Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It wasn't often a survivor left the camp, but if any ever did, it was Two Time. Disregarding the warnings of others, they would sometimes hop the fence into the dark forest, where they would pray, explore, forage and try to do rituals. Keyword try- they were always teleported or otherwise interrupted before they could do much. However, trying wasn't on their mind tonight. Something was different. The forest had changed. 

At first, they couldn't quite place their finger on it, until they realized the moonlight seemed brighter, and the dark presence that usually loomed over it was gone. However, a different presence had replaced it. Two Time felt eyes on them. Beneath their bare feet, what were once harsh grasses and rocks had become fluffy mosses and gentle sands. Even stranger, they could hear distant chirping and the occasional howl. The woods Two Time knew were silent. 

Had they gotten lost?

Although a part of them told them to run back to the cabin where it was safe, Two Time was curious about this strange place. Briefly looking back to confirm they had come this way before, they carried on forward, looking around the changed forest. In the full moonlight, dew sparkled on the leaves of trees, which seemed to glimmer and sparkle all on their own. What was once dark and foreboding looked magical. Two Time wanted to explore every nook and cranny, feeling an urge to be a part of it. 

“Welcome to Wildside,” a deep feminine voice spoke from behind them.

Two Time swiveled around to see a massive winged mammal on all fours, eyes shining white as it prowled in the darkness. Its shape was barely discernible from the shadows, seemingly bright hues obscured in pitch black. Was that a wolf, a panther, a deer, or a bat? Whatever it was, Two Time drew their Ghostfire Dagger, pointing it at the beast.

“Good, you're not stupid,” it spoke. “I won't hurt you, but you didn’t know that.”

“What are you?” Two Time asked. 

A long moment of silence fell upon the two, as the creature sat down, seemingly thinking. Eventually, it answered, “I’m a writer up late. What are you?”

“I am a cultist,” they stated bluntly, steeling their nerves. “What do you mean you're a writer?”

“I write folklore,” it replied indifferently. “What do you mean you're a cultist?”

The repetition was almost lyrical, like the ‘writer up late’ was asking a riddle. Two Time didn't like it. “Can you stop repeating my questions back to me!?” they snapped.

Another moment of silence fell upon them. The writer's expression didn’t change, just gazing at Two Time with an unending, mischievous curiosity, a gaze only an animal could give. It tilted its head. “They're interesting questions, tho.”

They felt their head ache with frustration, but then sighed, unable to argue. “I am a shadow of the Spawn, who has given me the blessing of dying twice. They have my eternal devotion.”

“You sure?” the writer asked.

They paused, raising an eyebrow. “What do you mean, am I sure?”

“I mean, you sure?”

“I am certain.”

Suddenly, the writer stepped forth, revealing itself to be a siamese pink and blue creature with the head and tail of a dog, the antlers and size of a reindeer, the body of a panther and batlike wings on its back. Two Time stepped back, clutching the blade tighter and watching the chimera closely as a drop of sweat slid down their face. It stopped its approach, smelling their fear- however, it had a grave, foreboding expression.

“You’re wrong,” it said. “Open your eyes. The Spawn doesn't accept human sacrifices.”

A mix of guilt, terror, and fury flashed through Two Time in that moment. How dare this abomination talk to them about the Spawn? However, that curious side of them had a question. How did it know what they had done? That alone stopped them from lashing out. Something was happening here- and if this thing knew something they didn’t, perhaps they should hear it out. 

“Go on,” they murmured, trying to keep their composure. 

“A sadistic being has been impersonating the Spawn for as long as you can remember,” it continued. “The cult that raised you worships the fake. That's where your second life is from.”

Their eyes widened, blade trembling in their hands. “How do you know this?”

“‘Cause I'm a god too, but you won't find me in any church,” it said. “I’m Mzoyagon, and you’re Two Time, yea?”

The Ghostfire Dagger fell helplessly to the ground. Within moments, it vanished into the dirt, as if the forest had claimed it. Mzoyagon looked between it and Two Time, before asking, “...you want a new one?” 

They couldn't answer. Tears welled up in their eyes, though they couldn't tell whether it was from grief or awe. Mzoyagon stood patiently, rising to its hind legs. 

“I..” Two Time fell to their knees, bowing by reflex. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize,” Mzoyagon said lightheartedly. “I’m here because I've got something better, if you're interested.”

They opened their eyes to see it open its own flesh like a suit, revealing not blood or bones, but.. Two Time didn't even know what they were looking at. It was pure abstraction. Despite the grotesque manner in which it displayed these things, or their inability to understand what was inside, they weren't as afraid as they expected to be. For an in-person meeting with a god, they imagined this was pretty par for the course. Instead, although a little intimidated, they just felt curious.

“What… is that?” they asked, as if any answer could describe it.

“...I don't actually have any physical objects or metaphors in here,” Mzoyagon admitted, before closing the ‘coat.’ “But I've got myself; Transformation, chaos, ferity, and liminality incarnate. I'm full of possibilities, but my favorites are ones where someone becomes a beast. You could call me a... patron of werewolves, so to say.”

“So you want me to become one?” Two Time asked.

“Well… not necessarily. I've got something cooler in mind, but there's a catch,” it said. 

They sighed, standing up to leave. “I have grown tired of ‘catches,’ especially if my sins really did mean nothing.”

Mzoyagon simply smiled. “Alright, suit yourself!”

