Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Rounds went and gone as the day grew closer to night, where the survivors would be finally be given a break to sleep, but it wasn’t night yet, they still had a couple of rounds to go. So, the survivors pushed through with courage, working together with brains and brawn to survive. There were a few hiccups here and there, Chance’s gun blowing up, Elliot’s pizzas being thrown sloppily, etc. The list could go on, but no one could blame each other for their mistakes, as they all do far more then just once.
The sky was growing darker and darker, signifying the last round before they can finally rest. Though it was taking far longer than usual; the survivors growing restless. Everything faded to black before anything major could happen though, and in spawned the survivors.
The News Reporter, Ringmaster, Shedletsky, Builderman, Taph, Dusekkar, Veeronica and Chance all were chosen for their final round.
All of them oddly enough had enough time to meet up with each-other without a singular one being chased, or have even seen the killer. Usually only a few of them would be able to meet up with each other, before they had to go help their teammates from being chased, let alone all 8 of the selected survivors.

“Vee, are you sure you checked the info for this round?” Shedletsky Questioned.

“Yes, I’m sure! Theres nothing comprehendible to understand, everything’s glitched, even our own health!” Veeronica snapped back.

“Lemme see.” Shedletsky responded.

“Fine.”

Veeronica had cleared the static from her screen for the others to see exactly what she meant. And it was unexpected to say the least. The screen was foggy, with what would be text scattered around in vibrant colours, making what would be players health, names, and the killer’s name near unrecognisable. Only bits and pieces could be put together to tell what exactly was what.

“Yeeesh, you weren’t joking. Surprisingly.” Remarked Shedletsky.

“The screen’s alive, but gone astray, a glitching ghost, that spoils the day.” Points out Dusekkar.

“Ay, I think I can make out somethin’ with this mess!” Builderman exclaimed.

“And what may that be??” Everyone besides Builderman questioned.

“Well I can tell ya’ the killers name starts with the and anotha’ word that starts with M!
And uh, that’s abou’ it.”

“So not much, Mr Baszucki.” Reporter pointed out.

“Well, ye. We don’t have much- Hang on jus’ a second, what’d I tell ya about using that name?”

“Not to use it?” Reporter questioned.

“Exactly!”

The other survivors anxiously glanced around, waiting for whatever might jump out at them. Claws, fangs, wings or tails, it could be anything, they’ve all seen a lot. Ringmaster was glancing around cautiously, Veronica’s screen had faded back to its natural pink colour, Reporter took a few steps around as to move his feet a bit, Chance was observing and preparing their gun and Dusekkar & Taph were preparing tripwires and subspace tripmines, Dusekkar only there to watch over Taph.

“Hey, I think I saw something over there.” Ringmaster pointed out, now glancing around in a particular direction, what they said bringing the survivors attention over to wherever he was looking.

“At the mansion?” Chance questioned.

“Well yea, that makes sense, I mean the killer does spawn there.” Shedletsky explained.

