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Chapter Text

chapter 1 . " Papa's very tired "
The rounds were getting repetitive, the same things over and over again.. either the survivors having their way to survive and make the killer seem like a joke, either someone surviving by pure luck..or just the killer having no mercy and managing to kill everyone without a sweat.
The thrill of the rounds was overtime disappearing as it left the Specter for wanting more, not the usual same matches..he could use some more, interaction between the two teams perhaps? .. Something more into the intimate bonds some of his marionettes shared with one another, that is when an idea made his lips curve up into a sick twisted grin..What could be more intimate than a bond between a father and his son? That's when c00lkid and 007n7 made their appearance in that sadistic mind of theirs, he could definitely work something out, 007n7 had been indeed a pain in the ass whenever he was the last man standing, he had taken note of how the killers would constantly complain if they wouldn't kill him before the end of the round because of his annoying clones, pondering about it, he came out with an idea that was going to please both him and his "circus animals" . it was finally time to put 7n7's to sleep forever.
. .
. . .
" NEXT ROUND KILLER IS .. C00LKID "

Finally it was the kids turn to "tag" the survivors, despite being used to this eternal cycle of rounds which he and the others had to face everyday by now.. seeing his son's name appear at the start of a round it always made his heart ache, it has passed..how much time? Weeks? Days? Years even? Since he and his son had been forsaken, dragged into this twisted world against their will, time never healed his gushing wound of when he discovered that c00lkid, his precious son whom he adopted when he was still a pill baby, had now become a reckless killer, blinded by childish fantasies and distortions.
He sighed and braced himself, he gave a quick glance at his teammates who disliked him, before closing his eyes and alongside them getting transported onto the next map where hell itself will be unleashed towards them all.

. .

He spawned alone in one of the corners of the map, he sighed as he felt his heart beat against his chest like crazy due to anxiety and slight fear, not wanting to be met with the sight of his son running towards him to kill him, he knew that in the other's POV, this was all just a silly game.. and it hurt knowing he couldn't do much about it. Snap out of it 007n7.. you need to move, find some of your teammates and stick beside them, after all, what could a survivalist like him do to defend himself? Plead? . . .
He took a deep breath and began to walk forward, preparing himself mentally for the upcoming events.

. .

C00lkid finally spawned too, he smiled to himself and let out a small laugh and quickly covered his mouth with his claws, not wanting to alert the other players of his position, he wanted to surprise them, especially his dad, he wanted to see that shocked look of his as he tagged him, watching him fall on the ground with a small smile as he went to sleep like usual, he never quite understood why he and his other supposedly friends would always feel sleepy whenever they got caught, probably because playng took away a lot of energy just like papa once told him.
He started making his way around the map slowly, observing the carnival where he spawned, luckily for him he knew this map like the back of his hand...or...claw...or wathever you want to call it.

"..Ready 0r n0t..here i c0me !!" Could be heard with a childish giggle followed, indicating the killer begin to move.
007n7 quickly found some of his other teammates, as the map itself wasn't big, he spotted Builderman building his sentry tactically as Shedletsky stood beside him, rambling of wathever he found important..from what he heard, Shed was just sharing his idea for a dispenser of fried chicken and how it could be an amazing idea, in which Builderman just frowned and rubbed his temples, as if this wasn't the first time he had to endure hearing such absurd idea. 007n7 sighed in slight relief and just awkwardly remained close to the sentry, not wanting to gain too much attention to himself, the two clearly noticed his presence but didn't bring it up and he was heavily thankful...

It all seemed quiet and peaceful until Noob's body was thrown against a wall that happened to be in the launch trajectory with a concerning strength, Shedletsky and Builderman's neck snapped immediately alerted, small giggles could be heard slowly approaching where the three of them had settled. 007n7's heart clenched for a moment as he could recognize the soft suppressed laughs of his own child far away, but this wasn't the moment to grieve the memories before they got forsaken, he quickly typed a code into his c00lgui and made a clone of himself, who luckily managed to grab the attention of the kid, his other two teammates used this as an opportunity to move away.. unfortunately Builderman's ability to build a sentry was on cooldown, but it didn't matter for now, he quietly reached the two and stiffened a sigh as he spot Elliot, who was now with them.. maybe it was time to distance himself again and help his team in some other way, by making generators or by luck finding medkits or bloxycolas.. he turned around, and despite his back turned to his comrades he could feel the pizza boy giving him a disrespectful glare, clearly not enjoying his presence.

...A minute has passed by then, he was now helping Guest out with a generator, he was the only one who didn't despise him unlike the rest, maybe he understood his position as a father? Did he have a family too perhaps? What was his bond like- ..."Your hands are shaking, 007n7." Guest commented eyeing how the others fingers couldn't grasp the threads of the broken generator efficiently multiple times, he sighed. "Overthinking again i see, what is it this time? C00lkid? The others? ..Elliot's constant glares?" Guest continued, hoping that he got the answer correctly. "..Why don't you feel hatred towards me unlike others? I am the father of a killer, the very one who haunts us believing it's all a game of tag and-" 007n7 quickly shut himself up, feeling sick as he spoke so ill about his sweet precious boy ..he awkwardly looked up to he met with a surprised look plastered on Guest's face. "I have sympathy for you because you're brave for trying to help out despite your own child is out there seeking blood." The retired military said with honesty, both of them were fathers, different stories and families, but still fathers. As the last cable of the generator was repaired he stood up and pat 007n7's shoulder giving him a nod, before walking off to search where the others had settled.

. .

