Archive of Our Own

Sometimes you need to isolate yourself. To avoid others, all in the name of "peace". It's not good, humans are social creatures and thrive off of interacting with others, but sometimes it's for the best.

007n7 has long since accepted that fact. Never in the same area as others for very long. He now wears the title of "Ghost Survivor" well: never seen, but his presence is always felt when he is near. Like a curse.

Frankly, that description is unnerving to him, ironically. He's been haunted by enough ghosts, and he certainly doesn't want to add to the others'. So placing more distance is the best thing to fall back on. Easy too, once you've got all their schedules down and are quiet and don't talk that much and don't take up much space and now this just sounds pathetic.

007n7 has made his bed and by Telamon is he going to lie in it.

But for now he'll sit in it; easier to fiddle with code without falling asleep that way. His GUI reminds him of more fiery days, but those are now long past; he's given up that old title of exploiter -- not that anyone has let him forget. But it's not like he's found anything to abuse, lately. The thing keeping them here is surprisingly tidy with its code, more specifically the nerfs it attaches to each survivor. It's impressive, actually. But it's just led to a bunch of headaches so far.

007n7 pulls up a new screen, his frown deepening. This code gives the idea of it being unstable, but reading into it, it seems strong, far stronger than what he could have done. It's very similar to the handy-work of the admins -- more specifically the more "godly" ones.

Godly.

007n7 squints more closely at the strands of code. As he reads them, he begins to notice something. A pattern. A pattern that he's seen before.

A pattern that looks like a crude copy of Builderman's.

It isn't common knowledge in Robloxia that some admins had a partial hand in the creation of the world, but it was something that had always sparked 007n7's interest, ever since he had read about it in a Myths book one day. After many weeks of research, many cases of soda, and a concerned friend -- who had then adopted his interest in Myths -- he had put together a thesis -- and an entire corkboard that was not laughed at by his aforementioned friend for about 3 years -- about the connection between admins and the code of the world.

Now, it's been a couple dozen years since that interest had come to life, but 007n7 could still remember the main point: each admin has their own pattern to the code they write.

And these lines of code look awfully similar to Builderman's. But, obviously, Builderman wouldn't create super hell and lock up a bunch of random Robloxians, including three admins, a former exploiter, two myths, and a fourth dimensional being, in it.

But if he did, on the random off-hand chance, there is no way anyone would ever believe 007n7. Not just because of his reputation, but because why in the world would the Builderman do that.

And now 007n7 feels stupid for even considering that. Especially since he's very certain that the pattern wouldn't change if it was him.

007n7 taps a finger onto his jaw, scowling at the GUI panel. So, the code that builds this place has patterns that look like someone tried to copy Builderman's. That's not concerning at all.

But the fact that it appears godly is another thing. Could it be another admin? 007n7 had heard rumors of MrDoombringer acting more erratic before he had been forsaken, but that wouldn't just erase his own code pattern. And from years of experience, harnessing code takes a harsh toll on the body, so creating an entire pocket dimension that featured rounds with rotating maps, a timer system, and several nerfs and abilities that the captees wouldn't usually have would practically kill someone, especially if it's a normal everyday Robloxian.

As his mind wandered, a small part of his brain began poking at a thought: what about Telamon? He had been a genuine god. The other admins weren't technically gods, simply people who had taken the roles upon themselves.

And since Telamon was a genuine god, there could be a chance that there were more, and that one could have the infinite strength needed to build this place alone.

But why not copy Telamon's code-pattern? Maybe it's due to his retirement, or maybe it just didn't know what his code looked like? 007n7 couldn't figure it out.

But one things for certain: he's going to need to set up an altar.

Guest 1337 is not blind.

Well, both literally and figuratively: he had near-perfect sight -- ignoring the explosion scars that covered part of his body -- and he was very knowledgeable about how his team operated.

So when the slightly-reclusive 007n7 almost completely vanished for a week straight, he felt the need to check up on the man. Despite being an aforementioned recluse, 007n7 did make some appearances, mainly in small, quiet conversations with Guest himself as well as during and sometimes after rounds -- if he survived, that is.

