TO OUR UNKNOWN FUTURE

(Thanks SO much for the help, Bane.)

[It thought to itself sarcastically putting the Ghostwalker away it brushed the dirt from their pants. They looked around but it didn't recognise these woods.]

[It couldn't be Turitopulis this certainly wasn't a rain forest, but it also wasn't snowing either... maybe the meadows but it certainly wasn't a part they had ever seen before.]

[Luckly the forest wasn't all too dense meaning it was able to spot a blue blur moving energetically off in the distance. It approached quietly ducking behind a tree to watch. Maybe they could follow this individual to civilization?]

@ask-possessed-player

Archer glances down at their watch, bouncing up and down on their toes. It was far too early in the morning to be doing intense runs like this, but they really needed to clear their head.

Beads of sweat drip from their forehead, and they wipe it with a shaky huff. They didn’t mean to travel this far. Archer wasn’t even sure if they could make it back to the hotel before anyone noticed. Glancing down at their watch, they realize they didn’t have long until the early-risers would start getting up.

“Okay, this is great. Just.. really far away.” They scoff to themself. Genius plan, wasn’t it? Even after promising Angie they’d stop doing this. But who could blame them? This was the easiest way to keep their head screwed on right.

There was no choice but to head back now. Archer turns around, ready to start jogging, but a small movement catches their eyes.

[It grumbled something under it's breath only to look up and met the gaze of a very surprised Archer. All that added movement and noise seems to have alerted them]

[Neither moved for a very long, awkward moment. Slowly Hatred stepped out from behind the tree giving Archer an awkward wave as it spoke.]

Okay, well. They did see them hiding, but only just now. Archer really wasn't expecting anyone to be out and about, especially in a forest at the ungodly early hours of the morning. It was hardly even light out.

I was just... out on stroll and I got lost... I have no idea how to get back... maybe you could be of service?

[Hatred smiled trying to seem nice and totally not suspicious but it was very clearly not working as well as they'd hope considering the way Archer was staring.]

Nearby was an overstatement. The village they were staying at was well over an hour away, and that's at Archer's sprinting speeds.

"You sure you're not from anywhere nearby here?" They raised an eyebrow, looking over the other a couple times. Really reminded them of Theo, at least the a-couple-months-ago version of him. Maybe it was just the red eyes.

Red... eyes. Come to think of it, the only time they've ever seen Theo with red eyes was during and after-

[It rattled off it's clunky explanation of a 'backstory' as they walked, the lack of planning time was really throwing Hatred off. If only they had thought of something sooner luckily it knows a traveller that be used as backstory fuel]

[It shifted the subject, best to not dig itself any deeper in this hole]

They clicked their tongue at the other question, hesitating. Running into a forest far from home wasn't the most believable explanation. "Ah, y'know. Just joggin' around. Getting those morning workouts in. Keeps me sharp for the rest of the day."

Archer continues their subtle observation over the person as they talked. They claimed to be a traveler, yet they weren't carrying anything for campouts... not even necessities like food and water. Just breezing through a forest with no supplies at all? It would make sense if they were staying somewhere and left it all there, but still. Nobody rawdogs anything as a traveler. Not even strolls.

[It rolled it's eyes at Archer excuse, it was as flimsy as their own. If a stroll hadn't seemed to make sense, why would a run make anymore sense? People are weird. Hatred continued to speak, it needed to at least figure out where it had ended up.]

They nodded with a slight shrug. "That's about right. Kind of just resting up after doing some... community service. We're kind of tight, you know? So we kinda stick together through everything."

Not like they really had any other choice, anyway. Who ever knew whenever Shedletsky would call in about another sword? Plus, Archer loved the company.

Their gaze trails down to a sword- a sword?! The guy was carrying nothing but a sword? Archer pauses in their words. Hero was... a lot weirder than they originally thought.

[Archer could help but look over them again, they were also wearing a small, black backpack and that sword. It looked strangely worn yet still unused? Like it had been used for combat once upon a time but eventually it had become a mare decoration]

They stared at Hero’s backpack again. Maybe they were carrying something, albeit not that much. Not enough to be traveling for multiple days.

“We’re near uh… damn, I’m blanking…” Archer taps their chin. “It wasn’t like, C... Cr… Crater-something? Along those lines.”

Archer did in fact know what the village was, but.. to think a traveler wouldn’t know the towns nearby, despite being in a forest… alone. On a stroll. You had to come from some place, where you started that stroll.

It was a little suspicious, to be honest.

They’re also realizing that eye contact with Hero was… uncomfortable. Somehow. It was a nagging feeling in their gut, and Archer always knew to trust that.

Yes, I don't like carrying much with me.

[It was clear from the way Archer was staring, Hatred had been doing a pretty bad job at pretending. Well and truly they were suspicious from head to toe, it thought trying to figure out a way to get itself back to just normal weirdo territory]

What’s with that sudden change in tone? Archer wasn’t being that obvious, were they?

“Nah, it’s good, just… you kinda remind of… something. Sorry if it was rude or anythin’.”

They really didn’t like that flat tone of theirs. Not in a way where it was annoying, but it set off a series of alarms in Archer’s head. It reminded them too much of Angie’s slow spirals in the Dream World. Of Bane’s quiet descent into its guilt, and Theo’s… unnerving behaviors that aligned a little too closely with Hero now.

And they really didn’t like that association.

[Is this how off-putting people usually found it? They don't think so, it knew it could be uncomfortable to be around but this was different than just being uncomfortable. Archer was scared]

You're shaking. [Hatred pointed out matter of factly]

If you're concerned about me a danger don't be. We're the only two people for who knows how long, hurting you would just be silly of me.

They still sounded unsure, and it didn’t absolve the uncomfortable air around Hero. It was more than just a nervous knot in their stomach now. It was oppressive, and Archer couldn't ignore the inherent urge to run away. Something in their body was screaming at them to do it, but they couldn't pinpoint what it was.

[The pair continued to walk an uncomfortable, awkward silence stretching between them as they progressed, it could feel the tension building in the air and Hatred decided that it was their job to break it.]

How about you talk while we walk hm? Tell me about your friends perhaps? It could help with your anxieties.

“Safe to say that they’re kind of my ride or dies! We’ve all seen the worst parts of each other, and we’re still stuck like glue. Even if it wasn’t so easy at first to come out of that.” They shrugged, thinking back on the first few weeks after the Ghostwalker. Nobody could talk to anybody, and it was a whole lot of walking on eggshells until Bane finally put its foot down and started a conversation.

“Like one of them, they’re kind of mysterious, but turns out it’s just harboring all this guilt,” Archer gestures vaguely. Probably a bad idea to go too deep into all of that. “But um, I’d hate to let any of them down.

In truth I've never had... friends. So I am quite unfamiliar with your experiences.

[How could something like it ever have a thing like friends? It was Hatred, the others never liked it and it only had shallow acquaintances by associate of taking someone life.]

The fact that Hero reminded them of Theo wasn’t as good as they were framing it to be. Of course, they were still being genuine about the possibility of them getting along, but it was more than that. Archer hadn’t forgotten the unsettling feeling they got around them.

Discomfort coils up their chest again, this time a lot more prominent. It was finally beginning to take root, and Archer did not welcome this unpleasant feeling.

Sure, I've got time on my hands at the moment. Meeting your friends sounds... nice.

[Hatred smiled, internally amused by Archer's comparison with it and this Theo person. Poor Archer didn't even know how badly they'd just insulted their friend]

Do you think we're almost there?

They grin back at Hero. “Yeah, it’ll be fun. They’re a good bunch. Maybe a little weird, but still fun.”

The two continued their walk for a while longer, and Archer squints into the distance. A building. They remember passing it by before they started spiraling.

[As the pair came up towards the hotel Hatred gestured for Archer to go in first]

Archer leads Hero up to their room, fumbling for the keys before finally pushing the door open.

The space was a little larger than the average hotel room, but it was still humble. Nothing incredibly fancy.

It was quiet inside, and Archer lets out a loud sigh of relief. They turn and whisper-shout to Hero. “Ohmygod, thank the Spawn. It was about to get really messy if anyone was—”

One of the floorboards down the hall creaks, and Archer’s face genuinely pales.

“Nice to see you’re finally up early.” A new voice, a little groggy, comes from down the hall.

“Fuck, oh my god,” Archer groans, but a smile returns back to their face. “Theo! Woah! Wasn’t expecting you to be up! I brought a pal over, since they were lost and stuff.”

Uh- Hello... and Good morning..?

And plus, he wasn’t used to it happening. Collecting the swords was a… closed job, for the most part, so they’ve only ever met people associated with the missions Shedletsky sent them on— with the exception of Kyoko.

“Hey, good to meet you, Hero.” He flashes a tired but polite smile. “I hope they weren’t givin’ you any trouble.”

He gives Hero a quick look-over.

There’s the weird fashion choice, obviously. Dressed a little too differently from everyone else in the time period— or maybe the trends were evolving? Angie might know something about that.

And then, the other… notable feature. It’s visible even in the dark, which is… shocking.

“You’ve got eyes like mine.” He flicks the ceiling light on to a low setting and gestures to his face.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention that!” Archer skids between them, glancing between the two. “Except yours are a lot more faded, since we’re no longer in—”

“Shut up.” Theo grunts, glaring at Archer with a ‘why-would-you-say-that’ look. He turns back to Hero. “They’re just saying whatever. It’s cool though.”

[Hatred's eyes glowed? That was a first, but it certainly wasn't an unwelcome realization. As They and Theo had agreed, it was pretty cool... thinking about it now, were these the heroes of this world? It would certainly check out from the info it had but that also meant Bane would be floating around, that could become an issue...]

They dashed away, footsteps fading. Once they were gone, Theo turns towards Hero, his expression dropping just slightly.

"So," He says, crossing his arms. "It's kind of rare for Robloxians to have red eyes, you know. What city did you come from?"

Hero was... suspicious to him. From the very moment he met them, he could tell that something was off. Whether that was the unsettling aura or the faint familiarity Theo felt when he saw them.

...Frankly it's non of your business. [Was the answer Hatred finally picked, still dressed up several layers of empty politeness, trying to mask the slight hostility creeping into it's voice]

Theo retains his glare, the look in his eyes hard and cautious. He could be overstepping, making a bad impression, but he couldn’t let something like this slip by.

“I just hope you won’t end up like—”

“Hey! You guys done over there?” Archer calls from down the hall. They peek from around the corner, followed by two others. “We gotta held out before it gets too crowded.”

Just hours ago, it had barely escaped the grasp of another Hatred, only for the very same one to be dragged right into the party’s morning outing— and by Archer, of all people.

It managed to hide their identity, deciding that, based on Archer’s excitement, it would be a horrible idea to reveal that they’ve just brought Hatred incarnate into their home.

Bane wonders if anyone else had noticed. In retrospect, it was a little obvious, given the nature of the one who named themself ‘Hero’— which it thought was an ironic name itself— but everyone seemed alright with their company, and they weren’t hurting anyone.

Or so it hoped.

-

“Okay, we can go…” Angie glances between two stalls, squinting at the menus taped to each post. “Mm, there really isn’t anything we haven’t tried yet…”

She realizes that they’ve stayed in this village for far too long— and it was supposed to be a laid-back one! She liked the slow life, but when your life was made up of finishing quests, you’re bound to get a little bored of normality.

Me really?? I- uh alright let's see......

[It hadn't really tried much food, and there was also so meny options that it was honestly a slightly overwhelming decision to simply be thrusted upon it... what even categorised food as 'Breakfast' anyways??]

While Angie and Hero glanced over the different options, Bane and Archer observed from behind.

-

“Nice to know we finally know someone outside of the sword business, huh?” Archer remarked, slinging an arm over the other’s shoulders. “I mean, that would make two now: Kyoko and Hero.”

Bane hesitates. Archer was… not exactly right. Hatred— or, Hero now, was anything but ‘outside of sword business’. And it even found its way out of the Dream World…

“Yes. They’re… a refreshing, new face in our busy lives. You and Angie seem to get along well with them.”

[Hatred ignored the thought turning towards Angie, asking her with genuine delight]

She calls the stand owner and orders one. Hero was pretty sweet! Honestly, she was expecting them to be a little crazy, given Archer’s personality, but they were pretty much the complete opposite.

Oh right- well, Archer was on a 'morning run' and I simply happened to stumble upon them. I was a little lost at the time so I'm quite lucky to have run into them..!

“They were on a morning run?” Her expression retained its friendliness, but concern had started to bubble in her eyes. That was awfully early for a run in the mornings.

