Your Dumb Jester

Will do

- Fluff

- Angst

- Yandere

- Canon x Reader

- Canon x Reader x Canon

- Hurt/comfort & hurt/no comfort

- Platonic, familial, and romantic, specify in ask!

- Headcanons and oneshots, specify in ask!

- Major character injury & Death

Won't do

- Pregnancy

- Incest

- Adult x Child

- Child x Child

- Smut

- Drugs

- Cheating

- OC x Canon (Sorry guys)

- Canon x Canon (For now)

- High school/College AU

- Songfics

Fandoms I write for!

- Pressure (No longer writing for this one)

- Forsaken

- Block Tales (Not of the Rewrite+Demo5 yet)

Anons! (Always happy to see you!)

- 🍖🍰

- Doodle Anon

- ⭐️🫐

Before Forsaken

The first time you met was when your card declined while he was right behind you. And something about the panicked look on your face drew them to you, so Chance decided to step up and pay for your things. Only telling you afterwards to go out with them for lunch to repay the favor

Texts you every other day, usually with memes or pick up lines he came up with, tagging it off with a "What do you think? Cool, right?". Also likes to call you at random, just to hear how flustered you sound whenever you pick up in a hurry

Finding out where you lived was something that happened out of pure curiousity, just a simple background check of your entire family– Totally to make sure none of them have any bad blood with their family– Where he ends up more fascinated by you at the end of the day

Every invite to hangout will always be something related to what you mentioned before, or so he claims. And he'd go out of their way to pay for everything, to show off their wealth, and to make you feel more indebted to them

is very pushy when it comes to your limits, pressuring you to do what he wants. Tired? "I got you coffee! Trust me, you'll like this~!" Back hurts? "Sit down, I'll give you a massage!" Want to go home? "Oh come on, it's not that late, you can do better than that.". All so that he wouldn't waste another second without you

Purposely drags you out on dates late at night in dangerous areas, for both the thrill and the excuse to look good when protecting you from danger's ugly head. If you aren't sticking to their side and looking over your shoulder by the time he takes you back home, he considers it a failed date

Clings to your arm out in public, refusing to let go of you and wanting everyone to see you with them– Off limits. Loves to shower you with affection, looking at you like you're the greatest thing that's happened to them– Which they'd insist on being the truth

Gets jealous easily, and makes it obvious. Flipping between sneering comments aimed at whoever triggered their jealousy, and semi-aggressive comments aimed at you. Either distancing themself from you, or becoming overbearingly clingy, seeking out constant reassurances and promises that you wouldn't abandon them

He's prone to paranoia outbursts that stims from the possible fear of you either leaving them, or using them for your own gain. Often putting you through tests to prove your loyalty by extreme means, expect to be pulled into life threatening situations from time-to-time

One day he invites you out to a party in a penthouse, showing you off to every single person that greets you both. Everything seems to be going well, aside from Chance ignoring your requests to go home, asking you to "Wait just a little more". It's only when it gets late and everyone starts to leave that he takes you to a private bedroom, telling you to select a movie to watch while he does something– Kicking everyone out of their penthouse– Coming back with a snack just for you. You pass out less than halfway through the movie. When you wake up, you find yourself trapped alone in the penthouse, all because Chance believed you were planning on leaving them

Life in the penthouse is tense and quiet for the most part. You're so high up in the sky, it makes the idea of jumping out the window sound straight up suicidal. And while you do have access to everything the penthouse has to offer, it's not enough, with only enough food to last a week before Chance would come by and restock it. There are also cameras installed in hidden areas to keep a constant eye on you, curious on what you do when you think you're alone

Surprisingly, Chance doesn't spend a lot of time with you after this point, since they don't have to worry about earning your time anymore. Only coming by to blow off steam, or to show and talk about topics and things he believes to be of interest to you. He always brings a gift with them, pretending nothing is wrong

Uses these gifts to both punish and reward you depending on your behavior. Spoiling you rotten when you're good, and taking away the gifts– Or your food– If you're bad. Sometimes doing the latter just to hear you beg for their forgiveness. Essentially training you to do right by them

During Forsaken

Regardless of if you'd met before or not, Chance would be drawn to your reactions to being in this Realm, and basically assigns themself to keep you company for the rest of your stay in this realm

Is quick to suggest sharing a cabin together, literally taking away your choice by claiming in front of everyone that you'd already decided on it. Playing up the theatrics when you push back on it, and not in the playful way, pushing you into accepting it only to avoid embarrassing yourself

Is a little too concerned with your wellbeing, going as far as to follow you even when you decide to go for a walk in the forest for some alone time. Confronting you about it if you do this one too many times, telling you it's dangerous to be out on your own in this Realm, that the Killers could find and kill you for good, a complete lie to keep you where he can see you

Much like the way he seeks their next thrill outside of the Realm, he'll force you to stay by their side during rounds, enjoying the risk that comes with being the only thing that stands between you and death. When he dies before you, he spectates you like a hawk, on the edge of their seat, it feels almost like watching a horror movie. He becomes more reckless when you do die, more willing to shoot with only one charge, even running up to the Killer and firing the gun in hopes of it exploding in their face. He won't back down from this plan, not even when it gets them in trouble with the other survivors

Values your opinion most out of everyone else, with Elliot being a close second, doing their utmost to keep both your best interests in mind. But even then, with you it's different in the way that he kinda undermines you when he believes you're getting too comfortable. poking fun at you for small things you didn't think he'd notice, from the way you laugh, to the way you hold yourself when you talk to the others. Y'know, to keep you humble!

Not above getting into fights with the others when they try to get in the way of you two, acting clueless when you ask about it later if you happened to witness such a thing. Playing it off as just a bit of playfighting between friends, refusing to talk about it anymore, getting a little agitated if you press them on the matter

When you two are on your own, he criticizes you on things you did that may seem small in your eyes, but are huge in theirs, telling you what you should've done instead. This mainly happens when he feels that you're straying too far away from their vision of what you're like

Despite unpredictablity being what he's known to dabble in, he doesn't like it when you change, whether that be big or small. It makes them feel like either he doesn't truly know you, or you're lying to them about who you are, and neither one makes them feel good about themself

This only happens once, but if you don't heed their warnings and stray from their side for too long, he'll seek you out for a one-on-one conversation. Confronting you over your avoidance of them, but their tone shifts when you dismiss their concerns. He'd grab onto you tightly and stare you down while spouting nonsense about how ungrateful you are for their help, only to push you back roughly when you complain about being in pain. Later on acting like it didn't even happen

Keeps a closer eye on you when you go off to talk to any of the other survivors, the volume of their tapping on whatever surface he's resting on getting louder the longer you talk with anyone else, their poker smile twitching. Well, unless you were talking to Elliot of course, but that's because he's already biased toward him, usually wedging themself into whatever conversation the two of you were talking about

Is more than willing to spill whatever secrets about the other survivors if you even thought about having a crush on any of them. Not like he believes doing that to be a bad thing, if anything, it'd make them a bad friend if he let you date someone without telling you these things. And it's not like he has to make up that many lies anyway, almost everyone in the Realm has some dirt on them

Full Speed Ahead and Open Arms.

Survive.

Storm and Keep Your Friends Close.

Wouldn't You Like and There Are Other Ways.

The Underworld.

Suffering, Different Beast and Scylla (For obvious reasons).

Little Wolf and Love In Paradise.

Dangerous.

I Can't Help But Wonder.

Now, I think Odysseus had every right to give up his men, especially Eurylochus. I know that's cruel, but Eurylochus was the weak link, doubting Odysseus and straight up not believing him about the Windbag irked me.

It's entirely his fault after opening the Windbag that everyone died, and he has the nerve to blame Odysseus because he sacrificed 6 men? His greed led to that happening!

It was hard to find a place to fit in, you knew that more than anyone.

The thoughts that used to invade your mind were gone before you were dragged into this mess. Dealt away like the parasites that they were.

Fortunately— Or unfortunately if you were to look at it a different way— Because you'd suffered through less-than-pleasant thoughts and actions, you'd become familiar with the tell-tale signs of someone being unwell.

Speaking of which, one of you wasn't present.

You stared at the place 007n7 stood in just moments before in the cabin. You didn't notice he'd slipped out in the middle of a conversation between the others, but when you did, it was too late to bring it up.

So you feigned exhaustion instead, and excused yourself for the night. Everyone gave you farewells and a good night's sleep.

The breeze hit harder than any other night when you stepped out. You glanced around the grounds as worry brewed in your mind, but couldn't catch sight of him.

And although you didn't panic outwardly, the dread that drove your quickened steps as you descended the stairs couldn't hide it perfectly.

You sighed in relief once you spotted 007n7– Or at least his leg, behind one of the cabins. And rushed over to him, only to pause when you reached him.