Brave? He was anything but brave, his abilities are based off running and hiding, to stay out of danger.. he's not brave. His thoughts were cut off by a loud scream, he quickly got behind a wall, only to see Chance's neck getting snapped by none other than the red kid, who once finished "tagging" the gambler, he threw the body against an abandoned van, his attention turning to the Elliot.. knowing the two, Chance very likely tried to shield the pizza boy, either to impress him or to be actually useful but his gun didn't shoot, he had to do something. He quickly summoned another clone of his in a poor attempt to distract c00lkid and make Elliot gain some time for a possible escape, however..c00lkid managed to hit him with corrupt nature before he could even acknowledge the clone's presence, damn it. 3 Survivors down already, and the timer gained a whole new minute, another minute inside this hell..
"Papa!!.." c00lkid didn't fall for his clone this time and was now approaching him. Shit. Shit. Shit. He should stop getting lost in his thoughts, he suppressed a scream as he was now chased down by his son in a lovely game of what he'd call tag. "I'm it, I'm it, I'M IT!!!" He felt a sharp pain shooting across his body, stinging and burning as the red kid successfully slashed him with the sword, another hit, and another.. he found himself clutching his arm for dear life, breath coming out in short ragged gasps of pain and needing missing oxygen. His son standing close to him with a childish smile splattered on his face. "I missed playing tag with y0u!! ..I wish i c0uld be the 0ne at tagging every r0und!!" Unable to acknowledge the pain his father was in right now he hugged him, 007n7 felt his chest warming up a bit, before his body suddenly got cold and fell on the floor unmoving, blood covered his lower abdomen, face and the dead grass beneath him, coloring it in a pleasent red.

. .

C00lkid giggled, proud of himself, and went to search for the other survivors, with the rest of the survivors falling and "succumbing to sleep", soon the " THE KILLER HAS WON" screen appeared, frustration and tiredness was in the air as all the survivors respawned back into the cabin..however, something seemed amiss.

"...Wait, where's 007n7?" Noob asked as he looked around, scratching the top of his head, "Maybe he already went back to his own cabin? I think we all by now know he does that whenever ... that annoying child is the chosen killer."
It made sense, and yet, something felt more, obscure.

Chapter Text

chapter 2 . " Missing, like once your child did "

In the Spectre's realm sun never raised nor set, it was always eerily dark, the only conception of time they could get was by checking the Grandfather's Clock or eventual personal watches the survivors had, based off those, they could now tell that it was time for breakfast, as usual, Elliot was helped in the kitchen by either Noob or Guest, Shedletsky was banned from the kitchen until food was ready. One by one the different survivors made their way to the table and shared some well deserved meal, after all they had a round ahead so they needed to get enough energies to do their best to survive. Everyone seemingly were having a good time despite the hell they were stuck in, however someone was missing, the infamous former hacker, the outcast, the father of the red annoying child.

. .

" What is 007n7 up to now? He hadn't left his room since yesterday i believe. " Builderman commented, sure, he wasn't fond of the man due to their past but in this hell, he needed to be sure that each survivor was doing alright, as he chose to take leadership of leading the group. While some seemed to think about it, others were completely disinterested or even annoyed like a certain pizza guy. Guest silently sighed to himself, he was well aware that he was one of the few, if not the only who tried to establish a connection with the man in question,
" I'll go check his cabin, I'll be right back. " The military man excused himself before standing up and walking outside the cabin and towards the furthest, smallest, and unwelcoming shack.
Once he stood in front of the old door he decided to knock, knock again, and again, and again...no answer from the latter, that was rather weird, 007n7 despite his past he always had decency to answer when they were in need.

. .

" 007n7, open the door, or I'll force my way inside. " Guest warned, no answer again, he mumbled a small apology seemingly to the door before barging in, knocking the door out with his arm and strength, he took a second to stabilize himself before looking around, no sign of life.

The cabin was seemingly left untouched since the day before, before the round started, that possibly meant 007n7 didn't return to his cabin when he got killed.
He muttered someone under his breath before turning around and returning to the main cabin to share his discovery to comrades, and bracing for their reactions.

. .

" ..what do you mean he wasn't in his cabin?? Where did he go then? Nobody and Nothing leaves this purgatory. Guest are you sure of this?? " Builderman blurted out in utter disbelief, Guest just nodded, confirming what he said was true. " As one of our comrades went amiss, it is our duty to unravel such thrills " Dusekkar commented putting a hand on his companion's shoulder, Shedletsky too seemed to snap out his usual cockiness and non-chalance, after all they were admins, even though they were stuck in this dimension they still wanted to do their best to protect the other robloxians. " I mean it, Builderman. I've checked anywhere, i even checked for signs of intrusion but it almost felt like he just didn't enter his cabin at all after what happened yesterday, after c00lkid got him i mean. " — " ...I-I don't think i saw him anywhere in the cabin after he died.. b-but i can't be sure because i continued spectating others.."
Noob looked up to have Elliot and Chance's part of the story, as they too died before the now missing hacker. " I was busy regretting shooting with one shot " The gambler said with the stupidest grin ever splattered across his face that Elliot somewhat grew greatly fond of, after snapping out his thoughts the pizza guy cleared his throat. " I don't think i saw him anywhere as well like Noob. Anyway, i think we should put the matter aside for now, a round is starting, and if 007n7 is hiding somewhere he'll teleport with us. "
That made sense, so without much thought they mutually agreed to and hope they'll survive today's round.

. .

*IT* chuckled, *IT* was having fun in seeing his puppets so clueless, some worried, some nonchalant. *IT* couldn't wait for when it was going to be the red child's turn again, perhaps, he'll as well remove his childish vision for the opportunity... oh it was going to be fun.