Archer had promised her that they wouldn’t try running off whenever those nightmares came back. She reassured them that they could trust everyone and talk, but… did they not trust her?

Maybe she was overthinking it too much. She should probably just forget about it. Archer was… they were getting a lot better recently. She hoped.

[Hatred chuckled to itself, finding it's relatively innocent yet sarcastic jab towards Archer maybe a little too funny. It's giggles slowly as it spoke up again.]

This village is nice though, even with it's confusing pathways. It very... homey, I'd say.

[Hatred fell quiet for moment, it's eyes absentmindedly scanning Angie up and down. It wanted to try striking the nail with the friendship hammer pretty hard after all!]

In fact, Angie still yearned for that part of her life. Going on these quests were fun, sure, but… she had a life going for her in the present. In Modern Bizville. It felt selfish to think that way, but it was her life. She hardly had the time to do any art now.

“Your life can get turned around so suddenly. And I… I appreciate them,” she glanced over at the others, and her jaw clenches a little. “But I…”

Angie paused, before shaking her head. She can’t just say those things! That’s exactly what Hatred had used against her. She was supposed to be over all of this by now.

It's okay to be angry you know. [It began with a calm smile] You so obviously resent your current position, so why not be upset about it? It's your right after all.

Hero was… a little right. It was okay to be angry, but she didn’t want to hold it against her friends. None of this was anyone’s fault.

She wondered if they felt the same, at some point in their life.

...Yes, I do... Although I think our responses to our turmoils are quite different, you've gone down a route of solitude while I've picked a much more...... violent path.

Going down a route of solitude… never thought she’d hear words like that again.

They were all seated at a table, leaving two empty spots for Angie and Hero. She takes the one beside Archer, leaving the only other one across from Bane, who stared intensely at… ‘Hero’.

“We got some of the soup from that stall,” she points in the general direction. Angie says cheerfully, “And kinda talked for a bit! Hero’s pretty interesting once you get to know them a little.”

I don't need to share such information if I don't want too...

It pauses, weighing their options. It wouldn’t make sense to let the shoe drop on everyone else now, but it was pretty sure that Theo was well aware by now.

“I was not being pushy. I was only making an observation about Hero.”

“Okay, maybe all of y’all get this weird feeling around them, sure, but it’s all probably just the stress from the Heights!”

“… Yeah, like that’s a reasonable explanation.” Theo grunts, and Archer smacks the back of his head.

Oh uh-... I- okay. [It managed quietly nodding it's head and giving Archer one awkward thumbs up, the surprise was written all over it's face. How long would this all last before it finally blew up???]

Theo raises a brow, unconvinced. She was talking about Builderman. “And why compare Hero to that? Compare them to me, by extension?”

She pauses, glancing between Hero and the other. Angie understands the implication behind those words, but… that’s a low possibility. Very low. Or she hoped.

“Don’t just say that,” she sighs. “That’s behind us, and it’s over.”

“I’m just sayin’, if you put two and two together…” But Angie quickly stops him.

[Hatred suddenly started, their harsh, intense gaze intent upon Bane and Theo. Mostly Theo, it didn't take a genius to figure out why Bane stared at them like that. It continued it's calm smile beginning to strain]

Am I not allowed to be nice? Am I really just some... unforgivable sin to you both?

“Hey, that’s a huge accusation to be making about them! We’re the only ones who know about that world—“ Archer starts nervously, trying to hold Theo back. Deep in their eyes, a subtle fear could be recognized. “They haven’t done anything to us yet.“

[It bluntly said it's smile fully dropping as it looked at Bane, it felt like it was in trouble. In trouble for a crime it hadn't even committed to these people! It balled it's hands into tight fists, shrinking backwards into it's seat uncomfortably. It hated this.]

"If not now, then when? This opportunity will slip from our grasp," Bane replies calmly. It clutches the ghostly sword in its hand, raising it. "Rest assured, I do not mean to hurt any of us. This is simply meant to... clear any misconceptions."

A shudder crawls up their spine, and Archer clutches their head as incoherent voices whisper into their ear. It wasn’t actually there, but— this wasn’t supposed to happen anymore. Theo’s hatred had long calmed down, no longer causing such severe side effects.

They whipped their head towards the source and sputtered in shock.

Hero, standing right there, perfectly okay in the Dream World, which should only really exist to the group.

“How the fu—”

Was what I was doing really so wrong..?

[It asked itself sounding like it was trying not to scream, it tillted it's head towards Archer and Angie. It watched as Archer visible flinched back and Angie stared at it with a distant look it knew all too well... it wanted to punch Bane until they stopped.]

“Hiding your identity, knowing our circumstances— yes, I believe that it was wrong,” its tone, though angry, is laced with guilt. Bane could accuse Hatred all hey wanted, but were they in the right for this themself? “Leaving the Dream World and targeting my companions is something I can’t forgive.”

“Bane, how are you not questioning that?”

“We have… other priorities.”

“I’m pretty sure a second Ghostwalker is very important,” Theo wracked his head for a moment. Everything was happening too fast for him. “And… the others. We have to remember what comes first, remember? We could be… overthinking this?”

He admits, he was highly suspicious of Hero. But he saw himself in them too much, just their subtle behaviors. It set him off, seeing almost another version of himself, without any support systems.

WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO JUST SAY IN DREAM WORLD FOREVER!

A-and didn't even know Archer was apart of your stupid little group until I was already in the hotel because someone here is overly vague and never bothered to tell me their names!

“Are you saying that you’ve met Hero before?” The commotion had forced the others out of their trances, and Angie stumbles to her feet. “How could you have—?”

But she then realizes, and laughs in disbelief. “I mean, what else could it have been? I knew none of you still trusted me, running off and everything…”

Why else could she have been feeling like this? That crushing suspicion that was more than just an inkling. Angie wasn’t supposed to feel like that anymore, but it was just spilling out.

OH REAL RICH CALLING ME THE PROBLEM, I haven't even done anything! I WASN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING!!

“Wait, shit—!” Theo bolts over, wrapping his arms around Hero and trying to pull them away. He didn’t think it would truly escalate that quickly, or become so personal to them. “It’s all a huge misunderstanding, alright? Bane— it’s just being stupid—!”

[It struggled, Hatred wouldn't give up it didn't want to, why should it even! It thrashed and kicked against Theo trying and failing regain it's painful grip around Bane's neck. It wasn't very hard for Theo to pull Hatred away, despite their sheer determination their body was still pretty light. It continued to flail]

That hatred, known all too well by Theo, still ached in his chest. Even in his happiest moments, it still wrapped his heart in that subtle resentment. It was simply natural.

[After a few minutes of yelling, hitting, kicking and even a few attempts at biting it seemed to have ran out of steam] ii-itts not fairr.....

[Hatred weakly sobbed as it pulled it's knees closer trying and failing to hide it's face fully from view. It didn't want to be looked at or perceived like... this]

He glances between his friends, exchanging a wary look with Archer, who seemed to be calming down already. At least things were settling, for the most part.

You... you're c-close, it's... something like that........ [It paused, it's face twisting into surprise] W-waitt, have n-non of you... realised yet..? R-really..???

The room fully stops, and Archer mumbled a weakened ‘what?’ from the corner.

“I had my suspicions,” Theo finally speaks up. “What else could explain this weird feeling I got around them? I felt the same with Builderman…”

[It walked towards one of the Ghostwalker's picking it back up, clutching it securely in it's hands.] Unfortunately I don't know how to get back.

“Unfortunately, this issue is outside of our current scope.” Bane shrugged, rising to its feet. It stretches its neck, still sore from Hatred’s attack.

“So much for your pursuit of the forbidden knowledge,” Archer chuckled weakly before turning to Hero- Hatred? They hesitated for a moment, the words scrambling at the tip of their tongue.

On one hand, Archer was… alright with Hero. As a person. As ‘Hero’.

Hero was a funny guy, Archer thinks— and they’re a little weird sometimes, but they’re sure anyone could agree that, despite it all, they couldn’t even out-weird Archer themself.

On the other hand, ‘Hatred’ was now in the picture. Archer understood that it wasn’t the same, that somehow they are different, but the fear keeps on crawling back. Screaming in their head to run away. Its very presence seemed to amplify the things they’ve learned to calm— maybe it wasn’t yet ‘tamed’.

Yes it is like the "Theo situation". I beat them over and over and over again until they just... couldn't anymore! I fully took them over, it's just Hatred here now. Always has been! [Its smile widened]

I suppose the big difference between Hero and Theo is that Theo still had autonomy.

[Hatred snickered to itself, pointing towards its head] I'm not sure if they're even still rattling around in here honestly. Certainly haven't given me any indication they are!

“Then how are you so… nice?” Angie whispered, conflict already boiling in her eyes. “You take all that enjoyment in hurting someone who is… essentially part of you. Holding all this hate for them, but still acting nice around us.”

Was it actually real? She was starting to question. Sure, it may have been the same as Theo’s situation, in a sense, but everyone had already known he was being controlled.

With this Hatred, none of them were aware.

I'm nice? [It asked wincing a little at how shocked it sounded, it fidgeted awkwardly trying to come up with any sort of response that would answer Angie's question]

I... I don't- know? How am I supposed to know?? .......Non of you are them so why would I not... be genuine... I guess????

“If you’re an incarnation of hatred, theoretically, that’s all you’re supposed to feel. But I haven’t felt that kind of sentiment towards us yet— except for Bane.”

He knew what it was like, though not to this extent. Hatred still lived in him, but he was lucky enough to come to terms with it. To have the resources to come back from that. If he had been alone, like Hero, he would have completely assimilated with that part of himself.

It would be something that they had to confront at some point, right? If only Hatred step outside of its own bubble.

[It growled under its breath before it mumbled] Screw this, I'm leaving.

(Thanks SO much for the help, Bane.)

[It thought to itself sarcastically putting the Ghostwalker away it brushed the dirt from their pants. They looked around but it didn't recognise these woods.]

[It couldn't be Turitopulis this certainly wasn't a rain forest, but it also wasn't snowing either... maybe the meadows but it certainly wasn't a part they had ever seen before.]

[Luckly the forest wasn't all too dense meaning it was able to spot a blue blur moving energetically off in the distance. It approached quietly ducking behind a tree to watch. Maybe they could follow this individual to civilization?]

@ask-possessed-player

Archer glances down at their watch, bouncing up and down on their toes. It was far too early in the morning to be doing intense runs like this, but they really needed to clear their head.

Beads of sweat drip from their forehead, and they wipe it with a shaky huff. They didn’t mean to travel this far. Archer wasn’t even sure if they could make it back to the hotel before anyone noticed. Glancing down at their watch, they realize they didn’t have long until the early-risers would start getting up.

“Okay, this is great. Just.. really far away.” They scoff to themself. Genius plan, wasn’t it? Even after promising Angie they’d stop doing this. But who could blame them? This was the easiest way to keep their head screwed on right.

There was no choice but to head back now. Archer turns around, ready to start jogging, but a small movement catches their eyes.

[It grumbled something under it's breath only to look up and met the gaze of a very surprised Archer. All that added movement and noise seems to have alerted them]

[Neither moved for a very long, awkward moment. Slowly Hatred stepped out from behind the tree giving Archer an awkward wave as it spoke.]

Okay, well. They did see them hiding, but only just now. Archer really wasn't expecting anyone to be out and about, especially in a forest at the ungodly early hours of the morning. It was hardly even light out.

I was just... out on stroll and I got lost... I have no idea how to get back... maybe you could be of service?

[Hatred smiled trying to seem nice and totally not suspicious but it was very clearly not working as well as they'd hope considering the way Archer was staring.]

Nearby was an overstatement. The village they were staying at was well over an hour away, and that's at Archer's sprinting speeds.

"You sure you're not from anywhere nearby here?" They raised an eyebrow, looking over the other a couple times. Really reminded them of Theo, at least the a-couple-months-ago version of him. Maybe it was just the red eyes.

Red... eyes. Come to think of it, the only time they've ever seen Theo with red eyes was during and after-

[It rattled off it's clunky explanation of a 'backstory' as they walked, the lack of planning time was really throwing Hatred off. If only they had thought of something sooner luckily it knows a traveller that be used as backstory fuel]

[It shifted the subject, best to not dig itself any deeper in this hole]

They clicked their tongue at the other question, hesitating. Running into a forest far from home wasn't the most believable explanation. "Ah, y'know. Just joggin' around. Getting those morning workouts in. Keeps me sharp for the rest of the day."

