Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

One's light, shoeless footsteps gently padded against the cold floors of the Fourtress, her naturally dark-blue hair bouncing against her back. Her steps were calculating, mirroring her sharp gaze, scanning the halls of lockers, doors, trying to sense for the presence of who she was looking for. Would they be in a cell? Chained to a wall somewhere? Perhaps there was a slim chance they were roaming free.

Every few halls she passed through, she'd take small peaks into the classrooms, all cluttered with papers flown everywhere, desks knocked over and ridiculous math questions. ("Find the square root of despair! Solve for X, but X is your mentality!" in very sloppy handwriting.) She raised an eyebrow at the absurdity, shaking her head before moving on.

She had to find them. It was crucial in the grand scheme of things. It was around a decade and a half since they had disappeared, and yet she could still picture their face so clearly. Temperamental, a furrow in their brow that always gave them a sort-of angry expression, even in the sweetest moments she could recall.

One was aware that the bond they shared meant more to her than it did to them, but she already buried those feelings the moment she had lost them.

Continuing on, the sense that another algebralien was near was growing more apparent. It wasn’t physical sound that clued her in, but rather the faint tug of a familiar energy, like a thread wrapped tight around her chest pulling taut.

Her breath hitched.

One adjusted her pace, her strides growing faster, almost urgent, though she still forced herself to walk with precision, quiet as ever. If she let excitement get the best of her, Four would surely notice the disturbance. The Fourtress was Four, after all.

There was a sudden gap in the whole school theme, a section in the walls suddenly studded with metal bars. Her heart quickened, something similar to a flutter making her almost sprint over, coming to a stop with a skid. She stood on the balls of her feet, breathing in quick gasps.

She peered through the bars; inside was not the typical cell she was imagining. It was void. A chain came up from the blackness, leading up to a floating foot. She trailed her gaze upwards, recognizing who she was looking for instantly. "Three." she spoke their name with relief, a feeling she thought would never return to her.

They were dozing, a serene expression on their face as they floated in place, their figure malnourished and unkempt against the dark.

"Three!" she raised her voice slightly, attempting to coax them awake with sound.

Three’s eyelids flickered, sluggish like they hadn’t felt real light in years. Their eyes opened a fraction, pale glow reflecting the void around them. The serene mask crumbled instantly into a scowl, lips twisting with instinctive hostility when they spotted her.

“…One.” Their voice was hoarse but sharp, almost like a blade dulled by rust yet still cutting. “What—what trick is this?”

Their limbs strained faintly against the chains, rattling. The movement set the entire void quivering, like the space itself trembled with their agitation.

One pressed her palm against the bars, her sharp eyes glinting, her tone far calmer than the rush in her chest. “Not a trick,” she lied smoothly, every syllable calculated. “I had to come. I couldn’t… I wouldn’t leave you here.”

Three’s glare darkened. “Don’t pretend this is about me.”

Her lips curved in the faintest smile. “Maybe it isn’t. Maybe it’s about the fact that Four doesn’t deserve to keep what’s mine.”

That last word landed heavy in the air between them. Three’s expression faltered, anger and something unspoken knotting in their brow. The familiar bond tugged at them just as it tugged at her, raw and undeniable after so many years. “You think I’ll beg you to get me out?” Three spat, though their voice cracked like glass. “You think I’ll sign away my freedom for your little contracts?”

One tilted her head, hair spilling like dark ink down her shoulders. “Not sign away,” she corrected softly. “Bind together. You want out. I want Four broken open. We want the same thing.”

The void pulsed faintly around them, almost as if Four’s subconscious stirred in its sleep. One leaned closer, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.

“All I ask is one word. Yes. Say yes, and I’ll unravel these chains before Four even realizes you’re gone.” Three’s hands tightened into fists, the chains cutting into their wrists, fury warring with the spark of desperation in their chest. Fifteen years of emptiness screamed at them, clawed at them. Their hostile front was slipping, twitching.

They exhaled, sharp and trembling. "Screw you."

