Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The room was cast with the darkness midnight brought.

Two tossed and turned, his eyes overflowed with tears. Another nightmare about One, another dream about losing Gaty..

He awoke in a cold sweat, he held the covers in his palms. His body hunched over in the middle of the bed.

He froze there, his heavy breathing was apparent.

The lifted sheets caused an empty paper bag and a week old half eaten burger to roll off the bed. He looked around his room, the floor was littered with garbage and his bed was filled with crumbs.

He still sat in shock, drifting his view over to the left corner the room.

Two could see the rising sun from his bed. The light slowly rose, illuminating the front of his room and the potted plant sat next to the window.

After some of the shock had worn off Two released the sheets from his tight grasp.

He got himself together, wiping at his tear stained cheeks. Soon Four would come to give him breakfast before the competition.

It was hard to keep track of time in this state but he knew how many months went by because of the challenge. It had been exactly three months since Gaty had disappeared.

The challenge used to be an exiting time, but now it just marked the anniversary of tragedy.

Her disappearance had to do something with One. Ice cube, tennis ball and fanny were always theorizing in his room, and it all had to do with her. It wasn’t hard to believe, after all he had been seeing her everywhere lately. It was a power he had to, to appear in drawings or some art form.

He had used it to hide in the past, but it seemed like she uses it to watch. He could often feel her presence, even the thought sent a shiver up his spine.

Two covered himself with the comforter. He hadn’t gotten good sleep since she left. In a better mindset he might have tried to do something about that, but the root cause was unsolvable. And without a rested mind it was hard to get anything done.

All that went through his mind was about One, he hadn’t gotten grown incredibly paranoid in the past Three months. He used to only think of Gaty, but the thought of her was too painful to bear. Though the anniversary made the thought of her come up again.

He was so unsure, no idea what happened or what would. His mind was all muddled, nothing made sense anymore.

All that went through his mind was fear. There was no room for anything else.

Chapter Text

When the sun would rise Four would come to give him breakfast. After that contestants would often stop by to talk about one. For some reason this always took place in his room. This only fueled his paranoia, learning more about her activity. Though it’s not like they knew that.

“Good morning Two!” Four said in his most peppy voice he could muster, of course in addition to his usual raspy voice.

“Happy for challenge day?”

Two didn’t break his eye contact with the window.

“I’ll be leaving then. Let me know if you need anything!”

It was concerning to see Four so extroverted. He supposed it was to make up for his sad sack self. It was weird seeing Four not staring daggers at him, though ever since BFB ended they had a much better time getting along.

He could hear bickering between Four and some contestants, something about voting and the state of the kitchen.

He sat bug eyed staring at the ceiling. He laid there in his unmade bed for the rest of the day. The world moved without him, it was better that way.

One was sure to be doing something, he was always being watched. He knew he was. It was just a matter of time before the world collapsed along with his state of mind. All at the hands of One. He was sure of it.

It’s just a matter of time..

Chapter Text

-TPOT 15-

Two checked in with Gaty like he usually does. Every morning in the kitchen, even when Four objects.

It was his favorite time of the day.

Two floated a burger into a takeout bag. “🎶Do duh do🎶”

“🎶Do do do🎶” Gaty hummed along with Two while slamming her head onto the counter.

This tactic somehow worked in closing the bag, though it did crease the bag’s paper.

She looked at her work with a light smile before Two’s watch started beeping.

Two looked down at his watch displaying the “ cake at stake”graphic with a disappointed face.

“Uh gaty..”

Gaty looked back at Two with a pitying face. “Oh! -uh”

“Don’t worry about it Two, I can handle this!”

Two looked at her with assurance and a goofy thumbs up. Before slowly backing away, still strangely facing her.

The door closed and Gaty’s smile quickly faded to a solemn expression.

The ground started to rumble and she lost her footing.

“Woah, Two! What- what’s happening!”

The freshly made burger slipped out of the bag as they both went falling down onto the floor. A bright blue glow emitted from the paper bag, the stool Gaty was standing on started to wobble back and forth.

She was pulled into the blinding light while screaming, falling through stars to a place she couldn’t imagine.

Chapter Text

Two walked with a joyful demeanor. Leaving Gaty was never easy but it was more manageable with the thought of seeing her after.

Ever since they started talking all his doubts seemed to drift away. He never felt like he fit in with the other algebraliens, though it was a diverse crowd.

His whole species surrounded math and yet he never felt the connection, the drive….

When he started hosting that all changed, especially due to a particular periwinkle contestant.

Everything was looking up, high into the sky. Where the moon was still not present, how strange…..

Chapter Text

-Later that day-

Sweat dripped off Two’s face. He brushed quickly past the unusual yellow grass. He almost tripped trying to sprint his way to the door.

Opening the doors he quickly ran past the lobby. He fled into the kitchen, slamming the door on the adjacent wall. His head spun as he looked all around the kitchen. The room was littered with busted takeout bags and produce.