And then it ran off past Two Time, deeper into the woods. They stared for a moment, before suddenly chasing after her, regretting their choice. Perhaps they didn't want to be left godless. Whatever the case, the forest may have been softer than the one that came before it, but it was still wild and unfamiliar. What Mzoyagon navigated like the back of her hand made Two Time trip and stumble and lose track of her. Yet, it was as if they knew exactly where she had gone. As the canopy opened to reveal the moon, Mzoya flew towards it, compelling Two Time to clamber up a tree in their frenzy. They rushed to the end of a branch and reached out into the open air, nearly falling before they cried out,

“WAIT!”

Before they could even see her approaching, she had taken their hand, and plucked them off the tree. “Myesss?”

Two Time took a few shaky breaths, before asking, “What’s the catch?”

“You just gotta ditch the ways of the Spawn Cult,” Mzoyagon replied. “Easier said than done, but just as long as you agree to start, I'll give you my blessing. You’ll get a new dagger, a new form, and soon enough, your freedom.”

Huh. That was simpler than they expected… and yet, fell completely in line with everything she had told them. 

“I’ll do it. Tell me what vows I must make to you.”

Mzoyagon snickered, leaning in close to whisper to them. “Your vows have already been made, unless you're talking about wedding vows.”

Before they could process what she just said, Mzoyagon used a third arm she didn't have before to reveal a Pristine Blade from under her fur as she lowered a shocked Two Time to the ground. Did she just… flirt with them? Once they had landed, they took the blade and inspected it. It lacked many of the cool details of the Ghostfire Dagger, but it was sharp as glass, with three feather-like shapes on either side of the hilt. Despite its sharpness, Two Time could sense that it had seen plenty of use. 

“Don't drop this one,” Mzoyagon teased. “It's special to me.”

“I won’t,” they replied.

“...that was a joke. I can bring it back if you lose it.”

“Oh.”

She laughed, a warm and silly laugh. “I’m gonna keep most of my blessing a surprise for you to figure out, but I am curious… Will it hurt?”

The way she said it implied that this was for Two Time to decide. They looked up at him in surprise, amazed to be bestowed such an honor.

“Yes,” they replied. “Make it addictive.”

“That’s my specialty!” he chirped, a crystalline sparkle in his eyes.

Chapter Text

When Two Time hopped the fence back into the survivors’ camp, their mind stayed behind. They couldn't look at anything the same anymore- even the crunching of grass beneath their feet haunted them. Their heart fluttered with apprehension, but they couldn't help but feel a childlike wonder, too. A deity- one who preferred to stay in the shadows, nonetheless- had shown its face to them and blessed them. It was love at first sight. 

As Two Time trotted towards the cabin, it was easy to tell that the other survivors were all indoors, mostly asleep if the silence was any indicator. Perhaps they should rest, too. They had a lot to think about. 

Suddenly, a terrible feeling welled up in their chest as they glanced down at their shirt, which still sported the Spawn’s symbol. They had always felt guilt over everything they had done, but to learn everything they knew was a lie made it hurt. How could they have been so foolish? Shaking their head, they continued forward, opening the cabin door when a strange sensation overcame them. 

From their chest came an electric tingling sensation, surging through their whole body and making them shiver. They put one hand on the doorframe, and one on their chest, unable to move as the sensation grew stronger. Was this the transformation? Guest 1337, who was sitting by the grandfather clock, and Dusekkar, who was by the fireplace, both quickly noticed and approached Two Time, Guest looking concerned while Dusek was unreadable. A feeling of pressure from the inside made Two Time’s back feel pleasantly sore, confirming their suspicions. 

“What’s going on? Are you okay?” Guest asked.

“Yes,” Two Time huffed. “I-I just-”

A gross creaking sound cut them off, and they let out a whine as the pain worsened with it, them stumbling forward into Guest’s arms out of dizziness. Their body shivered and quaked, like they could explode at any moment. Guest and Dusekkar were both pelting them with questions, but they were so overwhelmed already that they could no longer engage. This felt good, but they weren't prepared in the slightest… and this was the tip of the iceberg. Soon, they could feel their spine and ribs cracking inside them, agonizingly and yet satisfyingly, like cracking their knuckles. They felt their muscles swell up like they were having an allergic reaction, the pressure against their bones making them feel claustrophobic. The world spun like they were going to faint. Alongside it came an extreme itchiness, but they were too shocked to try to scratch and their arms felt heavy. Their gums and nails suddenly felt like they were being ripped open, and as their teeth felt heavier in their mouth, Two Time tasted something that was like blood but not quite. It was gooey and thick and seeped out of their gums and nails messily. They savored the taste.

“W-What the hell!?” Guest exclaimed, eyes wide. “I-... Am I seeing things?”

“If you mean the growth, I see it too,” Dusekkar answered. “But it's too soon to know what to do.”

Two Time swallowed the substance in their mouth, starting to feel ecstatic. Despite how overwhelmed they were, they enjoyed this immensely. A new pressure started to form at their shoulder blades, a feeling that was familiar amidst all these strange sensations. It grew and grew and grew and grew, Two Time giggling as they felt their skin start to give way. The closer their wings got to breaching, the more they faded into bliss, and the world faded away. Then came the release- flesh and clothing alike tore like paper to make way, their screams filling the cabin like music as the same not-blood fluid splattered everywhere. It had an unnaturally pink hue, like the fur of Mzoyagon. Like her, this was divine. Any sorrow they felt was long forgotten. Their spine and tail now felt like they were being stretched and pulled out, Two Time relishing in the feeling despite how much their tail itched. A similar sensation, alongside the pressure of growth, pulsed through their wings and arms. Unable to hold their wings up, they let them droop to the ground. Guest’s grip on them tightened, shivering just as much as they were. A scent they had never known before reached them- they always thought the smell of fear was a metaphor, but was that adrenaline they smelled?

