Archive of Our Own

What do you think the end of the world looks like?

Covered in flames, perhaps? Or a scene filled with gore? Something disturbing?

what Noob is witnessing right now, isn't any of that.

The world shifts in ways they know they weren't ever meant to comprehend. Everything expands into something too big and yet shrinks too small. It shifts and shakes and snaps and it screams into their every senses.

Their mind breaks and bends to see it all. It hurts and yet it is beautiful.

At the center of it all, the being that made all this possible.

Noob thinks they want to be closer to it.

This world sucks. That is the definite truth.

Noob has been staring at the ceiling of their little apartment on their bed. The emptiness of the space leaving them to their own thoughts. That one, is a particularly common thought.

When they were a kid, they naively thought being an adult would be great. They would grow to do "great things", or at the very least be happy. Finally be free, maybe.

They won't. Perhaps there was a time when those statements could've been true, this is not that time.

Adults aren't happy. Not in this world.

Maybe in another world, but it's not this one and therefore it doesn't matter.

Oh, I've stared at the ceiling for 10 hours again…

Noob rolls onto their side.

The world should fix itself, They thought. or end itself… or…

Another common thought weaves itself into their mind.

There's a big forest near the city.

People always joke about creepy creatures hiding within it. They are just jokes, the forest is just a forest, even if terrifyingly dark at night.

That's where they are walking, carrying very little with them. They don't need much where they're going.

Once they've decided they went deep enough, they go up to. Well, a tree. Not too tall that they can't reach the branches, but not too short that this wouldn't work.

Hearing the sounds of bugs and other creatures of the forest, Noob almost feels bad they'd witness this kind of thing happening.

Oh well.

Noob takes out the rope in their pocket-

The sounds stop. Never a good sign.

Despite what they were about to do, instinctual fear and the need to survive takes hold of their body. They look around frantically, trying to find the threat. Only to see nothing nearby.

So it's not here, then it doesn't matter. It shouldn't matter…

Noob finds themself moving away from the tree anyway. To do what? search for it? And then?

Well maybe it'd save them the work. Which hurts more? Hanging or getting killed by a wild animal? Is it even a wild animal?

They're not exactly hiding their presence, if it was an animal, it probably would have already left the area. But the forest is still silent. And dark.

Not much progress doing… whatever this is.

Let's go back…

They look at their empty hands.

Oh, I dropped it. Should I go back for it?

They turn and in the corner of their eye, they see it. Something with a faint glow.

…

Was that what it was?

What is it exactly?

Against their better judgment, they approach.

It's… a Robloxian, but… not? They kind of hurt to look at.

A figure lying on the ground, in almost completely black, save for their torso and a… crown? on their head, which are bright green. That description sounds a little familiar…

Actually, upon closer inspection, the torso isn't just bright green, it was translucent. Revealing the dark skeleton inside. Yep, this is definitely familiar…

Hey, wait, is this-

Noob is pushed onto their back, the blade of a dark sword near their neck. (Where'd that come from? Magic?) Red eyes piercing into their soul (or felt like it.)

So they'll get what they came out here for after all.

Above them, pinning them down with the weight of his whole body, is the infamous 1x1x1x1. They've read about him once or twice. A being of pure hatred who seeks to destroy the world, banished away…

Destroy the world? hm…

"Hi," Noob says, with a smile on their face.

Silence. Though, they think his eyes may have widen, just a little, just a tiny bit.

"Not much of a talker, huh? unless that zipper has something to do with it."

They're just looking at each other now, Noob's headache grows the more they look at him. Then the blade draws closer, pressing their neck.

They just smile wider, they look deranged right now, don't they? But really, this works too.

1x1x1x1 pushes himself off them. Noob can't say they aren't a little disappointed.

he stands a little distance away, still looking at them with those red eyes. They wonder what he's thinking.

"You are the famous 1x1x1x1, right?" They get up. "I've heard about you!"

This conversation is a little one sided. Wait, what if…

"Wait, can you even hear me?" Big oof if no.

"I'm-"

"I can hear you just fine."

His voice echoes in their mind and out, making their headache just a little worse. They wince.

"Oh cool. It would've been really embarrassing otherwise, haha…"

"You are very annoying," 1x1x1x1 leans on his sword, which probably has a name. Are they being annoying, right now? They're just happy! genuinely for once, and it might even stick! because…

Right. "Are you going to destroy Robloxia?"

