Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dusekkar opened his eyes as the lighting of the cabin blinded him. After adjusting his vision slightly, he brushed off his cloak and floated down towards the ground where the rest of his team were. The other survivors got up from the floor, having fallen from the height of rafters above. Understandably, they were in a lot of pain, made worse with the wounds left by Slasher.

No one survived that round. Dusekkar rolled his eyes as 007n7 got up from the ground, soon followed by Elliot and Chance. "Welp, that was shitty." Builderman huffed as he got to his knees. "Perhaps you should not rush my way next time." Dusekkar hissed, gently hitting the admin on the head with his staff, before turning towards the door and leaving, slamming it violently behind him. Builderman shook his head in disbelief as he got to his feet and went to the meeting room with the chalkboard in it.

Shedletsky appeared from the corner as Builderman entered the room he just left. "Why is Buildy pouting again?" The admin asked. "Dusekkar." They all replied, before spreading out across the cabin to wait out the pain from the round. Shedletsky let out a huge sigh. Of course it was him.

"What's been up with Dusekkar lately?" Guest asked rhetorically. Noob shrugged, adjusting her shirt and heading up stairs to grab her sewing kit. "Dunno, some days he seems like a real dick." Two time grunted as she tried to force their wings back into her back with little success.

"Don't say that! Matt is a really nice guy!" Shedletsky jumped in as he leaned against the door frame between the meeting room and the main room.

"Really? Name one moment he actually showed us some kindness." Chance chimed in. They slammed their fist against the side of the slot machine as Elliot groaned at their failure.

"Matt is a kind guy."

"That doesn't answer the question Sky." 007n7 rolled his eyes as he fiddled with the gui on the chair opposite to Two time. "See? Even that son of a bitch is nicer than Dusekkar!" Elliot yelled down, leaning her torso against the railing. "I ain't a bitch Elliot. Unlike you."

The pizza boy gritted his teeth together as Chance held her shirt, making sure Elliot wouldn't try to fight the ex hacker, even though he was on the floor below them. "No fighting." Guest huffed, sounding like an exhausted father looking after 7 kids. Noob ran downstairs holding a small white box. She sat next to Two time on the couch, who just shoved their wings back into their back. She grabbed the cultist's blue cloak and started to stitch up the rips in it.

"Y'know, I feel bad for whoever the next survivor will be." They commented. "Oh why's that?" Two time asked. "Because they will be sharing a room with Dusekkar." She smiled at her joke.

007n7 looked to have almost gagged at the comment. "Oh may 2x2 bless their soul." The ex hacker laughed. "Matt is not a bad robloxian." Shedletsky stiffened, holding onto his sword tighter. "Oh no, I know Dusekkar can have episodes of kindness." The ex hacker started, sounding genuine for once.

"But he can be a jerk for no reason, even you know that." Shedletsky sighed and looked at the ground. "Can't argue with that."

Builderman peeped from the corner, holding his helmet over his eyes. "Let's stop talking about Dusekkar for a bit. It's not nice, even if he is a jerk." The survivors agreed and got back to their own thing. Shedletsky was still looking upset. "What happened with Matt?" He asked. "Dunno. People can change you know."

■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■

Dusekkar walked away from the cabin, cursing under his breath. He could've lived if Builderman wasn't being an idiot and running around like a madman. He gripped his staff tighter, his knuckles turning whiter. Whatever, he'll blow off some steam in his cabin before he burns a tree to ashes.

He opened a small gate and levitated down a beaten dirt path for a minute or so, before reaching a row of small cabins. Not exactly huge, but not that tiny either. He stopped before one of them and pushed the door open, creating a loud creaking sound, before closing it behind him.

Opening up the door led to a room, almost as big as the cabin itself, that had two uncomfortable beds on opposite corners. A door on the left led to a small bathroom, the ones where everything was cramped together and squished. The rooms often were decorated by the survivors to their liking, however Dusekkar complains that is a "waist of time and energy", so it was all in the same depressing beige color as it was in since day 1.

Dusekkar sat on his bed and pulled up a book from underneath it. The only "decoration" one could see in the room is the hundreds of books that created a maze when trying to navigate it. But hey, no one but him enters the room, since no one wants to visit the roudy man, so what's the point in cleaning it?

Dusekkar turned to the first page of his spell book, talking about a fancy lightning spell. He tried to focus, but his head kept on spinning. It felt heavy, yet light at the same time. He took off the pumpkin mask, shaking out his hair loose before adjusting some of it out of his eyes. His head still felt heavy still. He growled, slamming himself into the firm bed, staring at the ceiling.

His mind went back into the round he just had. Oh he would have definitely survived it if his team weren't so stupid. Shedletsky was so lucky to not be in that round. No one even knew what they were doing! The mage threw the book against the opposite wall, where it created a loud thud and landed on the other bed. He turned to his side, facing the stale wall. He kicked the oversized pumpkin to the ground, where it rolled to the empty bed opposite to him.

It was great being away from the others (even if they were trash talking him right now). Though, a bit of him felt lonely and longed for their company, wanting someone with him. To talk to maybe. To hug maybe.

