Chapter 1: Day 1
Chapter Text
Two Time sat in the familiar landscape of the forest, etching away the symbol of the spawn on a piece of paper they had brought along. Next to them, their dearest Azure sat. Blabbering away incessantly about a flower they had read about, Two Time paid no mind to their words because they were more focused on what they were drawing.
Azure seemed to notice something off about them because he had stopped talking and was now looking at Two Time with a concerned expression. “Nightshade, are you okay? You’ve been acting distant these past days.” He said, placing their hand on Two Times shoulder.
“All is well Azure.” They reassured, continuing to draw the symbol of the spawn, not even bothering to spare a glance at their partner. Azure's eyebrows furrowed and he frowned, his eyes scanning Two Times' face. They obviously weren't okay, the last time they acted like this they had been spiraling.
Ever since that happened Azure had been extra vigilant over them, always worried that he would miss the signs and Two Time would do something bad. He was determined to prevent it from happening again.
Azure looked over at Two Times paper, there was a little scribbled out doodle of Azure and then the rest of it was just Spawn Spawn Spawn. Azure blinked twice, the contents on the paper definitely weren't concerning at all.
“Hey, maybe you should take a little break from this. We’ve just spent all day worshiping the spawn, a little relaxation wouldn’t hurt.” Azure said, gently grabbing Two Times paper out of their hands and laying it down into the grass next to them.
Two Time reluctantly let Azure take the paper out of their hands “I suppose…” They mumbled, now that the paper was gone, they had nothing to do. And they weren’t really feeling up to social interaction right now. They pulled their knees up to their chest and picked at the loose fabric of their pants idly.
“Time, are you sure you’re okay? You know you can talk to me right? You’re really worrying me, this was how you were acting last time before you relapsed…” Azure said, interrogating them with his eyes.
“I’m sure Azure, I suppose I’m just feeling a bit tired today.” They deflected, deep down they were a bit more than tired. Depressed? Yes. Terrified, also yes.
They had been focused more on the Spawn lately than anything else, Amarah had been dragging them away from Azure every opportunity they got. It felt like their whole life was just Spawn Spawn Spawn.
Two Time had originally been upset about this, and tried to tell Amarah how they felt, but that didn’t go very well.
It was around noon, and Two Time sat in the study room with Amarah, reviewing the book of the Spawn and taking notes on a spare piece of paper. Amarah was checking their notebook to confirm they had studied the pages they had said to.
Usually they would study during the early hours or the late afternoon, but Amarah pulled them from their shared room with Azure today.
Two Time was upset because plans they had made with Azure just kept getting delayed because of Amarah making him do things. They were also burnt out from all the studying and needed a break.
“Amarah?” They said feebly with their head still down in their book, they had always been intimidated by Amarah's presence, it was a very intimidating Aura, one of someone who had dedicated their entire life to religion, and exuded authority over everyone.
Amarah looked up from Two Times notebook. “Yes?”
“I’ve been doing well in my studies and wish to take a break and hang out with Azure. It seems you’ve been purposefully pulling me away from them… May I ask why?”
Amarah paused their reading, setting the notebook down on the table. “You know Azurewrath is a condemned soul, but I suppose I’ve been trying to prepare you.” They said, looking into Two Times eyes coldly.
“Prepare me for?” They questioned, looking up at Amarah.
“For the sacrifice.”
Two Time paused, the words hitting them like a freight train. Sacrifice? Sacrifice who? Azure? Did Amarah want them to sacrifice Azure? The thought made them sick, murdering their own lover. They couldn’t do that, they loved him too much. They were the one that supported him through their lows and stayed with him no matter what. How could they kill him after all that?
“What? What sacrifice?! Who?” They said, unintentionally raising their voice in alarm.
“It seems you already know, Two Time. Sacrifice Azurewrath for the Spawns approval, you may be granted a second life for this act. This is the Spawns will.” Amarah said with no emotion in their voice, speaking as if this was the most casual thing ever.
