Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

'BREAKING NEWS: Our beloved number 3 hero, Phantom Chaos, was announced dead earlier today. Reports said that he died while on a top secret mission. We hope to have more information at a later date-', Tommy zoned out with a small smile, before quickly wiping it from his face. He's still in a public space. He quickly paid for his muffin before rushing out of the bakery to his apartment. Nobody needed to know.

3 Years Later

Tommy sighed as he kicked the wall behind his desk. Today was dragging on, and it was his half day! Tommy suddenly wished that he decided to work at a more exciting place...like.... a café? Do interesting things happen at cafés? Ranboo works at one and seems happy enough. Tubbo decided to go to college to get an electronic engineering degree. Tommy often asked Tubbo where he got the money to go to college, but every time he would give the same answer

'Don't worry about it :)'

After a year Tommy stopped asking, but still was very curious.

Tommy looked back at the clock and groaned after realizing that only 2 minutes had passed. It's another half hour till he can go home. his desk neighbor, Puffy, sniggered at his antics. He sent a betrayed look at her. Puffy was cool, if not a little odd. She's been working there for longer than Tommy has been alive, although nobody needs to know that. As far as they're aware he is 19 but he's actually 17.

Puffy just stuck out her tongue as she gathered her stuff. When she walked past she had a sickening grin on her face

'I'm off now. enjoy your last 25 minutes. I do suggest you get back to work though, I heard that the boss is coming to check this floor today' She actually let worry slip in at the end instead of her usual teasing tone.

It wasn't a secret that the boss disliked Tommy and has constantly been looking for a reason to write him up or fire him. Tommy groaned again before sitting up a bit straighter and looked at his computer screen.

He curses younger him as he starts making the spreadsheet of company expenses from the last month. He picked this job because he thought it would be easier to sit all day if he got injured while out on patrol, it would also help him save energy. Only downside is that his brain is mush by the end of every day.

15 minutes later, just as Puffy had warned him, the boss stepped out of the elevator. Tommy cursed quietly as he put in another figure. His boss started to walk over to him, Tommy tried to stay focused at the task on hand. The boss, who's name is Jared, stood behind Tommy to watch what he was doing.

'I asked you to have this finished for today, did I not?'

Tommy sunk into his chair a little

'yes sir' he mumbled.

'And why is it still not finished?'

Tommy thought back to the day before, remembering all the projects assigned to him to have done by the end of the day, and the fact that he forgot to put his laptop on charge so couldn't work on it at home. Jared didn't like excuses though, Tommy racked his brain for a reason that wouldn't sound like an excuse. Apparently he took too long as Jared tutted disappointingly and Tommy shrunk into his chair a little more.

'I'm going to have to write you up for that Toms. Next time I give you a deadline, I expect you to follow it.'

Tommy nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He wasn't scared of Jared per say, he just didn't want to do anything stupid that could lose him this job, like curse out the bitch of a boss he has. Jared, satisfied with how the conversation went, walked off to bug another worker about their spelling. Tommy sighed with relief and checked the clock, 5 minutes till he could go home, he looked back at his screen at the half finished spreadsheet.

'god dammit' he cursed under his breath before getting back to work. Jared wasn't actually all that unfair, just very strict with a team that is too small for the amount of work expected of them. That's the reason that Tommy is now feeling guilty about the fact that he didn't have the work finished. He made a mental note to finish the spreadsheet when he got home.

5 minutes later Tommy was walking out of the boring office complex, he was just in time for the lunch rush as the streets were filled with people on their lunch breaks. He avoided the crowds as he made his way towards the train station, the only way he could get to the outer districts where he lives with his two best friends. He met them a few months after he 'went on the run', he still felt bad about not telling them the full truth about his past, but he wasn't ready to tell them that he is the believed-dead number 3 hero Phantom Chaos or a phoenix hybrid.

He looked at the timetable to see how long till his train arrived, seeing that it wouldn't be for another 20 minutes. He bought some cheap snacks and made himself comfortable on one of the benches, pulling out his laptop and connecting to the free Wi-Fi to do more work on the spreadsheet. He silently mourned the fact that he forgot his earphones when he got the urge to listen to music as he works. Luckily the 20 minutes go by fast enough as he works , so he's on the train back home before he knows it. 

As he steps off the train, he grabs a piece of paper out of his back pocket. It was his turn to go grocery shopping. He quickly scanned over the list

• Spage Spaget Spaghetti
• Milk
• Braed Bread
• Instant Noodles

He frowned slightly at 'Spaghetti', while it was his turn to do the shopping it was Ranboos turn to cook. It seems that they will be making pasta again. You'd think that with the amount of times Ranboo has made spaghetti he would be able to cook it correctly, well you would be wrong. Last time they managed to burn the water and undercook the spaghetti, it was still crunchy in the middle. Ranboo apologized profoundly after that incident. 

Tommy looked around as he made his way out of the station and towards the local grocery shop. He always bought from a local shop, for one it would be a bit cheaper but he also wanted to make sure that they could stay open and have enough to pay their employees.

