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"Two time."
A voice rung through their head, cracking the daze that lingered in their eyes. Two time blinked as they looked up at the leader—Amarah. She was the grand leader of this beautiful cult religion! Two time was always told they were blessed by the spawn itself by her.
"Yes, miss?" Two time spoke, stance immediately turning straight as they stared straight at her. They didnt dare to look away. "Our ritual tonight, I assume you haven't forgotten your duty, right?" Amarah hummed, voice as cold as the winter air around them.
Two time stilled slightly, they got distracted, they were supposed to start collecting wood 10 minutes ago. Two time had a hint of panic in their voice as they spoke. "A..Apologies, Amarah. I.. I got distracted! I will go out to the forest immediately.." Two time scrambled as they ran to their cloth detailed poncho that hung on a rack.
Two time tugged it on, pulling the hood up. Walking out to the forest with heavy steps, frozen grass crunching under the pressure of their winter boots.
They hummed to themself, walking around as they picked up thick branches of wood. Only the best for the Spawn. Two time was blessed after all, if they didnt oblige what would Amarah say? Is their vessel not worthy enough? Is their spawn tail not proof the Spawn picks favorites and Two time was blessed with that opportunity?
They wished it wasnt them sometimes.
Two time was born into the cult, they couldnt leave if they wanted to. They dont know what happened to their parents after they were born—probably burned for daring to bring a child into this. Two time was the first and last one, to ever be a kid in this—religion. The youngest yet the most devoted in this cult. Their tail twitched behind them as snow started to fall.
Their name wasnt chosen by their parents either, "Two time" was chosen by Amarah. It means to deceive or be unfaitful, specifically to a lover or a spouse. That definition is stuck into them like a thorn. Painful and dangerous. Are they dangerous? Only to themself.
Two time wasnt paying attention, tripping on a thick root stuck out of the ground, yelping as they tumbled down a hill. Tail tangling as their body was shoved into a bush. Speaking of thorns. Ow! Two time held back tears as they pulled their body up, falling against the raised ground. Trembling.
"Ow ow ow!" Two time whispered, looking around trying to gauge where they ended up. Theres a ton of flowers down here. Two time stifled a yelp behind their hand as they heard rustling in the bushes ahead—not the ones they fell into luckily
Two time hushed out a "Hello...?" before standing up shakily. For the love of- their tail was tangled really badly. Owww...
A small yelp was heard from afar, rustling, a small bell rattling, and then a tumble. What in the world? Two time took steady steps over, pulling back the bushes hesitantly. But it was too late, the thing, or rather, the person, was running off. Two time sighed, a little irritated honestly.
Is that pouch on the ground? Two time went to pick it up, it just—had a ton of flowers in it. Two time pocketed it for now, who knows, maybe they'll encounter that person again. They only saw a glimpse, but they definitely saw a wizard like hat. What a weirdo.
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Two time was punished for coming back empty handed. They were never punished, never. Two time sighed, sliding down the wooden wall of the empty room they were left in, curling in on themself. They really messed up, the only light being a small window across the room. Two time could see outside, the hill they tripped down. What if that persons back?
Two time swallowed as they held the pouch from the other day, the flowers.. they're wilting in this darkness. Two time couldnt leave though! They had to obey the Spawn... right? They wouldnt break the rules for a person they technically never met.
Its been hours, finally being let out because they started crying from being starved. The sun was setting, but they were so determined to give that pouch back. Spawn, who cares about food right now, they need to find that person.
Walking outside, snow crunching under their boots, it was freezing out, almost unbearable. Two time quickly made their way down the hill, stumbling and falling into the snow. They whimpered as they got up, grabbing pouch and making their way to the bushes. They found a boy picking herbs and flowers, a brown wizard like hat and messy long brown hair
"You!" Two time exclaimed happily, the boy jumped, scrambling back nervously. He watched the spawn necklace dangle from their neck like a ticking bomb about to blow at any second now. "I saw you yesterday! I have your pouch!" They smiled, obviously oblivious to the boys slight fear. Digging in their pocket as they showed the pouch with embroidered details on it.
