Chapter 1: Chance
Chapter Text
Three charges…He wished. Chance had one charge, and weakness X. X! Definitely not the worst he’s ever stacked, but he was in zero shape to be firing at the killer. Not even they would bet on that. So, there they were, weaving between walls, flipping their coin, praying for Lady Luck to smile down on them. But today was not their day. Over and over, their weakness grew. Their arms hurt. Their feet grew heavy. His lungs burned. His lids drooped. His head pounded. He should probably wait a minute to let the effects wear off, but time is money. So, they continued traveling behind foliage as they hope to break their bad luck streak. After another unsuccessful coin toss, he gets the overwhelming urge to stop for a moment. That’s when he realizes he hears voices. The killer this round was Betrayed 1x1x1x1, so he wouldn’t but it past them and Shedletsky to be having a reunion “chat.” It’s happened before. Chance shudders at the thought, but slowly creeps to the corner of a tall stone wall and peers out. There, they can just barely make out two forms. 007n7…and Guest 1337. Pretty unusual for them to be in such a secluded area. Well, abnormal for Guest. He was always on the front lines. Chance knew sometimes 007n7 hid here, seeing as they’ve ran into him before while seeking refuge during bouts of weakness and bad luck. Like right now. But right now was very different than those other times. Guest was leaned up against a rock, and 007n7 was kneeling infront of him, making quick use of a med kit. He wondered why Guest didn’t go to Elliot. Those two are a great team on the field. Chance checked their display. Oh. Elliot’s dead. Makes sense. Chance’s eyes snap back to the two men as 007n7’s voice raises slightly. He can’t hear what they are saying, but 007n7 looks slightly pissed. He tightens the wrap around Guest’s stomach, then…kisses his forehead? Uhm?? His face softens slightly, and he starts to pull away, but Guest grabs him by the collar and…Ok, the weakness effects must really be getting to them. They must be having hallucinations. Because did Guest just pull 007n7 into a kiss?? On the lips??? He blinked and it was over, leaving Chance to wonder if he imagined the whole thing. 007n7 stood up and pulled out his c00lgui while Guest got up and turned in the opposite direction, presumably to head back to the fight. Before he took two steps, though, Guest turned around and called to 007n7. His head snapped back to Guest from his display, and Guest said something again. Then he gave him a small, sweet smile, which 007n7 reciprocated. They shared the moment for a second longer before 007n7 teleported away. Guest took a steadying breath, and walked out of Chance’s view…There was something up with those two.
—————————————————————————
Chance had died. What a shocker. That was just part of the game, though. You win some, you lose some. He never let it get to him. That had been the last round of the day, and so they sat at one of the tables, waiting for the others to spawn back in. Some unfortunate souls made an early appearance, like Two Time and Dusekkar. Elliot, Taph, and Noob had died before Chance. Taph had likely retreated to a dark, quiet corner, and Elliot and Noob were probably hanging somewhere around the cabins. As the round came to an end, the remaining survivors spawned in. Shedletsky looked more shaken up than usual, but he was always like that after a round against 1x1x1x1. Still, though, he stretched his back and unfurled his wings. Chance could hear his joints pop.
“Woo! That was one hell of a round, huh?”
“Would’ve gone a lot smoother if someone hadn’t been throwin’ themselves at the killer the whole time. Y’ almost got me killed with the amount of times ya ran back t’ my dispenser.” Builderman grumbled, shooting a side eye at Shedletsky.
“What can I say? Someone has to carry the team.” Shedletsky simply put his arms behind his head and shrugged.
“Speakin’ of which, it would’ve been nice to have our other sentinels helpin’ out.” Builderman gives a pointed look to Guest at the other end of the table, who shoots him a nervous and apologetic smile. He then turns to lock eyes on Chance, too. No matter how long they’ve spent with the guy, Builderman still scares the hell out of Chance. They just give a little wave in response, though. Gotta keep up appearances. Poker face and all.
