Dragged Back In

by Anonymous

Summary:

Sequel to “That’s Certainly A Way To Get Out Of It” by Yolk Anon <—(Hey, that's me!)

The story can be read without it, but I think it’s best to read it first as it helps the reader understand the Au and some characters' dynamics (Such as Azure being alive, Azure and Amarah having a good relationship, Amarah not being a child abuser)

…

The children decide to make a quick, impulsive decision that kind of messes everyone up, but it's understandable. Really taking after their parents with this one.

Notes:

Hi guys OC’s are pretty important now but if you read the first fic, you should probably know why

Chapter 1: Planning

 Two Time was very happy to be a parent. No, seriously. At first, there was that little doubt of never being able to receive their second life with their lover, but then they came to realise, their daughters were their second life. It was a new experience that had come from their actions, their effort, and a blessing upon their family. They truly cherished the lives of those girls. 

  There was something special about the twins to Two Time that they couldn't explain. Since the moment they were born, it felt as if they were watched and blessed with the Spawn’s love. Two Time made sure they believed, as belief is where true goodness came from. A good person outside the Spawn could never truly be good from what they had learned. They weren't planning on changing their beliefs soon either. At some moments, it felt like the life they had made was a part of their own and in some ways it was.

  Both Silver and Willow bore a greater physical resemblance to Two Time, and Silver committed to it well. At some moments, Two Time was unsure if they were looking at a younger, prettier, female version of themself or their daughter. Every time it turned out to be the latter, and Two Time would remind Silver of it too. Willow seemed to like her dad better, which hurt a bit. She had joined them in gardening every chance she could get since she was strong enough to do so. The way she expressed affection was a more childish way than Azure’s, valuing physical affection higher but with less impulsive sentences. The truth could be said of Azure’s love now, as he matured quickly into trying to be a good dad. 

  It was sweet, being able to point out where what came from. Two Time was sure that if they took either their own or their father’s dedication, they'd be the most loyal members ever, and that made them happy. It was largely one of the only things they ever wanted for their daughters, as Two Time would cast no doubt on their ability to do the sacrifice. 

 The kids had just turned 5 when the topic of a failed respawning was brought up. It wasn't through the carefully prepared conversations like Two Time had been brought up into, but through a complete mistake. It started with a whisper Two Time gave Azure “Did you hear? Another suicide recently,” They hushed. Azure nodded, looking upset. 

  “Yes, that’s quite common among the people whose partners fail to respawn,” he mumbled back to his partner. Two Time sighed, pressing their head into Azure’s shoulder. Azure rubbed their back as Willow carefully approached them. 

  “You can fail at respawning?” she asked. The two parents froze before Azure nodded and sighed. 

  “Most do,” Azure replied quietly. Willow paused, not really thinking much of it at the time. She just took a quiet note of it and slipped away. After all, she wasn't going to have to get her respawn until much later. The parents exchanged a look, tense but not acting. It could've gone worse after all.

  The quiet note became a louder note, something that followed and haunted them. Amarah was the first one to pull them aside as preteens to have the conversations. “It’s a beautiful thing to respawn, it's the most clear way that the Spawn shows his care for his followers.”

  “If that's true, then what of the people who failed? Isn't that the majority?” Willow asked, causing Amarah to momentarily stop. After all, the Spawn didn't really converse about the losses, often covering them up. Amarah only got to know about them because she had proven he was loyal enough to stay knowing the high mistake count. It wasn't a very long pause, as he too had pondered this question.

  “Ah, it’s very easy to break or mess up a rule when performing the sacrifice, and it can be delayed with no physical changes to indicate that it had happened,” they responded, smooth, rehearsed. Silver, Willow’s twin sister- gave her a sceptical look. Willow’s brow furrowed at what that could mean. They turned back to their grandfather and continued to listen, but the information came empty. 

 

  …

 

  “I don't believe in the Spawn,” Silver admitted quietly in their shared room. Willow looked up, trying to see if she was joking, or even just testing how it would sound. All Willow was met with was the cold seriousness of the other’s face.

  “What?” Willow asked, but Silver wasn't going to repeat it knowing her sister had heard. A brief silence had settled. Slowly, she made her response, looking around carefully so none of the adults would hear. “Me neither.” The words had that heavy guilt, but it was honest.

  Silver took a breath, hearing her sister admit to the same sin as her. “Oh, Spawn… what are we going to do?” 

  “I suppose nothing…” Willow mumbled back. That wasn't the right answer and she knew it, but she didn't know any other answer either.

  Silver shook her head. “We’re both fucked if anyone finds out.” Willow let out a frustrated breath before Silver looked at her. There was something they could do, but Silver was almost certain that Willow would decline. “We could run away.” 

  The other twin stared momentarily, before shaking their head. “No- I’d feel bad, leaving our family behind. Think about it, if we aren't there- Dad and Ren wouldn't have kids to replace their second lives. They've had around three times more years of brainwashing.” 

  There’s a quiet again.

  “And I’d miss dad…” Willow admitted. Silver hummed, thinking of something. There’s no doubt that if they were outed as non-believers they’d get shunned or worse, but they also had people to care about.

  “We could try to change them,” Silver suggested. It sounded good at first.

  “I don't think we could, barely anyone stops believing in their own. That and I think Ren might be kind of… hopeless,” Willow explains quietly. “I feel hopeless, I don't want to leave my family yet I want to go far away.”

  Something lights up in her mind. “I don't need to leave,” she realises slowly. Silver makes a concerned face, curious about the other’s idea.”I know how to change their minds.”

  “Elaborate,” Silver asks hesitantly.

  “Remember that girl who used to help out in the church? How she disappeared after her sacrifice? That’s typically how the elders refer to runaways- She was one of the most dedicated members. Having to go through that broke her,” Willow explained. Silver paused her breathing when Willow paused her talking. 

  “Sacrifice me, work from there to save them. Dad should be the easiest,” Willow said confidently. Willow was never a confident person, so the tone both scared and confirmed agreement before thought. Despite the hesitation, Silver nodded.

  “Okay.” It wasn’t something Silver wanted to say yes to, but something inside of her told her that this was more than a sacrifice. Maybe even a mercy kill.  And there was nothing to do but comply.

Chapter 2: Dead Heading

Summary:

Pre-sacrifice last chapter let’s go

Notes:

Two Time and Azure will get more focus stuff again after Willow dies, don't worry

  “So, you see how this flower is wilted and grey? You should snip it off,” Azure instructed carefully, standing behind Willow and leading her hand. She nodded, snipping off the dead rose. 

  “I know, it makes the bush look cleaner,” she answers, looking for another one. Azure hums happily, playing with the hat on his daughter's head. It’s not pointy like his, having a round top instead, but it served the same purpose. “You’re supposed to do it if the flowers are just sick too, right?”

  “Mhm, sick and dead flowers take up space and cutting them off encourages growth in the plant to make more,” Azure explains peacefully. 

  “Would you do the same thing for me?” Willow asked, cutting off another flower that seemed to be wilting. It falls to the ground silently. “If something were to drain me, would you cut it off?”

  Azure considers the question, wondering what could've caused it. “I suppose, but with people it’s a bit different. There are a lot of things that can drain a person, and I might not know how to. There's… things that can weigh on people’s minds that can drain them. Like lying, and such.”

  Willow quiets, focusing on the task at hand. Another dead flower gets snipped off. “This bush isn't very good.” 

  “Yeah… Is there something on your mind,” Azure asks, his voice gentle. Willow looks over at her dad, not knowing what to say. Yeah, there was something- she was planning her own death, but she wasn't allowed to say that.

  “Not much,” she shrugs, trying to act normal. “I don't see why these plants keep these sick flowers, they're pointless anyway. All they do is stick out and cause trouble.”

   Azure tenses at her words without knowing why. “Yeah,” he murmurs, leaning in to take the gardening scissors from her hand. She lets go of them easily, standing up from her crouched position and stepping back. 

 

  Two Time tapped Amarah’s door lightly, announcing their presence before the slow opening. They quietly enter, closing the door behind them as their tail follows in slow, curved movements. Amarah looks up, for once being found in his bed during the day instead of his desk. “Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb your sleep.” 

  Amarah gives their student a happy, tired smile. “You can't disturb me, Two.” He responds quietly, rejecting the polite apology. “I like the company even if I-”

  A grumble comes from the older person as he quickly pinches her nose to prevent a sneeze. “Err… you get the point.” 

  Two Time chuckles, moving to sit on the bed next to their mentor. They kick their feet like a kid on a park bench, their tail wrapped around themself. The small joy fades from their face turning a bit more sombre, like someone having to break bad news to a family about their kid. “Mind if I stay with you for a bit?”

  Amarah doesn't reply, just hugging the other- not hard enough to make them fall back, or with enough effort to attempt to lie on their legs. Just a simple arm wrapped around their waist. Two Time smiles, sitting closer. “My head feels like it's trying to get its second life,” he murmurs. 

  “It’s just a fever,” Two Time sighs. “You’ll live, you won't die from random illnesses.”

  “You never know, you could get sick and die one day, if the Spawn so wished,” Amarah hummed. The other rolls their eyes at the other’s words. “He’s spoiled me so much. Good student, curious and dedicated young family members. I haven't lost any of them either.”

  “My Spawn-” Two Time exclaims before getting interrupted.

  “Two Time.”

  “Ah, forgive me. You're most corny, Teacher. Perhaps you should spend less time with my husband, he seems to be influencing you,” Two Time scolds, but there’s no actual coldness to their words. 

  The mentor smiles. “I’ll take that advice.” 

  “No, no. Better than you two having more disagreements,” Two Time sighs. “I don't think I get you two, considering a significant part of your relationship is bickering.”

  “You make it sound as if we’re children.” The mentor comments. 

  “Maybe you could consider acting your age if you wish to be referred to as it.” Two Time teases. Amarah sighs and thinks. 

  “When I was your age, the students I knew would respect their mentor better,” Amarah criticised. Two Time chuckles at the word choice. 

  “No, when you were my age you would've been dragging me out of my room because I didn't sleep the night before and we needed to make it to worship on time,” It’s a simple correction, but it causes a small bit of happy memories to play in the older’s mind. He doesn't continue the banter, preferring to just close his eyes and rest. She is sick, after all. Two Time smiles, feeling oddly satisfied. They run a hand through the other’s ponytail, like Amarah had messed with their hair many times before. 

