Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Has anyone seen Shedletksy…?”

It had only been a few minutes since the last round, 1x seemed more violent today. Builderman only managed to survive because of Taphs subspace. Though as the survivors all gathered as usual to discuss what happened they noticed that one person didn’t make an appearance. 

“No, I don’t think I saw him at all during the round.” Elliot grumbled, still irritated at 1x targeting him for half of the previous round.

“I just assumed he…y’know..” Noob drawled with a worried expression. Their foot steadily tapping on the floor. 

Builderman ashamedly couldn’t recall seeing his friend either, he was far too focused on supporting the team. It was unusual for Shedletsky not to come and find him during rounds, but he just thought the man was too busy with 1x. 

“Well, if he’s not here then where the hell is he?!” Chance questioned as he flicked his coin habitually, it seemed to be a nervous habit of his “And what does that mean for the rest of us?”

“Calm down-” Builderman tried to cut in before the voices of the others overshadowed his own. 

“Is he like… dead dead?!” Noob sputtered. Their terror clear on their face.

“He can’t be, did anyone even see him die? Did anyone see a body?” Guest asked though his question went unanswered.

“Maybe the Spawn blessed him with freedom, and surely, we will be the next to receive its blessing! We should pledge ourselves to the Spawn and pray for liberation!” Two Time interjected, their words falling quieter as they spoke hushed prayers.

“Guys– please-” Builderman raised his voice, but everyone was too busy panicking over the implications of this disappearance to hear him. Only Taph really seemed to notice his attempts to stop the chaos.

“Verily, the Spectre be most likely the cause of this mischief. Yet, I remain perplexed as to why it would pursue our poultry-loving comrade.” Dusekkar proposed with a contemplative look in his eyes.

Elliot nervously tugged at his shirt collar “Can it really just… poof us out of existence? Just like that?”

“I think ‘what can’t it do’ would be a better question.” Chance remarked, though he looked more focused on the coin in between his fingers than the conversation at hand.

“Guys! Please just– stop talking!” Builderman shouted, and finally the room fell into silence, everyone's attention now drawn to the builder “Thank you… “ He sighed and paused for a moment, trying to find the right words “I know you all are probably terrified out of your damn minds right now but we're getting nowhere talking over each other like this. Did anyone at all see Shedletsky last round? Even just his body?”

“Nope.” Chance responded.

“Like I said, I didn’t.” Elliot said.

“I haven’t seen him since before the round… sorry.” Noob mumbled.

“Didn’t see him at all.” Guest stated.

“I am sorely vexed to declare that I beheld not our comrade.” Dusekkar addressed.

Taph shook his head.

Two Time was still muttering words to themself, Builderman didn’t want to get involved in that right now, so he turned to look at 7n7, who was standing far from everyone else “And you?” 7n7 looked startled that he was being directly spoken to. As if he expected to just be left out of the conversation entirely “Oh… no… I didn’t...” He replied quietly. 

Builderman crossed his arms, trying to not look as nervous as he felt. He was at a loss; there was really no information he could go off of. Shedletsky was just… gone. Without a trace. As if he didn’t even exist at all. 

“Maybe we should check around the cabin?...” Noob offered but was quickly shut down as Chance shook his head “I would’ve seen him; I was the first to go out. Unless he somehow managed to die in the first five seconds of the round.” 

Builderman felt a tug at his arm and looked down to see Taph trying to get his attention, the demolitionist looked a little more ruffled than usual ‘I have a bad feeling….’ he signed, Builderman noticed the way his hands slightly shook. 

“I do too, this is new. It’s… a little foreboding.” He hoped that Shedletsky was safe wherever he was… maybe he really was set free… but that was probably just hopeful thinking “We’ll just have to wait and see what happens after the next round… see if this is going to be a pattern y’know.”

“So, you’re saying we should just wait to disappear?” Elliot griped.

Chance adjusted his fedora “Yeah… not really a fan of that plan.” 

“Do you have a better idea then?” Builderman huffed, he just wanted to lay down and relax and not think about the fact that his friend could possibly not exist anymore. 

“Thy cunning doth bring me great disquiet, yet I see not what other course we might take.” Dusekkar interposed, tapping his staff on the ground, something he usually did when he tried to stop his teammates from bickering. 