All the survivors attention was stuck to the direction to the mansion, trying to see exactly what Ringmaster saw. Dusekkar was the first out of the clueless bunch to notice, a singular antler emerging from behind the wall, indicating a probable figure behind it. But then as quickly as it first appeared to Ringmaster, as soon as Builderman and the Reporter, it disappeared behind the wall once again.
All of the survivors now being put on edge, slowly backed up, some even glancing to the sky, where the clock would be.
It was not there.
This was different, there was something, someone new or unrecognisable, and it had what seemed to be all the time in the world for it to hunt them down. One. By. One.
Chance raised their gun, aiming it to the wall where the four had seemingly noticed their enemy, sweat now dripping from their face as they all acknowledged that this was a new threat, unpredictable strategies, and probably not enough time to build new ones for themselves.
Veeronica had her skateboard raised, Builderman clenching his wrench tightly. Reporter slowly backing away and Ringmaster standing his ground, though it was easy to see the imperfections in his stance, indicating the fear he had that everyone else held.
Then, they could see another glimpse, this time, all of them noticed.
Another glance to the wall, and they all froze.
A bone white mask with two singular holes for eyes, a sad excuse of a painted, upset mouth that consisted of merely two lines making it up, two, bony, deep brown antlers at the side. Not connecting to the mask, but the figure itself. Extending from above where their eyes would probably be, and dark brown hair, nearly the same colour as their antlers.
It was staring straight at them, with one visible arm clutching something behind their back. Knowing that this was in fact a killer, it was most likely some sort of weapon, the wooden handle being the only thing visible about it.
Speaking of their arm, it seems they were wearing some sort of black and dark cyan-ish blue hoodie; probably faded with time, and what seemed to be roots or cracks coming from their pulled up sleeves, embedded into their skin.
They didn’t move, only stood still. Staring right through the survivors, directly at the News Reporter, emotion- and objective, unclear. The News Reporter in question frozen to the spot, staring right back at the oddly familiar figure. It reminded them of someone from their past, of who exactly? even they’re unsure. Last time he checked, nobody he knew before and after getting forsaken’ed, adorn a plain white mask, let alone brown antlers. He doesn’t want to think about the last time he saw someone with antlers at all. Then, the figure finally fully revealed themself, and as soon as they did, Chance didn’t give them another second.
Immediately shooting them upon sight, causing everyone to scatter like bugs in every direction, and amongst those bugs, the Reporter was as stiff as a rock. He could only stare at the figure far, but still in-front of him. Some of the survivors went left, some going right, forwards or behind, it was near impossible to tell; especially with the graveyards walls. And despite all that, The Reporter wouldn’t budge. They were entranced, for a unknown reason. They know they should be running away in a direction with the others, but their body wasn’t cooperating, stuck stiff and staring directly at the figure in the distance, even as they approached him. As soon as the figure stepped foot into the graveyard, he willed his body to move in a direction away from him, sloppily snatching a medkit from a grave while on his way. The figure wasn’t interested in pursuing him though, only sparing a glance towards his direction before heading to a different direction where they saw the sword wielder and probable builder scatter off to.
While with the News Reporter, he was clumsily running around, moving around erratically with barely a location in mind, just knowing he needs to get away from them before that happens again. Though of course when far enough away, he unknowingly rams into another survivor.

“Ow, careful!” Veeronica exclaimed.

“Sorry.” He blurted out.

“It’s fine, no harm done! But I’m curious, why’d you freeze up back there? You could’ve spent that time running! Actually why didn’t they chase you then?”
Veeronica originally had asked, but then started to ponder about the latter part of their speech.

“I’m not too sure myself, I just got this familiar feeling about them, then sorta just froze up.” The Reported explained.

“Huh.”

But before either of them could continue their conversation, concerning yelling could be heard from nearby, with the sound of footsteps approaching. The currently unnamed killer had originally went for Shedletsky and Builderman upon seeing them, but only managed to get a few hits in before he was hit by a tripmine, then getting distracted by Taph, The mute individual being low on health currently, and not seeming like they’ll last for much longer. As soon as Shedletsky came close enough to him the killer with his sword, a now revealed axe had already caved Taph’s head in, blood, gore viscera now dripping from Taph’s clothed face.
The survivors could now finally hear the ticking of the timer as soon as it would’ve increased, now that one of them was dead, some spared glances upward to check if it was finally back to where it usually would be. It was. But they still had far too much time. But now with a possible end if any of them somehow survive. The Reporter could only then watch as they scrambled to the mud tower, watch as every other survivor fall after the other. Chance’s gun, once again blow up on them, shedletsky’s slash was on cool-down from the failed attempt to save Taph, and Dusekkar, Veeronica and Builderman were all quick to fall, it was now just him and Ringmaster. He could only watch in horror from above as Ringmaster’s attempts to flee were futile, the killer ramming their antlers straight through his torso, blood now pouring out from his torso.
Then, both of them were simultaneously highlighted, another reminder that the Ringmaster was his only hope at survival, even if an asshole. Though the killer, unlike many others, did not rush towards him. He was close enough, he only walked towards him, up the stairs of the mud pile, and now staring face to face with him. The killer then only proceeded to get closer, but still far enough to respect some sort of boundaries. The killer then extended their arms, one of which still wielding the silver axe. The Reporter closed their eyes, expecting them to open once again when arriving at the cabin, but no. The killer merely hugged him as he re-opened his eyes. Then as soon as confusion came to him, pain did as quickly too. He looked down towards his torso to now see the arm wielding the axe was no longer wrapped around him like the other one was, but with the axe straight through his abdomen. He could only glance back up towards the killer with the same confusion he originally had, the bone white mask simply stared back as his vision then faded to black.

