Chapter Text
Azure braced himself for the pain in his chest, or abdomen, or wherever they were going to stab. He had long accepted it— after he had realized their intent and had pushed him down to the ground with more power than they had ever exerted against him. Two Time was weaker, easily overpowered, compared to Azure who carried bags of dirt around after all—but he couldn’t bring himself to pin them down to save himself, to risk hurting them in any way. If he was going to die, it may as well be from the hands of someone who loved them so dearly
The nightshade flowers of his garden rustled gently—glowing softly in the pale moonlight. Two Time, despite being just about ready to send him off to Spawn, looked wonderfully ethereal. Their hair fell to the side just shy from tickling Azure’s face—they were glowing in the gentle embrace of the moon. Though their hair had placed a shadow over their face, he could make out the way their lips trembled—the way their eyes glossed. He just smiled, closing his eyes.
It had been a normal day for the most part—thinking back on it—Two Time seemed a little quieter— but they had never been the talkative type anyways. The morning was bright and sunny, rays gently cascading down the many buildings in waves, the gentle sound of songbirds filling the open air. He had spent the day planting arrays of flowers to further flourish his garden, Two Time sat silently on the porch, tinkling with the blade in their hands.
“Somethings bothering you,” Azure commented, climbing up on the other side of the railing with his muddy boots. Two Time glanced up from where they sat, eyeing Azure as he hung gently off the porch with one hand. Two Time seemed to just sigh, sheathing their dagger on the side of their belt as they combed a finger through their inky hair.
“It’s nothing.” They groaned finally—getting up from the seat and leaning in closer to Azure—arms crossed on top of the rails. Azure raised an eyebrow.
“You sure?”
“Mhm.”
The press on his lips were fleeting but there, the lingering sensation of slightly chapped on his own. He greedily chased it, pouting when Two Time just laughed—walking back over to their chair. “Continue.”
“I’m done, all the nightshades are wonderfully planted and I even experimented with some newer floras, in about a few weeks to a few months they should spring up and blossom beautifully. I can’t wait to walk you through it! I’ll trim the hedges of my garden and we can have a date in the—“
“Azu.”
Azure paused, realizing he had been rambling. “Ah! Sorry..”
“I don’t mind.” Two Time smiled, beckoning him closer, Azure happily leaped over the railing, frolicking to their beloved’s side.
“The garden should be fine even if I dug it all up, I’ll ask for a cute little gazebo to be put in there ah. But we can sneak off tonight anyways, like always.”
“Tonight?” Two Time answered, the concern on their face didn’t meet Azure’s eyes. Instead, the man nodded frivolously.
“Tonight! It’s a date.”
“Ok..”
He didn’t see the way they gripped their blade a little harsher than usual.
…..
What did they say to me when they died? I can’t remember…
…
Cold tears dripped on his cheek, falling at a rapid pace…. But there was an odd warmer sensation alongside it…
He brought his hand up gently, swiping at it. It was sticky.
Crimson blood.
But not his own.
His hand froze.
Azure’s eyes shot open, terrified. Looking at his partner who just held a distressed smile as tears continued to fall from their eyes.
In their hands laid their dagger—shoving the blade into their own chest. Their hands trembling as crimson leaked down their arms and dripped onto Azure under them. Azure couldn’t move, his limbs felt heavy. Move. You need to get to them. You need to—
….
…
..
.
Azure woke up with a gasp, clutching his chest. The sound of soft wind brushed the window next to his bed, there were no birds that chirped however— there never was when he was here. Tears free falled from his eyes as he stared at the cabin ceiling, rolling down his cheek and collecting uncomfortably on the bedsheets under him— getting colder to the touch as they met cooled air. They laid motionless—thinking—before he groaned and got up. The same nightmare, the same memory, always haunting him for not being able to stop them that day.
Azure did his daily rounds, brushing his teeth, a quick cold shower since this damn place didn’t have running hot water—Azure grabbed his hat, discarding the dead nightshade flower from it and grabbing another fresh one from the vase on his nightstand. Weaving it gently into the band wrapped around the base of it.
Then he paused—looking at the silver dagger that was once hidden under his hat—now revealed to the world once he had placed the garment back to its original place on his head. It was Two Times’, he had pulled it out of their body when he buried them, deep in his garden. There was no longer a garden—no longer a face smiling back at him as he pranced up proudly and presented a bouquet of purple flowers. The dagger no longer holds memories of smiling faces and carving their name into tree bark, but now it was the same weapon Two Time had used once to…
…
Oh Two Time… forgive him for what he has to do.
Despite not having anything scheduled today he grabbed the blade and secured it tightly onto his belt. Checking his appearance in the mirror before smiling gently to himself and walking out the door to the main survivor’s cabin.