"What path am I pursuing...?" He sighed, huddling himself. Whatever. His teammates are jackasses, he shouldn't feel too bad about them. Two time is delusional, Builderman was strict and the rest were childish fiends who didn't understand the gravity of their situation. Shed was the only good one, and that was slightly pushing it. And he really didn't liked to be touched by anyone.

As soon as he got used to the quiet of his room and the sound of insects fluttering outside, someone knocked on his door. Dusekkar lept out of bed, examining the floor for his pumpkin head, before hastily putting it on, almost wearing it backwards. He coughed. "Do come in." 

A grey robloxian with a green sweater opened the door: 2x2. "Oh." Dusekkar gave a smile. The only other person than Shedletsky he could tolerate. "What do you seek, dear friend, 2x2? I'll lend a hand, just tell me, do!" The robloxian chuckled, adjusting his wings to hide something. "No, no help. But... we have a new friend with us." Dusekkar's smile fadded. "Ah. I see." Hopefully they aren't too loud. It wouldn't be that good, especially with his killer headache right now.

 2x2 moved their wings out of the way to reveal a heavily clothed robloxian behind them. Dusekkar gasped slightly. "Meet Taph." He grinned as the demolitionist gave a small wave.

"Be nice to them." He said before leaving the two alone. Taph jumped around the mess of books around them to her bed, before sitting on it. Great, a demolitionist is with them. Those are usually the creeps at work. At least she is mute and won't be a bother. And better, they do know each other from work, and thank 2x2, not for bad reasons. But Taph was that demolition who gets obsessed with a new admin every week, weren't they? Ugh, and the room smelled like gunpowder now! Dusekkar rolled up a window.

He looked at Taph, who seemed confused on what was going on. Hi Dusekkar. She greeted. "Oh Taph, you quirky little tease, so bold and bright, you never cease." He huffed.

Taph just stared, confused. "Remain on your half of the space, I assume." She giggled slightly.

Okay, okay. Taph turned around and sat in a position which Dusekkar could only call less than comfortable (and definitely not good for her posture). They pulled up a pen and sketchbook which the admin didn't notice earlier. It turned to the first page and start to scribble something in the book. Dusekkar looked with curiosity for a few seconds before opening up a new book. "Please sketch with subtle grace, draw quietly in this space." He grumbled under his breath, slamming the hard cover book into his face.

This is going to be a long week.

Chapter Text

10 minutes earlier...

Builderman and Shedletsky sat at the table, with all the other survivors (minus Dusekkar), discussing plans for the next match. "And what if I'm not in the match?" Noob asked, now sewing up Chance's suit. ".... okay I didn't think that far-." Builderman coughed into his sleeve. Two time raised their hand, before failing to hide their scars on her arms. "Better question: How is the divine pumpkin meant to know our plan if he is not here?" Builderman rubbed his brow. "Look, I'm just trying to get some order here."

"2x2 is a way better boss than you." Chance called out, before Elliot slapped his hand on their mouth. Builderman carried a dismayed look. "I can't argue with that." Builderman sighed. The team was left in silence, waiting for the other to speak first.

But no one needed to.

A loud thump followed by a screech got them all out of thought. Double T covered her ears as the others winced at the noise. It came from the staircase. Guest jumped over the table and ran over to investigate, followed by Shedletsky, Two time and Chance. "Okay, that's a big bird-." Guest muttered loudly. "Bird?" 007n7 and Builderman said at the same time before the rest of the team ran over to investigate what happened.

It was not a sight anyone expected. It was a tall figure, almost six feet, yet as skinny as a guitar neck, huddling on the floor with their chest close to the ground. It wore clothing that hid most of their body. It was panting very loudly, almost sounding like it was choking.

Their wings were stretched into the air, revealing the mess of feathers that it failed to clean. The figure whipped their head around to look at the small crowd. The team all gasped and took a step back. The sentinels raised their weapons up slightly ready if something bad happened. The figure shook their head. Were they begging for mercy?

"Taph?" Elliot called out. Everyone froze. Taph got up from the ground. Builderman chuckled with relief. "Whew, you scared us there, son." She grinned from under the mask, approaching the team. Where am I? She asked, looking around like an animal who get sept away to a new environment. "We don't know ourselves." Elliot put a hand to their hip. "They can't talk..." Chance muttered. "Most demolitionists can't. Most can only make animalistic noises at best." Shedletsky answered, while adjusting their glasses up slightly.

007n7 approached the intimidating creature and opening up his gui, offering the demolitionist to use it. "Its text to speech." He said. "Wow, being nice I see." Elliot teased the hacker, who loudly grumbled. Taph gave a nod, before gently grabbing the gui. They started typing into it. "Hello. As you might have already guessed, my name is Taph. I am a demolitionist working at roblox hq." The gui said in a robotic tone. "Oh thank the lord you aren't a killer." Noob sighed. Taph flinched. "What killers?"

"Oh, have you not heard the news-"

"Yes, all of you have went missing." She typed out again.

"Okay, me and Sky will catch them up, you guys just, do whatever." Builderman flinged his arms in the air. The ex hacker took the gui back. Then, the team split up. Some went outside while others went upstairs. Builderman sat Taph down on the couch in front of the crackling fire place. Shedletsky and Builderman sat on different chairs. "Okay." Shed started as he adjusted his glasses once more. "We are stuck in a purgatory made by 2x2's ex-." Builderman slapped his face. 

