Chapter Text
Two time had heard the story ever since they'd been a child. A story of how they were saved.
It goes a little like this.
A scrawny child spent their days lurking outside the Spawnism grounds, nobody knew they were there. At this time, they had no name only a torn purple dress swamping his tiny body in layers of clothing. During the nights, they'd steal things from the communal kitchens always leaving muddy footprints behind. The Leader of that time, Amarah, had investigated day and night with no luck. As the days passed, rumors of other members of the community started circulating – worried eyes mumbled about a small demon taking the form of a kid, roaming around, trying to bring down the religion they had created.
A child of sin, one that took the sin off their parent's hearts, to roam around like many unwanted children do without divine guiding.
The Spawn had woken Amarah up, that gloomy night as thunder clapped outside the camp walls. "There's a lost soul, show it the way." It had whispered in the disciple's ears, gently opening the door into the thick forest. That's how they'd been found, soaked wet, covered in bruises and matted hair. They been almost feral, from what their mentor told them, eyes dead as a corpse. Amarah had taken them to the church, passed a cleansing ritual by covering their hands in red lamb blood before bathing them. The disciple had given them a name. Two time, the one who was given a second chance, he' d whisper softly while brushing his hair softly. It was their favorite story back then, when Amarah braided their long hair under the soft glow of a lamp.
It had comforted them, even now as a nine-year-old. The soft lull of Amarah's voice while he described all of the ways Two time was saved. How they'd be nothing without the spawn, how grateful they should be. Their name was a signal of hope, another chance, one they had to prove they were worthy off. A weird lump formed on the back of their throat, they were supposed to be happy, they were chosen. Why were they sad?
Their days had been monotonous, nothing but lessons. Amarah had warned them, of their impulses to commit sins. Two Time had carried their parent's sins on their back, now, they needed to study as much as they can to make up for it. Sometimes they'd look out the window, watching the other pure children play happily. They wondered when they would be pure enough to do that too, to let the wind whip their hair as they ran around. Those musings were always interrupted. Amarah didn't like it when they got distracted, and the punishments were never fun.
Their voice was raspy from disuse, rarely did anyone talk to them. Their mentor was always too busy teaching them or conducting rituals. "Children are meant to be seen not heard, now be a dear and cease the whining" He'd repeat once again, dangerous annoyance flashing through his tone.
Instead, they focused on their studies, devouring every piece of information in front of them. They had no other purpose, no other reason to be, just devotion filling their cold heart. As Amarah passed every single drop of knowledge into their young mind. The teachings were sometimes cruel, punishments even worse. Hunger pangs would attack their small stomach, bruises and cuts breaking his fragile skin like porcelain. They'd never cried a lot during those punishments. The spawn needed to teach them a lesson, after all, sin tainted every single bone of their body. It felt unfair, lying in Amarah's arms while they waited for the pain to pass.
Two time had read once, ways that made those sins disappear, only to grow disappointed. It was sad, his mother would need to die for it to work. Amarah had told them, sometimes women traded their life to cure their babies from the sins they committed. They died while the Spawn delivered the baby's life. They cried a lot after that story, earing puffy eyes and a bright red cut on their wrist for their ruckus. It just had seemed unfair. Still, they continued their studies. Two time would live in sin forever. Maybe, that way they'd be pure enough to play on the gardens once more.
It was a happy morning, where the sun filtered through the libraries window. That morning, they'd resumed their routines. A tower of books shielded their face from the burning sun, that entered through the open window. The divine book of sacred rituals laid open in their lap, head spinning with the onslaught of words. Part of them felt terrible, what kind of ungrateful disciple were they? Getting bored by the old words of the old book, they ought to have it memorized by next sunrise. A loud laugh resonated the space, shattering their already fickle concentration with confusion, as Two time turned to the window. A couple of kids were running around after a ball, dirt caking their faces with bright faces.
To the side, was a boy -- hands deep in the dirt as he gardened, his silver eyes catching the light of the sun.
The kid turned around, grabbing his brown hat before it could blow in the wind, looking straight at them. Two time expected a sneer or grimace like the adults, hiding their face in one of the books, only their eyes peeking out. Instead, the kid gave them the warmest smile he could manage -- flowers woven into his hair. It was the first time someone had looked at him with so much sincerity. Something warm was growing behind their chest, warmer than the sun brushing against their face. Then the kid was gone, running after his mother with a last wave.