His eyes flicked through all the corners in room. Checking under every pile of debris, in every closet and pantry.

Two felt himself crashing into the side of a counter, his legs unable to keep up with the weight of his situation.

His vision flickered, his eyes watered. And the only thing he could hear was the faint hum of the appliances.

Was tree really right? Some changes?

He sat there leaning against the counter on the tile floor. His breathing grew heavier and heavier until… He finally caught his breath.

He knew now, no matter how hard he looked she wasn’t there. It was no use, she was nowhere to be found.

She’s gone.

Chapter Text

She was gone.. she was really gone. It’s not like she’s permanently dead. That pain would surely be devastating, but it was much worse. She didn’t exist anymore. She never existed, to this world anyways.

Thankfully everyone could remember her. He couldn’t stand the thought of him not remembering her existence.

She was just here, and yet she wasn’t. Her only remains are the memories he and the constants held. Her smile, her humor, periwinkality.

Even when her paint was chipped and her surface was filled with holes she still looked radiant. Until the very end her mere presence made Two feel at ease.

There was nothing he could do about it..

His future was a pile of ruin without her presence. Before he needed a reason to keep going, a purpose to his life. Just when things were looking up they went right back down again 10 times harder.

Chapter Text

-some time after TPOT 17-

X fiddled with his hands before pushing a burger into one of their takeout bags.

“Foury?”

Four looked over at x “what is it?”

X looked like his mind was elsewhere. “Do you think Two is ok?”

Four gave X a sorry look. The truth is he didn’t know if Two was going to be ok, he certainly wasn’t now.

Four grumbled. This wasn’t exactly the comforting answer X was looking for but deep down he knew the answer. He just wanted to keep his hopes high.

X sighed and rolled up the top of his bag to a close. “Well, I need to go make new a batch of dough. I’ll see you at lunch!”

Four looked down still in a grumpy Haze.“See ya”

They felt bad for taking out Their anger on X. It had always been a bad habit of his.

Sometimes leading to violence which they never felt good about after. They had really been making strides though.

Four had really been reflecting recently, something they didn’t usually do. They thought about all of the mean things they did unconsciously, and consciously. But mostly un consciously.

Like the time he stole Two’s couch. It was only three or so months ago.

He wasn’t really paying attention but they knew that it was something about being watched?..

Four could see what Two meant now, a looming presence was lurking. Always watching. He could feel it, but Two felt it first. It was just to bad he was to blind to see it.

“Who? Who did this… who’s watching us?”

He felt his head start to ache. Why? Why couldn’t he remember? He was sure now there was something to but not what…

It was on the tip of their tongue, so close yet so far away….

He felt a pang of anxiety.

Her….

Chapter Text

He knew to much. Now that he was aware of her she would surely attack soon.

His pulse quickened, painful memories flushed back. They had to do something…

He didn’t have much time. The clock was ticking. Every second he took

He ripped the receipt off of the takeout bag, slamming onto the counter.

They grabbed a pen, He scribbled down a note as quickly as he could. The blue ink smudged under his four fingers.

Just as he finished the last line a hole opened up around him. They could feel their stomach drop, their feet no longer touched the surface of the tile floor.

He felt himself being incased in stars. A far too familiar feeling, one he hoped to forget.

One he did.

Chapter Text

X’s tears stained the plastic sheet, making fours sloppy handwriting ineligible. He clutched the edges of the paper. His eye’s flowed with tears.

The smudged writing read: I am sorry, I have to leave. I will miss you, I can’t tell you why I have to go, or where I will go. Just know that no matter what happens, I love you. Goodbye buddy.

Love
- Four, your treasure

Four knew it was the best way to protect him. If X knew why they were really gone then he would get taken too.

They had to protect them. This was the best he could do..

Chapter Text

-TPOT 15-

One flipped through screens and cave walls, sculpting the plot to her will. Break a wall there, dissipate a glass box here..

The amusement of the failed attempts at TPOT contestants was useful to her. They were stupid enough to take the bait. Stupid enough to take the yoylelight.

Their busted fragile egos made them moldable for her plan. Then again, she could manipulate just about anyone, but not everyone. Not everyone..

Anchor grabbed onto the yoylelight, having only a simple idea of its immense powers. So naturally they messed up.

After all the reject contestants tried to get their prying hands on the mineral, they all did. Transporting them to far in the past.

They had good intentions sure, but One knew how little that meant. Messing with time was a will never be a good idea. So of course this was a great start to the plunge of chaos that was about to ensue.

Chapter Text

Gaty fell down into a constellation knit tunnel. Midnight blue and warm yellow made the place pop. Gaty didn’t have time to think before she reached the end of the tunnel.

She landed onto a rusty colored arm chair in front of her was a matching loveseat occupied by an unknown algebralein.

“Ow!”

Gaty looked around, her eyes catching on her supposed captor.