And One’s smile widened, just slightly, triumph glittering cold in her eyes. She slowly lifted her hand, fingers twitching with sharp little gestures, and the bars between them shimmered faintly. A sliver of paper materialized in the void, sliding through the gaps with an otherworldly smoothness. A pen followed, tumbling weightlessly until it floated just within Three’s reach, the contract glowed faintly, ink curling in jagged, elegant strokes.

Three caught it between two fingers, squinting, lips moving silently as they skimmed the words. Their brow furrowed deeper with every line.

"'Work with me to collect contracts from the contestants of Two’s little gameshow'…" they muttered, voice dripping venom. "'So I may erase them from existence and ultimately seize Two’s power.'" Their eyes snapped up, glowing faint with scorn. "Are you serious?"

One straightened her shoulders, her gaze firm. "It’s the only way. You don’t want to rot here forever, do you?"

For a long moment, she was sure they’d spit the paper right back at her. Three’s expression twisted—anger, disbelief, maybe even betrayal. They’ll reject it, she thought, bracing herself. They’ll call me a monster and cling to their precious sense of morality.

But then—

“…You’re not even offering me a sliver of that power?” Their voice was harsh, incredulous.

One froze. "…What?"

Three lifted the contract higher, shaking it. “I help you tear reality apart, I collect your little signatures, I hand-deliver you Two’s throne—and you think I’ll just sit here empty-handed? You’ve always been selfish, One, but this? This is insulting."

The air between them sparked, a heavy silence pressing down.

One pinched the bridge of her nose with a sigh, muttering under her breath. "Ugh. You’re still impossible." Then her eyes cut back up to them, sharper now. "…Fine. A sliver. You’ll get your share."

Three’s lips curled into something between a sneer and a smirk, their hostility bending into a strange, reluctant amusement. “Now that sounds more honest.”

The contract pulsed as if alive, words reshaping themselves to reflect the new terms.

Three’s signature floated onto the glowing contract, ink scorching into permanence. Immediately, the chains that had held them bound for fifteen long years shattered in a burst of smoky sparks. Their form shimmered, crackling with raw energy, and a gasp escaped their lips as they wobbled on the balls of their feet.

“…Wha—” they staggered forward, one hand brushing against the wall, eyes wide. The sensation of walking again, feeling their own legs, muscles that hadn’t remembered movement in over a decade, was almost too much. “It… it’s… I can move?”

One’s grin was sharp but gentle as she extended her hand. “Careful. It’s a lot to take in at once. You’re… unstable.”

Unstable didn’t even begin to cover it. Three’s hair was wild, eyes glinting with both delight and something darker, their lips twitching as if they couldn’t decide between a smile or a snarl. They lurched forward, landing a hand on her shoulder, voice low and teasing.

“You’re finally here, baby,” they murmured, and their tone made it clear they meant to rile her up.

One’s eyes narrowed sharply. “Stop calling me that,” she snapped, voice steady but her pulse doing ridiculous things internally.

Three tilted their head, grin wicked, eyes glittering. “Are… you sure… princess?”

The glare she shot them was lethal—and yet, internally, a strange, magnetic heat curled in her chest. She forced herself to take a breath, focus on the mission, but god, they’re standing right there, and all that suppressed energy…

Three staggered again as they took another step, laughing softly, shaky and unbalanced. “Feels… insane. I’m… I’m really out…”

One kept a firm grip on their elbow to steady them. “Yes. And we're partners now. Partners again.”

They blinked at her, voice low and carrying a double edge. “Partners…?”

One’s chest thumped in a way that had nothing to do with fear. “…Yes. Partners.”

Three’s grin softened, almost sheepish for a fraction of a second, before the chaotic edge returned. “…Partners,” they repeated, this time with a sharp, playful emphasis, the word hanging between them with a tension neither of them could ignore.

Three stumbled down the hallway, energy snapping around them in jagged arcs, and the walls practically moaned under the strain. Their first steps in fifteen years were catastrophic—desks splintered, lockers exploded into scattered shards, and the faint hum of the Fourtress itself shivered.