“What kind of.. respawn… is this?” Guest murmured, turning to Dusekkar. “Doesn't it normally only happen when a killer’s unleashed?”

“Only in death do they respawn, you’re right,” Dusek answered. “Whatever this is belongs to the night.”

“The hell is that supposed to mean?”

Dusek paused, before replying, “Wild magic is what I see. I’m reminded of lycanthropy.”

Of course. Mzoyagon called itself a god of ferity. Naturally, its powers must be wild. 

Guest’s grip on Two Time shifted, taking a hold of their shirt. “Two Time, can you hear me? Can you breathe okay? Do you need to be cut out?”

“I-I’m okay,” they huffed. “Let me beE-”

Before they could finish speaking, they erupted into a squeal of pain as nearly their entire face was pushed outward. All at once, their ears, something behind their ears, their jaws, and something in their forehead were all searing as it felt like they were being pulled out of place. A false heat that could never be cooled flooded their body, and whenever they opened their eyes, they saw triple. Skin split open and not-blood oozed out from what they assumed to be horns. A whole new array of sounds and smells overcame them, but they didn't resist, curiosity winning over their overstimulation. Despite the blaring ringing in their ears, they could hear leaves blowing in the wind far away, and Guest’s shaky breathing up close. They could hear footsteps and hushed murmurs from the voices of other survivors. Their ears and what felt like head-wings brushed over their now shaggy hair, soft yet wild like a mane. Every scent in the cabin was suddenly easily distinguishable, Two Time able to pick out the fire, (false?) blood, sweat, and fear in several different hearts. The inside of their nose burned. 

No longer quite as itchy, Time’s body now felt much silkier than before. Fur, they presumed. The feeling of swelling and cracking had slowed down in their upper body, but began to speed up in their legs, making them grab onto Guest and grip him so tightly they could nearly feel their claws rake into his armor. He tensed up with a sharp gasp, then relaxed a little and strengthened his own hold on them. Their feet were slowly being stretched, a feeling that made them nearly unable to stand if it weren't for his strength. Their heels raised off the ground, while the bottom of their feet seemed to be coated with an incredibly hard material, a sensation that reminded them of wearing new shoes that were too small. It felt like their feet were being crushed, and they couldn't feel their toes. Meanwhile, something emerged from both sides of their waist, though it was hard to tell if it was two tails or another pair of wings. Something they mistook for flesh slipped off their body, but instead of pain, they felt their fur exposed to the air- perhaps they should've taken Guest’s offer before their clothes were ruined. 

Slowly, their transformation came to a close, leaving a lingering soreness and dizziness as Two Time took a moment to breathe. Their body felt incredibly heavy, and their legs felt wobbly, but they felt much stronger than before, too. Their ears stopped ringing, and they loosened their hold on Guest, opening their eyes. Whatever this false blood stuff they shed was, it was everywhere, making the entrance to the cabin look like someone blew up a container of frosting. Guest was staring at them, his strong demeanor having seemingly vanished as he somehow looked paler than he already was. Dusekkar was harder to read, but had made some distance from Guest and Two Time, drawing their eyes to a small crowd that was now watching them. If Two Time were to guess, they had woken up the whole cabin- and if Guest was horrified, one could only imagine the nightmares everyone else would be having tonight. Awkward.

Guest slowly got his bearings, before asking again, “Are you okay?”

Two Time took a deep breath in, and nodded. “That was amazing… I need a minute, though.”

“Let’s getcha cleaned up,” he said. “Can you walk?”

“No.”

“Okay.”

Without further notice, Guest lifted Two Time to his shoulder and helped them out of the cabin, heading down to the lake. Their hooves (and legs in general) still hurt to stand on, but they didn't mind- they quite literally asked for it. Once they reached the water, he laid them down and almost immediately they began to splash around, rolling in the water like they'd never bathed before. The sticky false blood washed away with ease, especially as they splashed water on their face and horns- no, antlers, they could feel the branches now. Taking the opportunity to survey their new appearance, they found that their fur- aside from their black mane- was pure white, shining in the moonlight, and their hands were like paws, their claws long and black. They had a bushy, canid tail, but their legs were more like that of a deer. The other appendages on their waist were in fact wings, small and much easier to carry than their huge main pair. Once thin and fragile, they were still quite lean, but had some defined muscle now. Meanwhile, Guest was kneeled at the edge of the water, rinsing off his face and getting the pink stuff off his armor. Regaining some strength, Two Time shakily stood up and got out of the water, finding that walking on their hooves was really just like tiptoeing. As if by reflex, they shook the water off of their body, Guest raising his arm to shield his face from the rain. 

“No need for an impromptu shower,” he joked. “It was mostly you that was covered in blood.”

Two Time laughed. “I have my doubts whether that substance is truly blood… unless being a beast turns your blood gooey and pink.”

Guest stood up, shrugging uncomfortably. “Let’s get inside.”

And so they did, Two Time laying down on the couch to rest as Dusekkar cleaned the cabin. Getting comfortable was a bit awkward, but once they figured it out, they wound down quickly. Though their ecstasy was over, simply being transformed felt good, too. The other survivors were still shocked at what happened, but for a while, none bothered Two Time, simply looking at them or passing them by. That changed when Elliot passed by. After a few moments, he returned, the smell of pizza filling the air. 

