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He was always willing to indulge Shedletsky.
Whether that was materialistically, physically, or in any other sense…Dusekkar would grant him just about anything. He only needed to ask and it would be done.
Alas, Dusekkar found himself at Sword Fight on the Heights. It was eerily dark tonight, with the only source of light being the concentrated orb of energy contained within his pumpkin.
He often visited this place in honor of Shedletsky’s memory. However, this time he was not here for the purpose of grieving, but rather with the purpose of achieving a goal.
Dusekkar wandered idly until he reached the Ring of Fire. There, he summoned his sword to prepare the necessary ritual. A plume of smoke billowed through the opening of his pumpkin as he kneeled down to plunge the blade deep into the recesses of the ground.
In a brilliant flash of light, a symbol of the Spawn unraveled beneath his sword. Dusekkar took a full step back to admire his handiwork. It would only be a matter of time before Shedletsky’s revival.
The admin had casted a dangerous spell that he had previously thought he would never need: a sacrifice for a sacrifice. It was the price of his powers in exchange for the restoration of Shedletsky’s life.
Illumina’s resting ground was the final stop.
The journey across the bridge was quite the trek. In the entire duration that Dusekkar had taken to cross the overpass, Shedletsky had gotten a bearing of his surroundings much faster than initially anticipated and retrieved Firebrand from its post.
The former admin met him in the middle of the walkway. Shedletsky flashed him with that signature smile of his—one that he hadn’t seen in millennia. “Hey. Good to see you.”
Dusekkar was about to return the greeting when he suddenly received a vision. It was a foreboding of the incoming future—a prediction of their imminent doom.
He whirled around and opened his mouth to warn Shedletsky, but it was far too late. As if on cue, 1x1x1x1 materialized through the Red Portal.
Similar to Dusekkar, 1x1x1x1 jabbed his sword into the floor. However, unlike the admin, he used his weapon as an armrest. There was a triumphant grin stretched across his face, like the cat that got the cream. “Hello, there. I’ve finally found you, creator.”
Shedletsky stepped in front of Dusekkar, acting as a protective barrier between him and 1x1x1x1. He brandished Firebrand to establish more distance and narrowed his eyes. “Matt, get outta here.”
“I will not leave you,” Dusekkar said stubbornly. His tone left no room for argument. He raised his right hand, manifested his staff, and took his respective place beside Shedletsky.
He was neither a coward nor would he ever abandon the former admin.
“Then get Illumina for me.” Shedletsky indicated to the Red Portal behind 1x1x1x1 with a slight motion of his head. “I’ll hold him back.”
“Your confidence is amusing. Let’s see if it’s all for show,” 1x1x1x1 snarked with a rambunctious laugh. He hoisted his Daemonshank from the ground and met Shedletsky in the center, their swords clashing together in a fierce cacophony of sparks.
With Shedletsky serving as a distraction, Dusekkar made a beeline for the Red Portal. If the former admin could buy just enough time, then Dusekkar could fetch Shedletsky’s strongest sword and open an opportunity to win the battle.
However, he had barely made it through the Yellow Portal and up the first flight of steps to Illumina when he heard a loud thud behind him. Dusekkar turned to investigate the source of the sound…and widened his eyes in horror at the sight before him.
There, at the bottom of the staircase, was Shedletsky. He was sprawled on the first few steps, Firebrand skidding far away from his grasp. In a desperate call for help, Shedletsky reached out a hand to Dusekkar…
But there was nothing Dusekkar could do. With his dwindling powers, all he could do was watch as 1x1x1x1 cleaved his Daemonshank through Shedletsky’s back.
The world fell away.
All Dusekkar could focus on was Shedletsky and the thundering of his own heart. Blood gushed profusely from the wound, so much that it made Dusekkar’s vision swim with red.
Just as the prophecy foretold, they lost.
—
He didn’t know whether it was a blessing or a curse.
Never did Dusekkar imagine that he would be able to reunite with Shedletsky again. Although he nor Shedletsky were a saint, he didn’t expect their final destination to be in hell.
It was seemingly endless, this cycle of survival. Their makeshift group was forced to work together and build camaraderie. Luckily (or unluckily), he was able to recognize a few faces.
Builderman, Taph, and Shedletsky were the first ones to come to mind. Selfishly, he was glad he was able to see Shedletsky again. Now, with the powers that the Spectre granted him, he could protect the former admin.
Even when Dusekkar could not cast magic (as per the limits of the rules), he could use his body.
“What were you thinking? Last time I checked, you’re not a sentinel—you’re not supposed to throw yourself into battle,” Shedletsky scolded him. His gaze flitted around, and he cursed the absence of a medkit. “That’s my job.”
Dusekkar weakly lifted a hand to cup Shedletsky’s face. He wished he were physically able to smile so he could offer some semblance of comfort to Shedletsky. “If my death keeps you alive, so be it. I would do it a thousand times over.”
