An unexpected truce

by Pineapplesoupp

Summary:

007n7, the former hacker now forsakened, had finally found a way out of the realm. Keeping that secret, he wants to leave with his son. Only for an opposing killer to catch on. And so they agree to work together to get everyone out. And slowly more and more characters get involved.

or

007n7 befriends killers and finally knows what it's like to feel pure love.

Notes:

Mafioso, Bluudud, Pr3ttypriincess, Guest666, MrDoomBringer, Itrapped, Azure and Jane Doe are all in the fanfic. Jason is replaced by Slasher. This was written BEFORE the slasher update came out. And before the big Noli lore change. Therefor, because it'll fit my story better, I'll keep the old Noli lore.

Chapter 1: The old ways

I glanced down at my c00lGUI. The round had just started, yet Elliot and both sentinels, Shedletsky and Guest1337 had already taken a big chunk of damage. I take a deep breath and calm my nerves, trying to repress that stinging guilt that crawled up my chest. I would help, if I could. But whatever entity that kept us here had decided that it would see fit making me the most useless member of our team. 

 

My c00lGUI wasn’t really fit for helping out my teammates. I couldn’t heal them, like Elliot could with his pizza, or protect with magical forcefields like Dusekkar. Not even something as simple as giving the monsters that hunted us a good uppercut, like Guest1337. In fact, the only way I could help was probably by distracting the killers. Spawning in one of the clones, to try and shift their attention to it. Yet most killers by now learned to simply ignore me. Clone or no clone, they wouldn’t hit their heads on the same rock repeatedly. 

 

I let out a small yelp as my fingers get zapped by the small stingy bits of copper wire extending from the generator cables. I wrinkle my nose knowing I should keep my focus on my objective of finishing these generators. Which luckily was something I could do, just so I wasn’t deemed utterly useless. It was usually just me, Noob or Taph focusing on these generators. The rest were almost always on the field, protecting one another. 

 

I let my mind wander again, only noticing the ticking and screeching of a clock moments too late. Thick metal chains blasted around my ankles, throwing me off the generator I didn’t manage to repair in time. I bob my head around, looking past the mingle of walls to this round's killer. The embodiment of hatred, 1x1x1x1. The beast ran towards me, the two large swords cutting over the ground, leaving deep trenches in the dirt. I was momentarily frozen, before I got to work untangling my legs. Working against the pounding adrenaline booming through my body. And with a Mighty kick I shoved the chains away, watching them slack against the ground with a heavy thud. 

 

I scrambled to my feet, having just nearly dodged the claymore from slicing across my spine. 1x1x1x1 screamed furiously, its bleeding eye shining vigorously as they set chase. 

 

Looking at my c00lGUI again I was pleased to see Elliot managed to shake 1x1x1x1 off effectively, seeing he was still alive… And that the hunter was now on my tail. 

 

I looped around the neatly placed walls, and ducked to miss the mass infection shooting my way. It would be wise to look for the sentinels, yet something kept me. I knew I wasn’t the most liked out of everyone. To be fair, nobody really liked me as much as they tolerated me. I’ve been here quite a while already, even before C00lkidd got sent to this hell, but despite that. I was unlucky enough to get here after Elliot did. 

 

The younger man managed to get along with everyone surprisingly much, and it wouldn’t take long for the others to learn about the pizza worker's past. About me, my son and about everything I did to Elliot and his establishment in the past. I would call myself a changed man for sure. But Elliot was rightfully so still furious. Having put one and one together, stating that I must be the reason he’s stuck here in the first place. And words spread like a hellfire. And I never got the chance to try and get along with anyone. Total strangers would give me glances as I walked past, or stingily refused to help me at times. 

 

I was lucky that both Guest1337, Chance and Two Time seemed to tolerate me enough to help me out during rounds, though probably just to avoid pumping up the timer with a few minutes. Other than them, nobody would willingly help a malicious hacker, especially one that couldn’t even contribute to the team in a sense, other than the mundane task of repairing the generators. The hacker that ruined everyone's favorite pizza boy's life.

 

My vision dulled as I slowed down my pace, having been running for a long while sure did a number on my body. I glance behind me, seeing how 1x1x1x1 hadn’t yet given up the chase. But, just past the figure I saw someone running towards me. My heart sank to my chest, it was Elliot. He probably hadn’t noticed that it was me who needed help. If he did notice, he’d probably turn around, pretending to not see the situation I was in. And as if on queue, the man paused. The eye contact we made wasn’t long, just less than 2 seconds, but enough for him to change his mind.

 

I cucked my head back, ashamed. 

 

‘’Caught you.’’  1x1x1x1’s rusty voice rumbled. She lifted up her weapon, and with a malicious smile, struck it through my chest. 

 

I left out an instinctive scream, closing my eyes tightly. The cold metal smoothed out of my chest, not by it being pulled out, but by simply vanishing. Saliva bubbled up in my throat as both hands reached up to my chest. I churned in pain, kicking my legs against the now newfound ground beneath me. The planks of the survivor cabin clacked under the thudding. 

 

It probably found this funny, watching whoever got killed squirm over the ground for a few seconds, trying their best to adapt to the newfound body conditions. Everyone's wounds would always heal instantly. But the pain wouldn’t subside for a while. Though it got increasingly lighter, and would fully disappear after a few hours. 

 

And being the first to die meant you wouldn’t have any comforting hands to help you up. Then again, not like anyone was willing to help me out anyhow. I coughed and brought myself up into a sitting position. My chest felt hot, as if 1x1x1x1’s venom was still deeply embodied into my torso. Pulsating and eating away at the softer inner tissue.

 

Putting up with these rounds was torture. Though luckily. I wouldn’t be stuck dealing with this crap for much longer anymore. As I have finally found a way out. 

 

Well, in theory it should work. I’ve been touching up on my plan for weeks now. Which was nothing compared to the months, maybe even years I've been stuck here. 

 

I regained my composure, enough for me to be able to stand up. Realistically nothing could go wrong, by setting so much pressure on the system, that it would collapse. And I found a way to do that, only possible with the help of my own C00lGUI. The only pro of being pushed aside was that nobody really paid attention to you. Not even the ghost of this realm seemed keen on keeping an eye on me. And because of that I could use my old hacking skills to manipulate and fabricate new changes into my C00lGUI. 

 

The only problem, nobody could know about this. If the malicious entity entrapping everyone found out, the entire plan would fall to crumbles. Probably shattering together with whatever sanity I have left here. 

 

And the only reason I haven’t left yet, was because I wanted to leave together with my son… And possibly try to sneak anyone else out with me as well. But who could I trust? Trust to not tell anyone else. Because if word about this spread, said gamemaster might catch on quicker than expected. And then nobody would get out. Which was the sole reason I hadn’t told my son yet. I wasn’t sure why, but from the snippets of the story I heard it turns out he’d been getting along with some of the other killers. Turns out they have their own cabin, rooms, and quite normal schedules. Just like us survivors. But C00lkidd was, after all, still a child. And I knew my son better than anyone else. And the little guy couldn’t keep secrets to save his life! 

 

I would like to help Guest1337 or Chance. They were the nicest to me after all. But that wasn’t fair. All the others had a reason to not like me. And I’d feel uncontrollably guilty leaving anyone behind. I’d like to save Elliot too, in a way to repay him. But I wasn’t even sure how to approach that scenario. Would the other even let me talk to him? The only small conversation we’d have was about the rounds we were in. Asking for directions, sharing items or simply giving out callouts. None were pleasant, and there was always this frustratingly awkward energy. 

 

And if I told Elliot, he’d be sure to tell everyone else. 

 

I grab my head, shaken out of my thoughts. There was a strained groan of pain. Someone else had died. I looked over my shoulder at Shedletsky. Of course he would be second to die, 1x1x1x1 seemed to have a special interest in the admins, especially Shedletsky. 

 

I walk over to the man, and hold out my hand for him.

 

‘’Are you feeling alright, Shedletsky?’’ I ask him. 

 

He looks up at me and wrinkles his nose, yet still accepts my hand. He gave me a small nod, too weakened to form words. Been there, I think to myself. He takes his hand back when he stands, towering over me. And with that guides himself over to the sofa, sitting down with a loud whine of pain. 

 

And after that, I left. I wasn’t very keen on trying to converse with the one admin that got me and Noli separated all those years ago. 

 

When 15 minutes passed, the round ended. Not that many casualties. Shedletsky, Dusekkar and me were the only ones that had died that round. Usually everyone would sit at the table, converse, and talk about that round as Elliot and Dusekkar helped everyone recover from the post match pain. Yet I hid in my room. I never really attended the small meetings we’d have after a match, not unless I was dramatically hurt. But today was fine. 

 

I looked over my C00lGUI again, briefly scanning the statistics of the last round. Looks like Elliot barely survived on 13%, same with Guest1337 on 19%, both one hit away from death. 

I feel a knot twist in my gut. I should've helped them… Find a medkit and bring it to them, or take a hit for them. I grab my face and let myself fall down onto my bed. It was no use crying over spilt milk anyway.

 

I wanted to leave this hell so badly. Each day, a bit of myself was lost. It started vague and small, but it was so clear. I lost motivation to get out of bed, brush my teeth or eat. Because it really wouldn’t have mattered. You can’t die here, you’ll be brought back like nothing happened. 

 

I was about to tweak a few bits on my C00lGUI when someone made themself present, knocking on my door. I gave them no answer, yet with that, the other person invited himself in.  

 

I let out a sigh of relief seeing it was Guest1337. Which I could’ve expected since he was the only one that dared visit me frequently. 

 

‘’Hey, 007n7. Are you feeling alright? Shedletsky told us you were the first one to die this round. You usually last quite a while. Don’t tell me you’ve been daydreaming again.’’ He speaks, his voice soft and calm. Laced with a kind smile. It was intoxicating. It just made me want to collapse and rant about everything that was bothering me until now! But, I know that if I did that. I would never forgive myself. Guest1337 always seemed to care about everyone so much. Try and help the best he could. Guest1337, together with Builderman, always kept the spirits up. Support people in need, and in a way everyone just silently agreed to view the two as something like leaders. After all, Guest1337 had been through war, and Builderman was the owner of Robloxia. They were honest and trustworthy people.

 

‘’I’m alright, 1x1x1x1 went easy on me, a strike through the heart.’’ I said, almost with a sense of witticism in my voice. Though that smile quickly faltered from my face. 

 

‘’Do you need something?’’ He questioned. And I shook my head politely. Telling him I’ll be fine for tonight. That tomorrow may bring new sorrows. 

 

‘’Will you at least join us for dinner? Or should I bring you a plate again?’’ He asked. Oh, right. Sometimes he’d do that for me. Especially after an exceptionally rough match. Or after I’d ask Elliot for a slice of pizza, and he’d refuse. I just wouldn’t be able to face the man after that for the day. And today, I just felt too down. I’d rather stay in my room. 

