Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The memories swiftly returned, the murders, all the deaths that he looked at as if they were nothing. Control of they’re subconscious is being lifted. Hetch was talking again. 

“Any last words you want to say to the audience to sway them one way or the other?”

“Let me die! Please Just let me die, I don't wanna keep doing this, I don't wanna keep doing this”

The memories kept coming back faster and faster. Niki, Sneeg, Charlie. Many times it did happen. Over and over, after all, this wasn’t they’re first time in this room. Yet loop after loop the people and him being reset, recorded with their thoughts and conscience lost. Till they're next death. Of course that is only what he had gathered, that his friends were only reset after his death. 

  Eyes burning, tears falling, the ache of everything coming back, loop 359. The mask never gives any control back, only they’re private thoughts are his own. Even that was taken away at times. He was also never able to vocalize those private thoughts. Never, since they woke up in the showfall labs had they been able to voice their thoughts when they speak. Never. They were saying something again. Pleading once more to die maybe. He pays the slightest bit of attention.

“The audience has voted.” Hetch drags out the word. 

The words were always the same as even Hetch was a puppet whose strings were being pulled.

“The audience has voted for you to die” 

The box shuts around his head. Spikes no longer had the effect of pain, nothing did at this point. He felt the blood dripping down his body, slowly losing its ability to move. It was the same thing that happened. Every loop from the first to now, they’re three hundred fifty-ninth time. He at first swore that he would get out, get help, and come back. Now that is a pitiful dream. 

Finally, they entered the pause between loops, they still had no name for it but it was his only solace. He could think freely now with no control, for the little time it was it was always a peaceful bit to his “story”. The light slowly filtered in as showfall “prepped” for the next loop. It was just the same thing every time. Yet something felt off. Different even. 

When Ranboo gained consciousness, opening his eyes he saw a forest of green and reds, with hints of browns and purples. Thinking something must've gone wrong, he nearly yelped when suddenly he saw a black-wooled sheep walk towards him. 

“A sheep?” Ranboo was extremely confused.

From just experiencing what was one of they’re many deaths in show fall to waking up in a forest, it was justified really. Getting up and on they’re feet they looked down. What they saw was even more strange. He was wearing a suit with a red tie almost like the workers at showfall had.  It felt soft and was much more comfortable than the jacket they had before. They looked around, often looking down at the sheep and they’re newly acquired outfit now and then, the sight still quite shocking. 

“Wait?”Ranboo paused.

He spoke on his own with his voice then! Before they only could use the voice of they’re head. Tears fell softly down his cheeks. Reaching up to wipe them he felt more cloth yet this time over his mouth.

‘What the hell?” they murmured

 Abandoning the thought of wiping tears. They tugged, It seemed to be hooked around they’re ears. Tugging harder the cloth covering his mouth snapped into his hand, leaving a soft sting near the back of his ears.

“It's a cloth mask?” They murmured to the forest around them.

There was no response of course. Looking at the Mask they realized that they felt bare without it, almost like it, a mask had given them comfort. The more they stared at it the more uncomfortable they felt. He quickly attempted to put it back on. When they did they did in a way that was familiar yet entirely unfamiliar. It fits snugly over they’re nose. He decided to leave it be.

 Looking up they saw what they thought to be the sun. it sat large and round in the middle of the sky. Looking away quickly when it began to hurt he noted not to do that again as they blinked the spots out of his vision. 

He took note of the fact now of all times that he had no idea where he was. He began to walk toward one of the trees and leaned against it. He began to beat himself up for giving in to old interests and reactions. As they did so they began to bang the back of they’re head against the tree. Unknown to them the more they did it, cracks appeared in the tree's log. He slammed his head against one last time realizing that he was doing what he was upset with himself for, this time harder than before. The log broke. They’re head snapped back up as soon as they felt it hit nothing. Looking behind them he saw that he had broken the log and there standing on top of the piece below the space, was a block. It was just hovering there.

“How in the world?” He began to stare at the cube-shaped log that had come from a round tree.

Slowly walking towards it they jumped when it began to come closer and next they knew it was in, they’re hands. Pausing he looked at the item in question. It looked exactly like the trees around yet when he tried to fling it off shaking they’re fingers in a panic, they had opened some sort of menu. It was almost like they had a panel in front of them. Similar to the panel on the side of the screen in the “First Episode” he picked up something in the cabin, yet it was much larger. 

  He knew this wasn’t normal. Looking at it like it was a glass dish he could drop and break any moment he tried to figure out what he should do to open it. A cow sounded nearby, making him twitch his fingers up as he jumped. 