“Stop! You're gonna wake up Four!” One yelled, yanking at their sleeve as a fragment of a wall disintegrated in a flash of raw power.

Three froze for just a heartbeat… then a slow, wicked grin spread across their face. “…Ohhh. THAT’S how you got in here…” Their eyes glittered, voice low and sharp, almost admiring. “…you smart cookie.”

One’s jaw tightened, teeth gritting. “Yes. And if you don’t calm down, I will make you regret touching a single thing in this hall.”

Three chuckled darkly, letting their energy pulse outward in a controlled—but still devastating—wave that rattled the floor beneath them. “Mmm… alright, alright… just testing the limits,” they said, gesturing to the blasted walls, overturned furniture, and sparks of shattered magic floating midair. "We’ve got… potential."

One’s eyes flared, a mix of exasperation and grudging awe. "Potential? This is the kind of potential that will get us killed if you don’t stop blasting everything!"

Three shrugged, barely containing their manic glee. "I feel… alive again. Haven’t felt like this in… fifteen years. Fifteen."

One shook her head, muttering under her breath, "…you’re insane."

"No. But I am unstoppable." Three mused, their tone silky. One couldn't help but agree. Now that they were free, things were about to get a lot worse for the other Algebraliens. 

Hm. Good. Soon they'll see. They all will. They'll see what happens when you mess with me, mess with them. Tossing me in the Moon and throwing my best friend in your mind could've very well been your last mistake, Four.

Chapter Text

Three sat still on the ground while One brushed their extremely matted hair. And boy, it hurt like a motherfucker.

"Ah, nn.. jeez, ow! Could you go any slower?" they hissed.

"No." she replied flatly.

They huffed, looking around the room to distract themselves.

Stars scattered the dark blue wallpaper, in the middle of the room sat two armchairs with a small table in between.

Three stretched out on the floor, rolling their shoulders as they finally felt the weight of all that tangled mess lift from their head. "Huh. Didn’t think you still had the patience for this."

One leaned back, tossing the brush onto the table. "You’re lucky I do."

Three smirked, running a hand through their hair. "Lucky, huh? Didn’t know you cared so much."

One exhaled sharply through her nose, not quite a laugh, but something close. "Don’t push it."

They shrugged, letting their head tilt toward her, watching as she lazily propped her feet on the table. "You didn’t have to, y’know. The whole 'breaking me out, fixing me up' thing."

One didn’t look at them. "Didn’t have to, no."

Three hummed. "Guess you’re just sentimental like that."

"Sentimental?" One finally turned to them, raising a brow. She shook her head, but something flickered in her expression before she turned away.

Three let the silence settle, glancing around the room again. It felt the same as before. The same low lamplight, the same stupid little stars on the wallpaper. Like nothing had changed.

Almost nothing.

They sighed, stretching again. "So. What now?"

One smirked, shifting in her seat. "Now? We get to work."

Three glanced at her from the corner of their eye. "And what’s my part in all this?"

One pretended to think for a moment, then spoke. "Looking presentable, for starters."

Three huffed a laugh, shaking their head. "Guess I should thank you, then."

One just clicked her tongue. "Mm. Maybe."

Three let their gaze linger on her for a moment longer before leaning back, letting their eyes drift toward the ceiling.

One stared at Three for a long beat, the silence between them growing thick. The stars on the walls seemed to glow a little brighter, casting a soft light that made the room feel smaller, more intimate. She shifted in her seat, her eyes never leaving them.

Three could feel her gaze but didn’t look up. Instead, they let out a low sigh, pretending to be lost in thought. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to look at her—it was more like the weight of it made them hesitate. They’d gotten used to the distance between them, but now that it was gone, it felt... strange.

"What’s your plan, then?" Three asked, voice quieter than before, breaking the silence. "You said we get to work."

One leaned forward, planting her feet on the ground. "We do. We’re getting you back on your feet, whether you like it or not."

Three tilted their head, catching the edge of a smirk on her lips. "Uh-huh. Sounds like something you'd say."