"John, no."

"Daniel, it's funny, please." Builderman let out a huge sigh. "Okay, son, we have a dangerous situation going on..." He said in a more serious, yet protective term compared to Shedletsky.

■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■

Next thing Taph knew, he was being guided by 2x2 down to the cabins to meet Dusekkar, the person she'll be sharing a room with. Correction, to meet Dusekkar again. This was definitely not their first time meeting the admin, but it was still oh so cool. The air smelled of pond water and pine, mixed with the cold air made it feel comforting in a weird way. Though, Taph had enough ptsd dealing with forests. It gripped the black sketchbook 2x2 gave her tighter, shaking her head once more.

She continued down the beaten path with 2x2 until they reached a row of cute little cabins. She looked at each cabin like a cat searching for a mouse. Most looked identical, with minor differences being the plants around the entrance, or small wooden signs displaying the owner's names. They stopped at a cabin with blue hydrangeas next to the door.

2x2 knocked on the wooden door. A voice called them in, slightly Australian, Slightly British. 2x2 opened the door and started to talk with Dusekkar as Taph waited like a small child to be able to enter and meet the admin. The god moved their wing away and allowed Taph to enter the room. She silently judged the mess on the floor, books scattered all around. Some opened and spread out.

Taph winced, not noticing 2x2 had just left the room. How does one live in such a filthy condition? Even her house wasn't this bad. Okay, but at least the books don't explode if you step on one. Taph jumped around the books, trying not to get their dirty feet on any of them.

She jumped onto the bed opposite Dusekkar, facing towards the admin. The admin seemed to gag slightly before opening the window next to his bed. Do I smell that bad? She thought. Or was the admin messing with her? Probably the second one. He turned to face Taph, who was staring with immense curiosity at the admin. Right, manners. Hi Dusekkar. She greeted. She didn't expect an answer from him though. "Oh Taph, you quirky little tease, so bold and bright, you never cease." Taph titled her head slightly like an owl. Was he calling her a freak? Demolitionists never had a good reputation anyway.

"Remain on your half of the space, I assume." He assumes? Taph giggled slightly, before agreeing to the admin's words and opened up her sketchbook to the first page, deciding to draw something. Maybe him. He looked gorgeous. Definitely one of the best looking robloxian she had saw in a while.

... what is she thinking? Right, just focus on drawing and forget that. She looked at Dusekkar, who was reading a book, focussing on his details. Taph repositioned slightly, feeling something against her hip. A book. Probably one of Dusekkar's. She picked it up carefully, as the hard cover seemed slightly damaged. Almost like someone threw it. She whipped her head around, staring at the pumpkin. She snapped her fingers multiple times, growing louder each second.

Dusekkar covered his head with the book he was reading, seemingly miserable. Taph stopped. "Taph, my head's a pounding drum, so please, be quiet, hush, be numb." Taph extended her arms out slightly, offering the book that was sitting on the bed. "..." The admin got up and and floated next to Taph before snatching it out of her hands with less than a thank you.

Rude. She thought. This is the price she pays for being a demolitionist, isn't it? Of course it was. No one likes a demolitionist. And no one would like her if they learnt about what happened.

Chapter Text

Taph already reached three pages into her book, now drawing Builderman. She nodded her head slightly before waking herself up again. Late already? They could have sworn it was maybe 1 pm a few minutes ago. Dusekkar yawned slightly,  rubbing his eyes while looking like a grump cat. Since when did Dusekkar sound that adorable? She smiled slightly. "It's late." Dusekkar shut his book closed and threw it on the ground, before kicking it under the bed to ignore.

"You should sleep now." Taph closed her book. What about you? She asked as she placed her book on the ground. He looked before narrowing his brow. "Later." He replied, before grabbing his staff from next to his bed. "Bolt the gate, seal the door, safety first, and evermore." He sighed. I'll change in the bathroom. She got up and left the room and disappeared behind the wooden door near her bed. Dusekkar turned away and left the cabin.

He stepped out, shivering as a heavy gust of wind blew past. The stars hung high as he stepped out into the dark forest. The lights in the other cabins were still glowing brightly from inside. As he floated past, he heard the conversation between the robloxians he was stuck with. Elliot and Chance were gossiping, Noob and 007n7 were talking abou their respective partners, Guest and Two time sounded like they were arguing again over the amount of noise the marine makes and the admins were just chatting. Dusekkar heard his name echo through their walls. He hung his head low. "I'm sorry John." He whispered, before shaking his head and forgetting about it.

He walked down the path that lead to the main cabins. The only source of light now was the dimly lit moon and the light from his pumpkin mask, giving off a soft orange glow on the ground. Moths surround his face to admire his radiance (quiet literally). He didn't bother to shoo them off, they were cute anyways.

He reached the small gate and opened before shutting it behind him. The mage dropped to ground and started to walktowards the moldy docks. He sat on the sand, looking up at the glowing stars above. For once, he gave a genuine smile.

No one shouting, no one blaming him for something out of his control. Just him, the stars and the silence of the forest. And thank Telamon that stupid Spectre made the base be in a forest. It was peaceful as the sound of cricket chirps filled the air. He did this almost every night.