  “You should go now,” the mentor says, swatting Two Time’s hand away from his hair. Two Time nods, getting up with a yawn. They say the parting words and slip out quietly. Amarah stares at the door proudly, before falling back to their rest. 

  Meanwhile, Silver quickly found her parent and slipped behind them. Two Time noticed immediately, turning around and making eye contact. “Is there something you need?” They hummed. 

  Silver paused, not expecting the gentle confrontation to be immediate. “Ah, I was just curious about something.”

  “Spawn, you’re always curious. What do you wish to ask this time Silver,” Two Tome stood still, just looking back at their daughter. 

  “Do you ever think of how you’d feel if one failed in getting our second life. My sister and I,” Silver asked. Two Time tenses. They haven't done anything wrong in raising the kids, have they? Why would they fail? Simply because others were not guided should make it unlikely for their daughters. 

  “It’s not good, having doubts in your performance. It causes a higher likelihood of failure,” They respond, but Silver was familiar with that answer. It’s a fancy way of saying that they don't know without having to admit it. Silver looks at her parent for a second, taking in the things she knows about them. 

  The answer was also vague enough to be considered avoidance, which for her and her sister's plan could indicate a hole in Two Time’s belief. It should be a comforting and hopeful answer, having something to shine and help them switch sides. However, it twisted Silver’s stomach in a knot. She wasn't supposed to agree to Willow’s plan, but if one had heard Willow’s voice, they couldn't have judged her either. In a way, killing someone for a cult and killing someone to leave it weren't very different.

  But Silver didn't need to be different, she needed to lie until they were allowed to be. “I understand,” she murmurs. Two Time nods, smiling. There’s a pause before the teenager slips away to her room. There’s a highlighted Spawn book underneath her bed that she pulls out. It marked everything she needed to get the sacrifice right. With reluctance, she decides to go over them one more time. 

  After all, if she messed up the fake, then she couldn't convince anyone that it was real. The knot tightened, but she ignored it. There was nothing else to do but ignore it. Maybe if she followed the steps and the Spawn was real, Willow and her could live blessed and believe again. It’s a silent hope that she wished she could've gotten rid of, but there’s no chance she could make. 

Notes:

Most of this is to hint at the future

Chapter 3: No Going Back Now

Summary:

You can guess

Notes:

I'll just summarise in the end notes but this is pretty graphic!! There's your warning, read the tags

Short chapter tbh but we all have those days

The night was rather unsettling, Silver never really liked it. You'd assume she might, considering she was named after the SilverLeaf Nightshade and wore darker clothing, but the night had become a gamble. Any night could be a night when someone else would disappear. After all, sacrifice was emotionally hard. If it had to be done in front of an audience, the Spawn would’ve collapsed before it got big enough to have uniforms for its members.

  The decision was made the second Willow had suggested it, but it felt real for the first time when they snuck out the back door. Silver wore rather basic clothes, while Willow wore the clothes that were more fit for gardening. Her hands were covered in decently strong gloves, and she wore the same hat that had a round top. It had a black ribbon on the base of the dome, but it always did. 

  “If we head near the clearing of the flowers, it could look like I was trying to show you the flowers,” Willow stated quietly. Doubt snuck in, and Silver clenched the dagger she held by her side. For a second, she wanted to throw it. Never have to see it again if she did. 

  “Think of this as cutting off dead flowers so better ones can grow,” Willow comforted. They arrived at their destination. The words only caused more dread. 

  Silver tensed, knowing the clock was ticking to protest. Even more so in case one of their parents or Amarah woke up and noticed the two’s absence. Willow held her sister’s hand, finding a nice spot in the clearing. Nice wasn't the best word, as it made it sound like a picnic. Maybe they could've had one- maybe they should’ve had one. They were supposed to treat food like a gift and only eat it in clean places. Willow felt a bit of grief at the thought, but it would be over soon. Maybe in the future, her dad will think of it and take her sister here again for it once they get out.

  “I think we’re ready,” Willow stated, lying back. The blade shook in Silver’s hand. “Don’t hesitate, it'll be over soon.”

  Silver crouches beside her, dagger getting squeezed. As if to stall, she reaches into her pocket, finding a beanbag plush. “I need you to put this in your mouth, I can't have anyone waking up,” Silver says shakily. ‘I can't stand the thought of anyone seeing this’ goes unsaid, but they’re both aware of it. Willow hums, taking it. Lucky for her, Silver did not have pocket seasoning, so there was no bad taste at least. Not the germs mattered, not at this point. It wasn't like she would have the time to get sick. 

  Willow watched as her sister raised the dagger over her. For a moment, there was that animalistic fear. She’s choosing to die every moment she lies still. Some thoughts of ignored opportunities bubble, but they're quickly suppressed. Willow doesn't have the time to regret and she knows, so she focuses on the fear in the other’s eye. The dagger is poked against her chest once, before getting raised and falling back down quickly. 

  To say the stab was clean would be true, but highly offensive to the two. It’s an action made from messy, disorganised feelings from a plan made too recently. It’s in for 2 seconds, fire burning between tension. Silver looks at the act, knowing there's no going back anymore. It’s quickly pulled out, before moving to the other side of her chest and repeating it, faster this time. Silver just wanted to get it done at this point. Tears prick as Willow bites into the plush. There’s one last pull-back up, and they twist the dagger as it instructs, the torn flesh keeping it stuck inside. She harshly pulls it to set it free, leaving the flesh messed up, but it should be faster. Less time to suffer. 

  The plush is spat out when Silver finally puts the dagger down. It’s painful, for both of them. There's no coming back, and there's no way to go. Broken hiccups and sobs are finally allowed to come, the pain searing through Willow’s body. Her head is pounding and she feels dizzy, her face going pale. Silver swallows, body shaking. It would be cruel to break down now, so she doesn't. “I’ll try my best,” Silver promises. 

  Willow struggles not to frown, face turning to a weak, broken, struggling smile instead. There are a lot of worse ways to die. That’s what she’s telling herself. She’d rather die feeling good and helpful, yet the instinctive desperation to live is tearing her up inside. “Good,” she manages to finally give a good smile. Her sister knelt beside her, not saying a word, scared that cries would come instead. It doesn't take long for her failing organs to stop struggling, the sobs quieting down. 

  It was over. Everything felt wrong. They only decided this a day ago, yet Willow insisted on doing it so soon. She planned to die, and she did. Despite it being so planned, so certain, she managed to die like any animal would. Scared, desperate, and uncertain. Maybe that was a good thing, a glimpse of humanity in this act. 

  Silver considered for a moment praying, the dagger stabbed into the ground beside her sister. It was incredibly blasphemous, but blasphemy was the entire thing the Spawn would ever experience from the two, well… one now. Silver presses her hands together over the body, preparing to say the first words. “Spawn, I-”

  Her throat clenches, and she finally breaks down hearing her own prayer. Shakily, she moves the other’s arms to lay gently over her stomach, left mostly untouched. It would’ve been too messy for a sacrifice. The hat on Willow’s head is moved to her chest to cover the bleeding. She gets up after a long cry, using the dagger to shovel a hole into the ground and bury the squeezed plush. 

  The walk back is too quiet and calm. It doesn't fit Silver’s head. She can feel her mind yelling, screaming at her. None of it is understandable either. The steps inside the home are shaky, but it doesn't matter. No one’s awake. The next moment is something she rehearsed in her mind repeatedly during the day. A quiet knock is on Amarah’s door, her breath becomes shaky. It’s nerve-racking, but hopefully she'll be able to lie through it. She has to.

Notes:

Silver sacrifices Willow and feels bad about it. It then ends on a cliff hanger right before she's about to tell Amarah.

———————————

Next chapter is actually pretty cute but also kind of sad if you think about it. But it’s cute! The chapter after that is sad though

Chapter 4: Dead Child

Summary:

Just a bit of normalcy before we go back to the angst next chapter. But hey- Character has a name change because of unfortunate reasons that are going to be a lot worse in the future

Notes:

This is a bit longer, I hope you guys enjoy

 …

  Death smelled like pizza, apparently. It’s not something she would’ve expected. At least that’s what she thinks happened. The last moments of her life were a blur of pain, crying. Her chest ached, but at least the ground was surprisingly cushioned. 

  “Another person? We haven't had that in a while,” an unknown voice said. The girl shoots up, her hat almost falling off her head. Her hand fell on the couch under her, another holding the Spawn necklace around her neck. She was supposed to be dead, wasn't she

  “I didn't think the Spectre would be bored enough to send us a kid though, she barely looks 15,” The voice belongs to a rather androgynous yellow person, wearing blue with a decent head of hair. Their voice is awkward, and they're speaking to a person with shades on. The two seem to notice her waking up. “Ah- you woke up faster than most! I’m Noob, and this is Chance.”

  The person in shades raises their hand, letting themself be known. “Hey, what’s your name kid?” 

  The girl blinks, not knowing what to answer. She processed the question, but her memory is too foggy to recall much, including her name. The others wait for her answer. Chance eventually gets tired of waiting and sighs. “Alright, I think she still has the shock. We can call her Lotus for now, that’s the flower she has on her shirt anyway.”

  She looks down at herself, seeing the flower pin. It isn't clear to her how it connects to her yet, but the flower name seems right. Gardening seems to be familiar. “I’m okay with that,” she mumbles. 

  Noob looks over at Chance, “I’ll go tell the others about her. We can't have her surprise them during a round. Remember when Veeronica got added and you shot her?” Chance puts a hand on his head and rubs it sheepishly. 

  “Don’t remind me,” he mumbles. The girl tenses at the idea. He shot someone? On accident? Noob sees her tense and quickly realises how concerning that must’ve sounded for her. 

  “Ah! D-Don’t worry, she’s fine! We don’t really stay dead in this domain,” Noob comforts, stuttering over their words a bit. The girl looks at the Spawn necklace she’s wearing. Something inside her asks if it’s connected to what Noob said. Noob quickly thinks of something that a teenager would look forward to. “Uh, Elliot- he’s our friend, super sweet, is making pizza in the kitchen. When he found you passed out, he got us to watch! It’s… like a welcome gift of sorts.”

  “More like an early apology,” Chance mumbles. Noob elbows him in the side, not wanting to scare the girl. 