 

‘’Uhm… bringing me a portion would be more than appreciated.’’ I explained glancing away from the bigger man. Who had learned to not fight it.

 

‘’Alright, remember 007n7. We’re here for you. We’re a team after all.’’ He spoke kindly. He turned around and closed the door behind himself. 

 

Sure, we’re a team alright. But who’s this ‘we?’. From my perspective it was only Guest1337 that gave even a small bit about me. 

 

I felt like an outcast. 

 

Nothing but trouble for everyone else. 

 

So maybe, I just had to get this over with.

Chapter 2: A new beginning

Summary:

007n7 is finally leaving this forsaken hell for good.

It was a fresh morning, I rose out of my bed and went on with my newfound morning routine. Washing my face, grabbing a change of clothes, debating brushing my teeth and moping around in my room for another hour. Two Time and me were usually the ones first awake. Which is why I stayed in my room for a bit longer, just so I could guarantee someone else would wake.

It would always be so uncomfortably tense seeing that drained vessel sulk around the halls. They usually muttered to themselves endlessly, about their cult, or some lost lover. No words would be said upon us making eye contact. We’d dip our heads and go on about our morning business. Though today I wasn’t feeling that adventurous to dare encounter them walking around.

Guest1337, Elliot and Builderman were usually next to get up. They were all likely still used to waking up as early as possible. Probably because of their former jobs. Following those three would be Noob, Jane Doe and Dusekkar. And then Chance of course. The gambler loved to sleep in, without a care in the world. And Something convinced me that Taph didn’t even sleep.

At 9pm strictly I opened the door to my cabin, the cold breezy air outside warped around my ankles, beckoning me forth. I took in a deep breath and stepped into the small puddle of fog that had gathered on the ground. It coiled and whoomed around my legs ever so needily.

Today was Friday, which meant it would be Elliot’s time to make breakfast. We usually worked with a routine like that. Everyone had their assigned day; they'd make breakfast, lunch and dinner. All of us except a few, like me, who would probably set the kitchen on fire. Sure I cooked for myself and C00lkidd all those years ago. But it was nothing worth sharing with anyone above the age of 6. And prior to that I lived off microwaveable meals or frozen junk from the gas station.

I had other skills I helped the team with. Me and Guest1337 would usually do laundry, I cleaned the cabin and did the dishes. I didn’t mind helping out like that. It helped remind me of my fleeting memories, how I’d make C00lkidd’s bed. Cleaned up the messes he made and took care of our home. A small delusion to keep me going.

My hand reached up to the doorknob of the main survivor cabin.

 

The old rotting planks beneath me creaked as sudden weight was lifted from them.

And just like that, we were all sent into a match. It takes me a moment to gather myself. Matches starting seemingly randomly was something I would never get used to. And it seems like I wasn’t the only one.

‘’Oh, not again!’’ Chance, who had spawned besides me, roared angrily. Standing there in their nightgown. One of those fancy ones, with the frills and puffy sleeves. Quite cute honestly. They look around and make eye contact with me, giving me a flimsy embarrassed grin. ‘’Seems like the Spectre can never catch you off guard huh, 007n7?” They smiled my way and shrugged, reaching into their pocket for the coin.

‘’Well, there’s a reason I tend to wake up early.’’ I explain with a kind smile and walk over to them. I give my C00lGUI a good look. Looks like this was a round of tag. Seeing the killer was C00lkidd. ‘’Good luck out there, C00lkidd spawned on the red side.’’ I told him. ‘’Be sure to warn the others.’’

And with that we parted ways.

I liked the underground war map. The different layers made it easy to lose the killer chasing you. And because it was so spacious you had a lot of time for yourself. I kneeled down beside the first generator I found. My hands move automatically to the wires, connecting them without much thought behind the activity. It was routine, and has been for ages now.

And one generator, turned into two. And then three. I crawled up to the second layer of the map. Looking around for any danger. And when I deemed the coast clear I sprinted towards the red side of the map. I skimmed over my C00lGUI, checking for survivors. Seems like Builderman had a rough start, together with Two Time and Shedletsky.

‘’GOTCHA!’’ C00lkidd blared. Two arms wrapped around my chest. Embracing me into a crushing hug. Literally, I felt my ribs stab into my sides, clacking together and splintering through the pressure. I groaned in pain and kicked my legs. Sensing I was probably done with the hug, my son let go. Placing me back on the ground.

‘’W- Wow kid, y- you sure did…!’’ I strained and gasped for air.

‘’You’re always so hard to find! But I got you! Just a few more left! But I’m going to have to give you the tag hit, dad!’’ He beamed and jumped up and down, his thick tail thudding against the ground like a hammer. A hammer threatening to crush my legs if I got too close.

‘Playing’ against C00lkidd was always beneficial to me. I could manage to stall the poor kid for quite a while, if my injuries didn’t catch up to me. He loved talking to me. And I loved listening to him. I tried to ignore that nagging feeling of desperate need to connect with my son again. He never deserved to end up here.

‘’Say, why don’t you… tell…m-’’ I was caught off guard by a loud BANG that blasted through the air followed by a small streak of blood splattering over my chest.

My heart sank. I would never get used to this. No matter how many years I will be stuck here.

C00lkidd wailed in pain and doubled over, grabbing at his leg. The gunshot wound was small, and would heal instantly. But I can’t imagine the pain it must’ve caused. The pain my own son must endure during these rounds.

‘’I’m telling daaadddd!’’ He cried out and swiped sideways for Chance, who ever so gracefully dodged the attack, their gown fluttering in the wind. They grabbed me by my wrist and heaved me up. Taking me away.

-

‘’Close one hm?’’ Chance said looking over their shoulder. They let out a joyous ‘phew!’ and placed their hands on their hips. The gambler turned back to me, reading my face and instantly faltering from their confident posture. ‘’… Sorry about that 007n7. If there was a way, then you know I wouldn’t have-’’

I cut them off. They didn’t need to apologise for this. ‘’Hey, don’t stress it.’’ I told them hoarsely. We all did what we needed to survive… And shooting C00lkidd should be no different than shooting any other killer. The punter gave me a kind smile and patted me on my shoulder. No more words were spoken. And I immersed in the still kindness of the other.

‘’Oh goodness, are you two alright?’’ Elliot’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I exchanged a small glance with Chance. And they seemed to catch the hint, speaking up for me.

‘’Elliot! Friend! 007n7 is hurt, do you think you have a slice for the ol’ downer?’’ They asked politely.

‘’Well, shouldn’t I save them for Guest1337…? Or Jane Doe?’’ He murmured. Elliot looked over at me. Sure I looked alright, I wasn’t bleeding. At least not from the outside. And I would probably survive the last 12 minutes of the round.

‘’It’s quite alright.’’ I said before Chance could protest. ‘’Save them for those wh-’’ I coughed up a lap of blood. ‘’-for those who need them.’’ I finished. Both men stared at me.

‘‘Ah, hell nah!’’ Chance blurted.

After a bit of back and forth bickering Elliot had to comply. And hand me a slice. The slice looked greasy, cheesy and smelled so amazing. I never really had the luxury of getting these each round. I quickly ate the slice, savoring the flavour intently. My wounds internally healed. Yet the pizza left a bitter aftertaste in my mouth together with a deep and dooming sadness. I was only handed that slice because of Chance. If it wasn’t for them, I probably wouldn’t have gotten it. Not like I would’ve complained.

Minutes passed. Elliot and Chance went their own ways to help Guest1337. And I had just repaired the last generator. I sat down next to it, opening my C00lGUI. I could just get out of here right now. C00lkidd was here. He’d find me sooner or later. And we’d be free. Back to that old house near the forest.

The rest would probably be joyous, able to get rid of not one, but two burdens. I twitched angrily. I grabbed the small panel of the generator and ripped it off. I stuck my arm, elbow deep into its guts, pulling and tugging on the wires. And with that I connected my C00lGUI.

‘’PAPA!’’ The excited childish voice yelled from across the field. ‘’Nooo noo!! I want more time to plaayyy!’’ He complained, looking at me fiddling with the generator. Probably assuming I was repairing it. Which I wasn't.

‘’I’m.. I’m doing something else, Kid!’’ I spoke. I needed to keep C00lkidd busy for just a minute… Just so I could hack into this string of code, rupture it and get us out. ‘’I'm getting us both home alright…?’’ I spoke calmly. ‘’Just wait there for a moment, for me alright? Don’t tag your papa just yet!’’

C00lkidd sat down next to me, looking at what I was doing. Red veins pulsated through my left arm. Digging into my flesh. Burning my skin. ‘’Papa? Are you okay? Does that hurt…? What are you doing?’’ He asked and tried to grab my arm. ‘’Why are we leaving…?! Are we leaving now? But I’m not done playing! I need to say bye to the pizza man and soldier boy!’’

I looked over at the screen flickering bitterly. The ground around the two of us zapped and glitched. It was working…! I was finally doing it.

‘’Papa! Watch out!’’

My eyes widened, there was a bright white flash. And two arms huddled around me, pulling my arm forcefully out of the generator and tossing me around. C00lkidd protected me from the devastating blast as the generator imploded. Shards of metal and scraps flew past the two of us.

My son whined, probably shaken by the sudden ignition, or from the many sharps that impaled his back. He held me just a bit tighter. Too tight. And I felt that same bone crushing pain again.

But that wasn’t what my attention turned to. I glanced over C00lkidd's shoulder at that generator, or well. Where it would’ve been. There was a large scorch mark over the ground, wires and a loose damaged frame stood in place of the generator. It had completely imploded. And if it wasn’t for C00lkidd’s quick thinking, I would’ve likely splattered over the field together with that generator.

I held onto my son a bit tighter. My plan hadn’t worked…? But how?! Was I skipping over some details, did I forget a plugin? I whipped out my C00lGUI the second the red drakobloxxer child let me go.

[Insufficient energy.]

Said a giant popup that basically blared me in the face. I closed it before looking over other notes. Different imbalances, unstable connections and warnings. Nothing had gone as planned.

‘’Papa? Are you okay?’’ C00lkidd worried and walked a small circle around me.

‘’Y- Yeah… Uhm… I’m… fine…’’ I mumbled and shook my head mightily and got up from the ground, in time to greet the two incoming survivors. Elliot and Guest1337. Must’ve been quite the scene to them… I stood there, with my left arm scorched to bits, the imploded generator, glitching textures all around. And C00lkidd merely swayed from side to side, probably not in the mood to continue his game of tag.

‘’I can explai-’’ I said before the air was zapped out of my lungs, replaced with the woody breeze of the survivor cabin.

All eyes were drawn onto the three of us. Crap. Really spoilered it all for myself now, huh? The other remaining survivors must’ve sensed the odd energy between us. As nobody, but Two Time, said a word.

‘’Congrats on surviving! Why so quiet?’’ They smiled, kicking their feet.