Though, Dusekkar can't recall the last time he slept. Is that why his head felt so heavy recently?

...

Nah. It was probably something else. He knew it was but refused to believe it. Would it be childish for him to say he was scared to sleep? Something bad was bound to happen if he slept, and look where he ended up because of that. He pouted slightly, curling up slightly to comfort himself.

Why me...

■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■

Taph exited the bathroom, wearing a crop shirt and shorts, revealing her thin body and several burn marks. Where's Dusekkar? He seemed to have disappeared into nothing. Maybe he left. Of course he would've. She was a demolitionist. They had a reputation to make less than appropriate comments to the admins.

And honestly, can't blame him. If she was an admin, it wouldn't be in her list to be near a freak and weirdo. Ugh, why were her siblings such disgusting controversial freaks?!

She shook her head in disbelief. It tossed her clothing on the frame of her bed, before climbing in bed. She adjusted the pillows to their liking, forming a nest. She stretched out her wings and then her back. She closed the lights and prepared to sleep. But it didn't wash over her. But dread did. She stared at the door, looking a it with great fear. At any minute, someone will walk in and start beating them up for its crimes. For the unforgivable crime of being born a demolitionist.

She whimpered like a lost puppy being tossed around. No one here seems to have any intention of hurting them, but what if- what if they did?

Why me?

Chapter Text

The sky is slowly shifting from shades of dark blue to a gentle orange hue: dawn. Dusekkar was inside the big cabin as it was getting a bit too chilly for his liking out there. He chucked more wood into the fire place. Guest and Shed would have to get more later - only just three logs left on the rusty rack.

The pumpkin made his way to the meeting room, which was full of booth seats, and sat in the one against the wall, waiting for the others to arrive. He drummed his long nails against the wooden, yet slightly soft table, bored out of his mind. Price he pays for being awake at five in the morning.

He felt incredibly tired, like any second he could switch off, but there's no time for that. He rubbed his eye and sat there, waiting for his good-for-nothing team. Rather be with them than sleep.

■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■

Taph jolted awake with her wings around her face. She almost fell out of bed. Oh phew, it was just a dream. She got up to examine the room just in case though. She swung open the closet. Just some robes in different greyed out colours. Okay, no protesters in her cabin.

It didn't shake off the feeling of dread they felt in this place. It was scary all the same. She can't trust those she didn't know, yet she didn't even feel safe around those she called friends.

What a life. She grabbed their robes and started to put the layers on one at a time. First a shirt, then the robes itself, buckled her belt, slid on their gloves and and put on their mask before raising up her hood. Perfect. It jumped around the books and exited the cabin, greeted by the morning's warmth as the sun has made its way up into the crystal sky. Two time and the Guest just exited their cabin, seemingly in a deep debate.

She ran up to them. "Oh Guest, can you please leave your sparing outside while I do the morning prayers?" Two time huffed. "Ugh, kid, it's that big of a deal?"

"Yes it is! It's disruptive. And I hate loud noises." Taph ran up and scooped Two time up. "Woah!" They exclaimed. The marine chuckled, trying to hold it in. "Yeah, may Spawn bless your morning too Taph-." She choked. "Please put me down." Taph plopped the cultist, who made a wheezing noise, to the ground like a stuffed doll.

"So, you two are friends?" The older fellow asked. Two time gave a thumbs up as she was struggling to catch their breath. "Taph, I swear you were way weaker last time we met-." She panted again. Sorry. She grinned like a little gremlin, before walking away.

"Next time, don't squeeze me to death." Double T winced as they rubbed their shore back, before joing with Taph again. "How have you been recently, friend?" They asked. Good. Could be way better though. She answered. "Oh may Spawn lighten the weight of your worries soon." They smiled.

■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■

Dusekkar rested his head on the table, as it felt as heavy as bricks now. His neck could barely support it now. He groaned in pain. "Morning Matt!" Said a familiar voice. "Good morrow, John, the day's begun..." He whined. "Well someone had a shit sleep." Shedletsky, along with Builderman, sat on the seat opposite to the mage.

"I didn't sleep at all." He admitted. "Youch." Builderman winced. Dusekkar lifted his head up slightly to look at his co-workers, who seemed worried for his well-being. "Its been a month now." Dusekkar nodded. "I know."

He heard giggles and laughter behind him and turned to look towards the door. Elliot, Two time and Taph had just entered the cabin. Oh good lord, Taph is friends with that thing? He gripped his sleeves tightly, staring at the trio with annoyance. "Nah, that's wild Ells!" The cultist giggled. "Builder brother's be doing anything but serving pizzas..." Elliot whisfully smiled. They sat two booths away from the admins.

"What shall we eat, for morning's treat?"

"It was toast, yoghurt, I think honey too... maybe eggs?" Builderman started listing. "Good enough." He got up.

Even though Elliot is the one trusted to cook, Spectre sometimes give the crew something to eat in the mornings. Outside of that, Elliot and one of her friends cook. "There, foods here."

"Huh? Oh."

"Were you looking at Taph?" Dusekkar shook his head as he ripped his toast. "Why would I?"