It became part of their routine, the boy always made sure to wave at them. Sometimes, he would garden in the plants near the window of the library --speaking about his day with optimism. For once, Two time wasn't dreading their time locked in the library. It was always the same, it always made Two time feel a little bit better.
"Hey, why don't you come out to play?" The boy asked from where he was gardening, eyes looking straight into his with a puzzled expression. Dirt staining the pristine gardening robes without a care in the world, he looked free like those birds Two time drew when they had free time.
"I can't" Two time whispered, raspy voice cracking a bit at the disuse. Those were the first words they'd spoken since their last punishment, none of the adults wanted to chat with them.
"Are you a vampire?" The boy whispered conspiratorially, eyes flashing with awe as he took their pale appearance. The question wasn't rude, just genuine curiosity that made them burst into quiet giggles. Softly laying the ritual book on the table, Two time sat by the windowsill. It's something that they did often enough, so the librarian didn't even raise her head in their direction. It's not like they are going to get much study done with the kid here.
"No, that's silly! Amarah just says I have to study" Two time explained, showing him one of the old boring books that they had to memorize. Most of it didn't make any sense to them and the blood sacrifices made him really queasy. Those just seemed so cruel, maybe, that's why they have to study more. To understand the faith that those sacrifices are supposed to give them, praising the spawn like they should.
"Oh, that's boring. why don't you study plants? Those are way better" The kid asked, lifting a beautiful purple flower of the garden before showing it to them. Leaving it in the windowsill so Two time could grab it. They put it behind their ear, hair keeping it in place. A blatant contrast against their pristine white robes, after all, he was too young to use the adult's deep blue ones.
"Amarah decides what I study. So, I don't have many options" Two time responded, hands laid in their lap as they watched the other child work. They wondered if someday they would be cleansed enough to play with the rest of kids. Maybe once the sin gets out of their body, they could be free. They'd like to garden with the other kid outside too, under the bright rays of sunshine or the cool wind. A small part of them told them they would be trapped forever in the church, unable to play at all. After all, they were already breaking one of the rules Amarah had gave him. A sudden guilt rolled through their body in waves, maybe that's what Amarah meant with tainted. Two time was distracting another member from continuing his work without studying.
"What's wrong?" Azure asked gently, humming softly under his breath. His eyes look worried for them, a small frown over his face as he looks for any kind of problem-- no one ever looked at them like that. Worried for their results maybe but never worried for him. Two time decided maybe they would pray more, study a little more, just so they can play outside with the silver-eyed boy. The way he played freely in the dirt just looked so fun, unlike some of these books. Maybe that made them a bad follower, maybe that's the reason they can't play with the other kids. Two time isn't sure anymore, they just to play for a day or two.
"I'm not supposed to be outside" Two time whispers, eyes a bit glassy as they turn to look at the librarian. They feel so guilty at breaking one of the rules already, especially since they'd been punished not even a day ago. Maybe they should go back to their books, if they fail another lesson they'll get into a lot of trouble. They can't bring themself to move back to the desk. It just seemed to make them even more upset, they would feel awfully lonely now. Now, that they are finally making a friend.
"Why not?" Azure looked mostly curious, there was no judgment in his gaze unlike the rest of adults or teenagers here. He'd drop the gardening supplies on the dirt; attention focused solely on them. Flowers surrounded the other boy, whose eyes shone with kindness that felt warm like the fireplace back at their cabin; for some reason, they felt safe. It was an odd safety, one different than the one Amarah gave them, one much warmer. "I'm Azure by the way!"
"Oh, my name is Two time" They whispered, suddenly lost on their thoughts. "Amarah said my parents did bad things, so now I'm tainted with sin" They explained ashamed, their parents didn't look like good persons. Amarah had told Two time, they had refused one of the more important rituals of their life, the rebirth. So, their parents ran away with them when they could. Eventually, they had abandoned Two time at the outskirts of the religion. It was well known that the kids absorb their parent's worst sins, so, they'd used Two time to get rid of sin and live happily after betraying their religion.
It hurt, how difficult can it be to do the ritual? Amarah has yet to tell him what that one requires, telling them that's an adult's ritual.