He looks almost surprised at that question.

"What's it to you? Are you going to stop me?"

"Nope! Not much I can do even if I wanted to, I am just one random Robloxian."

And it's quiet again. He's also not looking at them anymore… doesn't he have something to do? unless…

Noob steps closer, 1x1x1x1 lifts his sword, point it at their throat once again. But they notice, he faltered, when he took his weight off it.

"What do you think you're doing?"

They answer that question with a question. "Are you in pain?" He jolts.

So that confirms it.

"I'm Noob."

Noob continues smiling, raise a hand in a way not unlike a handshake. They make direct eye-contact with 1x1x1x1, the sword still between them.

"Let me help you."

Surprisingly, not much changed.

Sure, there's another person in the apartment now, but they still go to work and live like they did before.

"How are you feeling today?"

1x1x1x1 doesn't answer. He does this often, just ignoring them, even after all they've done for him.

which is to say, let him take the bed. Noob themself have been sleeping slumped against the small dining table (on the only chair, because it was all they needed then.) He needs all best rest to hurry this up, after all.

Speaking of… "I got takeout, you wanna eat?" This is the best they're going to do, they'd never thought they'd regret not learning to cook. Takeout is expensive, but it'd be so worth it.

1x1x1x1 doesn't move, sitting right where he is on the bed. He doesn't look at them either. He actually hasn't looked at them much after that fateful day. They don't mind.

"I'll just set it down then."

Then they go to sit on the floor, against the wall. Leaving the only chair open, just in case 1x1x1x1 does decide to go for it. Noob pulls out their phone and start scrolling.

Oh, those people are trying to fuck us over again. Of course.

"Are you?"

Noob's head snaps up at 1x1x1x1. "What?"

1x1x1x1 looks at them. well, not quite, just their general direction. "Are you going to eat?"

They don't see how that's relevant. "Nah, I'm good. I only got enough for one person anyway."

They fall into the quiet again.

1x1x1x1 goes to the table. Oh, so he does want to eat.

This is hell, Noob thinks.

Retail, that is.

Here they are, not even getting yelled at, just being talked to condescendingly by a customer. They've honestly zoned out by this point.

They wonder if life would've been better if they were smarter. If they got into higher education… No, probably would've ended the same. That's just how it is, living in this day and age.

No matter how hard you try, or how good you do, the world will not care.

Oh, they've been left alone, must've been too obvious about zoning out then.

When was the last time I was aware aware, anyway?

They watch as the customer walk off, probably to go bother somebody else. Actually, what were they complaining about? Hopefully, they don't go to a manager or something, Noob actually needs money now.

Suddenly, the customer falls for no reason, their face hitting the ground rather painfully. Yep, bleeding out now. Karma.

Noob thinks they see something weird in the corner of their eye… and feels a familiar headache coming on.

"How are you today?"

"Do you have to ask that everyday?"

Noob hums, restocking the fridge. They don't know how to cook cook, but they can do basic stuff. "I just want you to be in peak condition."

"Why? What do you get out of this?" 1x1x1x1 glares at them. He's been doing that more.

"You're going to end the world, aren't you?" They close the fridge, stretches, goes to sit on the bed because 1x1x1x1 is on the chair this time.

1x1x1x1 stops glaring to stare into nothing instead. Thinking, maybe?

"Dirty."

"Dirty?"

"This place is dirty, full of dust."

Yeah, right, makes sense. They had no reason to clean up before. "Do you want me to clean the place?"

Quiet.

"I can start now."

They will. They will, if it means 1x1x1x1 recovers faster.

…Wonder if mold would've started growing. Would I die from that? How long would it take to get to bio-hazard level?

This is kind of… not at all what they expected when they decided to let a world ending threat into their life.

Here they are, staring at the ceiling again, the only differences are that they're not alone and they aren't doing it laying down on their bed. They're sitting on the floor, it's their new spot now, they think. Wonder if they'll reach 10 hours again this time.

You'd almost forget who or what exactly is in the room with them, if it wasn't for… actually.

"Can I see your sword again?" Noob moves their eyes from the ceiling to 1x1x1x1, who is much harder to stare at. Ow.