But he actually was too. The demolitionist didn't seem to be eating, at all. Maybe a bite or two, but nothing else. Was she okay? It shouldn't be of his concern, yet he was making it. "Matt, are you staring at the ladies?" Shedletsky asked. Dusekkar grunted, surprised on being called out. "N-no?" He replied, just eating quicker. "Look, I don't think you have a chance with any of them, they are still in college-"

"Sky, I swear, by heavens above, a relationship? I'm not in love!" He slammed his fist. A few of the survivors turned to look at their table before going back to their own thing. "Jeez, sorry, didn't mean to hit your funny bone there." Shedletsky sighed. "Elliot's found his mate, it seems, 'T' is not for me, just broken dreams."

"And Taph?"

"... maybe." He stuffed some egg in his mouth. "But not likely."

Taph left the room as more survivors entered. Odd. With the amount of running they had to do, it's unlikely Taph will have the energy to even out run Slasher, by far the slowest killer. It made him worried. He shouldn't care, but he did. And he hated that.

Chapter Text

Taph could have sworn she was sitting near the waters earlier. Now is she is sitting on the floor of a red room, along with that guy with the burger hat. "Fuck, already?" He sighed, examing the room. She got up and approached him, tapping him on the shoulder. "Oh sweet Telamon!" The hacker exclaimed, before smiling. "Thought you were the killer for a second." What's happening? "Pardon?" She sighed. Of course, it's an imbecile who didn't know sign language. "Here, my GUI." He offered. 

She typed into the screen. "What is happening?" She spun the screen around to face the man. "It's a round." He answered. "The admins told you what those are, right?" She nodded. "Good. I'm gonna steal this back Taph, and by the way, my name is 007n7, or N7." He grinned, taking back the red panel and started to type into the screen, seemingly to have full focus on the strange device.

"Make sure the killer doesn't know where you are-." Taph took a step back as 007n7 disappeared from thin air. Welp, she's alone again. They ran out of the room to find someone else to get more information about what in the banlands was happening. She entered a dark hallway, which smelt like rotten flesh, hearing someone slamming their fist against something metallic.

"Fuck you, ya' clanker!" Yelled Chance, tossing the wires to the ground. "Quiet it down, the killer might hear us!" Noob hissed, while maintaining a low volume. Taph approached Chance, standing directly behind their back. A roar came from the machine as it came to life, before the sound of a working engine polluted the air. Chance dusted their hands against each other. "And there we go- FUCK!"

They screamed loudly like a toddler, jumping on the generator. "Oh... it's just you Taph." They panted. "Bwahahahaha!" Noob wheezed. "And I thought TT needed a cat bell 'round her neck..." They wiped the sweat off their brow. "I'll, uh, go and shoot tha' killar." They ran into the kitchen that was behind the machine. "Well, you just scared Chance." Noob giggled. "Please, do that again later, that was so funny." She grinned ear to ear. 

Taph gave a thumbs up. "Oh, do want someone to help you?" She asked the demolition, who seemed to be almost touching the roof. Noob went to grab Taph's hand, but it moved it away. "Oh, not a fan of touch?" Taph gave a nod. "Anyway, follow me, down here." She ran down the hallway into another room, where Builderman was setting up a dispenser. Wait for me! 

■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■

"Is it here? So soon I say, must it happen to me today?" Dusekkar sighed. "Matt!" Shedletsky ran over and hugged his friend. "Release me now, unhand me, pray, remove your filthy grip this day!"

"Oh, sorry." Dusekkar grumbled slightly. He sighed. "It's fine." The horror hotel, as dark and abandoned as ever. Both admins were currently outside, with the void sky looking over them. "I'll look for the others." Shedletsky ran off. "Stay safe!" Dusekkar called out, knowing his friend most likely didn't hear him.

Right, time to find a generator to do. He made his way into the hallway filled with movie posters. Hm, it's quiet. A bit too quiet. Slasher again, maybe? Maybe not. Spectre doesn't like doing back to backs.

Next thing he knew, Taph pushed pass him. "Hey!" He scolded! "There y0u are!" A heavy item hit Dusekkar on the back of the head, spilling pumpkin guts and wax on the ground. C00lkidd. He spun around and shot the kid with a lightning bolt. He ran off towards the ball pit as the child threatened to tell his dad. Stupid demolitionist. Guiding the killer to him. He hid inside the yellow walls of the pool of balls.

Taph was also there, crouching down and clutching her stomach, slightly winging. "Pray tell, what was that for?" He growled. I panicked. "Don't guide the slayer to our door, that's quite an idiotic chore!" Noob and Guest died. "It matters not, just stay alive, until the timer does arrive." He huffed, rubbing the back of his head. Gosh, it hurts even more now.

Dusekkar floated towards the ramp. Taph got up to join, but remained close to the ground. Dusekkar turned to face her. Her stomach growled slightly. My stomach hurts. She whimpered slightly. He looked on, turning down his mouth, extending a hand as an offer. He hesitated, before sighing and turning his back to her, changing his demeanour. "Perhaps you should have dined with glee, when opportunity smiled free." He huffed.

Taph snarled. And like that, he was gone. What did she expect? Again, price she pays for being born a demolitionist. She dragged her wings to the ground as she exited the room. He was right though. She hadn't eaten properly in days. He looked concerned for a second there too.

