Chapter Text
Everyone cheered as the blade pierced right through Fluixon’s stomach.
Fluixon let out a pained groan as he stumbled back and clutched the gaping wound that was bleeding rapidly with his hand. His vision started to blur as blood kept pooling out, barely mustering the strength to stand.
He leaned against his sword, his legs buckling, failing to keep him upright. He could only look up as he coughed a handful of blood; Those obsidian eyes that met his amethyst eyes. He expected to see the eyes that used to love him so dearly now filled with hatred.
Yet, that wasn’t what he saw. Instead he saw the same eyes that used to look at him back when they were kids. Warm and welcoming, filled with tears that flowed freely. Fluixon chuckled as he stared at the man who pierced a blade through his stomach. His best friend, to be exact.
“Hah…ff..”
Saparata. The man he’d betrayed and left for dead. The scapegoat he used to cover up for six counts for murder he was responsible for. It was quite pathetic for the man who Fluixon fucked up so bad still look at him with longing eyes. It was tad bit funny, if he were to be honest.
Saparata’s hands shook subtly as he hesitated to take another final blow. The cheers stung his ears as he stared at the man he’d loved for so long—and still did. How could he put an end to Fluixon’s suffering? After everything they had together? He couldn’t bear to lose it. He couldn’t bear to lose Flux.
“Come on Saps,” Fluixon dared, his voice weak and his breath shaking as he clutched his gaping wound tighter.
“Why won’t you just.. swing the blade again? End this hell that has come to be!” Fluixon mocked, laughing coldly despite the agonizing pain that seared through his body.
Saparata gripped the handle of his diamond sword tightly, as if ready to deliver the final swing that will finally end this all—the war, the manipulation, the hurt. He took a deep breath and tightened his grip, ready to swing.
Yet he met Fluixon’s eyes once more. It didn’t look anything like before. His amethyst eyes, so vibrant but now so unrecognizable. At least to Saps. And he found himself facing the same problem he had just a few moments earlier. How could he kill Flux? And why would he, anyway?
Despite the bounties Fluixon had placed of Saparata’s head, despite every attempt at death, despite fighting to the death—Saps still loved Flux. Whether he admitted it or not. It would kill him if he killed Flux.
“I…”
Saps couldn’t tell the world the reason of his hesitation.
The people inside the colosseum cheered Saparata on, telling him to deliver the final blow that’ll end everything. Their cheers were nothing but static to him. His focus was entirely on Flux.
“Go Saps, go! Kill that man!” Schpood yelled out from the crowd. People from all the nations of Island 2 and Island 1 agreed with him.
Saps loosened his grip on his diamond sword as he watched Fluixon bleed out. It hurt to watch, but it would hurt more to kill him clean off. He looked at Flux bleeding on the ground—now broken and weak, none like the confident Fluixon that planned carefully curated plans, or caused the war of Infernus.
All Fluixon could see before he lost consciousness was Saps dropping his sword, then everything went black.
The people cheered loudly, hugging each other and celebrating. No matter how hard Saps tried, he couldn’t feel the same way the people did. All he felt was a heavy sense of guilt and dread. That his hands were stained with the blood of the person he loved so dearly. He swallowed his guilt as he watched a hoard of people enter the battleground to hug or congratulate him.
He plastered a victorious smile on his face, pretending to be proud of what he did. He tried to think that what he did was right, that letting Flux bleed out to death was the right choice. But as he glanced past the crowd and onto Flux’s limp body, everything simply felt wrong. Like a voice whispering in his head—it told him that everything was his fault. That he was the reason why Flux was lying dead on the floor.
And ironically enough, the sky darkened as if it weeped with him. Raindrops fell as if it was crying with Saps. The people didn’t care though, they were too busy celebrating Fluixon’s death like starved man given food. It felt disrespecting, but why would they care? This man was a terrorist. Why would anyone respect that?
Minutes went by, and everybody left the colosseum—trampling over Flux’s limp body. Saps had to close his eyes shut, unable to look at the sight before him. He clutched his white cloak that was stained in crimson, his knuckles turning white at how tightly he held it.
Water slowly collected on the ground he stood on, washing away Flux’s blood.
He let out a shaky breath as his eyes followed the remaining people leave the colosseum.
…
…
“I’m so sorry, Flux.”
Saps whispered, knowing that the apology will never reach his dear Flux.
He stood there, staring at his best friend—the one he loved so much. That even despite everything, he can’t bring himself to hate him.
Saps walked towards Flux’s body, crouching down to feel for a pulse. He doesn’t exactly know why he did it, he knew it was pointless, Flux was dead, right?
Maybe he did it out grief or maybe he was in denial—or maybe some sort of coping mechanism. Flux was gone, there was no hope. His amethyst eyes were now dull and gray-ish, gone of all the life it used to hold. And his skin was cold and pale, gone was the warmth that used to envelop Saps.
He didn’t expect to feel anything, just cold skin. But as he heard a faint—nearly silent heartbeat, his body stiffened and his muscles went rigid. He felt something heavy set in his stomach. Something close to dread mixed with worry. That Flux is still somehow alive, even if just barely.