He gasped gently, snatching it from their hand. "You–kept it?" His words were soft spoken, his hair blowing wildly in the sudden gust of wind. He held his hat down, tugging his poncho over himself to cover more skin. "Of course I did, I found it after all when you ran" They giggled, taking a step closer to him.
He stood up, stuffing the herbs he just collected into the pouch "Ah.. yes Im sorry about that, Im technically not supposed to be out past dark" He glanced over to the sun setting, the forest starting to fall dark. The boy hummed.
"Thank you–" He paused, chuckling nervously. "I dont know your name" Two time blinked "Oh! It is Two time" It was painful to say their own name "Azure." The long haired stated, holding out his hand, Two time shook it. Smiling as their spawn tail swished back and forth, almost like its wagging. Azure smiled slightly at that.
"Why are you in these forests anyway?" Azure asked, fixing their hat. Two time didnt look like they're from the village Azure is from. "Ah! I suppose I–live by!" Two time somewhat lied there, yeah they lived by, but they didnt mention that its cultist religious grounds. Azure raised an eyebrow but didnt push
Azure stepped back slightly "I should get back, its getting dangerously dark" He sighed "I suggest you should go too" Azure mentioned, pushing the pouch in his pocket. Two time frowned, they almost didnt want to leave. Two time had to obey to Spawn though, nodding and trailing off
Azure looked back and watched how their tail swayed when they walked. Why do they even have a tail? What a weirdo.
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"Two time."
Amarah coldly spoke, eyes narrowing. She was not happy that Two time snuck out, oh god, if she knew they snuck out to see some guy last night? They'd be punished again and again.
"I was just taking a walk, miss. I did not feel well last night. Apologies." Two time lied through their teeth, but their expression was cold, serious. Amarah somehow believed it. Thank Spawn!
Or whoever's up there.
It was bright out today, still freezing as ever. Two time felt a little dizzy, when did they last eat? They shook it off, sliding down that hill with shaky limbs. Flowers crunching under their shoes, whoops..
"Azure?" Two time hummed, peaking behind a tree, they saw the boy from yesterday. He looked prettier in the sun.
Wait what?
"Ah! Two time!" Azure smiled, already fond of them. Herbs stuffed into the small pouch he held, knees digging into the snow. Two time sat down in the snow next to him, tail swaying around their waist. "Do you just collect these for fun or is there a reason why you keep digging in the snow desperately for them?" Two time pointed at the pouch, Azure cleared his throat nervously.
"Its kind of my job, I collect herbs to help make medicine for my village" Two time's eyes lit up. "Oh! People probably get sicker in the winter too huh? Would you want help?" They offered happily, tail wagging against the snow. Azure blinked, moving his messy hair away from his eyes.
"Really? I dont want to keep you from your... living quarters" Azure kicked himself internally at that dumb wording, living quarters? What the hell is wrong with him? Two time isn't exactly discreet about being in a cult, the Spawn symbol is all over their clothing. Azure dislikes the cult, alot. He has heard horror stories about how awful it is there, he hoped Two time wasnt being treated badly.
The dizziness in Two times head came back, the cold making it worse. Azure immediately could tell and frowned. "Two time?" Azure called out gently to their dazed face. They blinked, Spawn–they hated their name. "Yes..?" Two time dragged out, a sudden pang in their head making them flinch.
Azure quickly stood up, grabbing Two time's hands and pulling them up. "When did you last eat? You look sickly" He nervously said, looking worried. "What? Im fine I ate-" Yesterday, they didnt eat yesterday, they didnt eat today. Its past noon, is that why they feel so lightheaded? Azure huffed, digging in a pocket of many on his pants.