‘’Nothing to worry about, uhm… 007n7, can I have a word with you…?’’ Guest1337 asked me. ‘’Yeah, you wouldn’t mind me tuning in too, right? I should look at your arm as well.’’ Elliot said in a more monotone voice.

-

The three of us stood at the dock. And I couldn’t keep my nerves. I stood hunched over, my gaze avoiding the two in front of me. What was I even supposed to tell them!? ’Oh yea, I was just about to leave this realm with my son. Yep just the two of us because I’m a selfish prick and decided to not bring anyone else with me. Not like it matters because it clearly didn’t work!’ No way. I had to think of a lie, fast. Something that could explain everything- I couldn’t just scorch my reputation further like this… not again..!

‘’Well?’’ Elliot chimed in, ripping me from my thoughts. ‘’What was that about?’’.

I cringed to myself as I spoke. I sounded like a hormonal teenager, despite my age. ‘’W- Well you see… C00lkidd had simply crashed into that generator and it… exploded! And I burned my arm… on the fire.’’ I said and shuffled my foot from left to right. Accompanied by the fiddling of my glasses, pressing them upright. Or trying to adjust the already positioned headwear. I could see the two weren’t buying it. Especially the younger man, Elliot. Who made sure to tell me by giving me the most skeptical look.

‘’And the glitching?’’ Guest1337 spoke after the soft silence that ensued.

‘’I... don’t know.’’

‘’He’s lying.’’ Elliot barked.

Guest1337 sighed out and nodded, agreeing. ‘’007n7, you can tell us the truth. Remember, we’re a team. We’re here to look out for each other. All of us.’’ He said sternly, turning towards Elliot. Who suddenly tilted his head away guiltily.

‘’It’s nothing…’’ I muttered.

Guest1337 crossed his arms over his chest and looked down on the two of us. He was growing ever annoyed by our behaviour towards each other. ‘’Alright you two. Things need to change! Chance told me what happened last round.’’ He said, looking at Elliot. ‘’And Two Time told me how you outright refused to accept a medkit a few rounds ago 007n7.’’ Guest1337 went on as he targeted me next. ‘’You two need to get whatever happened under control and quit carrying these grudges or thoughts of self-scorn!’’ He said in a loud dominant voice. Fitting.

‘’And how do you expect me to want to work with the person that RUINED my life! He’s the reason I’m even stuck here!’’ Elliot cried out and immediately got on his high horse. ‘’And let’s not change the topic now. I still want to know why 007n7 was attempting to rip the map apart.’’

‘’I can’t tell you two the truth, it’s too dangerous!’’ I cried out, in a fetal attempt to protect myself and my word.

‘’Alright, we won't force you to share anything you don’t want.’’ Guest1337 spoke first. Not giving Elliot the chance to snap back at me. ‘’I understand. But if you ever need us. For anything, we’re here. Don’t forget that 007n7.’’ He said and walked over to me, loosening his shoulders. He gave me a good hug, a strong confident one. I sank into his arms and leaned my head against his shoulder.

‘’Thank you… Guest1337. I’m sorry.’’

He ruffled my hair, ‘’Don’t be.’’ He smiled genuinely and let me go again. I stumbled a few steps before gathering myself. ‘’Now let’s get breakfast going, hm? I’m sure Elliot could use some help since we’re running behind a bit!’’ Guest1337 spoke. ‘’After that you can tell us, or me… or whoever you want about what happened. We have the entire day to ourselves now.’’

Elliot opened his mouth to complain, but Guest1337 gave him a look. And he quit complaining, saying: ‘’Of course… Extra hands are always welcome.’’

Notes:

I'll try get chapters out relatively quickly.

Chapter 3: A slip-up

Summary:

007n7 cooks with Elliot and C00lkidd accidentally tells a certain ex-admin about his dad’s plan.

Notes:

DoomBringer is called MrDoomBringer in all chapters he's mentioned in.

I whoozily stumble into the cabin. The sudden shift in my surroundings knocked me off my feetsies. I press my palms against the ground and blink.

‘’Oh Noo! I lost again!’’ I declared loudly. I hop back upright and look around the main room. ‘’I lost again!’’ I spoke once more, a tad bit louder. I just needed to make sure they’d hear me! Yet nobody seemed to lift their attention to me.

Slasher was seated at the sofa, mindlessly watching whatever shitty program was on the television. And next to him was Itrapped, following that same routine. After all, there wasn’t a lot to do if you weren’t playing! I hopped over to the two and waved at them.

‘’It was my turn to play today!’’ I announced and wagged my tail, it bumped against the ground, and knocked against the coat hanger. Slasher tilted his head ever so slightly and looked down at me. My dad always taught me to smile, and so I did. Showing off my teethies!

In response, Slasher nodded and lifted up his arm, acknowledging me. Hm, well Slasher wasn’t really the talkative type. And Itrapped simply shoved the palm of his hand in my face when I tried to talk to him, how rude! I chuffed and crossed my arms. ‘’Fine! I didn’t even want to talk to you anyway!’’ I say. Heh, that must’ve caught him off guard for sure. As he looked over his shoulder briefly. The black block covering their face dulled just a bit.

I giggled and quickly ran off, turning around so fleetingly I bumped into my other friend! I took a stumble backward and beamed up. ‘’Did you hear what I said earlier! I tagged a lot of the hiders last round!’’ I reported and jumped up to try and get to 1x1x1x1’s eye height. Which didn’t seem to work.

They didn’t seem to notice me. Were they busy? I looked over them. Making the smart decision to pull on their, tugging at it to try and catch their attention.

1x1x1x1 turned around animalistically and snapped at me, his claws swiping just barely over my nose. ‘’Don’t.’’ He spat. His voice is scarily raspy, probably from all that mean stuff he says! I frown and cross my arms over my chest and look away, pouting. Why did nobody want to listen to me today!

I could understand why Slasher would rather watch tv. The man couldn’t speak, and often used grunts or force to make others understand what he wanted. Something I wasn’t quite good at translating myself. So I never really talked that much with him. From what I heard from my friends, he has been here the longest. Together with 1x1x1x1, John Doe and Guest666.

Much alike, our newest friend, Itrapped, didn’t like talking to anyone too. Which really was a shame… I wanted to know more about him! Be a better friend to him! He seemed to be struggling quite a bit, adapting to being a tagger.

I had to agree, being a tagger was so exhausting! Especially when that dumb soldier boy or chicken man hit me! Oh, and not to forget, smiley and gamble person. And it often stung a bit when the pumpkin and pink haired woman stunned me… And I didn’t like it when I tripped over a wire, or stepped into a loud explosion bomb! And there was that stupid turret… But my dad was nice to me! He never hurt me! He really likes playing with me actually. He even makes more of him for me to catch.

I would like to join the hiding team too but whenever I tried to ask them the hiders would always refuse and be so rude about it!

Mx 1x1x1x1 had walked past me, outside to her room probably. I could just tell her later about my game! When we were all having breakfast. Or lunch… Seeing everyone probably already ate breakfast. How late was it anyway?

I let out a small hum and decide I’ll just grab breakfast myself! My feet bounced off the planks and carried me over to the kitchen. Oh, looks like the damage from yesterday's fire was still present. The roof was black, and the oven had big black smears of pudding-like splotches cooked shut over the glass and handles. I told Bluudud it wasn’t a good idea to put the oatmeal into the oven. Mhm, this was his fault. Not mine! It was his idea!

But the oven malfunction probably meant that we’d have to have simple meals again. Just like that time 1x1x1x1 and John Doe got into a fight, and the latter threw the other against the counter. That was really bad!

I scurry over to the countertop, standing on my toes to look at what was prepared. I didn’t like that I shrunk when the rounds ended! I liked being tall… Being small was so bothersome! And everyone made fun of me too.

I grabbed the pan from the stove and looked at it. Empty. I let out a long ‘hmmmmmmm’ to myself and put it back down. Maybe they saved a portion for me on the table. Surely they didn’t eat without me again!

I crawl onto the chair and look at the empty messy plates. But there was nothing left. Oh. But that’s not… how we’re supposed to treat everyone! I glance at the wall, at the poster.

C00LkiDD RUles for teh kiTCHEn!!!!!!
N0 FIGHT!
N0 THR0WING
PLS dont EXCluDE pe0ple!! :((
sAY whEn theERE is n0 F000D!!
No Bluudud.
NOOO PR3TTYPRIINCESSS!!!!
Clean up after you make a FUCKING MESS.

It was right there! Don’t exclude people. I frown to myself and wrap my arms on the table and lean my head into the small comfortable nest. Small tears drilled out of my eyes. I didn’t want to cry! Dad always told me crying was alright, but I was a big boy now! Big boys never cried. 1x1x1x1 never cried. And he was big. MrDoomBringer didn’t… cry.

‘’Mr Doom!’’ I jumped up. Oh no, I can’t let him know I was crying! What if he thinks I’m so unc00l now! I jump off my chair, my tail getting caught in the racket and I smack my face into the planks of the floor. Well now I couldn’t keep it in anymore… Big tears welled up, rolling down my cheeks. I cried loudly, wanting to let all that frustrating irritation out. The day had just started but nothing went well!

Big claws grabbed me by my scruff and lifted me up, placing me down onto my chair again.

‘’Let me guess. There’s no breakfast left.’’ MrDoomBringer asked me. I nodded as an answer and sniffed, wiping tears away from my face angrily. ‘’Today sucks!!’’ I whine and cover my face, trying to hide away from the admin man. ‘’Well, I’ll ask 1x1x1x1 if they can make another batch of eggs for you. They should still be around here somewhere. It’s their job today anyway.’’ He said and gave me a rough pat on my back.

-

I sat idly in the chair… kicking my feet and counting the stripes on the planks to pass the time. The sputtering from the eggs sizzling in the pan, and the nice smell of freshly cooked toast helped me smile a little again.

The chair in front of me got pulled aside, screeching over the floor. MrDoomBringer sat down in front of me and leaned back in the way too small chair. ‘’Well, spit it out. What’s bothering you, kid.’’

He didn’t sound very interested. But someone willing to listen to me was better than speaking to deaf ears. I opened my mouth to speak, when a plate was placed down in front of me. Scrambled eggs, with two toasties and cucumber slices. Yum! 1x1x1x1 handed me a fork and told me, loud enough for the other to hear; ‘’Don’t spill anything on the floor. I just got done cleaning before you came back.’’

I grabbed my fork and tried my best to eat, not wanting to appear like a slob in front of someone who was really c00l!! ‘’Yummy!’’ I said. I was so happy 1x1x1x1 was such a good cook! And willing to cook for everyone too. But I didn’t mind it when Slasher made something or Azure. They made tasty meals too! Sometimes Mafioso’s friends would help out too.

‘’Well, wasn’t something bothering you?’’ MrDoomBringer asked.

I lifted up my head. ‘’Oh! Yeah! Ugh today was so stupid… I couldn’t manage to tag everyone… But I found my dad again!’’ I beam. ‘’I just couldn’t manage to tag my dad in time… Or soldier boy and pizza man. I had no more time.’’ I say and continue eating.