He knows what’ll happen if people found out—they will hunt Flux down until he was dead.
But at the same time, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. Flux was still alive, there’s still a chance to save everything. That being his relationship with Flux and how the world viewed this terrorist that he loved so much.
Saps had two choices. Kill Flux for good—or save him and find a way to save everything between them—if that was even possible, but he was desperate.
…
…
Saps chose the latter.
He ripped a part of his clothes to use as a makeshift bandage around Flux’s bleeding wound. He tied it tightly to stop blood from flowing further. This would buy him some time. If he had to guess, maybe around a few minutes to a few hours depending on how much blood Flux lost. Saps didn’t account how many blood Flux actually lost, so it’s better to be faster.
He took the white cloak stained with blood off his shoulders, draping it over Flux’s body as if he was dead. He sighed heavily as he carefully picked him up, more blood staining his white clothes.
At first, he struggled—forgetting how heavy ‘dead’- or rather limp bodies felt like.
Back then, he was more than capable of picking Flux up even if he was unconscious—from childhood and before the incident with the Island 2 nation leaders. Now? It almost seemed impossible to pick him up. Perhaps it was because he was heavily wounded and tired. But ultimately, he managed.
He left the colosseum with Flux in his arms. It was difficult and challenging, and it made his body ache. But he was on a time limit. Every faint heartbeat was a ticking timebomb. If he couldn’t aid Flux back to life, he might lose him for good.
Once he was a few meters away from the colosseum, his body was ready to collapse. Dread and a sense of hopelessness settled in his already heavy heart again. He really didn’t have enough time to save Flux, huh?
Saps let out a strangled sound as his arms shook, ready to give out, and lowered his head in defeat. Just when he was about to give up and set Flux on the ground, a pair of arms helped him support Flux’s weight. Saps looked up and met a pair of vibrant green eyes. It was Cass, a friend of Saps—and the leader of a nation.
Her gaze was full of concern—her eyebrows furrowed and a prominent frown plastered on her face. Saps let out a breath of relief as he attempted to smile softly.
“Saps? Oh my, you look like a mess—what happened with your battle with Flux? Are you okay?” She hurried asked, now carrying most of Flux’s weight.
She herself looked like a mess, torn clothes, messy hair—wounds and bruises everywhere around her body. But she seemed to hold herself pretty well, despite fighting a war just a few moments earlier against Infernus.
She tilted her head in curiosity as she took in Saps’ appearance. His clothes were torn in a way that seemed self inflicted. But she assumed it was torn because of his fight with Fluixon in the colosseum and dismissed it without any questions.
“I… I’m fine, Cass.” Saps said, trying to reassure Cass.
“No you’re not!?—Didn’t you fight in the war and with Flux?-“
“Yes, but—“ Saps sighed, there was no point in trying to say he was fine. Cass read people like a book. And it was clear—he wasn’t fine, both emotionally and physically. “Okay, no I’m not fine. Could you please help me carry…”
Saps looked down at Flux’s body covered by his blood stained cloak.
“…Him back to Island 2? I would really like to give him a proper burial.”
Cass looked at him with confusion, struggling to understand why he would want a terrorist to have a proper burial to commemorate him. But she didn’t question him, she assumed he was grieving. Flux was still Saps’ best friend after all. And she would’ve done the same anyway.
She nodded and helped him carry Flux to the docks.
As they walked, Saps couldn’t help but let his mind wander. Time was still ticking, and he was sure they already lost 15 minutes.
Though he was relieved to have someone like Cass help him carry Flux’s body back to Island 2, she couldn’t know he wasn’t actually dead. And she surely can’t know that Saps planned to aid him back to life and keep him alive. That was just unacceptable to the world, and even to himself—he just can’t seem to fight against it.
He loved Flux so much. Thought Saps. That was what he knew. That was all he could think about. From the betrayal, to the tower, until they were fighting to death, till now. He wished it didn’t have to come to this. But fate is far too cruel.
The walk to the dock was mostly silent, the atmosphere to tense and awkward for small talk. Once they made it to the dock, Cass helped Saps place Flux in a boat. Afterwards, she looked for another available boat around the dock to boat alongside Saps, making sure he makes it home safely.
But Saps stopped her. He didn’t want her to come with him—he might risk her finding out about what he planned to do.
“Wait,” Saps said, stopping Cass in her tracks.
“Hm? What’s wrong?” She asked, turning her head to look at Saps, who looked a little nervous.
“Maybe you shouldn’t come.”
That baffled Cass. Why would Saps not want her to come with him? He was clearly tired and wounded—and just earlier, he looked like he was about to collapse! “Wh- why? I’m sorry but you are not in the right condition to be going out on your own right now.”
Cass grew skeptical. Saps was no person to deny help when he needed it. So… why?
…
She had a point, Saps must admit. He was tired and bruised. He wasn’t even sure if he could carry Flux again. But he’d rather anything than let her find out.