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. . .
" NEXT ROUND KILLER IS .. NOLI "

The information gained a general groan of frustration among survivors, the killer in question was too fast, too unfair... and oh Telamon how annoying, but knowing they couldn't stop this eternal cycle of blood and tears they begin the round as per usual, some togheter some alone.

. .

The grass underneath his feet became pitch black, decaying, dead, the Void star was floating near him as per usual, glowing with power, thirsty for blood even, or so Noli convinced himself, in reality it was merely him who couldn't wait to catch those survivors, to snap their backs, to turn around their heads, to watch them lifelessly fall on the floor as a pleasant color red pooled around them, a color he with time learned to get close to.

That child was the closest thing that reminded him of his selfish old best friend... the child whom got an horrible name because of him, Seven was never good with names even back in college, he would always suggest naming animals "Bob" or famous animal characters from films, despite he hates to admit, those were some stupid, good times that made him smile. With time he even told stories of their shared past to the red child, he would always have his widened in curiosity and excitement, constantly chirping how cool they seemed back then, gaining a scoff in annoyance from the half rotten god who'd claim that he was still cool to this day, he had the Void star with him after all, he had a whole cult worshipping him, he had great power, and yet, at times he felt like something was amiss, but it couldn't be that slimy snake of a friend?
He was hoping so.
With a pleasant stretch that made his bones crack he charged his void rush, more than ready to begin the haunt.

. .

" Heyyy babes? Mind..sparing a pizza slice for your good best buddy? " The gambler said with a shit eating grin on that stupid face of theirs, leaning against a generator Elliot was busy on completing. " ...Let me guess, you used your flintlock with only one shot. " — " Perhaps.. " Elliot rolled his eyes in feigned annoyance, holding back a genuine smile, he quickly connected the last two cables and handed Chance one of his slices, in exchange the gambler gave him a bloxy cola, he surely wasn't expecting it but who was him to refuse such useful item?
They left that zone and began to search for other survivors, together.
They could survive this round, right?

. .

Wrong. The cult leader had already brutally and mindlessly killed half of them, the ones remaining standing were Guest, Dusekkar, Shedletsky, Taph and a deer gal named Venulynn. (...Forsaken oc mentioned yey!! ), Noli seemed eager to leave a specific survivor for last, one he didn't see the whole around but he assumed the latter was just hiding, terrified of being faced of his past aquintances and mistakes he had down when he was younger, the Void star he held a constant reminder of it. The remaining survivors falling, one by one, and wasn't he enjoying it?
The fresh memory of the robloxian hidden in robes and the deer next to him, both at low health while urging an ability of theirs to recover from the cooldown, only to be hit by his Void star, ending them both. Satisfying! Stopping his void rush right before he could hit the former admin, making him waste his slash, only to brutally kill him afterwards. Amusing!

..But none of them gave him as much as satisfaction when seeing his old best buddy's eyes fill with tears of either genuine regret or fear.

. .

As he slaughtered the semi-last survivor, the oh so annoying floating pumpkin, his mind already wandered back to his 007n7, already thinking on how adding more than necessary pressure onto the other but being met with the military man at low health instead...where was *HE* .

He charged his void star and with an ungodly speed caught up with Guest, stopping right before he could be stopped by the others block, he let out a frustrated groan before slamming him onto the wall " W##H3_R3 1S [H3] !? ( Where is he !?) " Guest stared at him, wasn't he just going to kill him? As much as he hated to admit the killer in front of him had him right in the grasp of his hand, so why was he asking about their teammate, he groaned as the other violently shook him against the wall realizing he had taken too much to answer. " Y0U# [F_00L1**SH] SU#RV1V0R 44##NSW34''R [M_M3] ( You foolish survivor answer me ) "

— " I do not know, and not only I, but the rest too. " Guest replied while clutching his arm, he needed to keep the killer calm before his block ability would recharge once more. ...They didn't know? " 4##4N_D [1'M] S_S''VPP0#S3D T0' B3''L13##V3 [Y0U]..? ( And I'm supposed to believe you? ) The killer spat, if they weren't going to give him answers then they'll be better off with their heads off. Raising his Void star, ready to throw it but Guest managed to block it, shit.

Noli groaned not out of pain but frustration as the other punched him right afterwards, lunging forward to make his escape, 40 seconds, he needed to survive for his fallen comrades, but he knew the killer wasn't going to make it easy for him, the news about them not knowing where 007n7 apparently made him more aggressive, usually Noli would be playfully sadistic in Last Man Standing, mocking and playing around with the survivor. Noli charged at him with his void rush and somehow managed to get him... despite he was behind a wall. The killer stared down at him in disgust and hatred, with a nonchalant hand he grasped the man's head before detaching it from his body with terrifying strength, the bloodied spine was dangling from it and the gut wrenching noise didn't make it any better, the color he learned to appreciate colored the dead grass underneath him.

Who needs survivors, he'll find out about Seven on his own.
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. . .
" THE KILLER HAS WON "

Has the round ended, Noli teleported back to their own cabin, after all the killers had their own place like the survivors, he proudly bragged about his victory with the other killers, which were either unable to reply or just scoffed uninterested, the only one who seemed happy was the red child, complimenting him on how he was very good at playing "tag", ..such innocence, it would truly be a shame if the kid would get to know the gruesome stuff he had done, that he was killing people instead of tagging them and putting them in a well deserved slumber ...that he had killed his father over and over while smiling.

The same smile 7n7 was lounging for before he took the final decision of shooting himself and ending up here.
Noli remembers the rotten corpse of his very well, he had decided to go to Seven's house that day to forcefully make him re-join him, his cult, the lifestyle they once had, when it was just the two of them, but it all went so different.