‘’Shame. Happens to the best of us. I heard ya ol’ pal 1x1x1x1 couldn’t quite manage to get everyone yesterday also. Everyone must be tired at the end of the week. Then again… Not like we get the weekends off.’’

I sheepishly nodded. ‘’My dad actually wanted to leave with me. But something happened and I think he broke the generator by accident. It totally exploded! Went kaboom! Like those bombs the bird person throws around! But I hope we don’t leave next time. I haven’t been to school in a long while. And I don’t want to catch up to all the homework!’’ I complain and tap my fingers against the table.

‘’And I don’t want to say goodbye to all my friends here!’’ I swiftly added to my already lengthy sentence.

‘’Leave?’’ MrDoomBringer grumbles. He looks up and glances at me, his stingingly scary eyes glare, just rarely visible from underneath the holes in the bucket. ‘’And how would he do that? Last time I checked… leaving wasn’t quite as easy as Jason made it seem.’’

His voice was starting to get deeper. Was he getting angry? Oh well, don’t mind that! I could tell MrDoomBringer all about the cool things dad could do with his Ipad! I giggled and leaned back in my chair, blabbering on about what I had encountered about dad! The machine thingy and the big explosion! I tried to remember what else happened. Was I missing some details…?

But MrDoomBringer seemed to be listening very intently! He must’ve been enjoying my story so far. That or he really liked hearing about my dad… He wasn’t very smooth with it. For example, he kept asking me about him! And he didn’t want to hear about me tagging everyone else.

I would’ve liked to talk to him a bit longer. MrDoomBringer made good company. He seemed to actually be able to form sentences… And he wasn’t so mean all the time like everyone else. The only downside, he really hated my dad for some reason! Something about exploiting or hacking. But I did that too!! And he didn’t hate me. Then again, MrDoomBringer also didn’t like Noli. For the same reasons…

But like I mentioned, I would’ve liked to keep his company. But he got up from his chair and grabbed onto the table with his big claws. Oh, 1x1x1x1 wasn’t going to like those scratches he left on it! But I wouldn’t snitch!

He had a deep frown on his face, and he didn’t quite catch me calling for him either! He seemed to be concentrating on something. I could see his eyes narrow to slits before he looped around and left the room. Rude. He didn’t even say goodbye to me yet!

I watched him leave the kitchen… before I continued eating. Wonder what’s up with that.

 

-

 

Guest1337 brought the two of us back to the cabin. I could see him glance down at Elliot momentarily. As if really wanting to get something across to the younger more stubborn man.

Builderman tapped Guest1337 on the shoulder once we all walked inside and pulled him aside. And the two walked off without another word.

Man, I really felt like I was missing out on some crucial information. Was it just me or were some people acting so secretive? I knew I could be paranoid. But it was getting quite obvious.

‘’007n7, are you coming?’’ Elliot’s voice rang. His voice strangely caught me off guard. He was standing next to a beam that supported the upper floor. Leaning against it, he spoke; ‘’Guest1337 won’t be joining us, just you and me. Because apparently that’s a good idea.’’ He sighs.

Rude, I remark. But fair. ‘’Sorry about that, let’s go.’’ I tell him and walk over to him. He nods my way and the two of us make our way over to the kitchen.

It was one of the quietest places in the main survivor cabin. Only in use whenever it was time to eat. Such as right now. Shedletsky was standing next to the stove, frying something in a pan. I take a daring look at whatever he’s making for himself. And I almost let out an audible ‘what the ###.’

In a thick layer of hot sputtering oil was chicken. Chicken drumsticks. Already cooked, ready to eat drumsticks. Yet here they were, cooking in oil. The other must’ve noticed my and Elliot’s concerned looks as he groaned and used his wings to block our view.

‘’Shedletsky, get out of my kitchen! I’m not making breakfast whilst you’re busy… doing this!’’ Elliot barks and shoves the wing aside, turning off the stove and grabbing the steelpan to try and shove it off the hot pit. ‘’I can’t believe you, would it kill you to wait just… a small hour for brunch?!’’ He went on and made sure Shedletsky received his unyielding glare.

‘’What! You took forever to die, I was just getting hungry is all! And I had chicken leftover!’’ Shedletsky protested and squawked. His wings fluttered, yet he reluctantly backed down. Scooping the… oily and greasy chickendrum onto a plate. Was that really going to be his breakfast…?

It wasn’t unusual for us to take things back from rounds. Or take things with us. But you’d have to be actively carrying it, or wearing it. Elliot would spawn with one stuffed up pizza box. And Shedletsky would have two pieces of chicken. Whatever wasn’t eaten during the round would be brought back. And usually thrown away, but… Shedletsky was a uhm… Special case.

Weapons were a different case. Everyone wielding one would receive their weapons at the beginning of the round, and take them back when they died or the round ended. Losing them wasn’t much of a concern. Unless you’re chance, who somehow lost their gun for 4 rounds once. Only able to find it again when we went back to the specific map they lost it on. Must’ve been some weird luck thing they had going on.

‘’What’re you going to make anyway, Elliot?’’ Shedletsky asked, standing just a few steps away from the two of us. He was intently chewing on the chicken. It looked disgusting.‘’I saw we’re almost out of eggs… And cheese.’’ He noted and swayed on the spot.

‘’Right. Because someone felt the need to grab a snack at 4 am.’’ Elliot said. But he couldn’t keep that serious smirk on his for that long. He chuckled and gave Shedletsky a playful nudge. ‘’The kitchen will be refilled Monday anyway. I’m sure the team can survive two or maybe one eggless and cheeseless day.’’ He smiled with laughter.

‘’Besides, 007n7 will be joining me today. Per Guest1337’s request. So you may scurry off now… You know we’ll call everyone once we’re done. You’re not going to miss out on much.’’ Elliot said and bumped his hip against the others.

‘’Very well, I’ll be looking forward to some burger-pizza.’’ Shedletsky laughed a bit too loud at his own joke. ‘’Have fun you two. Try not to turn the kitchen into a crime scene.’’

I smile to myself. A crime scene? Was he referring to Builderman’s pasta sauce explosion incident… Or the fact Elliot might kill me if I, for example, cut bread too thick. I drive that thought away… It wasn't particularly nice for me to think that.

 

Elliot decided to make American pancakes. Using up the last remaining eggs. I was tasked with cracking them into a bowl, and mixing it with the milk. But I seemed to struggle quite a bit. And I knew exactly why. My arm was still hurting from the last match. The throbbing and burning agony that cramped into my arm is still evidently clear.

I really did try to keep it to myself. But Elliot managed to catch on after the second egg I crushed straight into the batter. I cursed inwardly, grumbling to myself as I use the fork to try and scoop out the bits of eggshell.

‘’Oh, 007n7… Again? Here why don’t we switch objectives. Sorry but we don’t really have time to struggle this much on cracking eggs.’’ Elliot says to me and scoops the bowl away from me and places it in front of himself. Next to whatever task he decided he wanted to do by himself… Elliot grabbed the back of his neck and gave the bowl a skeptical look. ‘’007n7 why don’t you… uhm…’’ He mumbled, his voice trailing off into an inaudible muttering.

‘’Why don’t I wash the dishes?’’ I suggest. I could use that as an excuse to run my arm under some cool water.

‘’You know what… sure… Set the table whilst you’re at it.’’ Elliot said and began finishing my task, fishing out pieces of eggshell from the batter bowl. We switched places and I turned on the tap. The water gave a comforting cooling feeling to the burning sensation that was my healing burn scar. I watched the water ripple off my skin, dripping onto the dirty dishes beneath.

‘’What’s that?’’

Elliot had suddenly reached out for my arm. And I must’ve freaked out, seeing by my yelp of mostly surprise, and later pain. He had grabbed my wrist, right where the burning felt the worst. I jerked my arm back and cocked my head away from him.

Elliot seemed to give me quite the startled look. ‘’Oh.’’ He said and narrowed his eyes confused. ‘’What? Oh… Oh your arm…! Ugh ####, I totally forgot about that… Why didn’t you tell me I hadn’t looked at it yet!’’ He said. He sounded quite upset. Even though I wasn’t… even angry, or blaming him. He felt guilty. Elliot was always quite easy to read. Especially when his face turned into an embarrassed flustered mess like right now.

‘’Oh, really it’s nothing. It’ll heal in no time, Elliot.’’ I spoke and took a step back. ‘’Just… phantom pain.’’ I said. ‘’There’s nothing hurting me…’’ I reminded him. But the other didn’t seem to care about that statement.

‘’Quit whining. Guest1337 told you to quit that stupid self-hatred thing you have going on! No one is going to pity you more for that!’’

I heaved myself up. ‘’I’m not trying to get anyone’s pity!’’ I said desperately.

‘’Good. Because if you were, it’s not working. Sit down at the dining table. And wait for me, I’ll grab one of the medkits.’’

Elliot pov

What an idiot! I grab my head, frustrated to say the least. I storm out of the kitchen, untie my apron and throw it aside.

I walk to the mainroom, to the closet and grab a medkit that someone stole from the map. We rarely used them anyway, so taking one for this scenario wouldn’t make a difference.

007n7 was still sitting at the table when I returned, like I told him to do. Ugh! Why did he have to look so damn pathetic all the time! I bet that if I yelled at him he’d probably cry or beg for forgiveness. Was he really trying to fool people with such a sad attempt at begging for pity! Well whatever he did, didn’t and wouldn’t work on me.

The older man glanced up at me. That struggling fleeting glint of fear lingering bright in his dark brown eyes. Nothing like that ruthless stare he once gave me, leaving me in the rubble of my destroyed establishment. Watching as those wretched flames engulfed me. Maybe I should let him suffer from those burn marks, maybe that’d make him realise how much mine hurt.

Nobody asked about them, so eventually I told everyone else, after I managed to settle in, how the entire right side of my face, torso and my left leg were covered in burnscars. Who was responsible for all of them.

‘’Elliot…?’’

I looked at 007n7 again and sighed out. I must’ve been staring. Seeing how the other could barely keep his eye contact. ‘’Alright well, show me your arm. I’ll wrap it up.’’ I spoke sharply.

007n7 gave me a nervous glance. I knew why. And I signalled to him that it's all all-right. He wasn’t the only one with large cuts covering the soft skin of his underarm.

He rolled up his sleeve and stuck his arm out to me. Evidently, his arm looked completely normal. Yet it was probably feeling like a fresh bite wound from Guest666. I opened the medkit with a soft clack, and the heavy lid thudded against the table. I rolled out a string of bandages and cut off the strand.

I carefully reached my hand out, there was no use roughhousing 007n7. Especially not after the scolding I got from Guest1337 last round. Me and him had just managed to redirect C00lkidd away from us when he told me about the incident prior to that when I refused to heal 007n7. He got pretty heated and gave me a worked up scolding about teamwork and everything like that. It flew over my head a bit, up until he gave me quite the hit in my jaw.