"So, like soul sick?" Azure asked, dusting himself off before getting near the window. Eyes looking at Two time like he could vanish the sickness away. A smile found it's way through their lips at the other boy; it was nice having a friend. He didn't seem disgusted by it, to their surprise, just sad.
"I think so, he said I have to study a ton to get better." Two time moved some of the books near the window, the names of the tomes glistening under the sunlight, notes on a separate piece of paper written in loopy handwriting. The other boy just looked at them from the distance, keeping his muddy hands as far from the pristine notes as he could. A lot of pages scattered around the desks hard surface; dictionaries opened in random complicated words. The librarian raised an eyebrow, noticing the weird interaction. Before a small smile crossed her face, it looked almost fond in her face.
"I thought you cured soul sickness by attending the confessionary and praying" Azure mused, fidgeting with his matching spawn pendant while looking around the books with a bored look on his face. Two Time couldn't blame him; the books were dumb and very very boring. They wished they could just go to the confessionary, then again, they did nothing wrong. Maybe that's why they can't confess, because their parents would need to do it in their place.
"Maybe mine is very bad" Two Time settled on saying, suddenly very confused. There were other sin children in the cult, maybe they were different than Two time. Maybe, those kids' parents do something to take the guilt away from their child. It made them suddenly very sad, why did they have to bear the mistakes of their parents? It's not their fault they were cowards. A short huff of annoyance left their lips at the thought, fidgeting with the skirt of their white robes. At least, they had Amarah and now Azure, they guess.
"That's a bit unfair, I hope you get better" Azure said softly, turning back to the plants with a slightly confused expression.
"Yeah, maybe the spawn will heal me soon" Was Two time's soft response, turning to look at the secretary. A soft static filled the place, strange numbness in the back of their ears.
Two time analyzed the other boy's appearance once more, trying to focus on the small details. Azure just looked wrong, his eyes were dull, had they always been that color? Something about the whole situation feels deeply unsettling, like they are forgetting something important. They just met the other child; it made no sense for the feeling. Yet, as he continues playing in the dirt outside, rambling about his favorite flowers; Two time just can't shake the wrongness. Running their eyes through the tome on their hands, surprised at the blurred cover, letters switching from silver to gold. How odd.
The dread continued building up. For some reason, their heart felt heavy. Two time decided to just watch the other kid, ignoring their aching heart. There was no reason to feel like that. Instead, they just focused on the weird colored sunrise with a soft sigh.
Azure dropped their tools to the floor, dusting himself, as he looked at Two time with a grin on his face. Eyes suddenly obscured by the hat. He grabbed a flower crown made of purple nightshades of all kinds, walking in their direction. Two time hummed puzzled as he approached, book left discarded on their lap. Soft hands caress their hair as the flower crown lays on their head. The weight feels comforting like a soft hug, leaving them blinking dumbly at the other boy.
"I have to go, now. I hope I get to meet you again, My nightshade" The boy next to him, no longer a child, but instead a strong man with brown robes. Two time looks at themself, deep navy robes confirming their fears. This was just a dream. Two time could not switch from a child to an adult that easily. Their eyes taking every single feature, from the curve of his lips to the messy curls on their auburn face. The other man lets him, a smile full of love on his lips. Azure leans down, pressing a small fleeting kiss on the corner of their mouth. Then he turns around, running to the rising sun.
Part of them wanted to scream to Azure to turn back. Their voice didn't come out. Helpless to look as their flower runs, while the rays of sunlight reflected on his hair.
Leaving them alone, coldness seeping to their frame. Watching as their dream dissolves the further their flower runs away.
It's been too long since the Spawn has let them dream like that.
They wake up numb, gazing dumbly to the ceiling while a hand rests on their cheek. For a second, they imagine they could feel the warmth of the kiss sinking into their pale skin. It's a sinful thought. Love was reserved for the Spawn after all. Somehow, that makes the void in Two time's heart feel bigger, oppressing against their chest. A ridiculous notion. It takes him an embarrassing amount of time to fight against the tar drowning their heavy body.
As they change into their usual robes, tired eyes find themselves oddly transfixed on the scars of their abdomen. Caressing their hands through the stretch marks, sinful reminders of the past, of their mistakes. The one mistake they couldn't even fathom to repent for. It was shameful, wasn't it? To give up their life for the cleanse of a sin they committed with another. Yet, they find themself grateful for it. At least, Azure and those two are alive and well in the religion. The Spawn had promised that.