On the walk Tommy passed many shrines, it has been 2 years since Callahan, a beloved Vigilante, was last seen. The people from the other districts were convinced that he died, while Tommy's district was sure that he retired. Callahan was probably the best Vigilante to walk the earth, nothing was known about him. He never spoke, communicating with only sign language. He was also in the game for longer than any other vigilante, being active for 15 years before stopping.

He was known to help new vigilantes, giving tips and tricks where he could, which is why he was branded with the title 'One of the originals'.  There were three Originals: Callahan, Blood and Pearl. Blood was somehow caught and was made into the hero 'Blade' and Pearl went missing during patrol. Tommy got the honor of meeting Callahan, and Blood after he was caught. Callahan had warned him and the other vigilantes that he was retiring before he went off grid, but left them all an emergency contact just in case.

Tommy shook off the thought and sped up a bit. He nodded at the employee as he entered the shop. He grabbed a basket, deeming that it was probably safer to do so, especially after he pulled a muscle in his lower back after doing an awesome jump/flip off a roof to escape the hero's the night before. He doesn't regret doing it, it was an epic exciting move, he was upset that he pulled the muscle though.

Patrol was not going to be fun tonight. Maybe he should take the day off? Tommy thought about it as he gathered everything on the list, hesitating before putting in the spaghetti. He must have been more tired than he originally thought as he zoned out and went on auto-pilot, he only became aware of his actions again after he got home. Luckily the receipt confirmed the fact that he did buy his items and didn't just leave.

He looked towards the clock, 2:30. Tubbo would finish school in 2 hours, Ranboo won't be done till 6. He sat down at the table with his laptop to finish the spreadsheet as it was so close to being done, only to discover that he forgot to save and he had to basically start again. He deflated, staring at his screen in shock. That's the first time that has happened. He rubbed his face in frustration before standing up to make himself a coffee.

Yeah, nope.

Turns out that whoever was tasked with writing the shopping list last night forgot to add coffee. Tommy throws his head back in frustration and defeatingly adds coffee to the new list for after Ranboo gets paid on Friday, and grabs himself a glass of water instead.

A few hours later Tommy has the spreadsheet finished and sent to Jared and is currently having a peaceful nap, when Tubbo decides to ruin it by being as loud as possible after getting home....

'TOMMY! I HAVE FIXED ALL OUR PROBLEMS!' Tubbo yelled, banging open the front door.

Tommy, who was asleep, jumped so hard that he fell off the couch.

'Huh?' Tommy groggily acknowledged

'LOOK WHAT I FOUND ON THE WAY HOME!' Tubbo shoved a slightly crinkled and ripped piece of paper into Tommy's face.

SBI ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW ASSISTANT. INTERVIEWS ARE BEING HELD THIS FRIDAY (12th of January) AT THE HERO'S TOWER BETWEEN 10am AND 3pm.

Tommy, who was now a bit more awake, looked at a very excited Tubbo.

'Tubs, you know that I respect you...but this is probably your most stupid idea ever'

Chapter Text

*Tubbos POV

'Tubs, you know that I respect you...but this is probably your most stupid idea ever'

Tubbo deflated at Tommy's blunt answer 

Tubbo pouted at a still tired Tommy

'Whyyy? if we got the job we won't have to worry as much about money anymore! And plus, you've been wanting to find a more interesting job'

Tommy rubber his face with a sigh

'Tubbo, we're vigilantes...and you're suggesting that we work for the hero's. What happens if we get injured and the hero's get curious? They might find out and we'll be arrested-' Tubbo knows that Tommy could have gone on and on, but he was determined to get Tommy to see his side.

'Then I'll go to the interview!' Tommy stared at him like he had lost his wings

'What? what about college?

'I'll email the school and swap over to online for a while if I get the job. I won't have any ties to anything illegal, I turned 18 a month or so ago and I haven't done Vigilante work since we started!'. Tubbo pleaded, when that photo of them throwing the stolen bench at a kidnapper went viral and they got their 'official' name, which Tubbo was still salty about by the way. Ranboo was called Portal, Tommy was dubbed Red and Tubbo earned the fucking name Gremlin. Tommy mentioned that it might be because after they threw the bench Tubbo crouched down and started to run around cackling like a mad-man. Soon after Tubbo decided that they needed a 'chair in the man'..... wait, fuck- no 'man in the chair' to help out. Tommy often teases him about his vigilante name, Tubbo usually ignores him..... NOT, he ends up biting him 4/5 times.

Tommy sighs as he thinks it over

'If I agree to this plan, will you let me go back to sleep?' Tommy finally settles on. Tubbo nods his head vigorously, giving himself a bit of a headache. 

'Fine. You better get your CV printed out and find some decent clothes' Tubbo felt like he was getting lectured by a parent, but didn't care since he had a CV to write.... Don't judge him.