Chapter Text

When the Reporter re-opened their eyes, they were met with the sight of the cabin, they had of course died and arrived back here with the others. From the corner of his eye though, he saw the survivors all sitting together at the table, most likely discussing what just happened that round. A new killer with new abilities and tactics of course is always discussed about. How they can dodge and avoid most of their attacks, and how it would be easiest to help their other teammates if in mid-chase. Though as he approached, he could make out the voices of the others currently only talking about it’s appearance for the most part, only over exaggerating whatever they’d say about their abilities.

“Did you see how fast that dude was?! You guys wouldn’t believe it! He was charging right at as at like 150 mph!!” Chance exclaimed.

“Quite a over exaggerated statement, but our demise did seem quite fated.” Remarked Dusekker.

“What?! I would’ve expected dashing- but charging at you? What and who the hell does that?!” Elliot exclaimed.

There was only certain conversations he could make out from the fact that everyone was talking to each other, and the last moment he had with the killer hadn’t exactly left his mind. He just quietly sat down at the table with everyone else, too deep in thought to currently start a conversation of his own. But that wouldn’t mean someone wouldn’t start it for him.

“Hey Reporter, what happened with you that round?” Luke questioned.

“I’m not too sure myself.” He replied.

“Oh, a odd experience for you? Something possibly otherworldly or confusing is the matter?”

“I think confusing is the more fitting word, and maybe oddly familiar.”

“Oddly familiar? Hm. I won’t pry, but if you feel welcome to, i’d love a explanation as to why you believe that.”

“It’s just,” He paused,
“it’s hard to explain, but i felt like I know them. Maybe from before I was forsaken’ed, but that doesn’t make sense since I’ve never known someone with a bone mask- or any similar looking mask.”

“Odd. Perhaps have you thought the mask is a new addition?” Pointed out Stickmasterluke.

“…I hadn’t exactly thought of that.”

“Well?”

“But he also had brown horns- no antlers! I don’t know anyone with brown antlers.” He specified the fact they were brown, trying his best not to think about the last time he saw light gray ones.

“Well again, what if that’s the same case? A new addition?”

“It’s not natural for antlers to just sprout out of your head! At least at that age, I think it does for babies.” He then pointed out.

“What exactly here is natural to begin with? Need I remind you what some of the individuals on the opposing team appear like?”

“…I’ll keep that in mind, but I’m going back up to my room.”

That was the last thing he said before making his way upstairs, Luke waving him goodnight on his way up. He opened the door to his room, closed it, and then immediately flopped onto his mattress. It seems like none of the survivors exactly got any luxury in this place, especially in their own rooms, but it wasn’t his concern at the moment. He couldn’t get that moment out of his head, questions swimming through and no explanations other than his gut, which isn’t very reliable. He couldn’t sleep that night. His brain hurt too much, and he wanted so many things answered; though knowing where he is, he’ll probably get none. Luke made his way upstairs with a plate of pizza I’m his hand. He already had his own share, so it was self-explanatory as to who it was for.