“Amarah, I don’t mean to be blasphemous but… That’s my best friend- I can’t just kill them! Even if it is the will of the Spawn…” They spoke really fast, confused and shocked. Looking into Amarah's cold gaze.
Amarah stood up, towering over Two Time who sat in the chair. Their voice was raised but still monotone, it was terrifying for Two Time.
“It is EXTREMELY disrespectful that you would prioritize a simple soul over the will of the Spawn, the Spawn will be there for you more than Azurewrath will ever be, Two Time. Do you not want to be bathed in his light? Do you not want the Spawns approval?”
Two Time thought for a second, it was silly that he would prioritize Azure over the spawn, a literal god who can grant them more lives.
“I-I do want it but-” They stuttered, getting cut off by Amarah speaking again.
“I do not want to hear such words emanating from your mouth again, do you understand me?”
“Yes Amarah…” They responded respectfully, a pang of guilt and anger tugging at their heart.
Guilt for disrespecting the Spawn, and anger for what the Spawn asked of him. But such thoughts were blasphemy, they hoped the Spawn would forgive them for such acts.
“ Good .” Amarah sat back down. “Then, you shall sacrifice Azurewrath with th…”
Two Time looked down at their book, tuning everything out. They had to sacrifice Azure…
When Amara had given Two Time the order to sacrifice Azure to the Spawn, they were devastated. They did not want to sacrifice their own partner, the only one who had cared and loved them in their lifetime. Yet it was blasphemous to even think of that, the will of the Spawn prevailed over such trivial things.
In their turmoil, they did the only thing they knew how to do. Shut everyone out and focus only on the Spawn. It was the only other thing they could really confide in after all. What were they supposed to do?
Hanging out with Azure made their heart hurt, knowing that soon they would be murdered by their own partner, unsuspecting.
They really did hope that he would not fight back, it would just make everything more painful as well as hard.
Two Time looked up at Azure, scanning their concerned features before standing up with a sigh. “Let us go back, I need a rest.” They said, picking up their paper from beside them and folding it neatly.
“If you say so!” Azure said with an innocent smile, standing close to Two Time.
Two Time nodded, heading off in the direction of their living quarters, holding Azure's hand. They might as well spend the little amount of time he had left together.
It was so jarring how clueless he was, how Two Time was the only one carrying the weight of the future. Azure had no idea his life would soon be cut short at the hands of the one he trusted most.
“Just remember that you can always talk to me if you need to, Time. I’m here for you.” Azure reminded them softly.
They were here for him, for now.
Chapter Text
Two Time was awoken by the familiar sound of the church bells and the first few rays of sunlight creeping from the window, groaning; they sat up and groggily rubbed the sleep from their eyes. Looking around the room, Azure had already gotten up from the looks of it, they weren't in their bed and it was already made.
Azure had always woken up before Two Time and they could not recall a singular time Azure had slept in, even when he was sick. They could never figure out how Azure was such a morning person, Two Time swore it was black magic.
Two times stretched, before they kicked their feet out of bed and stood up, the scent of sausages and pancakes wafting to their nose, making them hungry. They started to walk into the kitchen where Azure was cooking.
“Hi Time! Did you sleep well?” Azure asked with a smile, flipping the pancakes.
Two Time sat down at the small table and put their head down on it, watching Azure cook. “Yeah, I slept fine…” They blinked slowly. “Why’re you cooking? Usually they give us food after the morning prayer.” They said, confused on why it was needed when food was available after the morning prayers.
“I know you have struggles with eating, I thought it would be easier if it wasn’t the bland food they serve for breakfast. Plus the last time you tried to cook, you started a fire.” Azure snickered at the last part, turning off the heat to the stove and placing the pancakes on a plate.
“Mmm.” Two Time hummed in acknowledgement, face getting a bit red at the mention of them starting a fire.
“Ugh… Don’t remind me…” Two Time groaned with a smile; burying their face in their hands.
The last time they had tried to cook they had in fact started a fire, Azure was devastated when he found out some of his plants got burnt during it. Two Time felt really bad, but they felt worse when Azure did everything for them. It made them feel useless.