"Don’t act like you don’t want it," she teased, her tone sharper now, like she wasn’t quite willing to let herself soften.

Three narrowed their eyes, watching her closely. "You really think I need you?"

One’s lips twisted, but she didn’t answer right away. Her gaze flickered to the brush on the table, then back to him. "I’m not doing this for you," she said with a huff. "I’m doing it for me."

Three raised a brow. "Right. Sure."

One caught the skepticism in their voice, and it made her pause. She stood abruptly, walking over to the opposite side of them. "You’re a pain, Three.. You’ve always been. But you’re also useful."

"Useful, huh?" Three’s lips curled into a small, knowing grin. "And you’re not just helping me out of the kindness of your heart?"

"Don’t make me laugh," she said, her voice thick with mockery. "If I were feeling kind, I’d let you rot in that cell."

They chuckled softly, the sound more amused than bitter. "You really think I buy that?"

One’s eyes flashed with something hard, but then she let out a short breath. "I don’t care if you buy it or not," she muttered, brushing past them. She stopped, hand lingering on the chair’s back. "I’m not doing this for anyone else. Not for you, not for anyone else. Just for what I want."

Three leaned forward slightly, eyes locking with hers. "Yeah, yeah. And you’re pretending it’s not about me. But we both know it’s bullshit."

One’s gaze wavered for a second, but she quickly regained her composure, leaning in a little. "Maybe. But you’re not special."

"Oh, I know I’m not special." Three’s grin stretched wider. "But I know what’s really going on."

One tensed, glaring down at them. "Keep talking, Threesie. You’re getting close to a line you don’t wanna cross."

They shrugged lazily, unfazed. "Just stating the truth."

A flash of something—perhaps irritation, perhaps something else—flickered across One’s face before she sighed, turning away again. "You’re impossible, you know that?"

"Yeah. That’s why you love me," Three said, their tone low and teasing.

She paused in her steps, her back to him, and Three could feel her hesitating.

With a half-smirk, they added, "It’s okay, you can admit it."

One muttered something under her breath that Three couldn’t quite catch, but they could almost hear the small, frustrated laugh that followed. "You never stop, do you?"

"Nope. And you never stop pretending you’re not into it."

For a long moment, the air between them was charged, the playful teasing giving way to a more genuine, if unspoken, tension.

Finally, One shook her head, a resigned sigh escaping her lips. "You’re lucky I need you."

Three grinned again, that familiar thrill rushing through them. "Oh, I know. It’s hard to resist."

She threw a quick, exasperated glance over her shoulder. "Don’t get too comfortable, Threesie. I still have plans for you."

"I’m sure you do," they replied, their voice thick with amusement.

It was silent for a moment, before One spoke up again. "You haven't tried using your powers yet," she remarked, her tone teasing. "Think you're still as powerful as before?"

Three raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I’m sure I’ve still got it," they said, their voice a little too casual for someone who had been stuck for so long. They flexed their fingers, feeling the familiar tingle of magic just beneath their skin, but it was still stifled, like a distant echo of what they used to be.

One leaned forward, watching them with that glint of curiosity in her eyes. "You sure about that? You’ve been locked away for so long, who knows what’s left of your old power." Her smirk was teasing, but there was something almost predatory in the way she watched them, waiting for the first sign of weakness.

Three’s lips quirked into a smile, but there was a cold edge to their eyes. "You know, I don’t take too kindly to people doubting me."

"Then prove it," she said, her voice laced with challenge. "Show me what you can still do."

They hesitated for a moment, feeling the ballchain that had once restricted their power still lingering in their mind, but it was gone now. The memory of it still ached, but it was a reminder of what they could do if they tried hard enough.

"Fine," Three said, standing up slowly. They closed their eyes for a moment, focusing, letting the magic stir inside them. The room seemed to grow colder, the air crackling with energy as their power began to stir to life, just beneath the surface.

One’s eyes narrowed slightly, watching intently. She didn’t say anything, but the challenge was there, waiting.

Three took a deep breath, and then in one fluid motion, they snapped their fingers.