  “I’m going to go now,” Noob declares, walking off to find the others. Chance nods, sitting on the couch beside the girl once they're gone.

  “So tell me things about yourself, Lotus.” He starts, wanting to learn more. There was a reason for people being in this realm, but he wasn't sure about hers. She isn't sure what to say, but she's stuck with the name. Until she remembers her own of course. Lotus tries to recall her life, but there's not much she can remember. Only fragments, and they could be wrong. 

  “I like gardening,” she mumbles, feeling uncomfortable with the stranger. Gardening seems to be something she remembered. Stronger arms guiding her small toddler hands, the man laughed behind her as she grabbed some petals. “I think my dad and I did it together.” 

  “Were he and you close?” Chance asks. She pauses. 

  “I think so,” she mumbles. Her brain crawls for more memories. There’s a pretty clear memory there. He’s wearing his hat, but she can’t see his face. Happily, he pulls out a small hat and places it on her head. 

  ‘For you,’ her dad smiled softly. “We can match now.” She thinks she laughed after that, before them memory becomes blurry. She adjusts the hat on her head, the pang in her chest coming back at the returning events. 

  “Yeah,” Lotus confirms. While it isn’t her name, it’s the closest thing she has to one at the moment. She feels a bit more confident. “He really cared about me. Always wore this big hat, pretty strong too.” 

  Chance smiles and pats her shoulder. Not roughly, not gently, just friendly. “That’s good to hear. We have two fathers who live with us here. I’m sure you’ll get along better with Soldier Man though. He collects flowers occasionally- well, he collects daisies.” 

  Lotus smiled. “He sounds nice.” 

 “Big family guy. So what’s with the necklace? Does it have any meaning?” Chance nods. 

 “I remember the symbol being used to represent the Spawn. Some sort of deity,” She explains. Chance hummed. 

  “Are you the religious type?” Chance asks. Lotus thinks for a moment. She’s sure she worshipped before, but nothing is compelling her right now. 

  “I’m not too sure,” she admits. “Maybe.” 

  Chance seemed friendly enough. She relaxed, just as a bunch of people rushed in. Suddenly, everyone was looking at her. Chance just waved at them. A man with an unusually coloured pumpkin gave an annoyed glare at her necklace, seeming to recognise it. She squeezed it in her hand, deciding there that they weren't going to get along. If she had it and knew what it was, it probably held some importance to her. 

  “A child?” A man with a hard hat questioned, concerned. “This is no place for a kid to be.” A larger man with curly hair exchanged looks with the hard-hat man. 

  A man wearing a burger looked at her as if she were a ghost. He stood a bit further in the back of the crowd. It wasn’t a scared stare, more like one full of grief. The moment you see someone doing something that you’ve seen a person you care about get hurt from. He averted his eyes once he realised that he had gotten attention. 

  “She can't remember her name, so I’ve taken to calling her Lotus for now,” Chance states. 

  “She probably should've been able to choose that herself,” Hard hat comments. Lotus shakes her head. 

  “It’s not a problem, I’m okay with it,” she states. Hard Hat shrugs hearing her response, probably at Chance’s grin instead of at her.

  “😔🙏, 🫂❗“ A hooded person signs. She thinks about what it could mean. ‘I’m sorry, I like hugs?’ That didn't seem right. The pumpkin sighed. 

  “Taph apologises for you being forced to arrive, but wishes that some sort of relationship could be made alive,” He explains, rhythmically, but the tone made him sound formal. Taph nods in agreement. A man with pizza- Elliot if she remembers Chance’s words arrives with a fresh plate. 

  “Oh, I guess everyone’s here. That’s good, we don't want to reenact the Chance incident!” Elliot cheerily exclaims. Chance frowns beside her and looks away. The soldier man mentioned early nods in agreement. Despite his occupation, Lotus thinks he looks quite friendly. She can actually see the family man in his face. 

  “You guys need to stop bringing that up,” Chance mumbles. “Anyone hear any news on who we’re up against next round. We have a pretty vulnerable member now and we need to pair her with someone so she doesn't get wrecked first day,” Chance asks. Lotus tenses, not knowing what he’s talking about, only knowing that she has the potential to get messed up.

  There are a few seconds of silence, before Elliot hands Lotus the pizza slice. “He’s taking to you, 007n7.” He says annoyed. The burger-wearing man snaps out of it, hearing Elliot refer to him by his full name. 

  “If the current pattern remains, it should be Itrapped or 1x,” 007n7 states, looking at his GUI. Lotus sees Chance and the large guy tense at the names, but no one says anything about it. 

  “Alright, Noob and I will take care of her,” Soldier man says. No one seems to protest, Noob even nodding in agreement. They’ve all seemed to have done this for a while. Chance gets up, stretching loudly before waving off. 

  “Need to make sure my gun is ready for it, don't want it to jam again,” he groans. The group disappears on its own, Elliot providing some form of dinner for the survivors. There’s noticeably very little awkwardness, like they were repeating a pattern. The soldier eventually approaches her, sitting on the couch. It was oddly reminiscent of some important talk her dad and she had. The posture he had. 

  “Hey kid, I’m Guest 1337,” he states. “There’s a good chance you're going to be stuck here for a while, so you can just call me 1337, or 13-37, something along those lines.”

  “Why not just Guest?” she asks. 

  “Noob wouldn't like that,” 1337 states. “I figured it’s better I tell you what the days going forward are going to be like.” She nods, curious about what this place is. 

  “We don't know how you got here, so that’s lost on us- but it's like a game. The others and I have been here for a while now,” he explains. “To keep it simple, pretty frequently, we’re teleported into these death games. A group of us have to survive against someone out to kill us. Typically it’s someone one of us would’ve known before we got here Itrapped and Chance, C00lkidd and 07- lots of them got transformed to be more monstrous and strong, so we can't kill them ourselves first.” 

  The information sounded… fake. Unreal even. “They don't sound very good at it,” Lotus says, considering how someone like Elliot was here. 1337 shakes his head.

  “We come back to life after we die. That’s what this cabin area is for. There’s a timer too that'll just send us back when it runs out,” the soldier explains. “Though the kids aren't the best at it, yeah.”

  Lotus was confused. This wasn't something that sounded possible or real, but the tone he used was honest. It wasn't a voice you’d expect to be lied to by either. He seems to catch on to her scepticism and sighs. “I know that sounds crazy, but when you don't know where you are, it’s better to treat the things you hear as real to not mess up.” 

  She nodded at the advice, not knowing what else to think of it. “Chance mentioned you liked daisies.” 

  1337 frowns a bit, but quickly picks up a smile. “It's my wife’s name. I collect them because of her.”

  “Oh,” Lotus says awkwardly. “My dad did gardening so I know a bit about it. If I'm apparently stuck here, I might as well be productive and help out,” she suggests. The soldier smiles at her, patting her back. 

  “Maybe later, if you'd like.” 

Notes:

Im gay
ALSO SHHH U DIDNT SEE ME MIX UP ELLIOT AND BUILDERMAN

Chapter 5: Aftermath

Summary:

Back to people who are alive (for now)

Notes:

Get some water!

Also sorry for late chapter, I got sick lol

  There were certain faces that everyone made, that’s something the teacher learned. From raising Two Time, he was able to learn how to read others easily. It was a useful skill, but there were moments when it failed. Typically when they couldn’t tell from someone’s face how they felt, it was on purpose. The other person would be trying to hide it.

  That’s what made opening that door so terrifying. To have someone looking at you, so awake yet tired, desperate but not trying. Everything was conflicting on Silver’s face, nothing made sense. After the initial freeze, Amarah attempted to relax, focusing on the red, tearing eyes of the other. They put a hand on Silver’s face. “What happened?” she asked quietly, trying to calm the child. 

  “It didn't work, I did everything right and yet it failed,” Silver mumbles, her words stumbling over each other. “It’s supposed to work, please Ama.”

  Silver wasn't sure if it counted as lying to cry. Was she allowed to do that after agreeing? It didn't matter because she threw herself against the adult, hands clenching on the other’s shirt desperately. Amarah slowly wraps her arms around the other, his mind trying to figure out the context. He was woken up for this, and he was tired. Silver’s back is rubbed soothingly, figuring that if she were calmer, she could explain better. 

  “Would you wish we wake up Ren and Dad,” The mentor asked quietly. Silver considered. It would be a way to take the first step, but she didn't know if she was ready to lie to them. She nods despite the doubt. She wasn't prepared, but it didn't matter. She wasn't ready to kill her sister either, but did anyway. 

  Silver was seated on the couch, given some time to collect herself as the older person went to get the others. What could she say? She didn't want to say anything, but that wasn't an option. ‘Impulsive actions can lead to many consequences, it's your responsibility to work with them.’ That’s something she’s heard her Ren say multiple times. They didn't mean sacrifice when they said that though, but that's what happened. She tensed, her hand feeling twitchy from the memory of her dagger. She shook it away, not wanting to be reminded. Not now, anyways. 

  Amarah woke up Azure and Two Time quietly, who seemed to get the message of agency in Amarah’s eyes. They quickly but softly got up, Two Time leaning close. “What is it?” They whispered. The mentor shook her head, signalling they didn't know. 

  They walk past the room where the girls should've been sleeping, Amarah checking to see if the other twin was sleeping like she was expected to or if their movements woke her up. Willow should've been there. Nothing. Her heart clenched, and the others looked confused. “Why aren't the girls asleep?”

  Amarah looked back, finally piecing the frantic words from earlier together. “Oh.” 

  Two Time watched them freeze, seeing the puzzles click in his mind. “Oh Spawn, no-” 

  Azure looks concerned, reaching a shoulder out gently. Amarah shakes it off. “Silver’s is waiting to speak to you both, it’s probably best to listen to her,” Amarah says, composing themself. This has happened many times, it’s not different now. Two Time looks frustrated, maybe at being woken up- but definitely at their mentor’s avoidance. 

 “Alright,” Two Time responds, and they're led to the room with their daughter. They look at their kid’s red, upset face. She’s curled herself up on the couch. Two Time quickly moved to her, wanting to make sure she's okay, Azure approaching slowly. Her parent gently reached their hand out, but she flinched away. Amarah eventually approached themself and pulled her into a hug, ignoring her apprehension to touch. 