“Finally gaty! Good to see you!..”

Gaty looked confused “Do I know you?”

“Ha-ha no, not yet!”

“My name is One, an old friend of Two’s!”

Gaty seemed to not be too convinced, this whole thing seemed very suspicious.

One got up and passed around the room. “I know you have problems, everyone does! It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“-but I can help you.”

“All that time without Two, it must be heartbreaking being his second priority..”

Gaty grew more anxious with her very concerningly personal knowledge. “Have you been watching me?”

Two scoffs “I know everyone in the show very well, no need to be alarmed!”

This did nothing to calm Gaty’s nerves..

“Well… what if you could have all the time in the world with Two!”

A world where she could constantly hang out with Two. Sure it sounds great but in practice not so much..

To do so Two would have to give up his show right? That was his world.. She couldn’t imagine a world with him and without his show. After all it’s how they met.

Two looked disappointed at the amount pf thought going into Gaty’s decision “Well I have things to tend to., ’ll let you think on it.”

Over what felt like hours, One popped in and out of the room. Causing more havoc each time.

It looks like what Two meant by things to tend to was more of a reason to sign the document. No matter what happened, it seemed like it wasn’t a worry of Two.

Gaty watched in dread as her friends flipped through different hosts and time lines. She knew that this could only cause damage.

It was a high stakes situation to be sure, but there was no way she could trust her. What choice did she have though?”

Chapter Text

One had a new idea to cause even more issues. All of this gave Gaty more than a headache, they felt like their head was about to explode.

Gat’s vision blurred. “God, fuck..”

One looked back from her planning table “Mm.. whats wrong Gaty?

Gatty sat tilted downward. “…”

One rolled her eyes in annoyance. “Well as you have seen, the contestants regained their memories…”

She lifted some of the pieces that represented contestants from her board. She flailed the blue aura covered trinkets around in mid air.

“Now they will be sure to cause even more havoc!” One possessed a wide smile and almost cringy villain like demeanor.

but no matter how cringe worthy one’s very obvious complex, this was Gaty’s life she was messing with. So it was quite terrifying despite the goofy quips.

One walked closer, a somewhat cloaked vengeful look showed on her face. she slid the contract closer to Gaty. “This could all be over if you just signed the contract!”

“It’s really so simple..”

“Doesn’t this seem like more trouble than it’s worth?” Gaty questioned.

One shook their head. “Maybe to you, I guess we’ll keep going then. “

Live footage played on the TV screen. Blackhole was relieved to find out that everyone had their memories back.

But soon enough, the timeline crumbled under the constants fiddling. Someone more dense might be fooled but Gaty knew that any action done by the constants was intended in One’s plan. She orchestrated it all.

One walked away from the table, first pointing at the TV. She winked at gaty, giggles poured from her face “See?”

“Gosh! They really are suchh morons..”

Chapter Text

Gaty looked down, tears falling onto the contract. It was the only way… She would only put them through more suffering.

“I’ll do it..”

One turned to face Gaty, her face bubbling up with excitement. “Really! Well let’s get to it then-“

Gaty interrupted them before they could finish. “But I don’t want you to do anything to Two, not anything about changing his show. I don’t want that.”

One looked at Gaty with an annoyed look.“Really? It doesn’t bother you that he doesn’t have time for you? That’s all fine and good for you?”

Gaty looked away and thought for a moment. I mean she wasn’t forgotten by him, sure sometimes it felt like she was less important. That was just him though.. His career… It wasn’t her place to take that away. She loved the show, she was on it for ages. But now it just felt like a rift between them.

Gaty gulped, “Well, It’s not my place..”

One leaned on her planing table, her hands gripping the wooden edge. “I mean, if you don’t want to don’t. It’s your reward after all. Just saying though, it’s not a bad thing to help someone you love.”

“I know you love him, you certainly don’t hide it!” She giggled near the end.

“Do you really think it would help him?” Gaty said apprehensively.

One moved animatedly. “Of course I do! That competition is really no big deal anyways.. And you know how much stress it causes Two!”

One showed a projection of all the times Two was stressed from the workload, dramatizing some bits. But it was to prove her point! Is that really so wrong?

One turned away. “Is it really all worth it?”

Gaty looked down again. “I guess you’re right…”

One picked up a tiny model of Two from her board, looking at it closely. “He won’t even remember what he missed!”

Gaty didn’t know what else to do..
“Ok!.. I- I’ll do it”

One smiled wide, turning back to Gaty and pointing to the contract. “Good woman! Now sign here, here, and here!

Gaty stamped her foot into the contract. “So, am I going back now?”

One wordlessly looked Gaty in the eyes before snapping her finger. A portal appeared.

Gaty attempted to question this. “Is this the wa-“

She fell face first into the portal, dazzling purples and blues.

Ignoring the fact she was plummeting through a worm hole she thought about the bright side.