A wave of cold energy spread through the room, sweeping over everything. The light in the room flickered briefly, but that wasn’t the real effect—it was the force of their power that caused a powerful gust of wind to swirl around the space, knocking plenty of items and furniture around.

They stood still for a moment, eyes still closed, feeling the hum of the magic buzzing through their veins. When they opened their eyes, they glanced over at One, a hint of pride in their expression.

"Guess I’m not totally out of practice," Three said, their voice calm, but with an undertone of something much more dangerous.

One didn’t flinch, though the sharpness in her eyes spoke volumes. She stepped forward slowly, a faint smirk curling her lips. "Not bad, but let’s see how long you can keep that up."

Three tilted their head, a cocky grin spreading across their face. "Oh, I’m just getting started."

With that, they raised their hand again, and a few sparks of their power danced from their fingertips, lighting the room with their glow. The air was still charged, humming with the energy between them, and Three could see the flicker of admiration—or was it surprise?—in One’s eyes.

"Impressive," she said, her voice softer than before, though she quickly masked it with a scoff. "But don’t get too cocky. You’re still not as strong as you once were."

"I’ll get there," Three said, their grin widening. "Just give me some time."

"You better," One muttered, but there was a strange satisfaction in her tone, like she hadn’t quite expected this. "Wouldn’t want to see you fall flat on your face after all this."

Three chuckled darkly. "Don’t worry, I’ll make sure I don’t disappoint."

"You may already have. Can't even teleport? Also, pick up my goddamn chair that you knocked over with those things."

Three’s grin returned as One’s dismissive tone settled in the air. They let out a soft chuckle, their fingers twitching with just the right amount of focus.

"Think I can’t still pull it off?" Three mused, their voice full of playful confidence. "Let’s see."

Before One could react, Three teleported appearing right in her space, inches from her face. They didn’t move right away, standing there just long enough to see her eyes widen slightly, a flash of surprise crossing her features before she quickly masked it with a cool demeanor.

One’s heart skipped a beat, and for a brief second, she looked genuinely rattled—her eyes narrowing as she instinctively leaned back, her hand instinctively reaching toward her side, as if ready to strike. But she quickly caught herself and smirked.

"Really? You’re trying to freak me out with that?" she said, voice laced with a mix of challenge and annoyance.

Three stayed in her space for a beat longer, a teasing glint in their eyes. "Oh, I think I’ve still got it, One. Still got plenty of tricks up my sleeve."

One, clearly trying to hold onto the calm front, scoffed. "Cute. But if that’s all you’ve got left, you’re gonna need a lot more than a little teleportation to impress me."

With a smirk, Three leaned in even closer, just enough to make her feel the weight of their presence without touching her. "Oh, I think I’m just getting started," they said with an edge of mischief, their voice almost a whisper.

One's breath caught slightly, her eyes briefly flicking to their lips before narrowing again. "Quit it."

Three laughed softly, stepping back just enough to give her space but not without that smug grin still lingering. "Just making sure you’re paying attention."

One exhaled, quickly gathering her composure as she straightened her posture. "Whatever."

Three tilted their head slightly, their smirk softening into something more dangerous, but still playful. "Maybe I’ll keep you on your toes for a while."

"Keep dreaming," she muttered, though her voice was a little quieter now.

Three knew they had her rattled just a little. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to prove they still had some tricks—and One would have to admit it, even if she wouldn’t say it out loud.

"The chair? Pick up the stupid chair?" she hummed.

Three raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the playful challenge in her voice. They looked over at the chair she had casually mentioned, which still lay tipped over on the floor, its legs sprawled awkwardly.

"Oh, that chair?" Three chuckled, glancing back at her. "You want me to pick it up, huh?"

One didn’t respond immediately, just watching them with that cocky, crossed-arm stance. "If you’re so powerful, then yeah, go ahead and pick it up. Show me you’ve got more than just flashy moves."

Three let out a low hum, clearly amused. "You’re pushing your luck, One."