The walk wasn’t long, but he had a habit of stopping every so often to admire the flowers—despite his circumstances he forced himself to live a normal life after Two Time’s passing, and even now when he was forced into this grueling murder game. He still planted, though for less time than he used to —he still cooked, though…for less people than he usually cooked for. Things weren’t all too bad though—he had nothing going for him outside this game after Two Time’s passing anyways. It was painful of course , but it kept him feeling….alive.
The other survivors seemed to like him—well he’d like to think that anyways. Though he had a feeling they were starting to suspect his fake-calm exterior. Azure shook his head and sighed— there’s no use to dwell and theorize… he had long stopped believing in theories. Azure pushed open the door to the main lobby—It was oddly silent for it being almost noon, usually everyone was awake by now unless they decided to get pass out drunk the day prior— though that wasn’t an uncommon occurrence, you’d at least see someone groaning on the couch with the TV set on some drama as they dose down a box of cold pizza.
“Everyone out?” He called out when stepping in to no one in particular, scanning the area for any persons that seemed to linger.
“Since 7 this morning, early game, we checked the body cams err.. I’m guessing everyone’s still alive.” It was Elliot’s voice who replied back to him from the kitchen—he walked over to join him. Another figure sat idly at the table, with familiar blond hair and a blue shirt, fiddling with the corner of a napkin.
“Seems a bit unfair, 7 people round huh, Should've woken me up…hello Noob.” He greeted—the other glanced over and smiled back. “Who’s the killer?”
Elliot turned, he had a freshly baked pizza in his hands and oven mitts on alongside an apron that just simply read, “Rate the chef 5 stars.” He placed the pizza down, setting it with 3 others similar to it on the counter. “I don’t know. Pretty sure it’s a new one, I wonder what damned soul that host has trapped now.”
Azure sat down next to Noob, nodding to them before answering. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” Elliot replied almost immediately, “do you have your spectator gadget?”
Azure laughed awkwardly, he had broken that long ago when he kicked it off the bed during one of his nightmares. He never used it anyways so it immediately became the least of his concerns when it smashed into pieces. If it was that fragile maybe it was overdue for its demise anyways. There was an object pushed into his hands—he glanced at Noob who just smiled. They had given him theirs.
“Thank you.”
Azure tapped a few buttons into the device—it lit up almost immediately, a screen portraying the current map. Horror hotel. Its blinding colors made Azure blink in displeasure—but there was something different about it. Not only were half the body cams out of service like they had already been killed—but the few who were still running were jumping over what seemed to be…vines?
There was a hand on his shoulder—he didn’t finch, but the touch did make him nervous. A finger pointed directly to the screen.
“There, that. I haven’t seen the killer but I think those vines attack, so unless the host domesticated a tree I have no clue what they did to this one.” Elliot spoke sternly, hand still resting on his shoulder. But as he was speaking the last bodycam went black, Elliot flinched back, eyes narrowing at the screen before the timer suddenly stopped when there was 30 minutes left. Then, grueling screams erupted from the device.
This time, Azure physically recoiled away from it, dropping the device as well. Noob, who was quietly watching next to them—slammed their palms into their ears to drown out the noise. Elliot however just stood, eyes narrowed as his grip on Azure’s shoulder tightening. It was gruesome, terrifying even, he had only heard those types of screams long ago when…
The screen turned a bright red, indicating a killer victory. Behind them he could hear multiple bodies collapsing onto the ground at once—coughing and sputtering—but no longer screaming.
Elliot was there in a heartbeat, handing pizzas to the shocked survivors… most of them.
Azure glanced nervously at Noob who stared at the table with their hands on their ears. He waved a hand in front of their face, checking if they were ok before making his way to the other survivors.
“Azure! Dude..” Chance coughed out—eating his slice a bit too quick and almost choking before getting scolded by Elliot. “That killer was insane! It reminded me of you kinda.”
Azure tilted his head, eyes narrowing, “surely you’re not calling me a—“
“Oh! Oh no no.. s’rry dude. I meant the look of it. Same flower on your hat.” Chance reiterated, gesturing to the top of his head. “Though to be fair you do stab—“
“Flower?” He interrupted, glancing up, “nightshades?”
Chance shrugged “I… maybe?”
“Those vines are freaky! I’d rather go up against 1x4!” 7n7 exclaimed next to them, dusting himself off— he helped Taph off the ground who just responded in rapid sign language.
“I dunno bout’ that one.” Shedletsky laughed, elbowing 7n7 playfully.
“For Robloxia’ sake!”
A gruff voice came from behind the crowd. Guest groaned as he took off his shoe— a plethora of nightshade petals falling from inside it. “I was in there for hours! That stupid little vine flower cocoon. Too dense to smash out of.”