Instead of his words bringing him solace, Shedletsky’s eyebrows knitted further in worry. “Don’t be an idiot, Matt. It’s not like you.”
Dusekkar laughed quietly. Oftentimes than not, he found that he could not stay composed around Shedletsky. “Perhaps not.”
“Besides, I don’t see you doing this for everyone. Not even Builderman.” Shedletsky pointed an accusing finger at him. “So what’s with the special treatment? Don’t tell me it’s because…”
“Partially,” Dusekkar admitted. However, avenging Shedletsky’s death wasn’t his only motive. “Yet not entirely. John, I…”
He understood, now. This aching feeling he harbored for Shedletsky. It wasn’t as if he didn’t care very deeply for his teammates…but this feeling he had for Shedletsky differed vastly from how he felt for all of the others.
Perhaps he was blessed not to have a conventional face.
For once, Dusekkar faltered. He would never back down from a formidable opponent, but faced with his feelings, he could not bring himself to ruin their bond.
Dusekkar cleared his throat sharply. “I feel faint. I do apologize.”
Thankfully, Shedletsky granted him mercy and did not push further. The former admin gathered him into a tender embrace. “Right, yeah, save your energy. I’ve got you.”
Being held in his arms like this…it made Dusekkar’s heart pang with a distant longing.
Dusekkar closed his eyes, and dreamed of Telamon.
—
He looked like the pinnacle of freedom.
Matt was only able to levitate. He couldn’t help but yearn for the ability to fly, the way Telamon was able to; especially with such ease that it looked as if he had practiced soaring through the air countless times.
When he landed, Telamon did so with such grace that it nearly took Matt’s breath away. He fluttered his wings and gently folded them back into place.
How beautiful.
Telamon snapped his gaze to Matt and gave a delicate laugh in surprise. Ah, it appears that he’d said that out loud without meaning to. “Oh, you flatter me. Would you like one?”
Matt felt a small wave of relief. Telamon had mistakenly thought he’d been referring to his feathers and not directly to him. “Yes, if possible.”
At his confirmation, Telamon ran a hand along the wide expanse of his wings. He plucked a loose feather and offered it to Matt. It was a unique hickory brown with golden tips at the end.
There was a mischievous twinkle that danced in Telamon’s eyes. “Now you will think of me whenever you see this.”
Matt tucked the feather securely into the front pocket of his robe. It was a gift he would treasure forever. Despite the sentimentality, he couldn’t help but return the tease. “Well, I see a potential quill for my book.”
Telamon smiled so brilliantly that it made the sun pale in comparison. “Nonsense!”
Matt chuckled fondly in response.
They fell into a comfortable silence…until Telamon broke the stillness with a hypothetical. There was a faraway look in his eyes when he spoke. “Matt, tell me. Have you ever entertained the idea of being…Robloxian?”
Matt shook his head. “Truthfully, no.”
Telamon smiled sadly. “I confess I do. To give up my godhood and live among them, to live as one of them…one can only dream.”
Matt was silent for a long time. He weighed all the options in his mind before he replied. “If you so desire, I can make your dream a reality.”
Telamon perked up immediately. He clasped their hands together in excitement, eyes gleaming as he held Matt’s hands within his own. “Truly? You mean it?”
If Matt could blush, he would. “Truly.”
“Please, do so.” Telamon leaned so close that Matt could count each and every individual eyelash. He was not complaining about the sudden proximity, however. “I would be forever indebted to you.”
Matt didn’t have the physical capacity to smile. Instead, he gingerly squeezed Telamon’s hands in affection. “Not at all. I would do it for free.”
Telamon’s eyes softened considerably. “Your kindness knows no bounds. Thank you, Matt.”
“Of course.”
Anything for you.
He enables the death of Telamon and the rise of John Shedletsky.
—
He woke up with a jolt.
Upon opening his eyes, there were many of his team members that greeted him. Dusekkar scanned the crowd for Shedletsky, and when he could not find him, asked about the former admin’s whereabouts.
Builderman informed him that Shedletsky was outside, somewhere near the lake (and to take it easy).
Dusekkar nodded to ease his concerns and headed off to locate Shedletsky. It was quite difficult to miss him when he was wearing a vibrant white hoodie, standing out starkly against the tree’s dull leaves.
The former admin was currently perched on a tree branch. Despite the fact that Dusekkar did not have footsteps, Shedletsky seemed to know that he was approaching and veered back to peer upside down at Dusekkar like a bat. “Hey.”
“Hello.” Dusekkar provided him with a curt nod of acknowledgement. Although he knew Shedletsky was fully capable, he said, “Do be careful.”
“I am,” Shedletsky insisted. “I’m super careful.”
Dusekkar gave a noncommittal hum.
Shedletsky cocked his head to the side as he regarded him (all while still hanging upside down). Dusekkar was slightly worried he might suffer from a headache. “You doing okay?”