“Ha, I figured it out. Yet….I still don't know where I am.” He looked once more at the sky as the sun was still high in the air. They began to think of a plan. It was honestly they're only choice as they had no clue what they were doing. 

They began to walk directly ahead in a direction in hopes of finding something other than trees. 

The start of they’re journey has only just begun.

Chapter Text

It had been what felt like hours yet the sun was still in the same place. Ranboo was just about to collapse. They were very thirsty and hunger was only beginning to set in. They’re body still not used to walking. A reminder of what seems so far of a memory. He looked around and strained his ears hoping to hear something other than the animals he had come across. For a minute he thought he had heard water but wasn’t entirely confident. He tried listening once more, something telling him to slow his breathing. He heard water somewhere to the east of him. The water practically called him to it.

“Oh for fucks sake, finally” he very nearly shouted his volume level high in his excitement.

 “The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, just remember to look up.”

The voice of the audience might have told him this yet he wasn't sure that was the case. The faint memory of a monotone lecturing voice speaking to him, a flash of pink with a hint of what smells like the coppery scent of blood, flooding around him whenever The Hero’s death happened. Shaking his head suddenly he attempted to focus on the task at hand. The water was louder now. They had slowed to a walk yet had still gotten further while they stewed in they’re deeper thoughts.

He began to jog further east of him as the sun slowly inched in the opposite direction.

He saw a hint of blue in the tree. Speeding up once more he ran towards the water. In a frenzy of thirst, they ripped off they’re mask and dropped down to they’re knees, and cupped they’re hands. Quickly bringing the water up they drank with greed only ever stopping to breathe. When they had they’re fill they decided to see if the outfit was the only thing that had changed.

 Peering down into the water he looked at himself, his hair had grown almost reaching his shoulders now in a messy style, his bangs the only thing exempt. They looked at they’re eyes, seeing now that they’re usually dull gray was replaced with a heterochromatic green and red, green on the left and red on the right. They stared in a bit of shock then looked away as they felt strangely uncomfortable when they stared into they’re own eyes for more than a second. It felt to him a lot like the moment he took off his newly acquired mask. It was the same discomfort. 

Looking he noticed the roots of his hair had started to look dyed. Black on the left, white on the right split straight down the middle. They decided to stop looking.

“What is even happening? Why can't it finally just be over!” he yelled.

They were startled to see a purple particle float in front of them. It just was there. He jumped and fell back when he heard it speak. 

Ranboo!

They’re back, They’re back!

Stolen from us now back!

Why are you talking so cryptically?

[message was deleted by moderator]

Ayy why were you even gone anyways?

There should be a village to the south of him on whatever this island even is.

Oh, Are they lost?

HA lostboo

Lostboo

LostbooLostboo

LostbooLostboo

Lostboo

LostbooLostbooLostboo 

Chat! Stop and look at him, he’s panicking!

He clasped his hands over his ears in an attempt to shut them out, but they were in his head whispering and talking. He shut his eyes attempting not to think of this new “Audience”. Then like magic, they stopped. The particle had disappeared and the chattering was gone. He stopped the rocking of his body not even knowing it had even started. They slowly unclasped the hands around they’re ears. When nothing made a noise, just the flow of water and the occasional animal, he relaxed. Closing his eyes he sighed.  The thoughts of what to do came back as he had finally found water, but, what next? They thought back to what the new “Audience” had said. 

The voices from the particle had given him directions, unlike the “Audience”  who usually viewed for they’re own selfish needs and nothing else. He then decided to ignore it in case such talk was untrue. Stealing a few more bits of water he wandered away from the spring. 

Looking up for what they knew wouldn't be the last time he took note of where the sun was. Seeing now that the sun was slightly to the west. Something told him he should probably seek shelter before dark. He picked up the pace to a faster walk only to keep from exhausting himself. 

The village was not supposed to be found, abandoned and old it held one standing structure.

The library.

The light was slowly fading and Ranboo had a strong feeling something would happen if he left himself out in the open plains he had found himself in at dark. This feeling only grew stronger as the sun set slowly. The fast walk they had been doing slowly became a jog as the sun got lower. They saw it. There shortly up ahead was a rundown town. It soon proved to be abandoned yet the inside of every building was in perfect shape. As if someone still lived there. They found a small hut that was to they’re liking. Laying down in the large purple-colored bed inside they slowly drifted off to sleep.

“Boo, I'm worried.” whispered a blurry person in front of them.