She would finally go home.

Or at least that’s what she thought.

Chapter Text

It was just after the chaos of episode 15 and all the time travel it held.

Fanny looked into the window of the hotel, One quickly teleported out of their view with a mischievous look.

Two looked up at the ever breaking sky, “A few changes?..”

Two looked incredibly concerned before quickly dashing away.

He would only be left with disappointment. He would live the rest of his life in bed, unable to get over her. His one true love, the light in his life, every cheesy line. It was all true.

Without her none of it mattered, no joy to be had. Without her support, talking about their days, taking a break to talk, baking together. The contest was nothing without her…

She changed his life. For better or for worse, by her doing or otherwise. When she was happy so was he, when she was excited so was he. So when she’s gone, mentally so is he.

Destined to live the rest of his life eating day old burgers in bed. Paranoia will rule his mind. His only view will be the hotel room’s window and the ceiling.

This is what Two did, This is how Gaty left. What more is there to do?

Chapter Text

-some time after TPOT 17-

Another two contestants missing, Two knew the correlation. Though he was too sleep deprived to really grasp it. Months of nightmares will do that..

This time it was Ice cube and Fan, the two conspiracy theorists. But Two could probably validate many of their guesses to the inner workings of algebraleins (specifically One) if he was in better shape.

Staring into the ceiling for days on end, you might think anything else going on would be interesting and therefore would be payed attention to but no. Almost everyday they would both come in their room and theorize. Pinning something, looking out the window to inspect the bushes, then looking back in a concerned manner at Two.

But Two was never really present when they did this, it’s like he knew but it was all behind a haze of some kind. The most time he would pay attention is when X would bring him food, everyday getting more concerned. It used to be Four but he went missing too. The only way Two knew all of this was because when X would give him his food he would always stay longer, venting about his day.

This all didn’t bother Two, it was nice to talk to someone so purely sweet again. It was also a painful reminder, but what was he to do. All he could do, all he did, was just stare blankly at the ceiling, powerless.

When X first came he didn’t ask why, he never asked anything. It wasn’t until the seventh day that X would even make normal conversation, previously it had just been cries muffled by his hand. Eventually X told Two about Four leaving.

X blamed himself, Two wished they could comfort X but they weren’t able to.. They just had to helplessly lay there. Two knew Four wouldn’t do this for nothing. They love X more than any love they’ve witnessed. But he didn’t see much romance so it wasn’t really that high of a bar.

Then again they were pretty intense about it…

“Was there something I could have done?!” Said X’s shaken little voice.

X knew the note was filled with sweet words of love, but in the end no matter how sweet the letter was he was still gone either way. He couldn’t help but feel like it was his fault.

Two barely string together thoughts, Four’s gone. Two couldn’t help but think it had something to do with her…

X cried into the linen fabric of the sheets. “I just don’t know what I did wrong!”

Two shifted their eyes over to X.

They turned their head shaking in disagreement.

X laid their hand onto Two, soothingly petting his head.
“Oh Two…”

Chapter Text

Two laid their body across X, sitting in a wooden chair next to Two’s bed. It was nice to have comfort from a friend, ever since gaty left his mind either went fast with anxiety or slow and empty. He finally felt like he was thinking at a normal rate for once.

X wiped away his own tears and sat up. “Come on, let’s get you out of bed yeah?”

Two was almost pushed off onto the ground but was held up and promptly dragged by X’s hand.

Two lifted his wobbly legs off his bed and onto the ground. “Yeah alright..”

For about Five months he had been bedridden. So the change gave him a whirring head as he fell to the ground, unable to support his weight.

X looked at Two supportively. “Take your time.”

It gave X a weird comfort to be able to help someone, he missed the support Four provided to him always. To pass it on felt right.

Two grunted and grabbing X’s extended hand. Two slowly took steps forward, the wood creaking underneath him. He made his way to the bathroom, where X directed him.

“I didn’t want to be rude since you’re doing so horribly, but you smell pretty rancid…”

Two shrugged, “Yeah I guess I probably do…”

X walked away from his and toward the door. “Wait here and I’ll go grab you a towel and some Tea.”

“I don’t think I want the caffeine right now.”

X looked at him with an amused face. “It’s herbal?”

“oh”

X shut the door and Two patiently waited, sitting down on the floor at some point. He still wasn’t quite used to walking again.

Two fiddled with his fingers while waiting for X to return. He supposed that he could use his powers to fix the majority of his issues with movement and stank but he wasn’t really in the mood. Besides, using his powers tended to make him uncomfortable, especially the larger ones.It was better in his mind to do most of it the long way.

Eventually X came back bearing two pastel blue towels and a hot cup of tea.

“Thank’s X..”

“You’re welcome! I also found this shower stool that might help, don’t want you to slip!” X sat down the stool and headed out after waving goodbye.

Two looked out onto the yellow grassy plains and slow sunrise from his bedroom window.