“Hey.. how are you feeling?” he asked, slowly moving into view. He was holding a slice of pepperoni pizza and a cup of water.

“I’m well,” Two Time replied, sitting up a little. “What’s that?”

“W-Well I figured that looked intense…” Elliot explained, before holding out the pizza. “Are you hungry?”

They weren’t even thinking about food, but smelling it so close to their face triggered something. Before they could realize what was happening, their body moved on its own, snatching the slice out of Elliot’s hand in an instant and swallowing over half of it in one big, sloppy bite. Like a feral dog, they snapped the slice up as if they hadn't eaten in years. Elliot screamed and jumped back in terror, staring wide-eyed at Two Time’s unhinged display. When they came to, they took a moment to process what they had just done before covering their snout in shame, ears pinned back.

“I’m so sorry…” they murmured. “I don't know what just came over me…”

“It’s okay..!” Elliot reassured, raising his hands a little. “You were just following your instincts, I imagine. I guess I just didn't expect it…”

Two Time looked away, feeling a pang of hunger. “Can.. I have another?”

“Yeah,” Elliot replied, nodding. He set the cup of water on the coffee table and left to get another slice.

Two Time picked up the cup of water, looking into it in contemplation. They could barely see their reflection, but glowing eyes stared back at them, looking like the glimmer of an animal’s when photographed. It was somewhat unnerving. Trying to get a feel for their mouth, they put the cup to their lips and tried to take a sip. The first attempt, they nearly spilled- but they persisted, and eventually succeeded. They could feel their ears perk up at the sound of the door opening. Strangely, it wasn't an unfamiliar feeling. Setting the cup down, they looked to see Elliot with another pizza slice. He walked over and handed it down to them slowly, quivering a little as he got close- but this time, they took it gently, their tail wagging a little.

“Thank you,” they said.

For a moment, they thought to make mention of the Spawn out of habit, before looking down in guilt, nibbling their pizza quietly as they tried to figure out how to do so politely. Their animal instincts cried out to eat like this was their last meal, and it was hard to keep their mouth shut as they chewed. The taste of pepperoni was strangely addicting, and it only seemed to make their inner beast cry louder. Two Time knew everything was designed with a purpose, and so they didn't have sharp teeth and claws for nothing- were they craving meat? 

As they were eating, Elliot sat next to them, a curiosity in his eyes. They averted their gaze shyly, still embarrassed they couldn't control their wild self. However, Elliot didn't seem to mind. Finishing the last bite, Two Time looked at him as he scooted a little closer before reaching his hand out.

“Is it okay if I…?” Elliot asked. 

It took a moment for Two Time to realize what he was asking, but when it clicked, they averted their gaze again. “I… suppose?”

Somewhat hesitant, but accepting their answer, he reached for their mane and began scratching them gently. A sudden feeling of longing washed over them as they leaned into it, closing their eyes. When was the last time they felt human touch? Elliot was equally surprised by their reaction, but also endeared, continuing to pet them. Without thinking, they climbed into his lap, burying their face in his shoulder. He paused for a moment, before running his hand down their back, feeling the silky down that covered their whole body. 

“Y’know, I was just curious what it felt like…” he commented. “I didn't take you for the type to like being touched.”

Two Time chuckled in a mix of amusement and shame. “I can't tell if this is some animal instinct, or if I've always been like this…”

“I think it's normal,” Elliot said. “Everyone needs a little love every now and then.”

Love… they were thinking about Azure, weren't they?

Chapter Text

A few hours after Two Time’s transformation, they'd gotten mostly acclimatized to their new shape. They were reluctant to inform the other survivors of what happened in the woods, but some, namely Dusekkar, seemed more aware than others. Perhaps going several hours without mentioning their religion a single time gave it away. Regardless, the group had spent most of their time getting settled back down after the scare. Some people went back to sleep, others sat by the grandfather clock or the fire, and some busied themselves. Elliot had stayed with Two Time for a while after feeding them, but eventually joined the latter group to check up on everyone who was still awake, leaving them to their own devices. 

They slept on and off, but never for long, always awoken within a few minutes- and they only realized they were asleep after waking up, because they were still just as aware during it. At first, this worried them and those who witnessed it, but as they got used to it, they figured it might be a wild instinct of theirs. After all, they still felt more rested after each fleeting doze. However, their series of power naps was cut off as they suddenly felt constricted and yet loose. Confused, and somewhat afraid, they felt all over their body before getting up to look at their reflection in the window. Were they… shrinking?

Before they could put together what was going on, they were distracted by a figure outside walking towards the cabin. It didn't look like anyone they knew, just a lavender-haired guest with seemingly nothing peculiar about her. She was carrying a pink and blue box, piquing their curiosity. They made their way to the front door to greet her, only then noticing her uncanny eyes. Her irises were as black as her pupils, and her sclera seemed to glow in the dark. She had a focused, predatory gaze as she approached.

“you’re like me,” she said in a near whisper. “does that mean you’re two time? this is for them.”

Two Time nodded, a bit creeped out. “What is it? Is it from… Mzoyagon?”

“yes it is,” she said, handing it to them. “he said he forgot to give you a change of clothes for your transformation. these are special, they’re made to last. some other stuff is in there too, i think.”

Knowing that she knew of Mzoyagon put them at ease, and they examined the box curiously before looking back at the newcomer.

“Who are you? Are you new here?” they asked.

“i’m a little new,” she said. “my name is mimic. i’m something like you.”