As there he sat, hyperventilating as he clutched at his head, with a string of curses and half intelligible apologies that continuously fell out of his lips.

"Idiot, idiot.. Now c00lkid.. orry.."

"Seven?"

He jolted out of his trance, arm shot out to brace himself for– Something– As he stared up at you. Disheveled, with tear tracks down his cheeks, only one of his eyes were open. His voice broke when he finally blurted out.

"W–What are you doing here?"

You raised your hands, shoulders squared with a glance back the way you came. Then back to him, and took a step closer, voice lowered as to not overwhelm him.

"Nothing, just.." You shrugged, and pointed at your own eye. "You okay? One of your eyes is shut."

As if caught red handed, he hurried to cover it, hair tousled by the way he held it there as he averted his gaze to his knees.

".. Headache, feels too close to my eye.. It's more bearable this way."

You lingered, before you strolled up around him, and slid down the cabin wall on his blind side. Your head leaned over with a hum.

"That so..?"

You stared at his profile while he stayed silent, with an occasional wipe at his eyes. An urge overcame you, and you trailed a hand up to slowly ease his away from his head. You gave a sigh when his fingers twitched into his hair.

"It's fine, Seven, let me see, I want to help."

"It's–.. It's not that.."

His voice cracked as he immediately countered, but didn't elaborate further.

Your brows furrowed as you leaned over to face him, only for him to avoid your gaze. Your frown deepened.

"Then what is it?"

Silence as he turned his head further away from you, with a hitch in his breath that he'd tried to reel in.

You sighed.

"You're kinda acting like a child."

"How am I supposed to act?" He spat out as he finally faced you, tears clung to his lashes. "What can I even do—?"

You placed a hand over the one that covered his eye when he turned, and tapped on his knuckles as your voice softened.

"Just, please trust me. Okay? Let me try something."

There was hesitation in his eye, a small gulp before he let you guide him to reveal his other one. And while you squeezed his hand, your free one went up to his temple, and watched him straighten up as you brushed back his hair.

But that wasn't what caught your attention.

It was the scar on his temple that did.

You'd seen it before, in brief moments where you ran for your lives and caught sight of him either dead or about to die. But it still felt off to see it up close.

Even then, you didn't say anything about it yet, and leaned forward with a knowing sigh. His body stiffened as you eyed the spot.

"Do I even need to ask what happened here..?" Your brows furrowed as your gaze flickered down to the ground, then back to his. "Did it hurt..?"

Whispered into the air, a secret between you both.

And 007n7's shoulders sagged, teary eyes cast down, as if suddenly interested in the ground.

"A lot more than I expected, but it was only for a second.. Then I was.. Here.." He grimaced with a pained wince. "It comes and goes nowadays though.."

"That's an awful way to live.."

He hummed in agreement, and got quiet again as he gripped at his pant leg.

You hesitated, before you leaned over and pressed a kiss against his temple– Where it seemed to hurt most.

He froze with a confused sputter. "W–What—?"

But you didn't give him the time to process it before you looped your arms around his shoulders, and brought him to rest on your shoulder. You held the side of his head, thumb gently pressed circles into his temple.

A moment of hesitation passed by, before his hands shakily latched onto your back– Albeit awkward and stiff– With an audible sigh, one that held bittersweet relief.

Neither of you spoke, just stayed in the quiet, listened to the forest as the wind fluttered through the leaves.

He was cold.

".. I get how it feels.." You started slowly, "Like it's all.. Hopeless, that it doesn't get better, that this is as good as it's gonna get."

He gave you a squeeze, face buried further into your shoulder without a word.

You didn't mind.

"You're.. Not the only one that felt that way.." You breathed in, mind already made up for your next actions. "I did too."

Finally, you pulled back from the hug, and drew up your sleeve, a slew of old scars littered your arm. Most faint enough to be mistaken for a trick of the light nowadays. However, one stood out, that looked as if it had been repeatedly cut open again and again.

A nasty scar, that one was.

007n7 sucked in a breath at the sight of it, his hand hovered over it, eyes flickered up to yours, a saddened look in them as if he himself couldn't imagine a reason for you to have done this. It's one you've seen flash across others' faces when they'd first find out about this part of you.

But the only difference between him and others before him, was that he didn't ask why.

He settled against your shoulder, his hand rested on your arm, mostly over the scar, his thumb gently rubbed over what was left out.

"It.. Looks old.."

He noted, more to himself than as a question.

And was met with a hum as confirmation.

".. Was in a really bad mental state a long time ago, I kept believing that there wasn't a point to what I was doing.." You raised your arm a little for emphasis. "So I did stuff like this, 'cause I didn't think I'd live long enough to regret it.."

He didn't respond right away, slowly readjusted his grip to hold onto your hand, while his free one traced over the scar with a soft breath.

"What changed?"

"People." You answered simply. "Ones who kept checking in on me, even when I tried to push them away. They even got me into a couple hobbies just to get me to hang out with them.."

You chuckled at the memory, despite how bittersweet it felt with your current predicament, it still mattered that they were there.

You gave a squeeze to 007n7's hand, a faint smile that mimicked a laugh as you leaned over to better look him in the face.

"Maybe I can teach you a thing or two? They helped take my mind off my thoughts."

His gaze darted away, as though in thought, before he nodded.

".. Okay– Tomorrow, though.. It's late."

Although he said that, he made no move to get up from your side.

And neither did you.

Instead, he closed his eyes with a sigh. Half his weight leaned against you as he scooted closer to you.

"Can.. Can we stay like this? Just a bit longer..?"

You only gave him a glance before you wrapped your arm around him once more, circles rubbed onto his back.

"Yeah.. We can."

It didn't take long for him to ease up, his breath deep and steady, while his hand held yours like it's the only anchor he has in this world.

You didn't mind how cold it felt.

"How's your eye now?"

The question gave him pause as he gently thumbed your knuckles, and leaned his head against yours.

"Much better now, thank you. I.. Really needed that."

You chuckled softly, and mirrored his actions. "Sure, come to me when it gets bad in the future, 'kay?"

He huffed out a sigh with a nod, tired, but gentle all the same.

He went quiet afterwards, not the type that felt overwhelming, or awkward. But rather, it was the pleasant kind, it almost felt like you were able to breath normally.

And it seemed like you weren't the only one, as you snuck a glance at 007n7's face, the lines that normally adorned it weren't as prominent as usual. They were softer, less stressed, just comfortable by your side.

You both needed this, a break from everything. You'll go back to your cabins later, but for now, you'll stay put.

You didn't mind being outside a little longer.

Reader/Rookie is trying to stay calm, because 1.) That's what Builderman would do, and 2.) They don't believe it's within their right to act all nervous or scared. They've been through worse.

Don't worry Rookie, you've seen nothing yet.

Chance, oh lovable Chance, I have half a mind to slap them and kiss them for their involvement in this part. Sure, he helped.. But not without making it difficult for me.

I don't control half of what he does, as you could see from the tour he suggested. But aside from that, most of what he did was to observe certain aspects of Rookie, and just being their normal self really. While he can be serious at times, that's not what he's known for, Telamon knows there's "too many debbie downers in the cabin already".

Morale is important for everyone's survival after all.

About 007n7's stare, it'll come back later. Let's just say it brings back tainted memories.

In due time, Alien Anon, you'll learn more about the mysterious "Goldie Locks in a yellow raincoat". What I can say, is that this person's involvement came about after I started seeing things in the middle of writing this.

Are you sure it's Dusekkar and not Rookie doing the avoiding?

I really like this Reader/Rookie too, their circumstances are quite interesting. You know the phrase, "People are shaped by their environment"? I'd say you can learn a bit or two about them from just these two parts.

Joking aside, one reason for that is that I couldn't find any way to fit him into part 2 naturally. And I tried, I tried so many times to give him at least one line of dialogue so I can say Rookie has officially talked to everyone. But it was impossible. I couldn't do it in a way that didn't feel like it was obligated to happen.

So maybe the two not officially meeting on the first day was bound to happen. It makes sense though, he wasn't one to go out of his way to greet newcomers, even back at HQ.

He will talk in part 3, that is a guarantee from me.

Reader/Rookie falling asleep against Chance's bed was hinted at in part 1! And it was one of the very first things I wrote upon opening the page for part 2, so I was really looking forward to sharing it!

First deaths are hard, and this was Rookie's way of coping with it. Surely this won't become a reoccurring issue!

What I'm trying to say, is that I'll try to get the next parts out faster. Which should technically be possible now that Rookie has gotten introduced to everyone.

I have written out scenes, plans and a somewhat sturdy timeline on what should happen next until about part 5.

All I need is to connect them all together.

Problem is..

I want to add Jane Doe and Veeronica to the story, as I believe that both would have a different reaction to Rookie compared to the rest of the Survivors. For one, they both were present for Rookie's time as Builderman, and would have some interesting things to say as a result. And I think Jane is really cool.