*knock knock.*

Luke gently opened the door, while though invading privacy, he knew well he probably wasn’t going to get a response from the Reporter to open up. He made sure to close the door behind him, and he then walked up to where his mattress was and carefully placed down the plate next to it. He then carefully adjusted his clothing and sat down next to the Reporter.

“So, do you wish to talk about it, or silence? I doubt you are able to sleep at the moment.” Luke questioned.

“Silence.” He murmured.

“Then that is plenty alright with me.”

Chapter Text

As the next day began, with the sun rising above the dark land of this hell, so did the rounds. They went on for about 30 minutes, (which went previously not noted) and they went for most of the day, meaning they had quite a lot of rounds to go through. Round after round, generators after generators, chase after chase, etc etc.. though nobody else had encountered that supposed masked figure that the others had been up against, only put up with the normal killers they usually are.
Azure was first, then 1x, C00lkidd, Noli, John Doe, Doombringer, Guest 666, King, Jeff and then finally Drakobloxxer, and it then repeated the same pattern. Only for the survivors that could see the stats of the upcoming killer order of the day, what would be the last round was glitched. Many pointing out it was glitched in the same way it was when it was the weird antler-adorning masked figure, only the glitching was intensified, near nothing being able to be made out, only two letters being possibly a D and e next to each other.
The survivors, now aware as to what happened last time this happened, were put on edge as to what exactly would happen, what would appear? Again, they all thought of what it could be this time. Some thought it was the same individual as last time, but the two letters D and e in that order being next to each other didn’t check out, and it was far glitchier then last time. Some on the other hand thought it would be some sort of grizzly monster; large fangs that could suck blood vampire style, bulging eyes with needle like pupils, serrated claws that could tear through flesh, really anything. As the rounds went by, the glitches didn’t fade either. They only got stronger, no letters being recognisable anymore, and closer resembling a shattered, sporadic rainbow of colours and shapes.
As the final round was getting closer, people began growing restless, skittish, and afraid. Constant twitching and movements of hands, quick glances aimed in any and every direction, everyone’s body language was currently expressing fear in some way, shape or form. Finally, as everyone spawned in from the previous round with Jeff, which was apparently a very close round, though no one really was too concerned at the moment about that. They were worried about the next round. The last round of the day. Whatever it was would emerge out of the shadows and rip whoever unfortunate enough to be chosen for that round, and drop them on the ground in pain, and leave them to rot. If it was merciful. Finally before anything could be said, it all faded to black.
The poor 8 survivors dropped to the floor, finding themselves all located in pirate bay. All of them scattered to find one another so they could stick together and better locate the unknown threat. Their team consisted of the same as last time, but this time StickMasterLuke and Elliot took Builderman’s and Chance’s place. Some of the survivors started scouting the area around where they all met up, at the two story house located somewhere of the left side of the map. The others were doing their best to prepare the ‘inside’ of the building, tripwires, subspace tripmines, sticks, really anything they could possibly do. Though the Reporter felt that same strange familiar oddity that he felt about that masked figure. It scared him, what was here now? It couldn’t be the same masked figure, he doubts it. But that only gives him a further sense on unease on what or who this is.

“Tell me Reporter, does something ponder your mind?” Luke had uttered, appearing from behind him.

“I’m not sure.” He mumbled.

“May it be that odd feeling again perhaps?” Luke commented.

“Yea. Though, I’m not sure why this is, why- just, what’s so special about them?”

“Perhaps in due time you’ll find out.”

“Maybe.”