He HATED how he himself he seemingly grown attached to the child, but it seemed like it was one of the few people here that tolerated him, he usually tended to the child's wound everytime his round came to an end, as the Specter made it so the red kid would turn into a huge monstrosity and return back to his normal small self at the end of it, the constant transformation hurt his bones, his spine especially, and who was the one who knew most about bones if not an half rotten skeleton such as himself?

. .

Noli groaned and snapped out of it making his way to his own cabin, it was decorated in a way to resemble his cult, he closed his eyes when he felt someone's weight on top of his, right, the child. " H0w did papa play!? " c00lkid asked enthusiastically, curious to know if his dad played well, after all it was him who taught him how to play it back then... actually, he didn't white remember when he taught him, it was a very distant memory, way too distant.

. .

Noli sighed and sat up " H##3 P_L4Y3D [4LR''1GHT], K1DD0. ( He played alright, kiddo. ) Obliviously lying. Despite how sadistic he was he wasnt going to tell a 10 that his father was nowhere to be found, even though he heavily wanted to, he had mixed feelings about the child after all, swinging from dislike to fondness in an amused way rather than genuine, giving the answer the child wanted Noli swat him away so he could have some peace.

" S33MS [Y0#U] W3''NT M#1SS1N##G L_L1K3 Y0#UR 0WN C_CH1LD [0NC3] D1''D, #S3V. ( Seems you went missing like your own child once did, Sev. ) " .

Chapter Text

chapter 3 . " Causing problems even when you're gone. "
That death was..brutal, by the time Guest had finally respawned, he had noticed the rest of the survivors around the table, discussing about what he might assume was 007n7, he let out a sigh and put a hand on his neck and slowly let the hand fall to his side, that tremendous feeling of getting so casually beheaded still lingering there, he had been killed many ways, many times...but this was new.
" Are you holding up alright? " Shedletsky asked while approaching Guest, the military just nodded silently, even if he wasn't doing alright he needed to remain strong for the others, to always be strong. Shedletsky knew what he was trying to do but didn't pressure the topic further and just gently nudged him to follow him where the others were, not even in the kitchen he could hear the pizza man's loud complains.

. .

" How do you know he didn't find a way to exploit and find a way out!? " — " Elliot, baby, i think that is a little of an exaggerated theo-" — " Not now Chance! You never seen what he's capable of doing ..oh but i did.. " Elliot had wrapped his head around the idea that 007n7 might have managed to find a way to escape the realm, it was ridiculous, but as much as ridiculous it sounded some other survivors started considering the theory.
" ..No, no he wouldn't do that. " Guest decided to interject, he knew that someone needed to cool the situation down before things would escalate, he witnessed that with his own eyes when serving the army after all.

" He's a changed man, I've seen his growth the moment we've all end up here, and besides i doubt he'd leave his son here.. " — " How are you so sure he didn't!? " Elliot snapped back, wow today the pizza man was having none of it, perhaps because of stress and the frustration of whenever none of them would pick up his pizzas.. which, reasonable crashout to be fair.
" Let us disregard the issue at hand, as we do not hold knowledge to come to explanation. Let us not indulge in a fiery debate , and so put aside dissension. " Dusekkar suggested, it was no use for them to fight if they had no proof, nor any information of what possibly happened to the former hacker, not even a hint.

Elliot groaned internally and stormed out of the room, but it wasn't out of frustration or anger, it was almost as if he was embrassed that he raised his voice, that he got so.. aggressive. He had lost his cool in front of everyone. Chance sighed and silently mumbled an apology for the rest before following his so called "" Best Friend "" .. the room fell into an awkard silence, Builderman nodded and messy gesture with his hand as in dismissing the reunion. TwoTime went to indulge in their daily prayer, Taph and Venulynn followed right after, likely wanting to distract themselves by indulging in some handicrafts which usually calmed them down, the rest of survivors just went into their own cabins while the three admins remained there, they knew they needed to discuss.

. .

His spine hurt too much to even move in bed, he couldn't find a decent comfortable position as it bothered him too much, with a small whine of pain c00lkid managed to sit up with some struggle. Usually when he would have a nightmare or anything bothering him, he'd get out his little bed and make his way to his dad's room and shily open the door. His dad would always sense his presence and with a voice full of warmth he'd ask " What's wrong, buddy? "
He'd always make sure to sligthy move aside and pat the spot he warmed up with his body for his son, he'd watch him sleepily walk towards the bed and crawl in it with a small fond smile on his lips, he'd tuck him in and ask what was bothering him. Whatever he had a nightmare, a bad though, a discomfort, his dad would be there listen to him, help him calm down, he would be there. ...But now?

He wasn't on the same team with his dad, he liked playng tag, but that meant he didn't get to see his dad as often, he missed his dad, i miss dad, he mumbled silently while tears threatened to spill down his cheeks. His tail was now tugged in between his legs as he tried to soothe himself by hugging himself, it hurt when he cried, the locked muscles in his face that made him smile at all times would be put through pressure and therefore cause him more discomfort than he was already in.

He tried to avert his concerns by looking outside the window, the sky was red, just like his hand would at times be everytime after the conclusion of a round of tag he'd play in, every time he'd ask, the killers would tense up.

1x1x1x1 would tell him it was the ink from the makers he'd use that likely had spilled onto his palm before the round started without him knowing.

Azure would make an excuse that sometimes the grass or flowers would release a liquid similiar to that, he once taught c00lkid about various flowers and flora... especially the nightshade. His once beloved nightshade.

The rest was unable to interact much due to their inability to speak, but they did seem pressured, as if they said anything wrong SOMEONE will hurt them, or kill them.

Noli would usually be quiet about it, but he'd be the one to make sure c00lkid cleaned his hands, my admins.. maybe even help him wash them himself if the red wouldn't go away, he'd do this while muttering something along the lines " Seven, how did you use to deal with this pest? " ...