“You know, many your people are wounded—and maybe some of them need your aid.” Saps pointed out, finding an excuse in attempt to shoo Cass away.
Cass’ skepticism faded as she realized that Saps was right, her people were still in danger. Besides, quote the following; ‘’The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.,, “…I suppose.” She reluctantly agreed.
“But are you certain you’ll be safe?”
Saps nodded. He didn’t expect that it’d be this easy to get rid of Cass, but damn if he wasn’t grateful for it.
Cass gave him some extra bandages and herbs for himself before she left. After all, she still wanted him to be safe. Saps took the bandages and herbs gratefully and smiled softly at her. This would be good use for Flux.
He watched Cass give him a small goodbye before running the other way towards her people in danger. Time is ticking, right. Saps let out a breath before running towards the boat Flux was in. He grabbed the oar nearby and hurriedly paddled towards Island 2.
Because every second counts, of course. Saps kept paddling, the oar hitting the water with brute force. His arms started to ache with every paddle, which made him wince and briefly stop paddling.
Yet he dared not to give up, because Flux’s life was on the line. He often checked up on Flux’s vitals, see if he was still breathing, or if his heart was still beating. “Please stay with me, Flux.” He muttered under his breath.
He stopped paddling for a moment to use the bandages Cass gave him to wrap it around Flux’s minor injuries. Afterwards, he pushed himself to keep paddling.
As soon as he arrived on the docks of his island in Island 2, his arms ready to give out. He let out a sigh of determination and picked Flux’s limp body up in his arms. He ran towards his house before he stopped dead in his tracks. Saps didn’t think of a place for Flux. Well, shit man. He couldn’t just leave him in house, because what if someone came over? Nor could he leave him in his room, his house only had one bedroom.
Saps looked around, near the brink of panicking. He almost decided to put Flix on the couch and replace his bandages right then and there if he didn’t remember…
…
Right, the basement! How could he have forgotten about that? No one really knew he had a basement in his home—this was perfect!
He was panting, running towards his hidden basement near the kitchen. How much time has passed? Probably more than needed. He fled down the stairs—nearly tripping in his urgency. The basement was old and raggedy, cobwebs and dust strewn everywhere. Saps coughed as he inhaled the dust particles in the air. But there was absolutely no time to waste.
Saps temporarily set Flux on the ground as he hurriedly looked for a place he could properly lay Flux down on. Crates? No, too uncomfortable and hard. Then he remembered that one mattress he tucked away in this basement before that fateful meeting that essentially ruined everything.
He moved crates and boxes around until he found the mattress leaning against the wall. He quickly placed it down on some sturdy crates for elevation. He moved towards Flux and picked his body up. He almost faltered for a second, his body slowly becoming too weak to handle physical exertion.
He set Flux on the mattress and ran up the stairs to grab fresh bandages. He tumbled multiple things down in his hurried pace, one of those being the photo he and Flux took when they teenagers going to the blossoming fields of Barbieland.
Saps took a brief look at the makeshift bandage he wrapped around Flux’s stab wound and immediately took it off. It was dried with blood, but the sight of the actual wound made Saps wince. He couldn’t believe he did that. He found it pathetic of himself that he was saving the life of a man who ruined his.
He observed the wounds and sighed in relief when he realized it missed all his vital organs. Good, the chances of Flux surviving were increased. But that doesn’t fix the blood loss problem.
“Shit, shit, shit!-“ Saps muttered under his breath as he realized the wound may need stitches. Wasn’t that just great. Luckily, he knew how to stitch—he took medical classes back in high school before giving up. He took a deep breath and prepared himself the materials of whatever he had in his house good enough to make a stitch.
…hah…huff…
…
After hours of medical work, Flux was fully bandaged up and alive. Thank ish, Saps wouldn’t know what to do if his Flux died. He let out a breathy laugh of relief as he wiped sweat from his forehead. He was extremely fatigued himself, but the fact Flux was even alive seemingly made his fatigue disappear.
“I.. did it. Oh my Ish- Thank you, thank you, thank you—“
Saps left the basement to wash his hands. He could barely look at them without thinking of the ‘sins’ they have done. That these were the same hands that brought Flux to the brink of death.
He didn’t spend much time upstairs, he was afraid that if he left Flux for even just a minute, all would go down and his dear friend would pass, just as he feared. He was growing paranoid.
When Saps went down, he found himself staring at the raven-haired man. God, he missed that sleeping face. Only this time he was fighting life or death. But he hadn’t lost hope. He took slow steps down the stairs as he memorized every inch of that man’s face again.
As he escaped his trance of admiration, he approached Flux’s bed side and kneeled against the floor. He took Flux’s hand in his, gently caressing his fingers wrapped in bandages. He thought of what could possibly when Flux wakes up soon, if he’d be shocked and grateful, or if he’d still hate him. Either way, what mattered was that Flux was alive and taken care of.
Tears welled in his eyes as he continued to toy with Flux’s hand. Before he shut his eyes in order to sleep, he mumbled something quietly.
“Please Flux, don’t leave me. I’ll hold on to you till I can’t anymore.”