Mimic nonchalantly turned to leave, and Two Time tilted their head in confusion before following after her. “Wait! You can come inside if you please!”

“i’m not a survivor,” she said, pausing briefly. “we’ll meet again.”

And with that, she hopped the fence into Wildside and vanished before Two Time could even react. They blinked a few times, before shivering in discomfort, looking down at themself to see that their fur was patchy and shrunken. As their hooves began to feel thin, it finally clicked what was happening, and they rushed off to the sleeping cabin to get dressed. 

Inside Mzoyagon’s gift box was a black crop top, a pair of star-patterned jeans that had an icon of a wolf howling at the moon on the left pant, some similar outfits with more or less detail, and various accessories, including a necklace with a silver charm shaped like some symbol. The symbol had eight arrows all pointing in different directions, connected at the center to create a star shape. Two Time eyed the star with fascination, having never seen this symbol before. It was like the antithesis of the Spawn’s- the Spawn’s was a confined circle, but this pointed outwards, as if pointing away from the circle. Wearing it made them feel empowered, like they could do whatever they wanted now. No more Commandments. 

After getting dressed and fully returning to human form, Two Time holstered the Pristine Blade in their belt and returned to the main cabin, where Dusekkar was conversing with Shedletsky. Hearing their arrival, Dusek paused, turning to Two Time before floating over. 

“Just because you're human once more doesn't mean you're the same as before,” he observed keenly, looking over their outfit. “A new form, new clothes, new blade, and what more? What went on in the woods next door?”

Two Time stepped back in hesitation, sensing the skepticism in his voice. For how much the other survivors saw Dusekkar as a beacon of safety, Two Time had always found themself somewhat intimidated by him. He was, after all, connected to the Spawn- though whether it was truly the Spawn or the impostor was a mystery. Regardless, he was above them. Even if they were to ditch their old ways, they still owed him the respect he deserved, especially because he was an admin. 

“...I had a divine revelation, from a deity unknown,” they admitted. “She offered her blessing, in return for me leaving the Cult of the Spawn.”

Dusekkar was quiet for a moment, as if processing this information. Eventually, he replied, “I had my suspicions, you're not quite discreet. A true Spawn Cultist would scorn that star in a beat.”

At that comment, they glanced away, feeling a bit of shame- and for some reason, excitement? “Do you know what it is, then? I felt so drawn to it, I just had to wear it.”

“My sources call it the Chaos Star,” Dusek replied, nodding. “A symbol of infinity, anarchy, and the bizarre.”

Of course. 

Mzoyagon was clever. 

However, before they could dwell on that thought or continue their conversation, they were somewhere else. Startled, they looked around quickly to see Planet Voss. That meant a killer had been unleashed. Thankfully, they weren't alone. Seeing Noob and Taph in the distance, they ran over and scanned the area for any other survivors before their attention was drawn to the traps Taph was setting. Stepping cautiously over the tripwire he was setting up, they kneeled down near a wall to perform their respawning ritual, only to hesitate upon drawing the Pristine Blade.

Should they really call upon a false god they had forsaken?

Two Time peered at their reflection in the blade for a moment, guilt weighing down on them. Taph was too busy setting up to notice, but Noob raised an eyebrow, having never seen them so unsure. However, their hesitancy was replaced by curiosity as their body began to move on its own. Their hands began to write a name their eyes couldn't read, nor could their mouth speak. Their mind couldn't comprehend it, but their heart knew what it meant, and as they came to their senses, their lips mouthed ‘Mzoyagon’ silently. Then, overlapping with it, they carved a pentacle. Two Time blinked, staring in shock at the symbol they'd just carved. Had their new god just spoken through them? 

'That's not the Spawn symbol,’ Taph signed, having finally noticed Time’s strange behavior.

“It's not,” they confirmed. “I no longer worship the Spawn.”

Noob and Taph exchanged wildly confused looks, as if asking each other to confirm what they had just heard, but before a word could be said, Elliot, Guest 1337, and Shedletsky approached. Two Time was quickly at Elliot’s side as well, a newfound fondness in their heart. He had a sparkle in his eyes that they'd never seen before upon looking at them. 

“Is this everyone?” Guest asked, looking around.

“Matt was just with us,” Shedletsky replied. “You seen ‘im, Two Time?”

They shook their head, a bit distracted. While they kept quiet, the survivors began talking amongst themselves, Shedletsky and Guest taking the lead and organizing a search for Dusekkar. Guest took Elliot and Noob, while Shedletsky took Two Time and Taph, and they began to split up. Two Time hesitated, hoping to get another moment with Elliot before the search began, but he was already following Guest 1337 before they could say anything. Taking a deep breath, they went off to follow Taph and Shedletsky. 

“He cannot be far, no?” Two Time asked, peering into the distance and around corners. “The round has just started.”

“Shouldn't be,” Shedletsky replied. “He’s usually the one finding us and not the other way around.”

A distant sound made Two Time stop, staring in its direction before slowly creeping closer, using the walls as cover. Shedletsky and Taph exchanged a glance before following, Shedletsky taking the lead and Taph trailing behind. In the darkness, Two Time felt a hunger they hadn't known before, like there was something they were craving, and they were going to get it. Their senses focused, and their steps silent, the search turned to a hunt. 