Archer continues their subtle observation over the person as they talked. They claimed to be a traveler, yet they weren't carrying anything for campouts... not even necessities like food and water. Just breezing through a forest with no supplies at all? It would make sense if they were staying somewhere and left it all there, but still. Nobody rawdogs anything as a traveler. Not even strolls.

[It rolled it's eyes at Archer excuse, it was as flimsy as their own. If a stroll hadn't seemed to make sense, why would a run make anymore sense? People are weird. Hatred continued to speak, it needed to at least figure out where it had ended up.]

They nodded with a slight shrug. "That's about right. Kind of just resting up after doing some... community service. We're kind of tight, you know? So we kinda stick together through everything."

Not like they really had any other choice, anyway. Who ever knew whenever Shedletsky would call in about another sword? Plus, Archer loved the company.

Their gaze trails down to a sword- a sword?! The guy was carrying nothing but a sword? Archer pauses in their words. Hero was... a lot weirder than they originally thought.

[Archer could help but look over them again, they were also wearing a small, black backpack and that sword. It looked strangely worn yet still unused? Like it had been used for combat once upon a time but eventually it had become a mare decoration]

They stared at Hero’s backpack again. Maybe they were carrying something, albeit not that much. Not enough to be traveling for multiple days.

“We’re near uh… damn, I’m blanking…” Archer taps their chin. “It wasn’t like, C... Cr… Crater-something? Along those lines.”

Archer did in fact know what the village was, but.. to think a traveler wouldn’t know the towns nearby, despite being in a forest… alone. On a stroll. You had to come from some place, where you started that stroll.

It was a little suspicious, to be honest.

They’re also realizing that eye contact with Hero was… uncomfortable. Somehow. It was a nagging feeling in their gut, and Archer always knew to trust that.

Yes, I don't like carrying much with me.

[It was clear from the way Archer was staring, Hatred had been doing a pretty bad job at pretending. Well and truly they were suspicious from head to toe, it thought trying to figure out a way to get itself back to just normal weirdo territory]

What’s with that sudden change in tone? Archer wasn’t being that obvious, were they?

“Nah, it’s good, just… you kinda remind of… something. Sorry if it was rude or anythin’.”

They really didn’t like that flat tone of theirs. Not in a way where it was annoying, but it set off a series of alarms in Archer’s head. It reminded them too much of Angie’s slow spirals in the Dream World. Of Bane’s quiet descent into its guilt, and Theo’s… unnerving behaviors that aligned a little too closely with Hero now.

And they really didn’t like that association.

[Is this how off-putting people usually found it? They don't think so, it knew it could be uncomfortable to be around but this was different than just being uncomfortable. Archer was scared]

You're shaking. [Hatred pointed out matter of factly]

If you're concerned about me a danger don't be. We're the only two people for who knows how long, hurting you would just be silly of me.

They still sounded unsure, and it didn’t absolve the uncomfortable air around Hero. It was more than just a nervous knot in their stomach now. It was oppressive, and Archer couldn't ignore the inherent urge to run away. Something in their body was screaming at them to do it, but they couldn't pinpoint what it was.

[The pair continued to walk an uncomfortable, awkward silence stretching between them as they progressed, it could feel the tension building in the air and Hatred decided that it was their job to break it.]

How about you talk while we walk hm? Tell me about your friends perhaps? It could help with your anxieties.

“Safe to say that they’re kind of my ride or dies! We’ve all seen the worst parts of each other, and we’re still stuck like glue. Even if it wasn’t so easy at first to come out of that.” They shrugged, thinking back on the first few weeks after the Ghostwalker. Nobody could talk to anybody, and it was a whole lot of walking on eggshells until Bane finally put its foot down and started a conversation.

“Like one of them, they’re kind of mysterious, but turns out it’s just harboring all this guilt,” Archer gestures vaguely. Probably a bad idea to go too deep into all of that. “But um, I’d hate to let any of them down.

In truth I've never had... friends. So I am quite unfamiliar with your experiences.

[How could something like it ever have a thing like friends? It was Hatred, the others never liked it and it only had shallow acquaintances by associate of taking someone life.]

The fact that Hero reminded them of Theo wasn’t as good as they were framing it to be. Of course, they were still being genuine about the possibility of them getting along, but it was more than that. Archer hadn’t forgotten the unsettling feeling they got around them.

Discomfort coils up their chest again, this time a lot more prominent. It was finally beginning to take root, and Archer did not welcome this unpleasant feeling.

Sure, I've got time on my hands at the moment. Meeting your friends sounds... nice.

[Hatred smiled, internally amused by Archer's comparison with it and this Theo person. Poor Archer didn't even know how badly they'd just insulted their friend]

Do you think we're almost there?

They grin back at Hero. “Yeah, it’ll be fun. They’re a good bunch. Maybe a little weird, but still fun.”

The two continued their walk for a while longer, and Archer squints into the distance. A building. They remember passing it by before they started spiraling.

[As the pair came up towards the hotel Hatred gestured for Archer to go in first]

Archer leads Hero up to their room, fumbling for the keys before finally pushing the door open.

The space was a little larger than the average hotel room, but it was still humble. Nothing incredibly fancy.

It was quiet inside, and Archer lets out a loud sigh of relief. They turn and whisper-shout to Hero. “Ohmygod, thank the Spawn. It was about to get really messy if anyone was—”

One of the floorboards down the hall creaks, and Archer’s face genuinely pales.

“Nice to see you’re finally up early.” A new voice, a little groggy, comes from down the hall.

“Fuck, oh my god,” Archer groans, but a smile returns back to their face. “Theo! Woah! Wasn’t expecting you to be up! I brought a pal over, since they were lost and stuff.”

Uh- Hello... and Good morning..?

And plus, he wasn’t used to it happening. Collecting the swords was a… closed job, for the most part, so they’ve only ever met people associated with the missions Shedletsky sent them on— with the exception of Kyoko.

“Hey, good to meet you, Hero.” He flashes a tired but polite smile. “I hope they weren’t givin’ you any trouble.”

He gives Hero a quick look-over.

There’s the weird fashion choice, obviously. Dressed a little too differently from everyone else in the time period— or maybe the trends were evolving? Angie might know something about that.

And then, the other… notable feature. It’s visible even in the dark, which is… shocking.

“You’ve got eyes like mine.” He flicks the ceiling light on to a low setting and gestures to his face.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention that!” Archer skids between them, glancing between the two. “Except yours are a lot more faded, since we’re no longer in—”

“Shut up.” Theo grunts, glaring at Archer with a ‘why-would-you-say-that’ look. He turns back to Hero. “They’re just saying whatever. It’s cool though.”

[Hatred's eyes glowed? That was a first, but it certainly wasn't an unwelcome realization. As They and Theo had agreed, it was pretty cool... thinking about it now, were these the heroes of this world? It would certainly check out from the info it had but that also meant Bane would be floating around, that could become an issue...]

They dashed away, footsteps fading. Once they were gone, Theo turns towards Hero, his expression dropping just slightly.

"So," He says, crossing his arms. "It's kind of rare for Robloxians to have red eyes, you know. What city did you come from?"

Hero was... suspicious to him. From the very moment he met them, he could tell that something was off. Whether that was the unsettling aura or the faint familiarity Theo felt when he saw them.

...Frankly it's non of your business. [Was the answer Hatred finally picked, still dressed up several layers of empty politeness, trying to mask the slight hostility creeping into it's voice]

Theo retains his glare, the look in his eyes hard and cautious. He could be overstepping, making a bad impression, but he couldn’t let something like this slip by.

“I just hope you won’t end up like—”

“Hey! You guys done over there?” Archer calls from down the hall. They peek from around the corner, followed by two others. “We gotta held out before it gets too crowded.”

Just hours ago, it had barely escaped the grasp of another Hatred, only for the very same one to be dragged right into the party’s morning outing— and by Archer, of all people.

It managed to hide their identity, deciding that, based on Archer’s excitement, it would be a horrible idea to reveal that they’ve just brought Hatred incarnate into their home.

Bane wonders if anyone else had noticed. In retrospect, it was a little obvious, given the nature of the one who named themself ‘Hero’— which it thought was an ironic name itself— but everyone seemed alright with their company, and they weren’t hurting anyone.

Or so it hoped.

-

“Okay, we can go…” Angie glances between two stalls, squinting at the menus taped to each post. “Mm, there really isn’t anything we haven’t tried yet…”

She realizes that they’ve stayed in this village for far too long— and it was supposed to be a laid-back one! She liked the slow life, but when your life was made up of finishing quests, you’re bound to get a little bored of normality.

Me really?? I- uh alright let's see......

[It hadn't really tried much food, and there was also so meny options that it was honestly a slightly overwhelming decision to simply be thrusted upon it... what even categorised food as 'Breakfast' anyways??]

While Angie and Hero glanced over the different options, Bane and Archer observed from behind.

-

“Nice to know we finally know someone outside of the sword business, huh?” Archer remarked, slinging an arm over the other’s shoulders. “I mean, that would make two now: Kyoko and Hero.”

Bane hesitates. Archer was… not exactly right. Hatred— or, Hero now, was anything but ‘outside of sword business’. And it even found its way out of the Dream World…

“Yes. They’re… a refreshing, new face in our busy lives. You and Angie seem to get along well with them.”

[Hatred ignored the thought turning towards Angie, asking her with genuine delight]

She calls the stand owner and orders one. Hero was pretty sweet! Honestly, she was expecting them to be a little crazy, given Archer’s personality, but they were pretty much the complete opposite.

Oh right- well, Archer was on a 'morning run' and I simply happened to stumble upon them. I was a little lost at the time so I'm quite lucky to have run into them..!

“They were on a morning run?” Her expression retained its friendliness, but concern had started to bubble in her eyes. That was awfully early for a run in the mornings.

Archer had promised her that they wouldn’t try running off whenever those nightmares came back. She reassured them that they could trust everyone and talk, but… did they not trust her?

Maybe she was overthinking it too much. She should probably just forget about it. Archer was… they were getting a lot better recently. She hoped.

[Hatred chuckled to itself, finding it's relatively innocent yet sarcastic jab towards Archer maybe a little too funny. It's giggles slowly as it spoke up again.]

This village is nice though, even with it's confusing pathways. It very... homey, I'd say.

[Hatred fell quiet for moment, it's eyes absentmindedly scanning Angie up and down. It wanted to try striking the nail with the friendship hammer pretty hard after all!]

In fact, Angie still yearned for that part of her life. Going on these quests were fun, sure, but… she had a life going for her in the present. In Modern Bizville. It felt selfish to think that way, but it was her life. She hardly had the time to do any art now.

“Your life can get turned around so suddenly. And I… I appreciate them,” she glanced over at the others, and her jaw clenches a little. “But I…”

Angie paused, before shaking her head. She can’t just say those things! That’s exactly what Hatred had used against her. She was supposed to be over all of this by now.

It's okay to be angry you know. [It began with a calm smile] You so obviously resent your current position, so why not be upset about it? It's your right after all.

Hero was… a little right. It was okay to be angry, but she didn’t want to hold it against her friends. None of this was anyone’s fault.

She wondered if they felt the same, at some point in their life.

...Yes, I do... Although I think our responses to our turmoils are quite different, you've gone down a route of solitude while I've picked a much more...... violent path.

Going down a route of solitude… never thought she’d hear words like that again.

They were all seated at a table, leaving two empty spots for Angie and Hero. She takes the one beside Archer, leaving the only other one across from Bane, who stared intensely at… ‘Hero’.

“We got some of the soup from that stall,” she points in the general direction. Angie says cheerfully, “And kinda talked for a bit! Hero’s pretty interesting once you get to know them a little.”

I don't need to share such information if I don't want too...

It pauses, weighing their options. It wouldn’t make sense to let the shoe drop on everyone else now, but it was pretty sure that Theo was well aware by now.

“I was not being pushy. I was only making an observation about Hero.”

“Okay, maybe all of y’all get this weird feeling around them, sure, but it’s all probably just the stress from the Heights!”

“… Yeah, like that’s a reasonable explanation.” Theo grunts, and Archer smacks the back of his head.

Oh uh-... I- okay. [It managed quietly nodding it's head and giving Archer one awkward thumbs up, the surprise was written all over it's face. How long would this all last before it finally blew up???]

Theo raises a brow, unconvinced. She was talking about Builderman. “And why compare Hero to that? Compare them to me, by extension?”

She pauses, glancing between Hero and the other. Angie understands the implication behind those words, but… that’s a low possibility. Very low. Or she hoped.