..Noli reminded him of his dad. He had seen pictures of them togheter in the house back then, whenever he'd ask his father about it he'd tense up and reply " An old... friend of mine, you could say " dad would reply with a forced smile, he'd just smile and nod, happy that his dad had someone before, but one time he dared to ask where was he now, he remembers how he shouldn't have done that, the question had caused his dad to stiffen up some tears, it was weird.. friends were supposed to be a good thing.

In pictures they looked so happy, careless, very close.
He'd find old letters they used to write eachother, as their names were on it with a little heart next to them.

... Speaking of letters he once found a strange letter sligthy smudged in the same red that would at times stain his hands, there was a "I'm sorry" written on it, he remembers finding it in Noli's room but the latter never let him get close to it, or really, no one in general.

. .

The pain got worse, he wanted to experience what his dad used to do again, with some struggle he got out of bed, it screaked a lot as the cabin they were in were old, moldy, dusty.. it was a miracle it was still holding up, it was very cold and damp too. His little feet made contact with the freezing floor and made his way to the door and to someone's room, a faint white and slight pink light emitting from the underside of the door.
He could hear someone humming a melancholic tune and so he understood Noli was awake, he gently pushed the door open and so being met with the former cult leader fidgetting and playing around with his Void Star nova.

" My spine hurts. " c00lkid mumbled, breaking the comforting silent and solitude the other was peacefully appreciating, he let the Void Star nova go and turned around to face the child, no wonder his spine hurt, being transformed into a monstrosity each round would indeed leave overtime damage to his bones, especially at such, delicate, pure age, he sighed and forced himself to sit.
" Come here, kid, i'll check the issue for you. " — " Thanks..Papa's friend " — " Do not call me that, you pest. "

. .

His spine looked as if it was threatening to come out the kid's skin, some blood was already leaking out but besides stinging sligthy it was bothering c00lkid much, ...oh the Spectre just looveed to see them in pain didn't it?
To starve a child, to make one fully be consumed my corruption, to make one come back life and let them be known it wasn't for their divinity, to make one's hatred escalate at levels that might hurt ... to make one face their old friend whom has changed overtime, to make him remember what they used to be, how they were.
It was thirsty for pain, and he'll drink every drop of it when the chance is given, even if it meant sacrificing someone.

" You're very light and scrawny, you should eat more. " Noli commented, before putting some spare bandages onto the kids back, wrapping them securely around his body with strange gentleness. " Can i sleep with you tonight..? I can't sleep, papa would let me sleep with him whenev- " —
" ...Do i look anywhere near your father? Now scram. Be grateful i had mercy and enough patience to tend to your wounds, child. " Noli spat, the mention of 007n7's life as a father annoyed him more than usual... Noli sure was hostile today, the c00lkid whined, his tail tugged between his legs once again, head lowered, as he made his way out of the room, he knew the kid was going to cry in his room but he could really care less at the moment at hand.
...Suits him well, he needed to learn that the world wasn't all sunshines and rainbows, he too spent his fair share of times cryng alone, when no one was around, not even when 007n7, not even when he left everything behind.

Not when he let half of his body corrupt and rot as he held the Void Star proudly above his head, not when he was praised by his followers blinded by such raw power.
Not ever, but did he need anyone ?
He had the Void Star. He had power, and yet it felt like something was missing from him, what he was.

Noli groaned and looked at the corner of his room where an old drawer sat, on top of it, sat the letter he found when he went to 007n7's home, the same with "I'm sorry" written on it, he had always been causing him trouble, and he still did now that he was apparently gone.

Chapter Text

chapter 4 . " Your facade is slipping away. "
The feeling of guilt has been bothering and weighting on him for the past days, his team has been actively making an effort in finding the former hacker or any clue of where he could be at the moment, but him? He had shamelessly stated he won't be helping, of course, he couldn't always keep up with the "kind and helpful" facade he'd put way too many times he wished he did, he couldn't fully grasp how the others could maintain their characters constant, compact, almost perfectly flawless to fit their role. Fuck.

Elliot put his head in his hands and let out a shaky exhale, he never fully forgot 007n7, but the empathic part of him did but how could he fully trust some man who every weekend would pass by his pizzeria with his partner in crime, set it on fire, and hold his sides as he'd laugh with his best pal while Elliot had to try his best to put out the fire and making sure the customers and other staff members were unscratched... speaking of, he wondered if Noli felt anything about the situation, perhpas he did... never mind scratch that, the killer definitely seemed touched by the subject, he remembers how ruthless, bloodthirsty and driven by anger he got once he discovered his former best friend was nowhere to be found, perhaps they were more than just "partners in crime" as it let on.

...He groaned, unbelievable, a killer had more sympathy than him, it was shameful. He was truly a shame, a shame, a shaME, a sHAME, A SHAME A SHAME A SHAME A SHA-

..

" El? Can i come in? I brought you dinner, our best healer needs his daily fuel after, no? " Chance tried to ask with a little of lighthearted teasing snuck into his question, hoping he might snatch even a small giggle from the pizza boy, but he was only met with an additional silent stacking onto the already eerie quietness. He sighed, for once, his characteristic smirk faltered. " Elliot, talk to me, please. " Elliot internally cringed, he knew the gambler wasn't gonna leave until he opened the door, he dried some unshed tears from the corners of his eyes and reculiantly stood up, making his way over the door and with resignation turned around the knob of the door, opening it.

. .