It had started as a thing to shrug off; 7n7 loved his privacy and being alone, so who is he to invade his space?

But then he stopped appearing for their chats.

That caused Guest to panic: he's tried so hard to make sure 7n7 socializes, and him just stopping interacting with the others made several alarms go off in his head. 7n7 had entrusted him with a deadly secret -- which was really just confirming a hushed rumor.

Guest does not want to bury another person he cares about.

Guest shook his hands out, glancing at the closed shutters of the man's cabin. This cabin was the farthest from the main one and far more run down. Guest fondly remembered chats shared between him and 7n7 as they tried to fix the cabin up a bit more. That day had ended with a smashed thumb and a bruised foot.

Guest took a breathe before knocking on the door. A small clatter sounded from inside the cabin, making Guest's eyes widen. "7n7?!" He called, internally cringing at the hint of fear that edged his voice. "Are you okay?!"

A muffled reply called back, followed by, what he could assume to be, a small curse. Footsteps sounded inside the cabin and 7n7 opened the door, a wince on his face. "Oh, Guest. Sorry, I was moving glass around." 7n7 looked ever so slightly disheveled, all while clutching a piece of fabric tightly in one hand, a smidge of red literally bleeding through it.

"No, no, I should apologize." Guest said, giving the other man an awkward smile. "You were doing something and I startled you." 7n7 shook his head, but said nothing.

The two stood in the doorway of the cabin for a minute, staring and waiting for the other to continue the conversation.

"Well... good talk, I guess?" 7n7 trailed off, already beginning to close the door.

"I- wait!" Guest yelped, waving his hands in front of himself. "I just wanted to see if you were okay, just checking in."

7n7 blinked at the veteran, half his face hidden by the door. He seemed to search Guest's face, as if trying to figure out what to say in reply. "Well, you don't have to do that. You know I'll be fine." He gave him a small smile, it not reaching his eyes.

Guest's eyebrows curved down, clasping his hands behind himself as he looked at the other man genuinely.

7n7's smile fell, a wince returning to his face. "Yeah, I get it." He sighed, opening the door a smidgen more. "Guest, I won't be doing that. There'd be no point to it."

Guest's face contorted into a more sorrowful one as he let his shoulders fall. "7n7, you know you can talk to me about anything, right?" He murmured.

7n7 stared at him silently for a moment before giving a quiet reply. "I know that, Guest."

The two went silent before Guest nodded. "Okay."

7n7 slowly blinked at the veteran before closing the door with a light click. Guest felt his chest contort, a sensation of something clawing up his esophagus from his stomach seeping in. He let out a heavy exhale before turning away from the lonely cabin.

007n7 stood at the door, listening to Guest's footsteps slowly retreat, before letting out a sigh. He looked down at his hand before walking back to the crude little altar that lay in a corner of his cabin, cleverly hidden by a desk. Kneeling down, he removed the fabric and observed the cut. Shallow, might scar, but it'd be worth it.

He retrieved the knife that he had dropped in a panic, gently wiping the blade with the fabric. 007n7 then took it and sliced the cut again, biting his lip as pain sputtered through his veins. He tilted his hand, letting the blood drip out of his cut and collect in the small bowl in front of the altar.

After a while, 007n7's eyes flicked to look at the unlit candles before glancing at the match box he had swiped from the main cabin days prior. There was an abundance of match boxes in the cabins, so nobody would be suspicious if one suddenly vanished.

He retrieved the fabric and the knife, covering the blade lightly, and set it to the side. Taking a match and striking it, he lit the candles and shook out the match, wetting his index and thumb and pinching it. Tossing it carelessly to the side, he shifted on his knees, getting comfortable, before clasping his hands together, the burn of the cut causing a bolt of electricity to go down his spine.

He hadn't prayed in a while, not since Noli, so his... form? was not that great. Still, he hoped that this would do well in the long run -- slicing your hand is not fun.

"Please, please whichever god has us here," 007n7 whispered. "Come to me. Let us talk."

Guest's heart beat fast in his chest, an overwhelming sense of fear mixed with determination sparking his already over worked lungs to pump harder.