Both of them then glanced down to the first floor, seeing only Taph and Dusekkar also accompanying them; it seems the others were outside. Glancing outside, the Reporter saw Ringmaster, Shedletsky, Veeronica and Elliot all outside, perfectly fine. Turning to his left though, StickMasterLuke was frozen, not paying attention to the other survivors outside, but something in the distance. Looking to where Luke is watching closely, his blood froze, body turning stiff.
A bit further in the distance, where the half destroyed boat would be, was- something. It was hard to tell since they were quite far away, but he could tell that their body was distorted, inhumane, unnatural. It seems that they were wielding a weapon in their one singular hand, probably a wrench or something of the likes, and the other arm completely missing. Instead, what looked to be roots or branches or just- something, took its place; barely taking up the amount of space a arm would. One of it’s legs seemed to be bent in the completely wrong direction from where it was facing. Not only that, it’s body was a dark brown colour, and it overall more closely resembled a tree then a actual human, but it’s tan arm, average clothing and overall stature said otherwise. Branches, what he now deemed, also were on- no, extending out from it’s head, and it’s face seemed to be lacking features or lackluster in them. It looked hideous, unnatural; and he hadn’t even gotten close enough to see it that well.
As the others survivors noticed the Reporter and StickMasterLuke staring into the distance, they noticed it too. Some were repulsed, and others were scared. They’ve never seen something so human, yet so unnatural. Though after Ringmaster of all people recovered from their shock yet still feeling repulsed, tried to approach it, trying to pick a fight it seems.

“Dude, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Shedletsky whispered, alarm bells going off in his mind. None of the survivors should be near a killer, let alone that.
Ringmaster, even though hearing him, didn’t acknowledge his presence and only crept closer, with the thing ‘staring’ at him.

“It doesn’t have eyes.” Ringmaster declared, as if that was the more important subject at hand. Even though him approaching it was probably far more important.

“Doesn’t mean you should be approaching it!” Shedletsky silently yelled at him, as to not possibly anger the killer tree thing.
As the Reported squinted to try and get a better look at it he noticed that yea, it doesn’t have eyes, which only seemed to unnerve him more. As Ringmaster took one final step towards it, it let out a ear-splitting resounding bellow, it’s ‘voice’ unnatural, and sounded sort of like a massive tree falling over, it’s shockwave shacking the earth.
The now dubbed ‘Tree’ sprang into action, running as fast as it’s broken legs could take it, booking it straight towards Ringmaster. Immediately it’s singular arm sprang into action once close enough, piercing Ringmaster’s torso with it’s wrench, and snatching it back out. Blood pouring out, with some innards and organs near leaving his body, Ringmaster then fell to the floor, painting the grass surrounding him in his own viscera. The other survivors stared in mixtures of both shock and horror as they witnessed Ringmaster fall in near record time. The Reporter, Luke and Veeronica all immediately bolted for it, knowing well the others would have to stay behind to at least try and help each other out, while they couldn’t. The Reporter made sure to still be able to see the others to update everyone when back at the cabin on whatever important information they could gather, and also know who’s left.
Shedletsky was next to fall, being too close to where Ringmaster was as he was originally trying to convince him to back away. A vine quickly pierced his face, ending him quickly, although brutally. His eyes rolling to the back of his head and their lips being ripped upwards with the vine, now capable of showing teeth. Then was Dusekkar, as they were shielding Taph when they were setting up a tripwire. A wrench to the head, crushing his head in pumpkin gore, his flame quickly being extinguished. The Reporter was panicking. Everyone was dying so quickly, so brutally, and he couldn’t do anything but watch. Taph was next, their wrench catching Taph’s leg and ripping it clean off. Then he simply pressed his non-broken leg against Taph’s head and crack, his head turning to nearly the same fate as Dusekkar’s, although a whole lot more red, and brains being splattered everywhere, including on the ‘Tree’ itself. Then finally of the bunch still alive near him was Elliot. Elliot’s attempts at saving the others was futile, as they died far too quickly for them to be remotely healed. The ‘Tree’ approached them slowly, wrench in hand, and made quick work of simply decapitating them when Elliot attempted to run. Elliot’s head rolled away from his own body, slowing down until it eventually stopped, dull, glazed over eyes staring right at the Reporter.
The ‘Tree’ then turned to him, and ran straight towards him and the remaining survivors. It moved it’s legs as fast as it could, which compared to the other killers wasn’t nearly as fast, but it made up for the fact that they were quiet, quiet enough for them to stab Veeronica straight through the tv head. Her screen turning to greys and rainbows, as the remaining two survivors turned to eachother, and bolted in different directions. Unfortunately for the Reporter, like last time with the odd, masked figure, it was leaving him until last. Bolting in the opposite direction; the direction Luke had ran off to. Only a few minutes went by, and then both him and the killer were highlighted, indicating Luke’s death. Unlike last time, the killer wasn’t next to him, rather, on the other side of the map, so he was unsure of what would happen this time. What he did know though, was that the ‘Tree’ was running straight towards him, approaching rapidly. He quickly stumbled around, unsure of what to do, before running off in a direction. His attempts to escape becoming futile as he ran straight into a wall, leaving him vulnerable as the killer was now standing in front of him. He knew he was going to die like he had previously, he didn’t even know why he had even attempted running, and it seems the killer knew that, too.
Similar to last time once again, they opened their arm and branches, for a gentle embrace before his imminent death. He slowly got up from the floor, walked up to the ‘Tree’, and accepted his embrace, while also accepting his demise. He could already feel the wrench about to be pummelled through his chest, he knew it was going to hurt, but what could’ve he possibly done about that? Just as he expected, he felt the wrench being quickly jammed into his chest, and his vision starting to fade. The killer then took back their wrench, and ‘stared’ deep into his eyes; his soul. It then all faded to black once again.