“What about Bo?” His voice said back.

“The future. What we have. What kind of world _______  will grow up in? So many things.” said Bo.

The response back was muffled and unintelligible. 

Ranboo snapped awake.

Chapter Text

They began to look around the day before coming back to them. The voice was right. There was a village, yet how did it know? They’re dream was also quite weird. Who were they talking to? It felt like every time he tried to remember more of the dream it slipped further and further out of grasp.

 Sitting up Ranboo felt pain in their feet. He didn't remember being able to reach the end of the bed last night, but now it seemed his feet were almost completely off the bed. Humming in a sort of disinterest, They shrugged it off, or they had tried to. Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. They stared for a second trying to process what they’re legs now looked like.

He was now missing his shoes. He rolled up his pants. They came with the suit yesterday. His legs were entirely different, long, stalk-like things. The color he had seen in his hair yesterday reflected the scales now climbing up his legs.  The scales stopped a bit above his ankles. They think they might be taller as well. Standing, he was taller now. The people in showfall had said he was at least 6’6 before right? They would never find out they’re full height now. His head was just barely touching the ceiling. 

They were extremely disturbed at this point with what was happening to them. He was also growing quite frustrated. He'd kill to be left alone by now. Could they never have that? Groaning, they stepped out of the house that they had taken refuge in. 

He decided to wander around the village for a bit till he found something of interest.

Not even a few minutes later they realized that standing untouched from decay on the outside was a library. He also was a little lost so maybe it's a good thing they found it? Stepping inside he crouched a bit to get through the doors. It was covered in dust on the inside with many worn books that held a look of age to them. Glad that they kept the mask on, they stepped towards what looked to be a desk nearby. 

On it was a book labeled “ Welcome to Minecraft!” and another next to it labeled “Hybrids and Their Origin Species”.  

“Hybrids, huh?”  He murmured.

 Looking for any authors they found none. He found this a bit strange as even the books that had fallen on him back in the cabin had been authored. They sat down at the desk and began to read. Forgetting about the passage of time entirely. 

Shutting “Hybrids and They’re Origin Species”  Thinking back to the changes that had occurred earlier they realized everything matched the endermen hybrid. The only difference was the split colors. The book did say something about a lost species of the endermen didn't it? 

The book “Welcome to Minecraft!” was very thorough with its explanations despite its bright and sunny title. It held information on just about every mob and item in this new world he had found himself in. “Minarcriftia” nicknamed “Minecraft” is what the book had called it at least. Most if not everything seemed to click after reading those two books. Looking outside one of the library windows they found the sun setting.  Thinking to explore the library for what else it held he started to walk around the many shelves, when he heard it at first he was confused. 

There was a low humming noise coming from what seemed to be the center of the library.  Slowly creeping around shelves filled with books some even missing he at last had found it. It looked like a chest, covered with obsidian. Its lock in the middle was what held the shape of an ender pearl but was most definitely not. As Ranboo slowly approached it he saw the same purple particles from the day before being drawn towards the chest thing. Eyes widening he took a step back. Only when nothing had happened for the next few seconds did they step forward again.

The humming noise slowly grew louder as they stopped in front of it. It was as if they were in a trance. Slowly Ranboo lifted the lid of the chest, what“ Welcome to Minecraft!”  called a menu appeared and sent them stumbling back, the menu disappeared. He scrambled back towards it thinking they had seen something of the equivalent of a diamond. “ Welcome to Minecraft!” had after all called diamond the world's second most indestructible and expensive item. Lifting the lid of the chest he gaped.

There inside was a gleaming diamond sword, tools excluding a hoe, a gleaming chest plate, leggings, and a not-so-shiny stack of torches. 

“Whose are these?” Ranboo whispered in surprise. 

Remembering a chapter explaining the process of equipping armor. They did so. Swiftly they equipped the armor. When he was done he transferred the tools to his inventory. Strangely he was able to stand without feeling the weight of the armor. The tools felt like a comfortable weight in they’re hands. Switching to the sword the weight was a bit heavier but still comfortable. Looking at they’re hands they realized they had no clue how to use these items.

Ranboo had gotten too excited too fast. Walking away from the chest. They heard it close on its own. They did jump, yet the armor provided a sense of comfort. In A few steps, they walked towards one of the library windows. It was night. Thinking of what to do, now that they were stuck in the library they realized they had two choices. 

Run, or stay.