 Chance opened his mouth to speak but Builderman was quick to interrupt, wanting to just put an end to this so he could sit and think “Guess it’s decided, I think we should all try and find each other at the start of the next round. To see who could be unaccounted for.”  and with that he walked away from the others, Taph following close behind him. 

He usually didn’t mind the demolitionist’s clingy habits, but he wanted nothing more than to just be alone “Taph… could you maybe give me some space? I just need some time with myself. To think.”

He watched as Taph paused and looked at him, though he didn’t look hurt at all ‘Of course.’... ‘Sorry, I just’... ‘Can’t shake this feeling that something bad is coming.’ he signed. Builderman sighed “I know I know, I need to collect my thoughts. Why don’t you go talk with the others, we’ll find each other when the next round starts.”

Taph looked like he was about to respond, lifting up his hands, but seemed to have decided against whatever he was going to say. Instead letting his arms fall slack to his side as he nodded and walked back over towards his teammates who were still talking in the other room. 

Builderman exited the cabin and found himself just standing on the porch, looking up at the moon that never seemed to move. He let out a heavy breath and finally the dam in his head collapsed, all his worried thoughts and questions flooding his mind. What happened to Shedletsky? Is he really gone? Why did nobody see him in the round? What did that mean for everyone else?... Were they all going to disappear?

Though he knew he most likely was never going to get an answer to any of his questions. He just had to hope that maybe this wouldn’t be as bad as Builderman worried it was going to be. Maybe it was going to be ok.

The familiar sound of ticking could be heard from inside the cabin. A round was beginning. They were going to find out just what was really going on.

Chapter Text

Taphs eyes struggled to readjust as he tried to make out just where he was teleported to. It was far too bright here, at first, he thought he wound up in the horror hotel, but he could see a sky… an unsettlingly familiar orange sky…

Taph quailed as his head turned from side to side rapidly, the more he recognized this place the more horrified he felt. 6 giant pillars which all lead to one bigger in the center with a distinct fire ring symbol that subtly pulsates a faint light. Was The Spectre fucking with him right now?

He looked around for any of the others, hoping he wasn’t alone here. But he saw nothing but empty space… at least there wasn’t any killer here… probably…

He searched his belt pocket and somehow wasn’t surprised when he found it was empty. He didn’t think a tripwire or subspace would be useful anyway… though they’d at least give him some sense of comfort. 

He tried to ignore the swirling anxious thoughts in his mind, but he couldn’t help but wonder. Why was he here? This was far too specific to be a coincidence. But that would be assuming The Spectre had any idea of his past. Though he’d be here for hours if he tried to make sense of that thing.

There was a clear path to the center pillar, something obviously wanted him to go there. It would probably be easier if he had just been teleported there to begin with instead of having to cross the skinniest bridge he’s ever seen in his life but whatever.

He advanced towards the bridge, risking a glance into the infinite depths below. Big mistake as that only served to make his anxiety spike at the thought of falling.

He used to always fear being too close to the edge back then. When he was still working under Telamon. Sometimes he’d even have nightmares of being pushed or thrown off the edge. Only able to flail in the air helplessly with these useless wings of his. The most terrifying part of it was the fact that he never reached any sort of end, he’d just fall endlessly for the rest of time… not even able to feel the relief of death.

He pushed the thought away; he has all the time in the world to have an existential crisis later. After he finds a way out of this place of course. ‘If there even is a way out’

Deciding he had enough of putting it off, he cautiously stepped onto the thin bridge. Using all his willpower so as to not look down. He practically leaped onto the floor as he reached the other side. Breathing out a sigh of relief.

He pushed himself to his feet and stepped closer to the center… ‘Well, now what.’

He couldn’t see a way out of here; he let out a nervous breath as he adjusted his hood. Was this his fate now? To be stuck here forever? Is this what happened to Shedletsky? He wondered if anyone even noticed he was gone… he hoped Builderman was ok.

“Took you long enough. You know I don't like to be kept waiting.” Taph whirled around so quickly that he almost collided into the person standing behind him… a person who was so very familiar.