“Don’t just say that,” she sighs. “That’s behind us, and it’s over.”

“I’m just sayin’, if you put two and two together…” But Angie quickly stops him.

[Hatred suddenly started, their harsh, intense gaze intent upon Bane and Theo. Mostly Theo, it didn't take a genius to figure out why Bane stared at them like that. It continued it's calm smile beginning to strain]

Am I not allowed to be nice? Am I really just some... unforgivable sin to you both?

“Hey, that’s a huge accusation to be making about them! We’re the only ones who know about that world—“ Archer starts nervously, trying to hold Theo back. Deep in their eyes, a subtle fear could be recognized. “They haven’t done anything to us yet.“

[It bluntly said it's smile fully dropping as it looked at Bane, it felt like it was in trouble. In trouble for a crime it hadn't even committed to these people! It balled it's hands into tight fists, shrinking backwards into it's seat uncomfortably. It hated this.]

"If not now, then when? This opportunity will slip from our grasp," Bane replies calmly. It clutches the ghostly sword in its hand, raising it. "Rest assured, I do not mean to hurt any of us. This is simply meant to... clear any misconceptions."

A shudder crawls up their spine, and Archer clutches their head as incoherent voices whisper into their ear. It wasn’t actually there, but— this wasn’t supposed to happen anymore. Theo’s hatred had long calmed down, no longer causing such severe side effects.

They whipped their head towards the source and sputtered in shock.

Hero, standing right there, perfectly okay in the Dream World, which should only really exist to the group.

“How the fu—”

Was what I was doing really so wrong..?

[It asked itself sounding like it was trying not to scream, it tillted it's head towards Archer and Angie. It watched as Archer visible flinched back and Angie stared at it with a distant look it knew all too well... it wanted to punch Bane until they stopped.]

“Hiding your identity, knowing our circumstances— yes, I believe that it was wrong,” its tone, though angry, is laced with guilt. Bane could accuse Hatred all hey wanted, but were they in the right for this themself? “Leaving the Dream World and targeting my companions is something I can’t forgive.”

“Bane, how are you not questioning that?”

“We have… other priorities.”

“I’m pretty sure a second Ghostwalker is very important,” Theo wracked his head for a moment. Everything was happening too fast for him. “And… the others. We have to remember what comes first, remember? We could be… overthinking this?”

He admits, he was highly suspicious of Hero. But he saw himself in them too much, just their subtle behaviors. It set him off, seeing almost another version of himself, without any support systems.

WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO JUST SAY IN DREAM WORLD FOREVER!

A-and didn't even know Archer was apart of your stupid little group until I was already in the hotel because someone here is overly vague and never bothered to tell me their names!

“Are you saying that you’ve met Hero before?” The commotion had forced the others out of their trances, and Angie stumbles to her feet. “How could you have—?”

But she then realizes, and laughs in disbelief. “I mean, what else could it have been? I knew none of you still trusted me, running off and everything…”

Why else could she have been feeling like this? That crushing suspicion that was more than just an inkling. Angie wasn’t supposed to feel like that anymore, but it was just spilling out.

OH REAL RICH CALLING ME THE PROBLEM, I haven't even done anything! I WASN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING!!

“Wait, shit—!” Theo bolts over, wrapping his arms around Hero and trying to pull them away. He didn’t think it would truly escalate that quickly, or become so personal to them. “It’s all a huge misunderstanding, alright? Bane— it’s just being stupid—!”

[It struggled, Hatred wouldn't give up it didn't want to, why should it even! It thrashed and kicked against Theo trying and failing regain it's painful grip around Bane's neck. It wasn't very hard for Theo to pull Hatred away, despite their sheer determination their body was still pretty light. It continued to flail]

That hatred, known all too well by Theo, still ached in his chest. Even in his happiest moments, it still wrapped his heart in that subtle resentment. It was simply natural.

[After a few minutes of yelling, hitting, kicking and even a few attempts at biting it seemed to have ran out of steam] ii-itts not fairr.....

[Hatred weakly sobbed as it pulled it's knees closer trying and failing to hide it's face fully from view. It didn't want to be looked at or perceived like... this]

He glances between his friends, exchanging a wary look with Archer, who seemed to be calming down already. At least things were settling, for the most part.

You... you're c-close, it's... something like that........ [It paused, it's face twisting into surprise] W-waitt, have n-non of you... realised yet..? R-really..???

The room fully stops, and Archer mumbled a weakened ‘what?’ from the corner.

“I had my suspicions,” Theo finally speaks up. “What else could explain this weird feeling I got around them? I felt the same with Builderman…”

[It walked towards one of the Ghostwalker's picking it back up, clutching it securely in it's hands.] Unfortunately I don't know how to get back.

“Unfortunately, this issue is outside of our current scope.” Bane shrugged, rising to its feet. It stretches its neck, still sore from Hatred’s attack.

“So much for your pursuit of the forbidden knowledge,” Archer chuckled weakly before turning to Hero- Hatred? They hesitated for a moment, the words scrambling at the tip of their tongue.

On one hand, Archer was… alright with Hero. As a person. As ‘Hero’.

Hero was a funny guy, Archer thinks— and they’re a little weird sometimes, but they’re sure anyone could agree that, despite it all, they couldn’t even out-weird Archer themself.

On the other hand, ‘Hatred’ was now in the picture. Archer understood that it wasn’t the same, that somehow they are different, but the fear keeps on crawling back. Screaming in their head to run away. Its very presence seemed to amplify the things they’ve learned to calm— maybe it wasn’t yet ‘tamed’.

Yes it is like the "Theo situation". I beat them over and over and over again until they just... couldn't anymore! I fully took them over, it's just Hatred here now. Always has been! [Its smile widened]

I suppose the big difference between Hero and Theo is that Theo still had autonomy.

[Hatred snickered to itself, pointing towards its head] I'm not sure if they're even still rattling around in here honestly. Certainly haven't given me any indication they are!

“Then how are you so… nice?” Angie whispered, conflict already boiling in her eyes. “You take all that enjoyment in hurting someone who is… essentially part of you. Holding all this hate for them, but still acting nice around us.”

Was it actually real? She was starting to question. Sure, it may have been the same as Theo’s situation, in a sense, but everyone had already known he was being controlled.

With this Hatred, none of them were aware.

I'm nice? [It asked wincing a little at how shocked it sounded, it fidgeted awkwardly trying to come up with any sort of response that would answer Angie's question]

I... I don't- know? How am I supposed to know?? .......Non of you are them so why would I not... be genuine... I guess????

“If you’re an incarnation of hatred, theoretically, that’s all you’re supposed to feel. But I haven’t felt that kind of sentiment towards us yet— except for Bane.”

He knew what it was like, though not to this extent. Hatred still lived in him, but he was lucky enough to come to terms with it. To have the resources to come back from that. If he had been alone, like Hero, he would have completely assimilated with that part of himself.

It would be something that they had to confront at some point, right? If only Hatred step outside of its own bubble.

(Thanks SO much for the help, Bane.)

[It thought to itself sarcastically putting the Ghostwalker away it brushed the dirt from their pants. They looked around but it didn't recognise these woods.]

[It couldn't be Turitopulis this certainly wasn't a rain forest, but it also wasn't snowing either... maybe the meadows but it certainly wasn't a part they had ever seen before.]

[Luckly the forest wasn't all too dense meaning it was able to spot a blue blur moving energetically off in the distance. It approached quietly ducking behind a tree to watch. Maybe they could follow this individual to civilization?]

@ask-possessed-player

Archer glances down at their watch, bouncing up and down on their toes. It was far too early in the morning to be doing intense runs like this, but they really needed to clear their head.

Beads of sweat drip from their forehead, and they wipe it with a shaky huff. They didn’t mean to travel this far. Archer wasn’t even sure if they could make it back to the hotel before anyone noticed. Glancing down at their watch, they realize they didn’t have long until the early-risers would start getting up.

“Okay, this is great. Just.. really far away.” They scoff to themself. Genius plan, wasn’t it? Even after promising Angie they’d stop doing this. But who could blame them? This was the easiest way to keep their head screwed on right.

There was no choice but to head back now. Archer turns around, ready to start jogging, but a small movement catches their eyes.

[It grumbled something under it's breath only to look up and met the gaze of a very surprised Archer. All that added movement and noise seems to have alerted them]

[Neither moved for a very long, awkward moment. Slowly Hatred stepped out from behind the tree giving Archer an awkward wave as it spoke.]

Okay, well. They did see them hiding, but only just now. Archer really wasn't expecting anyone to be out and about, especially in a forest at the ungodly early hours of the morning. It was hardly even light out.

I was just... out on stroll and I got lost... I have no idea how to get back... maybe you could be of service?

[Hatred smiled trying to seem nice and totally not suspicious but it was very clearly not working as well as they'd hope considering the way Archer was staring.]

Nearby was an overstatement. The village they were staying at was well over an hour away, and that's at Archer's sprinting speeds.

"You sure you're not from anywhere nearby here?" They raised an eyebrow, looking over the other a couple times. Really reminded them of Theo, at least the a-couple-months-ago version of him. Maybe it was just the red eyes.

Red... eyes. Come to think of it, the only time they've ever seen Theo with red eyes was during and after-

[It rattled off it's clunky explanation of a 'backstory' as they walked, the lack of planning time was really throwing Hatred off. If only they had thought of something sooner luckily it knows a traveller that be used as backstory fuel]

[It shifted the subject, best to not dig itself any deeper in this hole]

They clicked their tongue at the other question, hesitating. Running into a forest far from home wasn't the most believable explanation. "Ah, y'know. Just joggin' around. Getting those morning workouts in. Keeps me sharp for the rest of the day."

Archer continues their subtle observation over the person as they talked. They claimed to be a traveler, yet they weren't carrying anything for campouts... not even necessities like food and water. Just breezing through a forest with no supplies at all? It would make sense if they were staying somewhere and left it all there, but still. Nobody rawdogs anything as a traveler. Not even strolls.

[It rolled it's eyes at Archer excuse, it was as flimsy as their own. If a stroll hadn't seemed to make sense, why would a run make anymore sense? People are weird. Hatred continued to speak, it needed to at least figure out where it had ended up.]

They nodded with a slight shrug. "That's about right. Kind of just resting up after doing some... community service. We're kind of tight, you know? So we kinda stick together through everything."

Not like they really had any other choice, anyway. Who ever knew whenever Shedletsky would call in about another sword? Plus, Archer loved the company.

Their gaze trails down to a sword- a sword?! The guy was carrying nothing but a sword? Archer pauses in their words. Hero was... a lot weirder than they originally thought.

[Archer could help but look over them again, they were also wearing a small, black backpack and that sword. It looked strangely worn yet still unused? Like it had been used for combat once upon a time but eventually it had become a mare decoration]

They stared at Hero’s backpack again. Maybe they were carrying something, albeit not that much. Not enough to be traveling for multiple days.

“We’re near uh… damn, I’m blanking…” Archer taps their chin. “It wasn’t like, C... Cr… Crater-something? Along those lines.”

Archer did in fact know what the village was, but.. to think a traveler wouldn’t know the towns nearby, despite being in a forest… alone. On a stroll. You had to come from some place, where you started that stroll.

It was a little suspicious, to be honest.

They’re also realizing that eye contact with Hero was… uncomfortable. Somehow. It was a nagging feeling in their gut, and Archer always knew to trust that.

Yes, I don't like carrying much with me.

[It was clear from the way Archer was staring, Hatred had been doing a pretty bad job at pretending. Well and truly they were suspicious from head to toe, it thought trying to figure out a way to get itself back to just normal weirdo territory]

What’s with that sudden change in tone? Archer wasn’t being that obvious, were they?

“Nah, it’s good, just… you kinda remind of… something. Sorry if it was rude or anythin’.”

They really didn’t like that flat tone of theirs. Not in a way where it was annoying, but it set off a series of alarms in Archer’s head. It reminded them too much of Angie’s slow spirals in the Dream World. Of Bane’s quiet descent into its guilt, and Theo’s… unnerving behaviors that aligned a little too closely with Hero now.

And they really didn’t like that association.

[Is this how off-putting people usually found it? They don't think so, it knew it could be uncomfortable to be around but this was different than just being uncomfortable. Archer was scared]

You're shaking. [Hatred pointed out matter of factly]

If you're concerned about me a danger don't be. We're the only two people for who knows how long, hurting you would just be silly of me.