  “It’s okay, they won't hurt you, you're safe,” he gently ran a hand through Silver’s hair. She takes a deep breath, before breaking down into tears. 

  “I should've never done it,” Silver cries. It’s true to her too, but it's too true. Willow didn't die so she could tell the truth. “I thought I did everything right- the planning, the preparation, even the prayer-” she can't bring herself to lie that far. She knew that blasphemy didn't matter when it was a cult, but it’s hard to call it what it is when everyone you'll ever love believed in it. 

   The grip on her tightened. Typically, people would wait longer, like 5 years as an adult with the person they planned but nothing was wrong with children sacrificing children in theory. That’s the mistake everyone made. Believing that because it was typical didn't mean alternatives were impossible. Two Time and Azure were just confused and concerned. After all, all they could hear was guilt, and mistakes. Most people wouldn’t assume one of their kids killed the other. “Silver, they don’t know what happened.”

  Silver took a deep breath. “I tried-“ the idea of lying made her feel ill. She didn’t want to agree, and this is why. “I tried to sacrifice Willow, but she’s not respawning. Please- I don’t know what to do.”

  After saying it, it didn’t reduce the pain, but at least that was over. She looked at her parents hesitantly, who were frozen at the news. “I don’t get it, what’s the point of trying to get a second life if everyone fails?” 

  Two Time moved to hold her hands, cupping them together. “You shouldn’t say things like that, nothing you do for the Spawn is a waste.” Silver’s sadness shifted to anger, but she suppressed it. 

  “How can you say that? Willow’s life should mean more to you than an act of devotion- she was so…” Her breath hitched, trying to think of something to say. “She was so loved. Am I supposed to think that the people who loved her as I did are okay with her life being turned into a selfish failed action?”

  Azure watched quietly. He couldn't bring themself to try and justify the wasted ritual like the rest of them were doing. Those are his daughters, after all. Now he’s left with one grieving the tainted, unholy memory of another. Neglect from the Spawn himself to recognise her efforts, and Azure is supposed to defend it. It made him ill at the idea in a sinful fashion. Azure knows he should be joining Two Time’s justifications, it’s his religion too. Yet he can't, so all he can do is suppress. 

  “Nothing you do for the Spawn is selfish, Silver. It’s for him. It’s our way of showing love to him. I get that you’re upset, but I would not claim that as selfish” Amarah gently corrected, as if he’s been told the same thing, the same situation. But Silver knew they hadn’t gone through the same thing. The same idea- the same planning. There was no way in this or any next life that the mentor had, and it frustrated them. 

  “Why does he need blood spilt to be loved? Why can't he show his love without our suffering? Willow was just as religious as I, so he should’ve loved her too, no?” Silver took a deep breath, trying to control her anger. It didn't work. Despite the minor changes, this was pure honesty. Thoughts she had pondered alone. “If that's the most divine form of love, then wouldn't it have been more loving to have just killed myself instead? The most important person to me can't be anyone other than me because I can't live without myself.” 

  Azure finally stepped in. “Silver, no-” 

  Silver shook herself away from the group, not wanting to talk more about it. Her tail hits Amarah in the stomach with an upset, sharp flick. “I don't get it, how you stay so dedicated! I can't imagine Willow forgiving your lack of care, which I’d choose any day over the Spawn. He may see it as an act of love, but it doesn't matter when the person in question doesn't.”

  Two Time gets up to follow her, to stop her from leaving the conversation. She sprints away, not wanting to be forced to spill more. It was getting dangerously close. 

  There’s no chase, just a deadly silence in the room where they were gathered together. Silver locked herself in her room, leaving the adults to themselves. 

  If there was something to describe what happened, terrifying would be the word. They found out one of their kids had died, and the other was losing the most important things they could. Maybe she had already. Azure was being buried in his mind, with many conflicting thoughts. He couldn't blame Silver, they had an idea of what had happened after all. Yet he wasn't supposed to agree. 

Notes:

Predictions are appreciated but PLEASE STATE IF YOU ARE OKAY WITH SPOILERS I do want to talk about the plot in case someone gets an idea to finish or write spin off in the case I leave the fandom (not happening btw I'm so hooked)

Chapter 6: Comfort

Summary:

Azure is a good dad but his message gets taken horribly wrong

Notes:

NARRATOR IS MENTALLY ILL, DO NOT TAKE ALL THE WORDS SERIOUSLY OR TO CORE. I DO NOT BELIEVE IN THE THINGS I WRITE

no there’s nothing illegal, this could even be a comforting chapter

  Things didn't get much better after the argument. With nothing left to do, there was the silent decision to let Silver be alone. Amarah returned to bed, Two Time following their mentor to try and talk to her. After all, it was quite stressful. Two Time was really only close to Amarah, Azure, and their kids- kid now. Grieving was a new experience. 

  That left Azure alone to go to bed, but something didn't sit right. He wouldn't go to sleep easily, not after the words were spilt. Everything felt incomplete. They weren't going to ignore what Silver said. That was basically a suicide threat, was it not? So he knocked on Silver’s door quietly. She didn't move to open it, assuming it to be sympathy for the Spawn instead of her sister. Her victim. It felt sick to think of it that way, as it forever tied them together in a violent, messy manner. Willow wasn't hers to kill, so why did that make Willow a victim of hers? It sounded like it supported the perpetrator. 

  Azure sighed, realising that the bedroom door was not going to open on its own. He slips into the bathroom, grabbing a hairpin. He had learned how to lock-pick from sneaking into places with Two Time when they were younger. He goes back and knocks on his daughter’s door again. “Are you wearing clothes?”

  Silver is momentarily paused by the question. The door is locked, so it's not like he’s going to come in. She pauses her shaky breathing. 

  “Yeah.” She responds loudly. The doors' lock picks open at the answer, and Azure comes in. She freezes, not expecting him to just ignore the lock. 

  He sits down next to her lying figure, not touching her, but still present. It’s not very comforting, but to call him threatening would be wrong. It’s more like he's naturally part of the scene. “Silver?”

  His daughter perks up. Azure thinks quietly. “Did she ask you to sacrifice her?”

  She freezes at the question, but he doesn't see that. Silver knows she didn't give it away, so the question is random to her. “What makes you think that?” she asks shakily, not confirming or denying.

  Azure sinks a bit quietly. He’s tired. The worst part of everything to them is that they aren't even surprised at her death. The words about the gardening left him on edge, and that's the simple parts. It’s the need to get rid of the useless things, or anything unusual. “I had… ideas about Willow having something wrong. I figured maybe she could take after her parent, or maybe even Amarah in that regard and find comfort in this religion. I also just don't think of you as someone desperate enough to prove your devotion, as I made sure it wasn't as heavy in both of your lives. You aren’t selfish either.” 

  “… you think it’s selfish as well?” Silver asks hesitantly. Azure shakes his head, not wanting to look as if he agrees. 

  “In some regards, I suppose. It involves hurting someone for your own gain, even if it helps them too. You were too curious to be confident,” Azure explains quietly. She gets up and moves to sit next to her dad quietly. He wraps his arm around her, which causes her to tear up. She doesn't deserve this after all, as she was too scared to speak out against her sister’s suicide. Cowards didn't deserve comfort. Azure rubbed her back soothingly. 

  She curled closed, her tail wrapping around her body. The bone points were facing her direction, as if pointing them away would be wrong. “I wish I had said something. I'm sorry, to both of you.”

  Silver nuzzled closer, her throat stinging at her dad’s regretful tone. He brushed a bit of hair back from her face. “I love you two, I really do.”

  “Don’t speak as if she’s here, please.” Silver pleased quietly. Azure nodded, opting to just run his hand through his daughter’s hair. It brushes past easily, little resistance coming from any knots. She did try her best to seem clean for her sacrifice, but making her hair easy to comb through was just an odd effect. “She loved you more than anyone, Dad. More than me. Maybe it would've worked if it were you.”

  Azure listens. “I know,” it’s a quiet admission. “I wish she loved her other parent as much as she did me. They really care about her too.” 

  “I don't believe that.” Silver states plainly. “I don't, I really don't. For Ren, it’s only Spawn. It’s hard to believe someone as good as you would be paired with our other parent.” 

  Azure frowns. “Two- Ren was raised by Amarah to believe that the Spawn was the most important and divine thing to exist. I suppose I should believe that too. Their expectation that you both would grow into perfect followers is in a way, their way of saying that Willow and you were important to them.”

  “Why don't you?” Silver questions. Maybe if he were as loyal, Willow would've never had that hope of getting them out. That way, Silver would've never killed her. Willow would be alive. 

  “It’s hard for me to think of hurting someone as a divine form of affection. Your parent considered sacrificing me before, and I didn't want to believe that. They got so nervous whenever we’d speak because of it at some point.” 

  Silver’s calmed. Their guilt and grief still sting, but she isn't having to listen to a sermon. Her breathing is stable. “What stopped that?”

  “It’s a long story, but in a way it led to the best gifts in my life,” Azure smiles warmly, thinking about the struggles of trying to raise Willow and Silver. It stings a bit, and he hasn't given himself the time to let the fact that one of his daughters was gone sink in yet. Tiredness pulled at him. He takes note of the other’s calm. “You and Willow were the best things to happen to me.”

  He moves Silver to lie down, lying beside her with a soft hug. Silver decides with what she knows now that she could just ask directly, seeing how loose her dad’s faith was. Her dad was like her. “Would you want to leave together?” she asks quietly.

  “No, I may not be as strict, but I still think you can live happily in this community. It’s possible,” he murmurs, keeping her held against his chest. She lies quietly. “I couldn't leave your parent either, or you. They cling to the idea that this is the best way to live life. Losing me would just force them to make that cruel decision of living with love, or with faith. Both are very dear to them.” 

  “Dearer than us?” Silver mumbles.

  “It’s cruel options, you’re not supposed to know but they’re expected to choose faith. Even if we go, they still have family here. Besides, they’ll chase the idea that we’re alive as a blessing from Spawn. It doesn’t matter if we’re with them or not.” 

  Azure meant it as a gentle explanation. Something to make the choices make sense to Silver. It didn’t make much sense to her. It was cruel. Needlessly cruel. However, the conversation internalized an issue. Silver wasn’t helping them leave the cult by asking for them to do so. Both of her parents were staying because they were attached to this hell. And she was one of the things that kept it. There was nothing wrong with getting rid of obstacles anymore to her. 