Why were they thinking of them right now? The Spawn had always made sure to steer Two time's thoughts of their sins.
Ghosts of Azure greet them, reminders of their flower. Azure is in the living world. This doesn't mean the Spawn can't let them talk or see him. The Spawn is not cruel after all, it doesn't matter, how much Two time sinned to get here. Today, it's one of those days, where they can only see their love but not interact with them. Two time looks at Azure, sadness even stronger now, as they watch the man tend to what they assume are the gardens. Two time can't see their eyes, just the hat, obscuring his face. They do not complain. The Spawn is already granting them, this small blessing, it would be greed to ask for more.
The rounds clock has yet to appear, yet they find themself oddly serene. Two time was paying for their sins, for loving, for creating life without the Spawn's permission. It had been a terrible mistake that they do not find themselves capable of feeling remorse of. Maybe they ought to teach themself a lesson. Hunger is the fastest way to ensure their punishment. No survivor can change that, even if they try as meddling as they like to be. A sharp continuous knocking, snapped them out of their thoughts.
The day felt oddly suffocating already, the round has yet to pass. How odd. Throwing quickly their coat over the robes the Spawn required they wore, as they make their way to the door.
"Hello Two time, come on, it's time for breakfast" A blur of blonde hair greeted them outside the door, red visor sitting on his head. Elliot, the healer, truly one of their most tolerable companions. The other survivors quite annoyed them, looking at them as if they were crazy for following the spawn. Maybe that's why they are here without the second life appendages. Heresy is a worse sin than the one they carried on their womb. No, that wasn't a sin. Two time taken the sin with them, accepting punishment. The result of that sin would be free to live their lifes as they please.
There's no need to concern themself with those matters, what is wrong with them today?
"May the Spawn bless you, healer. Fret not, I shall not eat to day. That's what was demanded of me by my god." Two time replies easily. Walking out of the cabin, into the cold wind. Elliot looked worried, yet, he did not comment any further. Instead a frown taking over his face, as he walked next to them.
"Can you drink something, at least? The rounds are already exhausting." Elliot asked carefully, eyes nervous for their reactions. It amused Two time a bit. They were fine, the Spawn had their backs. Still, they suppose that having something on their stomach is a good idea. After all, The Spawn would be even more displeased if they were to bring the others down for their foolishness.
"Of course, that would be acceptable. Thank you, healer." They nodded, entering the cabin with swift steps. The rest of survibors rarely interacted with them anyway. Unwilling to accept their religion as a core part of their life. It could not be fixed.
As two time grabbed the purple beverage, a hollow feeling growing in their stomach. Something was going to happen, but, what?
The feeling did not end, once the round started to their dismay. It just seemed get heavier, threatening to drown them under stormy seas.
It's fine, The Spawn will protect them
The round passes without much complication.
The heavy feeling of their bony wings, the result of their failure. It aches, the pain is manageable, so they continue walking to the altar outside of the cabins.
The feeling has yet to vanish, much to their disdain. The Spawn must be trying to guide them once more, warning them of future dangers. Maybe the danger has yet to pass. They'll just have to be more vigilant during the rounds. Walking to with hazy steps to the front of the altar. There is no more blood, the notice dimly, not enough for their evening prayers. A soft sigh of annoyance slips their lips, the dagger, it would have been very useful right now. Two time had yet to understand why they insisted on taking it out of Two time's hands.
The quiet ambience allows them to focus on their prayers, giving up their mind to their god without a thought. They fall through their lips with ease, voices filling their mind in a serene cacophony, it feels relaxing. A ritual they've performed ever since they've been rescued. Amarah had guided their hands, and now, they did it alone. Showing devotion to the religion that shaped them in the only way they knew how.
A sick creak of their bones makes them kneel over, head on their hands. As they wait patiently for the feeling to pass, it was natural. The second life was a blessing, they did not deserve, that's why Two time's body rejected it so harshly. The blood splatters from their closing wounds in a sick pitter patter. They could use it to feed today's ritual, sure, they would be risking the Spawn's anger. Yet, giving nothing didn't feel like an option in the moment.