■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■

The mage ran down the hallway, lacking the energy to float above the ground. When he tries to shield someone, oh those pesky brats always chase him down until he dies. And no one will come to help him. That's deserved though, even he knew that. He made sharp turn right, as the red kid crashed into the wall. 

Dusekkar paused to catch his breath, gripping onto his arm. "Tag!" The kid pounced on top of the pumpkin, pinning him to the ground. Only his staff and his own strength that remained was preventing his neck from being snapped. "The fun must cease, be done!" He kicked the kid off of him. He got up again, gasping for air.

"Y0u're n0 fun!" The kid cried. Dusekkar just panted, trying to get air in his system. "Play by the rules."

"Afraid I cannot." He smiled, lifting his staff up again to zap the killer. Out of the corner of his eye, Dusekkar noticed a purple object hitting against the wall, creating a beeping noise as it collided around the hall. 

A tripmine. How? A purple glow emitted from it before a giant scream and explosion followed. "Gah!" The kid complained. The mage felt someone grab onto his robe and drag him into one of the bedrooms, into the closet he could assume.

He opened his eyes as his mystery saviour spooned him, resting their chin on his head and a hand on his sore abdomen. "What was-." The figure shoved their hand over his mouth. "Shhh." They whispered, bringing their head to his ear.

He gasped slightly, giving a nod. "0w, 0w 0w 0w, my eyes!" The kid complained. "D0 these adults n0t n0w h0w t0 play tag?!" He growled, before the sound of his footsteps could be heard, growing more quiet.

The robloxian removed their hand from his mouth. Dusekkar looked at the hand. Taph's glove. The demolitionist turned him around to face her. You good? She asked. Dusekkar just gawked at his saviour. She never looked so much like an angel before, yet alone this beautiful. Her wings made her look even more heavenly. Taph, puzzled, waved her hand at his face before slapping him gently. "Huh?" He shook his head.

You okay? She giggled. "Uh.. yeah." He moved his eyes to the ground, feeling embarrassed about the eye contact. His breathing started to become unstable. Taph went to get up, but flinched. "Does your tummy still ache, no respite?" He asked.

A bit. She smiled, getting up and exiting the closet. "A bite for you, I'll procure, your hunger, I'll surely cure." He nodded. Taph pressed her eyes up. Sounds nice. She said, setting up a tripwire by the door. Dusekkar clutched his face, feeling it's warmth.

He felt so stupid, yet so happy at the same time. "Fuck me..." He mumbled, hitting himself with his staff.

Chapter Text

5, 4, 3, 2, 1. The survivors won. The team materialised slightly below the rafters before falling down. Dusekkar instinctively grabbed Taph's sleeve. She was surprisingly light, almost like a feather. He gently made his way to the ground with the demolitionist in his hand, repeating the words "I got you" to himself. "Welcome back." Greeted Elliot, quickly finishing up a game of rock paper scissors with Two time before jumping over the back rest of the couch.

"Did we win?" Asked the cultist, gripping onto the rest, wagging their tail like a puppy.

"Mhm." Nodded Dusekkar. "Me, Taph and the hacker left." He continued, rubbing the back of his head again. A cinder block thrown by a demon child to the back of the head really did hurt like hell. At least the dent was gone.

"Ow, why Spectre?" Shedletsky whined, stumbling slightly. "I'll get 'em a med." Chance said, rushing up the stairs. "Weak..." the mage muttered to himself, too ashamed to ask for help himself. So we won? Taph asked. "Upon my first attempt, you soared with grace, outshining me in this testing place." He blushed, holding his wrist to his mouth.

Builderman approached Taph and Dusekkar. "Well done son on winning your first match." He smiled to the taller lady. Taph nodded, sparkles in her eyes. "And, hey..." Dusekkar held onto Taph's sleeve. He stared at it for a awkwardly long time and eventually looked at the ground, taking a breath in. "For saving me, my thanks to you, it's true..." The mage left the cabin in a rush, holding his face. Taph tilted her head to the side. That was odd.

"What's up with him?" Builderman snickered. The demolitionist shrugged, staring at the half closed door.

"Fuck." Dusekkar hissed quietly, stepping onto the grass. He didn't need to make it any more awkward than that. Since when did she...? Why did he care? No, he shouldn't. No one is deserving of attention here, let alone his. But what was this feeling in his heart? Whatever it was, it was probably not good. I'm not that old, am I? Was this like heart failure or something?

Is it even possible to die in this realm outside of rounds? He's over thinking it now, oh lord. The sound of Chance kicking down the door lept him back into reality. "Chance, don't make me fix the goddamn door again." Builderman huffed. Guest and Chance stepped out talking to each other.

Taph ran out, pushing passed her boss, followed by Two time and Elliot, rushing down to the waters, laughing as they did so. Dusekkar caught himself staring at Taph for a very long time, noticing the way her hair moved in the wind. No, staring at ladies is rude.

"Uhm... mister Dusekkar?" The mage felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned, greeted by a nervous Noob, holding an ice pack on her head. "Are... uhm." She stuttered. Dusekkar huffed, ready to tell the girl to get lost. "So...you looked uh, upset."