“Well, no point in fussin’ about it now. Good work, everyone. Get some rest.” Builderman gets up, and starts heading out of the cabin. Shedletsky gets up and follows him. Chance glanced back at the winners table, and catches 007n7 and Guest exchanging a glance before giving each other that same tender smile as before. He had to talk to someone about this. And they knew just the person. He gets up as nonchalantly as he can, and heads out of the main cabin, too. There, on the porch, he finds Shedletsky talking to Builderman. The latter is leaning on the railing as Shedletsky raves on about something. Builderman turns as he hears the approaching footsteps, and gives Chance a tired smile.
“Headin’ out?”
“Not exactly. Just looking for someone to talk to.” Though obscured behind their sunglasses, they lock eyes with Shedletsky. Builderman catches on. He just rolls his eyes and sighs.
“I don’ have the energy to stop you two tonight. Just, keep it tame.” With that, he walks down the steps and out towards the personal cabins. Chance saddles up next to Shedletsky.
“Soooo?” The admin questions.
“Have you noticed anything…weird lately?”
“We are trapped in a purgatory, forced to fight in never ending rounds. Everything is weird.”
“Fair, fair. I mean, anything weird between any survivors?”
Shedletsky cocks an eyebrow. “Where is this going?”
“Anything between…07 and Guest?”
Shedletsky looks shell shocked for a second, before narrowing his eyes. “Why?”
Chance finally gets to the punch. “I think I may have saw them…kissing. Last round.”
He tries to gauge Shedletsky’s reaction. The man seemed to have simply froze. He blinks his eyes once, then twice, then speaks again. “They did, did they?” His eyes cast to the side, like the cogs in his brain are turning. His feathers ruffle, though Chance isn’t sure if it’s from the breeze or just a nervous twitch.
“Piece something together?”
“…Maybe. Need more observations, though.”
“So, you did notice something?”
“Like I said, maybe. But…they have seen to be getting closer.”
“Awfully close.”
Shedletsky shoots Chance a look. Their gossip sessions didn’t usually go like this. The admin was always giddy to talk about any drama either of the two of them could discover. Seems like this time, though, he had struck a cord. Maybe it was because of Shedletsky’s past with 007n7? Or the fact Guest was already taken? Anyways, the look in the older man’s eyes freaked Chance out a little. They decided to call it off for the night.
“Ima head out now. Talk later?”
“Yea, yea. We’ll talk more later.” Shedletsky seemed caught up in thought, turning to lean on the railing once more and gaze out into the dark forest, already staring into space. Chance gave it no more thought. He was too tired to try to decipher the admin’s response. They walked down the steps and to their cabin, flopped down in their bed, and welcomed the sweet release of sleep.
Chapter 2: Shedletsky
Summary:
Shedletsky takes some more notice of the two
Notes:
Hey guys!! Sorry for saying I’d be posting every couple days then ghosting yall for over a week 😅 I got kinda busy with exams lol. But, I finally finished my last one yesterday (6/6 done babyyyyy)!!! So, now that my summer has started, I will actually have more time to post chapters (tbh I wrote like half of this the day after I posted the first one then got distracted)
Also I keep forgetting Shed has wings in this fic when I’m writing 😭
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Kissing. Never in all the Heights would he have expected that. In the middle of a round, no less. Maybe they were lying. Just trying to stir up drama. But no, out of all their gossip sessions, the scandals have always remained the truth. But maybe. Maybe he had noticed Shedletsky falter when he saw them talk after a round. Pause for just a moment when they touch. Freeze when they got a little too close. Or maybe they saw what he saw. Shedletsky shivers as a particularly cold breeze ruffles through his feathers. It’s of no use for him to dwell on it right now. He should just head to bed. Not before making a stop, though…
He walks past his cabin, to the one stationed next to it. Some days Builder liked to wait for Shed in his own cabin, so they could chat the night away. He had a feeling that was not one of those nights. He never stayed when Shedletsky lagged behind to listen to the buzz. Builder wasn’t fond of gossip. He said he didn’t want any drama between the team. Shedletsky had found that strange. What, his southern heart didn’t want even a drop of tea? But no, no amount of teasing got the shorter man to open up. He figured he’d get him to crack one day. He knew it wouldn’t be today, but this was different than the usual stuff. Very different. He knocked on the door, his usual pattern. Builder opened it a moment later, as if he was expecting it. He wore a tired expression.