But with a flick of their wrist, they teleported again, this time right next to the chair. They hovered there for a moment, stretching their fingers as if teasing the act, before bending down with exaggerated care to pick it up.

"See?" Three said with a smile, casually righting the chair and sliding it back into place. "Not everything needs a big display, after all."

One tilted her head, eyes narrowed as she watched them, but a small, amused smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "Impressive. I’m sure the chair appreciates it."

Three straightened up, giving her a sly look. "Oh, it’s all in a day’s work. You wanted me to pick it up, didn’t you?"

One rolled her eyes, but her tone softened just slightly, betraying her casual attitude. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't forget who’s in charge here."

Three smirked, crossing their arms. "In charge? I didn’t get the memo."

"Oh, fuck off. Come on, this is just one room. Teleport both of us back to Goiky. Where Two is hosting TPOT."

"You never said where in Goiky that was, dummy." Three shrugged. In all honesty, they had a good idea where Two of all people would host a dumb gameshow, but they wanted to see if they could get One to listen to them instead. Just.. making sure it's an equal power thing.

She glared. "The- the.. y'know! Around Mt. Goiky! Uhh.. somewhere.. close to Yoyleland.. Listen, I don't know if it has a name! You know where Mt. Goiky is! Take us there!"

Three couldn’t help but grin at the frustration building in One’s voice. They loved poking at her, especially when she was trying so hard to maintain control of the situation. It was a dance they both knew too well.

"Uh huh," Three said, voice low with teasing amusement. "So, around Mt. Goiky, near Yoyleland... That’s your grand plan for a location? You’re lucky I know the area. But hey, don’t go asking me to be too specific, y’know. Not my fault you can't seem to pick a place."

One snapped her head towards them, irritation flickering in her eyes. "Shut up and do it already, you know exactly where I'm talking about."

Three simply raised an eyebrow, making no move to teleport just yet. They liked how she was starting to lose that edge, her control slipping the longer this little exchange went on. It was like a little game to them.

"I mean, I could teleport us there," Three said casually, spinning around on their heel and starting to pace a few steps. "But I want to make sure we're on the same page. Gotta get the whole 'equal power' thing down, right?"

One stared at them, clearly struggling to hide her growing impatience. "You're impossible, you know that? Just do it already!"

Three smirked, hands in their pockets, completely enjoying the scene. "You know, I just want to make sure I'm not the only one actually pulling the weight around here."

One growled under her breath, rolling her eyes but clearly getting the hint. "Fine. Fine, alright! Just get us there, okay? I don’t need your lecture."

"Now we’re talking," Three said, their grin widening. They snapped their fingers once, focusing just enough to teleport both of them. There was a brief moment of disorientation before the world around them shifted.

They reappeared just outside, the distant peak of Mt. Goiky looming above them. They stood at the edge of a field, the grass swaying gently in the breeze, just as Three knew it would be.

"See? Told ya I knew where I was going," Three said, stretching and looking around with satisfaction. "We’re here."

One looked around, and despite her annoyance, there was a faint hint of surprise in her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever." But there was an edge of something else there too. Relief? Or maybe... gratitude? Who knew.

Three gave her a playful side-eye. "Don’t look so impressed. I only did it to keep you from getting too full of yourself. Y’know, keep it fair."

She replied with a huff, rubbing her eyes with a finger and thumb. She sat on the grass under her, brushing her skirt softly before looking up to look at the sky. She squinted at the setting sun.

"What'd it do to you?" They smirked.

"The what?"

"The sun." They deadpanned, a little annoyed she didn't react to the tease.

When she didn't reply, they sat next to her, beginning to feel a bit.. concerned. She wasn't usually this quiet. One always had something to talk about, be it relevant or not, she had something to say. But at the moment, Three guessed she didn't.

"What's wrong?" They spoke flat-out.

"Nothing." she shot back. "Just tired."

"Miss me?" They asked, not expecting her answer.

"Yup. A lot."

"..Oh." Three stared at the grass. That made them happy. They missed her too. Things felt more peaceful with her next to them.