He broke down right after that. Telling me he was sorry and found it difficult to work together with everyone too, and he just wished people could get along. If not for themselves, then for others. To keep morale up. And ####, that really shook me. I had never seen Guest1337 so vulnerable. So raw and honest.

Something in me liked it when 007n7 flinched when I spoke, or when he ducked as I lifted up my arms a bit too quick. Yet, there was also that me that couldn’t help but feel bad… None of us knew a lot about 007n7, other than the fact C00lkidd was his son… And that he used to be friends with Noli. He never spoke to us about himself, and even outright told us that he’d prefer to simply listen on the rare occasions he did include himself in a conversation.

But he still ruined my life.

‘’Ow…’’

His soft voice grunted. I looked back at what I was doing and noticed my hand squeezing his arm just a bit.

‘’Ughh… Sorry.’’ I explained, hoping that didn’t come off the wrong way. It was more of a note to myself. To pay attention. And pay attention I did. His skin was ever so dry, he hadn’t shaved in a long while also. My fingers plastered his skin, feeling over the soft underside as if kneading into like pizza dough. I nudged the bandages against each other. ‘’I hope it’s not too tight. If it starts hurting let me know and I’ll rewrap it.’’ I told him, looking up from my task.

My eyes widened.

What… WHAT?!

HE WAS BLUSHING?!

He had a dumb nervous attempt at a smile stuck to his face. And bright red cheeks accompanied by those scared eyes. I couldn’t even read that expression!

‘’U- Uhmm well, that should do it… Hopefully it helps a bit.’’ I say and stand up, shoving the medkit aside, for later use. ‘’L- Let’s focus on… cooking now, shall we?’’

007n7 pov

Shit. What was I thinking?

I managed to convince Elliot to let me stir the batter now that I could move my arm around a bit more comfortably. And I was now busy with that, repeating the same motion so I could turn my attention to my thoughts. I mean, he was basically groping my arm! Surely that’s not something… Normal!

If things weren’t awkwardly killing before then they were now! I had tried to not say anything about it because that would be even more embarrassing. I’d assume he’d notice himself… Yet Elliot didn’t!

The rest of the cooking session was in silence. Other than a few requests to bring over certain tools or to give some instructions.

At least the pancakes turned out good.

I had set the table, 11 plates for the 11 survivors. Which left just 1 empty seat. I was about to sit down and wait for the rest to get in, whenever Elliot decided to go gather them. Because I certainly wasn’t going to call everyone in.

But Elliot called out my name,

‘’007n7. Hold up… Can I talk to you before… this place turns into a chicken pen?’’ He asks. His sentences accompanied by a light joke. Which gave me a sense of security that this wouldn’t be as bad as I’d assume.

‘’O- Oh of course, can I help with anything else?’’ I ask and walk over to the former delivery man.

‘’I just… I wanted to apologize for today. And yesterday. And for… uhm, your arm.’’ He said. I knew he wasn’t referring to the initial burn. But rather hinting at the flimsy attempt at bandaging it up.

I breathe out calmly. It really felt as if weights were lifted from my shoulders, that the wall I built around myself to protect my sense of self finally weakened from being so worn out.

‘’Again… I apologise too for everything I did to you in the past.’’ I tell the man. I really dearly meant it. No matter how many times I must’ve already said that after being sent here.

Elliot looks up at me and huffs. ‘’Well, right… I know. But don’t push your luck, I’m not the type to just forget about things… But this is a… Good starting point to start anew. And don’t forget, because I know you know already. I’m doing this for Guest1337 mostly.’’ He said and looked away.

I gave him a nod. ‘’O- Of course, Elliot… Thank you, for the second chance…’’ I tell him. ‘’You won't regret it, I vow to uphold that.’’

Elliot gives me a funny look. ‘’ ‘Vow to uphold that’, I knew you were old, but wow. Didn’t know you were ancient.’’ He laughs and walks off.

I struggle to find my words. ‘’I’m only 6 years older than you… I’m not old..?!’’ I bark, comfortable enough to strike back at the harmless tease. And the ‘jerk’ pretends to not hear me as he swiftly turns the corner.

This was… actually not so bad…? Elliot was willing to forgive me. After probably a year of being stuck here with me. He finally let go of those grudges. Bit by bit.

That, and we were having pancakes for breakfast.

Notes:

Next few chapters will be longer

Chapter 4: A longing nurture

Summary:

007n7 discovers that now he can make friends. And things don’t seem so bad anymore. Oh and Azure is there I guess.

Notes:

Headcanon heavy for in-game Azure

I had been a bit distracted yesterday since I was in quite a good mood. I enjoyed brunch and talked with the other survivors. Oh Telamon, how I’ve missed this. And I had Elliot to thank for the nice time. As the man tried his best to include me in any conversations held during the shared brunch time.

Elliot felt the need to point out Chance’s little wardrobe mishap on the field. The gambler tipped their hat down and snickered to themselves. They’re always a good sport about the embarrassing things that happen to them. Mostly because of a staple rule we have that counts before, during and after rounds. Don’t point out things that shouldn’t be mentioned. We were all still robloxian after all and we all make mistakes.

Every day there would be one round. One match against a random killer. Matches were about 30 minutes long. On special occasions they could last up to 2 hours. Which all comes down to how we and the killer play our cards.

And we weren’t the only ones that made mistakes during our rounds. Which is how we found out Mafioso sleeps with an eye mask on. And that Noli is a really deep sleeper. A deep enough sleeper to sleep through being teleported to a whole different location in seconds. And that doesn't even include the random objects the killers would sometimes bring with them. The killer cabin was probably running short on utensils and frying pans. And nobody had quite stopped teasing Shedletsky about that time 1x1x1x1 hit them with a frying pan.

Once we had to spend a whole week without utensils when on a monday evening we were all teleported into a round as we were eating.

I could go on about the fun things that would sometimes occur during the rounds. But I had things I needed to do on this new day.

I walked outside towards the main field. It was already getting late, seen by the beautiful moon rising over the treetops. And we haven’t had a round today yet. The longer it took the more nervous we’d all get. Not making the rounds predictable was probably just another factor this cruel entity enjoyed watching us suffer through.

I kneeled down on the grass and looked at the small flower beds outside of the main cabin. They were all neatly arranged in patches that stretched alongside the entire cabin. They were absolutely beautiful. Jane Doe was the one that liked taking care of the flowers and the small greenhouse we had. Which wasn’t far installed in the forest. We’d use it to grow some extra things we could enjoy from time to time. Like certain fruits or vegetables. Which did prove to be quite a pain in the ass to grow when it was practically always nighttime or dawn.

‘’Hello.’’ Two Time, who had snuck up on me, said. Their voice really didn’t fit their off putting face. And I wondered if they really just looked like that, or if the Spectre had warped our image of them.

‘’Hello to you to, Two Time.’’ I said and glanced up sideways at them. The moonlight caught their hair beautifully. Yet that sinister smile they had stuck to their face shook me up.

‘’You were at the table today, and yesterday. I’m glad to see you’re warming up to joining everyone.’’ They speak to me and join me by my side. ‘’I’ve been praying for you.’’ They add and then touch the flowers with their hand.

I blink up confused. Praying for me? To their cult? I wrinkle my nose and place my head down in the palm of my hand. ‘’There’s no need for that, but thank you anyway.’’ I politely say. Whatever made me warm up to everyone wasn’t the doing of some cultist entity. But rather Elliot.

‘’Well, no problem. I pray for everyone, since nobody else wants to join me during my biddings.’’ They say and lean back, bobbing their head from side to side. They hum and seem to totally forget I’m even accompanying them at some point.

In a sense Two Time was just as shunned as I was but for different reasons. I was a former hacker that ruined the lives of countless people, stole the Voidstar together with Noli, raised C00lkidd and tried to selfishly escape the former life I had. And Two Time was just creepy. Yet they were somehow treated the same way I was. Nobody would willingly talk to them or keep them company. The only difference between us was that Two Time couldn’t care less. They liked including themselves. They chimed in, forced themselves into conversations, and like right now just made themself present. Whether their victim liked to have a chat or not.

I didn’t mind their company. It was almost comforting to have them by my side. They were something I could relate to. Something that felt close to me. Even though they probably didn’t think the same about me. Which I was alright with.

‘’Do you know what flowers these are?’’ They asked me. ‘’They’re moonflowers. Those are nightbloomers.’’ They spoke before I could even give them my guess. ‘’I know a lot about flowers.’’ They went on and then cut a handful of the blossoms with their dagger. ‘’Pretty, aren’t they?’’ They said and looked at me.

I gave Two Time a small nod and tilted my head. ‘’You mentioned you knew someone who taught you all this? The flower names and such.’’ I say and watch them smell the petals. They close their eyes and smile deeply as their arms move together into a praying position.

‘’Mhm. I miss him dearly every single day I’m here.’’ They speak softly and suddenly lean against my shoulder. They open their eyes and look down at the white moonflowers they held. And then they crush them in their hand. ‘’I wish things went differently. I gave my utter devotion to the spawn and yet I’m stuck here. Haven’t I sacrificed enough?’’ They mumble and pluck the petals from the stems. As if playing a game of ‘love me, love me not’.

‘’I’m sure all of us have things we regret. We’re all here for a reason.’’ I remind them and turn my attention back to the flowers. Oftentimes the two of us would sit in silence. Just enjoy the small bits of company we could get. But when we did talk it was… Normal. Enjoyable.

‘’Mhm.’’

Seems like they’d rather bathe in the silence for now. I comply and sit down in a more comfortable position, to better support the cultist leaning against me.

At some point Dusekkar had floated past us. Merely giving the two of us a glance before entering the survivor cabin. He wasn’t the biggest fan of Two Time. Hoax or no hoax, sacrificing a friend of yours for a cult wasn’t really something that gains you a lot of truth. And the survivors of this place really liked sinking their teeth into anything bad relating to someone.

Though I couldn’t blame the ex-admin. Two Time still freaked me out also. But at times like these, when they were just enjoying comfort, they were bearable.

-

Hi! I recommend listening to ‘’La petite fille of the sea’’ by Anajay whilst reading this part.

-

And just like that the air around us shifted, warped and coiled around itself. A new world materialising around us. Or better said me. Two Time was nowhere to be seen.

‘’Could I lend you a hand? To make sure you stand?’’ Dusekkar asked me. He floated in front of me, a hand reached down towards me. I accepted it. My hand clasped his warm palm and the magician helped me up. He gave me a nod and cleaned my shoulders off for me. ‘’Why don’t we find our other peers? Make sure they haven’t been overcome by their fears.’’

I smile weakly and returned the small nod. ‘’Good idea…’’ I mumble and look around the two of us. Brandon6875935’s place. One of my most favorite places to survive the killer. Everyone seemed to agree that hiding on top of the castle was a great advantage. Perfect for setting up traps and confusing the killer. Though it did have its downsides. Since you could be easily trapped up there. Which reminded me to check up on who was the killer this round.