What were they doing exactly? Other than staring at the ceiling, which only Noob was doing. Was he staring at something too? What would that be?

"-y would I do that?" They hear 1x1x1x1 and was definitely paying attention to the conversation they started.

"It's alright, I don't gotta see it, was just curious." They'll just go back to the ceiling, no biggie.

And back to silence for, well, who cares. Until they hear steps getting closer, then a familiar dark blade lands in front of them.

They don't turn to him instantly, but they do. He's standing close, looming over them, even. The lights only make him look more intimidating from down below. Adding to that, he has that dark sword in his hand again, the tip touching the ground.

"Don't do anything weird."

Noob smiles. "Yay! Thanks!" Shifts to lean closer to the blade, studying it.

It's… a sword. A black sword made with a material they don't know, but doesn't look like metal. It feels like it's absorbing the light around it. The event horizon of a black hole, perhaps.

They think it looks sharp, can't tell for sure without…

The cut on their neck was shallow and had already healed. Doesn't really count, does it?

They rest a hand on the blade and lightly (lightly?) press on it. Small drops of red appear on the spot.

They take their hand back, looking at the wound. They hear 1x1x1x1 move, but he stays where he is.

A beat. Noob pulls the flesh apart, just a little. Reaches forward to grab the blade again, harshly, more blood gushes out. If they tighten their grip, would it slice-

The blade disappears. "I said, don't do anything weird." He growls out, like a threatened dog.

Blood drips to the floor, they'd have to clean that later. "Sorry. Got carried away."

A deep inhale from 1x1x1x1, he rubs at his own face. Everything goes still for a moment, a stillness that makes them wonder if they are breathing, if the sun is moving.

Then he disappears too, to wherever he goes when he leaves.

They should patch themself up, clean up the mess they've made.

Noob leans back, in some mockery of a relaxed posture, to pick and pull at the fresh cuts on their hand. The blood continues spilling.

Do you remember?

Do you remember when you were younger, when you still had hope for this world?

Do you remember the day you told everyone of your dreams of peace and they laughed?

Do you remember when you learnt the world thinks even simple happiness is stupid?

Who decided everyone's fates should be left up to one person? …Yeah, okay. That's a little hypocritical.

Noob should really get off the news, all it does is piss them off. They proceed to keep scrolling.

"I can hear your stomach growling from here."

They look up from their phone. 1x1x1x1 is at the table, with a home-cooked meal for a change. And by home-cooked, they mean edible. Hey, at least it's hot.

"Really? I didn't hear anything."

"Because you're always on that damned phone." That sentence was almost funny.

They shrug. "Well, what do you want me to do about it?"

1x1x1x1 mutters something they can't understand. It causes the same headache either way.

"What was that?"

"I said, come here."

Why? They do anyway, leaving the cursed information brick behind and stopping near the table.

"…You should get another chair."

"Don't really need one."

1x1x1x1 glares and it hurts bit more. Noob wonders if he knows he can do that.

"Closer."

They lean in. "Seriously, what's up?"

And then gets their face grabbed and have their own (okay) cooking shoved in their mouth. It's a miracle they didn't choke.

"WHAT THE ####?!"

They swallowed , even though they definitely did not chew it enough. Now, it's their turn to glare. Oof, pain and food don't mix.

And 1x1x1x1 is just looking at them, hand still on their face.

"This would've easier if you had another chair."

"What- I- I don't- What?" Noob stammers in confusion.

He seems to have realized he's still holding their face, as he practically jerks his hands away. Letting Noob back up from that very odd… whatever that was.

Taking deep breaths to calm down. "You know, you could've just asked…"

1x1x1x1 huffs.

Everything has started to look a little weird recently.

Not to say things have changed, things have been exactly the same. And yet Noob can't help but think something's up. Which is, worse.

Especially other Robloxians. Granted the only time they actually look at anyone directly (other than 1x1x1x1) is at work. Not wrong, just… different. It's made them want to walk out several times. Well, it's not like they liked people before either.

Okay, so maybe people do look wrong to them now, they just can't pinpoint what.

It's why they're spending their break outside right now. And by outside, they mean the alleyway out the backdoor. Usually people go here for smoke breaks. They don't smoke, imagine smoking in this economy. It's probably why they're alone.