Telmons gaze bore into Taph, he felt himself instinctively curl up. His wings closing in an attempt to shelter himself from Telamon's harsh eyes.  Surely this was some sort of hallucination or some sick joke… maybe even a nightmare. Yeah, he’ll wake up any moment now…

Telamon's eye twitched as his smile slightly faltered, Taph realized his mistake and dropped to his knees “Oh, good, I thought you somehow forgot your manners. I really didn’t want to get my hands dirty just yet.” Telamon smirked, taking a second to admire his own talons before looking back down at Taph “You’re probably confused out of your mind right now. I know that tiny little brain of yours can only comprehend so much so I’ll be nice and explain everything you need to know.”

Ignoring the hurtful remark, Taph would be grateful for an explanation. Though he still had hope that this was some sort of very realistic nightmare “I remember a little about what transpired before I had fallen, that… wretch… really thought it could kill me.” Telamon let out a soft chuckle “But this entity, it calls itself The Spectre. It restored me to my rightful glory, freeing me from that worthless prison of flesh I had been contained in for so long. That mortal you call ‘Shedletsky’ is dead, and I have never felt more alive…”

Taph couldn’t even begin to believe what he was hearing. At least he kind of found out what happened to Shedletsky, though this was definitely the worst possible scenario. He feels guilty for thinking it… but it probably would have been better if the guy had really just vanished forever. 

Though he still didn’t understand why he was even here out of everyone else. Telamon would sooner be in the same vicinity with a rotting corpse than him. This was starting to feel a little foreboding.

Telamon pranced forward, his strides graceful and calculating. He looked… happy… a little too happy with the situation they're in right now “Sadly I am still a little restricted. I’m unable to go as I please, The Spectre seems insistent on making me one of its little pawns. But…” Telamon suddenly grabs Taph by the arm, forcing him to his feet “That’s where you come in. I must admit I was a little surprised when I managed to summon you here. I thought I cut all ties when I threw you away, but it seems you still belong to me.” His smile widened unnervingly, it made Taphs skin crawl “Soon you’ll be transported back to that little cabin, and I’ll be coming with you. I won’t be one of The Spectre's mindless little killers, no… I have greater plans and there is someone I need to have a little chat with.” 

Taph gulped, whatever Telamon had planned it for sure wasn’t anything good. The taller man slowly leaned down so he could speak right in Taphs ear, his voice unsettlingly calm “But, if you tell them anything. Anything at all. I promise you that the pain you’ll experience by my hand will make you wish you were never brought into existence. Do you understand?” 

Taph frantically nodded as the familiar ticking of a timer reverberated in his head. The round everyone else was experiencing was almost over. He felt Telamon's grip tighten.

Chapter Text

“Placing a dispenser!" Builderman hollered, to whom exactly he didn’t know. He hadn’t seen much of his teammates since the round began, they all ended up getting scattered around the arena shortly after the round started. Builderman had managed to stay unharmed throughout it all as he decided to just stay away from the chaos. He couldn’t help but feel like something was wrong, but he was far too exhausted to think too deeply about it.

As the machine finally spurred to life he was suddenly knocked off his feet by a force ramming into his side, with a yelp him and whoever had tackled him fell to the ground in a pile of squirming tangled limbs. Builderman was quick to push whoever it was off of him, immediately recognizing that signature curly yellow hair “Elliot, what in tarnation-” 

“Sorry!” The pizzaboy was visibly distressed, his arms shaking as he pushed himself to his feet and lent out a hand for the admin “Didn’t see you there.”

Builderman fixed his hat and took his teammates hand “You gave me quite a fright there, what’s got you in such a hurry? Someone hurt out there?” 

Elliot looked behind his shoulder anxiously. “I’m sensing a lot of hurt everywhere right now, I thought Noli was… just behind me, but I guess it was another one of those illusions.” Elliot dusted himself off, trying to collect his nerves as he sent the admin a concerned look “I’ve seen mostly everyone… though there are still a few people I have yet to account for. Have you seen Two Time around? Noob?”

“I saw Noob yeah… well... their body…” He repressed a shudder as he remembered seeing the mangled body of his teammate, despite having died and seen others die horribly so many times it never really got easier to experience “Haven’t seen Two Time though.”