Chiming and whooshing could be heard much closer now, as well as quick footsteps and heavy breathing. Dusekkar was nearby, but he wasn't alone. Taph drew closer to Shedletsky, while Two Time took to the shadows, crouching onto all fours- not even becoming invisible, simply getting low to the ground. Then, the smell of blood filled the air, accompanied by cries of pain, and slicing and the splattering of gore. It was an event that was all too familiar in this hellscape- and soon, the one responsible emerged, holding Dusekkar’s bloodied head by the antler. A man with no name or face, known only as the Slasher. Anyone who'd been in this realm knew of him. 

Taph and Shedletsky turned around to run, while Two Time remained in hiding, watching the Slasher pursue. Tapping into their invisibility for real now, they stalked the chase at a distance, watching everyone’s every move. The survivors split up, the Slasher chasing Taph in the direction they'd come from. Good. Two Time drew closer and closer, acutely aware of the Pristine Blade holstered in their belt, eyes locked onto their prey. They could feel their heart beating in their chest, teeth still heavy in their mouth despite their human shape. Even stranger, they were… salivating, like a rabid animal. Whatever was happening to them, it felt exhilarating. They watched and waited, tension rising. 

An explosion released it all.

Within the span of a second, Two Time felt as if they'd just catapulted themself into the air, drawing the Pristine Blade and planting it squarely in the Slasher’s spine. As if that wasn't enough, they twisted the blade, savoring his cries and the scent of his agony. Having to yank it out with all their strength, they stumbled backwards into the black, an animalistic gleam in their eyes as Taph watched in shock. Stalking and ambushing the killer wasn't new, but the Pristine Blade made the Ghostfire Dagger look blunt. By the time anyone knew what had happened, Two Time had vanished to the far side of the map, cautiously licking the blood off their weapon. This was what they were craving. 

Some time passed before anyone found Two Time. In the meantime, they tried to look at their reflection in the blade, lifting their lip to look at their teeth. However, it was easier to just feel them, confirming that they were indeed sharp. They felt an urge to flex them, but when they did, they felt a strange liquid run down their finger from their fang and jumped. That was just spit, right? Confused, they swallowed their spit and wiped it off their finger, holstering their blade and standing up. They could hear footsteps approaching, slow and cautious like survivors. The smells of pizza and chicken told them everything they needed to know, so they set out to regroup. 

Despite Dusekkar’s early demise, the round was going fairly well. Though the Slasher seemed to recover far too easily from being stabbed in the spinal cord, Taph and the sentinels worked together to slow him down. However, Two Time was distracted by Elliot’s presence. Was the warm feeling of soft hands on their fur that memorable, or were they just craving another slice? They didn't have time to think about that. What they did have time to think about was the mild haze setting over their mind, confusing them. They weren't the type to randomly dissociate- so what was this floaty sensation?

Thankfully, before anything could come of it, they were back in the cabin, falling onto their face. While the other survivors dispersed, Elliot kneeled down to lift them up, but when they looked up at him, they saw flickering black figures dancing on the walls behind him. Immediately they rolled onto their back out of fright, looking around the cabin to see the shadows were everywhere. Confused, he looked around too, before looking back at Two Time.

“A-are you alright??” he stammered.

“Do you not see them? The shadows!?” they asked, pointing at the wall. 

“No!?” he replied, looking again to make sure. “Did you eat something weird again?”

They shook their head, and he paused for a moment before lifting them to their feet. Despite their fear, his warmth drew them in, making them feel sleepy. Without thinking, they buried their face in his shoulder, but when they closed their eyes, they saw snakes coiled around them both. They decided not to close them again, no matter how heavy they grew. Elliot tightened his grip on them, though they weren't quite sure why- was the world usually this wavy, or were they teetering?

“Guys, I think something’s wrong with Two Time!” Elliot exclaimed as footsteps could be heard getting closer, prompting Two Time to look up to see the admins. “They’re hallucinating, and, um, might be fainting, I think!?”

“Falling… asleep,” they yawned, resting their head on his shoulder again. “But I have visions whenever… I… close my eyes.”

Elliot looked at them, before laying them down on the couch. “Okay… I think it’s alright if you fall asleep? Maybe if you do, it'll go away?”

Two Time looked around, seeing things they couldn't explain flitting about the sky. One drew close, eying them and prodding at them as Elliot gave them space. It took them a moment to realize that it was not a sky entity, but Dusekkar. They couldn't really understand what he was saying, though. Their fear began to slip away, and the shadows closed in, whispering lullabies to them. They could swear the Spawn was among them.

 

“Yo wassup?”

Jumping to their feet, Two Time saw Mzoyagon lounging in a tree. They were in that forest again, the one he called “Wildside.” However, it was hazy and surreal, with everything shifting and changing no matter where they looked. The world was blue, and the plants had eyes. They looked around in confusion before turning their gaze back to him.

“What happened? Did I die?” they asked. 

“You conked out,” he replied casually. “Next time you check out your teeth, it would be really funny if you bit someone.”

Two Time blinked. “What do my teeth have to do with this?”

“What do you think you swallowed?” he asked, leaning to face them.

“...nothing? Spit?”

Mzoyagon laughed. “Take your time. You’re about to have a pretty bad nightmare, so you can think about it when you wake up.”

“I'm dreaming?” Two Time asked.

“Yeah,” she replied. “Somewhere in between a fever dream and a normal one. You were tripping pretty hard.”

Two Time looked away, this strange place now making sense to them, though not all of Mzoyagon’s words did. They hopped onto the trunk of the tree she was resting on and began climbing, sitting next to her. Her tail curled around them, resting neatly in their lap. 

“I've had dreams about the Spawn before,” they murmured. “But they were very different from this.”