But I'm having trouble visualizing how I'll incorporate them into the story aside from that. It'll be nice to have them around, I just don't want it to feel like I added them just because. The role that I would've liked Jane to serve in the story is already taken up, and I don't know exactly what to do with Veeronica other than make her become friends with Noob, Two Time and 007n7.

I also realized and I often find myself hating whenever a new character is introduced in books where everyone is trapped somewhere, especially if they don't end up doing anything. So it just makes me more hesitant on the idea.

As appetizing as the food laid out on the table was, you didn't particularly feel like you could eat it. Not after what Builderman told you.

You didn't bother to pretend to want to eat either, instead you kept your focus on him, and what he meant.

"So what yer sayin' is.. We're stuck here..?"

The others sat around the table, and though some threw nervous glances at each other, they ate like it was normal, as if what he said wasn't damning.

Builderman, who sat opposite you, hadn't touched his food yet. Seemingly more focused on you. You found it hard to breath under his stare, but still managed to keep a straight face as he nodded.

"We tried gettin' out before, usin' our commands, and Dusekkar's powers, but it didn't work."

Chance spoke up next to you, a small uneasy grin on his face as he ate. "Yeah, it's like whatever took us here doesn't want us to be too powerful."

You stared down at your food, felt dread in your chest, in your lungs as you processed what that meant. The acceptance of it all bothered you. "That's.. That doesn't mean you guys gave up on it, right..?"

Builderman was quiet, and when you looked up, he seemed in thought as he stared at you.

"O'course not." He finally spoke, and gestured with his head toward the others. "But we can't do that if we don't optimize our abilities."

There were murmurs and hums of agreement from the others at the table.

"O'course, of course.. Makes sense." You mustered the smallest bit of a smile, a hint of humor in your voice as you gave a glance to Shedletsky. "Wouldn't want to run around like a headless chicken, eh?"

You thought you were being funny.

Clearly they didn't believe so. As no one seemed to find it that entertaining. Except for Chance, who stifled a chuckle. Only to cover it up with a cough when Shedletsky looked their way.

Builderman simply narrowed his eyes at you, before he started to eat.

You figured that meant the conversation was over for now. And followed his example, albeit you ate slightly quicker. To which you nearly choked on it when his voice rang through your ears.

"You'll need a change of clothes." He didn't look up from his plate. "So no one gets mixed up."

Your lips thinned into a line. It wasn't a suggestion, but an order.

Not that you could ever say no to him.

"Right.."

"Oh!" Chance piped up then, and nonchalantly pointed their fork at Builderman. "Can I give 'em the tour this time?"

That's when he looked up, shared a look with Shedletsky and mumbled something under his breath, something you couldn't hear.

But you had a feeling it had to do with your appearance.

He glanced between you and Chance before he finally nodded with a sigh.

".. Sure."

Chance pumped their hand up with a small celebratory 'Yes!', before he tilted their head at you with a grin. "You're stuck with me now!"

Funnily enough, seeing them so energized over such a thing made you crack a little smile.

This didn't seem so bad.

The conversation had soon faded into another, one you didn't participate in. But it was about the 'rounds'— Which Builderman had already explained— Though it wasn't as much as you would've hoped for.

Rather, it was an oversimplification of what happens in a round, and how to use your abilities.

You couldn't blame him though, that's just how he always worked. And you trust that he gave you the most important information.

You'll worry about the rest later.

Other than that, the rest of dinner went by without anything else to note.

Not much later after you finished and excused yourself to the kitchen, you felt a hand clap over your shoulder.

And tensed up, head whipped around with your heart in your throat.

Chance's grin was what you were met with. Though it faltered a little upon your reaction and he backed away, their smile came back with a slight tease. "Heyy, don't tell me you're scared of me already."

You forced your shoulders to relax and quickly shook your head as you raised a hand in greeting. "Ah– No, no, ya just caught me by surprise, is all."

It was obvious he didn't believe you, their smile stretched to the side as their brow rose up. They rolled their head while they waved it off.

"I get it, Rookie, I do. New place, new people, scary stuff." They teased, before he pointed a thumb at their chest. "Don't worry though! I'm here!"

Your hand closed and lowered at their insistence, you weren't about to fight a losing battle. You coughed into your hand instead. "Sure, let's go with that. You said you'd tour me around, right?"

"Oh yeah! Come with me!"

Chance gestured for you to follow them, however he paused, and spread their arms to show off the room you two were still in.

"Of course, the kitchen, you've been here two times now—" They cut themself off with a chuckle, a hand over their mouth. "That was not intended, hah!"

You tilted your head, but nodded nonetheless. "Heh, okay..?"

They led you out of the kitchen, the entrance of which was in the hallway between the living room and the dinning room. You couldn't help but eye the booths and tables around you as you entered.

Some of the others you met before chatted at the table you sat at previously. The person with the manic smile, 007n7, and the noob— Who shyly waved at you— Which you of course returned with a small smile.

"First off, here's the dining room and—"

You turned your attention back to Chance as they threw their arms toward the corner of the dining room, past the booths and at an elevated area with sound equipment and a microphone stand.

"—The stage! Some of us put on a performance when times are rough, you'll definitely like it."

You nodded with a hum, and raised a hand to your chin. "Morale is important.."

'Sounds like Shedletsky's doing..'

A cough caught you two's attention, and looked back at the three behind you, "Um— Builder—"

The Noob cut themself off when they realized what they'd almost said, and cleared their throat.

They avoided your gaze this time.

"Uhm, what's your name again..?"

You paused, stuffed your hands into the pockets of your— Still Builderman's— Hoodie, and shrugged.

Though you glanced back at Chance, and saw the expectant look on their face as he urged you to answer, to which you sighed.

"Rookie— For now, 'til I can remember my own name."

You swore you could feel Chance beam at your answer. Only to falter as he looked between you and the other three, then rubbed the back of their neck.

"Oh yeah, you don't know us! Right, right. Nice to meet you, name's Chance. That's 007n7 and Noob," He gestured to the others, then to the person who'd brought up your name situation much earlier, "Two Time is the one over there—!"

You raised your brows with a hum.

'So that's why he laughed in the kitchen..'

However, you shook your head and interrupted Chance. "I know who you are, Chance."

He paused with a small 'huh', and looked at you with a confused grin. "Ah—?? You do?"

You only realized how bad that sounded, and waved your hand with a glance away.

"I've been tryin' to find most o' you for months.." You coughed into your hand as you awkwardly added. "An' yer well-known.. So.."

'Got a lot of bad connections though.. Except Elliot, of course..'

Both Noob and 007n7 perked up at your explanation. The former tilted their head with a frown, their hands noticeably clasped onto each other, while the latter raised a brow in interest. The third person— Two Time, however, only regarded your answer with a smile and a hum.

As creepy as it sounded though, Chance didn't seem to be freaked out. In fact, he nodded like that gave them all he needed to know.

"Ooh so that's what you meant when you saw us." He leaned forward and looked at you with a tease in their voice. "What are you, a detective?"

Your hand twitched closed while you blinked at them, with only a small hum after a moment.

If you were being honest, you hadn't thought of it that way.

"Might as well be one, with how much I've been lookin' around an' all.."

Your gaze trailed over, and narrowed at Two Time in curiosity.

'Wait, aren't they also a missing person..?'

".. Two Time, huh.. Ya look different from yer picture.."

They blinked at the mention of their name, and tilted their head, their smile fell somewhat for a moment. But their voice carried a certain level of conviction, as they refused to linger on their words.

"I must look this way for the Spawn to know I follow them, and give me their blessing."

Your brows furrowed at their answer, their report never said they were religious.

"Huh, that's.. Interesting.”

It was then that you noticed that 007n7 had rested his head in the palm of his hand, his eye on you– On your movements. Almost like—

You sucked in a breath through your teeth, ignored the need to grind them as you glanced at Chance with a strained smile.

"Ah, so— Chance, the tour?"

It was then that Chance let out a 'Oh yeah' and walked past you, and you followed with a passing glance at the three. Though you could've sworn you saw something swish behind Two Time, but didn't linger on it on account of the way 007n7 stared at you.

"So that was something, anyway."

Chance chuckled quietly, and stopped a little next to the couch you nearly got beat up at. Elliot, the robed Robloxian and the Guest were stood off to the side next to the fireplace, clearly in discussion over a plan of some sort.

You paid them no mind this time, focused instead on Chance.

"Here's the living room, we hang out here after rounds are done." He threw a thumb over their shoulder at the cabin's entrance that had a door adjacent to it. "Bathroom's over there by the front door."

Although you nodded, the sound of ticking made you turn to see a grandfather clock, in pristine enough condition to tell that it's been taken care of in recent years. A couple chairs were next to it, arranged in a way that suggested a near constant use.