  It’s a disturbing thought, but it’s what she took. So she hugged her dad closer, trying to fall asleep in his arms like she did when she was much smaller. When she didn’t know any better. That was the new goal, wasn’t it? To get them out, there was only one very unwanted push.

Notes:

Azure trying his best. Shoutout to plans going sideways, as they always do! Guess that’s something the parents have in common with their kids

Chapter 7: Cold

Summary:

Back to Lotus’ POV (Willow)

Notes:

I think we needed a small break

Can we not scare my beta reader, I make an average of 20 typos per chapter rn

  Gentle hands combed through the girl’s hair, braiding the front into nice, maintainable braids. She kicked her feet back and forth quietly, letting the adult take care of it without any struggle. “You mentioned having a dad, what about a mom?”

  Lotus thought for a bit, her tail flicking. She knew that she looked like her other parent, not much of her dad looked like her. “I think they weren't a woman.” 

  “Ah, sorry for assuming,” 1337 responded. Lotus hummed. She knew that they existed, but their personality was lost on her. While her dad’s memory was strong in her mind, her other parent? Basically nonexistent. She didn’t even think they were neglectful either, just that she didn’t care for them much. 

  “Don’t be,” Lotus says. “I can’t remember much. I also lived with their teacher, but they were more of a grandparent than a senior mentor to me.” 

  “Tell me about him, or her- them,” the soldier asks, moving to the other side of her head to put in the other set of braids. He would just cut them off, but the spectre would often fix major changes like that after each round, and they didn’t need hair taking up their entire trash can. They learned that after dealing with Elliot and Noob’s longish hair. 

  “I can’t think of which one of those would be right… The memory is fuzzy like the rest of them, but they wore a necklace similar to mine,” Lotus holds the spawn necklace and plays with it a bit, flipping between her fingers. “I think they messed with my dad a lot.” 

  The soldier seemed to be a bit upset at her words. “I’ve been here for so long, I wonder if Charlotte struggles to remember me,” he says quietly. Lotus tilts her head slightly, the unfamiliar name interesting her. 

  “Who?” she asked. The soldier shook his head.

  “I didn't realise I said that out loud. This place is getting to me, huh? Anyways, Charlotte is my daughter,” 1337 explains. “Before I got sent to this place. Me or her mom would braid her hair before she’d go out to play to keep it neat.”

  There’s a quiet after that, Lotus being left to think of the few memories she had. It feels empty, like her fake name. She knows it's not the right one after all. She tries to think of the room she’d sleep in, but instead her chest aches. She quickly removed the thought from her mind. 

  “Is that all your family? Daisy and I might’ve considered another kid if we had the chance. No brothers or sisters?” The soldier finally asks. The idea stings a bit. Lotus thinks, but it causes pain that she immediately shoves away. 

  “I don't think so,” she finally says. It feels a bit wrong, but there’s no one in her memories. 1337 finished braiding her hair, finally standing up. He looks at her for a second, before everything turns black.

  The next second she finds herself feeling cold. Her clothes are pressing against wet grass. Nothing looks familiar, and she can't see any sign of the soldier she was just with. It becomes clear what happened, so she gets up. From what her team told her, she needs to find Noob or Guest again. Lotus’ tail drags behind her as she looks around the new environment for the familiar blue hair of the soldier, or the yellow hair of the kind-hearted person that greeted her. 

  Eventually, she finds who she thinks is Noob. They're wearing mainly blue, and have similar yellow hair and skin from the back. It seems a bit longer, and their clothes seem formal. She spots a sword in their hands. That made sense, after all they assigned Noob to her to help her, so Noob having something to defend themself with made sense. 

  She approaches quietly. “Noob?” Lotus asks when she’s close enough. The person turns their head, causing the girl to freeze. It was just a black box. No eyes, mouth, nose. The sword was icy, like the crown resting on their head. For a second, the killer seems surprised by the appearance of a child. Then he raises his sword. It feels familiar in an uncomfortable way. Something keeps her frozen in place, before a loud gunshot fills the air. 

  “FUCK,” the crowned killed curses loudly. Chance peeks from behind, shouting at Lotus to go left, where the large guy (whom she learned was named Shedletsky) was waving her over. She nods, quickly moving to join him. The killer seems to focus on Chance now knowing where he is. 

  Shedletsky quickly checks to make sure Lotus didn't get hit, before sighing. “The fancy noob is Itrapped,” he says quickly. “He’s out to get us, but mostly Chance.” 

  “Why?” The girl asks. Shedletsky shrugs.

  “It's his job, and Chance is his ex, I think.” It’s not the best explanation, as it doesn't really answer the real questions, but the situation wasn't right to explain it. “I’d go find the real Noob or guest now. I got to go protect Elliot or Builderman.”

  He runs off without more explanation, leaving the teenager to look around nervously to find their teammates. Sounds of a turret aren't that far off, and she can hear a sword swing with a yell. There's a broken-down house by the side of the map, and she slips in. She’s quickly hugged backwards, Taph pulling her away from a set bomb and tripwire. She gasps at what she almost walked in on. 

  “❗😅” He sighs. Lotus nods, freeing herself easily from the admin’s arms. “🫡👉,” he points in a direction. She nods, heading that way. Eventually, she does find 1337 and joins him like she was supposed to. He keeps her close, explaining to her how to use generators, and what to do if she feels a killer is too close. 

  After a few minutes, Chance’s pained scream is heard, indicating the first death. The soldier seemed upset, trying to figure out how to effectively protect the teenager and himself by an undistracted Itrapped. Lotus doesn't say much, being very overwhelmed by the new situation. 

  The survivors win the match, the only other death being 007n7, which no one seemed to pay much attention to. He hadn't given a bad vibe, but everyone has their reasons. Maybe things were better without everything though.

Notes:

I'm trying to establish dynamics with Willow

Chapter 8: Concern

Summary:

Silver side again!!

Notes:

Next chapter is kind of cute. I mean it's Azuretime gardening

  It has been a week now. Jumping into impulsive plans wasn't smart. It never was, and Silver knew that by now. Yet, she wasn't going to sit around. There’s still the intense grief over her sister settling in the house. No one really processed. Well, no one aside from Amarah. For whatever reason, she had managed to get used to people dying. There was very little change in their actions. It disturbed Silver, as she was sure that the mentor had cared about Willow. Yet, any attempt of trying to find them grieving failed. 

  Silver snuck out realising Amarah was awake to see if he was masking anything, but it just seemed to be a snack break. He spoke calmly and carried herself well. This was a problem. If there was anyone in the Spawn able to place their god in a loving light, it was Amarah. It’s like she was trained to reinforce and indoctrinate people, but Silver was pretty sure the cultist was genuinely just that passionate for teaching. 

  It was upsetting aside from being problematic. It made Silver question if the mentor had ever actually cared in the first place. 

  …

  Amarah felt… stressed to say the least. They too, had believed what Two Time assumed of their daughters. That nothing bad would come across them on the path the Spawn set for them. Yet here Amarah was, holding her student tighter than she typically did. There was no room to show being upset. Not when Two Time was shaking near them, or when Silver was rejecting the Spawn. Not when his son-in-law was struggling with their garden. 

  For more than three decades, her life has been leading and guiding people. Of course, when others would grieve, he wasn't able to get rid of it with a few words. But others weren't Two Time, or the family they managed to fit in. Amarah didn't feel they were helping enough. At first, they were able to help Two Time stay on the path of faith. But then they came to the teacher for comfort, something they had done before with one key difference. 

  Amarah was helpless when it came to some of the issues. The advice he’d give became shakier and shakier. What was she supposed to say about things unknown to her? Almost all the answers they had given to any issue were Spawn-related. Two Time clung to him, tears spilling onto their shoulder. It had become a 4-day habit. Two Time wasn't going to cry to Azure, not wanting to upset him. After all, Amarah’s calmness made them feel comfortable in spilling their tears, as in their eyes there was no suppressed emotion. Two Time knew that Azure hid his. 

  “I don't think Silver loves me. She never goes to talk to me, it’s just her father. Willow was the same, but I figured it was because gardening appealed to her more. She doesn't trust me,” They cried, wiping their tears into the fabric of the other’s clothes. “I don't know what I did wrong. What if Willow died thinking I didn't love her? What if Silver dies thinking the same? She won’t let me talk to her without snapping at me.” 

  Two Time’s hands clenched around Amarah’s arm. Amarah used her other arm to keep them hugged. What was he supposed to do? It’s not like Two Time didn't put effort into what they tried doing with their daughter. Every time they'd see Silver, there would be an attempt to spend some time together, yet the teenager kept away. She probably didn't mean to, as later she’d attempt to reach out and Two Time miss it. “I’m sure she cares about you in some way, Willow did too.”

  Two Time looks at their mentor. Eye contact is made, and it’s easy to read. Two Time has always been easy to read for Amarah though. It's a clear look of ‘I don't believe that’ before they sink back into their mentor’s side. 

  Amarah can't leave themselves to be useless. “Why don't we go get Silver and help Azure with his garden. He’s gotten used to company, being alone might be disturbing him,” Amarah suggests. Two Time lets him go, nodding. They both stand up, Amarah using the small movement to take a deep breath in and exhale. 

  They do manage to get Silver to join them, but it’s at the mention of what they're doing. It causes Two Time’s heart to sting slightly, but they don't mention it. Why would they? 

  “Hey, would you like some help?” Two Time asks, knocking on the greenhouse. Azure opens it, seeing the group. Pity. It feels like pity for him. Still, he nods, kissing Two Time on the cheek. 

  Silver had joined Willow and Azure on occasion, so she knew what to do. Yet, Two Time made sure to stand close to her, having helped Azure regularly. “Ah, you shouldn't need those.”

  Amarah kind of stands awkwardly, not having done this very much at all. Azure sighs, seeing the mentor’s unusualness. He approaches the man quietly, letting Two Time lead their daughter gently.

  “You don't have to look after me,” he mumbles. “I’m happy that you're willing to care for me and Two, but you can take a break.”

  Amarah looks away, “I'm not trying too.”

  “The Spawn would be disappointed by your lies,” Azure says, giving a playful smirk, slightly tainted by the tiredness of the situation. Amarah chuckles at the familiar words that mimic him.