He raised his arms, blocking a harsh attack from 1x before winding back and delivering a punch to the face. The creation shrieked, falling off balance. Guest took it as an opportunity to run, skidding around corners before pausing next to a wall, taking deep breaths.

From around a corner, Noob's voice rose in concern. "What happened to your hand, Mr. 7n7?"

Guest straightened, shaking his hands out, before rounding the corner. Noob had a hand half-reaching for Seven's left, from where Guest stood he could barely see the partially-raised skin of a scar.

"Nothing to worry about, kid." Seven murmured. "Just cut myself while in my cabin a few days ago."

Guest hummed in agreement. "It was my fault, I startled him."

Both survivalists jumped, Noob letting out a half-shriek and reaching for their slateskin while Seven instinctively pulled up his GUI.

Seven almost immediately calmed down after recognizing Guest, giving a light chuckle. Noob clutched at their sweater, eyes closed. "S-sorry Mr. Guest, you just scared me."

Guest smiled before turning to look further into the map. "Been lying low?"

Noob smiled, nodding. "Y'yeah, I just ran into Mr. 7n7 right now. Noth- uh- nobody's really been around." They looked around, a small frown on their face. "It's been really quiet, except a few chain rattlings."

Guest nodded, scratching his neck. "Well, I'm glad that you two are okay." He said, looking back at the survivalists.

Noob sat alone.

Guest visibly deflated, rubbing his face. "I really hate it when he does that." He mumbled.

Noob tilted their head before glancing to their side. "Oh, Mr. 7n7's gone?" They clicked their tongue before nodding their head back and forth. "Yeah, it's kind of... awkward, trying to talk to him. He keeps just leaving randomly."

"Are you speaking of the behavior of our dear ex-hacker?"

Both Guest and Noob almost leaped out of their skin; Guest raising his fists, ready to strike the eavsedropper, while Noob covered their head and simultaneously tried to get their slateskin from their side.

"Two Time! Bud, you scared us half to death!" Guest gasped, lowering his hands.

Two Time blinked before waving a hand. "Oh, I apologize. I find it... hard to jump into conversations. Normally, as you would say."

"Well, atleast you apologized...?" Noob whimpered, lowering their arm slightly.

Two Time clapped their hands. "Back on topic! You all have noticed this new change in dear double-O-Seven, yes?"

Guest frowned, his eyes flicking away. "Well, yes. Seven hasn't been showing up at the docks lately, which is honestly really weird. He loves that place, so him just... not being there just rubs me the wrong way."

"Yeah," Noob agreed, lightly wringing their sweater. "I usually run into him a few dozen times, but lately he's just..."

"Been gone?" Two Time finished.

"Yeah..."

Guest's frown deepened, a hand raising to hold his chin. "I really hope he's okay. I know he... does this, sometimes, but I'm getting worried."

Two Time blinked at Guest before tilting their head. "Why not ask him? I'm sure he'd let you in."

"Well that's the thing," Guest sighed. "He's been standoffish. He won't stay for a full conversation."

Two Time frowned, squinting as they thought. "Well, maybe he's just stressed?" Noob suggested. "It's... like really really stressful, and he probably is think- has a lot of.. uhm, thoughts, so maybe he's... just tr-trying to... uhm, destress..?"

Guest looked at Noob and nodded thoughtfully, though his frown was still quite prominent on his face. "That could be true, but it doesn't make me not worry."

It's quiet. Dark.

Okay it isn't dark-dark, it's the same darkness as always, but whenever it's "nighttime", Guest can't help but notice it's a bit darker than usual. Maybe whatever holds them all there takes a break, too.

Guest glanced up and down the path before stepping off the porch of his cabin. As he walked down the path, he absently scratched at the stubble on his chin, forcing a yawn down.

The moon reflected off the surface of the lake, the lanterns on the dock casting slight shadows. It was so... odd seeing the dock empty. It felt comforting knowing that Seven would sit there and that he could join him. It tugged on Guest's heart, giving him a harsh reminder that the man was still distancing himself.

Guest walked up the steps of the main cabin and pushed the door in, letting out a yawn as he closed the door behind him with a light click.