"Oh, yeah– The clock! If you stay in that area, you get to sit out the round."

Chance's voice made you slightly jump, you glanced back to see them much closer than before, though it didn't seem like he noticed you step back as he continued.

"We're only allowed to use it three times in a row though, the rest of us need a break too, you know?"

You tilted your head, gaze still on the clock.

"Huh, that's interesting.." Though you turned back with the shake of your head. "Wait, how many can.. 'Sit it out'?"

Their smile widened as they shot back with the snap of their fingers.

"Two! Or— Well, I guess three now that you're here."

".. Just how many of you are here..?"

Chance paused, and began to count on their fingers as he muttered under their breath.

"—Eleven, with you here."

The Guest from earlier answered for them, you could see Elliot's tilted head from behind him, no doubt curious over you. And although you could see them, you couldn't tell what expression the robed Robloxian had.

Chance rubbed the back of their neck with a sigh that you believed was feigned sadness.

"Thanks Guest, I keep forgetting at least one of us everytime I do this.."

The Guest nodded and then approached you with an easygoing smile.

"Hey there, I know we got off to a rocky start, but I'm sure it'll get better with time." He brought out his hand as to formally greet you. "My name is Guest 1337, you can call me Guest."

You hesitated, the name sounded familiar, and his military getup is– Wait, wasn't he—?

'Right, gotta shake his hand first.'

Your fingers twitched as you took his hand into yours with a firm shake.

"Oh, o'course. Nice to meet ya, you can call me Rookie."

You let go of his hand a moment too early, and stuffed your hands into Builderman's hoodie pockets to hide how they trembled. Chance's smile fell for a second at that, before it went back to its place.

Guest simply chuckled, hands on his hips with a smirk and a raised brow.

"Heh, you sure it's not Builderman 2.0? You really look the part. Maybe you're even some kind of robot clone."

His demeanor seemed calm, not judgemental in the slightest despite your appearance.

It was– Strange, but in a way that was in character for him– From what you've heard of him at least.

You huffed out a laugh at his words as your shoulders relaxed somewhat.

"Oh, I wish. That'd make things so much easier for all o' us." You gave a smile, one that softened after a moment. ".. Thank you for your service. Your wife and daughter are alive and well, they miss you a lot."

His shoulders fell, much like his expression.

"Oh.. Oh thank you, that's.." He trailed off with a nod, before he snapped himself back with a faint smile. "So good to hear."

There was probably a better way of breaking the news to him than this. His entire mood had shifted, but even then, it didn't feel negative.

You gave a half shrug, hoped the awkwardness would pass as quickly as it came.

"I only know this 'cause Elliot's sister kept talkin' about your daughter."

Which seemed to work as Elliot perked up at the mention, a light in his eyes when he took a step toward you.

"You talked to my sister? How is she?"

Right, that part.

"She.. Seemed fine for the most part, but.." You let out a sigh, there was truly no better way to phrase it in a positive light. Your shoulders sagged as you continued. "Mia threatened me with scissors if I didn' find ya.."

You shuddered as you recalled that brief interaction.

○

○

The first time you'd met her, Builder had brought her to HQ for a 'Bring Your Daughter To Work' day shortly after he informed you of Elliot's disappearance.

There were some Builderman cards that were paired with inspirational quotes for the youth, Mia had taken one of them and stared you dead in the eye as she cut it through the neck.

She'd handed it to you and said. "This will be you if you don't find my brother."

If looks could kill, you'd be dead where you stood.

She backed off as soon as Builder called out to her. But not before she pointed at her eyes, then to yours as she left.

○

○

The sound of Elliot's apologetic voice brought you out of your thoughts, bashful in the way it lowered in volume.

".. That, uh, does sound like something she'd do.." He rubbed the back of his neck as he glanced away, a sheepish smile on his face. "Sorry about that.."

You couldn't help but chuckle lightly as you waved it off.

"Don't apologize, it ain't yer fault."

Chance even joined on to stand beside Elliot, clapped their hand onto his shoulder as he pulled him close with a smile.

"Ah that just means she misses you!"

He relaxed at their words, though there was still a hint of dejection as he sighed.

"Still.."

A smile tugged at the corners of your lips at the sight.

'Seems everyone has their person here..'

Your expression faltered at the thought, and thumbed the pocket mirror in your— Builderman's hoodie. Mind ridden with feelings you still weren't ready to face.

Though, when you glanced away from them, you spotted that robed Robloxian slightly stood off to the side of the two. But their head wasn't aimed at them, rather at you.

They made a couple gestures at you, ones which you— Unfortunately— Didn't understand. It seemed to be a mix of sign language and something else.

You couldn't help but tilt your head.

"Uh.. Hi..?"

Although Chance hadn't noticed the robed Robloxian's actions, you didn't need to point them out, as Guest cleared his throat.

"That's Taph, they're mute. Good with traps too."

You raised an eyebrow at the name.

'Huh.. I don't remember that name on the Missing Person's tab..'

But you didn't dare linger on that thought, didn't want to make any assumption just yet.

You nodded instead, with a jerky movement of the shoulders.

"Oh, apologies, I just didn't get what their.. Signage was. What did they say?"

They signed something, more aggressively this time before they crossed their arms and turned their head away.

Your expression faltered for a moment— Even took a step back at their 'volume'.

There was no need for a translation on that one.

Fortunately, Chance gave a small 'Ahem' and quickly walked past you, an excuse to follow.

"Come on, Rookie— Let's continue the tour..!"

Elliot and Guest waved you off as you left. And missed how the older of the three tilted their head at Taph.

"Don't mind them, they get antsy around newcomers." Chance reassured, nonchalant as they added. "And they're a big fan of Builderman, too— I think?"

He shrugged as he looked back at you with a hum.

Your shoulders loosened, and you shot a glance downstairs toward where they were. Their arms still crossed and obviously upset.

"Ah, that explains their reaction.."

Neither of you said anything more on the matter as you went upstairs.

Chance's face somehow brightened up even more than earlier as they hurried up the stairs, and stood by a row of slot machines just next to a doorless doorframe.

"Oh now we're getting to my favorite place!" Their head whipped toward you. "Look! We got games, slot machines, a pool table— We decided to bring this stuff in to liven up the place. Neat, right?"

They lazliy leaned against one of the aforementioned machines, a glint in their grin as they eyed it.

A picturesque moment. Fit for a magazine.

A sigh passed your lips, an arm on the railing with a raised brow and a smile that nearly mirrored theirs. "Funny how I can tell which one o' you suggested what.."

Your gaze drifted over toward the pool table, of which stood Builderman and Shedletsky, who were deep in conversation. Hushed and close, like when they'd discuss event plans in-between breaks back at HQ.

Though it looked heated this time.

Both their expressions were tense and hardened. With Shedletsky being the more animated one of the two. His side profile just barely seen from your position, with the wings on his head more flared out than usual.

And from what you could see, his teeth were clenched as he waved his arm sharply. With only small snippets of their conversation being loud enough to hear.

"—You won't—..? You can't be serious..!"

Builderman pushed his hardhat up as he ran a hand through his hair, eyes shut as he turned his head away from Shedletsky. A sighed grumble on his tongue.

Until he opened his eyes, his next words died in his throat as your gaze met his.

There was a moment, where you two just stared at each other— Where he looked like he was caught doing something he wasn't supposed to. You gripped the railing behind you tight.

He shook his head a second later with a huff.

Shedletsky paused when he realized his attention wasn't on him anymore, and his wings rose when he sharply faced you. His eyes narrowed with a snarl.

"Oh, it's you.."

You cringed at the tone, and even avoided his gaze.

'.. He did not mellow out..'

Chance's head snapped back to you, a glance shot between you and the two Admins with a small surprised 'Oh', as if he hadn't meant for this to happen. Their lips pressed into a thin line, and by the look on their face, you were sure they felt nervous at the sight.

But he didn't let it stay for long, as he pushed himself off of the slot machine, leaned on the doorframe with a lazy wave toward the three of you.

"Uh, yeah.. You already know each other, right?"

Your mouth moved faster than you could think. "Yes—"

Only to be cut off by Shedletsky, who stooped his foot down.

"No," He crossed his arms, a pointed glare straight at you. "I don't remember being friends with someone who'd steal my friend's face."

Builderman shot him a look while you hesitated to respond, your shoulders drooped at his words.

It wasn't that you didn't expect this, realistically speaking, you did— It was just, odd, to get that reaction from Shedletsky of all people.

It didn't feel right.

You gave a small shrug as you averted your eyes away, laced with guilt. ".. It's.. Complicated.."

It wasn't hard to see the way Chance's head ping-pong'd between you two, their frown pulled to the side.

"Yeah.. I can see that.."

Builderman tapped the back of his hand on Shedletsky's arm with a sigh.

"Don't mind him, he's a little emotional right now."