  “Ah yes, because Two Time and you are honest saints,” he buries her hands in her face, hiding their smile. Azure rolls his eyes and pats the other’s shoulder. 

  “Go take a break, cry a bit or something,” it’s not really a question, and the mentor nods before leaving. Azure goes back and joins his partner and kid, who are awkwardly trying to talk normally. 

  Two Time is handing tools and trying their best to instruct. They aren't bad at it, as they do know what they're talking about and their dad is a teacher. It's just restrained, and there’s no sign of change. Azure frowns at the sight, but doesn't comment.

Notes:

I want that teacher so bad (major character death in less than 5 chapters btw) (not Amarah)

Chapter 9: Forgiveness

Summary:

Wait actually this hurt/comfort

Notes:

I know this is a weird time to post, but I finally felt the motivation

  Silver was completely capable of gardening without Two Time. She wasn't in a good mood either, and there wasn't much of a reason to try to be. After all, she had just come to the realisation that she’s part of the anchor that keeps her father in the cult. Two Time looked over her shoulder, keeping close. Their arms wrap around their daughter’s stomach. “You’re doing well.”

  Silver tensed at the touch, but didn’t push Two Time away. At the end of the day, Two Time was still family, weren't they? “I joined Willow a few times,” she says. “It was nice to know she cared about me.”

  Two Time tenses a bit, and Azure jumps in to help them. “I do like how close we were as a family!” he cuts in. It’s obvious that he’s trying to help his partner, and it makes Silver feel icky. Icky at the fact that they were family. After all, they just held each other down. That went against any description of family she ever heard. And the descriptions were from hers. She grabbed the nearest tool and picked it up. It was a pair of gardening scissors. 

  Silver looked in the nearest bush for anything dead. Azure looks over concerned. “Most wilted or wilting flowers have already been cut off.” 

  Her hand squeezes the scissors in frustration. Two Time nudges her comfortingly. It doesn’t help. Silver impulsively swings around and out of their arms, hitting Two Time’s shoulder with the blade. The parent stumbles back, clenching the sliced flesh. Azure quickly goes to their side, knowing how dirty the scissors were. Who knew what plant sap and residue got on them? Lots of flowers in Azure’s garden were poisonous after all. It wouldn't be surprising if they got an infection from the slash. 

  Silver drops the gardening scissors, especially seeing the scarlet coating from where they cut. It was familiar. Too familiar. It was out of character for her to act impulsively and violently, yet she did. “I-” 

  What was supposed to do? Confront the memory now? She couldn't, her parent were here. Yet with the visible cut that she caused, the skin she tore- the visible blood. She got up slowly, standing. It only took one second of eye contact with her parent to get her to run. It wasn't the same look of animalistic fear that Willow had, but it was close to the one she gave Silver the night they decided everything. A tired, upset look. Silver ran out of the garden. 

  There weren't many places to run, as she didn't know why she did. She wasn't going to leave alone, so there was no chance of her going outside the Spawn’s land. The pathway to her destination was a recognisable, hating silence.  Instead, she ran to a familiar field. Willow’s body had already been moved, so only the ghost of her presence remained. There was regret. Regret of her actions, regret for not convincing Willow to just run away with her. 

  “Silver?” Two Time asked, having run after her. Silver doesn't turn to look, just dropping to her knees. It starts as one tear, then another. It turns into a dance of them falling down her face. Two Time frowns at the sight, heart aching. They go and sit next to her, not moving to touch her with a gentle hand on her shoulder. Silver leans over, her tail wrapping around herself. Two Time presses their tail against hers. 

  “You don't get it,” Silver mutters quietly. “You don't. She looked so calm before it, and she took that calmness and turned it into fear. She wanted me to stop, yet I did it anyway. She just didn't tell me.”

 “I don't,” Two Time admits. “I can't think about the past like you can. I wouldn't want to remember like you do.” It’s quiet. There's a silent sigh. “I’m scared to look back. I don't think she thought I loved her. I don't think I'm in the people she thought of as loved ones, even though I loved her.”

  Silver quiets as Two Time goes back to holding their daughter. She’s shaky. “I’m scared you'll one day leave me thinking I didn't care about you. I love you, I love you so much.”

  Silver finally relaxes in their parents’ arms. It was familiar, despite having grown out of it for years. The confession hurts. Two Time ignores the open wound on their shoulder and pulls their daughter as close as comfortably possible. “I love you too,” Silver finally says. 

  Words aren't forced to come out, finally relaxing in each other’s presence. It’s quiet, then Two Time chuckles weakly. Silver looks up curiously. “What is it?” She asks quietly. 

  “It’s odd how events can change a location so much, despite nothing physical here actually being different,” Two Time mumbled. “Your dad and I used to go here a lot. I've refused to come back for a while, but here I am now…” 

  A brief quiet. “It’s a beautiful place. For a final location, it’s covered in something she loved. I'm sure it’s because of how much she loved her dad.” It’s a small comment, but it causes Silver to tense again. What could she say to something like that? Thanks, she chose it herself?

  Two Time kissed her forehead. “I wish she had the opportunity to know I love her.”

  “It’s difficult to see,” Silver murmurs. Two Time responds by rubbing the other’s back comfortingly. 

  “I’ve learned,” they respond quietly. There's more silence. “This is one of the places that contributed to me and your dad deciding to have you both.”

  “Gross,” Silver responds. She's pushed slightly before being squeezed back into the hug. 

  “Not like that, I wouldn't tell you that,” Two Time responds. “You were born on the main couch, kind of.” 

  Silver chuckles. “No way,” she reacts. It’s nice, sweet. Two Time just hums in response, letting Silver decide whether or not to believe it.

Eventually Azure managed to find them. Two Time had always been sprintier than him, and he grabbed something to prevent infection. There was no expectation for the two to be where they were, but it’s where it led. 

  It’s a nice sight, so he lingered away from them. He knew leaving the cut uncleaned was potentially bad, but he could clean it later. His gaze lingered on how close they were, with no sign of cringiness coming from his daughter. It felt nice. Nicer than it should’ve. Things were getting better. 

Notes:

ANGST QUICK Imagine how it's going to feel Two Time feel when they get forsakened and Willow doesn't even remember then

Chapter 10: Illness

Summary:

Hahaha I'm in this chapter

Notes:

Ooooh it's tense! Anyways Slasher update

  The cut was cleaned. That should’ve been enough. Nothing was supposed to happen. But things did happen? It’s odd, really. Whenever something isn’t supposed to happen in Two Time’s life, it’s either the best or worst thing possible. 

  Over the course of a week, their shoulder had turned lavender rather quickly. They felt sick, and nausea ran through them pretty consistently. It was unfortunate, too. For the first time in a while, they felt loved by everyone in their family. They were supposed to be okay with dying then? That’s what they assumed was happening anyway. The veins visible in the lavender-stained areas of their flesh were a deep purple. Yet, they'd wait to mention it. They took to wrapping black bandages around the area. It was best if everyone got to remain as happy as they could, after all. Willow’s death still hung in the air like a silent ghost. 

  The parent walks into a nice scene. Azure is gently putting a bow in Silver’s hair. He smiles at his partner, while Silver takes note of it. Everything wasn't perfect, but this was better than some messed-up alternative. Two Time goes over to the two, tilting Azure’s face to them and placing a kiss on his lips. It was a habit for them. He gives them a tired smile. 

  “Spawn bless this morning,” they declare happily. Silver tenses, but she’s always been tense. The odder thing is that Azure just nods instead of repeating it. 

  “Good morning,” Azure says, realising Two Time’s oddity in him not responding. It erases the original’s holy allusions. It’s upsetting. Azure had gotten behind in the Spawn’s teachings, and while most assumed it was grief, grief felt too little of a reason to Two Time. Not that it wasn’t something that contributed. It definitely did. 

  Two Time thinks. Silver was already losing her faith, but the idea of Azure having lost his as well is distressing. It was something that tied them all together, something Two Time had devoted themself to heavily. So, their brows furrowed, and Azure gave them a concerned look. Faith issues weren't something Two Time had struggled with yet, so there was nothing they could do. “How about I get Amarah and one of us can try cooking breakfast?” They cough at the end of their sentence, the nausea threatening their throat. Azure tries to comment, but Two Time quickly turns away to go get their mentor. 

  There’s a drop of metallic, pinkish blood from their mouth that gets rubbed into the black of their glove. Wearing clothes that never looked stained was helpful to hide the illness. After all, if it was unseen, it was unspoken of. They knock on Amarah’s door. Three knocks, then another before their mentor opens. 

  “Is there something you need, Two?” Amarah asks. He’s dressed okay, but his regular ponytail is a bit messier than usual. Two Time nods. 

  “I was thinking you could join the family for breakfast, with Willow… uh,” the nausea pricks at Two Time’s throat again. The other gives a worried look.

  “Are you okay?” Amarah asks. Two Time fixes themself before nodding. 

  “I just picked up your illness from a week ago. I was probably just asymptomatic before,” they answer. Amarah doesn't soften her look, just concerned that Two Time is lying to them. Again. 

  The mentor sighs, choosing to comment later. “I’ll join.” Two Time gives a polite smile before slipping away. They go back to the kitchen, pulling out some eggs. Azure gets up to take over the cooking, not wanting Two Time to hurt themself. Two Time happily lets him, not wanting to throw up on the eggs. He was the better cook anyways. 

  Silver watches the quiet exchange. Her mind was feeling odd. On one hand, she had accepted that her parents loved her. On the other hand, she was still acting like an anchor that kept them here. Her and Amarah for Two Time specifically, but she had no plans of trying to convince Amarah to leave the Spawn. After all, from what she knew, the mentor was ready to watch her dad die and whatever their ren would suffer from after the loss. Now while that could've changed, Silver wasn't going to bet on a losing chance. 

  There was also the ghost of guilt that would follow her. She held her fork in the wrong hand to avoid how holding things in her dominant hand would remind her of her horrible decision. She kept herself seated at the table, glancing over at the empty chair next to her. It wasn't the one Azure sat in, but rather a seat that would remain empty. 

  Amarah came into the room, causing the child to look up. The mentor takes a seat in Azure’s previous seat, not the empty one. “Good morning, Silver. Your hair looks well-groomed,” she comments. 