The fireplace remained lit, flames licking at the stone, heating the living room nicely. Guest made his way through, heading towards the kitchen. His foot banged painfully against a chair, making him wince and reel back a bit, standing taller. After regaining his bearings, he hobbled over to the kitchen, resting a hand on the door frame.

Through the gloom, Guest is startled to see someone sitting on the island counter. They seem to be hunched over, their... tail? flicking absently. Guest blinks, gently rubbing his eyes, and looks back at the figure. Still has a tail, he can now see what look like horns on them. Which survivor has horns and a tail?. None of them, minus Two Time, Shedletsky, and Taph with their tails, but none are thin with a sharp tip. Well, he can't tell exactly who they are in the dark, so he squints and takes a step forward.

The person whirled around, eyes wide. Guest almost jumped out of his skin before a bolt of realization hit him.

"Seven.?" Guest asks, relaxing his shoulders. "What are-"

Seven practically shot off the island, slipping and falling onto the ground with a sickening crack.

Guest is shoved back into action, his feet already carrying him around the counter towards the man. "Seven!"

Seven writhed on the ground, his hands covering his face, blood running down the visible parts of it. The tip of one of his horns seemed to have cracked on the way down, blood pricking at some points.

"Oh god, Seven, I am so sorry," Guest blurted, his hands hovering over the other. "I didn't mean to startle you-"

Seven's hands tore from his face and he stared up at the veteran with a petrified look on his face. Without warning, Seven shoved himself away from Guest and grasped at the island.

"Sev- just stay put I'll get a medkit-" Guest instructed, reaching a hand out to him.

Seven stared at the veteran with wide eyes, his tail wrapping around his waist. With a shakey step back and a violent shake of his head, Seven tore out of the kitchen.

"Seven!" Guest cried after him, hauling himself up. He heard the door close with a loud slam as he entered the living room. His chest heaved, blinking rapidly, as he tried to process the situation.

Seven has horns and a tail. And he is currently injured.

Guest hurriedly made his way to the closet, panic surging through his veins. He dropped to his knees after he opened the door, rummaging through the items and pulled out a medkit. Turning quickly with the kit in hand, he rushed out the door, letting it swing open with a loud bang. Guest half-sprinted down the path, teeth grit in worry. God, he didn't mean to hurt Seven! He hust wanted to know who was there!

He half-skidded to a stop infront of Seven's tiny cabin and leapt up the stairs before rapidly knocking on the door. "Seven! 7n7!" Guest cried. "I have a medkit! I'm so sorry for startling you!"

.

..

...

No answer.

Guest stared at the door, his chest heaving with exertion. "Sev, I'm worried about you." He quietly admitted, lifting the medkit up so he could stare at it. "I have barely seen you at all these past weeks. I just thought that you wanted space, but... I just can't help but feel like something's wrong." Guest's grip on the medkit tightened. "I want to be there to help you. I want you to know that I will stand beside you." His shoulders loosened as his eyes drifted back to the door. "Sev, I care about you. I hope you know that."

.

. .

. . .

Guest took a step back before crouching down, setting the medkit infront of the cabin door. Guest stood at Seven's door for a minute, then two, then three. With a quiet sigh, he turned away, trudging back to the large cabin. There's no point in sleeping now.

007n7 is thrust into a round and he immediately keels over, his tongue lolling from his mouth. The bright colors and lights of the c00lcarnival violate his eyes, ripping and tearing them to shreds. His head feels like a thousand holes have been blown into it, a trail of agony mirrored in his stomach.

007n7 shifted to lay on his side, chest heaving, spit slowly dripping down to pool onto the cold, cold concrete under him.

His eyesight is blurred, black splotches dotting his vision. His throat feels dry yet his mouth is almost filled to the brim with spit.

He hasn't felt this way since he was home with c00lkidd.

With shakey hands, he dragged himself to the corner of the little building he spawned in. There's no generator, no items near him. No survivors will go this way, unless they're being trailed by the killer...