To which the latter did a double take, now more upset as he pointed at himself.

"Emotional? I'm not reacting enough–!" He threw an accusatory finger your way. "How can you be okay with this? With a thief—?"

"Shed." Builderman's eyes snapped up to his, a firm hand on his shoulder, a warning. "Not now."

Shedletsky stiffened, before his wings lowered as he turned away, a frustrated grumble under his breath.

"I can't believe this.."

You couldn't help but stare from the corner of your eye, unease on the mind.

Truly, the sight unnerved you. Neither of them had shown anger quite like this– Let alone Shedletsky of all Admins. He'd never been one to be riled up easily, not even when he recounted Scripter's Admin abuse.

The air felt too cold, heavy with unspoken thoughts.

And when Builderman sighed– The same one he'd give before an apology– You cut him off with the wave of your hand.

"It's–.." You couldn't even look him in the eye, your own turned elsewhere with furrowed brows and a faint gulp. "—Fine, Builderman, don' gotta worry about it so much.."

There was more you'd wanted to say, to justify your appearance outside of being a copycat. To tell them of what happened since they've been gone, what they missed, what you took charge of in their absence. To apologize for the time it took for you to find them, only to become trapped in this place alongside them.

But you didn't. You kept your mouth shut, lest the words come out unorganized and mistimed.

"Well!" Chance's voice cut through the air, already crossed over to your side as he tilted their head to the stairs. "As nice as it would be to chat some more, Rookie didn't choose where they'll sleep yet."

You glanced back at them, astonishment on your face with only a moment's hesitation. Teeth clenched as you regarded the two Admins with something close to concern and wariness. Neither of which said a thing as you followed Chance once more.

And ignored the shame that burned at the back of your head as the two of you stepped out of the main cabin. The rush of cold air in your lungs a welcome distraction to your thoughts.

Not that you'd have time to stew in them, not with Chance around.

Who was more relaxed than you as he gave an airy chuckle.

"Outside already, hah, the tour is almost over.." Though it felt strained, before he gestured to the four smaller cabins across from you. "Anyway! You see those cabins? That's where we sleep."

Your shoulders loosened as you blinked at them, but even then, you couldn't stop the quirk of a smile upon the corner of your lips.

"Ah, I couldn't have guessed.."

Though he shot you a raised brow, it was more lighthearted than actually upset.

He rolled his head, their lips easily climbed up into a smile.

"There isn't that many, so we share it." He checked their surroundings before they leaned to you, a hand to the wind. "We even made cool names for them."

You took a small step back from them, which he thankfully didn't notice. More focused on the cabins he wanted to show off.

He led you away from the front door, to a little area just by the left that had two chairs separated by a table. However neither of you sat down, instead leaned on the railing in front of them.

He pointed over toward the dock, and you stiffened up.

Dusekker was there, head raised at the moon, his staff held firmly at his side.

"We call the cabin by the water, the 'Admins Club', need I tell you who lives there?"

Chance's voice snapped you out of your stare. The cheeky grin on their face hard to miss as you coughed into your hand.

"No.. That's self explanatory enough.."

A nod, one to you, and one to follow their gaze. You lingered on your friend, but eventually turned your attention back to them.

"The one next to it is the 'Night Watch', Taph, Noob and Two Time live there, they're night owls, I tell ya."

There was a pause, and you realized that you were meant to respond. So you did, with an awkward shrug.

".. Lines up with the information I got about them.."

He pointed to the next cabin, shook their hand in a so-or-so way.

"That cabin's name is undecided, I want to call it 'Protective Duo' or dad bods—" He coughed rather loudly before you could think to question what he'd said, then continued on as if nothing happened. "But no one likes that idea.. Guest and 7n7 live there."

You stared at them for a moment, eyes narrowed as you slowly nodded your head.

"Uh-huh.."

Despite what you wanted to say, it just wasn't your place to, not at the current moment anyway.

Chance went to nudge you, but stopped short of any actual contact with your elbow. Their jaw jut out to the last cabin, the one closest to the fence border— Closest to the forest.

"And the last one is mine and Elliot's! The 'Unlikely Duo'." A glance was thrown your way, a cheeky pride in their voice at the name. "He's a fun roommate, I like him."

He turned to face you fully, his arm still leaned against the railing as he drew invisible boxes in the air, before he pointed to the last two cabins.

"There's only three beds per cabin. So the only place you can stay in is my cabin, or Guest and 7n7's." He didn't even give you time to respond as he snapped their fingers at you. "Personally, I think you should stay with me and Ellie, we're the best company you could get here!"

Your eyes widened, darted over their stance for signs of their words being a joke of some kind.

Being presented with this offer after what happened with Shedletsky was– Strange, to say the least.

But he seemed sincere.

Though, even then, your gaze trailed off their face. To where Dusekkar stood, the dock felt so far, yet you could still hear the hint of his humming in the air.

"Hm? Something wrong?" Chance tilted their head at you, then over their shoulder, a realization in their voice as he looked back. "Oh.. You wanna talk to him?"

Your hand snuck its way to the pocket mirror once more, you wanted to– Of course you did. But eventually shook your head, tore your eyes away from them both.

"I.. I'm not sure.."

There wasn't much to say, not as you were now.

And they caught onto it, a short nod before he pushed himself off of the railing.

".. That's fair.." He walked around you, a foot down on the stairs before he looked up at you, a faint smile upon his face. "You coming?"

You straightened up, and quickly followed after them in short stiff steps. Crossed the path to their cabin almost faster than them. To which Chance only chuckled with a comment too low for you to hear.

The interior was of a modest size, two beds set across from each other, with the third being a little further away. Small unoffensive items were on two of the nightstands, but personal in their own right. A dresser closet was nearby, and the warmth from the still lit fireplace tied the whole cabin nicely.

Chance immediately strolled over to the closet as you glanced about the place. Before he called out to you.

"Here, catch!"

Your head whipped around, only to reflexively catch some sort of white thing that was thrown your way. You raised it up, and tilted your head.

"A.. Vest?"

"Yeah! So you'd look more like.. Yourself!"

When you lowered it to look more closely, you couldn't help but thumb at the material. It was pretty nice— Which is to say it felt rich, with a pattern that you could just barely see in the whiteness of it all. You took in a sharp quiet breath, surprised at their generosity.

'Gotta be extra careful with this..'

Your gaze stayed on the vest, a sort of guilt buried itself deep in your mind. Your grip on it tightened somewhat.

"Thanks, I'll.. Definitely need this."

"No problem!" A thumbs up thrown your way, before he flicked it down to check their wristwatch. "It's almost time, you need anything else? To change into?"

Right.

You'd somehow forgotten about that.

A breath escaped you with an uneasy shudder. With only a glance at the only neatly-made bed as you shed Builderman's hoodie off your shoulders. Its absence felt through the tremors in your arms.

"No.. Not enough time, just this'll do."

The hoodie was gently set down on the bed, a silent promise to come back to it later.

While the vest slipped on more easily than you thought, it felt wrong. Too exposed and vulnerable. The watch on your wrist now heavy with the reality of your situation.

Too used to the baggy hoodie, you had to curb the urge to reach out for it again, and instead fiddled to close the buttons on yet another borrowed piece of clothing.

But even when you finished, your hands still lingered over them. You'd forced yourself to look at Chance, with a wariness that pulled down the corners of your lips.

"So, when is—"

—The space around you changed in the blink of an eye.

No longer in the cabin, but in a forested area, with solitary walls that acted like they were part of something bigger before.

You really wished Builderman had gone into more detail about this whole thing.

Nevertheless, you needed to focus on the now, you just– Needed to adapt, that's all.

But even then, you had no clue where to go in this new place just yet, so you figured you'd stay by another person's side for the time being.

"Hey! Rookie!"

Speak of the devil.

You turned and saw Chance, already on their way to you with a wave and a chuckle.

"Heh heh, good thing I made you wear white, made it easier to spot you!" He beckoned you to follow them, and pointed at themself with their thumb with a confident smile. "Stick with me! I'll keep you safe."

An airy chuckle escaped you then as you shrugged.

"Alright, sounds good."

It's not like you knew where else to go.

Chance was already on the move before you'd finished talking, followed by the sound of a coin being flipped.

"Hey— Wait up!"

You stumbled on your feet after them, and only managed to catch up when he crouched down next to a powered down generator. He gave you a brief glance, and pointed at it.

"Do I need to hold your hand for this?"

You raised a brow at them, and shook your head as you opened up the generator's panel.

"No, no.. I think I got this."

He threw you a thumbs up and went to work on it.

And thankfully, you didn't need to fret over it, only needed to connect the same two colors together. Just like Builderman had explained to you.

It didn't take long for it to kick to life, the soft hum of the generator filled the air.

Followed by the flip of a coin– Chance's coin, to be exact. A grimace flashed across their face before a smile took its place as he turned his gaze to you.