  “Ah, thank you.” It’s meant to come out as polite, but the guilt that crept in on Silver’s moment of thought spoils it. She looks at the older adult. They look… tired to her. It’s a bit odd seeing the other outside of divine perfection, but everyone had their mornings. Silver grabs a leftover white ribbon. “You’re not looking the best, I can try fixing it for you.” 

  Amarah smiles, turning around. Silver immediately removes the hair tie. She grabs a hairbrush and drags it smoothly through his hair. Two Time sits beside Amarah with a sigh. They want to say something, but they're scared of their illness showing itself further. Amarah closes their eyes, letting the girl tend silently. 

  Azure finishes cooking, taking another seat now that his original one was occupied. The eggs are given to each person, aside from Azure. He doesn't feel like eating. Silver doesn't either, but she’s still a child, and she knows to eat if adults are expecting her to. The silence is awkward. “It’s odd, humans eat other animals quite frequently, but the closest thing humans have to a predator is themselves.” 

  The words are odd, especially coming from Silver. She doesn't get questioned, but she continues anyway. “I mean, people here kill out of devotion. That’s been described as something people hunger for. Doesn't that make the other a form of prey?”

  “That’s not how that works, our rituals are born of love,” Amarah replies. It’s an easy answer, and Silver doesn't know how to answer back.  She just finishes tying the white ribbon. Amarah turns back to eat the eggs. Two Time looks at their own eggs, hesitantly poking at the yolk like it’s cursed. They don't want to eat, out of fear they’ll throw up. Still, they bring themself to take a bite. It’s a forced swallow, but it goes down. Silver’s done already when Two Time takes their second bite. She looks over at her parent, concerned. Amarah’s scarf keeps his mouth hidden, but he’s watching too. 

  Then they choke. It’s not real, but the effects are. They try to force their breath in, and the egg comes back out. It’s accompanied by a mess of bile, and magenta-like blood. Their eyes widened in shock, not expecting it to come out. Azure quickly rushes to their side, holding their shaking arm. Amarah gets up to get napkins.

 Good Spawn, Two Time. They've managed to worry the people around them. What could they say to this? They would lie about swallowing too fast, or nausea getting to them- but the blood was already on the plate.

Notes:

The next chapter, we’re back with the other daughter! The next chapter’s note might mess with people

Chapter 11: Missing

Summary:

Lotus describes and misses people, but doesn't really know what she's talking about

Notes:

Willow chapter but it's depressing

  A person doesn’t get the hang of dying, and Lotus was no exception. Despite the assistance she was receiving, and the sane, adult killers being confused about why there was now a teenage girl, she found herself dead round after round. Turns out, with how hectic the locations were, along with the sheer size- it was pretty hard to see who she needed in time. 

  She remembered the first time she died- well, first time in this endless loop anyway. Honestly, it was pretty bad. Understandable that everyone would try their best to avoid that fate, even if it was an endless loop. It was by the one that looked kind of dog-like. They were large and red. Luckily, they didn’t extend the suffering longer than needed like some killers. After what felt a bit worse than a period cramp on every spot on her body, she woke back up in the safety of the cabin. 

  Aside from rounds, she had managed to get to know each fellow “survivor.” Out of the many there, some caught her eye. First was the admins, whose title seemed to be known by everyone as important but hers. She’s pretty sure a few of them have a thing going on with each other, but she’s not bold enough to comment. 

  Shedletsky might’ve been the most interesting of the bunch. It’s like he lobotomised himself. Despite seeing him upset, he never seemed angry. Avoidant? Sure! But angry…? Hatred seemed to be an emotion he ripped out of himself. Taph seemed to be hiding something as well, but Lotus wasn’t sure what. Not like she could, the conversations they had needed to have a third party. It was somewhat embarrassing for her. 

  Outside of the admins, there were a group of people she trusted a bit over the others. Noob was someone she could go to for support. The only time they seemed heavily unstable was after rounds with the red and black monster. She didn’t ask, and they didn’t explain. They were also cabinmates, as everyone else decided that Noob would be the least intimidating for a 15-year-old girl to sleep with. To Lotus, any stranger would've been as bad. Unfortunately for her, everyone was a stranger. Then there was 1337.

  He was a very familiar figure. Lotus couldn't explain what made him so approachable. The muscle in his arms, the small daisies he tended to, the way he stood strong. Sometimes he’d readjust her hat on her head.

  … it felt familiar. Lotus clung to that familiar feeling. She missed something, or yearned for it. It was never quite perfect or fulfilling. It was like standing under a Willow Tree. The leaves of the tree would hang low, just enough to feel the bottoms. The analogy felt odd, but the oddness wasn't from what it was about, but rather the pieces inside. Willow trees? Odd analogies? Those were things she felt were familiar, and it irked her. Despite the comfortable familiarity, she wasn't sure why 1337 had taken care of her so well. Did he miss his daughter so much that he needed to take care of another?

  It’s odd. She isn’t sure anyone is missing her. Despite the happy memories, she couldn’t help but doubt the truth on their faces she could occasionally remember. Was it right? Did she mess up her memory?

  Other than 1336 and Noob, 007n7 made himself interesting by being so against drawing attention to himself. He didn’t seem well-liked at all, and Lotus doubts it’s because of the red kill he raised. After all, many killers were related to a survivor. 007n7 made himself uncomfortably polite, and despite this- the man she thought of as kindhearted hated him the most. Not that Elliot was going or planning to beat him up, but rather 007n7 changed Elliot’s demeanour into a much more negative one. Don’t get Lotus wrong, no matter what, Elliot was a nice person! He was just less nice to the hacker to where it was noticeable. To where it was a problem. 

  007n7 was hesitant to ask for anything. He seemed empty in a way that somehow reminded Lotus of herself. Lotus didn’t feel numb now, however- and she couldn’t recall a time she did. But she couldn’t recall a lot of things. It made her feel uncomfortable. She could recognise a liar, and that was a mirror in human form. It was problematic because it stopped him from getting help. Not to mention, his actions were carried by guilt. That was enough to cause Lotus hesitation. 

  “Hey Noob,” She peeked into Noob’s cabin, who let her in with little hesitation. “Sorry for coming in unexpectedly, I just don’t know what to do.” 

  The yellow person perks up. “A-Ah! That makes… sense,” they speak. The way they do it isn’t very clear, but Lotus understands anyway. “I mean, you don't…. Have people your age here.”

  Lotus nods, using that as a simple explanation of her reasoning. The adult pulls out a sketchbook. “Would you like to see?”

  Lotus nods, coming closer to admire the artwork they’ve made. Their style is good and practised. Yet, something catches their eye. “Who’s that beside you?” 

  Noob looks over as they freeze. It’s a drawn picture of their friendship with Guest 666. “He’s- he’s a friend.”

  The two are laughing at a picnic together in a field. It’s a really pretty image, but it hurts her chest to look at it. She doesn’t remember ever having a picnic, but she wants one. There’s hesitation, and she looks to her necklace for guidance. It doesn’t mean much to her, but it feels like something she was trained to do. 

  “Can we do that?” Lotus asks. Noob thinks.

  “I- I’m a bit old to be your friend, but if- if you’d like,” Noob replies, not knowing what the other was thinking of. Lotus shakes her head, realising she should’ve asked better. Still, the offer is nice. 

  “I meant to have a picnic, but thank you,” Lotus corrects. 

  Noob thinks, before nodding. “I… think so. Nothing is stopping us from eating outside the cabin,” they respond. Lotus smiles, before stifling a yawn. Noob gets up, Lotus following tiredly. They go to bed, and Lotus goes to theirs.

  The cabin Noob and her stayed in had an empty smaller room in which she slept with 2 beds. She liked the room as it had a nostalgic feeling. There was a dresser in the middle, and even a house plant. Yet…

  She couldn't help but notice how empty the other bed looked. Someone should be in the room with her, but she couldn't really place any of the other survivors in the slot. It was like it was reserved for someone. It felt too quiet, with no midnight jokes being passed across, or no shuffling sheets of someone she thinks she loved trying to get comfortable. There was no family she had to ask to join her in her bed, so they could talk about what they had learned- or a cool rock they found. It felt empty.

  She turned the other direction, that too feeling unnatural. Lotus just wanted to sleep. There was no reason to remember a past that she can’t live anymore after all. Yet, she was horrible at committing to that thought. She continued to garden, to long to hear someone explain things in weird ways, someone to laugh at her jokes at 11 pm. 

  “Good night,” Lotus whispers, feeling the need to out of lost habit. She closes her eyes, knowing it was going to still be night when she wakes up.

Notes:

If you're wondering, Amarah is made to make odd analogies in the first book if you guys can't remember that

Two Time isn't the one who dies in two chapters

Chapter 12: Silence

Summary:

Honestly, nothing happens this chapter but it’s worth reading I think. Stuff does happen next chapter because of this one though!!

Notes:

General Trigger warning, as per usual

  The blood was already on the plate. There was no hiding. No excuses. Its purple colour showed everything yet nothing. “Oh no- Flower…” 

 

  Two Time didn’t want to say anything. Not with their daughter in the room. They weren’t going to blame her. Azure moves their hand against their shoulder and they wince back. Silver’s eyes widen in realisation. 

  “Oh,” she murmurs. Amarah quickly came back with the tissue, wiping Two Time’s mouth. The odd coloured blood against their mouth moves to the tissue instead.

  “What happened?” Amarah asks. Of course, they weren't there when it happened. He wasn't there to witness. Two Time keeps their mouth shut, not wanting to answer. Azure doesn't know how. There’s a tense silence, before Two Time pulls down their sleeve to show the purple-ish flesh. Their deeply stained veins. It’s a rather nauseating sight, as the illness gave their skin a rather translucent colour. The mentor studies their student carefully, before realising what caused the miscolour. 

  This is bad. Absurdly bad. The Spawn didn't really practice modern medicine very often, only in certain exceptions and a person still had to be convinced into it. Two Time was not one to be convinced of the practices. Silver wanted to throw up, having realised as well. “I,” she stumbles over her words. They had just begun to be close- it couldn't end. Silver stumbles forward. “I’m sorry-”

  Two Time wraps their arms around her, tail around their own leg as they do. “You don't need to apologise, you didn't mean to.” Two Time responds. It’s loving, it’s disturbing. It’s a sickly mess that Silver had heard before. She shoves the comparison down her mind. 