Elliot's eyes darken “Well then that leaves Two Time and Taph unaccounted for… you don’t think they…” he trailed off, though they both knew what he meant. Builderman suddenly jolted “Shit, Taph,” He wiped beads of sweat off his forehead, realizing what that feeling was now “How didn’t I notice it till now, he’d have found me by now… it’s strange that I haven’t seen him at all.”

Elliot began to speak, probably to say something reassuring before he suddenly tensed. His head turned to stare in the opposite direction of where he came “Someone's hurt real bad, I-I gotta go! I’m sure they’re both fine!” He stammered before sprinting into wherever his weird healer senses took him. Builderman never understood how that worked.

He watched as Elliot disappeared behind a wall, and he was once again left alone. Usually he’d have the demolitionist accompany him throughout rounds, although it was silent company, it was company he was grateful for. He felt like an idiot for not noticing his absence till now, he had just been so stressed about Shedletsky's disappearance, he really hoped that it wasn’t becoming a pattern as he feared.

He pulled up his sleeve to take a peek at his watch, the device displaying ‘0:32’. He wanted to feel relief that the round was about to end, but the pit of worry forming in stomach prevented him from doing so. He hoped that when he is sent back to the cabin his friend will be there to meet him. He doesn’t know what he’ll do if he loses both Taph and Shedletsky so close together.

He watched the timer dwindle down, his anxiety only growing with every decreasing number. He jumped as he heard a faint shout coming from afar, it kind of sounded similar to seven. But before he could fully register what could be going on out there the timer finally hit zero.

In the blink of an eye what was once a concrete floor turned into a wooden table as he once again found himself back in the familiar walls of the cabin. He was seated at the ‘victory table’ as Chance had named it, alongside Guest 1337, Elliot, and Seven. Who all shared similar exhausted expressions. Builderman was quick to get up from his seat, almost knocking out the chair behind him as he marched into the main room of the cabin, scanning the room for a familiar sight of a black cloak. 

He saw Chance sitting on the couch, playing around absentmindedly with their coin. Two Time and Dusekkar caught in some sort of probably one sided conversation, Dusekkar didn’t look very pleased with the cultists presence. Telamon entering the cabin.  Noob sitting at the bottom of the stairs-

Wait.

His head snapped back to the door as the winged god stepped through the cabin door, having to lean down so as to not hit his head on the top of the frame. Everyone's attention was drawn to the new face… or well… sort of new face. Now that Telamon was actually here, in the flesh, the resemblance was uncanny. But he didn’t have time to ponder too deeply on that heart dropping realization right now.

“Woah, we got a new guy.” Chance was of course the first to act, bouncing off the couch and striding happily over to Telamon “You’re… uh, pretty tall there buddy.” 

Telamon didn’t even seem to register Chance’s presence, instead locking eyes with the admin standing across the room. A smile crossed the god's face, it stretched his features almost unnaturally. Builderman felt a chill run down his spine as Telamon breached closeness in just a few strides.

Chance gawked in response to being so blatantly ignored, his hand that he had outstretched to Telamon just seconds before now hanging limply in the air. The air was thick with tension as Telamon unfurled the wings shielding his face, allowing Builderman to fully see his face.

“I have been waiting to have the opportunity to formally meet you, Builderman.” The god spoke, his voice silky and soft, a voice that would usually be comforting to hear if it wasn’t coming from Telamon. 

“You know this guy, Builderman?” Elliot's voice came from behind him.

“I… uh.” Builderman began, trying to find the right words but Telamon beat him to it “I’d like to speak with you… privately.” the winged gods eyes bore right into the admins own, though for some reason he couldn’t find it in himself to look away.

“Sorry, but-I have to check on someone. If you’ll excuse me now-” Builderman tried to side step around Telamon but was met with a taloned hand grasping onto his arm. Telamon's smile faltered “It wasn’t a request.”

Builderman felt frozen under Telamon's gaze, normally he would be more than capable of handling this situation but he had practically no power here. Telamon looked like he could easily rip him to shreds if he so wished to.