“What’s up, Shed?”
“Can I come in?”
Builder just gave him the same dead expression, suspicion lacing his tone.
“What’s this about?”
“We need to talk.”
“Do we now?”
“Builder, please.” He begs, a little exasperated. Builderman simply sighs, then opens the door the rest of the way. A warm glow emanates from inside.
“Fine, just, come in.” Shedletsky walks in, the tips of his wings brushing the doorframe. Builderman’s cabin is familiar. He’s been there plenty of times before. He sits on the bed, and it lets out a creak as it shifts under his weight. He starts bouncing his leg out of nerves. Why is he nervous? Builder notices, because of course he does. He’s known Shed for years. He can read him like a book. Maybe that’s why he skips the fanfare.
“Spill.”
“Guest and 07 might be together.”
“…What?” Shed looks up to see Builderman frozen in his spot, staring at him.
“…Chance told me he saw them kissing last round.”
Builder lets out an exhale. “Yea, but that’s Chance. Kid makes up random shit all the time.”
“Yea, but…” Shedletsky trails off as his eyes sink to the floor.
“Shed.” Builder’s voice is stern. Shedletsky’s eyes snap back to him.
“What’d I say about ropin’ me inta yer chatter?”
“It’s not, though!”
“Yes, it is.”
“C’mon. Like you haven’t seen the way they’ve been acting?”
“They’ve been acting like they’ve done made friends! It’d do good for 07 ta have someone in his corner. Tela knows we’re not.”
He was right about that. Shedletsky couldn’t really argue. He never could with Builder. He was somehow always right. He just hefted a sigh and stood up, stretching out his back and wings. They’ve been feeling more cramped nowadays. Maybe his age really was getting to him. Still, a little part of him felt bad for 07. He really seemed to have changed from back in the day. The guy was kinda pathetic now, always looking scared, looking lost in the past, looking for forgiveness. Maybe having Guest as a friend would do him some good. Shedletsky made his way out of Builder’s cabin, muttering a goodnight.
Same went for Guest. He didn’t know the big guy too well, but beneath his hard exterior seemed to be a soft heart underneath. How’d he know that? The way he softened when he looked at 07. After a round, the tension in his shoulders wouldn’t melt until 07 came up to talk to him. Then his walls came crumbling down. If he never saw those split second moments, Shed would’ve believed he was just a tough guy with a rough past and a couple issues he never sorted out. Always having a game face on, and always needing to help people, even if it hurt him. He talked about that to Builder, one time. When they first arrived. When they had made that silent pact to protect everyone. He didn’t like Guest going out of his way for the others, getting himself hurt or killed in the process. Builder just pointed out Shed was the same way. They had the same protective instincts. And the same inclination for good. Maybe that’s why Guest was hanging around 07 more.
Maybe.
—————————————————————————
What he said to Chance was true. He needed more observations. He had a feeling, like he always did, when something was up. It was just in his nature to figure out exactly what. He got up early, and met with Builder before walking to the main cabin together. They walked in silence. The tension was so thick you could cut it and spread it on bread. Damn it. Now he was hungry. They made it to the kitchen, and Builder started brewing a pot of coffee as Shedletsky put a couple pieces of bread in the toaster. He knew Builder would take a slice. He always stole some of Shed’s food. He decided not to bring up last night.