They still sounded unsure, and it didn’t absolve the uncomfortable air around Hero. It was more than just a nervous knot in their stomach now. It was oppressive, and Archer couldn't ignore the inherent urge to run away. Something in their body was screaming at them to do it, but they couldn't pinpoint what it was.

[The pair continued to walk an uncomfortable, awkward silence stretching between them as they progressed, it could feel the tension building in the air and Hatred decided that it was their job to break it.]

How about you talk while we walk hm? Tell me about your friends perhaps? It could help with your anxieties.

“Safe to say that they’re kind of my ride or dies! We’ve all seen the worst parts of each other, and we’re still stuck like glue. Even if it wasn’t so easy at first to come out of that.” They shrugged, thinking back on the first few weeks after the Ghostwalker. Nobody could talk to anybody, and it was a whole lot of walking on eggshells until Bane finally put its foot down and started a conversation.

“Like one of them, they’re kind of mysterious, but turns out it’s just harboring all this guilt,” Archer gestures vaguely. Probably a bad idea to go too deep into all of that. “But um, I’d hate to let any of them down.

In truth I've never had... friends. So I am quite unfamiliar with your experiences.

[How could something like it ever have a thing like friends? It was Hatred, the others never liked it and it only had shallow acquaintances by associate of taking someone life.]

The fact that Hero reminded them of Theo wasn’t as good as they were framing it to be. Of course, they were still being genuine about the possibility of them getting along, but it was more than that. Archer hadn’t forgotten the unsettling feeling they got around them.

Discomfort coils up their chest again, this time a lot more prominent. It was finally beginning to take root, and Archer did not welcome this unpleasant feeling.

Sure, I've got time on my hands at the moment. Meeting your friends sounds... nice.

[Hatred smiled, internally amused by Archer's comparison with it and this Theo person. Poor Archer didn't even know how badly they'd just insulted their friend]

Do you think we're almost there?

They grin back at Hero. “Yeah, it’ll be fun. They’re a good bunch. Maybe a little weird, but still fun.”

The two continued their walk for a while longer, and Archer squints into the distance. A building. They remember passing it by before they started spiraling.

[As the pair came up towards the hotel Hatred gestured for Archer to go in first]

Archer leads Hero up to their room, fumbling for the keys before finally pushing the door open.

The space was a little larger than the average hotel room, but it was still humble. Nothing incredibly fancy.

It was quiet inside, and Archer lets out a loud sigh of relief. They turn and whisper-shout to Hero. “Ohmygod, thank the Spawn. It was about to get really messy if anyone was—”

One of the floorboards down the hall creaks, and Archer’s face genuinely pales.

“Nice to see you’re finally up early.” A new voice, a little groggy, comes from down the hall.

“Fuck, oh my god,” Archer groans, but a smile returns back to their face. “Theo! Woah! Wasn’t expecting you to be up! I brought a pal over, since they were lost and stuff.”

Uh- Hello... and Good morning..?

And plus, he wasn’t used to it happening. Collecting the swords was a… closed job, for the most part, so they’ve only ever met people associated with the missions Shedletsky sent them on— with the exception of Kyoko.

“Hey, good to meet you, Hero.” He flashes a tired but polite smile. “I hope they weren’t givin’ you any trouble.”

He gives Hero a quick look-over.

There’s the weird fashion choice, obviously. Dressed a little too differently from everyone else in the time period— or maybe the trends were evolving? Angie might know something about that.

And then, the other… notable feature. It’s visible even in the dark, which is… shocking.

“You’ve got eyes like mine.” He flicks the ceiling light on to a low setting and gestures to his face.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention that!” Archer skids between them, glancing between the two. “Except yours are a lot more faded, since we’re no longer in—”

“Shut up.” Theo grunts, glaring at Archer with a ‘why-would-you-say-that’ look. He turns back to Hero. “They’re just saying whatever. It’s cool though.”

[Hatred's eyes glowed? That was a first, but it certainly wasn't an unwelcome realization. As They and Theo had agreed, it was pretty cool... thinking about it now, were these the heroes of this world? It would certainly check out from the info it had but that also meant Bane would be floating around, that could become an issue...]

They dashed away, footsteps fading. Once they were gone, Theo turns towards Hero, his expression dropping just slightly.

"So," He says, crossing his arms. "It's kind of rare for Robloxians to have red eyes, you know. What city did you come from?"

Hero was... suspicious to him. From the very moment he met them, he could tell that something was off. Whether that was the unsettling aura or the faint familiarity Theo felt when he saw them.

...Frankly it's non of your business. [Was the answer Hatred finally picked, still dressed up several layers of empty politeness, trying to mask the slight hostility creeping into it's voice]

Theo retains his glare, the look in his eyes hard and cautious. He could be overstepping, making a bad impression, but he couldn’t let something like this slip by.

“I just hope you won’t end up like—”

“Hey! You guys done over there?” Archer calls from down the hall. They peek from around the corner, followed by two others. “We gotta held out before it gets too crowded.”

Just hours ago, it had barely escaped the grasp of another Hatred, only for the very same one to be dragged right into the party’s morning outing— and by Archer, of all people.

It managed to hide their identity, deciding that, based on Archer’s excitement, it would be a horrible idea to reveal that they’ve just brought Hatred incarnate into their home.

Bane wonders if anyone else had noticed. In retrospect, it was a little obvious, given the nature of the one who named themself ‘Hero’— which it thought was an ironic name itself— but everyone seemed alright with their company, and they weren’t hurting anyone.

Or so it hoped.

-

“Okay, we can go…” Angie glances between two stalls, squinting at the menus taped to each post. “Mm, there really isn’t anything we haven’t tried yet…”

She realizes that they’ve stayed in this village for far too long— and it was supposed to be a laid-back one! She liked the slow life, but when your life was made up of finishing quests, you’re bound to get a little bored of normality.

Me really?? I- uh alright let's see......

[It hadn't really tried much food, and there was also so meny options that it was honestly a slightly overwhelming decision to simply be thrusted upon it... what even categorised food as 'Breakfast' anyways??]

While Angie and Hero glanced over the different options, Bane and Archer observed from behind.

-

“Nice to know we finally know someone outside of the sword business, huh?” Archer remarked, slinging an arm over the other’s shoulders. “I mean, that would make two now: Kyoko and Hero.”

Bane hesitates. Archer was… not exactly right. Hatred— or, Hero now, was anything but ‘outside of sword business’. And it even found its way out of the Dream World…

“Yes. They’re… a refreshing, new face in our busy lives. You and Angie seem to get along well with them.”

[Hatred ignored the thought turning towards Angie, asking her with genuine delight]

She calls the stand owner and orders one. Hero was pretty sweet! Honestly, she was expecting them to be a little crazy, given Archer’s personality, but they were pretty much the complete opposite.

Oh right- well, Archer was on a 'morning run' and I simply happened to stumble upon them. I was a little lost at the time so I'm quite lucky to have run into them..!

“They were on a morning run?” Her expression retained its friendliness, but concern had started to bubble in her eyes. That was awfully early for a run in the mornings.

Archer had promised her that they wouldn’t try running off whenever those nightmares came back. She reassured them that they could trust everyone and talk, but… did they not trust her?

Maybe she was overthinking it too much. She should probably just forget about it. Archer was… they were getting a lot better recently. She hoped.

[Hatred chuckled to itself, finding it's relatively innocent yet sarcastic jab towards Archer maybe a little too funny. It's giggles slowly as it spoke up again.]

This village is nice though, even with it's confusing pathways. It very... homey, I'd say.

[Hatred fell quiet for moment, it's eyes absentmindedly scanning Angie up and down. It wanted to try striking the nail with the friendship hammer pretty hard after all!]

In fact, Angie still yearned for that part of her life. Going on these quests were fun, sure, but… she had a life going for her in the present. In Modern Bizville. It felt selfish to think that way, but it was her life. She hardly had the time to do any art now.

“Your life can get turned around so suddenly. And I… I appreciate them,” she glanced over at the others, and her jaw clenches a little. “But I…”

Angie paused, before shaking her head. She can’t just say those things! That’s exactly what Hatred had used against her. She was supposed to be over all of this by now.

It's okay to be angry you know. [It began with a calm smile] You so obviously resent your current position, so why not be upset about it? It's your right after all.

Hero was… a little right. It was okay to be angry, but she didn’t want to hold it against her friends. None of this was anyone’s fault.

She wondered if they felt the same, at some point in their life.

...Yes, I do... Although I think our responses to our turmoils are quite different, you've gone down a route of solitude while I've picked a much more...... violent path.

Going down a route of solitude… never thought she’d hear words like that again.

They were all seated at a table, leaving two empty spots for Angie and Hero. She takes the one beside Archer, leaving the only other one across from Bane, who stared intensely at… ‘Hero’.

“We got some of the soup from that stall,” she points in the general direction. Angie says cheerfully, “And kinda talked for a bit! Hero’s pretty interesting once you get to know them a little.”

I don't need to share such information if I don't want too...

It pauses, weighing their options. It wouldn’t make sense to let the shoe drop on everyone else now, but it was pretty sure that Theo was well aware by now.

“I was not being pushy. I was only making an observation about Hero.”

“Okay, maybe all of y’all get this weird feeling around them, sure, but it’s all probably just the stress from the Heights!”

“… Yeah, like that’s a reasonable explanation.” Theo grunts, and Archer smacks the back of his head.

Oh uh-... I- okay. [It managed quietly nodding it's head and giving Archer one awkward thumbs up, the surprise was written all over it's face. How long would this all last before it finally blew up???]

Theo raises a brow, unconvinced. She was talking about Builderman. “And why compare Hero to that? Compare them to me, by extension?”

She pauses, glancing between Hero and the other. Angie understands the implication behind those words, but… that’s a low possibility. Very low. Or she hoped.

“Don’t just say that,” she sighs. “That’s behind us, and it’s over.”

“I’m just sayin’, if you put two and two together…” But Angie quickly stops him.

[Hatred suddenly started, their harsh, intense gaze intent upon Bane and Theo. Mostly Theo, it didn't take a genius to figure out why Bane stared at them like that. It continued it's calm smile beginning to strain]

Am I not allowed to be nice? Am I really just some... unforgivable sin to you both?

“Hey, that’s a huge accusation to be making about them! We’re the only ones who know about that world—“ Archer starts nervously, trying to hold Theo back. Deep in their eyes, a subtle fear could be recognized. “They haven’t done anything to us yet.“

[It bluntly said it's smile fully dropping as it looked at Bane, it felt like it was in trouble. In trouble for a crime it hadn't even committed to these people! It balled it's hands into tight fists, shrinking backwards into it's seat uncomfortably. It hated this.]

"If not now, then when? This opportunity will slip from our grasp," Bane replies calmly. It clutches the ghostly sword in its hand, raising it. "Rest assured, I do not mean to hurt any of us. This is simply meant to... clear any misconceptions."

A shudder crawls up their spine, and Archer clutches their head as incoherent voices whisper into their ear. It wasn’t actually there, but— this wasn’t supposed to happen anymore. Theo’s hatred had long calmed down, no longer causing such severe side effects.

They whipped their head towards the source and sputtered in shock.

Hero, standing right there, perfectly okay in the Dream World, which should only really exist to the group.

“How the fu—”

Was what I was doing really so wrong..?

[It asked itself sounding like it was trying not to scream, it tillted it's head towards Archer and Angie. It watched as Archer visible flinched back and Angie stared at it with a distant look it knew all too well... it wanted to punch Bane until they stopped.]

“Hiding your identity, knowing our circumstances— yes, I believe that it was wrong,” its tone, though angry, is laced with guilt. Bane could accuse Hatred all hey wanted, but were they in the right for this themself? “Leaving the Dream World and targeting my companions is something I can’t forgive.”

“Bane, how are you not questioning that?”

“We have… other priorities.”

“I’m pretty sure a second Ghostwalker is very important,” Theo wracked his head for a moment. Everything was happening too fast for him. “And… the others. We have to remember what comes first, remember? We could be… overthinking this?”

He admits, he was highly suspicious of Hero. But he saw himself in them too much, just their subtle behaviors. It set him off, seeing almost another version of himself, without any support systems.

WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO JUST SAY IN DREAM WORLD FOREVER!

A-and didn't even know Archer was apart of your stupid little group until I was already in the hotel because someone here is overly vague and never bothered to tell me their names!

“Are you saying that you’ve met Hero before?” The commotion had forced the others out of their trances, and Angie stumbles to her feet. “How could you have—?”