Alone in a back alley, perfect for…

"So, why do you follow me sometimes? Not much happens here."

1x1x1x1 pops into existence beside them, or something like that. Not sure how that's even possible.

"You think I'm going to stay in one place all day?" 1x1x1x1 crosses his arms.

They shrug. "I just think there are better things to do."

"Like destroying the world?" In a tone that's almost amusement.

"Like destroying the world." In a tone that's completely serious.

1x1x1x1 looks like he was about to say something, before Noob's phone alarm went off.

They make an irritated noise. "Guess break's over, they were definitely longer when I first started. Sucks."

They go to the backdoor, "See ya later, I guess."

They look at 1x1x1x1.

Hm…

They rest their head on their arms on the edge of the bed, kneeling beside it and looking up at the person sitting on it.

Actually is 1x1x1x1 a person? He's certainly Robloxian-shaped. Hm, a little philosophical there.

"What do you want this time." He readjusts his legs.

"I was just wondering what you really are. You're person-shaped, but you're clearly not the same as us." From the way it feels like their brain is trying to cut itself to pieces when they look at him, to the way his voice is more than and not at all sound.

"Of course I am not. I am beyond what you Robloxians are."

Noob hums. What does that mean exactly? Are all… whatever he is, like that?

"Can I touch you?"

They feel, rather than hear, a noise that caused such agony in their whole body that they practically whimper and recoil backwards.

"What did you just say to me?"

"Sorry! Sorry. It's just," they are still reeling, "you have a translucent torso and all…"

Quiet, they're suddenly very aware of their own breathing. 1x1x1x1's eyes on them doesn't help either. That was a social blunder, wasn't it? They've never respected another person enough to care before.

A hand yanks them up by the wrist unexpectedly. They land in a kneeling position on the bed.

He doesn't let go yet, pulling their hand just a little closer than necessary. Holding it there for a moment.

"Only the torso, don't touch anything else." He lets go, leaving their hand to hover in place awkwardly.

Okay, they didn't think this far ahead.

They don't move, stunned that 1x1x1x1's even letting this happen. Looks up at him in a way that hopefully conveys 'are you sure?' but he fixes his gaze elsewhere the moment they make eye-contact.

"Get on with it, I'm only doing this once."

Here goes nothing, Noob places their hand on his stomach area. He suddenly goes very still.

It feels… they're not sure what they're feeling. They want to say it's like normal skin, to some degree, it is. But there's this, static, buzz? Feeling at the edge of their nerves, like if uncanny valley can be applied to touch. Can it?

Inside, they can see 1x1x1x1's bones: spine, ribs, shoulder blades (hard to see from the front) and. They lean forward, he twitches once. Hips. A full skeleton, but not entirely on display, blurred by the translucent flesh.

Is it flesh? Close enough, or maybe muscles would be more accurate. They trace over where the lowest rib is-

Noob is pushed off the bed, thankfully (or not) they landed on their butt and not their head.

They look up at 1x1x1x1, he does not look back. In fact, he is actively looking away.

"We're done here." And that's final.

"…Better."

Noob lights up. "Better? How? Good enough to end the world?"

1x1x1x1 turns away. (not that he was looking at them) "Yes, but… not yet."

They could only huff in mild annoyance. "What do you mean 'not yet'?"

They stare at each other. "There are things I want to do before I destroy Robloxia."

"Like what? What else is left?"

Silence. Usually Noob doesn't think of these as insufferable , but right now, it is. Insufferable silence, insufferable like-

Deep breaths.

"I thought you hated Robloxia."

"I still do."

"… Fine then, as long as you're still going to end this someday."

They've waited this long, they can wait longer.

I think that was the most emotional I've been in a while.

An unusual departure the general indifference they've had since a long time ago. Guess they just want it that bad.

When did you start hating the world?

You started hating the people first, didn't you? And what happened before that?

When did that start? Did something happen?

Did everything happen?

Was it when they made you stop trying anything?

because you were so paralyzed with the fear of ridicule for failure?

When you saw no point in continuing anything because they'll just take it from you?

Or maybe it was more recent than that?

Was it when you realized everything terrible that has happened to you was their fault?

Every tear, every wound, every decision?

When you realized you have no say in what happens in your own life?

Was that when you wished you could hurt them as well?