“How do you even start a fire from boiling water? That’s impressive.” Azure said playfully, teasing Two Time, something they did almost daily. Two Time didn’t mind, it was just something they did together.
Azure placed down Two Times food before sitting in his respective seat across from them, having his own plate already on the table.
“I’m not sure myself…” Two Time said, sitting up straight and starting to pick at their food. “Thanks for cooking…” They muttered.
Two Time ate about half of their food before they stopped eating, just watching Azure eat instead. They were getting nauseous because they barely ate food most of the time. And their body was confused at the change in eating habits.
As they watched Azure finish up their food, they started feeling a bit ashamed, wishing that sometimes they could eat as easily as Azure.
When the church bells rang again, signaling it was almost time for the morning prayer. They both hurriedly got dressed, brushed their teeth and ran off.
When they got into the prayer room there were lots of people rushing to sit down, as the prayer was about to start.
Usually a high ranking member such as Amarah would lead the prayers, but during the morning prayer nobody would be there to instruct. Giving you the free will to pray as you please.
Azure and Two Time sat together and watched as everyone began their prayer, before subsequently following everyone else.
Two Time prayed for forgiveness for their blasphemous acts, and for the Spawn to help grant them the strength and courage they needed for the inevitable act they would commit. Trying to mentally prepare themselves.
They ignored the pain and fear in their heart, convincing themselves that they were completely neutral about having to stab their partner. Ha, they loved gaslighting themselves.
After the prayers were over Azure and Two Time went back to their room, Two Time sat on their bed and sighed. They could tell today was going to be exhausting. Azure watered their plants that were set neatly on the windowsill, before sitting next to Two Time in silence.
It wasn’t necessarily awkward silence, just the silence that everyone needed once in a while. The good kind. Where just being in each other's company was enough.
Two Time looked over at Azure, and then laid their head down on his lap, their tail swayed slightly, softly hitting the bed. Azure brought their hand to Two Times' hair, running his fingers through it and massaging their scalp. Two Time focused on the nice sensation of the massage, it was beyond heavenly. Azure always gave the best massages, they could fall asleep like this.
“Spawn that’s nice…” Two Time muttered, entering the throes of relaxation and pleasure, they felt like they were flying.
After a couple minutes, Two Time started to slowly drift asleep on Azure's lap, Azure didn’t mind, Azure reached to the bedside drawer, taking out his small camera and taking a picture of Two Times sleeping face.
He grabbed the developing photo and shook it before placing it on the bedside table, looking back down at Two Time and looking at their sleeping face. A bit of drool started to come down their face.
Azure didn’t mind the drool getting onto their clothes, he could always wash it and he didn’t want to disturb Two Time’s rest. He knew they probably needed it.
Minutes later Two Time was awoken by a loud knock on the door, jumping up out of Azure's lap and almost falling off the bed, thankfully catching themselves. “Careful Time!!” Azure yelped in alarm as he watched Two Time frantically get back up and run to the door immediately after almost falling face first onto the floor.
Two Time looked back at Azure right before they opened it, eyes darting around the room to find something that could tell them what time it was. “What time is it?!” They exclaimed.
“It’s 9?!” Azure said, confused on why Two Time was so frantic, he thought for a couple seconds before there was another knock on the door. “Oh Spawn… Your lessons with Amarah…” Azure remembered, knowing how screwed Two Time was now.
Two Time opened the door to be met with the sight of Amarah, looking mildly pissed off. “Amarah–I overslept–Spawn I’m sorry-” They rambled before getting cut off by Amarah.
“Come Two Time, I need to speak with you.” Amarah walked off in the other direction, clearly expecting Two Time to follow, to which they did. Shutting the door behind them.
Amarah led them to their study room, looking at Two Time disappointedly. “I am not mad, but we need to discuss Azurewrath.” They spoke, Two Time stiffened at the mention of Azure. “Yeah. Okay.” They agreed, looking down at the ground.
Two TIme wasn’t stupid, they could automatically assume this was about the ritual they were supposed to perform. Sadly, they thought if they just didn’t think about it it would go away.
