actually, I have some news for you."

 

"I’m sorry, I really must go-" Azure tried to leave, but Amarah’s hand caught his arm.

 

"Pathetic," he hissed, his voice suddenly laced with venom. "Do you truly believe the Spawn sees you as anything more than a pawn?" His expression briefly twisted in disdain, before smoothing into something softer, more sinister. "I know about your little plan to leave, Azure."

 

Azure froze. His heart hammered in his chest as he searched Amarah’s face for anger, for accusation- but all he found was a sickening sweetness.

 

"It’s alright," Amarah crooned, a sly grin on his face. "I understand. You’re not like the others. You’re… special."

 

What… was he getting at?

 

Azure’s eyes narrowed, unease growing.

 

"That’s why I’m offering you a choice,"" Amarah said, smiling more maniacally now- it was sharp, calculating. "Sacrifice the one you hold dearest… and I’ll let you go."

 

"What…?" Azure could barely process the words he was hearing.

 

"No strings attached." Amarah’s grin widened, sinister and dangerous- like the devil offering this sinner a deal. "I promise."

 

Azure’s thoughts raced. He had dreamed of freedom- but at what cost? Then it clicked. He knew exactly who Amarah meant.

 

He wanted Azure to kill Two.

 

Amarah saw the realization flash in his eyes and smiled, wicked and triumphant.

 

"I’ll give you time to think about it, dear Azure," he said, turning away.

 

Azure stood frozen, the words echoing in his mind. How long had Amarah known? He had never voiced his plans, never shared them with anyone. And yet... Amarah knew everything.

 

He shook his head, forcing the thoughts away. He had to move- he had to get out. If he stayed any longer, that gaze might pierce right through him.

 

Now it all made sense. Two’s strange behavior, their withdrawn and haunted eyes- it was all because of Amarah. The carvings, the dead animals, the attempt- every twisted detail led back to him. Azure's stomach lurched.

 

He had to find Two before it was too late- Before Two did something irreversible.

 

He just hoped he still had time.

Notes:

(12 April 2025)

Chapter 6: I know you will never forgive me

Azure had searched for what felt like hours. Every hallway, every room, every shadowed corner. But Two was nowhere to be found. The deeper into the compound he went, the heavier the air became- like something was waiting, watching him. With every moment that passed, unease settled deeper into his chest, his anxiety starting to overtake him.

 

He moved faster now, eyes darting from place to place, his heart pounding from the stress.

 

What if something had happened to them? What if they were hurt, or worse...?

 

He shook his head, not wanting to continue that train of thought. As he turned a corner toward the main hall, something made him stop in his tracks.

 

A large crowd had gathered, all sitting neatly in a circle. They were gathered in front of the symbol of the Spawn, cups clasped in their hands.

 

They stood in near silence, some muttering prayers under their breath, others with vacant, hollow expressions. The air felt cold, oppressive, like the calm before a storm. None of it seemed right.

 

With that, the grandfather clock stuck, almost like a signal for the chaos to begin. Its chime boomed through the hall like thunder, each ring echoing off the stone walls. It felt too loud, too heavy- like it wasn’t just announcing the time, but rather... the beginning of the end.

 

And then came the screams.

 

The sudden shift from eerie silence to chaos was jarring. People started to gulp down their cups quickly, before clutching at their throats, gasping for air. Some collapsed to the floor, unable to breathe. Others stumbled, disoriented, eyes wild with confusion and fear. The air was filled with cries- howls of pain, pleas for help, whispers of worship.

 

This was it. The time of reckoning, that Azure had proclaimed. The others, they were surrendering their souls to the Spawn.

 

Azure backed away, horrified. The crowd was unraveling, falling apart right in front of him. He couldn't think. He simply turned and ran, far away from the chaos of it all.

 

Through the hallway, the room doors stood ajar, revealing the suffering within. Through the gaps, he caught glimpses of people slumped against walls, hanging from the ceiling, and some lying motionless on beds or the floor. Echoes of their former prayers lingered in the air, dedicated to something far beyond understanding.

 

He didn’t want to hear it. He didn’t want to see more. His only thought now was to escape. To get to safety.

 

There was only one place he could think to go.

 

Their room.

 

He sprinted through the halls, every step echoing his rising panic. When he reached the door, he fumbled with the handle before slamming it shut behind him. He locked it, then leaned against it, breathless and shaking, his heart racing.

 

He tried to make sense of what he'd just seen. The others... They were all dying. They had given themselves to the Spawn, just as Amarah had foretold. This was it- He was all alone, right in the middle of everything.

 

He closed his eyes, taking another shaky breath, trying to calm himself down.

 

A knock at the door snaps Azure out of his thoughts. He froze.

 

Another knock. It was much softer this time. Then a familiar voice, barely above a whisper.