“They’re so willing to prevent me from swinging twice and then bring out this monstrosity, seriously, what gives?” Shedletsky chimed in once again, swinging his sword in the air for dramatic effect. “I reeeeaaally wanna hit certain things… uh… for justice.”
Azure frowned, crossing his arms, “you sure you guys are ok? Nightshades are highly poisonous to the touch.”
“The poisonous effect no longer lingers even with it’s terrible stringers.” Dusekkar spoke, then coughed awkwardly, “uh.. I mean, the poison may not stay if we are out of its bay—god damn it.”
“What a relief.” He let out a breath, “what did the system tell you when you joined the round? The name as in.”
“Nightshade.” Guest replied instantly, “like what you said. Chance doesn’t pay attention to title screens.”
Chance stuck out his tongue and bonked the side of his own head with his fist. “Oopsies”
“Yeah yeah tell us more about it at the table—pizza’s gonna get cold.” Elliot interrupted, already dragging Chance out the room and shoving him roughly onto the chair.
“Sounds like a doozy.”
Everyone had gotten situated around the table, happily munching away at the food provided. Azure had a half eaten pizza on the table in front of him. He didn’t enjoy the grease—but he’ll eat the rest soon so he wouldn’t waste food.
“I was never really able to eat much as a kid, before the Spawn blessed us with their grace.”
Two Time would always eat his leftovers.
“If I see the core of that fucker I’ll kill it I swear, why couldn’t it just kill us normally instead of slowly poisoning us in vine cages and ending us all off at the same time.” Guest said in between bites, earning a glare from Elliot. “Unless it really just is a tree… It can’t be right? There needs to be a.. a someone!”
“Careful Guest, you’re getting worked up.” Builderman chided from where they stood—leaning against the counter of the kitchen. Azure tuned out the rest of the conversation.
He picked up the slice of Pizza, bringing it to his mouth and taking another small bite—the cheese oozed and stretched from his mouth to where he had bit it. He chewed slowly.
His curiosity was getting the better of him—would it be too far fetched to ask to be placed in a round with the unknown creature of vines? 7n7 had once stated he had wished upon a shooting star to see his son once more—which earned him a round with them the next day…. Azure would pray to Spawn for a blessing but… it’s not like he… does that anymore…
It felt odd.
“Yo Azure?” A voice snapped him out of his thoughts, he blinked once, twice, before lifting his head slowly towards them. Chance stared at him with his head slightly tilted— their fedora was placed in front of them. Elliot stood behind them, combing fingers through his long hair absentmindedly—seemingly entranced by the way light grey strands slipped smoothly from his hands when he picked them up.
Everyone else had left at one point—even Noob, who he had not yet returned the device he had borrowed to. How long had he been spacing out for?
“Couple of minutes at most.” Chance replied, Azure blinked.. did he say that out loud?
“Ya’, and you’re still doing it.” Azure only sighed.
“I’m thinking.”
“Too hard if ya’ ask me, your hat’ll grow a mind if ya’ brain keeps growing with thoughts like that.” Chance grinned, fang sticking out slightly from his lips. Elliot sighed from behind them, though still keen on gliding his fingers through soft strands.
“Sorry I just…the new killer..”
“Don’t go rushin’ in flower boy just cuz the enemys lookin’ a little pretty.” Chance flipped his golden coin—the sound breaking through the otherwise silent atmosphere. “Or do, I mean, I’d do the same.”
“Chance.”
“Elli.
The two bickered back and fourth, complete forgetting the original conversation and leaving Azure back in his own mind. He blinked drearily— rubbing his face with his hands. It was quieter now that everyone had gone to rest— and due to the large party today going so early in the day he doubts there’ll be much to do “game” wise. Unless the…host.. is in a bad mood. He groaned, stuffing his face into his arms as he listened to the rambles of the two infront of him.
Azure always loved nightshades— from the color to the sensation they gave him. Call him a bit insane— but now that his body has long gotten used to the poisons, he felt the tingling feel quite pleasant. But they were dangerous of course, he had seen many perish due to careless mistakes…like eating them— the bright purple was a warning enough for Spawns sake! Despite that, he was drawn, they were gorgeous.
Just like when he met them for the first time.
The Spawn. He had come across HIM too late in his life— he wished he had the opportunity to go back in time and join HIM for a lifetime.
..He thinks… he was about 12 when he joined.
“Cabins are full right now kid, just stay in the lobby for a bit okay? ” An older man patted him on the back, smiling softly before leaving the room. Azure— being a rowdy child and desperate for adventure, immediately disregarded the man’s words.
He ventured outside— roaming the cult perimeters aimlessly, for something to do. Picking a few stray flowers on the road while humming a tune to himself— soft blues, pinks, and yellows collecting into a bouquet in his hands— who were they for? Probably no one in particular. Tulips, lilies, orchids, forming a beautiful picture of elegant floral patterns against the otherwise dull green ground.