Chance could see Elliot looked troubled, knowing him, he likely felt bad for how he snapped in front of everyone, he was usually the one that would be understanding and now he messed up, he gave off the idea of being surpringly bitchy, Elliot's frustration and embrassement were eating at his soul, Chance sighed and stepped in his friend's cabin, gently closing the door behind him with a soft click, putting the plate of still warm food on a nearby table.
He approached the other and gently pulled him closer, for once, he didn't seem to try putting on his usual cocky facade, if Elliot's act dropped, so theirs will , too.

Elliot immediately clung onto the gambler, letting out frustrated sobs, it was nice to be able on letting his emotions in the open after keeping them inside for too long than he could recall, it was nice to be able to have someone who could understand him in such way.
Chance always had a poker face on, always.
Of course he understood him.

" ...I just, wish i could be geniune without forcing myself too much but it's HARD....I can't...I am tired. " Chance quietly listened to the pizza boy's complaints and stress filled words, he was speaking fast, breath ragged by both the excessive use of air at the time and the sobs. ...He never thought Elliot could be struggling this much, but to be fair...he has seen everyone putting on "masks" at times when everyone was rough just so the other wouldn't be exposed to any feeling of being uncomfortable or fear, Elliot was one of whom lasted longer, he had to give him that, maybe he even last longer than he did.

Lady Luck however was on his side, as when his mask broke, it would usually happen when he was alone, but Elliot had the misfortune of breaking in front of everyone.

He stayed there for a good 20 minutes, holding him and making sure to listen to everything the latter had to cry out, his suit was getting wet by the amount of tears that has been spilled on it, it was such an heartbreaking side for them that he even took the decision of stroking Elliot's hair...oh Telamon, what was he doing ??

Chance tried to remove his hand slowly, only to be met by a frustrated scoff by the person in his arms, he sligthy smiled and put his hand back to work, making sure to move it in soothing ways, he was happy that Elliot trusted him enough to let him do this... a sudden memory of a man with a icy crown made it's appearance, he looked disgusted by Chance's crying, not gentle at all.
...Helping Elliot in a way he wished he was once met with, healed some parts of him that he didn't know were broken.

" El, its ok really, if you want i can be by your side while you apologize if it makes you feel better? " Elliot contemplated the offer before slowly nodding, he was glad Chance was willingly putting aside his poker face for once. Well, he was generally glad to have Chance in this hellish place they were stuck in, he felt a lil fuzzy as Chance gently took his hand in his and started making his way to the main cabin.

His stomach fluttered a bit as if there were butterflies in it, cheeks warming up oh so sligthy and a fond smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Maybe he was luckier than the gambler standing next to him for the time being.

. .

" ...I'm sorry, I don't know why snapped like that " Elliot admit with sincerity, the survivors just nodded and told him not to worry about it, they weren't mad at him in the first place, some were mindlessly eating as if nothing even happened, speaking of which, Taph gestured him to a small plate of some plain looking cake Shedletsky had made while he was locked in the cabin, it was specifically two pieces with crumbs liyng around... he could tell those were for him and Chance.
...They still thought about him despite of how he snapped?

Guest sighed and made his way over the trouble teammate, he put a hand on his shoulder, offering a gentle but " We are here for you if you need us " type of squeeze.
" ...I...I'm sorry...you guys- " Elliot repeated, breath shaky.

" Don't worry, it's alright to just...reach your breaking point at times, i myself happen to struggle with that, but I've learned to control it. " — " ...How? '

At that the soldier frowned sligthy, in a bittersweet way. Esistating, he reached for his pocked and took out a picture with the upmost gentleness any survivor has ever witnessed from the moment they got stuck here.
" I think about my family, of how my wife would put her hand on my shoulder and nudge me with fondness to calm down, or my precious daughter tugging at my hand with her adorable expression, silently asking me to calm down. I think of family. " ...Family, at the mention of that Elliot's stomach twisted, his dad ... his mom ... Mia.

Would they be disappointed in him..? No. They wouldn't, well, Mia would be disappointed if she'd catch him thinking he's not enough, he remembers on how he once got forced into taking a sear into a small plastic chair while his little sister lectured him, the memory bringing a small smile.

He was about to thank the soldier when Chance pulled him closer, offering him the piece of cake Taph had gestured not long ago, Guest let out a small chuckle as he looked at the two, he gave the photo he was holding a last look, a long, loving yet bittersweet one, before putting it back into his pocket, close to his chest, patting it.

With the serenity fully restored they decided to call in for the night and continue their searches for 007n7 tomorrow, perhpas, there were possible information in the maps they'll be teleported in, they can't know, all they can do so far was just searching and hope for the best, with them giving each other the last " goodnights " and " have a good rest " they could finally slip out their roles and rest.

. .

They weren't the only ones to pressure themselves into fitting into a particular lore and personality, Noli understood it very well. He had shushed and swat c00lkid away because part of him felt dislike in seeing him, but part of him felt guilty, not because of the kid himself.
...But perhaps a kid he had. ...He *had*.

He couldn't remember how they looked, how he had them, why he doesn't remember, a lot of his memories are blurry beyond to his liking, perhaps that kid wasn't important.
Perhpast he felt guilty for not embracing the opportunity to actually feel something other than his usual sadism, playfulness and characteristic chaoticness, not that it mattered much, he had a theatrical mask for a reason, he'll live up from it and show off the great act he can put on.

Who cares if his expressions are forced enough to hurt.
They were in hell.

. .

" ...sooo you enrolled in the theater project? " A chaotic hacker in his teenage years asked him while nonchalantly leaning against the lockers of the hallways, the two of them gaining glares every so often, Noli loved it.

" heh sure i did, i really want to show off my acting skills, hacking isn't my only ability you know. Oh! Maybe...you could get into the club as well, who knows, maybe our roles will involve us kissing eachother!! " Noli teased as he wrapped an arm around 7n7's shoulder with practiced ease, thus earning a lighthearted chuckle.