"Great job! Pretty fast for a beginner, huh?"

You shrugged with a hum, a feeling of pride that grew at their praise pushed aside for later.

"Ya kinda get fast at this sorta thing when ya work with bug reports an' stuff."

Their brows rose past their sunglasses with an impressed sound. And another flip of their coin as he began to move elsewhere, almost a little too casually.

"Ooh, was this before or after you took over B-Man's role?"

A question that made you falter, lagged with a half-step as you looked away.

You straightened the vest, pretended like that was the reason for your nerves.

"Both..? Was my main job before. After I, uh.. Began doin' too much work." You gave a small wave. "A whole lotta missin' persons than I was comfortable with.."

An 'Ah' and another coin flip, but nothing else.

It was an invasive question, you knew that, maybe even a little insensitive to ask right in the middle of a 'Round'.

But it still bothered you.

Not because he asked it.

But because you didn't know if you felt comfortable with your life before that moment. Before you 'Took over' Builderman's place.

You two came across another generator, and began to work. And it went smoother than the last one, done with the first set of wires when Chance spoke, you could feel the way their eyes bore into you as he did.

"So just checking, you're not here to murderize us after getting to know us and replace us, right?"

The wires in your hands stilled, completely taken out of focus and off guard. You rested your arm against the generator as you gaped at them, before you broke out a laugh in disbelief and shook your head.

"What..? Chance—" You put a hand over your mouth, an attempt to hide your smile before you tsk'd and turned your attention back to the wires. "Lay off the horror movies.. "

And while you couldn't see it, the smirk on their face grew ever wider as he raised their hands in mock surrender.

"Yeah okay, ya got me!" He pointed a finger gun at you, pride in their voice. "But that made you laugh. So I, win."

You were about to shoot off another remark when a scream cut you off.

The both of you exchanged a look, and got up to your feet. You surveyed the area while Chance flipped their coin again, you eyed it slightly as you began your search.

A part of you was envious, at least he had something to keep their hands busy with.

"Rookie, you see anything? An outline of someone maybe..?"

Your eyes shot up to theirs, confused, and looked around once more before you shook your head.

"No– Am I supposed to?"

A sigh of disappointment took up the air, now more rushed.

"Ellie's the only one that can, just wanted to see if you could too."

Right after he'd said that, Elliot emerged from out of nowhere, clearly terrified out of his mind while he clutched onto his side.

"H–Help!"

Behind him was someone you didn't immediately recognize, who seemed intent to continue the chase, sword in hand.

The sight made your body act before your mind could fully register it, rushed over to one of the walls strewn about the place. And gave a whisper-shout his way.

"Elliot! Over here!"

His head whipped up in your direction, feet already moved toward you. Just as his attacker spun around and threw swords right as he got behind cover. Breath heavy with his hands on his knees.

"Oh thank the Admins.." He looked up, and did a double take at your getup. "I–It's just you.. You look.. Different."

You rubbed the back of your neck with a nod, eyes flickered down to his wound, and offered your hand.

"Never mind me, ya look half-dead kid, Chance an' I'll take ya somewhere safe."

"Chance..? But I don't see—"

He cut himself off as soon as he took your hand, his own hovered over his flesh wound– Or rather, where it used to be. What was left of it was the blood that had already seeped out.

"Whoa– I feel better, actually.." A realization flashed in their eyes, and nodded with a sigh of relief. "Oh right– Healing, you can do that. Not used to it being so fast."

You mimicked the action, hadn't noticed you held your breath for this moment.

Though it didn't last long, as the one who chased Elliot rounded the wall. Their bright red eye met with yours—

—And you pulled Elliot out of the way behind you just before their sword could connect with his back.

Didn't even give him a chance to speak as you threw a brief glance to assess him, your teeth clenched as you let go of his shirt.

"ELLIOT– RUN!"

He only hesitated for a moment, you could hear the start of a protest upon his lips, before he did as told.

The sound of his rapid footsteps grew fainter as you avoided a slash from your would-be-attacker– Or rather, it would be better to call them by name.

1x1x1x1.

How she of all people was here wasn't something you had time to ponder on. As clearly, his rash behavior wasn't an invitation to talk over tea. There was only a split second pause where they just stared at you, like you were being studied.

Only for that moment to break with a lunge your way.

Her growl loud in your ear as you turned tail and ran.

You didn't know where to– But anywhere was better than being a sitting duck in his presence. Especially if her sword was trained onto you.

"Get, BACK here!"

A shout, followed by the sound of chains.

"ACK—"

A sharp pain burst forth from your back, and stumbled a couple feet forward as you broke into a sprint. A hand clasped over where you'd been hit, only to bring it back with a gasp. Blood coated it– Too much, too fast.

But you couldn't afford to slow down, not now, not ever.

'Being a hero sucks..!'

You weaved through another swing, just enough to catch 1x1x1x1's eye, red and full of an anger you couldn't begin to decipher.

Unfortunately that turn cost greatly, as you tripped on your feet, arms brought up to rebalance yourself. Only for it to be for naught when 1x1x1x1 swung down their sword over your torso.

"GAH—"

You stumbled back, an arm covered your wound as you ran as fast as you could. Eyes darted to and fro with frenzied panic. You reached onto your shoulder out of instinct, and nearly lost your breath when the familiar weight upon which wasn't there.

"Why don't I—?"

You cut yourself off with a curse under your breath, a realization of which bore its way through your chest.

The Banhammer– It was still in Builderman's office at HQ. You left it behind.

'How could I be so stupid!?'

But you put that thought aside before you could spiral, you had to make it out of this mess alive first. Your hand dug into your wound by accident with a hiss. Your senses became dulled the more you ran, while fear filled the space between them.

Another hit and you'll be dead.

"Rookie! Use that swap power!"

Chance's voice broke through your panicked mind. Clear and direct.

Your eyes widened, a protest upon your lips as you spotted them just out of sight.

"What!? Chance, no—"

"Just do it!"

So, with your teeth clenched tight, you flicked out your wrist. And a sudden sense of disorientation washed over you.

One that felt like cotton stuffed in your head. In fact, it wouldn't be wrong to say your body felt different in the same way. And gasped when you looked down at your hands.

Still gray, yes– But the black sleeves made you take a step back, your hands shook, and turned over like it'll change back to normal. Tried to will the weakness away in your limps.

But it didn't, the shades over your eyes made it difficult to see.

You were in Chance's body.

You looked up to see yourself, still injured as you– They?– Ran away from 1x1x1x1, his sword aimed for their back. Before she stopped in their tracks while the Other You got further away. Anyone else would mistake this as hesitation.

But when their head snapped around and met your gaze?

You knew it was realization.

Whether it was this body's muscle memory, or fear, it drove your feet to turn and run the other way. Like it knew your luck had been had.

Especially as 1x1x1x1 began to chase after you once more.

'Wha– Do they know what happened?!'

You checked the wristwatch– Could it be called yours right now?– And it showed a timer thats ticked down over your 'ability's graphic, alongside a coin and revolver.

Chance's things.

The former grabbed your attention first, instantly reminded of how much he flipped it just earlier.

But it wasn't what you reached out for.

For it was the click of the revolver in its holster that turned your mind back on the moment, hand flew to grasp it almost out of instinct. Fueled by the fear of death as it grew near with every second.

With Chance's gun raised, you turned, aimed, and—

Dropped it when the sword pierced through your abdomen. Pain burst forth with a gasped breath as you felt the blade move back out. You stumbled back, eyes flicked up from your surely fatal wound.

And the last thing you saw.

Was pure Hatred.

.

.

.

You awoke once more with a pained gasp, back in the large cabin. But this time you were stood in the living room near the staircase. A couple heads raised your way as you stumbled to regain your balance, hand grasped over where you were stabbed.

"I–I– What just—?"

"Relax, relax! You're okay, you're alive."

007n7 came forward, hands brought up as though you were an injured animal. A faint frown on his face when he tried to offer you a hand.

One that wouldn't be taken, his expression grew deeper, but said nothing of it. Your eyes frantically darted all over the space with a step back as you shook your head.

"Wh–.. Where's Chance? He– I took over their body, and I—"

"—Died.. Yeah, we.. We saw.." He grimaced briefly with a non gesture, before he pointed at his wristwatch. "Chance is okay, but he's still in your body."

You sputtered in utter disbelief with a glance at your watch. You were back in your own body, but that wasn't important compared to the nonchalant way he spoke.

You looked up at him, and you could've sworn he tensed up, as if to brace himself. But more than that, there was a hint of something in his eyes, the nature of which eluded you– Or rather, you refused to name it.

"How– Why are you so calm about this??"

He sighed, shot a look over his shoulder back at Noob and Two Time and gave a so-and-so gesture, slow.

Cautious.