I followed Dusekkar around. But then the map shifted right as I was about to look at my C00lGUI. There was a loud bell noise accompanied by the moon suddenly shining twice as bright. It was positioned just a bit closer to the horizon, its light cast huge shadows over the area. The walls barricading the light. All in favor of this round's killer, Azure.

Dusekkar made note of the same thing and grumbled in distress. We’ve been walking for a small minute and have not yet found anyone yet. I use the small pause we make to look at the C00lGUI. ‘’Nobody is hurt yet. Azure is… probably after Two Time. He seems to focus them for a small bit at the start of each round.’’ I explain and tap my screen a few times, and the other spawns of the survivors light up around me. ‘’If you want we can… Look for the others?’’ I suggest. Not sure if I should stick by Dusekkar’s side. I wouldn’t be of any use. And he seems to agree.

‘’It’ll be quite alright, I need to keep an insight. If you may, you can work on the generators, so I can look for the other moderators?’’ He says and swirls around. His staff hanging loosely in his paws. ‘’That way we’ll be out of this hell faster and avoid a greater disaster.’’ He says and points his staff to the nearest generator.

‘’O- Of course… Head over to the castle, it seems like Builderman, Elliot and Taph spawned there. And not far away from there you should find Jane Doe, Shedletsky and uhmm…’’ I struggle to remember and give my C00lGUI a small glance again. ‘’Noob.’’ I say swiftly and strictly turn back to Dusekkar. He gives me a small smile and thanks me before heading off.

Staying near Dusekkar was a free token to survive this round. His glowing head allowed the shadows cast by the great moon to vanish. That… And his useful passive ability to float made it easy to avoid the little traps Azure could set up.

I kneel down in front of the first generator, fiddling with the wires for a small bit. Unknowingly settling down in the patch of night pests that riddled the map whenever Azure entered. The nightshade flowers acting like a dramatic toxin that separated your will from your body. Ruptured the connection in yourself. Which is why nobody liked playing against Azure as far as I was aware. But I really didn’t mind fighting off the cryptic killer. He was like nobody we’ve had before. And we had quite the cast of killers.

He appeared calm and collected and didn’t scream like all the others. He wasn’t filled with so much rage and violence. He had this deep sorrow surrounding them. I code-worded him as the weeping killer. But a wolf that cried making its kill was no different from the one that doesn’t.

‘’007n7.’’

I jumped up from the generator and turned my head around so mightily I swear I could’ve gotten whiplash. ‘’Two Time…!’’ I call out and collect myself. Scrambling off the generator and sitting back down on the dirt. ‘’Oh, you startled me is all…’’ I apologize for my rude greeting.

‘’It’s quite alright. Mind if I help you?’’ They ask.

‘’Of course I don’t… more hands would be appreciated.’’ I explain and scoot over to the side, letting the cultist join by my side. I wasn’t going to point out how they should probably be running. Seeing how Azure liked to target them first. It was the same with Shedletsky and 1x1x1x1. And come to think of it. Mostly everyone had their own assigned killer. Even I did with Noli. C00lkidd was sent here probably to torture Elliot. Jane Doe had her husband to worry about. And Builderman seemed extra worried whenever we faced off against MrDoomBringer. I paused to think if I missed someone… There was Guest1337 with Slasher and Chance had trouble with Itrapped and Mafioso. Noob had Guest666… Dusekkar and Taph both seemed to be in the clear. For now.

We didn’t know each other that well yet, and so none of us knew why these specific killers had grudges against the others. Only me and Dusekkar knew about Two Time’s past with Azure, how the obsessed cultist had stabbed their partner and sacrificed them to their cult. Such tragic means. And because of that, Azure was now stuck here.

‘’Isn’t the moon beautiful tonight?’’ Two Time asked. They hadn’t even touched the generator yet. They seemed to be utterly entranced looking up at the beaming moon above us. I pause and turn towards the other following their gaze upwards. You could see the pearlescent shine the space rock gave off. It is indeed beautiful. ‘’No matter where he is, or whether he thinks of me or not, we both look up at the same moon each night.’’ They say and turn their attention back to the generator.

I keep my position looking up. ‘’That’s… a nice thought. I guess the same could be said about me and C00lkidd. We both sleep under the same moon. We both encamp ourselves in her mercy.’’ I say, probably a bit poetically for their liking. They gave me no further response.

Together we worked on the generator.

My hand gently took the last blue wire from their hand when they offered it to me. And we patched up the old machine just like that. I sit back overcome by the sudden tiredness. I take the moment to look at my C00lGUI again. Nobody had been hurt yet this round. And three generators have been completed so far. 21 minutes on the timer remained. We weren’t doing so bad.

‘’Should we look for the others now?’’ I ask Two Time who still sat next to me. ‘’We’d have a bigger chance at survival that way. I bet Azure hasn’t found anyone yet… Somehow.’’ I theorize.

‘’He’s here.’’

‘’He…? Azure?’’

‘’Something wicked this way comes.’’

‘’Two Time…?’’ I call out and gently nudge their shoulder. The other blinks and turns their gaze to me. ‘’Are you…’’

And just like Two Time said, Azure made his appearance.

The wall that the generator stood against blackened. Thick blubbering guts of black tar like liquid pooled out of the walls. And out of the shadow formed the dark cloaked figure. Azure wore a hat, with two purple glowing eyes and a menacing grin. The counter opposite of his own weeping expression. Tear scars slimed down his cheek, and his eyes were a deep azure wrath of purple.

The killer fell from the now goop-covered generator onto the floor, momentarily sinking into the shadow of the wall as if falling into water. He rose up and jerked forwards slowly. His gaze fixed on Two Time. Tentacles as thick as trees burst out from his back and slammed against the ground with a wet splat.

I merely lean back, watching as the killer crawls past me.

Two Time stands up and simply has to take two steps back to avoid Azure’s weak attempt at a strike. Either a strike or a last fragile attempt at reaching out for something familiar. ‘’Join me, in death.’’ He croaks and slinks back closer to the ground. Staring up at Two Time like a domesticated and scared circus lion.

Two Time’s smile didn’t falter as they made a small loop around Azure and impaled his back with the dagger they carried. The blade sinking smoothly into the killer's spine. They twisted it for good measure and then slit it up, drawing as much blood as possible. ‘’007n7. I’ll meet you later.’’ They said and turned around to walk off.

Azure cried out and fell against the ground where he curled up presently and hissed. Another thick tendril crawling out from the spot he was hit. The killer wailed and looped their body around. We made a few seconds of eye contact before Azure closed his and leaned in closer to me. He loomed around me, and then sank their claws back into the walls.

I was getting terribly sick from the poisoning. I could feel my organs melt inside my gut and my vision dulled despite my glasses that settled on my nose. Azure was busy disappearing into the shading again. And I reached my hand out, carefully placing it on one of the tendrils. It twitched slightly under my touch, like a reactive animal. And then it wrapped itself around my arm.

My mind too corrupted to fight back. My body weak from the poison. It pulled me closer to the wall and tugged at me relentlessly.

SHHLLTTTTTT

A sword cut over the tendril attached to my arm. The small bit splintered off and twitched on the ground.

I gasp for air and kick my legs aimlessly. My throat was burning.

‘’007n7, come on you need to get out of there.’’ Shedletsky said. Unable to get to me because of the patch of nightshades that surrounded me. I was going to die. ‘’Can you hear me, 007n7?’’ The man tried again and held out his sword. I couldn’t grab it even if I wanted to. My muscles prickled my body and twisted around my bones. I could feel them crack and collapse in on itself.

A bright sensation walmed over me. And an irresistible warmth blanketed me. Two hands grabbed onto my shoulder and lifted me up. I was thrown aside and had a pizza slide forcefully stuffed into my mouth. Which I evidently started choking on. Foam formed in the corners of my mouth as I suffered from the forced spasmic attack.

‘’Dusekkar do something!’’ I heard Shedletsky roar. Accompanied by a yell from Elliot and something crashing into someone. A forcefield was cast onto me barely in time for me to swallow pieces of the blood and saliva soaked pizza.

I was lifted off my feet again and placed against a wall that faced the moon, good call. You really didn’t want to be caught in a shadow this round.

‘’Stay there, you will recover soon. As long as you stay under the moon.’’ Dusekkar explained and nudged a streak of blood off my lips with his thumb.

Azure must not have liked Shedletsky slicing off its appendage. He was ruthlessly sinking his claws into his legs and yanking him against the ground. Blood bled out of his leg and splattered over the bed of nightshades that fluttered and spread. Wherever the moonlight hit, the flowers would begin to grow. Which made nowhere on the map safe.

I coughed up a handful of blood. It clattered against my chin and dripped down onto my chest. Gross.

‘’007n7, over here come on!’’ Elliot said. He was standing in the middle of the field waving his arm out for me. I gave him a small nod and lifted myself up. I wanted to make my way over to the other. I really did. That way I could maybe be of some assistance to him. But Azure didn’t deem that fit.

The killer cloaked up. Crawling out of Elliot's shadow and grabbing the man’s arm. Azure pinned Elliot to the ground. And with one big jerk backwards he launched himself at Elliot’s throat. Teeth sunk deep into his neck. With one swift motion Azure ripped their trachea out. Blood smeared over the field like a precise swab of a paintbrush on a white canvas. The map was his to paint tonight.

Azure spat out whatever gore he had stuck in his maw and looked over Elliot. He closed his eyes and placed his head against the other's chest… And with that sunk into his torso. He ripped out flares of skin and pried his ribs loose, searching for the shadow underneath the pizza deliveryman.

It was eerily quiet now.

I could hear Dusekkar's soft breathing as he placed himself close to me. The light emitted from his head saved us from Azure.

I almost didn’t dare look over to where I last saw Shedletsky. But the fear that ached at my skin twisted my neck around.

What a beautiful painting… Shedletsky’s corpse was pressed against the wall. There was nothing left of it. Azure must’ve attempted dragging him into the shadows. Which wasn’t possible for us survivors. Instead we could get compressed against the wall. And I almost suffered that same fate.

We could still tell it was Shedletsky, by the two beautiful wings that stuck out of the painting. Breezing in the wind.

‘’Don’t stare too long, we should hurry along.’’ Dusekkar weakly reminded me. ‘’Let’s head to the castle… shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.’’ He said and grabbed my shoulder. He noticed my disturbed look and kneeled down next to me. ‘’They’ll be back at the cabin… but I know this is scary to imagine.’’ He soothes and wraps his arms around my chest, and lifts me off the ground. ‘’I’m glad Elliot could heal your body, now let’s go look for somebody.’’ He says and carried me over his chest like a big bag of rice. I wrap my legs around his body and my arms cradle his neck. This felt… a bit silly. I used to carry C00lkidd like this all the time since he was quite a heavy baby for his size and age.