“I guess it’s time I started talking care of myself again..” Two mumbled to himself.

“Don’t work yourself too hard! Take it slow!” X yelled from the hallway, definitely disturbing the hotel’s guests who were trying to sleep.

“One step at a time anyway..” He said, taking a sip of his tea before getting up.

Chapter Text

Two ringed the soapy water out of his wash cloth before stepping out of the shower. It felt nice to take a hot shower like that! X really was right.

He looked into the bathroom mirror, inspecting the purple bags under his eyes and sulky expression. It would take sone miracle or a lot of time to heal his wounds.

Sadly he couldn’t wait for either any longer. It was time to take it into his own hands, advocate for himself.

He squirted some soap onto his hands after wetting his face. He then rubbed it in, just as he was about to grab a towel he noticed the pattern on the tile was off…

One tile looked unlike the rest. All but that one were pretty geometric designs, One of them though represented the very scrooge on his life, tick on his skin, ruiner, selfish methoded mad woman that is One.

His rubbed his eyes in disbelief, it was still there. It looked at him, winked, and disappeared with a *pop*.

How could he ever forget! To heal is to forget! He could never forget her, everything she did, every missing person, every bump in the time line! That huge crack in the sky! It was all due to her!

They all knew to much, thats why she took them. He knew that, but why not him?”

Two felt his head pounding in his skull, he clamped his head with his hands. He cradled on the floor breathing heavily.

He needed to do something! Anything! “That’s it!”

He quickly got himself together and rushed out the door and down the stairs. He breached the front door, releasing him to the open air.

Two stared up at the sky with anger, balling both his fists. He knew she was listening.

“If I know why haven’t you taken me yet One?”

“Ive known since Gaty disappeared and you still haven’t taken me! When fan and ice cube got to close you took them, and before that Four..”

“Am I really that unimportant! Me being free wouldn’t hinder your plans at all?!”

Two sighed and looked down at the yellow grass. What was he doing? Yelling at the sky? Seriously?

“Oh, you’re very important….. But you’re not free. Not free at all…” One’s omniscient voice spoke up from the sky.

I guess talking to the sky was the right move..

Two threw stink eyes in the general direction of two? The sky, It didn’t matter. She got the point..

Why him, why now?

One’s voice continued. “It just broke my heart seeing Gaty plead for your attention before she disappeared..”

Two balled up their fists. “It what..”

One repeated, “It broke my-“

Two’s eyes squeezed shut as he looked down. “Don’t- please don’t”

Two shook their head. “I- please don’t speak her name! Not you.. You don’t deserve it. This whole thing is your fault.”

One giggled. “She was so desperate for your approval and time!”

“But you… You couldn’t give it to her could you? Guess times just never really on your side..”

Tears fell across Two’s face, their fists trembling. “…”

“No.. That’s no excuse.. You have all the power in the world.. You could do better, But you don’t.”

Two felt his face well up with tears as he stared into the orange sky.

“I can still help you know..”

Two rolled their eyes, sniffing and wiping away his tears. “If you’re trying to make a contract with me you’re wasting your time!”

“I’m not going to make a contract with you it’s just a favor for an old friend..” One’s voice grew closer.

One appeared in front of Two with a bright yet inappropriate for the situation smile.

“So? What do ya say?”

Chapter Text

Two gulped, almost considering her offer.
“I-“

“Hurry up Two! Time is ticking!” She said pulling out a small pocket watch from out of nowhere.

She scoffed “You of all people should know that…”

Two looked down, scrunching up his face with anger. “No..”

One grabbed Two up in the air with her blue aura, choking him in it. “No? No? No!? WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO?”

Two struggled in her blue cocoon. “I wouldn’t follow you blindly! I know where that leads! I know who you are! I KNOW YOUR HISTORY!”

One’s grip tightened as she moved closer to him. “YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ME!”

Tears started to envelop her, dropping to her chin. Her anger presented Stronger than before. Two’s eyes widened, he had never seen her like this.

“YOU DON’T GET IT! YOU DON’T GET ME! SO DON’T TRY TO ACT LIKE YOU DO!”

“YOU DON’T KNOW MY STORY!”

Chapter Text

-Four years after the XFHV short-

One tapped her foot on the stone path next to the house. “Do ya think they’ll be out soon? This is soooo boring!”

Four rolled his eyes, “You were the one to suggest it.”

One shrugged with her currently intact arms. “Well, it will all be worth it in the end!”

Four looked down at his watch. “Just make sure we don’t stay too long, I don’t want to get in trouble again because of you..”

“Yeah, yeah…”

A rustling sound was heard from the bushes.

One squinted her eyes, looking out into the oak forest. “Did you hear that?”

One walked closer to the bushes, listening keenly.

Four kept looking at their watch. “Maybe it’s a kid from the equation playground?”

“In the middle of the night?” One doubted in a belittling tone.