Azure pressed a granola bar into Two time's hands "Eat, please." He begged. Two time sighed and opened it, trying so hard to not pass out on him. They ate slowly as they walked together, picking up herbs and flowers.
"Hey" Two time perked, leaning down to pick a few flowers that were on their way to wilting. They were purple, a yellow middle. "These are pretty" Two time showed the flowers to Azure, he gasped softly. "Im surprised they're still here, they usually wilt after fall. Nightshades are my favorite flower"
Two time perked at those words, favorite? "They grow where I live all the time, I like them too" Two time mentioned, plucking the stems off the flowers. Purple matches Azure very well, despite his name being a shade of blue. Two time stepped in front of Azure, placing a Nightshade in his hair.
"Purple goes nice with brown" Two time stated without thinking, tail twitching. Azure blushed lightly, giggling quietly. "You're sweet" He stated, humming lightly. The sun was slowly setting.
"I should get home," Azure reluctantly said, a bit disappointed. "Would you–want to walk with me? If that is allowed.." Two time was a little taken aback by that question. "I would love to! But I do not think I could stay the night, simply because I have no permission." Two time's tail was wagging yet again.
Azure smiled, taking their hand lightly as they walked together. Snow falling slowly around them, yet they felt warm. "Azure?" Two time mumbled, looking over at him as they continued to walk. "Hm?"
"Do you ever feel like people do not listen to you?" Two time muttered, looking down at the ground. Azure was taken aback, getting a little worried.
"Do people not listen to you?" Azure asked gently, Two time didnt look him in the eye. Almost like they're ashamed. "...The cult doesn't listen to me because Im the youngest. Yet I seem to be the most devoted, do you think they think im annoying?"
Azure paused, they were right outside the village now. "I dont think you're annoying" Azure reassured, looking around at the flowers he planted. Blue Hydrangea's being one of them. He reached down and picked one from the small garden.
"But I understand the feeling." Azure tucked the flower into Two time's hair, lingering there longer than he should have. Two time thanked him, soon trailing off before it got darker.
"You sinned"
Two time jumped at the sudden voice when they walked back into the building, turning to look over at Amarah. The flower still in their hair.
"Im sorry?" Two time shakily said. "You are seeing someone outside of these grounds, are you not?" "No-" "Dont lie to me." Amarah snapped, taking steps closer
"I forbid you from seeing that person, whoever they are, you arent allowed, Two time." She firmly said, gripping their chin "Do you understand? Dont make me put you in isolation again."
Two time swallowed and nodded, heading off to their room quickly.
Why did they have to be blessed? Why did they have to be the Spawns "Favorite"
Two time doesnt feel like a favorite.
They feel hated.
No one in this whole cult likes them
Amarah definitely doesnt anymore.
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"Azure"
A person from the village called his name, voice warm. Azure was gardening, on his knees in the dirt with work gloves and a purple apron. "Yes? Do you need more medicine?" Azure stood up, immediately worried. The flower Two time gave him now on his hat.
"No, thats not it. We are planning to host a bonfire tonight, would you care to help collect wood?" The woman asked gently, Azure perked and nodded. Not bothering to change out of his gardening clothes as he left the village area.
Azure hummed to himself as he trailed around the area, picking up logs with an easy grip, most his age could barely pick up big logs, let alone carry them for a while.
He spotted a certain black haired person with a spiked tail, Azure smiled and made his way over. "Two time!" Azure called out. Two time jumped, looking over at him.
"I–Azure.." Two time muttered, not making any movements to get closer, Azure did that on his own. "Hey! You okay? You look—conflicted." Two time winced at the question, tail ducking between their legs.
"I am.. not allowed to speak with you anymore.." Two time strained, gripping their arm. "If.. I continue I'll be thrown into isolation.. for.. who knows how long.."
"Isolation?! So those rumors are true?" Azure panicked, placing the logs down and running up to them, cupping their face. "Do they hurt you?" Two time blinked, theres rumors about their cult?