It was familiar, like how he used to plant flowers in front of his parent’s small home— bringing the whole land to life with the touch of his fingers. Familiar. Familiar.
Till he felt an unfamiliar stem.
Thinner, more delicate.
He blinked—slowly turning his head down to look at the plucked flower multiple petals frayed from the base to the top of the flower— thin strands of pure crimson.
A spider lily.
These do not belong in plain fields.
They were gorgeous.
Without thinking, he scanned the area— eyes immediately locking onto a similar red flower, swaying softly in the breeze.
He picked a few more, then another, then another. Until eventually he realized his whole bouquet’s palette had shifted to dark crimson red— but he really couldn’t complain.
Azure’s hand paused when he realized there was a cluster of spider lilies around him instead of the small sprinkles he had seen prior— he stood up completely, following the trail that only seemed to increase in numbers as he continued. Going deeper into the forest slightly outside the borders of the cult’s territory. He was terribly drawn— he always seemed to follow pretty things when he was younger… well younger than he was now. He let the crimson lead him to wherever they wished to lead him—following till he reached an unexpected halt in the number of flora.
This couldn’t be all right? Such an unexpected end to something so beautiful. Instead of turning around, Azure pushed the vines that blocked his path— creating an entrance deeper into the forest.
And there it was.
A sea of crimson— a garden of spider lilies. Framed by the sunset skies. How something so beautiful existed right outside the little place he now resides in was nothing but breathtaking. The wind blew his hair softly as he admired the view—he had to clutch his hat to keep it from tumbling away into the fields. However, the flower field wasn’t even the most beautiful thing he had seen. But instead— it was the figure who sat peacefully in the middle of the sea of crimson. A thin delicate figure with long only strands— blowing in the wind. A flowy white dress to compliment their frame. They were beautiful in sunset rays—surrounded by flowers.
Azure couldn’t help himself—with a huff he rushed over immediately.
The figure turned their head quickly— locking eyes with him as he approached— a look of surprise on their face.
They were wonderfully beautiful in crimson.
“Hello! Im Azure! I’m sorry I couldn’t help it— you’re gorgeous!” He leaned down to meet eyes with them— with this angle he could see how long black lashes shaded soft grey eyes. “What’s your name?”
They didn’t speak— they just stared. Blinking slowly at him. Azure flushed at the silence, laughing awkwardly. He glanced around before remembering the hand made bouquet in his hands. With a smile he extended his arm— offering them the flowers he had collected.
“Please take these! They’re the only thing I have to offer!”
They stared blankly— but accepted the offer. Putting the bouquet in their lap. Azure could've sworn his heart did 10 whole happy somersaults in his chest. He took the gesture as a go ahead to sit beside them, gazing at the sky alongside the mysterious individual.
“I just joined today..” Grey eyes locked onto his purple, tilting their head silently. “Everyone seems busy… and there’s no one else to talk to.”
They didn’t respond, however their gaze seemed locked onto his. Azure smiled sadly, perhaps he was bothering them—perhaps this was their sacred place they had infiltrated. With a sigh he got up despite having just sat down, patting his pants down to remove grass and crimson petals. “Sorry… I didn’t mean to bother you. I hope we’ll meet again one day.”
He turned to leave, but a tug on his coat stopped him. Rustles from behind him piqued his interest and he didn’t dare move. Soft thin fingers pushed him down slightly by the shoulders, then rising to slowly place something on his hat. Those hands were off him the moment they were finished with whatever they had wanted to do— Azure stood up straight once more, curiously touching his hat.
“Huh?”
Azure turned, looking at them curiously. Catching them in the action of a similar motion. Placing an object on their own head.
Purple, pink, and yellow flora delicately frame their features. A flower crown made from his bouquet… they were beautiful in other colors too.
“Did you… make one for me too?” He questioned, they just glanced up, pointing at the crimson flowers beneath them before brushing past him and disappearing into the forest behind him.
…
“Azure!” A voice called for him from the cult’s territory
“Coming!”
…
…
The crown was made of a deep crimson, spider lilies blessing his otherwise dull color scheme.
…
…
They died the day later.
Flora never lasts for too long.
Scrapped part from the 1st memory scene… I didn’t know if I liked it so I kinda scrapped it but I thought it was fun so I added it here (this part isn’t apart of the story)
“I can never forgive myself for even thinking of killing you… may the Spawn see this sacrifice and grant you a second life… Azure…” They coughed out, digging the dagger deeper into their chest, crimson blood dripped in thick droplets.
Tears pricked his eyes as he stared helplessly—body betraying him. He opened his mouth with great effort, forcing words out his mouth.
“W-why?”
Two Time just smiled.
“I couldn’t.”