Four looked at One annoyed. “Oh I don’t know!”

One creeped into the bushes, grabbing onto the braches to get a better view. “Hoohoohooh!”

“It’s three!” One pulled him up from the bushes by his neck.

One laughed, a horrific laugh, one with sharp teeth and an agape mouth. Four came from behind and stood beside her.

One gripped Three’s neck, “What are you doing here huh?!”

“Mmmfhh!” Three was unable to talk through the chokehold.

Four just stood there, looking at three with dagger eyes.

One held him up higher, “Hah! I love the way you squirm! Honest to math, it’s hilarious!”

Her laughter, the last thing he heard before being pulled into Four.

Her laughter echoed through his mind.

Her laughter was strange and unpleasant.
The strange part wasn’t unusual for her, but Three used to like her laugh. It made him think back to a memory before her only thought was greed, before it leached her life. It was some years ago..

Chapter Text

-Three years earlier-

Three and One sat together in front of the TV. They would hang out often, after spending the day out with the other algebraliens.

They never really fit in with them, it was frustrating. But together felt right, just the two of them.

“Waahahaaha!” One laughed at the show.

“Pft! Why does your laugh sound like that?” Three Snarked.

One pushed Three’s side, “Oh my math shut up!”

Three giggled before they both looked back at the show. Three couldn’t help but drift his vision to One.

Maybe it was wrong to fall in love with his best friend, but to be honest he didn’t really care. No one in the world was like her, so even if she didn’t feel the same way it would be okay. Her presence was enough.

Two got up from the bed. “I gotta head home soon, same time tomorrow?”

“Yeah of course”

She waved goodbye. “See you later then.”

Chapter Text

-Three years later-

It had been months since Three and One had last hung out. And years since One had enjoyed it.

Three couldn’t help but feel forgotten. His faithful companion was gone.

And so he did the only thing he could think of..

-

One waited outside of a dingy dinner. She was hoping to speed this whole process up and leave with Four as soon as possible. Sadly Four would not be coming so soon and the only thing she would get would be a call on her phone.

She brought it up closer to hear, her annoyance persisting through the phone. “What is it Three?”

Three’s face covered with embarrassment, somehow losing all cognitive thought in the presence of her.
“Well I was just wondering…”

The silence would not be tolerated by One for long. “Go on….”

Three twisted the cords between his fingers.“you think that you can come over soon?”

Three could hear her sigh.
“Yeah- um maybe.. I’m just really busy. Sorry!”

Three felt overcome with doubt at this point.
“No-no it’s alright”

It was such a stupid idea. It was clear she had moved on. It was time he did too, it was time he found new friends, new love.

One seemed almost bored while speaking - no definitely bored. “Mm- well I have to go now..”

“Oh ok! by-“

The call ended.

“Bye..”
Wow this was really it huh..

Three promptly slammed his head into a wall.

Chapter Text

Four opened the back door with a stained bag of French fries. Munched on the cold and surely stale treat, he walked up to One motioning to leave. “I got the address, ready to go?”

One sat back up from her slumped state and followed Four away into the depths of the night.
“Mhm..”

Chapter Text

It had been awhile since they both left the diner. It would be a long walk to the house.

“I just can’t wait to get out of here. I can’t stand the other numbers.” Four said, walking on the rough concrete sidewalk.

One nodded, keeping at a similar walking pace to Four. “Yeahhh! I swear, Seven keeps bothering me! He thinks we’re all buddy-buddy! So annoying…”

“I don’t ever think I could get along with any of those posers!” Four remarked.

One was silent for a moment before talking in. Bitter voice. “What about X?”

“…” Four stood quietly while One walked ahead.

“You can’t let other numbers hold you back. You know that right?..”

Four looked away. “Yeah, I do..”

She turned back to him with a smile. “Good.”

Chapter Text

After watching a bootleg of TPOT 19 I was wondering how I should continue this fic

I already have plans for the rest of it that were based on my theories and will hopefully be cool. But I doubt how accurate they are.

I always knew that my fic would have to make up some things and in the end be far from cannon but because of time you may see it coming out around the same time (and in between) episodes of the show.

So, are you readers ok with reading a (probably) very inaccurate fic?

Should I change the fic a bit to better fit what’s going on in recent episodes? (Kind of impossible but I can try)

Or should I cancel/shorten this one?

Please let me know in the comments as currently I am leaning towards canceling and releasing some of my notes if you guys don’t want to see an unhinged theory in play.

[A] Continue as planned

[B] Try to modify it to better fit the cannon

[C] Canncel with behind the scenes notes/plans

[D] Shorten

Edit:
I’m now likely picking [A] but would still really like your feedback :3

Chapter Text

-A couple hours later-

“Hoohoohooh!”

“It’s three!” One pulled him up from the bushes by his neck.

One gripped Three’s neck, “What are you doing here huh?!”

“Mmmfhh!”