But she then realizes, and laughs in disbelief. “I mean, what else could it have been? I knew none of you still trusted me, running off and everything…”

Why else could she have been feeling like this? That crushing suspicion that was more than just an inkling. Angie wasn’t supposed to feel like that anymore, but it was just spilling out.

OH REAL RICH CALLING ME THE PROBLEM, I haven't even done anything! I WASN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING!!

“Wait, shit—!” Theo bolts over, wrapping his arms around Hero and trying to pull them away. He didn’t think it would truly escalate that quickly, or become so personal to them. “It’s all a huge misunderstanding, alright? Bane— it’s just being stupid—!”

[It struggled, Hatred wouldn't give up it didn't want to, why should it even! It thrashed and kicked against Theo trying and failing regain it's painful grip around Bane's neck. It wasn't very hard for Theo to pull Hatred away, despite their sheer determination their body was still pretty light. It continued to flail]

That hatred, known all too well by Theo, still ached in his chest. Even in his happiest moments, it still wrapped his heart in that subtle resentment. It was simply natural.

[After a few minutes of yelling, hitting, kicking and even a few attempts at biting it seemed to have ran out of steam] ii-itts not fairr.....

[Hatred weakly sobbed as it pulled it's knees closer trying and failing to hide it's face fully from view. It didn't want to be looked at or perceived like... this]

He glances between his friends, exchanging a wary look with Archer, who seemed to be calming down already. At least things were settling, for the most part.

You... you're c-close, it's... something like that........ [It paused, it's face twisting into surprise] W-waitt, have n-non of you... realised yet..? R-really..???

The room fully stops, and Archer mumbled a weakened ‘what?’ from the corner.

“I had my suspicions,” Theo finally speaks up. “What else could explain this weird feeling I got around them? I felt the same with Builderman…”

[It walked towards one of the Ghostwalker's picking it back up, clutching it securely in it's hands.] Unfortunately I don't know how to get back.

“Unfortunately, this issue is outside of our current scope.” Bane shrugged, rising to its feet. It stretches its neck, still sore from Hatred’s attack.

“So much for your pursuit of the forbidden knowledge,” Archer chuckled weakly before turning to Hero- Hatred? They hesitated for a moment, the words scrambling at the tip of their tongue.

On one hand, Archer was… alright with Hero. As a person. As ‘Hero’.

Hero was a funny guy, Archer thinks— and they’re a little weird sometimes, but they’re sure anyone could agree that, despite it all, they couldn’t even out-weird Archer themself.

On the other hand, ‘Hatred’ was now in the picture. Archer understood that it wasn’t the same, that somehow they are different, but the fear keeps on crawling back. Screaming in their head to run away. Its very presence seemed to amplify the things they’ve learned to calm— maybe it wasn’t yet ‘tamed’.

Yes it is like the "Theo situation". I beat them over and over and over again until they just... couldn't anymore! I fully took them over, it's just Hatred here now. Always has been! [Its smile widened]

I suppose the big difference between Hero and Theo is that Theo still had autonomy.

[Hatred snickered to itself, pointing towards its head] I'm not sure if they're even still rattling around in here honestly. Certainly haven't given me any indication they are!

“Then how are you so… nice?” Angie whispered, conflict already boiling in her eyes. “You take all that enjoyment in hurting someone who is… essentially part of you. Holding all this hate for them, but still acting nice around us.”

Was it actually real? She was starting to question. Sure, it may have been the same as Theo’s situation, in a sense, but everyone had already known he was being controlled.

With this Hatred, none of them were aware.

I'm nice? [It asked wincing a little at how shocked it sounded, it fidgeted awkwardly trying to come up with any sort of response that would answer Angie's question]

I... I don't- know? How am I supposed to know?? .......Non of you are them so why would I not... be genuine... I guess????

“If you’re an incarnation of hatred, theoretically, that’s all you’re supposed to feel. But I haven’t felt that kind of sentiment towards us yet— except for Bane.”

He knew what it was like, though not to this extent. Hatred still lived in him, but he was lucky enough to come to terms with it. To have the resources to come back from that. If he had been alone, like Hero, he would have completely assimilated with that part of himself.

(Thanks SO much for the help, Bane.)

[It thought to itself sarcastically putting the Ghostwalker away it brushed the dirt from their pants. They looked around but it didn't recognise these woods.]

[It couldn't be Turitopulis this certainly wasn't a rain forest, but it also wasn't snowing either... maybe the meadows but it certainly wasn't a part they had ever seen before.]

[Luckly the forest wasn't all too dense meaning it was able to spot a blue blur moving energetically off in the distance. It approached quietly ducking behind a tree to watch. Maybe they could follow this individual to civilization?]

@ask-possessed-player

Archer glances down at their watch, bouncing up and down on their toes. It was far too early in the morning to be doing intense runs like this, but they really needed to clear their head.

Beads of sweat drip from their forehead, and they wipe it with a shaky huff. They didn’t mean to travel this far. Archer wasn’t even sure if they could make it back to the hotel before anyone noticed. Glancing down at their watch, they realize they didn’t have long until the early-risers would start getting up.

“Okay, this is great. Just.. really far away.” They scoff to themself. Genius plan, wasn’t it? Even after promising Angie they’d stop doing this. But who could blame them? This was the easiest way to keep their head screwed on right.

There was no choice but to head back now. Archer turns around, ready to start jogging, but a small movement catches their eyes.

[It grumbled something under it's breath only to look up and met the gaze of a very surprised Archer. All that added movement and noise seems to have alerted them]

[Neither moved for a very long, awkward moment. Slowly Hatred stepped out from behind the tree giving Archer an awkward wave as it spoke.]

Okay, well. They did see them hiding, but only just now. Archer really wasn't expecting anyone to be out and about, especially in a forest at the ungodly early hours of the morning. It was hardly even light out.

I was just... out on stroll and I got lost... I have no idea how to get back... maybe you could be of service?

[Hatred smiled trying to seem nice and totally not suspicious but it was very clearly not working as well as they'd hope considering the way Archer was staring.]

Nearby was an overstatement. The village they were staying at was well over an hour away, and that's at Archer's sprinting speeds.

"You sure you're not from anywhere nearby here?" They raised an eyebrow, looking over the other a couple times. Really reminded them of Theo, at least the a-couple-months-ago version of him. Maybe it was just the red eyes.

Red... eyes. Come to think of it, the only time they've ever seen Theo with red eyes was during and after-

[It rattled off it's clunky explanation of a 'backstory' as they walked, the lack of planning time was really throwing Hatred off. If only they had thought of something sooner luckily it knows a traveller that be used as backstory fuel]

[It shifted the subject, best to not dig itself any deeper in this hole]

They clicked their tongue at the other question, hesitating. Running into a forest far from home wasn't the most believable explanation. "Ah, y'know. Just joggin' around. Getting those morning workouts in. Keeps me sharp for the rest of the day."

Archer continues their subtle observation over the person as they talked. They claimed to be a traveler, yet they weren't carrying anything for campouts... not even necessities like food and water. Just breezing through a forest with no supplies at all? It would make sense if they were staying somewhere and left it all there, but still. Nobody rawdogs anything as a traveler. Not even strolls.

[It rolled it's eyes at Archer excuse, it was as flimsy as their own. If a stroll hadn't seemed to make sense, why would a run make anymore sense? People are weird. Hatred continued to speak, it needed to at least figure out where it had ended up.]

They nodded with a slight shrug. "That's about right. Kind of just resting up after doing some... community service. We're kind of tight, you know? So we kinda stick together through everything."

Not like they really had any other choice, anyway. Who ever knew whenever Shedletsky would call in about another sword? Plus, Archer loved the company.

Their gaze trails down to a sword- a sword?! The guy was carrying nothing but a sword? Archer pauses in their words. Hero was... a lot weirder than they originally thought.

[Archer could help but look over them again, they were also wearing a small, black backpack and that sword. It looked strangely worn yet still unused? Like it had been used for combat once upon a time but eventually it had become a mare decoration]

They stared at Hero’s backpack again. Maybe they were carrying something, albeit not that much. Not enough to be traveling for multiple days.

“We’re near uh… damn, I’m blanking…” Archer taps their chin. “It wasn’t like, C... Cr… Crater-something? Along those lines.”

Archer did in fact know what the village was, but.. to think a traveler wouldn’t know the towns nearby, despite being in a forest… alone. On a stroll. You had to come from some place, where you started that stroll.

It was a little suspicious, to be honest.

They’re also realizing that eye contact with Hero was… uncomfortable. Somehow. It was a nagging feeling in their gut, and Archer always knew to trust that.

Yes, I don't like carrying much with me.

[It was clear from the way Archer was staring, Hatred had been doing a pretty bad job at pretending. Well and truly they were suspicious from head to toe, it thought trying to figure out a way to get itself back to just normal weirdo territory]

What’s with that sudden change in tone? Archer wasn’t being that obvious, were they?

“Nah, it’s good, just… you kinda remind of… something. Sorry if it was rude or anythin’.”

They really didn’t like that flat tone of theirs. Not in a way where it was annoying, but it set off a series of alarms in Archer’s head. It reminded them too much of Angie’s slow spirals in the Dream World. Of Bane’s quiet descent into its guilt, and Theo’s… unnerving behaviors that aligned a little too closely with Hero now.

And they really didn’t like that association.

[Is this how off-putting people usually found it? They don't think so, it knew it could be uncomfortable to be around but this was different than just being uncomfortable. Archer was scared]

You're shaking. [Hatred pointed out matter of factly]

If you're concerned about me a danger don't be. We're the only two people for who knows how long, hurting you would just be silly of me.

They still sounded unsure, and it didn’t absolve the uncomfortable air around Hero. It was more than just a nervous knot in their stomach now. It was oppressive, and Archer couldn't ignore the inherent urge to run away. Something in their body was screaming at them to do it, but they couldn't pinpoint what it was.

[The pair continued to walk an uncomfortable, awkward silence stretching between them as they progressed, it could feel the tension building in the air and Hatred decided that it was their job to break it.]

How about you talk while we walk hm? Tell me about your friends perhaps? It could help with your anxieties.

“Safe to say that they’re kind of my ride or dies! We’ve all seen the worst parts of each other, and we’re still stuck like glue. Even if it wasn’t so easy at first to come out of that.” They shrugged, thinking back on the first few weeks after the Ghostwalker. Nobody could talk to anybody, and it was a whole lot of walking on eggshells until Bane finally put its foot down and started a conversation.

“Like one of them, they’re kind of mysterious, but turns out it’s just harboring all this guilt,” Archer gestures vaguely. Probably a bad idea to go too deep into all of that. “But um, I’d hate to let any of them down.

In truth I've never had... friends. So I am quite unfamiliar with your experiences.

[How could something like it ever have a thing like friends? It was Hatred, the others never liked it and it only had shallow acquaintances by associate of taking someone life.]

The fact that Hero reminded them of Theo wasn’t as good as they were framing it to be. Of course, they were still being genuine about the possibility of them getting along, but it was more than that. Archer hadn’t forgotten the unsettling feeling they got around them.

Discomfort coils up their chest again, this time a lot more prominent. It was finally beginning to take root, and Archer did not welcome this unpleasant feeling.

Sure, I've got time on my hands at the moment. Meeting your friends sounds... nice.

[Hatred smiled, internally amused by Archer's comparison with it and this Theo person. Poor Archer didn't even know how badly they'd just insulted their friend]

Do you think we're almost there?

They grin back at Hero. “Yeah, it’ll be fun. They’re a good bunch. Maybe a little weird, but still fun.”

The two continued their walk for a while longer, and Archer squints into the distance. A building. They remember passing it by before they started spiraling.

[As the pair came up towards the hotel Hatred gestured for Archer to go in first]

Archer leads Hero up to their room, fumbling for the keys before finally pushing the door open.

The space was a little larger than the average hotel room, but it was still humble. Nothing incredibly fancy.

It was quiet inside, and Archer lets out a loud sigh of relief. They turn and whisper-shout to Hero. “Ohmygod, thank the Spawn. It was about to get really messy if anyone was—”

One of the floorboards down the hall creaks, and Archer’s face genuinely pales.

“Nice to see you’re finally up early.” A new voice, a little groggy, comes from down the hall.

“Fuck, oh my god,” Archer groans, but a smile returns back to their face. “Theo! Woah! Wasn’t expecting you to be up! I brought a pal over, since they were lost and stuff.”

Uh- Hello... and Good morning..?

And plus, he wasn’t used to it happening. Collecting the swords was a… closed job, for the most part, so they’ve only ever met people associated with the missions Shedletsky sent them on— with the exception of Kyoko.