He slowly curls in on himself, spit leaking from his half open mouth. He can feel tears begin to prick at the corner of his eyes, but he forces them away. This will all be over soon. He just needs to make it through this next week.

Then they will be okay.

007n7 took a shakey breath, leaning into the corner against the cool wall. It helped his migraine, just a bit. It's better than nothing. He closed his eyes, his ears beginning to ring.

"Papa!!!" An earsplitting squeal rang out, practically an explosion to 007n7's poor, sensitive ears.

007n7 cringed inwards, his jaw tightening into a sharp, open mouthed frown. Drool dripped from his mouth, his shoulders heaving.

"Papa..?" It came almost impossibly softer, as if his son had broken through the shield that was built between him and the violence of this twisted game of tag. Claws tapped against the concrete as c00lkidd slowly approached -- seemingly with care. "Dad, are y0u alright?"

007n7's eyes peel open, just a smidge. He can just barely see the form of his son as he kneels next to him. He tries to respond, to reassure his precious boy, but all that comes out is a strangled half whisper, half gurgle. Spit bubbles past his lips, dripping down his chin.

"0h! Papa, are y0u hungry?" c00lkidd asked, presumably tilting his head. "You have the 'really hungry' l00k!"

Oh, his innocent son. His sweet, sweet little boy.

Pain sparked deep in his gut and 007n7 flinched harshly, his teeth clanging together painfully, spit oozing from between his teeth and the corners of his mouth.

"Papa..!" c00lkidd squeaked, his voice as quiet as he most likely could muster. 007n7 felt claws gently touch his arm before pulling back. "I kn0w! Mr. Elli0t has pizza! I'll g0 get him!"

c00lkidd got up, ignoring 007n7's feeble attempt at stopping him, and tore out of the tiny building.

"Mr. Elli0t!!" c00lkidd half-shrieked, his tail flicking around as he searched for the pizza boy. "Mr. Elli0tttt!!!"

In the middle of the map stood Chance and Builderman, absently chattering. c00lkidd's face lit up and he gave the two a large wave. "Mr. Gambler!! Mr. Builderman!! D0 you kn0w where Mr. Elli0t is?"

Builderman and Chance looked at the killer with bewilderment before Chance tilted their head at him. "Uhhh, bud, we're not just gonna tell you where he is..?"

c00lkidd pouted, his face scrunching up. "But he's needed!!!" He shrieked, stamping his feet. "What's the p0int in having f00d if pe0ple can't eat it!!!"

Builderman glanced at Chance before sighing. "Kidd, I don't even know what yer talking about? If someone's hurt, then he'll go to 'em."

c00lkidd nodded his head. "My papa is hurt!! S0 I sh0uld kn0w where he is s0 I can bring him t0 papa!!"

That got the support and sentinel's attention. "Wait, wait, you know where 007n7 is?" Chance asked.

c00lkidd nodded proudly, folding his arms across his chest. "Yes, I d0!! And I need Mr. Elli0t right n0w!!!"

"Wait, hurt 'n what way?" Builderman demanded, his face growing serious.

"c00lkidd's been calling my name..?"

Elliot warily stepped out from the target-game booth, his pizza bag cinched on tight around his shoulders.

c00lkidd's face lit up and he bounded towards the pizza boy. "Mr. Elli0t! Mr. Elli0t!" He grabbed one of Elliot's hands and started dragging him away. "Papa needs s0me pizza!"

"Wait- wait- Stop it! Let go of me!" Elliot shrieked, flailing his free arm. Chance and Builderman simply stared after him, confusion putting saving the healer on hold.

c00lkidd's smile was wide and toothy, completely ignoring the cries of the pizza boy as he led him away to where 007n7 "rested".

"Papa!" c00lkidd grinned quietly, letting go of Elliot's hand. "I br0ught Mr. Elli0t! Y0u can have pizza!"

Elliot stared at the killer in wide-eyed confusion, rubbing his hand. Then he turned his attention to the survivalist. Elliot stifled back a shocked gasp, a hand reaching up to his mouth.

007n7 seemed sickly, drool trailing down his chin and onto his rapidly heaving chest; his cheeks looked slightly sunken in, and his face just seemed gaunt.