"Do I now?" Noob gave a nod, adjusting her hair. "Yeah... I got... I got worried. Maybe double O 7 did too, I don't know, he seemed less willing to help but yeah..."

Worried. That word had way more weight than it should have. A random noob, worried about him. Not a friend, not his co-workers but a random noob. And possibly a hacker too. "Uh... Dusekkar?" He shook his head. "Huh? Oh no, I am fine, trust me."

"You aren't rhyming. That usually means you are sad or nervous." Dusekkar put hand on his temple, failing to hide himself. "Wait, no way, you paint your nails?" Noob gasped, holding onto Dusekkar's hand. "They look... chipped. And... chewed?"

"I don't have black nail polish. Or nail polish to begin with." Noob grinned, giggling. "I can top it up in my cabin. Me and Sevs own a lot of nail polish. Plus, I can give you some needed chitchat."

"That is... that's kind of you and all but-." Noob grabbed his wrist firmly and ran off down the dirt road. "Let's go!"

"Hey!" He called out as he was dragged along.

■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■

007n7 sat on his bed, scrolling through a magazine talking about the latest hacker news, reminiscing of times he used to been on there. "I'M BACK~" Noob called out, still holding the admin hostage. "Noob! And... Dusekkar...?" He winced, seeing the admin looking as confused as him.

"Noob, dude, why THE FUCK is that..... admin with you?" Noob sat Dusekkar, who was still processing what was going on, on the floor, while looking for something under her bed. "I'm fixing his nails. The polish is chipping. Also I'm forcing him into therapy." Noob threw the ice bag on her bed.

"You paint your nails?" The hacker asked with a laugh. "Maybe you aren't as bad as I thought." He layed his magazine down, rolling onto his stomach to look at the two. "I always thought you're nails were naturally black though." Dusekkar rolled his eyes. Noob grabbed a small pink box and clipped it open, revealing a large array of colors. She pulled out the black, which contrasted with all the neons in the box.

Their room was filled with posters of now very old movies and games and Y2K stuff, as Dusekkar believed they called that era. It was bright and colourful, contrasting his dusty and empty-of-life room. Soda can littered the area near Noob's bed, and 007n7 seemed to have a mini craft project with the soda tabs, as the long sheet of metal hung on his wall like a trophy.

"So... is something bothering you?" She asked casually as she grabbed his hands. They were gentle with their grip. Dusekkar sighed. "A lot, to put it blankly." He drummed his free hand on the ground. "What abouz' now?" 007n7 asked. "Can I trust you, hacker."

"Oh yeah. I'm good with secrets. Ask Noob."

"It's true." She moved their brush against his nail, commenting on how sharp they were. "Ugh... it's been happening since Taph came here." Noob paused. "Is she bothering you? I heard this rumour a while back about demolitionists being creepy amoung admins-"

"I don't fucking know!!" The mage yelled, before slapping his hand on his mouth, realising what he said too late. The others just remained silent. He can swear? "At least that is out of your system now." 007n7 laughed as he rolled onto his back, hanging his head off the edge of the mattress. "What has she... what did Taph do?" Dusekkar huffed. "I... she looks... My heart just starts racing and... she held onto me in the previous round... and..." His eyes widened slightly. He blushed, wincing and cringing at losing grip of his persona. "Why did I do that?" He asked, sounding disappointed in himself.

"You like Taph?!" Noob gasped, smiling ear to ear. "I... I what? No." He shook his head. "C'mon Dusekkar, it's obvious as fuck. And we will keep our lips sealed, cause you will blow our fucking brains out if we don't." The hacker cackled. "And I wouldn't hesitate." Dusekkar laughed, genuinely for once. "... thank you. Both of you."

"Our pleasure, oh admin." Noob giggled, grabbing his other hand.

Chapter Text

"Dunno, Dusek acted strangely today. Maybe a bit drunk. You know what he is like after two shots, don't ya?" Builderman sighed heavily, gulping down his third cola. "Plus, I haven't seen him since he ran off." They looked at Shedletsky, for once waiting on Dusekkar to come and sit down for dinner. It's usually the other way around, since the pumpkin didn't really have much to do. Read, argue, repeat.

The room was crowded with chatter, though some voices were missing. And pretty obvious voices too. "Did y' or 2x seen 'em? Maybe Jane too?" Shedletsky shook his head, adjusting his glasses again, cutting up his steak with his hands. "Come to think of it, Noob and 007n7 aren't here 'ither..." Shedletsky pointed out as he turned around, trying to find the other two.

Elliot seemed more lively than usual with the hacker missing.

Both survivalists were probably in there cabin, and Matt would be down there too. And if Taph didn't see him all day, which it looks like... Hm. A thought was knotting in the ex God's mind. 

"Dost think Matt-."

"With them?" Builderman read his partner's mind. He gritted his teeth slightly, his face screaming are ya' out of yer' mind? "Nah, ya' know what Dusek is like. Noob is too noisy and 007n7 is a hacker. Don't blame him for the latter doh'."

Shedletsky pouted, facing the opposite way of Builderman. A staff slammed against the wall, creating a loud banging noise, landing on the seat in the booth. It startled the other survivors, but they quickly ignored everything. Dusekkar slipped in, clasping his hands on the table like he didn't almost break his staff. "Forgive my tardiness, burdened by the day."