" Y'know what.. maybe I could give it a shot, just for you. " The latter replied while poking Noli's cheek, grinning from ear to ear, his braces sligthy revealing themselves through the gap in between his lips, the very lips he would have liked to interlock with his....good times.

Wathever. They were never a thinh.
Memories were useless.
It didn't matter.
Nothing did.
Not here.

Chapter Text

chapter 5 . " Red like blood, the same you spill. "
The soft sunrays were seeping through the curtains, giving the small room a comforting and peaceful atmosphere, painting the wall of a warm golden shade, soothing, a nice view to behold when waking up, when starting the day.
The bed sheets moved as the figure beneath them stirred awake, small limbs stretching underneath the cottony layers, the small red DracoBloxxer plushie falling onto the carpet next to the bed, gaining a small yelp from the owner who quickly threw the bed sheets aside and jumped off the bed to make sure his soft best friend was alright.

" I'm sorry Drakie! I didn't mean to make you fall.. " c00lkid mumbled while looking in the eyes the inanimated fellow in his arms, with care he placed him back onto his bed, and made sure to cover him with the discarded bedsheets, he was always told about how important it was to make the bed in the morning, leaving it discarded and messy wasn't a pleasant sight, or so his dad would always remind him.

Speaking of his dad... it was Sunday, which meant they could finally spend some time together! He has been busy quite frequently the last months, working overtime, leaving him exhausted most of the time, very often asking for his cousin to watch over him in his absence and sometimes forgetting about stuff c00lkid was so excited about, that hurt a bit, obliviously, but c00lkid is just a child, trying to explain to him that his father was struggling with rent and keeping up with buying supplies and necessities would be like talking to a wall...but scratch that, today wasn't the day to pout over the past, today was a new day, a day he could spend with his dad! He excitedly hopped out of his room, with his childlike fantasy pretending that the floor was lava, and he needed to step on particular tiles that covered the floor in order to survive while making his way over the bathroom. He hopped onto a small chair his father had put there and poured a shameful amount of toothpaste onto his red toothbrush, putting on a stupid wide grin while cleaning the teeth, making sure to follow all the steps his old man had taught him, he was sure he'd be proud of him.

There. He was ready to start the day, oh Telamon how excited he was, happily humming a childish tune while hopping his way over the kitchen, already wondering what his father had possibly made for breakfast, fritters? waffles? or maybe simple cereals straight from the box, either way, he didn't mind any of the options.
With a giggle he finally stepped into the kitchen, so joyful and energetic about the upcoming day, to see his dad.

. .

" ...c00lkid where have you gone... " Uh? He was right there, maybe his dad hasn't acknowledged his presence yet, with a small giggle he tip-toed over and hugged his leg.
A pained and restrained sob, ragged from the air his lungs were struggling to release, it was so difficult to do normal body functions when the pain he was feeling was cutting sharp into his stomach, even though no blood was spilled anywhere, he could swear that he was loosing it, his face pallid, hands trembling and cold, ... unreal.

" ...my sweet son, please, it's been months... are you..- " the man clutched his chest, another painful stab yet no blood, the mere thought sickening him. " ...are you even alive anymore? ...No...No...NO..NO!! ...MY SON...NOT MY SON. "
He could swear his heart got stabbed, yet no blood, " ...MY PRECIOUS BABY...PLEASE...I just want to hold you again. "
He dropped to his knees, his other free hand clutching something not visible from c00lkid's point of view.
" ...What? Dad! Dad I'm he- " Another painful sensation, the head, this time, there was blood spilled everywhere, his head blew up once the loud shot ringed, his brain splattering on the floor and turning into an irreconcilable gorey mass nearby multiple posters of him missing.

. .

A loud thud, and his father's body dropped to the kitchen floor, the same kitchen where they'd use to have breakfast togheter, where they'd bake, where he would let him clean with his gluttonous tongue the savory or sugary remainings from spoons they had used to cook.
That same kitchen was now slowly and deliberately painting itself red, the same color his hands would be stained and tainted at the end of his " tag " rounds... or was it tag? Was he even playing during these rounds ? Shaking, he looked at his father's face, or to be fair, what was left of, it was completely mutilated, his open eyes werent staring at anything, mouth sligthy agape as blood poured out of it, muscles and tissues holding no life.
In the current position, eventually gastric juice and other liquids that organs contained made their way out, mixing with the blood coating the whole murder scene.
Blood. Not paint. Not Ink. Not anything childish. Blood.

He took a shaky hand to his face and whipped off the blood that splattered onto his features, his eyes hesitantly looking at the deceased corpse's hand before him, a gun.
It was too much, he felt a wave of nausea and fear creep over, emotions swirling from sadness, horror, shock, he made the mistake of looking at his dad's eyes one last time, the eyeball detached itself from the cartilage from the lifeless skull, rolling all the way over c00lkid's feet, whom by now were stained in red, he covered his mouth with his hands, knees shacking, ragged sobs and cries begginging to catch up to him before screaming.

. .

He jolted awake, tears streaming down his cheeks, breath coming out fast and uneven, eyes as wide as a deer's caught up in the lights of an approaching car. He took a glance at his trembling hands, clean, untainted, untouched by blood, his thoughts quickly cut off by the sound of the door opening, a figure slightly taller than him standing there, leaning nonchalantly against the doorframe with his arms crossed, trying to put off a cool appearance.