“That’s because those dreams were made by the belief they taught you,” Mzoyagon commented. “When you're obsessed with something, you dream of it all the time.”

“Am I obsessed with you?” they asked.

She paused. “For your sake, I sure hope not. But no, I'm actually here. Or more specifically, you're actually in Wildside.”

“Really?” they said. “How is that possible?”

“Y’ever seen Wolfwalkers?” she asked. 

“I do not think so,” they replied. “In the Cult of the Spawn, we were not allowed to read or watch anything outside of their library.”

“Damn. We oughta have movie night once I bust y'all out,” she laughed. “Basically, you're astral projecting right now. Your body’s asleep in the cabin, but you're actually out here.”

“Astral projecting?”

“...right. No non-Spawnist media. Astral projection is when you leave your body as a spirit while still alive,” Mzoyagon explained, turning over onto its back. “Usually it's something you’d do on purpose, but if you start dreaming of Wildside, you'll actually be here.”

“Fascinating,” Two Time replied, before looking out at the blues and the eyes. “Why is it different, then?”

“Cause you're seeing what it really is,” it answered. “Cool, isn't it?”

They looked back at it curiously. “Yes. It's very cool.”

Mzoyagon smiled, as if receiving a compliment, and so did the world around them. Two Time supposed it was just proud of its creation. 

“You said I was going to have a nightmare,” they said. “What will it be about? When will it happen?”

“Guilt,” it replied. “And I dunno if telling you when would help, cause time isn't really linear in dreams.”

“Mm…” They looked up at the stars, wondering. “I have a lot of guilt.”

“We dream a lot about things we're obsessed with,” it reiterated. “Or more broadly, that we deal with or think about a lot. It's one of the ways our minds process things, like trauma.”

Two Time nodded. “That makes sense.” 

A brief moment of silence fell over them.

“This might be weird to say, since we technically just met,” Mzoyagon murmured. “But I love you, okay?”

“It's not weird at all,” Two Time replied. “What would a god be that does not love its followers?”

Mzoyagon looked away. “I guess. You know what I'm really talking about, though.”

It looked back at Two Time with this smile, charming yet real. They felt their breath catch in their throat. 

“I… suppose I love you too.”

Chapter Text

Two Time was in a wooden chair in a dark place, cuffs around their wrists as they looked down in shame, eyes shut tight. The air was cold and still, and the floor was an icy, unpleasant concrete. This was what they deserved.

Light streaming into the room made them open their eyes, gazing up at an obscure figure peeking in through an open steel door. If they even remembered who this person was anymore, they didn't remember a letter of his name, nor did they recognize his blurry face- but he was an authority figure. His gaze was hollow and unfeeling, like an executioner on the job. The only thing they could recognize was the symbol of the Spawn on his chest. Dread filled their body as their neck hairs stood on end. They didn't move a muscle.

“I'm astonished you could have come to this,” he said. “The Spawn demands loyalty. You would know that above anyone else, Two Time.”

“I-I apologize, mister,” they stammered.

“There is no apologizing now,” he said, pulling out the Ghostfire Dagger. “Only redemption.”

Two Time’s eyes widened. “What… must be done?”

“To regain your place in our ranks and save us all from the Spawn’s wrath, you must make another sacrifice,” he said. “You already know what to do. Pierce a heart full of your love, and we will all regain the Spawn’s favor.”

“Azure is dead,” Two Time stated bluntly. “Your ‘grand step to rebirth’ was a lie.”

“Words like those are what put you here,” he said. “And of course, in your disloyalty, you forsook him for a nonbeliever. Perhaps you knew to bring a sacrifice when you came home.”

Suddenly, Two Time’s body stood up on its own as the executioner took them by the chains. The Ghostfire Dagger was in their hands now, and for a moment they thought to defy the executioner, they had every opportunity to stab him… or cut themself out. However, they didn't dare move or speak, aside from continuing to follow. Spawn knows what consequences would follow defying them further. Both marched mindlessly down a featureless concrete hallway, Two Time feeling constricted by a force they couldn't see. They ascended up a spiral staircase into the last place Two Time wanted to be. The executioner vanished, and so did their chains. 

Before them was Elliot, his back turned. He looked small, meek and helpless, the perfect prey. 

Two Time froze. They had their suspicions that this was what the executioner was talking about, but seeing it in front of them, they felt their breath seize in their throat. They couldn't do this, they shouldn't do this. Everything about it was wrong. Yet, their arm raised up on its own, their feet taking slow and silent steps towards Elliot. There was no changing the inevitable. They could see him taking quick, shallow breaths, ears twitching as if to listen for everything. They drew closer, and closer, until…

“What are you doing!?” Elliot exclaimed, turning around. He stared directly into their eyes, his pupils an unnatural yellow. 

Two Time stopped in their tracks, unsettled by his appearance. He was too small, too helpless, yet not so much that he looked different from what Two Time was used to- and he looked human, but not human enough, humans’ noses didn't twitch like that. His glowing eyes betrayed something strange, and they couldn't tell if his gaze was fearful or predatory. What stopped them, however, was that it was undeniably him. The Ghostfire Dagger quivered in their hands as they tried to come up with some excuse, some explanation to what was going on. All that could come out of their mouth was, 

“I’m sorry.”

Elliot didn't reply, just facing toward Two Time and eyeing the dagger. It was hard to tell what he was thinking, but they steeled their nerves and held the blade closer in case he thought to turn it against them. He seemed somewhat lost in thought, or was that just his wide unblinking eyes? Regardless, they took advantage of the apparent distraction, muttering another ‘I’m sorry’ as they charged forwards, aiming for the heart. Without warning, they were punched across the face and fell helplessly to the ground, the dagger clattering down alongside them. Within moments, it vanished into the ground, as if the temple had claimed it. Two Time was unarmed. 