"Matt!" Shedletsky grinned. "And did you paint your nails?" The other admin asked, looking slightly disguted. Not that he thought it looked bad, but rather Dusek has to find another color eventually.

The pumpkin looked at his fingers, like he didn't notice the shiny new layer. He muttered under his breath. " 'Scuse me?" Builderman chuckled. "Perhaps Noob... with the hacker's aid, lent a hand unseen."

"No way? Did Matty-Matt-Matt make friends?" Shedletsky teased, resting his head in his hands. "My jaw, your throat." Dusekkar snarled.

"Oh sorry!" He said with an ounce of sarcasm. "No, but were ya' seriously with them?"

"Perhaps I danced there, perhaps not at all." He smiled, before starting his meal. The room grew evermore quiet, before growing in uproar again. Dusekkar looked over at the other booths ahead of them. Taph and her friends were sitting the usual two seats away.

She laughed along with her friends, pretending not to be bothered by the room. It was weird hearing yelling and loud noises without the company of scolding and glass shattering around. But something she might need to get used to. She looked at her plate, still full of food. I gotta get going. She excused, leaving the table. "But you still have a lot of steak!" Elliot called out. "Well, she isn't listening." She sighed.

Taph still felt hungry, but couldn't bring herself to eat any more. She didn't deserve the food. Some one else maybe. But not her. They left the cabin into the night. A certain pumpkin seemed to have notice everything, but didn't do much. Not now at least. "Tela, what fare do crows consume with glee?" He asked Shedletsky.

■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■

Taph sat alone on her bed, doodling in her sketch book, occasionally peering at the door to make sure no one came to attack them. It was a repetitive pattern, but one to make sure she was okay. The trip wire was there near the entrance too, so she has enough time to flee. Click.

Someone is opening the door. Taph huddled itself on the corner of her bed, fumbling for a tripmine crystal in her pocket. Dusekkar opened the door, holding a plate in one hand and his staff strapped to his back. Don't take another step. "Forgive my uninvited presence- SHIT-" He fell over the trip wire on the ground. Taph ran over to help him.

I'm so sorry, pumpkin.

The pumpkin growled, but decided not to scold the demolitionist. "Next time, no snare by the door you see," he snickered, laughing at his own misery, "but food I brought, just as promised, by me." He lifted the plate up. It had small berries, but none seemed to get squished by some miracle. They looked cute. Dusekkar sat on the floor near his bed. "Eat when your heart finds ease." He offered.

Taph flinched. Dusekkar did make a promise during the round, seemed to have forgotten it and now is offering food. What if it's a trap? What if he trying to shame her? Maybe it's poisoned. "Hello?" Dusekkar asked. Taph sat opposite to the admin. He was tiny compared to her, below average height for a robloxian, or wherever in Okodomos he came from. He looked... cute, in a way. Slightly pathetic, but cute. She coughed. 

I don't want to eat. She replied. "Why?" She narrowed her brow. I don't know. It just feels hard to. You deserve it more anyway. It huddled themselves, looking anywhere but at the admin. "At least one?" His voice seemed understanding, like Builderman's, but more... something.

You poisoned them, didn't you? Dusekkar looked surprised. Did she have that little faith in him? Though, the mage couldn't blame her. A lot happened to Taph and their siblings these past few months. Maybe being sent to this realm was a mercy on them, not a curse. "Swear silence to keep?" He sighed. Taph tilted her head slightly, interested. Oh Telamon, she's cute. He blushed, but pretended that he wasn't smitten.

"Uhm... okay." He grabbed his horns and lifted his pumpkin mask off. He looked to be like a candle, white with tints of blue here and there. A bunch of wax draped over the right side of his face, hiding his eyes. Taph was stunned. He was stunning under the mask. Why bother to wear it?

The admin grabbed a berry from the plate and ate it. "See? It's safe." Wait, but don't you eat with the mask on? "A soiled mask, a dining plight; to cleanse it? I've no appetite." I see. Honestly, they barely understood what he was talking about. But it was nice he cared.

Maybe just to humour him. She gently picked up a tinier berry, blue in colour, from the plate. She lowered their scarf, revealing her half burnt face and huge teeth. A chunk of her lip was missing too, showing the gum.

She put the berry in her mouth. Sweet. Thank... Dusekkar just stared, gape mouthed, at Taph. His face had a light purple tint to him. "You're pretty." He whispered, almost a breath. She didn't seem to hear what he said, and thank goodness it didn't. He shook his head. "Apologies." He laughed, grabbing his tail firmly, hugging it nervously.

Thank you, Mr. Admin. She grinned. "It's... it's nothing, really. Do uhm..." goodness, he can't rhyme now. "Do you want more maybe?" Not really.

"Well, I'm glad... proud of you that you ate something." He simpered. Taph gave a nod as the admin put his mask back on. I'll take a shower now. She got up and opened the bathroom door, but pasued. By the way... your eyes have a bit of purple in them. I like purple.

"What?" They left the room without saying more, leaving the mage alone with his thoughts. His face felt warm, almost comforting, but so humiliating. He felt a twinge in his stomach, like hunger. But it wasn't for food. He blushed heavily with the knowledge.