They've only gotten more curious after that one time. Really, it's natural, let people put a foot in the door and they'll want more.

Another one of the things they've grown to hate.

Back to their point, they want to know more, about 1x1x1x1, that is.

Speaking of, there he is, with his resting angry face, staring at his sword. Still not sure where he pulls that out from, not that it's important. Is that the spot Noob cut themself on before? They think they see dried blood. Would've thought he's cleaned that up by now.

The end is nigh and they've got nothing to lose. They hope the end is nigh, at least.

"So, you're like… a myth." That doesn't sound right.

"As in you're in a story that's talked about a lot! Not that you're not real, you're right here."

1x1x1x1 makes a noise that sounds like a weird mashup of a growl and a hum. Just another thing for them to ponder on.

"Actually, there's a part of a… book, I think? that's quoted a lot back in the day. when people talked about you." Is he listening? If not, they'll just stop talking.

Their head stings, indicating 1x1x1x1 has turned to them, probably noticing the pause. Okay, so he was listening.

Noob continues. "You're kind of a footnote? I haven't actually read the thing, don't think a lot of people have." They put a hand on their cheek, some kind of thinking motion they've mimicked once and never stopped.

"Think it mentioned something about you being 'banished'."

The headache suddenly increases, making them wince. They finally look at 1x1x1x1 head on, he has an unreadable expression on his face. Well, he's never readable, they've never tried to read him either.

"I was just wondering: what happened exactly?"

This particular stare off (stare down?) hurts more than usual. It's not just a headache either, this one spreads to their whole being. They are starting to feel so nauseous, they might throw up. Is this what a vivisection feels like?

And then, it lessens. It doesn't stop, it never does. Not when 1x1x1x1 is still around.

"I don't owe you an explanation."

They huff a laugh, should've expected this type of thing from him. "Yeah, you don't."

They're fine to leave it at that, they can just go back to whatever they were doing before that conversation. What were they doing?

1x1x1x1 touches the dried blood still left on his blade.

How… No, they know how.

What is happening here? Why?

Noob looks up at 1x1x1x1 above them, pinning them in place on the bed. His hands hold their wrists in a strong grip beside their head, but not painful.

speaking of pain… they can look him in the eyes for much longer now. It still hurts, but not as much. Maybe they got used to it.

That's what they're doing right now, by the way, looking into each other's eyes. 1x1x1x1 has a particularly intense look on his face. They've never been an expert on emotions, especially not his.

They chuckle in probably real nervousness. "Hey… what's going on?"

No answer. Just what is he thinking right now?

"You know, this is kind of like when we first met… except," they break eye-contact to look at their hands. His grip loosens, they almost thought he'd let go.

They yelp as it tightens to a painful degree. Even then, they don't try to struggle. Whatever happens, happens.

Like they said, if they die, that works too.

1x1x1x1 bring his face closer, and closer to theirs. Pausing, with only inches of space in-between…

Then unceremoniously lets go and just… flops on them.

…What?

Noob looks down at him. He's burying his face in their chest. Weird.

They shift and he wraps his arms around their torso, holding them in place.

They're being held. A lot things go through their mind in that moment. Things that almost becomes something tangible. Almost.

They don't get there, fizzles out before they could even become a side note.

"… Alright, whatever makes you happy."

The pressure on their skin… They want to say it's uncomfortable.

Noob stares at the pan. They think they're getting better at cooking. Not that it matters.

"What were you doing back then?" 1x1x1x1 says from behind them. They're kind of too preoccupied to turn around right now.

"Back when?"

"When you found me in the forest." Ah, okay. That feels like so long ago.

Actually, how long has it been? Their sense of time had never been good, and monotony doesn't help.

Shortest would be a couple months, longest is a year? A little more? Maybe they've gotten so good at waiting for their catharsis, time stopped being real to them.

"Think I was about to hang myself, brought a rope with me and everything."

Behind them, something heavy falls to the floor. They don't turn around.

They hum absentmindedly. "What'd you drop?"

1x1x1x1 makes some weird noises. Then a hand lands on their shoulder.

They do turn around then, to face him.

"You were going to kill yourself?" Hm, so many emotions they don't care enough nor have the means to decipher.

"Yeah, who wouldn't?"

He looks like he wants to say something. He doesn't.