Two time chose to stay silent, but thats all Azure needed "They'll hurt you if they know we're talking?" He asked gently, frowning. "Yes, precisely." Two time stated easily, like they weren't bothered one bit by it all.
"How would they know? You're the only person that comes down here" Azure huffed, crossing his arms. Before Two time could get a word in, Azure started talking again "Why don't you just—not tell them?"
Two time blinked, taken aback. Lying? Sneaking out against Amarah? Against The Spawn? Thats sinning! What would Spawn think? Azure took Two time's hand gently. "We could just–lie?" He didnt want to push, but being with them felt so easy.
"I cant lie to the Spawn–its sinful" "Is it that bad if you sin if its something we both want?" Two time stayed silent at that, they knew the friendship couldnt last with how demanding their cult is. "We both want to keep talking dont we?" Azure pleaded
"Im sorry" Two time whispered, squeezing his hand tightly. "I'll be thrown into isolation when I get back for who knows how long, I wont see you either way. The cult doesnt like outsiders."
"Then come with me, for at least a day. I dont want you to leave." Azure pleaded, its been 3 days, why is their bond so strong? The stars aligned perfectly so they meet, or its a work of whatever god is up there.
They were supposed to meet.
Two time didnt speak, just nodded. They hated this decision, but they dreaded coming home. "I want to stay with you, but I cannot promise they wont come looking for me after a bit.." Two time mumbled. Azure just nodded and hugged them tightly, he didnt dare to ask what they really did to them there. He wouldnt be able to handle it.
The village folk were giving Two time almost fearful looks, they stood out like a sore thumb. Two time pulled over their hood as their tail ducked between their legs, they were so nervous, feeling like they're gonna get burned at the stake.
Azure approached the woman from earlier with tons of wood, she jumped. "Azurewrath! Who is the kid behind you?!" Azure internally cursed when she said his full name. Two time raised an eyebrow "They're my friend, they will get hurt if they return home right now" Azure frowned, hiding them behind his back.
The woman didnt look pleased one bit, she recognized that symbol, the Spawn. But she kept her mouth shut and nodded, if they were running away from it, then being here is the best choice.
They both eventually made their way to Azure's home, Two time was shaking. "Azure- Im scared, what if they know im here?" Two time panicked, sitting on his bed. They looked terrified.
Azure slowly approached, getting on his knees in front of them. "Hey.. hey.. its okay they dont know who you were even talking to right? They'd have no idea you'd be in the village if they didnt know you were talking to someone from there." Azure reassured, cupping Two time's cheeks with their gloved hands.
"You are safe here, you can join us for the bonfire tonight if you'd like." He smiled, carressing their cheek with his thumb. Two time swallowed, nodding shakily. "Thank you–a lot."
The next few hours were them just talking about anything, everything. Favorite things, family, their past etc. It was really nice being able to hang out without being on a time limit.
"Hey Azure, question for you" Two time hummed, leaning back on the bed "That lady called you err—Azurewrath, right? Is that your real name?" Azure winced at the question, groaning as he fell back into the bed with them. His hat falling off.
"I hate my actual name, thats why I just go by Azure" Two time chuckled lightly, turning over on their side to face him. "I dont like my name either, it has a horrible meaning that I cant help but think its how my life will turn out in the end." They mumbled
"It means to deceive, or be unfaithful to a partner or spouse. I wouldnt ever do those things, but I feel like my life was already written out the day i was given that name." Two time sighed, gripping the sheets softly. Azure turned over to face them, lifting their chin with a hand. "Good thing pencils have erasers, huh?" Azure smiled
"Spawn–you're so cheesy" Two time laughed, pushing him away playfully. Azure grinned, pushing forward, easily overpowering their shove due to them being so skinny. "You're not that strong you know" He giggled, hands pressing into the sheets on the sides of Two time's head
Two time's tail twitched, they were basically pinned underneath him. Two time flushed lightly, a gentle pink fading onto their skin. Azure noticed and chuckled, leaning closer. "You are—very close Azure.." Two time stammered out
A knock was heard and Azure lifted himself off of them, trailing over to the door. Two time was so flustered, what the hell was that?? Is he really gonna act like nothing happened????
