Chapter Text
(Yes I know they can all respawn but this is for the sake of this fic, in this, Taph failed to respawn somehow and yeah yada yada he's GONE!!!)
It's been a few days since Taph's unfortunate death. Two Time couldn't stop thinking about it. It was their fault, after all. They failed to protect him. They FAILED. They couldn't get the image of Taph getting killed by 1x4 right in front of them out of their head. It was a terrifying sight. They thought he'd respawn though, as always. But he didn't. He never did. He was gone. Just like that. No trace of him anywhere. The guilt kept gnawing at them. How could they fail him so badly? They could've easily prevented this if they found him earlier!
Currently, Two Time was in their room, not bothering to go see the others. They've been silent ever since Taph disappeared without a trace. Their usual crazed smile kept faltering, no matter how much they tried to keep it. The pain of losing their lover hurting them without rest. They couldn't believe they lost someone they loved AGAIN. And it was their fault again, too.
They stared aimlessly at the ceiling, their face wet from crying. They silently spoke to themselves, the pain in their poor heart not stopping.
- .. It's all my fault he's gone.. Spawn.. why must you do this? I know it's not your intention to cause suffering, I won't try to question your actions any further.. but.. why?.. WHY must you take him away from me?..
They muttered, clearly missing the mute survivor. He comforted them when they needed it.. who were they going to turn to now? Only Taph knew about what they did and didn't turn away from them. The others would definitely fear them if they knew.
- ..Dear Spawn.. please.. guide me through this moment just like you did before.. I ask for your guidance once more..
They prayed silently. Of course, Spawn wasn't real. But they didn't know that.. yet. They still believed in it. And they sometimes heard it's voice.. Of course it wasn't real as well! It was just their head. But they didn't know.
- ..Pay for my sins?.. What sins..
They asked as they heard a voice.
- ..I.. Okay.. I won't question it..
Two Time sighed and sat up. Their eyes went to their sacrificial dagger on their nightstand, glistening in the moonlight. The same dagger they had once used to kill Azure with. They reached for the blade and unwrapped some of their bandages.
- ..I must do as you please.. please, give me strength Spawn..
They mumbled, sliding the blade across their arm. They didn't react to it too much, but they watched how the red of their sins slowly dripped down. They promised Taph they wouldn't do it.. but he was gone.. and the Spawn asked for it. They must listen to the Spawn, no matter the cost.
- .. I've failed him.. I've sinned..
They said out of guilt. Despite them hearing to do it once, they couldn't stop themselves from doing it a few more times..
After a while, they sighed tiredly and wrapped the bandages around their wounds. Once they were done, they laid down on their bed and fell asleep.
The next day, sunlight lit up the whole room, Two Time woke up just as it hit their face. Sunny weather here was rare, since it was usually dark, but they didn't complain. It would be better if Taph was here with them though.. damn it! They should really stop thinking about him.. he was gone..
Through the whole day, Two Time barely left their room and barely ate anything again. That made the others worry. Specifically, 007n7. He knew the others didn't really like the cultist and were weirded out by them.. but he wanted to help. He walked up the stairs of the cabin and knocked on their door.
- Two Time.. you in there?..
He asked, waiting for a response.
- ..Yeah.. what is it? Need anything?
- Can I come in?
- ..sure
Soon, 007n7 entered the room. He saw Two Time sitting tiredly in bed, looking absolutely horrible.
- ..What do you want?
They asked curiously, their smile struggling to stay normal.
- .. I've noticed you haven't been leaving your room for quite some time now.. You barely eat and looks like you don't take care of yourself at all..
- I'm quite fine, 7n. I'm not sure what are you talking about!
They said happily, but 007n7 could see through their facade.
- Two.. I know you miss Taph. We all do. But.. Don't you think he'd be upset to know that you're still blaming yourself for his death and not taking care of yourself? I understand how you feel.. I know how it feels to lose someone important. I want to help..
- ..I.. appreciate it..
- I'll bring you something to eat. You look like you're about to pass out from starvation or something.
After a few minutes, the man returned to the room, placing some food on the nightstand. Thankfully Elliot made something for the cultist despite them not going to eat for a few days straight.
- Here.. now.. I know you're upset.. devastated, even.. so If you want to talk, I'm here to listen
He assured with a warm, gentle smile.
- .. Don't you think it was my fault he's gone though?..
- Of course not! Why? It's not your fault you were away.. and it's not your fault he didn't.. respawn.. or something. You couldn't have known it wouldn't work this time. It wasn't your fault at all.
- ..But I could've prevented this..
- Two Time. Listen to me. It wasn't your fault. None of us knew he'd disappear forever. None. And I know that Taph wouldn't be happy with you blaming yourself for this.
He said, putting his hands on Two Time's shoulders
- It's not your fault.
He repeated, wanting the cultist to finally accept it.
Two Time on the other hand simply teared up and hugged 007n7, the guilt still not leaving. The pain of Taph being gone overwhelming them.
- ...I miss him..
Two Time managed to say through sobs.
- ..I know you do, I know..
007n7 sighed and hugged them back.
- .. I'll be here for you through this hard time.. okay?.. I'll make sure you take care of yourself.. for Taph..
Two Time sobbed quietly and managed to say;
- ..For Taph...