“Hey, good to meet you, Hero.” He flashes a tired but polite smile. “I hope they weren’t givin’ you any trouble.”

He gives Hero a quick look-over.

There’s the weird fashion choice, obviously. Dressed a little too differently from everyone else in the time period— or maybe the trends were evolving? Angie might know something about that.

And then, the other… notable feature. It’s visible even in the dark, which is… shocking.

“You’ve got eyes like mine.” He flicks the ceiling light on to a low setting and gestures to his face.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention that!” Archer skids between them, glancing between the two. “Except yours are a lot more faded, since we’re no longer in—”

“Shut up.” Theo grunts, glaring at Archer with a ‘why-would-you-say-that’ look. He turns back to Hero. “They’re just saying whatever. It’s cool though.”

[Hatred's eyes glowed? That was a first, but it certainly wasn't an unwelcome realization. As They and Theo had agreed, it was pretty cool... thinking about it now, were these the heroes of this world? It would certainly check out from the info it had but that also meant Bane would be floating around, that could become an issue...]

They dashed away, footsteps fading. Once they were gone, Theo turns towards Hero, his expression dropping just slightly.

"So," He says, crossing his arms. "It's kind of rare for Robloxians to have red eyes, you know. What city did you come from?"

Hero was... suspicious to him. From the very moment he met them, he could tell that something was off. Whether that was the unsettling aura or the faint familiarity Theo felt when he saw them.

...Frankly it's non of your business. [Was the answer Hatred finally picked, still dressed up several layers of empty politeness, trying to mask the slight hostility creeping into it's voice]

Theo retains his glare, the look in his eyes hard and cautious. He could be overstepping, making a bad impression, but he couldn’t let something like this slip by.

“I just hope you won’t end up like—”

“Hey! You guys done over there?” Archer calls from down the hall. They peek from around the corner, followed by two others. “We gotta held out before it gets too crowded.”

Just hours ago, it had barely escaped the grasp of another Hatred, only for the very same one to be dragged right into the party’s morning outing— and by Archer, of all people.

It managed to hide their identity, deciding that, based on Archer’s excitement, it would be a horrible idea to reveal that they’ve just brought Hatred incarnate into their home.

Bane wonders if anyone else had noticed. In retrospect, it was a little obvious, given the nature of the one who named themself ‘Hero’— which it thought was an ironic name itself— but everyone seemed alright with their company, and they weren’t hurting anyone.

Or so it hoped.

-

“Okay, we can go…” Angie glances between two stalls, squinting at the menus taped to each post. “Mm, there really isn’t anything we haven’t tried yet…”

She realizes that they’ve stayed in this village for far too long— and it was supposed to be a laid-back one! She liked the slow life, but when your life was made up of finishing quests, you’re bound to get a little bored of normality.

Me really?? I- uh alright let's see......

[It hadn't really tried much food, and there was also so meny options that it was honestly a slightly overwhelming decision to simply be thrusted upon it... what even categorised food as 'Breakfast' anyways??]

While Angie and Hero glanced over the different options, Bane and Archer observed from behind.

-

“Nice to know we finally know someone outside of the sword business, huh?” Archer remarked, slinging an arm over the other’s shoulders. “I mean, that would make two now: Kyoko and Hero.”

Bane hesitates. Archer was… not exactly right. Hatred— or, Hero now, was anything but ‘outside of sword business’. And it even found its way out of the Dream World…

“Yes. They’re… a refreshing, new face in our busy lives. You and Angie seem to get along well with them.”

[Hatred ignored the thought turning towards Angie, asking her with genuine delight]

She calls the stand owner and orders one. Hero was pretty sweet! Honestly, she was expecting them to be a little crazy, given Archer’s personality, but they were pretty much the complete opposite.

Oh right- well, Archer was on a 'morning run' and I simply happened to stumble upon them. I was a little lost at the time so I'm quite lucky to have run into them..!

“They were on a morning run?” Her expression retained its friendliness, but concern had started to bubble in her eyes. That was awfully early for a run in the mornings.

Archer had promised her that they wouldn’t try running off whenever those nightmares came back. She reassured them that they could trust everyone and talk, but… did they not trust her?

Maybe she was overthinking it too much. She should probably just forget about it. Archer was… they were getting a lot better recently. She hoped.

[Hatred chuckled to itself, finding it's relatively innocent yet sarcastic jab towards Archer maybe a little too funny. It's giggles slowly as it spoke up again.]

This village is nice though, even with it's confusing pathways. It very... homey, I'd say.

[Hatred fell quiet for moment, it's eyes absentmindedly scanning Angie up and down. It wanted to try striking the nail with the friendship hammer pretty hard after all!]

In fact, Angie still yearned for that part of her life. Going on these quests were fun, sure, but… she had a life going for her in the present. In Modern Bizville. It felt selfish to think that way, but it was her life. She hardly had the time to do any art now.

“Your life can get turned around so suddenly. And I… I appreciate them,” she glanced over at the others, and her jaw clenches a little. “But I…”

Angie paused, before shaking her head. She can’t just say those things! That’s exactly what Hatred had used against her. She was supposed to be over all of this by now.

It's okay to be angry you know. [It began with a calm smile] You so obviously resent your current position, so why not be upset about it? It's your right after all.

Hero was… a little right. It was okay to be angry, but she didn’t want to hold it against her friends. None of this was anyone’s fault.

She wondered if they felt the same, at some point in their life.

...Yes, I do... Although I think our responses to our turmoils are quite different, you've gone down a route of solitude while I've picked a much more...... violent path.

Going down a route of solitude… never thought she’d hear words like that again.

They were all seated at a table, leaving two empty spots for Angie and Hero. She takes the one beside Archer, leaving the only other one across from Bane, who stared intensely at… ‘Hero’.

“We got some of the soup from that stall,” she points in the general direction. Angie says cheerfully, “And kinda talked for a bit! Hero’s pretty interesting once you get to know them a little.”

I don't need to share such information if I don't want too...

It pauses, weighing their options. It wouldn’t make sense to let the shoe drop on everyone else now, but it was pretty sure that Theo was well aware by now.

“I was not being pushy. I was only making an observation about Hero.”

“Okay, maybe all of y’all get this weird feeling around them, sure, but it’s all probably just the stress from the Heights!”

“… Yeah, like that’s a reasonable explanation.” Theo grunts, and Archer smacks the back of his head.

Oh uh-... I- okay. [It managed quietly nodding it's head and giving Archer one awkward thumbs up, the surprise was written all over it's face. How long would this all last before it finally blew up???]

Theo raises a brow, unconvinced. She was talking about Builderman. “And why compare Hero to that? Compare them to me, by extension?”

She pauses, glancing between Hero and the other. Angie understands the implication behind those words, but… that’s a low possibility. Very low. Or she hoped.

“Don’t just say that,” she sighs. “That’s behind us, and it’s over.”

“I’m just sayin’, if you put two and two together…” But Angie quickly stops him.

[Hatred suddenly started, their harsh, intense gaze intent upon Bane and Theo. Mostly Theo, it didn't take a genius to figure out why Bane stared at them like that. It continued it's calm smile beginning to strain]

Am I not allowed to be nice? Am I really just some... unforgivable sin to you both?

“Hey, that’s a huge accusation to be making about them! We’re the only ones who know about that world—“ Archer starts nervously, trying to hold Theo back. Deep in their eyes, a subtle fear could be recognized. “They haven’t done anything to us yet.“

[It bluntly said it's smile fully dropping as it looked at Bane, it felt like it was in trouble. In trouble for a crime it hadn't even committed to these people! It balled it's hands into tight fists, shrinking backwards into it's seat uncomfortably. It hated this.]

"If not now, then when? This opportunity will slip from our grasp," Bane replies calmly. It clutches the ghostly sword in its hand, raising it. "Rest assured, I do not mean to hurt any of us. This is simply meant to... clear any misconceptions."

A shudder crawls up their spine, and Archer clutches their head as incoherent voices whisper into their ear. It wasn’t actually there, but— this wasn’t supposed to happen anymore. Theo’s hatred had long calmed down, no longer causing such severe side effects.

They whipped their head towards the source and sputtered in shock.

Hero, standing right there, perfectly okay in the Dream World, which should only really exist to the group.

“How the fu—”

Was what I was doing really so wrong..?

[It asked itself sounding like it was trying not to scream, it tillted it's head towards Archer and Angie. It watched as Archer visible flinched back and Angie stared at it with a distant look it knew all too well... it wanted to punch Bane until they stopped.]

“Hiding your identity, knowing our circumstances— yes, I believe that it was wrong,” its tone, though angry, is laced with guilt. Bane could accuse Hatred all hey wanted, but were they in the right for this themself? “Leaving the Dream World and targeting my companions is something I can’t forgive.”

“Bane, how are you not questioning that?”

“We have… other priorities.”

“I’m pretty sure a second Ghostwalker is very important,” Theo wracked his head for a moment. Everything was happening too fast for him. “And… the others. We have to remember what comes first, remember? We could be… overthinking this?”

He admits, he was highly suspicious of Hero. But he saw himself in them too much, just their subtle behaviors. It set him off, seeing almost another version of himself, without any support systems.

WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO JUST SAY IN DREAM WORLD FOREVER!

A-and didn't even know Archer was apart of your stupid little group until I was already in the hotel because someone here is overly vague and never bothered to tell me their names!

“Are you saying that you’ve met Hero before?” The commotion had forced the others out of their trances, and Angie stumbles to her feet. “How could you have—?”

But she then realizes, and laughs in disbelief. “I mean, what else could it have been? I knew none of you still trusted me, running off and everything…”

Why else could she have been feeling like this? That crushing suspicion that was more than just an inkling. Angie wasn’t supposed to feel like that anymore, but it was just spilling out.

OH REAL RICH CALLING ME THE PROBLEM, I haven't even done anything! I WASN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING!!

“Wait, shit—!” Theo bolts over, wrapping his arms around Hero and trying to pull them away. He didn’t think it would truly escalate that quickly, or become so personal to them. “It’s all a huge misunderstanding, alright? Bane— it’s just being stupid—!”

[It struggled, Hatred wouldn't give up it didn't want to, why should it even! It thrashed and kicked against Theo trying and failing regain it's painful grip around Bane's neck. It wasn't very hard for Theo to pull Hatred away, despite their sheer determination their body was still pretty light. It continued to flail]

That hatred, known all too well by Theo, still ached in his chest. Even in his happiest moments, it still wrapped his heart in that subtle resentment. It was simply natural.

[After a few minutes of yelling, hitting, kicking and even a few attempts at biting it seemed to have ran out of steam] ii-itts not fairr.....

[Hatred weakly sobbed as it pulled it's knees closer trying and failing to hide it's face fully from view. It didn't want to be looked at or perceived like... this]

He glances between his friends, exchanging a wary look with Archer, who seemed to be calming down already. At least things were settling, for the most part.

You... you're c-close, it's... something like that........ [It paused, it's face twisting into surprise] W-waitt, have n-non of you... realised yet..? R-really..???

The room fully stops, and Archer mumbled a weakened ‘what?’ from the corner.

“I had my suspicions,” Theo finally speaks up. “What else could explain this weird feeling I got around them? I felt the same with Builderman…”

[It walked towards one of the Ghostwalker's picking it back up, clutching it securely in it's hands.] Unfortunately I don't know how to get back.

“Unfortunately, this issue is outside of our current scope.” Bane shrugged, rising to its feet. It stretches its neck, still sore from Hatred’s attack.

“So much for your pursuit of the forbidden knowledge,” Archer chuckled weakly before turning to Hero- Hatred? They hesitated for a moment, the words scrambling at the tip of their tongue.

On one hand, Archer was… alright with Hero. As a person. As ‘Hero’.

Hero was a funny guy, Archer thinks— and they’re a little weird sometimes, but they’re sure anyone could agree that, despite it all, they couldn’t even out-weird Archer themself.

On the other hand, ‘Hatred’ was now in the picture. Archer understood that it wasn’t the same, that somehow they are different, but the fear keeps on crawling back. Screaming in their head to run away. Its very presence seemed to amplify the things they’ve learned to calm— maybe it wasn’t yet ‘tamed’.

Yes it is like the "Theo situation". I beat them over and over and over again until they just... couldn't anymore! I fully took them over, it's just Hatred here now. Always has been! [Its smile widened]

I suppose the big difference between Hero and Theo is that Theo still had autonomy.