They weren’t usually like this. Shed could talk to Builder about anything. Why was it so different this time? He figured the tension would fade. It always did. He was never great at analysis (that was more Builder’s thing), but Shedletsky thought he could figure out why the other man was like this. He doesn’t think Builder is angry about the substance of the conversation. Shed wasn’t. At least, he was pretty sure that wasn’t it. It was weird, though. Maybe just the circumstances Shed came to him in. He knew he didn’t like gossiping and snooping. He landed on the theory that Builder was probably just mildly pissed Shed went poking around again. But that left a question for Shedletsky. Why did he feel so…antsy about this? It wasn’t like him to feel anxious. Especially not something as trivial as a relationship on the team. He was Telamon, the greatest sword fighter of all time! He shouldn’t be worried about stuff like this…That’s how he usually justified his anxiety. God, he never used to be this anxious before this place. Ok, well, maybe that was a little bit of a lie. His wings twitch as he gets lost in thought. Builderman shifts, and Shedletsky’s eyes find his. He can tell. He can always tell. Shed was always an overthinker, though he hid it from the others. But never from Builder. He’s giving Shedletsky a questioning gaze, but before anything can come of it, one of the subjects of their silent discussion walks through the door. Guest. Now he can start his observations.
Guest throws them a smile and a curt nod as he walks by to grab something quick for breakfast. It was Elliot’s turn to cook this morning, but the kid hadn’t come in yet. Shedletsky realizes he probably should’ve taken over, but as more people start to filter in, he realizes it’s too late now. Whatever. They’ll live. He settles next to Builder, and they lean against the counter, surveying the room. Guest had left the kitchen and was now talking to Noob, and Chance was saddling up next to Two Time, who had somehow managed to snag one of the pieces of toast from the kitchen without either of the admins noticing. That kid was freakishly stealthy. Taph and Dusekkar were just coming in, and Shed assumed they’d be heading over to him and Builder in just a second. That’s when he spots the second person he’s been looking for. 007n7. He waves at Two Time and Chance as he walks in, and Noob takes that as their cue to leave Guest’s side for some new company. Maybe Shedletsky should talk to them about all of this later. They seem to be pretty close with 07. Speaking of which, he joins Guest and they make small talk, but Shed can tell it’s different than usual. There’s an unaired softness to it, and though he can’t hear it, he can imagine the tone of the conversation. He swears he sees Guest brush some hair out of 07’s face and push it behind his ear. Shedletsky narrows his eyes. Strike one.
“Right, Shed?” Builder’s voice cuts through his thoughts.
“Uhh, what? Oh uh- yea, sure. Mhm. Totally agree. Really tuned in to the conversation.” God, he was a terrible liar. All he gets is an eyebrow quirk from Dusekkar and a head tilt from Taph. He does his best to keep his eyes off Builder, because he can already feel his knowing gaze boring into him.
“We were just talkin’ ‘bout gettin’ ready fer the first round.” Right, the rounds. The rest of this investigation would have to resume later.
—————————————————————————
It did not wait till later.
Well, things went well the first round. Pretty well. As well as they could in a place like this. You get what he means. It was 1x. His favorite. Yippee. He was more focused during those rounds, so even if something peculiar did happen, he wouldn’t have noticed. But the second round? That’s when Shedletsky’s suspicions rose again. They were up against John Doe. Guest had been dealing with him most of the round, occasionally getting hit, but staying afloat long enough to keep him occupied. One missed block and Corrupt Energy later, though, and Guest was down to dangerous levels. Shedletsky tried to tag him out, but Doe got there quicker. His claw collides with a body, and it’s torn to shreds in an instant.
But it’s not Guest he hit.
The body dissolves into code. It was one of 07’s clones.
It gives Shedletsky enough time to get to Doe and stun him. And evidently, enough time for Guest to get away. As well as their mystery savior. Shedletsky would dwell on it if there wasn’t a murderous monster infront of him. He continues to distract, but Doe is losing interest quickly. Chance and Two Time join him, and Shedletsky takes a moment to step away from the battle and heal. He checks his surroundings, and that’s when he sees Guest reappear from behind some cover. He was healed. That’s strange. Elliot sometimes hung around the edges of battles during rounds like these, out of sight from the killer but close enough for a sentinel to grab a slice if they were low. So why was Guest coming back this way when Elliot was on the other side of the clearing? Paired with the swift save and disappearing act from 07, Shedletsky figured a certain someone had used a med kit. Wonder who always collects one during a round while they wander the map? Strike two.