He reawakened again as per usual in the cabin, and saw that, once again, everyone was sitting at the main table. Though this time, everyone was staring at him. Most with confusion or concern, and only very few with annoyance. Mainly it was Luke who held the most concern, and beckoned him over to the table. The Reporter grabbed out a chair next to StickMasterLuke, and sat down.

“So, I’ve had some concerns that I’ve discussed with the other survivors, mainly it seems about these new killers.” Luke explained, the survivors attention being brought to the both of them now.

“Are you aware of who they are by any chance?”

“I’m not entirely sure.” He murmured.

“Like, I get a familiar feeling around them, but I don’t know or can’t seem to remember why?” Everyone looked at the Reporter in confusion, except Luke and 007n7. Luke had expected this answer, but 007 stared at him with pity, the reason exactly why is unknown. Then people started bombarding the Reporter with question after question, regardless if he knew the answer or not.

“Why’d both of those guys leave you till last?”
“Why are they familiar?”
“Why are both of them seemingly nice to you?”
“Who are they?”
“Why do they look like that?”

Too many questions all at once. He was getting overwhelmed.

“I’m taking a breather.” He declared, silencing everyone. He then walked towards the front door, went outside, and closed said door behind him.

He sat at the end of the dock, staring into the water reflection distantly, as if it may hold the answers to his questions. Then, both Luke and 007 approached him, and sat next to him at the dock; Luke sitting to his left, while 007 sat on his right.

“You wish for your mind to be clear Reporter, correct?” Luke questioned.

“Yea, why do you ask?”

“No particular reason, I believe I just wanted confirmation is all.”
They all stared distantly in the water together. They didn’t need to speak much; or at all. This was enough for them. But 007n7 spoke up.

“Do you remember them?” 007 blurted out.

“..no..yes.? Do I?” Even the Reporter wasn’t too sure himself.

“…” 007 went silent at that vague answer.
Even as a near million questions swam through everyone’s minds, they all continued to just simply sit and stare at the pond, lake, ocean- whatever it was. Even as their names were called out to, they didn’t return; didn’t need to. They simply just continued to sit and ponder. Their eyes grew droopy as time passed, and then their world began to fade. All three of them sleeping peacefully, embracing each others presence. Even as the masked figure and the ‘Tree’ stared at them from a distance, from within the trees of the forest surrounding them. They still all sleep peacefully, even though aware they’ll wake up to many, many more rounds to come. For once, they’re content.