  Silver sinks into their arms, tail waving slowly down against the lonely floor. She just accidentally secured her parent’s death. There was nothing about it to do. Silver turns to look at the rest of her family. Azure touches Amarah’s shoulder. “…I’ll tell you later.”

  Two Time wipes their mouth. “I’ll just make myself a bowl of cereal.” They mumble, slipping away from everyone to get a bowl. There’s an air of hesitation- and confusion for one. Amarah sits back down, bowing her head in a silent prayer. Silver’s stomach twisted at the false practice. It wasn't going to do anything, and she knows it. She has a feeling that the mentor did too, but just chose to keep believing anyway. Maybe they didn't know how to stop. That’s okay though. Silver could understand doing something you didn't know how to say no to, she had done the same thing. 

  It gets ignored, what happened- no talks, no conversations, no arguments, no spoken prayers. It’s just normal again. It made Silver feel sick. She hated this. 

  Honestly, there wasn't much not to hate. She hated the shadows that were cast, as they were in the church too. She hated waking up and seeing the trees outside, knowing that no matter which one she fell asleep beside, she could always find her way there. She hated the way people lied carelessly. They didn't know they were, but it doesn't matter. Silver hated how the only love she would experience would be in relation to a work of fiction. 

  And now she would be forced to meet the ghost of another murder, and she hated that. What could she do? There wasn’t a way to stop herself from having to experience loss again… 

  Suddenly, she’s jealous of Willow. It’s an odd person to be jealous- but at least she has hope that her death would change something. She didn’t have to worry about this, or experience the guilt, or the grief. A small part of her might hate Willow for that. She got what she wanted. Silver takes a step back, looking at the kitchen with a decision made.

  She wasn't going to be forced to experience the same pain again. 

 

…

 

  “I’m not going,” Two Time stated. “It’s an infection, it can go away.” 

  In the past, Two Time’s defiance to go would've been ignored- they’re an adult. Amarah can't exactly force them anymore like they used to. To be honest, she doesn't know what would help Two Time. Most infections didn't turn your blood purple. Amarah just hummed, not knowing what to say to that. He runs a hand through Two Time’s hair. 

  “Silver would probably like you to be healthy,” she murmured. “You two were just starting to get along.”

  Two Time was silent. “Maybe, but I don't trust outsiders to truly care for me. More likely than not, they’ll fail.”

  It was a sigh that left Amarah’s mouth. Supposedly, they should agree. There would be no motive for anyone outside the Spawn to help Two Time unless it was by their own, misguided morals. Yet, emergency rooms seemed to always agree to help. They never refused service, and while Amarah never really did any appointments for Two Time, they were always willing to try and push to aid others. They didn't see life as something that would be disrespectful to waste yet chose to help others live. It was somewhat confusing, but true. 

  “I’m sorry I tried hiding it, I didn't want to worry anyone,” Two Time apologises. “I wasn't going to allow myself to stress my family.”

  Amarah sighed. “You don't need to apologise, I know.”

  Two Time quieted down. Azure opened the room door gently, entering without a sound. A few seconds of silence pass, before he finally speaks up. 

  “It’s about time we rest,” he said to Two Time. He only disturbed them to bring Two Time to bed in the first place. Two Time looked at a clock, realising it was quite late. They swallow the buildup of saliva that has settled in their mouth during the quiet. 

  “I see.” They murmur, getting up. They take Azure’s hand. “Goodnight, Spawn bless you.”

  Amarah waves them off politely, a small smile on her face. Two Time and Azure leave the room and the smile breaks, worry settling in. He was going to lose someone important to him. It feels different from the failures in the past, yet so youthfully familiar. A feeling returning from when they were young, and had experienced loss for the first or second time. When she questioned things like the foundation to the point of doubt. That had been corrected, yet it came bubbling back up. He didn't know why, yet had a slight idea. Because it was Two Time. 

  Outside, Azure led Two Time to their shared room. He laid them down gently, before following behind. There’s not a word exchanged, making the air feel tense. Suffocatingly so. It’s uncomfortable. Two Time moves on top of Azure after some time in the dark, the shadows casting a mask on their face that blurs their facial features. “I love you,” they say, trying to clear the air. Azure drags them back to their side, not wanting them to try and start anything. It wouldn't be right. As it wasn't for any reason outside of being a distraction. 

  “I love you too,” he murmurs back, placing a kiss on their lip. It’s made with love, but it lacks passion, a lazy sentence. Two Time kisses him back, but lets out a disappointed breath. He was right to stop them, they know but they don't want it to be so tense. There’s nothing they can offer in this moment, so they give up, settling their head against his chest. Azure places a hand on their back. Things would get better eventually.

They had to. 

Notes:

Sorry for late chapter, I was catching up on writing future ones! Next one shouldn't take as long

Chapter 13: Reaching Out

Summary:

… nothing good

Notes:

I hope you guys are ready

  Over the course of the week, Two Time’s condition seemed to decline rapidly. It was pretty obvious that the stress was affecting their body’s ability to fight off the infection. It was…

  Disgusting. That’s the word Silver was using anyway. Not her parent, she was able to feel sympathy. The situation was. The refusal of health, the casual acceptance, how used to it everyone seemed. Azure did the things he typically did, at least Silver thought he was. And it only got worse.

  Two Time began acting desperate. Silver made sure to spend time with them every day, not wanting them to feel lonely. It only took the purple stain in her Ren’s skin to make her feel nauseous. She did that, yet they weren't even mad. It’s like they were raised to let someone kill them. The worst part is that everyone was. You weren't supposed to hold anger for the Spawn’s choices, and those choices include your life. 

  Her parent would hold her hand, squeezing it and keeping her close the entire time. Two Time was never a soft squeezer, however. Now, with this shaky, easy grip- it wasn't her parent anymore. This was a stranger in the body of someone she had just recently met. Silver wasn't going to stand it. Not after the first petal fell from their mouth. 

 

…

 

  Azure was concerned for his daughter, if you could imagine why. He didn't want to emphasise Two Time’s failing health, not wanting Silver to blame herself. Yet, he was told something very important. “You know she does, right?”

  His head snapped to Two Time. He knew they knew. “I don't want to make it worse…” 

  “There’s not much worse to go. She comes to be with me every day. I try hugging her, or holding her hand and she doesn't recognise me as myself. I feel like a ghost,” Two Time laughed at the end of their speech, but there wasn't much humour to be found. Azure frowned. “It’s been hurting to walk.”

  “I know, I’m sorry,” Azure responds. Two Time shakes their head.

  “Don’t be sorry, I don't want another person sorry over me. One is enough,” Two Time responds. Seeing their daughter so distraught hurt them, but it wasn't anything they could change. “You should go talk to Silver. Acknowledge everything, it would help.”

  Azure nodded, leaning over to kiss Two Time on the forehead. They gasped slightly, pressing their lips together and puffing them out. Azure chuckles and kisses their lips as well. His arms wrap temporarily, scooping them close and kissing their soft flesh as if they’d go away if they didn't keep contact. In a way, it could be called desperate.

  He finally let them go, leaving them with heavy breathing, flushed expressions with a slight smile. They couldn't get used to that, not anytime soon. It’s okay, they didn't want to. Azure gets up finally. Better talk sooner than later, right?

  He knocks on the bedroom door. No response. He knocks again, tension collecting in his throat. He doesn't know why. “I’m going to come in now, is that okay, Bud?”  

“…”

  There’s no response, which means no protest. He opens the door gently, sitting next to her lying figure. A blanket is pulled up to her neck. Azure sighs in false relief. “You’re just sleeping,” he murmurs. He shakes his daughter’s quiet figure slightly, trying to stir her awake so they can talk.

  She doesn't respond. Azure’s worry begins to settle again, but it shouldn't mean anything. Silver pretended to sleep all the time before Willow died, this is her way of trying to bring things back to normal… yeah, that's it. That's what Azure rationalised. 

  “I’m sorry I haven't been the best at communicating with you about situations,” he mumbles, taking his hand off his kid. “With the infection, I figured to tell you that it wasn't your fault. Two Time and I are worried about you.” 

   Silver continues to pretend, much to Azure’s paranoia. “I would like it if you talked back.”

  She doesn't respond. It sends a chill down her father’s spine. 

  “I’m going to pick you up if you don't respond,” Azure teases. “I used to do that when you were a toddler. I don't need to treat you like a baby to have a conversation, do I?”

  The silence sits, as if it belongs in the room. Azure scoops her into his arms, just to feel his arms coated in something that felt like honey. Her body wasn't cold….

 But it wasn't warm. It was room temperature. There was no life in his arms, certainly not the one he watched be made. He almost throws her, a knee-jerk reaction to the blood spilling onto his arms but he ends up pulling her closer, as if a hug would change what happened.

  He wants to scream, but he doesn't want Two Time to know. He’s not ready to tell anyone else, as selfish as that is. They’ll just have to find him here, holding her. Because he can't scream, he cries instead. He’s not going to look down, knowing what it would be. The handle of a dagger presses against his stomach with her in his arms, but it isn't there if he doesn't acknowledge it. The suffocating tension brings him to tears. 

  “I heard distress, did something…” The voice drops at the door, looking in. Azure looks back, his upset eyes tearing away at the other’s breath. This wasn't supposed to happen either. A hand falls over Amarah’s own mouth. “Oh my.”

  That’s not a good enough response. Azure doesn't feel sad in this moment at the other, but he feels angry. The mentor’s reaction wasn't prepared, or expected, but it wasn't enough. She should’ve broken- or screamed. It should’ve been intense, yet it was null. 

  And Azure’s pissed about it. “Go away,” he manages to coldly say. Amarah hesitate, wanting to get closer, to study the dead child. Anything to give context, to make sense. But she wasn't going to fight over it. 

  “Okay…” she murmurs, the same familiar yet strange feeling settling. They should've been able to stop this, right? They're hopeless, and out of control. It’s not something regular for them, not in the slightest and it causes him to silently stress. What was there to do? Nothing. Aside from telling Two Time- but they were struggling to move recently, this wouldn't help. 

  A stressed sigh escapes her lips, but the rest of him remains trapped. 

Notes:

Stay safe out there and don't kill yourself like Silver. The next chapter is back with Willow technically

Notes:

This won't update every day i don't tend to have oc’s that are plot important

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 13 of Stuff by the Yolk Anon