Dusekkar floated over the patches of nightshade, unaffected by the poison. Everyone loves Dusekkar. The man was so caring and gentle. I bet he would’ve done the same for Two Time despite not really liking them. He was helping me of course. Because he knew nobody deserved the same fate Shedletsky and Elliot suffered.

And apparently Taph, Builderman, Noob, Jane Doe and Guest1337 too. Azure was ruthless this time…

I heard from small glimpses of the other admins that Dusekkar had suffered the most when he was forsaken. Losing mostly all of his strength and spells. He was seen as a god together with the now missing Telamon.

‘’Could you scout out where Chance is? Then we’ll find him in a bliss.’’ Dusekkar said. His tone had returned to calm and collected measure. I gently lean my head against the warm pumpkin skull and check my C00lGUI again.

‘’They’re still at the castle… Hasn’t left their spawn location yet. And Two Time is with them too.’’ I explain and close my C00lGUI so it would stop making that glitchy noise. I look behind Dusekkar and take in our surroundings. The nightshades were spreading like an illness. They covered the floor and started curling around walls and growing upwards. Most generators were inaccessible so it seems like we were stuck waiting for the round to end. Unable to speed up the timer.

Dusekkar left out a small sigh and kneeled down, dropping me on the small sloped steps of the castle. ‘’There you go, take it easy though.’’ He says and cracks his back before he hops off his feet and continues levitating. It seemed to come so naturally to him.

‘’I’ll walk up. Elliot’s pizza got rid of most of the poison.’’ I say and look behind us before I follow Dusekkar up the steps of the castle stairs. They’re robust and brutalistic architecture fitted this killer so well. Small flowers bloomed in the cracks which made the castle wow in its abandonment.

‘’Greetings, friends!’’ Two Time interjected.

Dusekkar and I both jumped back startlingly. I grabbed onto the admins robe and kept myself from stumbling down the stairs dramatically. Dusekkar whipped around and heaved me up by my wrist. He gave me a worried look and then let out a small tired ‘eughh…’.

‘’You make yourself quite… Present. I wouldn't call that very pleasant. You’ll catch us off guard, leave us scarred.’’ Dusekkar mumbled and jabbed the end of his staff into their chest. He skipped past Two Time and looked around the battlement.

I blinked and turned to look at Two Time. Their gaze followed Dusekkar with that simplistic smile. Awfully creepy to say the least. I tried walking past them… But then Two Time pivoted on the spot and turned towards me with their glitteringly dull eyes. ‘’I’m glad to see you’re still alive 007n7, I was worried you wouldn’t manage to escape Azure in time.’’ They sounded a bit too enthusiastic for my liking. Two Time walked over to me and grabbed my hand before bringing me over to Dusekkar. The admin had luckily found Chance. And wow, they looked worse for wear.

Dusekkar reached out to touch Chance’s forehead to check his temperature. Only for Two Time to jab him away. ‘’Don’t.’’ They hurriedly called out. ‘’He’s poisoned, and you’ll get infected.’’ They explained and stepped between the two. Two Time however kneeled down next to Chance and took off their glasses. Getting dangerously close to our sick teammate. They pressed their finger fingertips against Chance’s cheek. And the man groaned as the cultists invaded their space. ‘’He’s burning up.’’ They noted and then lifted up their drooped eyelids that scooped close their eyes. Chance’s eyes were bloodshot. Nasty red bloodveins clamped around their eyes threatening to burst if they blinked too quickly.

‘’Ah, my poor friend… Don’t let this be your end…!’’ Dusekkar gasped and lightly tapped his staff against their leg. A small sputter of magic wobbled over the punter, yet nothing happened. Dusekkar was only able to temporarily heal Chance. Which in this situation was no use.

‘’Chance. Your hat?’’ I point out. Funnily enough… They really did need their hat during the rounds. They always had it with them. Though now it was gone. The absence of the headwear makes their white dreads more visible. ‘’Don’t tell me…’’ I quiet down as they cough and sit upright.

‘’Oofhh… Good eyes, 007n7. It’s uhh... down… there…? I think…?’’ They questioned like they weren’t even sure themselves where they left it. Dusekkar and I made brief eye contact before we turned to look over the edge of the castle, past the guards. Sure enough. The small grey-black fedora hat lay neatly on a patch of nightshades that had overgrown the medieval path. ####. ‘’Azure attacked us at the spawn… And well, like the good support I was I uhm… Shot him. But my gun might’ve uhm… Shot backwards? The blast knocked my fedora off my petite head.’’ They said through groans. Trying to keep up their good character. ‘’And it fell off the building. I would’ve gone down to grab it but… Kinda too late for that now. I don’t think my legs work anymore…’’ They went.

‘’Well you just need a hat right? To tip to get rid of your weakness and poison…?” I ask. What a stupid question, I mean of course they did. Whenever Chance tipped their hat they would erase all negative debuffs they had. From weakness to slowness, burns, poison or corruption.

They gave me a weak nod and lulled their head back. They were about to die.

I scurried closer, just for Two Time to cut me off and pin me back. Away from the sick individual. ‘’I don’t want both of you to die here. Don’t touch Chance. If you’ve come up with a plan then please, do inform me! I’ll be of your most needed assistance. The poison won't hurt me.’’ They said and looked at me.

I cringe slightly and take off my burger hat and hand it to Two Time. ‘’Try… see if that fits them… Whilst you’re at it, tip it for them.’’ I say and join Dusekkar by his side again. Two Time gave me a skeptical look. But obliged.

They put my burger hat on Chance’s head and tipped it for them.

Chance sat still… And slowly kicked their legs into motion. They loosened their shoulders and let out a relieved moan which arguably sounded a bit too pleased. I smile weakly to myself as Dusekkar nudges my shoulder.

‘’Good thinking 007n7. We owe you Chance not getting sent to heaven.’’ He complimented me. His flames booming just a bit brighter as he proudly lifted his chin up. I flushed up and straightened my back just in time for Chance to wrap their arms around me.

‘’Amazing! Oh, I’m so glad you’re such a nerd 007n7!’’ They laughed and struck a pose after they let me go. ‘’Now, how does it look on me? Does it capture my essence nicely?’’ They asked.

‘’Oh, it's really ugly. It looks good on 007n7 because I’m used to seeing him wear it.’’ Two Time said blandly.

Chance laughed and said; ‘’Guessed so…’’ Shamefully scratching the back of their head to ease some tension.

The moment was oddly wholesome. Things seemed to really clear up for me ever since Elliot spoke to me. My whole life turned around in just a day all thanks to him. I managed to laugh again at Chance’s joke. Something about offering Azure a bouquet of the nightshades. It was ecstatic and blissful.

Two Time and Chance were checking out both exits of the castle. And me and Dusekkar busied ourselves with trying to come up with a plan. We had basically trapped ourselves on top of the castle. But it seems like Azure wasn’t willing to show himself for whatever reason.

‘’You should wear that more often, it helps the tension soften.’’ Dusekkar said. ‘’You have a true smile. Quite versatile.’’ Dusekkar went on as he looked down at me.

I look up at the other and thank him with a small nod. ‘’I’m… trying.’’ I say truthfully.

Dusekkar smiled back at me. He opened his mouth to speak-

But Chance cut him off.

‘’AZURE!’’ The gambler yelled and ran towards the two of us. ‘’We need to leave NOW! He’s right at the gate!’’ They blurted and looked over their shoulder. Two Time was nowhere to be seen.

There was a loud scream in the background. Followed by the precise slicing of a weapon.

‘’Alright… But… How?!’’ I cried out as we made it to the other slope. Nightshades wickedly grew upwards. Reaching out to the 3- no, 4 of us. Two Time rushed past us. They grabbed Chance’s wrist and lifted the thinner man up and threw them over their shoulder. Chance yelped and dug his fingers into Two Time’s shoulder blades on their back. ‘’WOAH- H- Hold up, what’re you doing!’’ They stammered and grabbed onto my hat instinctively. Didn’t want another piece of headwear to get lost in the bed of blooms.

‘’Two Time… Wait, I need your aid!’’ Dusekkar said. ‘’Could… We switch the person we carry? I’m afraid I’ll tarry!’’ He said and turned towards me. He gave me a guilty look. But I took no offense. I knew I was a bit on the heavier side. Especially compared to Chance who was perfectly lean.

Azure smashed himself against the wall behind us, claws scraping trenches into the rocks.

‘’Sure!’’ Two Time said excitedly. They hopped back, roughly dumped Chance back onto the safe-to-step-on slope. Two Time’s hands grabbed me by my waist. And they lifted me up and threw me on their own shoulder. I grunted in protest… Said position not loathing me well.

Dusekkar cradled Chance in his arms and made his way swiftly around the corner. Two Time had to make a small jump as Azure weakly lifted their arm up to them.

‘’He won’t be safe with you.’’ Azure warned. He had a silky soft voice. Like the comforting monotone inflection of a radiator. Or the shielding branches of a pine that bristled in the wind. ‘’You will hurt. You only hurt.’’ Azure screamed. He screamed without any volume. His voice so tender and collected. He lunged for Two Time. He was overcome by a raging anger and swiped his claws, slicing Two Time over their back.

The cultist kept themself from crying out. Instead they simply picked up the pace and ran off with me on their shoulder. We could probably distract Azure for a bit, buying Dusekkar and Chance some time. But me travelling with Two Time probably meant I wouldn’t stay standing for that long.

We ran for quite a while. And in the corner of my eye I saw something I dreaded. I had been thinking about this scenario the entirety of yesterday. There was a generator. Well, there would've been one. Instead there was a big exploded mess installed in the corner. My heart sank to my belly. Had I really just permanently destroyed one of the generators?

They carried me to an open field. Dropping me here was a death sentence. ‘’Try the back of the map, that’s usually the place least populated at this point.’’ I explain and point behind the robust building installed in the middle of the map, to the colorful blocks and white walls.

‘’Over here!’’ A voice called that distracted Two Time. They froze and turned towards Chance and Dusekkar. Chance was sitting atop a generator. And Dusekkar not far from them.

We both paused. I already saw it coming.

‘’No.’’ Two Time said and I felt their long nails sink into my thighs. Two Times energy shifted and they grew even paler. ‘’NO!’’ They yell and run towards the two. Their shift in tone sent a shiver down my spine. I was barely able to see what was happening.

Dusekkar, who was supposed to stay near Chance, made the mistake of reaching out towards us holding a medkit for Two Time’s injury. Dusekkar hadn’t noticed himself yet. But when he did, it was merely too late.

He strayed too far away. And Chance was engulfed in the shadows.

Two large claws surfaced from the shadowed wall. Two claws that embraced Chance in a deep enfold. They barely had time to react. The arms jerked back and disappeared into the shadows again ultimately splitting their body in half. Chance’s upper half smeared against the wall and splattered onto the ground.

Azure pushed himself out of the shadow of the wall and beckoned himself forth. His movements were sluggish and slow.