—————————————————————————
It was the last round of the day. Jason. Shedletsky was thankful it wasn’t c00lkidd. 07 acted different during those rounds. He didn’t think the others noticed, but they did.
The round was going pretty terribly. Jason seemed to be buffed. No matter how he swung, what strategy or angle of approach he used, it didn’t work. They were getting whooped. Shedletsky assumed about half the team was already dead. He would check his display if he didn’t have to keep eyes on Jason at all times. One look away and he was dead meat.
Just as the killing blow was about to come down on Shedletsky, something took the hit instead. Pieces of code whiz past his face as he scrambles to take the opening to get away. Another one of 07’s clones. He had been doing that trick more recently, and just generally getting more involved in rounds. Shedletsky’s not sure what brought on the change, but he had a sneaking suspicion of who was influencing him. Same person 07 had convinced to stop self-sacrificing every round. Same person he always had a med kit ready for. Case in point, the previous round. Shedletsky had gotten far enough out of immediate danger, and Guest jumped in to stop Jason from targeting Shed while he was healing. Jason, in turn, ate through his health. In a moment, Guest was under half hp and Jason was on his tail. Shedletsky took a second to look at his monitor. Yup. The only remaining survivors were himself, Guest, 07, and Taph. The kid probably made himself a nest to hide in. Anywho, he had to get back into the fray before Guest got slaughtered like the rest of the team. But someone else got there first. Just as Guest was about to die, 07 took the hit. 07. The guy who used to hide through the entirety of a round out of pure terror. The guy who always ran for his life. The guy Shedletsky never once dreamt of body blocking for anyone. Throwing himself in front of a machete intentionally? Not really 07’s style. But of course he did for Guest. Of course. Strike three.
—————————————————————————
They had all died, of course. Something was different about Jason today. Felt like fighting John Doe on March 18th. Great, another killer buff. Just what they needed. However, his research for the day had been pretty conclusive. Ew, that sounded like Builder.
As he stood up from the table he spawned in at, his wings instinctively brushing the table to ground himself, he scanned the room. Most people decided to head back to their cabins, understandably, after the massacre they had just endured, though some stragglers remained. But his eyes landed on the one person he was looking for. There Chance was, flipping his coin absent-mindedly as they made conversation with Noob. As he headed over, he could feel Chance’s eyes snap to his. It was time to talk.
Notes:
Happy late birthday Jason!!
Sorry if the action is non descriptive or kinda sucks or is inaccurate, I’ve played like once before and I hate writing rounds 😭
I hc that only the admins get to use nicknames for each other. So Shed says Builder and Duse, Builder says Shed and sometimes Duse, and Duse sometimes says both Shed and Builder. Plus they all sometimes say Taphy for Taph (more so Builder (out of fatherly teasing) and Duse (just to annoy Taph))
I also hc that everyone calls 007n7 “07” except for Guest, who calls him Seven
Since it was Father’s Day like a week ago I might write smth short for 07 & c00lkidd and Guest & Charlotte
The real reason this chapter took so long to come out was because someone ate the last chapter and I had to get it back /j
Chapter 3: Not a chapter 😔
Summary:
A quick update about my life and the fic (not bad!!)
Chapter Text
Hey guys! Sorry about the hiatus, I realized I’ve left everyone hanging for like 3 weeks, so lemme explain 😅. A few days after the second chapter, I went on a trip and worked on the third chapter when I came back. Thennnn I got writers block 😭 I’m about half way done with the chapter but not really sure where to take it, so I’ve been taking a break and making traditional/digital art. To make up for leaving you guys out to dry, I’ll make a Forsaken art book and post what I’ve been drawing there. Don’t worry, I’m not abandoning this fic! Just consider it on a short hiatus. I’ll try harder to finish the chapter and upload it, I just had a burst of motivation to draw, so I’ve been focusing on that. I’ll delete this and replace it with the finished chapter when I finish it, so be ready! Love yall and see you soon!