“Yes, thanks to your assistance.”
“Nah, you gotta thank Guest for giving up his medkit,” Shedletsky said. Then he crossed his arms and huffed. His leg strength was quite admirable. “Don’t worry me like that again.”
“Noted. I’ll do my best not to.” Dusekkar considered leaving the conversation on that note, but the guilt of the past continued to consume him. “John, I’m sorry for failing to protect you.”
Shedletsky blinked in confusion. “But you did.”
“Back then,” Dusekkar clarified softly.
Shedletsky worried at his bottom lip before he responded again. It was an endearing, new habit he had formed that he didn’t have previously. “You did what you could. That’s all that matters.”
Dusekkar shook his head. “I didn’t do enough to make sure you were safe—”
Shedletsky swiftly interrupted. “Matt, don’t blame yourself. I don’t—blame you, that is.”
Although Dusekkar wasn’t satisfied with that answer, Shedletsky changed the topic before he could protest about the past again. “Geez, I can’t believe you still wear that.”
Dusekkar was slightly off kilter by the sudden subject change. However, he didn’t let it show. “‘That,’ being…?”
“The pumpkin.”
“Of course.” Dusekkar lightly brushed his fingertips against the pumpkin head, as if to remind himself that it was still there. He wouldn’t know what to do if it were gone. “You made it for me.”
Shedletsky frowned. “But it’s outdated and pretty bad.”
“I beg to differ.”
“Then beg,” Shedletsky teased. Then, he continued with a rather thoughtful look on his face (one that Dusekkar was familiar with, some moons ago). “Y’know, I haven’t seen you without it for a while.”
Dusekkar could never get accustomed to Shedletsky’s quick topic changes. “That’s correct. Would you like to?”
Shedletsky righted himself on the tree branch. He swung his legs back and forth in preparation for landing before he dropped down beside Dusekkar. “Sure, if that’s okay.”
Dusekkar said, without hesitation, “Yes, always.”
Shedletsky slowly removed the pumpkin and revealed a powerful source of fire beneath it. He considered him for a brief moment before he said, “You look awesome. Hot.”
Dusekkar knew that he was making a pun, but he couldn’t help but cough in an attempt to regain his composure. “Ah, well, I would say the same to you.”
Shedletsky played absentmindedly with his pumpkin. He seemed to be turning something in his mind before he quirked an eyebrow upwards. “Huh. If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought you were coming onto me.”
Uncharacteristically, as Dusekkar often found that he was with Shedletsky, he threw all caution to the wind to confess his feelings. “Yes, I am. I believe that I am in love with you.”
“Wha—really?” Shedletsky asked dumbfoundedly. His eyes were almost as comedically wide as saucers at the unexpected news.
“Really.”
“Oh. Okay.” Shedletsky fell quiet. When Dusekkar thought he would leave it at that, the former admin spoke up again. “Since when?”
Dusekkar considered for a second. He didn’t know the exact date, but if he could attribute the moment he fell in love to a particular event in time, it would be this one. “Since you gave me that feather.”
“Woah.” Shedletsky’s jaw dropped a fraction. “That was a long time ago.”
“Yes, quite,” Dusekkar agreed. It was, indeed, a long time ago—perhaps even a hundred or so years since that transpired. Yet he could remember the moment as vividly as when it had first happened.
“And you never said anything?”
How could he? Dusekkar had been foolishly afraid of tarnishing their friendship. He could never admit this to him, however. “No, not until now.”
Shedletsky thought for a moment. He set down the pumpkin to hover his hands questioningly over Dusekkar’s face. “Can I kiss you?”
Dusekkar wasn’t expecting that. A rejection, a change of subject…anything but this. As always, Shedletsky was full of surprises. “You can try.”
Shedletsky finally placed his hands on where Dusekkar’s cheeks should be. He leaned in and kissed him—or, rather, on the approximation of his mouth.
Dusekkar returned the gesture, cupping the nape of Shedletsky’s neck and deepening the ‘kiss.’ It was strange, considering the fact that they were mimicking a kiss, but he enjoyed seeing Shedletsky this close to him nonetheless.
After a minute or two of awkwardly pushing their faces together in an attempt to kiss, Shedletsky withdrew to say, “Oh, man, you weren’t kidding. Did we kiss? Eh, we can pretend.”
“Yes, I would classify that as a kiss.” Dusekkar rubbed a thumb below Shedletsky’s hairline. He privately relished in the small shiver he received in return. Suddenly, he remembered. “By the way, I still have your feather from that time, too.”
“What? No way.” Shedletsky let his hands fall away from Dusekkar’s face to shake at his shoulder instead. “Lemme see!”
Dusekkar obliged, of course.
Maybe it would be okay, being stuck here with Shedletsky for all of eternity. It didn’t seem so bad with his newly made lover by his side.
Even if he wasn’t Telamon anymore, he could grow to love Shedletsky.