Chapter Text

Hai i finally figured it out so yeah i changed rheir little designs so any talk about suits in previous chapters You should shut up

Chapter Text

One had a.. distant memory of the day Three first went missing. Mostly because Four made it their mission to make sure she was disoriented while it was happening. Also known as knocking her in the head with a swing set when she asked where Three was. She knew Two was also there, though to this day she didn't think he had anything to do with it.

Three was right, she had nothing against him... she just needed the power. She had power. Plenty of it. But plenty wasn't enough. Sure, with Three's own forces she had a better chance, but oh, Two... he had much more than she and Three did. And such an easy, foolish way to get it into her hands. A gameshow? Really? Why would he just.. give up his powers like that? It didn't make sense to her. When she explained it to Three they looked just as confused. "What, is he tired of it?" they had said.

Power comes with negatives, yes, but it had to be worth it! It was so incredibly stupid, and she honestly saw him as more of the smarter Integers. When observing the contestants from afar, there was sick beauty in how dim-witted they all seemed to be. Obviously she wasn't sure if they'd just skim over the contract, but there was a possibility. Especially since they were so trusting of other Algebraliens like Two, Four and X. Why would she mean any harm?

'Course, she did. Kinda. Not to them, she supposed. Just Four. Four. Trapping her best friend in their mind? Trapping her in the moon? Do they really think she'd let that slide? Fuck no. 

Hiding in the bushes, she observed. Three was close by her, probably not getting the point of watching in silence, which she didn't mind them being confused as long as they stayed quiet despite it. On her own, she had already taken contracts from Bell and Bomby, ruffled up the teams, now she had more contestants to pluck from where they stood and get to gaslighting. The only sort-of issue was that Three had no idea what they were specifically doing. She mostly hoped they'd just watch.

The armless (and also currently mouthless) contestant, Fanny, came into One's vision. She narrowed her eyes, and with a swift flick of her wrist, Fanny was scooped up, pulling her over to the bushes. Three immediately tried to help, grabbing the kicking contestant and holding a hand over where her mouth should've been, maybe to prevent her from screaming? They quickly realized that her mouth was just gone, and let go.

One smiled with faux warmth at Fanny. "Let's go somewhere more casual!" she suggested, although the contestant didn't really have a choice. With a snap of the fingers, they were back in that starry, blue room. One plopped herself onto the armchair, throwing Fanny onto the one across from her. Three leaned against the back of One's chair, almost like they were guarding her. That worked.

"Fanny, aha! Don't worry!" She started off in a more 'girl-talk' tone, attempting to seem trusting. "I've actually been watching you guys for awhile! Me and my little friend here," she reached an arm up to poke Three's cheek. They swatted her hand, staying quiet. "And I think we could help each other out!"

Fanny spun the chair around, now facing the opposite of them, shaking her head.

One stifled an annoyed sigh. So they weren't that stupid. Whatever, though. She'd win her over. "I understand, but.." With her powers, she floated a simple mouth over inbetween them. "How about for this? A new mouth, maybe?"

Fanny leaned forward, as if reaching out to it, so she pulled it closer to herself. She already had the contestant roped right in. "That's not how this works! C'mon! I'm really doing you a favor here. Otherwise, you can just spend all day looking for your old mouth at the bottom of the ocean!"

Fanny squinted. One continued, "Look, if you take the mouth, you just owe us a favor... One little favor! Nothing big, nothing crazy," One coaxed, twirling a finger in the air as the mouth floated lazily between them. "Just a teeny, tiny thing in exchange for, you know, your ability to speak again."

Fanny hesitated, her nonexistent brows furrowing in distrust. She didn't like this. She didn't trust One. But—she couldn't talk. She couldn't scream. And she hated that.

Three tapped One's shoulder. "Are you sure this is the right idea? I mean, maybe she doesn't even want—"

"Shh, shh, shh," One waved them off with a knowing grin, keeping her eyes on Fanny. "She wants it. Don't you, Fanny?"

Fanny clenched her jaw. She wanted nothing more than to call out One on her manipulation, to tell her to go to hell, to fight back. But the promise of having her voice back, of not being powerless—it was right there.