"You kinda.. Get used to it.."

Your shoulders fell, expression faded from discomfort to stupefied awe, brows raised high as you stared at him.

For a second, you forgot your pain.

And although you'd have believed you misheard him, the fact he wouldn't look you in the eye afterwards didn't give much confidence to that thought. Nor his next words.

"You should sit down, first deaths are always hard.."

Then without a second to let you respond, he went back to the couch, seemingly aware of a gap between you two.

You however, stood still, the realization that you couldn't escape even in death bothered you. Hand wrenched away from your side with a soundless wince when you'd pressed down on it. But that's bound to happen when you get stabbed through like a shish kabob.

'.. How'd I get in this mess..?'

You sighed, and dragged your feet over toward the three in front of the fireplace, and settled yourself in one of the lone chairs. A curt nod while you stared a hole into the carpet.

Your fingers twitched inwards, with an urge to do something, anything, gnawed at your mind. It wouldn't do much, but at least it'd give you more purpose here than whatever it is you were meant to be.

An involuntary shudder ran through you, hand brought up to rub at your face with a ragged exhale, like that would ever dispel it from your thoughts.

There had to be a better distraction.

"I–It's okay, I–.. I didn't.. Make it far my first time too.."

Your eyes snapped up, Noob's shoulders were hunched up, hands fidgeted with the cuffs of their hoodie. They snuck a glance your way before they continued.

"I–I didn't have time to meet everyone when the round started.. I was– Ugh, too panicky, and–And ran into the first person I saw." They buried their face in their hands with a groan. "It was so embarrassing.. And painful.."

You blinked at them, the weariness faded away from your expression. A frown tugged at your lips thing, the implication of their story loomed like a guillotine. One you fruitlessly hoped wouldn't drop, even though your mind had already connected the dots.

An unwanted image emerged within, and you clenched your teeth shut, an attempt to steel yourself.

007n7 patted Noob's shoulder for a short moment, a sigh you weren't sure was tired or amused.

"Yeah.. 1x got me my first time when I took a hit for Shedletsky. I'm just glad I'm not the one his anger is on the most.." He coughed into his hand, voice lowered. "Trust me, you can tell who they hate more.."

"Huh.."

A lame response to being told how someone died, sure, but it's not everyday you talk with someone who lived to tell of their death. Let alone with the type of energy one would give when they recalled an embarrassing memory.

Not to mention 007n7's comment about 1x1x1x1 really threw you off. You're sure you never met her before– As far as you could remember anyway– So why was he able to figure you out so fast?

You doubted any of them would have an answer for that question.

Two Time spoke before you could ask anyway, their demeanor now much calmer than before, hands neatly folded over each other in their lap.

"We all misstep, but we are all given another chance to remedy our mistakes." Their gaze fell to the side with an uneasy chuckle. "That's what I hope, at least."

You hummed, jaw tense before a sigh fell past your lips. "That's, uh.. One way ta look at it, that's fer sure.."

The conversation died off there, a still quietness that usually followed a conversation between friends. Though you didn't know whether you counted as one because they were naturally friendly– Unlikely in 007n7's case– Or because being stuck in whatever this place was with them automatically made you a friend in their eyes.

It would be too awkward to look for clarification, regardless, wasn't your focus.

Your eyes darted over to your newlyadorned wristwatch, hesitated before you reached over and tapped the glass exterior of the clock. The time overlay flickered to life, not analog like you would've thought, with a few options at the bottom.

Settings, Ability, Status, and Spectate.

A finger hovered over the last one before you even thought about it. And a screen right in front of your eye popped up, an out of body camera locked onto—

Your shoulders tensed up, the disheveled body in the screen that resembled you, battered with blood that seeped right through the vest Chance lent you. Your hand flew to where one of the injuries was on your person before, but found nothing other than a slight pain.

The arm of the chair was gripped tight, teeth painfully shut when you snuck a peek at the three on the couch, and aside from Two Time– Who'd left at some point without your knowledge– Noob and 007n7 both had what you assumed to be the Spectate interface over one of their eyes.

Did they see the same thing you did?

Your attention turned back onto the Spectate interface as the Other You ran over to Elliot, who jumped at the sight of them.

"Oh no–! You're hurt—!" His hands hovered, he reached back and.. Offered a pizza..? "Eat this, it works like your handshake– I'm sorry about Chance, I should've—"

But the Other You waved him off as they took the pizza, too nonchalant and casual for someone who resembled Builderman.

"Hey hey, it's fine Ellie.."

Elliot stood up straight, lips pulled into a tight frown. "What..?"

"Oh uh, it's Chance in here, not Rookie." The person in your body, Chance, pointed at their– Your?– Chest. "They used their ability. I was supposed to be a distraction for you-know-who, but things didn't work like I hoped."

Elliot stared, then backed up a little with a nod.

"Right."

The tone was flat, with more emphasis on the 'T', a glance thrown over Chance's shoulder before he gestured for them to hide behind a houseless wall.

"Time's almost up, so we can just.. Chill here.." He waved lamely, and leaned against the lone barrier. "Sucks about Rookie though.. I.. Kept seeing them hurt on the watch, I would've run back to help– I should've—"

A shiver ran down your back, lips pursed tight as you toggled the Spectate interface off. You didn't need nor even wanted to eavesdrop on their conversation anymore. Your hand rose up to fix the collar of the turtleneck you wore, with a glance into the open flame as it danced with a quiet crackle in the fire place.

A sight that oddly soothed you. It reminded you of the one in your old friend's house, you think their name started with a J, or was it an M?

You tsk'ed, too worn out to try to recall it fully.

It wasn't long before you heard a relieved sigh from your side, ears perked up by Noob's voice.

"They made it.."

Followed by a group of voices in the next room over. Your head whipped toward the dinning area's entrance as the owners of said voices trickled out into the living room. You got out of your seat as soon as you saw Chance step out, somewhat relaxed if not a little worn out.

They stopped you with a wave when they noticed your approach, and met you halfway.

"Hey Rookie, you did pretty good for your first time." They raised a hand to fix up their collar, an apologetic tilt to their voice as their smile shifted to the side. "Should've told you how my stuff worked though, that's on me."

Their head flicked down slightly, before he motioned between the two of you.

"And hey, looks like we go back to our own bodies when we die or win these rounds! That's good to know, you know?"

Like that was any consolation for your mistake.

Some of the others looked at the both of you, you could see the confusion on their faces from the corner of your eye. Builderman was the one to speak from them.

"But I thought Chance died? Yer status didn't say you did."

It was then that Elliot slipped between you with an uneasy laugh. Not an uncomfortable one, but rather one tinted with embarassment.

"Ha, tell me about it, it confused me.." He glanced away as he covered his mouth. "And kinda weirded me out hearing them talk so casually before I knew.."

Your frown deepened as he left, even more when you caught sight of a familiar set of wings just behind Chance and Builderman.

Shedletsky, still with his head turned away from you.

It was when he moved that your shoulders tensed slightly, as if to brace for contact. You half expected a response from him, something– Anything.

But he just walked past you, the wings on his head drawn over made it hard to gage his reaction to any of what had happened.

You didn't dare call out to him, it wouldn't end well.

"I'd say yer lucky," You nearly jumped out of your skin at the gruff voice next to you. The owner of it– Builderman– Didn't comment on it as he continued. "Ya won't hav'ta worry about another round, that was our last one fer tonight."

You stared for a moment, before your eyes darted into empty space, and slowly managed a small nod.

"I.. See.."

Chance took this opportunity to stretch out their arms with a much needed sigh.

"Finally! That felt like forever.." He turned on their heel faster than you could think, already on their way to the front door. "I'mma go relax now, see ya!"

There wasn't room for you to speak even if you'd wanted to. It unnerved you the way they talked about what happened, like it was some annoying task, and not a horrifying death game.

You looked back at Builderman, with about a million questions on your lips, but he raised his hand before you could speak them. A sign you've learned meant he was too tired for conversation.

".. Ya should do the same, we'll talk tomorrow."

He left shortly after.

Despite your apprehension, you decided to sit yourself down by the grandfather clock. To force yourself to focus on what the next step should be.

The only sound you could hear was the wood as it crackled in the fireplace. Everyone had gone their separate ways for the night, with faint chatter that made your chest ache. There wasn't much you could do unless you wanted to interrupt someone else's activity.

And even though you'd been told and even saw that it wouldn't work, your hand still rose up and swiped the air...

Once.

Twice.

Nothing happened.

Your Admin privileges were revoked.

Or maybe it would be better to say you lost access to them. And as much as you wanted to ask the other Admins about it, you didn't believe it to be within your right to do so.

'And even then, when would be the right time anyway?'

A sigh hummed out, and you pulled up your user display instead. Hand held up your chin as you looked it over, saw no difference to your statistics. Your brows furrowed as you did a quick check through your pockets, and frowned with a mumble.