One held him up higher, “Hah! I love the way you squirm! Honest to math, it’s hilarious!”
One turned to Four.
“Can you take care of him?”

He nodded and got to work.

Three felt himself contorting and getting sucked into Four’s side.

Four reached his hand into himself and carrying a squirming Three. They brought him to a cage before locking it up.

His hand receded back out of him. “Should be fine for now.. I borrowed some power from him”

“So not a TOTAL failure then?”
One pinched her nose with annoyance. “Let’s get out of here”

Years passed and Three stayed there, deep in the darkness of the cage.

Even when some objects bothered him.

He shut the door, he’d stay.

Dust caked Three’s enclosure. His bones ached, his mind spiraled. The surrounding Cora door was silent, Most of the time anyways.

He gripped the bars of his cage. “I’ll wait here, for as long as it takes… Till I see her again.”

Revenge fueled his mind.

Chapter Text

-some years ago-

One walks down the street her light up shoes sparkling, it was the first day of school and she couldn’t be more excited!

She walked into her classroom, already filled with other tot sized algebraliens.

Hundred spoke up calling everyone over to a carpet in the middle of the room.

“Who’s ready to learn how to host your very own show?” Hundred said captivating the kids.

All the kids raised their hands and spoke over each other “I do!” , “Me too!” , “can I go first!”

“Alright who’s going to demonstrate our first lesson! Let’s see… Two! How about you come up first!

Two approached hundred.
“Of course sir!”

Hundred snapped two pots appeared in front of him, one with a plant. “Now I want to you to transplant this plant to the other pot please.”

Two nodded and started approaching the first pot, right as he was about to dig into the soil Hundred stopped him. “Uh-uh! No hands! Only with your mind.”

Two looked very confused, knowing that they themselves didn’t have nearly enough power to lift a grain of sand nonetheless a whole plant.

Hundred gave him a look that said stay with me here. “Now I’m going to give you just a smidge of power to start you off. Try to focus on the task and that only.”
Hundred rubbed his hands together little sparks of orange flying out. He pressed firmly into Two’s hands.

Two stood there scrunching his eyes and extending his arms towards the filled pot. slowly the plant separated with the dirt, its roots gliding out. He raised the plant up before gently moving it to the left and into the empty pot.

“Wow great job, very impressive!” Hundred said with a big warm smile, seemingly very pleased with this new student.

One smiled and clapped as all the other students did. She was happy to be in this class. It was a special program.. One for only the most promising

Each and every student here had chosen to be here. Tested and triumphed, even at such a young age. These were the best of the best.

“Ah I forgot to take roll.. Just a moment kids!”

“One?”

“Here!” She happily raised her hand.

“Two?”

“Present!” They said in a very polite and British (?) manner.

How had she not realized his accent..

“Four?”

“Here…” the kid grumbled.

Hundred continued calling out almost every number one through ten

Ah it looks like Fifteen is absent… That’s a shame.

The rest of the class went well. Eventually it was time to head back home.

On her way out Two waved at her, she waved back of course. After she was on her merry way. Back home, back to her ordinary home.

Chapter Text

Chapter:

“I’m hurting everyone, I’m leaving everyone. I’m taking what was never meant for me.. Am I even worthy? Everything we do to get further to power hurts everyone around us!” Four cried.

“So?! What did you expect Four? Just slug a couple guys and get on our merry way! That’s all? Like that doesn’t hurt people? Of course it was going to hurt others, you know that! But why does it only bother you when it’s not convenient! When it’s the ones we know! They ALL hurt us! They ALL denied us!” One argued.

“Once our doors show up it won’t matter! None of this! Not Hundred! Not math! Not stupid X!”

Four looked at her with tears in his eyes.
“But-“

“You need to get this through your thick skull! NOBODY CARES ABOUT YOU! If you waste your time stepping on glass around others and pitying them you’re never going to get anywhere!”

“If you want to never host! Spend the rest of time in a children’s playground playing stupid card games be my guest! Just don’t drag me with you!” Two huffed before pushing him outside and shutting the door.

Chapter?: Oh I Envy You the Most

One walked into her domain, stepping past the blue grain and yellow pedaled flowers. She made her way to the door and stepped into her room.

She displayed a screen following Two, yet another one of her abilities

“It’s always the least deserving that gets their way huh?” One huffed, turning away from the display.

One knocked over her furniture and tour the fabric on her dark ginger chairs. “UGH!!”

“It’s getting harder and harder not to just come down there and deal with you myself!”

One’s background

Chapter: I Can’t Decide Whether You Should Live or Die

-

One’s magic held Two in a chokehold.

“YOU DON’T GET IT! YOU DON’T GET ME! SO DON’T TRY TO ACT LIKE YOU DO!”

“YOU DON’T KNOW MY STORY!”

Two attempted to say something but were unable to use their airway.

“But of course you could.”

“You just decided not to.”