 

"Azu…?"

 

He opened his eyes in disbelief.

 

It was Two.

 

He rushed to the door, hands trembling as he unlocked it and rushed to pull it open.

 

Two stood there, eyes wide but strangely calm. Their expression was unreadable. Something about them felt... off. They stepped inside slowly, one hand held behind their back.

 

"Two!" Azure exhaled sharply. Relief flooded his face. "I'm so glad you're safe... I was so worried- Are you hurt?"

 

"I'm fine," Two said quietly, brushing past him.

 

Azure reached out to touch their arm, but Two gently pulled away.

 

"We have to leave. Now. Something’s happening, and it’s not safe here anymore." He ran a hand through his hair, pacing about. "They’ve all gone mad, Two. They're losing their minds, they're all-" He stops himself, not daring to continue. We need to get out... Before it’s too late."

 

Two didn’t respond. Their gaze was as distant as ever.

 

"Did you hear me?" Azure asked, stepping closer. "We need to leave. Now."

 

Still nothing.

 

Azure’s eyes dropped to Two’s hand- the one hidden behind their back. He seems to realise what it is, but he still asks regardless, hoping he was wrong. "What... is that?"

 

Two didn’t answer. Slowly, they brought their hand forward, closer to Azure, revealing what they had hidden.

 

Their dagger.

 

Two’s voice was almost a whisper. "If you really loved me... you’d let me do this."

 

"What... are you saying?" Azure’s voice broke. "Do you even- Do you even know what you're saying, Two...?"

 

"I heard your conversation with Amarah earlier, Azu. I thought..."

 

"I came to find you," Azure said. "To protect you- I didn’t mean any of that. I was scared and confused... But I would never hurt you. I couldn’t."

 

Two looked at him, their eyes flickered with doubt. The dagger trembled in their grip.

 

Azure stepped forward slowly, cautiously. He reached out and gently took their free hand.

 

"You don’t have to do this," he said softly, wrapping his hands around Two's.

 

Two stared down at their hands, their guilty expression evident.

 

For a moment, the dagger slipped from their fingers. It clattered softly onto the ground.

 

Azure smiled faintly, hopeful. He picked up the dagger and set it aside on the nearby table.

 

"Let's go, Two. We'll go far, far away, and leave this place. It'll just be the two of us." He held out his hand. Two hesitated, then placed their hand in his.

 

But something was wrong.

 

Past memories seem to flash in Two’s mind as they took a step back, their grip loosening on Azure's.

 

"I failed..." they murmured. "I failed them. The mission- I was supposed to finish it... It was never supposed to end like this, I can't-"

 

Their breathing quickened. They began pacing, hands to their head. "I betrayed them...! I- I can't, n-not after everything they've done for me-"

 

“Two, stop- You’re not thinking clearly. Just breathe... I'm here.” Azure tried to give Two a reassuring pat, but they weren’t listening. Their eyes snapped to the dagger lying on the table.

 

Azure saw the shift too late. He couldn't stop them.

 

Two lunged forward and grabbed the blade.

 

A flash of silver. A sharp, burning pain in Azure’s side.

 

Two twists the dagger right into Azure, wounding them. Bright red blooms across Azure's abdomen.

 

His fingers trembled as he pressed them to the wound. "T… Two…?" he breathed, voice barely audible.

 

Two’s face twists with horror as they had begun to realise what they had done.

 

"I’m sorry," they whispered, over and over, falling to their knees beside him. "I didn’t want to- I had to. I thought I was doing the right thing... I thought..."

 

Azure tried to speak again, but only a rasp came out. His eyes flickered up to Two’s tear-streaked face. "...w-why...?"

 

"I’m sorry," they sobbed. "I love you, Azu- I love you so much... I’m so sorry..."

 

Azure didn't say a thing, as his body shuddered in their arms. His breaths came faster now- uneven, ragged. Two clutched him tighter, pressing his hand against their cheek, but he was already slipping from their grasp.

 

With a final breath, soft and trembling, Azure’s body went still. His hand slipped from Two’s cheek, falling limp at his side.

 

Azure was gone.

 

Two had killed them- Their very own lover.

 

Two began to break down, holding him close as they apologised profusely.

 

"I"m sorry, Azu... I’ll join you soon, I promise..."

 

Their words blurred together, repeating again and again, like a broken record. All while Azure laid there, motionless, none the wiser to Two's confession.

 

Two Time readied the dagger once more, aiming at their own heart. Suddenly, the room was filled with a radiant white light. It poured through the cracks, enveloping everything in its path.

 

Two looked up into the light, eyes wide.

 

Was this... divine retribution for their sins? If so... they deserved it.

 

They took one last longing look at their former lover, embracing them. Then, they closed their eyes, accepted their fate.