A sudden shout from inside the cabin, loud enough to carry through the thick wooden doors, shattered their concentration. Fear began pouring through their brain in waves, everything, they were failing once again. Displeasing the Spawn with their sinner thoughts this morning, and now, interrupting a prayer. Azure whispered a soft reassurance on their ears, as they resumed their prayers. The weight behind their throat growing heavier by the second, hollowness more prominent.
The cabin grows dreadfully silent as they continue their prayers. They couldn't afford to lose concentration, not again. Azure had vanished into thin air once more, a clear indication, the spawn was getting annoyed with them.
They barely finish their prayers when a thick light illuminates the whole cabin, making them curious.
Something tells them to investigate what the commotion was. The Spawn hates chaos after all. It's only reasonable to get rid of it, as much as they can. So, instead of walking into their cabin like they always do. Two time changes paths back to the main cabin, where the rest of survivors, will surely be. They wouldn't be notice either way. Most of the time, they avoided Two time as much as possible. They open the door, entering into a really curious scene. All of the survivors where surrounding a table, each face with some grade of horror on their expression, as they stared at the blankets silently.
It was never quiet, not even during the night. So it truly was odd to see everyone so quiet.
Two time took another step, floorboard creaking under their weight. Every single stare locked at Two time's face. Making them uncomfortable fo the attention suddenly on their person, still, they remained smiling. Walking to the center of the chaos, how could a pair of baskets and a box of supplies cause such a racket? Their colleagues were not easily surprised, so, what could it be? Before they could advance any further. Chance, blocked their way. Which was interesting, given how much the other man seemed to dislike them.
"Ey, Time, What are cha doing here at these hours?" Chance whispered at them, trying to cover the view to the table. If Two time hadn't seen the baskets, it might have worked. However, They are far from dumb, instead opting to just raise an eyebrow to the other man.
"You've caused quite a ruckus outside, I must admit, I grew curious." Two time replies, curious of how far is he going to take this charade. Honestly, it was amusing. The man was a decent liar, yet right now, his behaviour clearly gave him away. Chance was loud after all, him whispering was unheard of.
"Is nothing, you know, we got lost in the games. If you want, you could go back to sleep." Chance pointed out. Honestly, it was getting annoying this kind of attitude. The Spawn seemed also displeased by the other man's intrusion. Two time doesn't understand. They are a team, are they not? Why is a man that never bother talking to them, meddling in the most infuriating way? Their smile tightened around their lips.
"That is not quite believable. You are whispering, theres no reason for you to do that." Two Time answers calmly, giving the other man another oportunity to just admit what the problem is. Their patience is running thin, through the fog of their brain. The Spawns whispering grows in volume by the second.
"You know how I am. It's nothing really." Chance insists once more, the careless attitude dropping for nerviosism. Hands fumbling with the coin the love to toss in the air. Two time had originally just planned to interrogate a fellow survivor on the origins of the problem. The reason why they made them mess up their prayers in such a destructive manner. Yes, maybe they were annoyed. The tightness around Two time's chest didn't help at all.
"Move, Gambler. I do not enjoy being taken as a fool" Two time snaps, watching the other man cower. They will not disappoint the Spawn's orders once more. If the other survivors refused to answer their questions, then they'll get the answers one way or another. Something is urging Two time to look at the basket, probably the Spawn. It's a curiosity unlike any other they've had.
"Two time, if you must. Promise me you will not harm what's in there" The soldier, Guest, stepped up. Eyes stern as they relayed the information coldly. Whatever was in the basket was a creature? How curious. They thought this eternal realm of damnation was exclusively for robloxians. Two time wonders if the poor animal would have to spend the rounds, running confused, terrified as they are hunted down like pray. There are things more important than that, so, they bury that particular line of thinking.
"The Spawn does not harm innocents, soldier." Two time mutters indignantly, smile tight around the corner of their lips. That was a ridiculous implication, one deeply offending too. 'Calm down, Nightshade. There's no reason to get mad' A soft whisper resonated on their ears, the ghost of a touch on their face. The Spawn had send Azure to reassure them, there's no reason to get mad anymore. Truly a testament of their god's mercy, understanding their deeply flawed companions.
"Promise it, I need a verbal promise" The man insists. It's a testament of Two time's respect that they don't snap at the soldier. They are just ignorant. Two time needs to be patient, that's not something that could be changed in a whim. It requires rituals with resources they don't have, for now, they'll have to continue tolerating the biting comments and the isolation. It's nothing new after all.