He looked like he was on death's door.

Elliot swallowed thickly before kneeling down next to 007n7. "Hey, can you hear me?" He asked, reaching to grasp his terribly-thin hand. 007n7 seemed to shrink away from his touch, but Elliot still managed to hold his hand. "I just- need to know how bad this is."

"He's hungry-hurt," c00lkidd hissed quietly, a hand cupping his mouth as if it was a secret.

Elliot's gaze flicked to look at the killer from where he knelt, his brows furrowed in confusion. "'Hungry-hurt'?"

c00lkidd nodded. "Yeah! Papa gets hungry-hurt s0metimes, especially during the beginning 0f fall." The child explained, drawing shapes in the concrete below himself.

Elliot stared at c00lkidd for a moment more before looking down at the former hacker. He looked especially pitiful now, curled in on himself in a corner. Elliot lightly bit on his bottom lip before sighing. Elliot gently swung his pizza bag off of him, zipping it open. He pulled out the pizza box on top, setting it on top of the bag before opening it. Elliot's gaze flicked from the pepperoni pizza to 007n7. The former hacker's eyes were barely open, but he could tell he was staring at the pizza.

Elliot plucked a slice from the box, holding a hand under it, and scooted over to sit closer to 007n7. "Open your mouth." He quietly instructed. 007n7 seemed... conflicted with this, his chest seeming to tighten as he tilted his head ever so slightly away from Elliot. "Listen, this is awkward for me too," Elliot murmured. "But it's kind of obvious that you won't be able to feed yourself right now. So just let me help."

007n7 stared back at him silently before hesitantly letting his jaw go slack, his mouth opening to let spit drip from his teeth. Elliot cringed, gritting his teeth, but still gently put the slice of pizza in the other's mouth, his hand hovering under his chin.

They were silent as 007n7 silently choked down the pizza slice. Elliot sat back, looking as 007n7 took a shaky breath. "I... sor-ry." He rasped.

Elliot's shoulders slacked, his eyes flicking to look at c00lkidd. The killer was hunched over the pizza box, staring at the remaining slices of pizza. He glanced to look up at the pizza boy, his shoulders bunching up as he realized he had been caught. Elliot sighed before giving the kidd a nod. c00lkidd's eyes lit up and he snatched a slice up, immediately putting it in his mouth and chewing. His tail flicked happily on the ground, looking more like an erratic electrical wire rather than a tail.

Elliot slowly looked back to 007n7, who slowly sat up and wiped his spit-ridden chin with the back of his hand. His eyes were still narrowed, his mouth contorted into a sharp frown. He silently looked at Elliot, his hand lowering back to his side. Elliot turned his head back to look at c00lkidd.

Telamon, he's given up.

It was bright.

The sky had lost its red and black coloration instead looking more of a dark stormy gray.

Guest swore he could see a hint of the sun.

Guest stood with a majority of the survivors, gathered in front of the main cabin. The admin trio had walked into the cabin, all three disturbed by the seeming-lack of rounds, and had just as hurriedly exited the building, Builderman now holding something in his grasp. They stood in a tight group near the dock, whispering among each other. Guest thought he heard Dusekkar deny that "this being would never just let us go" loudly, to which Shedletsky cupped their shoulders and mumbled something to the other, which the pumpkin-headed mage seemed to take offense to.

Guest was standing on the outer edges of the group, closer to the paths leading to the cabins. Seven is the only one who hadn't left his cabin, as usual.

Guest raised his head as he saw movement from the corner of his eye. Builderman had led the other admins away from the dock, the paper now folded neatly into a square. He rubbed the bridge of his nose before exhaling.

"A'right, so, every'ne, I 'ave news." Builderman announced. Conversations dwindled to a pause. The old builder cleared his throat before continuing. "Apparently, whatev'r is hol'in' us 'ere is lettin' us go."

That caused everyone to explode into speech.

"Really?! We're actually fuckin' leaving?!"

"I- really? We-we c-can g-o home now..?"

"This is just splendid! Oh, how... this is good."