“Azurewraths ritual will be withheld in the secondary altar on the epistle side of the church, you must not stab any vital organs during this process, or it will not work properly and you will displease the Spawn. Understood?” Amarah stated.
“Y-Yes I understand.” Two Time said, nervousness washing over the peacefulness that they once felt.
“I also hope you understand that this ritual is incredibly difficult to perform, almost impossible, and almost all members who have tried have failed.”
Amarah paused.
“How you get Azurewrath to the altar is not important, as long as the ritual is performed in that area. I–and many among my ranking–will be there to help guide it along. Understand?”
Two Time nodded, biting the inside of their cheek.
“Good, then you may leave. We will not be conducting our studies today, I trust you shall make the right decisions.” Amarah nodded, waving Two Time off.
Two Time walked away, feeling like they were about to vomit. Visualizing the feeling of piercing the dagger through Azure's body, his blood staining their hands. Amarah said they couldn’t stab any vital organs, so they knew Azure's death would not be a quick one. He would most likely writhe in pain on the ground as feelings of betrayal coursed through his veins. And Two Time would just be watching as they died.
They turned the corner before bolting out of the main doors, running into the forest. They ran to the spot they and Azure usually hung out at, sitting down in the middle of it.
They panted, trying to calm their racing heart, taking deep breaths. Yet no matter how deep they breathed the emotions swirling in their chest wouldn’t calm.
They stood up again, lightheaded, stumbling over to a tree and vomiting in a nearby bush before they went back to where they had sat.
They were getting worked up because they were now realizing that this was inescapable, and they really would have to murder their partner, and soon. Two Time unseathed the dagger from their belt, holding it tightly and holding it put to their face, their reflection glinting in its untainted blade.
They knew they shouldn’t cut, they really shouldn’t. Azure had been helping them resist the urges, but everything was just too much for them. They felt hopeless.
They blinked twice, tears falling out their eyes that they had not known were there. “I-I can’t- Why- Why do you make me do this- Spawn please-” They whimpered, putting their arms to their sides and pulling their knees to their chest.
Sniffling, they shakily brought the dagger up to their shoulder. Pressing the blade into the skin and sliding it as fast as they could. They whimpered as the sharp stabbing pain shot through their nerves, and the blood rose up to the area they cut.
It would only be an ounce of the pain Azure would feel when they realized they were about to die, when the dagger drove through their body, when the last thing they would see was their murderer, and the person they loved.
Two Time knew they were being dramatic, they hadn’t even done the deed yet. They shouldn’t be feeling this way, but still. They moved the dagger down, pushing and sliding again, and again, and again. Their arms jerked as the pain hit them.
Setting the dagger down, they hugged themselves as they looked down at their shoes. Feeling ashamed and guilty, what would Azure think? They had been doing a good job not doing it, and now their progress was gone. Would he be mad? Or would he look at him with pity as he helped them clean their wounds, he had done it before.
Two Time knew Azure likely wouldn’t have a big reaction, but pools of guilt and doubt swirled in their gut.
Slowly, they lifted themselves up from the ground, taking their dagger and sheathing it into the space on their belt.
They took a deep breath; they couldn’t hide their bleeding arms. They hadn’t brought a different shirt with them, and their bodysuit had no sleeves. So, in summary. They were absolutely screwed; they couldn’t get out of this.
They slowly started walking towards the establishment again, nearing the building and pushing open the doors, it opened with a loud creak, they poked their head in and looked around, they could only pray to the Spawn Azure wasn’t in their room.
Yet in all honesty where else could they have been? They had been in there when they left and they had nothing else to do.
Two time walked down the cold hallways, relieved there seemed to be nobody wandering them. As they approached the dormitories their steps slowed, stalling even though the inevitable would eventually come.
No matter how slow they walked, they eventually made it to their destination, staring at the door handle. They smiled slightly, trying to mask their true feelings as they opened the door.
Azure's head perked up as he heard the door open, looking to see who was coming in.
When he saw Two Time he smiled, happy to see him again.