“I’m sorry! I-I’m so sorry!” they bleated, tears welling up in their eyes. 

Elliot placed his hand on their face, pinning them down as his long claws pressed into their forehead. From below, he was a giant, unkillable and unstoppable. His face obscured by darkness, all they could see were his focused, hungry eyes. He blocked out all of the moonlight coming from above them, and only then did they see that they'd never been in the temple. Even the trees looked small compared to Elliot. He had a strength they would never know, and if they had ever had the opportunity to run, they knew they would have never gotten far. Elliot opened his mouth to speak, but Azure’s voice came out.

“If someone has to die here, I'll make this quick. Don't go back, or they'll kill us all.”

Then, he slowly leaned down before digging his teeth into their neck. Panic overwhelmed them, but they couldn't do anything but cry as Elliot ripped their throat open, then their chest, then their belly. His bites were definitely quick, but their death was another story. He tore out flesh, bones and organs indiscriminately and swallowed them all whole in a gruesome display. They could only watch. The world seemed to vanish, just leaving him and them alone in the void. Then, his blurry figure tore their heart out before the void took him, too. 

Everything went dark, and they died. 

Then they were in the cabin, their face soaked in tears as they opened their eyes. Immediately they felt their wings rip messily out of their back and continue to stretch and grow as a pulsing spiraling sensation tried to lull them back towards the world of dreams. Their whole body was swelling, causing them to realize the pain they felt in death was really an unconscious transformation. Though the sensation was pleasurable, Time’s despair was immeasurable. Amidst their instinctive screams were genuine ones. They didn't care whether what they had just experienced was real or not- what they felt was beyond real, and it was far greater than the kind of pain they took pleasure in. The taste of false blood, the sound of flesh ripping and Elliot’s lingering scent all elicited a visceral fear in them. What terrible omen had they been sent, to dream that they were forced to sacrifice him only to be eaten alive?

The door creaking open startled them out of their panic, and they sat up to see that it was him. He was normal, no yellow eyes, no size inconsistencies, no animal traits. Seeing Elliot made them feel somewhat relieved, but any attempt at speech came out as gibberish whining and barking. He rushed over to hug them, whispering words of comfort as they buried their face in his chest and cried their eyes out. Elliot didn't even seem to care about the false blood dripping everywhere. He just held Two Time close, stroking their fur sweetly. When the transformation was over, their instincts started to take over and they started licking the false blood off of Elliot, eliciting a few ticklish giggles. 

“Hey.. A-are you alright?” Elliot asked, pushing them off him a little to get them to stop. 

“No,” they gasped, quivering. “I-I just had a.. horrible nightmare…”

He put a hand on their cheek, leaning closer. “I’m… so sorry. Do you want to talk about it?”

“I-it was about you…” they admitted, ears pinned back as they looked away. “And it was gruesome. Are you sure you want to hear it?”

Elliot shrugged, smiling. “Can't get worse than where we are.”

There was a naive confidence in his words, as if he had seldom known the horrors of the world until being Forsaken. Yet, it gave Two Time a feeling of comfort. He was willing to hear them. 

“Th-the Cult of the Spawn tried to force me to.. k-kill you… as a punishment for leaving them,” they choked out, tearing up again. “A-and I tried, but when you knocked me down, I lost my dagger. Then, I had to watch you… e-eat me alive. You spoke with Azure’s voice.”

Elliot’s eyes widened with remorse. However, he didn't reply, just pulling them back into a hug. Their wings curled around his body, developing flesh and white feathers as if to keep him warm. The sensation was quite prickly, but despite their surprise, they didn't mind. Elliot glanced around at the fledging wings, equally surprised, but quickly went back to focusing on Two Time themself. He ran his fingers through their mane, scratching them gently. Slowly, their shaking came to a stop.

“They told me I cheated on Azure with you… kept me in chains like the animal I am…” they lamented, holding him closer. “I-I'm a monster, Elliot. I deserved all of that.”

“That's not true!” Elliot exclaimed. “You're beautiful, and kind.. you can't let your past define you…”

Two Time was taken off guard a little, pulling back and blinking a few times. “You think I'm beautiful?”

Elliot blushed, perhaps having not thought twice about what he said. “I.. I guess I do!”

A moment of silence fell upon them, before Two Time started laughing, endeared by Elliot’s reaction. He smiled warmly in response, happy to see them happy.

“We’re in love, aren’t we?” they bantered, wagging their tail.

And then Elliot laughed in return, and they both laughed, sorrow vanishing from Time’s heart. This was something they hadn't felt in years- to be cheered up by laughter on a dreadful day. 

Not long after, the call of the Wild had made its way to Two Time. They had a vague memory of the dream that came before their nightmare- did they really talk to Mzoyagon in Wildside? They thought they ought to go see her and confirm. However, as they made their way to the door, Elliot stopped them.

“You heading to the forest?” he asked.

“Yes,” they replied, turning towards him. “Would you like to… come with me?”

“Me? In the woods?” Elliot said. “I dunno what I'd do…”

“There's plenty to do,” they told him. “We could forage. Lots of the plants are good to eat, and I'm sure they would make good pizza toppings.”

He thought about that for a moment, before looking back at Two Time with a smile. “That sounds like fun.”

And with that, they continued out the cabin door together.