"Fine, I promise. Even if I find the insinuation that I would hurt someone innocent, deeply offensive." It's the only thing that manages to slip through their lips. Smile tense with righteous anger, how dare they. The Spawn guides their way, it's merciful.
The soldier is clearly skeptical, a soft sigh on his lips, contemplating silently before stepping to the side. Chance scatters behind him, walking to the kitchen in soft steps. The silence felt weird for their rather lousy collegue, unnatural. The gambler seems self conscious, stepping through the floorboards as quietly as he can with a nervous look on their face.
Taking a glance inside of the blankets. Two time finds their blood go cold, haze dissapearing from their mind. No, it couldn't be them, right?
They were supposed to be free of Two time's sin, innocents. Two time had died for them to live free of it, to not carry the sin of their creation, then how were they here? They were not supposed to be punished. Had Two time failed once again?
A sharp wounded gasp falls through their lips, trembling hands as they stare into the baskets. There's people talking to them, Two time cannot hear them over the static in their ears, maybe they are mad. Their tears stain their cheeks, unable to smile for once, it felt like grief. This was their fault then. They had sinned and condemned them, no matter their efforts. It had to be for their behaviour recently, their sinful thoughts, their scattered actions. The Spawn had decided that their sacrifice wasn't enough to hold the ritual. It was all, their fault again.
Sleeping peacefully in the twin baskets, a pair of familiar chubby faces, greeted them once more. They were older now, three months at least. The hollowness on Two time's heart felt overwhelming, like a part of them was ripped into shreds. Static growing steadily in Two time's brain as guilt consumed their body.
Two time's eyes wander to the purple basket, fitting, giving the baby's name. The little girl slumbered peacefully, puny fist wrapped around the blanket, a soft cat plushie tucked in her arms. Bella, her name felt natural on their lips, it had a morbid origin. After all, Azure always loved flowers, every type of purple nightshade. Two time's hands shook silently, soft cries falled through their lips. Dimly, they could register the confused murmurs from around them. It was too much.
Two time had only wished for them to live happily.
She was the prettiest baby, even after carrying an unjust sin. Rosy cheeks with freckles scattered through them like stars, auburn curls framing her face, and striking pale skin.
Her brother was right next to her, yellow blanket wrapped around him. Aiden, who was her complete opposite. Tan skin with black curls spread wildly, a mole on his lips, as he clutched the crow close to his face.
Two Time raises their hands slowly, needing to touch the babies, to know they are real. Part of the wishes, they aren't. Two time wished they hadn't ruin them. Their babies couldn't be trapped in this eternal hell.
Before Two time can, there's blue hands wrapping over their arms. Tugging them away from the children, harsh reprimands falling from the person's lips. Two time doesn't understand a single word that comes out of the person's mouth. They are taking them away from their babies once more. It's the only thing that registers their brain. They don't want the children to be punished, they don't want them to go. A harsh tug, mixed with annoyed whispers, make Two time drop to the floor. They do something dishonorous, they plead.
Followers of the Spawn do not plead to anyone but their god, yet, here they are. Two time can't find themselves to care about it too much. the ache on their heart is building steadily, pressure threatening to drown them.
It's fine, they'll repent later.
Something snaps on the back of their mind, a thick fog falling through their thoughts. The Spawn must have taken control of their mind once more, relaxing it.
A pair of strong arms hold them, dropping the basket with the yellow blanket on the floor next to them. Carefully, they guide Two time's arms in a better position, handing them a baby swaddled in a purple blanket. Two time settles into a familiar daze, the spawn gathering their thoughts once more, leaving them numb. A soft coo grounds them enough, as they rock their little girl in their arms. The spawn is merciful and cruel sometimes, their god only wants them to better.
Two time just hopes the infants don't accompany them through their torment, it's not up to them to decide.
"Bella, bella." Two time mutters, scattered thoughts, as the soft histeria disappearing behind the static of their brain. There's no need to be scared, the spawn, the spawn is with them. It'll protect them from harm.