Builderman raised a hand. "Aye, 'm not finished!" He lowered his hand before waved the note that was held in the other. "We don' know if we can ev'n trust whatev'r wrote 'his note. Jus' gotta stay put fer now."

Builderman continued his speech, even though the rest of the survivors started chattering among themselves excitedly, quite obviously not paying him much mind: they were most likely happy that they all had a possibility of leaving.

Guest stood silent.

Everyone else would go back. They would all see each other.

But Guest? He came from a movie, a work of fiction. He would never see these people again.

Footsteps dragged him from his slow spiral. He turned his head, eyebrows raised in surprise.

Seven had... actually left his cabin.

Guest turned to fully face him, a smile on his face. "Seven, hey!" He folded his arms across his chest while Seven stopped just a few steps in front of him. "You missed Builderman's little announcement."

Seven hummed in acknowledgement. "I know. You all get to leave now."

Guest grinned. "Well, Builderman isn't so sure about that..."

"Well, I sure hope so," Seven scoffed, crossing his own arms, his gaze landing on the dock. "It promised, so I'll be pretty upset."

Guest's face churned in confusion. His hands dropped to his side as he tilted his head. "What do you mean 'it promised'?" He asked.

Seven stared at Guest for a moment before closing the distance. He gently took his hands in his own. Seven's hands felt bumpy, the skin raised. It felt odd against Guest's callused hands, rough from the labor he did. Seven's gaze faltered for a moment before he took a breath, squeezing Guest's hands lightly. "c00lkidd likes having weight on him while he sleeps."

Guest blinked. What?

"What?"

"He tolerates the cold, loves playing outside. He loves curling up in blankets, burrowing into them."

The conversations behind the two seemed to fade out as Guest stared at Seven in confusion. "Seven, I'm sorry, but I don't-"

The other man squeezed his hands again, his shoulders stiffening. "He'll only eat apples if they're peeled and cut. He absolutely loves juice, just not the ones with pulp in it."

Guest searched Seven's face. The other lowered his head, hiding his eyes. "Seven, why are you telling me this, you're going-"

"I've found that sherpa and wool really irritates his skin, so avoid that. He's fine with denim, though."

Guest grew panicked, now gripping Seven's hands. "Seven, you're gonna be with him, you're coming-"

And then it dawned on him.

"You all get to leave now."

"It promised."

Guest's eyes widened. He could feel his chest constrict. "Sev. Sev, what did you do."

It came out no less than a whisper, yet it didn't seem to matter if he had shouted.

Seven's chest hiccupped before he raised his head. He stared at Guest with shiny eyes, tears pricking at the corners, all while he had a smile on his face.

"What did you do." Guest repeated, louder this time.

Seven's smile grew wider, his eyes closing. "Thank you for wanting to be my friend."

Guest's eyes widened impossibly wider. "No, Sev!" He tightly grasped the other's hands, but he felt nothing.

He no longer stood in the center of the "camp", which he had called home for months, possibly years. Now he found himself in a clearing, holding nothing but air.

The survivors exploded into cheers, some breaking into sobs of pure joy.

Guest could hardly process what just happened.

Silence stretched across the clearing. As the survivors regathered their bearings, they realized that they were not alone.

Across the clearing, stood the killers. They appeared far less emotional -- well, in a tears way; the killers seemed more collected. Slightly more collected. John Doe was hunched on the ground, MrDoombringer crouched next to him. 1x1x1x1 stood next to him, c00lkidd holding its hand as his tail lashed in excitement. Noli seemed to be exhausted, his typical stature being abandoned for a more hunched look. An unfamiliar human stood awkwardly next to Slasher, who was holding a Guest up -- presumably being Guest 666. Mafioso stood a bit away from the rest of the killers, his boys gathered around him. All the killers seemed to look... normal, like how they were before they were forsaken.

Two Time stepped from the group of survivors, a hand half-outstretched. "Azure?" The name cut through the night: unfamiliar, yet weighing.

"Thyme?" The unfamiliar human said, a hand slowly raising.

A brief pause before Two Time suddenly broke into a sprint. "Azure!" They cried, scarf billowing after them.