He releases their shoulder and Noob goes back to what they were doing before.

In the dark apartment, looking out the window from where they were on the bed, the way the morning sun slowly lights up the outside. The world is almost beautiful.

Almost. But never.

"Why do you want Robloxia to be destroyed?"

Noob turns to 1x1x1x1. They woke up earlier than expected, and that woke him up in turn. Neither have bothered to actually get out of bed yet.

"Same reason as you. I hate Robloxia."

"All of it?"

"Yeah."

1x1x1x1 shifts until they're at eye-level. "Why?"

"'Why?' Have you seen this world? The news?" They sigh. "Each day, everything gets worse and worse. People make each other's lives hell. We're terrible."

"It has done nothing, but hurt." They reach to take his hand. "It can either fix itself or end itself. And one is more likely than the other."

"With the way things are going, Robloxia getting destroyed would be doing everyone a favor."

1x1x1x1's eyes flicker to their interlocked hands.

"… And the end of the world is what you want?"

"It is the only thing I want."

You have lost hope. In the people, in the idea that things will get better, in everything.

Betrayed by a world that is inhabited by people with disgusting apathy.

Crushed hope hurts more than having none in the first place.

Maybe that is why you are the way that you are.

Noob reaches out. With what? They aren't sure they can feel their arms.

If they can still be called arms.

Something reaches for them too. When they touch, the pain stops for a moment. And then returns, thousandfold.

They're not sure if they're screaming.

Something envelopes them. A hold almost gentle, and inexperienced. Like it wasn't sure what it was doing. It was familiar.

Then briefly, everything is clear.

They can see the destruction, if that word still applies. Robloxia looks as if it is being shifted into something else, too big, like a bloated corpse, and too small, like a person being compressed. Shoved into an environment it cannot survive, like a fish lifted from water, gasping for breath, desperate.

Horrifying.

Beautiful.

It's over.

It's finally over.

And at the center of it all, the one currently pressed up against them.

Or something like that.

1x1x1x1, the being of hatred, one who loathes Robloxia.

Somebody who hates the world as much as they do.

They look up at him.

do they still have eyes?

The end surrounds him, like a halo or sets of wings. Divine, like an angel, or even…

Holding the Apotheosis close, Noob smiles, it is one of genuine happiness, happier than when this opportunity was first presented to them. They think they're fully aware for once, no longer so detached from reality. Funny it happens when it's about to end, or because it's about to end.

They don't speak, they can't anymore, but it is something close.

"Thank you, for finally giving me my happy ending."

1x1x1x1 doesn't think he had ever actually seen Robloxia up close.

If you hate something, you wouldn't want to look at it, right?

And then he'd been forced to look. Really look. To see. To watch. To perceive.

When he'd been weakened from breaking out of his prison, they found him.

Noob… somebody with a silly name. They grinned so wide even when he threatened them. They offered to help him because…

Because he could end the world.

He can't say he wasn't surprised when he found someone who'd hate Robloxia as much as he does. No, that's not right. It's not the same, no matter how much they seemed to think so.

He hates Robloxia because it is different from him.

They hated Robloxia because it has hurt them.

They knew intimately the pain and suffering this place had and could cause. When they took him with them, he saw it too.

He saw it, but he also saw something else. Something bright yellow and in so much misery.

Someone almost similar to him.

Did they have to thank him for this?

"happy ending"? What about "ever after"?

Could he have made different decisions for a different outcome?

Would they have kept hurting each other?

Did he really know them? Did they really know him?

Maybe in another world, but it's not this one and therefore it doesn't matter.

They are terrible people that made each other worse.

The zipper suddenly feels really fitting, for all the things he wishes he could say. Wished he did say.

It hurt,

when he saw them neglect themself, like it was something they've done many times before.

when they had to leave, even for a moment, and they didn't even take glance back.

when he told them he wasn't going to end the world yet and they were angry, it was the most emotions he's ever seen from them.

when he pressed himself to their chest and their heart didn't beat as fast as he wished.

when he learnt what they were going to do that day in the forest.

when they were hurt.

It hurts now, when 1x1x1x1 holds the tiny piece that remains of the Misanthrope in his hands.

Wherever he goes now, if he'll even go anywhere, he will carry this piece close.

Is this the emotion they call…