[Hatred snickered to itself, pointing towards its head] I'm not sure if they're even still rattling around in here honestly. Certainly haven't given me any indication they are!

“Then how are you so… nice?” Angie whispered, conflict already boiling in her eyes. “You take all that enjoyment in hurting someone who is… essentially part of you. Holding all this hate for them, but still acting nice around us.”

Was it actually real? She was starting to question. Sure, it may have been the same as Theo’s situation, in a sense, but everyone had already known he was being controlled.

With this Hatred, none of them were aware.

(Thanks SO much for the help, Bane.)

[It thought to itself sarcastically putting the Ghostwalker away it brushed the dirt from their pants. They looked around but it didn't recognise these woods.]

[It couldn't be Turitopulis this certainly wasn't a rain forest, but it also wasn't snowing either... maybe the meadows but it certainly wasn't a part they had ever seen before.]

[Luckly the forest wasn't all too dense meaning it was able to spot a blue blur moving energetically off in the distance. It approached quietly ducking behind a tree to watch. Maybe they could follow this individual to civilization?]

@ask-possessed-player

Archer glances down at their watch, bouncing up and down on their toes. It was far too early in the morning to be doing intense runs like this, but they really needed to clear their head.

Beads of sweat drip from their forehead, and they wipe it with a shaky huff. They didn’t mean to travel this far. Archer wasn’t even sure if they could make it back to the hotel before anyone noticed. Glancing down at their watch, they realize they didn’t have long until the early-risers would start getting up.

“Okay, this is great. Just.. really far away.” They scoff to themself. Genius plan, wasn’t it? Even after promising Angie they’d stop doing this. But who could blame them? This was the easiest way to keep their head screwed on right.

There was no choice but to head back now. Archer turns around, ready to start jogging, but a small movement catches their eyes.

[It grumbled something under it's breath only to look up and met the gaze of a very surprised Archer. All that added movement and noise seems to have alerted them]

[Neither moved for a very long, awkward moment. Slowly Hatred stepped out from behind the tree giving Archer an awkward wave as it spoke.]

Okay, well. They did see them hiding, but only just now. Archer really wasn't expecting anyone to be out and about, especially in a forest at the ungodly early hours of the morning. It was hardly even light out.

I was just... out on stroll and I got lost... I have no idea how to get back... maybe you could be of service?

[Hatred smiled trying to seem nice and totally not suspicious but it was very clearly not working as well as they'd hope considering the way Archer was staring.]

Nearby was an overstatement. The village they were staying at was well over an hour away, and that's at Archer's sprinting speeds.

"You sure you're not from anywhere nearby here?" They raised an eyebrow, looking over the other a couple times. Really reminded them of Theo, at least the a-couple-months-ago version of him. Maybe it was just the red eyes.

Red... eyes. Come to think of it, the only time they've ever seen Theo with red eyes was during and after-

[It rattled off it's clunky explanation of a 'backstory' as they walked, the lack of planning time was really throwing Hatred off. If only they had thought of something sooner luckily it knows a traveller that be used as backstory fuel]

[It shifted the subject, best to not dig itself any deeper in this hole]

They clicked their tongue at the other question, hesitating. Running into a forest far from home wasn't the most believable explanation. "Ah, y'know. Just joggin' around. Getting those morning workouts in. Keeps me sharp for the rest of the day."

Archer continues their subtle observation over the person as they talked. They claimed to be a traveler, yet they weren't carrying anything for campouts... not even necessities like food and water. Just breezing through a forest with no supplies at all? It would make sense if they were staying somewhere and left it all there, but still. Nobody rawdogs anything as a traveler. Not even strolls.

[It rolled it's eyes at Archer excuse, it was as flimsy as their own. If a stroll hadn't seemed to make sense, why would a run make anymore sense? People are weird. Hatred continued to speak, it needed to at least figure out where it had ended up.]

They nodded with a slight shrug. "That's about right. Kind of just resting up after doing some... community service. We're kind of tight, you know? So we kinda stick together through everything."

Not like they really had any other choice, anyway. Who ever knew whenever Shedletsky would call in about another sword? Plus, Archer loved the company.

Their gaze trails down to a sword- a sword?! The guy was carrying nothing but a sword? Archer pauses in their words. Hero was... a lot weirder than they originally thought.

[Archer could help but look over them again, they were also wearing a small, black backpack and that sword. It looked strangely worn yet still unused? Like it had been used for combat once upon a time but eventually it had become a mare decoration]

They stared at Hero’s backpack again. Maybe they were carrying something, albeit not that much. Not enough to be traveling for multiple days.

“We’re near uh… damn, I’m blanking…” Archer taps their chin. “It wasn’t like, C... Cr… Crater-something? Along those lines.”

Archer did in fact know what the village was, but.. to think a traveler wouldn’t know the towns nearby, despite being in a forest… alone. On a stroll. You had to come from some place, where you started that stroll.

It was a little suspicious, to be honest.

They’re also realizing that eye contact with Hero was… uncomfortable. Somehow. It was a nagging feeling in their gut, and Archer always knew to trust that.

Yes, I don't like carrying much with me.

[It was clear from the way Archer was staring, Hatred had been doing a pretty bad job at pretending. Well and truly they were suspicious from head to toe, it thought trying to figure out a way to get itself back to just normal weirdo territory]

What’s with that sudden change in tone? Archer wasn’t being that obvious, were they?

“Nah, it’s good, just… you kinda remind of… something. Sorry if it was rude or anythin’.”

They really didn’t like that flat tone of theirs. Not in a way where it was annoying, but it set off a series of alarms in Archer’s head. It reminded them too much of Angie’s slow spirals in the Dream World. Of Bane’s quiet descent into its guilt, and Theo’s… unnerving behaviors that aligned a little too closely with Hero now.

And they really didn’t like that association.

[Is this how off-putting people usually found it? They don't think so, it knew it could be uncomfortable to be around but this was different than just being uncomfortable. Archer was scared]

You're shaking. [Hatred pointed out matter of factly]

If you're concerned about me a danger don't be. We're the only two people for who knows how long, hurting you would just be silly of me.

They still sounded unsure, and it didn’t absolve the uncomfortable air around Hero. It was more than just a nervous knot in their stomach now. It was oppressive, and Archer couldn't ignore the inherent urge to run away. Something in their body was screaming at them to do it, but they couldn't pinpoint what it was.

[The pair continued to walk an uncomfortable, awkward silence stretching between them as they progressed, it could feel the tension building in the air and Hatred decided that it was their job to break it.]

How about you talk while we walk hm? Tell me about your friends perhaps? It could help with your anxieties.

“Safe to say that they’re kind of my ride or dies! We’ve all seen the worst parts of each other, and we’re still stuck like glue. Even if it wasn’t so easy at first to come out of that.” They shrugged, thinking back on the first few weeks after the Ghostwalker. Nobody could talk to anybody, and it was a whole lot of walking on eggshells until Bane finally put its foot down and started a conversation.

“Like one of them, they’re kind of mysterious, but turns out it’s just harboring all this guilt,” Archer gestures vaguely. Probably a bad idea to go too deep into all of that. “But um, I’d hate to let any of them down.

In truth I've never had... friends. So I am quite unfamiliar with your experiences.

[How could something like it ever have a thing like friends? It was Hatred, the others never liked it and it only had shallow acquaintances by associate of taking someone life.]

The fact that Hero reminded them of Theo wasn’t as good as they were framing it to be. Of course, they were still being genuine about the possibility of them getting along, but it was more than that. Archer hadn’t forgotten the unsettling feeling they got around them.

Discomfort coils up their chest again, this time a lot more prominent. It was finally beginning to take root, and Archer did not welcome this unpleasant feeling.

Sure, I've got time on my hands at the moment. Meeting your friends sounds... nice.

[Hatred smiled, internally amused by Archer's comparison with it and this Theo person. Poor Archer didn't even know how badly they'd just insulted their friend]

Do you think we're almost there?

They grin back at Hero. “Yeah, it’ll be fun. They’re a good bunch. Maybe a little weird, but still fun.”

The two continued their walk for a while longer, and Archer squints into the distance. A building. They remember passing it by before they started spiraling.

[As the pair came up towards the hotel Hatred gestured for Archer to go in first]

Archer leads Hero up to their room, fumbling for the keys before finally pushing the door open.

The space was a little larger than the average hotel room, but it was still humble. Nothing incredibly fancy.

It was quiet inside, and Archer lets out a loud sigh of relief. They turn and whisper-shout to Hero. “Ohmygod, thank the Spawn. It was about to get really messy if anyone was—”

One of the floorboards down the hall creaks, and Archer’s face genuinely pales.

“Nice to see you’re finally up early.” A new voice, a little groggy, comes from down the hall.

“Fuck, oh my god,” Archer groans, but a smile returns back to their face. “Theo! Woah! Wasn’t expecting you to be up! I brought a pal over, since they were lost and stuff.”

Uh- Hello... and Good morning..?

And plus, he wasn’t used to it happening. Collecting the swords was a… closed job, for the most part, so they’ve only ever met people associated with the missions Shedletsky sent them on— with the exception of Kyoko.

“Hey, good to meet you, Hero.” He flashes a tired but polite smile. “I hope they weren’t givin’ you any trouble.”

He gives Hero a quick look-over.

There’s the weird fashion choice, obviously. Dressed a little too differently from everyone else in the time period— or maybe the trends were evolving? Angie might know something about that.

And then, the other… notable feature. It’s visible even in the dark, which is… shocking.

“You’ve got eyes like mine.” He flicks the ceiling light on to a low setting and gestures to his face.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention that!” Archer skids between them, glancing between the two. “Except yours are a lot more faded, since we’re no longer in—”

“Shut up.” Theo grunts, glaring at Archer with a ‘why-would-you-say-that’ look. He turns back to Hero. “They’re just saying whatever. It’s cool though.”

[Hatred's eyes glowed? That was a first, but it certainly wasn't an unwelcome realization. As They and Theo had agreed, it was pretty cool... thinking about it now, were these the heroes of this world? It would certainly check out from the info it had but that also meant Bane would be floating around, that could become an issue...]

They dashed away, footsteps fading. Once they were gone, Theo turns towards Hero, his expression dropping just slightly.

"So," He says, crossing his arms. "It's kind of rare for Robloxians to have red eyes, you know. What city did you come from?"

Hero was... suspicious to him. From the very moment he met them, he could tell that something was off. Whether that was the unsettling aura or the faint familiarity Theo felt when he saw them.

...Frankly it's non of your business. [Was the answer Hatred finally picked, still dressed up several layers of empty politeness, trying to mask the slight hostility creeping into it's voice]

Theo retains his glare, the look in his eyes hard and cautious. He could be overstepping, making a bad impression, but he couldn’t let something like this slip by.

“I just hope you won’t end up like—”

“Hey! You guys done over there?” Archer calls from down the hall. They peek from around the corner, followed by two others. “We gotta held out before it gets too crowded.”

Just hours ago, it had barely escaped the grasp of another Hatred, only for the very same one to be dragged right into the party’s morning outing— and by Archer, of all people.

It managed to hide their identity, deciding that, based on Archer’s excitement, it would be a horrible idea to reveal that they’ve just brought Hatred incarnate into their home.

Bane wonders if anyone else had noticed. In retrospect, it was a little obvious, given the nature of the one who named themself ‘Hero’— which it thought was an ironic name itself— but everyone seemed alright with their company, and they weren’t hurting anyone.

Or so it hoped.

-

“Okay, we can go…” Angie glances between two stalls, squinting at the menus taped to each post. “Mm, there really isn’t anything we haven’t tried yet…”

She realizes that they’ve stayed in this village for far too long— and it was supposed to be a laid-back one! She liked the slow life, but when your life was made up of finishing quests, you’re bound to get a little bored of normality.

Me really?? I- uh alright let's see......

[It hadn't really tried much food, and there was also so meny options that it was honestly a slightly overwhelming decision to simply be thrusted upon it... what even categorised food as 'Breakfast' anyways??]

While Angie and Hero glanced over the different options, Bane and Archer observed from behind.

-

“Nice to know we finally know someone outside of the sword business, huh?” Archer remarked, slinging an arm over the other’s shoulders. “I mean, that would make two now: Kyoko and Hero.”

Bane hesitates. Archer was… not exactly right. Hatred— or, Hero now, was anything but ‘outside of sword business’. And it even found its way out of the Dream World…

“Yes. They’re… a refreshing, new face in our busy lives. You and Angie seem to get along well with them.”

[Hatred ignored the thought turning towards Angie, asking her with genuine delight]