“Hey man, back the hell off!” Elliot, although sounding incredibly nervous, was quick to come to his defense. Though he immediately stepped back as Telamon's attention turned to him. 

“This doesn’t concern a bug like you.” He snarled, his talons sinking deeper into the admins jacket. Builderman winced and tried to shrug away from his grip “I’d be more than happy to have a chat with you after, there’s no need to cause a fuss.” He tried to reason, but Telamon's grasp didn’t relent. 

“I’m not sure who you are, but I suggest you release our friend.” Guest 1337 spoke, an unreadable expression on his face, marching over to the two. Telamon slowly turned to stare at the disturbance, his eyes scanning him like a wolf sizing up prey. 

The tense silence was interrupted by the loud tapping of Dusekkar's staff as he drew everyone's attention, Builderman's brows furrowed as he noticed the distressed look on his fellow admins face. He can’t remember the last time he saw his friend express such… fear? “Telamon, prithee, release him. There be no need for violence in this place, yet I shall not dally to strike thee back shouldst thou force mine hand.”

Telamon's eyes seemed to soften at the sight of the admin, if only slightly. With a frustrated huff he finally released his hold, allowing Builderman to hurriedly step away, rubbing his sore arm. 

“Fine, go do whatever you think is so important. But don’t keep me waiting, admin.” Telamon stalked out of the cabin, slamming the door behind him.

“What the hell was that about?” Chance asked, although their eyes were covered by their signature shades, Builderman could feel the suspicious look that was sent his way “Actually no, better question, who the hell was that?”

“Don’t you have ears dumbass, Dusekkar clearly said that was… Telamon.” Elliot said, though he sounded like he didn’t fully believe it.

“Honestly I don’t understand a single thing that guy says.” Chance smirked, pulling out his coin from his pocket to fiddle with it.

Elliot huffed before he drew his attention to Builderman “But yeah, what was that about? You two know each other or something?”

“I feel like we-uh, kinda flew past the fact that Telamon himself was literally in the same room as us.” Noob muttered, biting at their nails anxiously.

“Wait, I thought Telamon was just a nonsense myth.” Guest 1337 butted in.

“Well, he kind of is. He honestly felt as real as Santa, well… until he walked through the door.” Elliot scratched at the back of his neck, looking deep in thought but his eyes returned to the admin in front of him once again  “You alright there Builderman? He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

Builderman finally looked away from the cabin door, he barely even heard half of the conversation that just took place “Oh- uh- I’m fine, just a little startled.” He hoped he didn’t look as frightened as he felt, he suddenly remembered what he was supposed to be doing “Has anyone seen Taph?” 

The looks that fell across the room didn’t do anything to comfort his worried thoughts, though finally someone stepped forward “I have not seen our silent friend, but may I suggest we check his cabin?” Two Time proposed.

Elliot began to walk forward but Builderman stopped him with a hand “I reckon I should go on my own. If Taphs hidin’, then something is likely wrong. He’ll be more apt to open up if it’s just me.”

“Well if you're sure, but I think someone should still come with you to make sure that Telamon guy doesn’t try anything funny.” Elliot crossed his arms “I don’t like the look of him, whatever he wants to talk about it can’t be anything good.”

“I shall accompany Builderman to tend to our winged friend, I counsel all to keep their distance from the newcomer for the time being. He hath… a most short temper.” Dusekkar warned, placing a gentle reassuring hand on Builderman's shoulder.

“Thank you, Dusekkar.” Builderman muttered as he hurried towards the cabin door, swinging it open and practically flying down the stairs. His heart was pounding out his chest at this point, his mind already forming images of Taphs cabin being completely empty with no sign of the demolitionist in sight. Dusekkar followed behind him, looking around for any sign of Telamon.

Builderman reached the door to Taph’s cabin, but hesitated before opening it. None of the cabins had locks, he could very well just barge in and learn the truth of what has become of his friend. But he found himself gently knocking instead, if there was really something wrong then he didn’t want to startle Taph in any way.

“Taph? You there? It’s… just me” He lied, glancing over at his fellow admin behind him “Can you let me in, please? If there’s somethin’ wrong I’m sure I can help.”