 

And then, there was nothing more.

Notes:

(14 April 2025)

Chapter 7: Despite everything, it's still you

Elliot doesn’t know what to think- Two was an odd one. Observing strange behavior from them wasn’t unusual, and that smile of theirs... it always unsettled Elliot. So when he sees Two veer away from the group to be alone, he shrugs it off.

 

It had been a while since Two had woken up in this place. They had been forced to participate in this cruel game for the amusement of some twisted entity called the “Spectre.” Two didn't truly understand why- not that it mattered. There were others stuck alongside them, but they never really did fit in with them. No one truly understood them- no one but Azure.

 

But now, they were gone.

 

Two regretted everything. They wished they hadn't killed Azure, they wished they had just taken up his offer. But regrets couldn’t bring someone back- Azure was gone. The truth was inescapable.

 

So when Two stumbled upon nightshades blooming wildly in the area- Azure’s favorite flowers- something stirred within them. It felt like a path laid just for them, quiet and deliberate. So they followed it, stepping into the unknown.

 

After some time, they reached the end. The trail of flowers had led them to a quiet, grassy clearing. There, standing in the center, was a figure- cloaked in purple, wearing a familiar hat that made Two's heart skip a beat.

 

It couldn’t be... Could it...?

 

"Azu…?" they managed to croak out, disbelief thick in their voice. "Is that you…?"

 

The figure turned, their expression unreadable.

 

Azure...?

 

Two's eyes lit up, ecstatic, upon realising it was their old friend.

 

"Azu… It’s been so long-" They stepped forward, eyes shining, a hopeful smile tugging at their lips. "I'm so glad to see you."

 

"...I missed you-" they added, moving closer to Azure, arms open for an embrace.

 

But Azure’s voice cut through the moment like a blade.

 

“You have no right to say my name, traitor.”

 

In a flash, a sudden force struck Two, slamming them to the ground and knocking the wind from their lungs. As they struggled to breathe, Azure stepped forward, revealing his new form- dark, heavy tentacles twisting around him. His appearance was grotesque, unmistakably inhuman.

 

“Look at what you did to me, Two,” Azure raises one of his tendrils, wrapping it tightly around Two's neck.

 

Azure hissed, his voice low and trembling with rage. “You killed me.”

 

"And for that..."

 

Without hesitation, he struck. Deep, and harsh. Azure stabs Two with one of their tentacles, right where he had once been hurt.

 

"Death. It is what you deserve."

 

Two collapsed to their knees, taken aback. Any hope of reconciliation starts to fade from Two's mind.

 

"Azu... re..." They murmured, their voice fading. Blood spilled from their lips, as they found themselves in the position they had previously put Azure in.

 

Azure stared down, pity flickering in his eyes, before he continued. "Tell me... Do you ever feel guilty for your actions?"

 

Two scrambles forward, trembling, desperate. They hoped to apologise for their wrongdoing- To make amends, to rectify their mistake. They would do anything to fix this.

 

"Please... Forgive me..." Two pleaded, their voice trembling with desperation.

 

Azure crouched down, their eyes meeting for the last time. His expression hardened.

 

“Forgiveness?” He sneers coldly, before letting out a bitter laugh.

 

“Remember this well, Two.”

 

The tentacle tightens its grip. Two began to gasp for air, thrashing around in fear. They attempt to free themselves from their grasp, but Azure overpowers Two easily. Azure would never be swayed by anyone again. He would never be weak again.

 

A silence fell between the two of them.

 

“I’ll never, ever forgive you.”

 

With that, Azure gives Two's neck one final squeeze, before snapping it in half, cementing their position in the afterlife. Azure watches as life fades from Two's eyes.

 

He stood still, staring down at what was left of someone he had once loved. He didn’t know what to feel. He had spent so long thinking about this moment, imagining how it would end. But he hadn’t expected it to hurt like this. He hadn’t expected it to feel so... heavy.

 

He was furious at their betrayal, heartbroken that Two could have done such a thing. But he hadn’t imagined himself being so brutal, so consumed by vengeance. He never thought he would- Well. There was a flicker of regret, but also a sense of grim justification. Two had betrayed him first. At least, that's what Azure told himself.

 

Still, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret. With trembling fingers, he gently brushed their cheek.

 

“I still love you,” he whispered. “Even now.”

 

He finally releases them from his grasp, freeing them, far too late. Two Time's fate had long been sealed. Azure looked away, unable to bear the sight of the one he once held dear.

 

They were gone, leaving Azure utterly alone. Now, and forever more.

 

He turned and stepped away, the silence heavy behind him.

 

“Farewell,” he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. To him, it was almost a hope, a prayer.

 

“May we meet again.”

Notes:

(14 April 2025)

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Anon Azure's Writing