" ...Dumb4ss wh4t's your deal..? Scre4ming like th4t at the unholy hour! ..Dudeeee i can im4gine how 4WKW4RD it is! " ...Bluudude, right, he would often tease him in the morning or act like a prick to him but in a cousin like way, usually, he'd just laugh or indulge in some banger with the blue kid but, he was frozen in place, just silently staring at the teen at his door of the small cranked room he had.
" ...I had a nightmare, please leave me al0ne. " The red one mumbled, huh, unusual of him, the other thought, with some cocky pride and playfulness he swung the door open and made himself as if he was home, he walked over c00lkid and poked his cheek just to get a reaction, a small one, maybe a swat with his way or the other yelling his name... he definitely didn't expect it when c00lkid jumped onto him and started pulling at his clothes with messy violence, mind clouded by reaching his snapping point and some residues of shock from his nightmare.

" ..DUDE WH4T THE FUCK!? GET OFF ME! " – " GET 0UT!!!! " Bluudude groaned and stumbled back as c00lkid aimed a kick right at his jaw, it enough to draw out some blood from his lips, ...blood, the sight of blood enough to make his thoughts go back at his dad's lifeless limp body.
He started so sob and crawled over his bed with trembling limbs, once he was close enough to the makeshift matters the plopped down and covered himself with the dusty sheets, Bluudude just stared, he wasn't sure how to react, he would have definetely started a fight with the other until any other of the killers would have noticed and pulled them apart, it being perceived as just playful childlike activities, now the option seemed out of the league, seeing c00lkid crash out on him like that, or in general, it never happened, with some slight unease masked by a scoff and fake irritation he made his way out of the room, glancing back.

" Fine, do wh4t you want, i don't c4re, weirdo. " With those last sharp words, he slammed the door behind him and walked away, if c00lkid wanted to be hard then so he will, besides he could hang out with Pr3ttyPrinc3ss instead.

. .

...He wasn't so sure he was playing tag anymore.
The red color on his hands each time end round...no, blood, he was going to call it by its name, he knew it was blood, it had to be, but what if he was just overthinking?
Was Papa ok? Why did he have that nightmare?
Did he truly went missing? And if so, when?
How much time has it passed, when did he got here?
He needed to remember...but what? Nothing came to mind, where did his memories go? Where did his happy memories disappear? ...What was he doing here.

A knock on his door interrupted the heavy silent atmosphere lingering into the dusty air of the room, soon it filled up with a decent smell of eggs, sligthy burnt, by that detail he could tell the one who made the eggs was Slasher, he'd never really been at cooking even the most easy recipes known all over Robloxia, as his attention lingered to that reasoning he heard the plate being set onto the old bedside table, the mattress sinking sligthy as someone sat on it, a glitchy sigh followed.
" WW_#WH4''T H_HAPP##ENED C''-C-CHILD##. " ( What happened, child. ) The words coming more in a form of command rather than request to explain the situation at hand, c00lkid sobbed, why did he care anyway? He was the one whom told him to deal with it the last night, that the world wasn't all sunshines and rainbows, it wasn't childish.
But he really felt the need to urge to relieve himself from the heavy burden devouring him whole at the time being.

" ...I had a nightmare...Papa..he.. " Not even managing to finish the phrase and he was already sobbing once more, his eyes pouring out whatever unshed or remaining tears were left from the previous breakdown, he clutched onto himself, arms tightly wrapped around his skinny and vulnerable form, a huge contrast to the monstrous and muscular fleshy creature he turned into wathever it was his time to seek out the survivors. Despite he shut his eyes thighly he felt the blanket above him being removed, followed by a cold skeletal hand being placed above his head...oh this definitely was 007n7's son, wasn't he.

. .

Seven used to do the exact same whenever everything felt too much, being as cocky and nonchalant as he used to be meant being too stubborn to reach out for help. ...But Noli was a different story, he'd be there for him, he used to let Seven lean onto him while he ranted in between sobs and ragged breath while he would occasionally put a hand on over his head, soothingly massaging his scalp or untangling the latter's messy hair, shit.
He would even make him his favorite dessert if it meant to make him feel better knowing the others sweet tooth, he never exactly mastered the art of cooking those, but 007n7 couldn't care less, just seeing Noli struggling to flip over a pancake only for it to come out as burnt was more than enough for him, it was enough for the both of them.

" ...he shot himself. " Those half chewed words coming from the young one before him snapped him out at the memory, his mind quickly pictured that haunting image of his dear Seven's limp cold body liyng on the floor, carpet and floor of the kitchen stained in bodily fluids and blood splattered onto the surfaces of close furniture, is that the same scene the child had dreamed off? If so, the child had likely spot the "missing" posters stacked nearby his body.

He wanted to comfort the child despite not fully appreciating him, but he wasn't a monster, was he?
He intended into whispering the usual parental sweet nothings, the repetitive " it was just a dream " or " your mind must have played a dirty trick on you " but the plan was quickly discarded when he felt the child's tears against his chest, small figure trembling in distress.

" ...I was c0vered in bl00d. " Blood. The word he had never thought he'd expect to come out the kid's mouth, he could tell by the unsure look in his eyes that he was starting to realize that everytime he'd get teleported back to the cabin after a game of the so called tag he wasn't drenched in ink or any other poor excuse of dense liquid but blood.

The rotting cult leader suddenly felt watched, it must have not taken to its liking that word coming out c00lkid either.

. .

...So the kid was begginging to understand? It thought the view ridden with childlike fantasies and bright colors would last forever, that the child would remain untouched by the truth of its twisted game...but it didn't matter, as a matter of fact, it found the unexpected occurrence as blessing.

If the child had finally started to catch up with reality, then so be it, when his turn shall come, he'll see the truth before his eyes, in its raw, nude and horrifying nature.

...There was a gift awaiting for that occasion too, after all.