Dusekkar stared at the killer. His eyes widened. ‘’What have… I done…’’ He mumbled. The sorcerer held onto his staff shakily. His legs closed inwardly and closer to himself. Rolling himself up into a ball.

Azure glanced behind himself at the dismembered corpse. He stopped in the middle of the field and fixed his gaze on the three of us. He stood there, all four limbs on the ground like a stalking leopard, their thick black tendrils wavering like hair underwater. The eye contact was sickening. Scarily cruel.

Two Time shook their head and turned around to begin walking off. Unbothered to check if Dusekkar was following us. The poor admin was still stuck in the air, grabbing at his head and squinting his eyes shut.

‘’Dusekkar…! Come on, we need to go.’’ I say and grab onto his cloak. The admin shakes awake and turns around towards me. Wax like tears dried up on his pumpkin head. ‘’Please, forgive me. I’m not thinking clearly, you see.’’ He says and hurriedly levitates by my side. He whispers a spell to his staff and sets it alight. ‘’Hold onto my staff for me, its light shall set you free.’’ He spoke carefully.

I held onto the wooden base. A surge of power zapped through my arms. The staff was actually a lot heavier than it seemed. I inspected it closely. It wasn’t unusual for the sentinels to lend others their weapon in desperate times. The only downside was that only those who owned the weapon could wield it. A sword would always be too heavy to slash with. Chance’s gun would always misfire and nobody was able to cast spells with Dusekkar's staff. The same could be said about the other survivor specific objects. If I ate Shedletsky’s chicken then I wouldn’t heal. And the tripwires I placed wouldn’t ever stay upright. And nobody but me could use my C00lGUI for that same reason.

I glanced up from the staff and turned my attention back to our stalker. Azure sat idly on the nightshade polluted grass bed. He hummed something to himself. He was summoning more flowers.

 

The three of us hid in the far end of the map. We huddled close to Dusekkar, the god-like being helped Two Time with healing his wounds.

‘’You should be more careful on the field, your second life isn’t a weapon to wield.’’ Dusekkar said when he closed the medkit and shoved it aside. ‘’I wouldn’t rely on it one bit.’’ Dusekkar explained his thoughts and then looked at Two Time. The cultist seemed to stiffen. And for a moment their smile faltered… Before it quickly recovered and laced their face again.

‘’Of course I can rely on the Spawn. It has only brought joy to me my entire life. I owe my everything to my Spawn.’’ They say and inspect their wound. ‘’My spawn grants me the luxury in life I need.’’ They remind Dusekkar. The ex-admin frowns. As much as their face would allow for it.

‘’False. You speak only lies, left your lover in cries.’’ Dusekkar reminded them. ‘’You’re a shame, this is all yours to blame.’’ He said.

I could already see the outcome to this. Two Time took a rather defensive stance. The stronger Robloxian snapped back and twitched their eye annoyed. Dusekkar lifted himself up and jabbed his finger against their chest. The two argued. Loudly.

 

Everything happened so quickly. Two Time had snapped, and shoved Dusekkar with a mighty push. The ex-admin stumbled back and drifted away closer to me. Leaving Two Time in the shadows. And soon they were met with the same fate as the rest. Though this time we could prepare.

I wanted to yell, warn them of the predator about to strike their back.

The staff was forcefully ripped out of my hand and beamed over towards the cultist. There was a flash of light that seemed to hurt Azure just as much as it blinded me. I grabbed my eyes and hissed frustratingly. The light had dimmed and I jerked my head back at the scene. Two Time had covered their neck up, a fatal attempt at protecting themselves.

I let out a small sigh of relief anyway. I back away and hide behind one of the blocks. Two Time would be fine, seeing how Dusekkar had cast a protective forcefield around them. It glowed calmly and shuddered. Two Time could use this moment to get up and possibly stab Azure again. That way we could all-

Azure had suddenly lunged forward. He shoved Two Time aside, throwing them against the wall. The forcefield shattered instantly as he leaped in front of the ray.

‘’HOW COULD YOU!’’ He screamed. His claw scratching Dusekkar over his chest. ‘’TRAITOR!’’ He spat and with his other claw grabbed one of the antlers. He yanked it down and just as quickly stomped his foot down onto Dusekkar's face. Bits of wax filled pumpkin blew around everywhere.

Two Time groaned and struggled to find their footing. That throw must’ve taken a lot out of them.

I look at my C00lGUI and summon a clone. I take a deep breath of air as the puppet claws its way out of my spine and falls onto the ground. Its lifeless eyes looking around. It looks at Azure and charges towards him so it can easily catch his attention. Azure lunges for it. It wasn’t a strike, or a swipe. His claws were tucked back, and they tried to desperately reach out. ‘’Please…!’’ Azure wailed in his weeping and shattered voice.

I spun around the object and grabbed Two Time’s arm to drag them up. We sprinted through the patches of violet. The poison flooded my lungs and sapped into my heels. I knew I would die. Two Time had a better chance at surviving anyway. I could only stall Azure for so long. Two Time however, possibly already had their second life. Granted by their Spawn.

Crouching down next to the white walls I check over the wicked cultist. ‘’Two Time, are you alright? There were only three minutes remaining. I can stall you some time.. If you sprint back to the castle you can hide besides Taph’s old tripwires.’’ I whisper and hold up their head for them. They give me a gloomy smile and lean into my hand.

‘’You may stall Azure… But 007n7 don’t you see it? You could possibly assist me in another possible way!’’ Two Time leaned forwards, closer to me. They looked deranged, broken and shattered. Their eyes twitched. Tail flicked up and down erratically. ‘’The Spawn would be pleased to take you…’’ They say and lean against my chest, arms wrapping around me in an embrace. ‘’You’ll join me in death, and resurrection. Grant me my second life and you’ll live on with me. We’ll win this together, with our Spawn!’’ They say and nuzzle my neck. Their warm breath leaves a damp mark.

I shudder in surprise. They wanted to sacrifice me…? They had only ever attempted this once before. Before Builderman had banned such act. They had struck their knife through Dusekkar's flank and gained their second life that way. It created an outrage among the survivors. Two Time was the only survivor that could harm another during rounds after all. And now they were willing to risk everyone’s respect like that again. Did they really trust me this much?

I swallow deeply and hold onto their back. ‘’You may.’’ I breathe. My fingers sink into their shoulders and grip at their scarf. I was going to die of the poison anyway. And this would be a less painful way to go.

Two Time’s arms leave me naked. They reach down to their side for their dagger, it glints in the sharp moonlight when they lift it up. I take a deep breath but despite that still gasp for air when the cold metal slides into my back. I groan in pain and squeeze Two Time tighter. Unable to let go. I grit my teeth and kick my legs in reaction to the pain. The dagger sleeps in my back and I hear Two Time whisper behind me. They thank their Spawn for the opportunity.

‘’007n7.’’ They say and let me go. I slump back to the ground and feel my vision dull. I watch their silhouette walk off… The blade dripping with the crimson ichor that is my lifeblood.

 

Two Time had been gone for a minute now. And the timer was still ticking down. But I hadn’t died yet. I was still splayed out between the mingle of white walls and the bed of flowers that had grown around my legs and arms. I could try teleporting away, but it would be no use.

And then, the timer jumped back to the full last-man-standing time. There was a loud gong and the moon darkened. The entire map was now portrayed in a giant shadow. Two Time had died.

 

I waited patiently for whatever faith awaited me. To help myself calm down I imagined what it might be like back in the cabin. Maybe someone will help me up and recover from the fear inducing match this was. And I could simply sleep away my worries. Just to have to endure it all over again tomorrow.

Anxiety strikes me like an arrow impaling a rabbit. Azure rose up from behind me. He was ice cold. The killer loomed over me. I just couldn’t find the strength to lift myself up.

‘’Oh, my poor flower bud.’’ He whispered. His hand gently feeling over the backstab wound. His fingers applied just a bit of pressure and I felt blood pooling out of my back.

I groaned in pain and wheezed. My chest lifting itself up and down viciously forlorn to fill up my lungs.

Azure moved around me. Was he playing with me? I tried not to show my fear but my attempt at trying to lay still was all in despair, my muscles couldn’t stop shaking. His claw leveled to my chin and held it up. ‘’What have they done to you…’’ He weeped and drew his face close to mine.

Azure smelled beautifully like the flowers he bloomed. The comfort enough to allow me to settle down just a bit.

‘’Your scars still bleed, your skin still feels.’’ He pouts and wraps his arms around me, lifting me up and holding me close to his chest. ‘’Their lies were stained with blood not theirs. Why must they continue to take away?’’ He cried. His inky tears dropped on my head. I give him one final glance. His face shrouded in the darkness of the moon.

‘’Flower of mine,’’ He says before snapping my neck. Ending the poisonous suffering.

-

I let out a blood curdling scream and feel my muscles cramp up. I died. Azure had won this round.

‘’There he is!’’ I hear a voice call out.

‘’007n7!’’

Multiple people were calling out for me now. My eyes hadn’t yet adjusted to the bright light of the cabin when I was already pulled off the ground and taken away. What was this? I’ve never gotten this treatment before… Where was I being taken away too? Was I in trouble, did I do something to upset my peers?

My eyes opened and I looked up at Dusekkar who gave me a wide smile. ‘’Not bad, you outlasted Two Time.’’ He cooed and led me down onto the Sofa.

‘’I-’’ I stammered.

‘’007n7. You’re safe now, remember? Your pain shouldn’t last forever.’’ Dusekkar says and looks past me, signalling someone over. He crouches down in front of me and pats me down on my flank. He was checking for stab wounds. A new rule that came along with the Two Time incident. Whoever was last standing with Two Time would undergo a small checkup. Dusekkar patted me on my back and I bit on my tongue. I couldn’t flinch, make noise or even look bothered.

Dusekkar stopped… and looked up at me with wide eyes. He knew already?! I slowly shook my head and both of us yelped when Builderman announced himself.

‘’Ah, 007n7. Well, bless your heart, are you feelin' alright? I do hope Azure was easy on you this time around. Elliot, he went and made some tea n’ asked me if I'd offer you a cup. Would you be wantin' som’?’’ Builderman asked and looked at me calmly. The face of Robloxia was actually asking me something casual. Whatever nice word Elliot had put in for me must’ve worked amazingly.

‘’Uhm, sure. If he doesn’t mind- Then… Green is fine.’’ I tell him. Builderman nods and looks at Dusekkar.

‘’Everything is alright Builderman, I already did my scan.’’ Dusekkar says and sighs out, lifting himself back up.

I exchanged a small glance with Dusekkar. He was willing to keep Two Time’s secret… a secret?

-

I had settled down onto the sofa. My tea in my hands, a small blanket wrapped around me. Two Time led next to me. Their head leaning against my soft side. Fast asleep. Dusekkar was accompanying my other side. Shedletsky and Chance both fighting for a spot on the sofa. Whilst Elliot tries to tell them he’ll make space for them.

And to think I would’ve left this behind a day ago.