Chapter Text

They ran. Rushing across the strangely visible yet dark landscape. Racing towards one of the many houses surrounding the library, just a moment before he could open one of the doors he stumbled into a spider. Not recognizing it at first. He stumbled and stared, costing him time. When they stopped they were very quickly tackled by the spider. Falling down he switched to the sword in his now-identified hotbar. After nearly dropping, stumbling and almost losing the sword he got a steady grasp with his hand. The spider had taken several bites of him. They knew that they had to act fast as they did not know the respawn rules of this world.

They shoved with what little strength they had, sword still in one hand, pushing the spider off them momentarily. He angled the sword above his chest pointing upward. Bracing themself for when the spider attempted to tackle them once more. It jumped up and then ended up impaled upon the sword, disappearing with only a spatter of smoke and pieces of string left behind.

Grabbing the string they then rushed into the house in front of them immediately, leaning on the side of the strangely tall red bed. Sitting down he was a bit surprised to see that the bed was the right height to accompany his own.  Ranboo was a little disturbed. Brushing off the oncoming thoughts they looked into they’re hot bar. Seeing the string they wondered what they would do with it. He only had a single piece. The stress of the night finally hitting him he began to run his hands through his hair. 

They knew what they would do with the string now at least. His hair had only gotten longer, looking at it he now saw it was at least mid-back length. Panic and adrenaline brushing off the questioning feelings, he began to tie his hair in a low ponytail with shaky hands using the string, figuring they could do more with it later. Glancing at his hair the color of his it had changed again. They now found the black at the end instead of just they’re roots.  The dirty, sandy brown in the middle looked the usual. He laid down in the bed and began planning the next day. He was most definitely going to find another pond or a mirror of some sort along with getting his hair cleaned.

They hoped for a sort of comfort in being clean at least.

Chapter Text

The day progressed with a fog-like feeling. Imaginary scenarios rushing through Ranboo’s head as they sat in front of the mirror. The fight from the night before was one that pushed its way to the top, always ending in death. The spider was something that they did not want to see again. More than just a feeling told them they would anyway. Along the topic of the spider, they now knew that they had to figure out some way to train. Figure out how to use what he had found. Not just to defend but to make they’re way away and to a populated civilization.

Ranboo decided to head back to the library hoping to find more on these topics. Taking a few deep breaths trying to clear the fog and they’re thoughts. He gathered the last bits of himself and went to the door of the house that he slept in the night before.  Opening it and stepping outside they were hit with the beams of the sun shining down. Shielding they’re eyes they continued outside, deciding to walk at a slow pace to get a look at the village as after all, they hadn't paid much attention to it yet.

The buildings were built out of a strange purple and black blended wood. Along with an off-white brick. It almost looked like it was taken from a different dimension. It was overall strange. Yet, it felt like home, the path of strange off-white stone and the tall buildings. The Library was obviously the main centerpiece. Its much taller door and bigger windows showed as much. Everything looked built of a being of Ranboo’s new height. 

They had reached the library. Pushing open the doors slowly, he walked inside. Sitting there near the entrance stood the desk from the day before. What was confusing though was when they approached it there on top of it were three new books. One titled “Fighting Tips for Young Players (and Hybrids!)”, and “Using Your Tools Correctly.” And finally “How to Repair and Upgrade Your Tools”.  The books were quite a bit shorter than the ones before. 

So like before they sat down and read. This time keeping an eye on the light levels through the windows.

Closing the first book for a quick second. He processed the fact that it said “Find a mentor as not everything can be self-taught.” This means that somewhere out there, Somewhere, is people! They nearly jumped out of the chair they had at the desk. Looking outside he now knew he would find something of use one day out of this  village, out there. Taking a few deep breaths they settled down for some more reading.

Finishing the second book they had covered quite a few tips on how to properly use the sword and the other tools. After many attempts and pulling out and putting said tools away of course. They had to remember they no longer had an “Audience” watching them several times, but they got through it. He also now knew how to correctly hold the sword. Not much on fighting with it though.

The thought of having to fight still frightened Ranboo, but with last night's example the fear was not welcomed as it was obviously going to happen again. The fighting was obviously unable to be ignored. Ranboo figured that he was going to need a mentor yet the village was all they had discovered. 

“A Mentor Huh?’

Without warning there in front of him was another purple particle. Except it just was there. At least that's what they thought.

Hey Ranboo!

Chat remember what happened last time?

I wasn't there, what happened?

He panicked @ squigglysquigs

Boob boy panicked?

L

[Message was deleted by Moderator]

So like where is he?

Someone from before mentioned a village right?