She reached out. Just a little. Just enough.

One let the grin widen. "Good girl."

And with that, the mouth shot forward, seamlessly merging onto Fanny's face. A second later, she gasped, lips trembling as she felt them in place. "What—?" Her voice came out shaky, disoriented, but it was hers again.

"Perfect!" One clapped, standing up from her chair. "Now, Fanny. My dear, dear friend. About that favor..."

Fanny jumped up too. "I HATE YOU!!! AND I HATE YOUR DEALS!!!"

Three, almost instinctively, took a few brisk steps over beside One. Protecting her. She almost found it cute. They shot the contestant a glare, a hand hovering at One's back. One gave them a glance, to which they avoided.

One tilted her head, amused, even as Fanny seethed before her. "Oh, Fanny, Fanny, Fanny," she sighed, placing a hand on her chest as if she were deeply wounded. "Is that really any way to talk to the very person who just helped you?"

Fanny clenched her fists. "I DIDN’T NEED YOUR HELP!!" she spat. She threw a sharp glare at Three, who flinched but stayed in place, their stance still defensive.

One giggled, twirling a finger through the air. "Oh! Such strong words for someone who's already benefited from my kindness. I mean, I could rip that mouth right off, if you really don't want my help…" She wiggled her fingers in a mock-threatening gesture, making the air shimmer around Fanny’s lips.

Fanny immediately clamped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide.

One smirked. "I thought so." she sat back down.

Three, still silent, glanced between the two of them, fingers twitching at their sides.

"Now," One continued, her voice returning to that syrupy smoothness, "let’s reframe that attitude of yours, shall we? It’s just one little favor. Not even a big one! And if you’re so opposed to my deals, well… then consider this an opportunity to prove me wrong." She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "If you really hate me, then do this for me, and maybe—just maybe—I’ll never bother you again."

Fanny stared at her, breathing hard, rage still burning in her expression. "What?" she finally spoke.

"Hm." One brought out the contract. "Sign here! Since you don't have arms, I request a signature with your foot." she said professionally.

Fanny glared at the floating contract, then at One, who simply smiled, tilting her head expectantly. "This is ridiculous," she muttered, lifting her foot begrudgingly.

"Oh, but it's necessary," One chimed, watching as Fanny hesitated just above the parchment. "A deal’s a deal, after all!"

Three shifted uneasily behind One, their gaze flickering between the contract and Fanny’s scowl. For a moment, it looked like she might refuse entirely—might kick the paper away and scream her head off.

But she didn’t.

With a frustrated sigh, Fanny pressed her foot down onto the contract.

One beamed. "There! That wasn’t so hard, was it?"

"SHUT UP!!! YOU'RE STUPID!!! AND SO IS YOUR GIRLFRIEND!!!" Fanny hissed. She took in Three's appearance, their slightly ruffled hair, the broken chain around their ankle, the whole prisoner uniform. It looked as if this random woman she had never met before had snatched up a convict to use to her will.

One frowned. "Well, that's not very nice. Anywho, I think it's time for you to get back to your little challenge now, hmm? You're not gonna say a word, right?"

Fanny just stared at her, which she mostly took as a yes.

"Good," Three commented. They pounded their fist at the contestant's direction, silently threatening her.

"See you next time, Fanny!" One waved, before the contestant was sucked back out into TPOT.

One turned to Three. "That went great! You did so well, shutting up and keeping her level-headed."

"I could've yapped with you, you know.." They quipped.

One squinted. "I would've shut you up if you did! I'm sure you'll do great on the next one. Maybe I'll let you speak this time."

"Why do you get to speak only?"

"I'm the boss!"

"No you aren't."

She raised a warning hand, which they returned. One huffed, lowering her arm.

"Co-bosses." Three demanded.

One groaned dramatically. "Co-bosses." she agreed.

Chapter Text

hey so. would we be mad if i rewrote this whole thing due to the now existing inconsistencies in this because of tpot 19. would you guys kill me.