He was of course met with silence, he didn’t really expect anything else. He waited for a few moments, but the door didn’t budge. He knocked again, feeling a knot forming in his throat “Taph? Listen If you don’t open this door Ima have to be forced to let myself in, to make sure you’re still- well… here.”

Again, nothing. Builderman reached for the handle and only hesitated slightly, he had to know. He had to. Taph would forgive him for it.

The door slammed open as the admin made his way through the cabin, stepping over disabled traps and cut tripwires. He always disliked the struggle of having to navigate though this, at least they weren’t enabled. Then it would truly be a problem, but right now it was more of an annoying obstacle that only served in slowing him down. 

He eventually reached the bedroom, pushing open the door and trying to force his eyes to adjust to the darkness. It didn’t help that Taph was practically invisible in the dark, “Taph? You in here? I don’t know what’s wrong but you’re gettin’ me real worried here.”

He took a cautious step into the room, looking for any sign of movement before he finally heard a slight creaking sound coming from a corner of the room. Builderman's eyes immediately focused on the corner, and eventually he could finally make out the familiar shape of the winged demolitionist. 

He let out an exasperated breath, feeling his chest lighten as he slowly stepped towards Taph, who looked like he was trying to merge into the wall “Golly, bud, you had me scared half to death. I thought you vanished on me.” He finally came close enough to fully make out Taph, he was holding his knees up to his face as his wings squeezed tightly around his body. Builderman recognized this usual habit of his, trying to make himself smaller. Something really was wrong.

“What’s the matter? Are you hurt?” Builderman slowly kneeled down so he was at face level with the demolitionist “It’s ok, it’s just me…” He assured.

Taph slowly lifted up his head, Builderman could see an eye peeking through his wings. Looking him over, contemplating. Taph then shook his head, looking away from the admin and curling further into himself. 

“Taph,” Builderman sighed “You know you can’t lie to me. It’s obvious somethin’s wrong. You can tell me, you trust me right?” 

Taph hesitated before returning his gaze to the builder, his hands shook as he unhooked his arms from around his legs ‘Please. Go away.’ was all he signed before returning his arms to their previous position.

Builderman examined Taph again, noticing a slight tear in his cloak “How’d you get that?” He asked, pointing out the ripped fabric. Taph quickly covered the hole with a hand, shaking his head, “Taph, if you're hurt then please let me help you, you don’t have to deal with everything on your own you know that.”

Taph paused at his words, looking down at the floor in contemplation before raising his head to meet the admins eyes before signing ‘There is nothing you can do about it.’

“Do about what? I’m sure I can patch you up, It wouldn’t be the first time.” Builderman countered, though he was relieved to see that Taph wasn’t being completely unresponsive, which meant it couldn’t be too bad.

Taph shook his head and suddenly looked around, as if he was searching for something, or someone. Then he scooted a bit closer to the admin, slowly bringing up shaky hands ‘I want to tell you, but he’s listening.’

Chapter Text

(This will be copy-pasted onto my other in progress fic)
Hello. So uh, I haven't really updated this or Hiraeth in a while. I felt like it was only right to give those who are waiting for an update a, well, update. It didn't feel right to just leave you all without a word of where this fic was going so here I am to inform you of what'll happen to it. 
I am not abandoning this fic. Although honestly, I have thought about doing so. I didn't really like where I was taking the story, and I felt like my writing wasn't as great as I wanted it to be. Which caused me to get a little burnt out trying to push out chapters that I only felt dissatisfied with. 

So, although I won't be abandoning the fic entirely, I will be rewriting it. Which of course won't be much of a change to you guys, since you haven't seen that much of the story yet. But I have made big changes to how I want my version of the Forsaken universe to work. Such as Taph and Telamons relationship, as well as Taphs relationship with Builderman (BuilderTaph will still be a thing, of course). As well as just Taphs whole backstory. I don't know when I'll start the rewrite and continuing of this fic, I don't know if it'll be anytime soon as I'm pretty busy with school and personal work. But uh, just thought you guys deserved an update as I kind of left y'all hanging there. 

I still like Forsaken, and I still love Taph and BuilderTaph. I still love this story, even though I am physically unable to read it due to embarrassment. But uh, yeah, that's all. See y'all later, hopefully.