"That's her name? Bella?" The man, a soldier, asks. Maybe the Spawn had send him to check the babies. He looks kind. Two time nods softly, glassy eyes staring blankly at the soldiers clothes. Bella makes a tiny sound of discomfort from her swaddle, a tiny whimper falling through her lips. They just adjust the baby in their arms, making it easier for the soldier to see her. The soldier smiles kindly to them, signaling to the basket next to Two time with small motions. Two time's other baby is fussing in the yellow blanket, they need to do something about it, but what? Their mind is too confused to understand at the moment. Maybe the Spawn would guide them.
"That's a pretty name. Who is this little guy over here?" The soldier asks softly, almost nervous of them. That's a silly notion, Two time is fine. The Spawn is by their side, it'll help them figure everything out. What was the question asked? It takes them a bit to pierce the fragments together on their brain. It's been so long since they last had a conversation with someone. So, they obeyed, turning to where their son is fussing with an absent hum.
"Aiden" Two time hums, hands shaking a bit. The babies are unhappy, why? Are they harming them in some way? The Spawn is terribly silent, maybe, still angry at their failure. Their brain just couldn't comprehend a single thing happening around them. They tried to force themself to understand, to think a little harder. The fog only came thicker the more they spiraled. Before it could get worse, the soldier interrupted them once more.
"It's fine Two, they are probably just hungry. It's fine" The soldier kneels in front of them, a hand reaching for the baby in the basket. A silent question floating in the air. Two time only nodded to the nice soldier, they seemed nice. The man held their son gently, rocking the basket with an unreadable expression on his face. A frenzied blonde man dressed in red whispered something in the soldier's ears, a sigh of annoyance slipping through the man's lips. Two time just looks at the pair confused. "Can you feed them? The box didn't include any type of formula"
"Okay, yeah." Two time mumbles, the movement is natural. The soldier doesn't say a thing, using the blanket to cover them. Through their fractured mind, a cozy glow illuminates the cabin. Azure is there, the Spawn must have allowed him in once again. A book on their hands, as he stares at Two time. A kind smile forming on his lips, as he hurries to their side.
They barely register, burping and alternating the babies without a care in the world. The soldier gently coaxes their son out of Two time's arms, handing them their daughter as they lay the sleeping infant on the basket.
Her daughter is wide awake, a fist grabbing their chest, as curious eyes explore the room. A soft laugh falls from Azure lips, Auburn curls swinging under a brown hat, eyes blurred. His smile is fond, yet, it all feels wrong. Uncanny as Two time looks at their flower standing next to the child. They expected a different reaction. it's not real, a small part of their brain screams at them, that can't be tru. The spawn wouldn't lie at them. Their brain hurts too much to think about that, it's impossible.
"Azure... look" Two time mumbles softly, inclining the baby to the side. As she smiles softly, content, swaddled in a purple blanket. They caress her hair softly. "She has your hair..."
There's a distant voice, talking to them. Two time doesn't hear, it's probably not important. There's something heavy and warm around their shoulders, it makes the fog fade slightly. Azure continues there, next to them, eyes fixed on the baskets around the two of them. There are gentle hands pulling Two time to their feet, it's confusing. They can't manage anything else but a soft puzzled hum, trying to understand why they did that. Azure is here, distant.
The person is blurry, yet, they kneel in front of their other child. Carrying the slumbering basket softly, before grabbing their hands. They pull at them softly, murmuring soft words as Two time struggles once more to make sense. They are leading them away from Azure. Two time didn't want them to take him away. Where was this person leading them? Why couldn't they stay here?
"Azure?" Two Time asks softly, eyes trailing on the corner of the room. "No, no, please Azure." Tears falling slowly through their cheeks. The person stops, stepping in front of them calmly. The man speaks softly until the Spawn lifts the fog from Two time's brain, just enough so they can understand what the man in front of them is saying. The man wears a hard hat, it feels terribly familiar, they can't pinpoint why.
"Do ya' hear me? Kid, it's fine. Azure is welcomed to follow ya' if they want." The man mutters gruffly, resuming their job as a guide once Two time is calmer."Ain't no way ya aint tired after today. I'm sure those babies are too. Ya need to sleep."
"Okay" Two time replies softly, letting themself be guided out of the room once more. The fog returns through their mind, it's fine. The Spawn has made sure Two time is safe once more. Even through all of their sinning, they ensured the safety of Two time's children also. They just know that they can trust these two man. As Two time watches Azure's presence float from place to place, they can't stop the serene smile on their lips.
There's no need to worry. The Spawn will protect them, they only have to believe in it.