“Oh, Hi Timey! That was a quick lesson…” Azure trailed off as they saw the bleeding cuts on Two Times arm, as well as the way they were standing there, hands clenched and with tears threatening to spill from their eyes.
Azure blanked for a moment, just looking at their arm with no expression, so many thoughts were racing through Azure's mind. He swallowed, looking at their face again before sitting up straight.
Azure opened their arms towards Two Time, beckoning them to come here. “C’mere Nightshade.” He said lovingly, his voice mostly flat except for the slight strain that he couldn’t help but make leak through.
Two Time was scared; they were so scared of how Azure was to react. Thankfully, they didn’t yell or get mad. And Two Time felt bad for even thinking he would, Azure was one of the kindest people they had met, they wouldn't do that.
Two Time sucked in a strained breath, barely restraining themself from breaking down in front of Azure. The anxiety that had been building up from Azure's reaction threatened to break from the surface.
They slowly walked towards Azure, hugging him as tight as he could. Azure brought his hand to Two Times hair, “It’s okay.” He reassured them, not caring about the blood from their shoulders getting on his clothes, nor the tears that had started to soak his shirt. He just cared about how his Nightshade felt.
Two Time sniffled. Voice cracking as they spoke. “I- I’m so sorry Azure-” They cried, cutting themselves off when another sob came from their body.
“It’s okay Two Time.” Azure said again, still rubbing their hair to comfort them. He wanted to ask questions, but it wasn’t the time for that yet.
As Two Times sobs quieted down into sniffles Azure pulled away just enough to see Two Times' face. “Can I see them?” He asked gently, he knew the cuts were visible. But he still felt it was right to ask for permission to inspect them, knowing Two Time was most likely ashamed of themselves and the cuts.
Two Time reluctantly nodded, wiping some snot and their tears from their face. Azure grabbed their arm, looking at the cuts that expended the area of their shoulder. They were significantly deep, deeper than the ones that they had done before but not enough to kill them.
Azure slowly got up, “I’m going to get my first aid kit.” He muttered, looking at Two Times small form on the bed.
Two Time shrunk in on themselves, nodding slightly and looking at the floor as he left the room.
Azure came back with the first aid kit, sitting next to Two Time and pulling out some alcohol wipes.
Two Time always hated this part, it stung like hell. But it was bearable when Azure was the one doing it.
Azure wiped the cuts, feeling a bit bad as Two Time recoiled. “Sorry.” He said, putting the now bloody alcohol wipe down and replacing it for some black bandages. He gently wrapped the bandages around Two Times' arm, careful not to accidentally hurt him.
Tying the bandages, Azure put the first aid kit in the drawer next to him. Looking at Two Time before slowly inching his hand closer to theirs, eventually intertwining their fingers together.
Two Time looked over at Azure, ashamed that Azure had to witness this, but feeling the warmth from his hand clutching their own made them have butterflies in their stomach. They realized how much they hated Azure, but also how much they loved them.
Two Time hated how weak Azure made them feel, they were always taught emotion was a bad thing and love was a sin. Yet whenever they were around Azure it was just too easy to let themselves feel, and they found themselves enjoying it.
Azure made their weakness come out, and they hated it, yet they loved how Azure cared for them, told them how they were special, how they were worthy of love.
It made Two Time question why the Spawn would make such an amazing life, just for it to be forbidden against loving it.
They leaned into Azure, now laying down. Choosing not to fret over such matters and to live in the moment, They listened to the sound of his heartbeat against their ear, both of them sitting in comfortable silence. Just basking in each other's presence.
Two Time ignored the throbbing of their arm and just relaxed, for the first time in a while they just completely let go. Not worrying about the future, what they would do when they woke up. They just thought about nothing, and for once, they felt at peace.
hoshikoooo on Chapter 1 Fri 01 Aug 2025 11:15PM UTC
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arandomguest on Chapter 1 Mon 04 Aug 2025 05:27AM UTC
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synthesizerr on Chapter 2 Tue 26 Aug 2025 02:42PM UTC
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arandomguest on Chapter 2 Wed 27 Aug 2025 01:11AM UTC
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