"Hellooo?" Azure opened the door, it was some village folk saying the bonfire was active now, inviting Azure to join. "Oh! We'll be on our way soon" Azure smiled, closing the door.
"Are you doing this on purpose?" Two time stammered, tail twitching against the bed as they sat up. Azure laughed, taking their hand to help them off the bed "What? Cant handle being close?" Two time rolled their eyes, taking his hand and walking with him.
It was dark out, the sky only lit by stars, the village had a warm glow on it. The fire crackled, tons of people around it in chairs, or sitting on the ground. Azure tugged Two time over to the fire, their eyes widened.
Azure and Two time sat down on the ground, holding hands tightly. Their tail wagged gently, Two time felt—comfortable, safe. "Azure" They mumbled, scooting closer. "Thank you for bringing me here. I feel safe."
Azures eyes widened, wrapping an arm around Two time's waist. "Of course" He smiled, leaning closer to them "You feel so cold, cmon" Azure pulled them closer to the fire. Two time rested their head on his shoulder. This was—heavenly.
Two time shivered, shifting over and nuzzling into his neck. Azure chuckled fondly, tangling his hand in their hair. "Are you always this cold?" Azure hummed. Two time hugged his waist. "You're comforting." Their tail wrapped around his leg. "Awh" Azure cooed.
Azure pressed a kiss to their forehead, rubbing their back. Two time blushed lightly. "You're messing with me again." Two time mumbled, pulling away "Arent you?"
"Messing with you?" Azure tilted his head "How so?" Two time sighed "You make my head dizzy sometimes, You do these stupid actions like getting too close to me then brush it off like nothing even happened!—And Spawn its only been barely 4 days but it feels like its been years." Two time rambled, tail twitching with irritation
"Woah Two time breathe.." Azure lifted their chin, a fond look in his eyes. Two time didnt even notice when they were in his lap, straddling his thighs.
Two time shakily took a breath, they looked ashamed of themselves. "It feels forbidden to like you, i fear i'll live up to my name. To deceive you, to be unfaithful." Azure frowned at that. "Just because its your name doesnt mean its who you are."
"I know that! But–I cant help but fear i'll hurt you" Two time whimpered, Azure leaned in and hugged them tightly. "You'll only hurt me if you let yourself." He answered, pulling back softly
Two time hiccuped, gripping his apron tight. They looked so scared, so worried. Azure cupped their chin and kissed their forehead lightly.
Two times tail wrapped tighter around his leg "You-" They swallowed, eyes narrowing slightly before leaning in and kissing him firmly, lips pressing together.
Warmth blossomed between them, scarred lips against soft ones. Two time cupped the back of his neck as Azure tangled his hands in their hair. Eventually pulling away while panting lightly.
Azure barked out a light laugh "I thought i was the bold one" Two time rolled their eyes, immediately shutting him up with another kiss, firmer, deeper. The feeling unreal at this point.
They fell back into the hard ground, giggling between kisses. "Hah-" Two time panted, letting out a laugh, helping Azure up.
Azure had a fond look in his eyes, smiling warmly. Azure quickly hugged Two time again, making their tail jerk up in surprise
"You're safe here." Azure smiled, hugging them tighter, Two time simply hugged back, tears threatening to fall down
"Thank you."
"Amarah?"
"Yes?"
"We found their location, its in the village across the woods." A cultist confronted, standing straight. "Should we take action immediately?"
"Village hm?" Amarah crossed her arms, glancing outside
"No, we shouldn't"
"No?"
"We will do it eventually, but for now?" She barked out a laugh, smirking slightly.
"Lets see how long they think they can get away with this."