"My phone's gone.."

Whoever brought you here wanted to make sure you wouldn't call for help. Brighteyes crossed your mind just then, she must be worried sick, especially after that statue fell on you.

Just how many times would she have called you by this point?

You waved at the air, and a different tab opened up, the one from the Missing Person's Department. It worked, you scanned over the faces and reports in the tab, and snunk glances at the others still in the living room as confirmation.

Hell, you could still edit the missing reports.

The problem was, however, what to put in. Usually you'd write down an update in the notes section every time you got a tip or new information.

'What am I meant to write here? "Whoops, they were all kidnapped by an Unknown force and are forced to run for their lives or be killed"?'

In your spiraled thoughts, you swiped again, and hurriedly snapped the display shut as the yellow outline of a command window popped up.

No.

That is an issue for another time. You didn't have the time nor the energy to explain why you had—

Movement in the corner of your eye froze your hand still– One from the window.

Your breath stopped in your throat, heart pounded in your ears. The familiar sight of golden locks and a yellow raincoat made you rush faster than you could think.

You burst outside, hand on the doorframe as you looked out—

And saw nothing there.

Not even a hint that anyone had stood in that spot.

'But– But I could've sworn—'

"Hey, uh, Rookie? You doing good there?"

Your head snapped to the direction of the voice– To Chance, arms leaned on the railing to your right. Your jaw clenched shut, unable to comprehend what you've just seen. The concern on their face grew the longer you stayed silent.

So you coughed into your hand, eyes darted away from their gaze.

"Y.. Yeah, 'm fine, just.."

"Rattled?" Chance finished for you, coin flipped in their hand like second nature. "Yeah, first deaths kinda does that to a person.."

There wasn't much you could do or say other than nod. A short silence followed, before you wiped at your eyes with a wary sigh.

"I think I need some rest.. After all.. That.." You trailed off with a shudder, and sheepishly looked up at them. "Is that offer o' yours still fer the takin'..?"

That's when their shoulders relaxed, easy-going smile back on their face with a chuckle.

"Thought you'd never ask!" He practically beamed at you with a gesture to follow after them, but paused, and popped their head in the cabin with a shout. "Rookie's staying in my cabin!"

He didn't wait for an answer as he whipped back around on their way, a hint of pride in their stride with a mirth to their hum. "Unlikely Trio, yea!"

Although you sighed at their words with an eyeroll, their presence did ease your nerves despite everything that came before.

One that ultimately helped calm you down by the time you'd entered their– Your?– Cabin, followed by a sigh of relief.

"Oh hey Chance– Ah," Elliot started while he made his bed, only to stop at the sight of you. "You.. Brought them here.."

He threw a brief glance at the bed with Builderman's hoodie atop it. However, whatever he'd wanted to say couldn't have the time to exist as Chance spoke up with a relaxed grin.

"Rookie's staying with us now." A lazy shrug. "I mean, where else would they sleep? The couch?"

"I wouldn't mind doin' that.."

You offered without much thought, which stopped both of them in their tracks.

They stared at you like you grew a second head.

Elliot was quick to shake his however, near scandalized at the suggestion.

"You're not sleeping on the couch– That's just, rude." He huffed, and gestured to the bed as he looked away. "Not like we're waiting for anyone else.. I was just– Surprised to see you so soon.."

You only hummed out an 'okay', as you made your way and took hold of the hoodie when you sat down. The fabric well-worn, though you couldn't recall if it was like that before you got your hands on it. It felt odd to be without it, and even cold.

Your grip on it tightened.

You'll return it tomorrow.

"Is.. My family okay..?"

Elliot spoke, sat at their bed while they fidgeted with their hands, unable to look you in the eye.

"A–And the pizzeria, how has it been like.. Without me around..?" His arms wrapped around himself, and rubbed away at the chill in his body. "Builderman.. Didn't say a whole lot about it when I asked.."

Your gaze softened, a sigh upon your lips. And while you could feel chance's stare, you couldn't begin to parse what emotion it held.

Regardless, despite your hesitation, you owed Elliot this much.

".. I ain't gonna lie, it feels gloomier without ya around. Quieter. Builder always asked for updates about ya." You gestured around vaugely with a frown. "There were search parties.. I even followed a rumor 'bout ya runnin' off to become a rockstar."

He stiffened, sucked in a breath like the words had personally burned him.

"That's.. What Mia always teased me about.." He offered weakly, a smile on his face despite the saddened melancholy in his words. "Everytime I took too long to come back home from work, she'd think it was because I was busy practicing a song in a band."

The air quieted down, Elliot huffed out a choked laugh as he dug his hands into his hair, with a sigh that sounded too close to a sob.

"I'm worrying everyone.."

But you were quick to jump in, with a glance out the window.

"Stop that, it ain't like you decided to be—" A pause, before you waved to the cabin. "—Here. Yer lucky to still have people looking fer ya."

'Better for you than for me..'

You squeezed Builderman's hoodie, slipped a hand into the pocket for the mirror you'd left there.

But retracted it when Chance spoke, nonchalant as he quirked a shoulder.

"Oh, since we're on the topic of what's happening outside, do you know what happened to Spade? I wanna know if my big precious bunny is okay.."

The mere mention of the bunny brought a smile to your face, one you failed to hide behind your hand.

"Spade is doin' fine, they were taken in by your brother."

Chance patted their chest with a relieved sigh, before he did a double take.

"Lance?!" They clasped their hands together with a fake sniffle. "Oh my poor Spade, they must be so confused seeing another me.."

You rolled your eyes at the theatrical display, a deadpan look on your face.

'You two don't look that similiar though..'

"I'm sure they can tell just fine.."

Chance only huffed out an exaggerated wistful sigh, with a small 'But my baby!' as he threw themself onto their bed and earned a chuckle from Elliot.

You rose an eyebrow at the sight, but it clicked when you saw the smile Elliot had on his face. Shoulders more relaxed than a moment ago.

Oh, that's why he jumped into the conversation so fast.

It made your chest tighten, and stared down at the hoodie in your lap.

Eventually, you sighed, lips pulled into an uneasy frown.

".. Do you know ITrapped..?"

The two paused, and Chance's shoulders hiked up for just a moment before he looked away.

The air seemed to change from a polite playfulness to something heavier.

Their smile shook ever so slightly.

But he coughed into their hand a moment later, and leaned against their bed's headboard with crossed arms. An attempt to keep the mood light.

He didn't look at you.

"Hey now, you don't gotta get all the answers on day one, you know?" He took off their fedora and set it on their nightstand as he laid down on their bed, a finality rather than an actual question. "Leave it for tomorrow, no one's going anywhere."

You let out a small 'Ah', and felt foolish to have asked such a question so soon. You had half a mind to excuse it as part of the missing persons report, but that would be a lie.

And Chance wasn't known to miss those.

So you gave a short nod instead.

"Right, right.."

With nothing else to say, you took off your shoes and the vest Chance lent you. The hoodie was set next to your pillow.

Elliot had already gotten into bed, an apologetic smile when your eyes met his, and glanced away.

Just as you got into your bed, Chance called out for the two of you.

"Goodnight!"

".. Night.."

A reluctant mumble, accompanied by the rustle of blankets being moved around to keep warm, and the soft breathing that awaited sleep to claim them.

It's been months since you shared a room with someone. You know how it goes. It should've been normal.

So why did it feel foreign now?

You settled into bed, a hard stare at the ceiling. Figuratively alone in the dim dark that followed.

.

.

.

.. You couldn't sleep..

'Ughh.. Is it.. Because I'm on a bed..?'

No matter how much you tossed and turned, it felt like sleep was but a mile away. Flashes of the 'round' you were in went through your mind, a carousel of images that won't leave you alone. You gripped your arm as you turned onto your side for the umpteenth time with a groan, already aware of how this would affect you in the morning.

'This is a nightmare—'

Your eyes fell upon Chance, asleep in their bed. Your grip grew tight as you watched their chest move along with their breath.

Slow.

Calm.

Alive.

"..."

With a glance at where Elliot slept peacefully, you got out of bed and made your move.

Slowly, you crept across the room until you were stood over Chance's bed, gaze soft when you scanned them over. You reached a hand out toward where you'd gotten hurt as them, only to pull back when he stirred and turned the other way in their sleep. Guilt gnawed at your soul– At your mind for having the gall to be as reckless as you were earlier.

That wasn't pretend, nor an imitation. He'd really gotten hurt, at least, their body did.

And it was your fault.

You didn't want to do that again.

And now, you just– Couldn't bring yourself to leave Chance's side. Not after what happened tonight.

So, with a sigh, you slid down to the floor, head rested against the bed frame as you curled up into a ball. Somehow, that helped the dread in your bones settle down. Your eyes fluttered closed as you focused on the sound of Chance's breathing.