One let go of them and they promptly dropped to the ground.

One looked at him with contempt. “Go ahead, speak.”

Two looked to the ground
“…”

“SPEAK”

“…”

One scoffed and walked forward. “That’s what I thought..”

One crushed Two into the ground with the her foot. In the background the sky formed into a dark charcoal color.

All the contestants rejected or not came out to look at the churning sky. Sadly they didn’t notice the frail body being crushed down below.

“You know it’s funny.. Remember when we were kids? Hah so much ambition..”

“Now look at where we are.”

Chapter:

-Many, Many years ago-

“Battle for my infinite power!”
A at the time very young Two lifted all the water out from a near by pond and shaped it into a two, making sure to display the intact fish and ocean life.

The crowd ooed and awed at the performance.

One looked over at the faithful audience and then two with jealousy.

“Hmf!”

Two tapped her shoulder transferring some weird orange glowing aura. “Come on! You can show them something right?”He whispered into their ear.

One gave them a worried look but was given a thumbs up in response. She sighed and put on her best projecting voice.

One turned to face the small crowd.
“Oh yeah well what about this! Look!!”
Two picked up a possum from a near bush and raised it in front of the crowd.

“What about this kind of power!”
Before the crowds eyes the possum rapidly aged, soon becoming bones and dirt inside one’s small hands.

“Woah.. How did I do that?…” One whispered to herself.

The crowd gasped turning away from the horrific sight. Some left while others stayed but the ones who did all clearly stared at One with a soar face.

“What did I do..” One mumbled under their breath.

“Ughhhhhh! I’m so stupid! Why did I that would work..”

“Mmm”

“Dude are you even listening?”

“Sorry I was just making sure none of the fish died…”

“How did you even do that anyways?”

“Oh, Hundred gave me some of his powers!”

“Seriously?! Why couldn’t I have had some of that?”

“Maybe they just think I’m more responsible..”

“Well whatever.. too late now. My performance was already ruined.”

“It was a good performance! Just maybe not the right crowd?”

“Yeah, yeah whatever! No need to rub in my loss….”

“Thats not what I m-“
Two jumped and looked behind him to see his mom peeking out of the door to his lakefront house.
“Two! It’s dinner time hon!”

Three sighed and looked over to a very grumpy one. “Coming mom…”

Chapter:

-Some time later-

“Sorry one I just don’t have time to hang out anymore because of my lessons with Hundred.” Two said while gripping their rotary phone.

One flopped down onto her bed with a grunt. “Come onnn! Just this once!”

“Sorry One..”

“Whatever..”
One swiftly hung up the phone

On the other side Two heard the two beeps and set the phone down with a sigh. They looked out the window to see the sunset reflecting on the lake. Two sat there in silence holding his smooshed face up with his right hand.

It was fine. He would just focus on his studies. Just like always..

Chapter:

“Why are you doing all this?”

“You know why Two…”

“You took his power. You took his privilege. You took my dreams”

“I could have given everyone some. Made it equal! Instead of some old geezer hoarding it all.”

“But of course you choose this.”

“Is that really how you see it?…”

One crushed the fragment of yoylelight in her hand.

Two turned away and sighed. “Forget it..”

One laughed horridly. “Heh, Trust me you will.”

The whole room erupted with a bright white light. The last thing Two remembered doing was opening his door. A act One did not expect or plan for.

The blast knocked Two back into his door before it quickly evaporated out of thin air.

When Two woke up years later all he could remember was a dream. A dream to start a show. And so

Chapter: ‘Cause, I feel like I’m the worst so I always act like I’m the best

“Two stole your show! Don’t you care at all?!”

“I told you One, things are different now

One’s background part 2

Chapter: HEAVEN SAYS

Chapter:

Gaty looked up at two, “Where did you even get your power from anyways?”

“It’s more of a who than a where..”

Chapter:

Story with two when he was little and hundred

Chapter?:

“I see…”

“So you’re just doing this to get rid of your power?”

“At first I really only started the contest to pass on his powers I felt I didn’t need- I mean I still don’t want them… But I learned how much I really loved hosting. Hosting really feels like such an integral part of me. My power was just a means to an end.”

“I have to pass it on now.. It’s the only way.”

Chapter:

“You really upped your charm huh?” Three said in a snarky tone.
“Not the social outcast I remember! Much more of a savvy businessman.. Plus the lack of arms.”

Chapter: guilt shame and secrets

Chapter

“Foury!”

“Xie!”

“I missed you sooo much!”

“I missed you too buddy!”

Lore:

Two has a huge power thats too much for him, he doesn’t want it. That’s why he’s doing the show.

Doors are apart of their species’s abilities.

One wiped everyone’s memory, that’s why four didn’t remember Two or Nine.

One manipulated four into working with her

Three found out and thats how he is in four now

Two’s power was gifted to him by Hundred
One is jelly

Hundred teaches the kids how to host their own show