Yea!

But this place looks empty

 Ranboo decided quickly to deal with the situation differently this time around. 

“What are you?” The asked interrogating the strange-looking particle as it spoke in they’re head.

What are we??

Ha 

Seriously memory boy?

[Message was deleted by Moderator]

We are chat!

He don't know who we are?

But seriously where is he?

Did he really panic tho?

“Chat huh?” he murmured, ignoring the weirder Chatters.

The amount of questions that they had was endless. He began to ask the Chatters what they knew almost immediately.

“Where am I? Do you even know? Can you Chatters help me find a mentor? How did I get here?” They rapidly fired off theyre many questions, and interrogation started.

More Particles appeared.

  [Message was deleted by Moderator]

[Message was deleted by Moderator]

We don't know where u are man!

It's not like they don't know anyone anyway.

Haha you don't remember how you got here

You are in Minecraft by the looks of it

 “Well, I know that I'm in Minecraft. How do I find people?”

Walk boo

Silly you walk

Yo, they look kinda different?

“So there is no quicker transportation huh?”

Yep

Yea

[Message was deleted by Moderator]

[Message was deleted by Moderator]

[Message was deleted by Moderator]

They hummed in satisfaction at getting at least some answers. Now knowing that they would have to just walk, they decided to take a look around the library once more just to be sure. Once they were sure there was nothing they could do but leave they mustered up the courage to exit the library.

It was dusk by now so Ranboo decided to head to the house they had stayed in the night before.

 Once inside they settled down in the red bed and slept.

Chapter Text

Waking up was a long process as Ranboo was extremely comfortable in the red bed. It was then as he was lying there that he decided that today they would take one final look at the library and then head out of the village in search of more people. They hoped it wouldn’t backfire. 

Sitting up they saw that the same scales on they’re legs were now crawling up his arms. It seemed to them they were going through more changes. They could now tell for sure they were half enderman but they had no clue what they’re second half was. Figuring that it’s just going to be something that they will find out in the future He pushed the thought to the side and bottled up the emotions that came with it.

“ These changes are quick huh?” He questioned aloud.

Nahh You’ll be fine

plus it means we get to be more present

[Message deleted by Moderator]

Huh they’ve gotten taller

How long do you plan on staying Lostboo

 “I’m going to set out from the village today after a quick look in the library one last time.” They said to the many particles. He paused,

“What do you mean you’ll be more present?” Panic crept slowly into the front of theyre mind at the thought. Also was he just ok with this now?

:D 

We get to be around more

HAYY am I late?

Lostboo going on another adventure

Dora!

Does he speak Spanish tho?

“No I’m not a Spanish speaker” They chuckled at the weirder chatters, “Who’s Dora?” Ranboo was a bit more than confused. Panic rising at the mention of someone the Chat seemed to act like he should know.

Ranboo decided now was a good point to ignore them (and push any and all panic aside) and get ready for they’re trip back to the library for the last time. They got off the bed and headed to the door of the house he had taken over for the night. Walking out the door he noticed there were dark clouds covering the sky today. They figured they were nothing to worry about and continued to the library.

The library stood tall in front of the changing teen. Ranboo was sure now that it was built to hold someone like them. Walking through the double doors he approached the desk in the center. The only thing on the desk was a book and a note. The note was a bit surprising as they had thought that nobody was in the village. Walking towards the desk They took note of the strange amount of dust covering the place. They could’ve sworn that they got rid of most of it yet it was all back as it was when they first got here. 

They looked down at the note. It was strangely enough addressed to them. The front read: To Ranboo. From: The librarian. Opening the letter revealed a nicely written cursive note. Ranboo looked around the library, that panic coming back again and sat down at the desk. Looking down at the note he began to read.

Dear Ranboo 

I am sure by now you have read what the library has recommended. It’s been years since this old place has had visitors. I'm sure by now you’ve realized what at least half of you is. This makes you unique and never forget that fact. Now then. You will have to take this final book with you as it will be the one that holds the most information. This book will update as you explore. Hopefully, you enjoy and will use that thing more than I ever did. Now I’m running out of time but I hope you will enjoy the world here much more than your old one. 

Sincerely “The Librarian”

After finishing the note Ranboo looked at the book below them on the desk. The Book was titled “DO NOT READ” although they don't think that was much of a title. The words were worn and the edge of the book looked roughed up a bit. Grabbing the book they pocketed the letter, looked out the window prayed that this Librarian wasn't still there, and walked out. 

Beginning the journey to a place unknown.