"Thyme!" The human, Azure, wailed, also running. The two met at the halfway point, their sobs echoing across the clearing. The two sunk down to the ground, holding onto each other as they sobbed into each other's arms.

Builderman was next. He took a few steps towards John Doe and MrDoombringer, a hand half-raised. With a shuddering breath, he ran over to the two, sliding down onto his knees to hold John's head. John looked up at him before a sob wracked his body. As Builderman and John embraced, Shedletsky and Dusekkar hurried over, Taph trailing behind them. 1x pointedly ignored the winged admin, squinting over at the survivor's side of the clearing.

MrDoombringer stepped away from Builderman and John, almost stepping on Taph. His eyes widened as he looked down at them, a wince on his face. Taph's headwings flicked, their head turning away. MrDoombringer stared at the demolitionist for a moment before gently resting his hand on their shoulder. Taph didn't acknowledge it.

Noob and Veeronica both ran and gathered Guest 666 into a large hug, Slasher awkwardly shuffling to the side. Noob looked at him before dragging him into the hug.

Chance wandered over to Mafioso, Elliot trailing behind him. The mafia boss glared down at the gambler, who subsequently raised his hands before flashing him a grin. Elliot shook his head, folding his arms.

c00lkidd's tail slowly came to a stop. He blinked at the other side of the clearing, where Guest now stood alone, facing away from the rest of the group. He frowned, beginning to walk over to the veteran, tugging 1x along. Noli slowly trailed behind the two, half-limping.

"Mr. S0ldier?" c00lkidd spoke up, coming to a stop just a few steps away from Guest. "Where's my dad?" The veteran's body tensed, making 1x's eye narrow.

"Y-eah, where's th-e cowa-rd?" Noli asked, stuttering to a stop next to 1x.

Guest stood up straight, his chest stuttering as he took a breath. He turned to look down at c00lkidd. His head was tilted in confusion, his eyes sparkling in the dim light. Guest swallowed thickly before walking to kneel down in front of c00lkidd.

"Is he playing hide and seek?" c00lkidd asked, his tail flicking once, then twice.

Guest's eyes flicked to 1x, who in turn glared down at him before letting go of c00lkidd's hand. The embodiment of hatred started walking away, dragging Noli along with it.

Guest reached out to pull c00lkidd into a hug, confusing the boy. c00lkidd, nonetheless, returned the hug, resting his chin on Guest's broad shoulder.

"Your papa loves you, you know that, right?" Guest whispered.

"Yeah?" c00lkidd says, confused. "My papa l0ves me l0ts and l0ts!"

Guest bit his bottom lip. He could feel tears prick at the edges of his eyes.

Stay strong. You must stay strong.

Stay strong for him.

"That's good. I just wanted to know that."

c00lkidd frowned. "0kay... but where is he th0ugh?? I th0ught he'd be with y0u guys!!" c00lkidd attempted to push away from Guest, but the veteran held on tighter.

"He wants you to know that he loves you. You are his world." Guest whispered.

c00lkidd's face scrunched up. "Mr. S0ldier, y0u're kinda scaring me..." He attempted to push away again, but Guest held strong.

"Your papa would give up everything for you. No matter the cost." Guest tilted his head to brush against c00lkidd's.

"Mr. S0ldier! Where's my dad!!" c00lkidd cried, throwing his head back.

The buzz of chatter died abruptly. Two Time peeled their face away from Azure's shoulder to glance back, while Elliot turned to stare at Guest and c00lkidd with wide eyes.

"I'm so sorry, kidd." Guest choked back a sob, giving c00lkidd a tight squeeze.

c00lkidd's face scrunched up, tears pooling at his eyes. "I want my dad! Where is my papa!!" He shrieked.

Guest brought a hand up and pressed it against the back of c00lkidd's head, guiding him back to Guest's shoulder. "Kidd, I'm so, so sorry." He whispered, barely audible.

c00lkid let out a loud wail, wrapping his arms around the veteran. He buried his face into the man's shoulder, sobs wracking his now-tiny body. "I want my dad!!.."

Guest forced his tears down, holding onto the crying child as he bawled.