Tommy, happy enough with leaving it there, fell back onto the coach and dragged the blanket up to his chin letting out a content sigh. Tubbo tippy toed to the front door to close it as he left it open in his rush, then snuck into the shared bedroom grabbing Tommy's laptop on the way. Once inside he softly closed the door so as to not disturb Tommy, and plopped down onto the bed to google CV templates. He had a lot of work to do, luckily he has no homework and doesn't have to cook tonight.

By the time Ranboo got home Tubbo had finished the CV and was muttering curses about a piece of Lego he stepped on moments before.

'I'm home!'

'RANBOO! Indoor voice please, Tommy is trying to sleep!'

'But you're talking louder than me?'

'Indoor. voice'

Ranboo sighed dramatically

'Is this better?' They whispered

'Oh my god Ranboo! Indoor voice, please! Think of Tommy!' Tubbo dramatically cried

Ranboo laughed quietly while shaking his head

'Why are you like this?'

'At least I don't leave Legos on the ground, waiting for a beloved roommate to befall the fate of stepping on one!' Tubbo fake cried

'Is that what this was about! I warned you that a piece went missing!'

'INDOOR VOICE'

'Yeah Ranboob indoor voice'

Ranboo stared at his two roommates in disbelief

'Why? Why must you team up on me?' He asked sadly, but they all new that he was just playing around with them

'The Lego Ranboo, the lego-' Tubbo whispered with a shiver

'It was a mistake!'

'DO YOU NOT CARE OF US!' Tubbo went back to dramatically crying while Tommy had to clamp a hand over his mouth to stop the silent laughing.

'Ok'

'WAS IT ALL A LIE!'

'I'm going to start dinner?' 

Ranboo scurried out of the room and into the shared bedroom. Tommy and Tubbo look at each other before bursting out in laughter, they could also hear silent laughter behind the closed door.

 Tubbo and Tommy stare down at the pasta in shock. It looks....edible? Tommy's head snapped up to Ranboo

'What happened?!'

Ranboo shrugged with a small smile

'I got some tips from a coworker today' Tommy nodded but still was a bit untrusting of the dish that looked....good

 Every night went the same. They would talk about their days, then after everyone was done eating they would circle who does what 'night chore'. So tonight it was Tubbos turn to wash the dishes, Ranboos turn to make the shopping list and Tommys turn to do a clean-up of the flat. but first, the stories from that day:

'I almost blew up a building'

'Tubbo-'

'we've talked about this Tubbo. No making explosives during school-'

All in all, a pretty normal night. Tommy decided against patrolling today, but Ranboo went out so Tubbo jumped onto comms and Tommy chilled in the room. About half an hour into their patrol Ranboo pressed a button on their glove that sent an emergency signal to Tubbo. It meant: I'm being followed but don't want them to know that I know. Tommy froze while Tubbo panicky spoke into the mic while checking security cameras in the area. They don't often have to use the panic button, but when they do it never turns out well. Ranboo has never had to use it, usually because he would just teleport away from danger but tonight he didn't have enough energy to do so, and he knew if he over-exerted his powers again he would be lectured by his roommates.

Tubbo finally found what he was looking for, and paled. 

'Portal, listen to me very carefully. Blade and Siren are tailing you. I'm going to blast music through the coms. Don't.take.the.earpiece.out.'

Ranboo made a sound of confirmation. Tommy felt bad for him, Ranboo has always had sensitive hearing, but there was no other way around it. Tubbo hasn't finished the new ear piece that can block out Sirens commands. They can't have Ranboo being captured. Tommy jumped up and rushed to get his vigilante gear.

'Red is on his way to provide back-up. Hang out for a little longer. Don't let them know that you know they're there' Tubbo warned down the line before turning on the music. 

Tommy ran back into the room in full vigilante gear. He grabbed his ear piece off charge and turned to Tubbo, who smiled sadly.

'I'm expecting you both to get back in one piece' Tommy nodded once before jumping out the window.

Tubbo connected to Tommy's comm and watched him jump across buildings through security cameras. He stopped when he saw something weird. Two shadowy figures were following Tommy. Tubbo's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. His finger went to the button so he could warn Tommy when Ranboos' voice came through.

'Gremlin, They're -'

'They're attacking!'

'How long till- till Red gets here'

Tubbo could hear the fight through the comms and the pit of anxiety grew

*Tommy's POV

Ranboo was around two blocks away.  Tubbos' panicked voice came through the comms.

'Red, it was a trap! Crow and Celer Vulpes are on your tail and Ranboo is getting attacked!' Tommy cursed under his breath before coming to a dead stop on top of a building. He listened to his surroundings. After a few seconds he heard two sets of feet walking towards him.

'Hey mate' Crow said as Tommy turned around. Just like Tubbo had informed him, Crow and Celer Vulpes were standing behind him. Crow had retired a few years back, while Tommy was still a hero, but got bored and decided to return. Celer Vulpes was new to the scene, having only become an official hero a week before. 

'Overgrown bird, Newbie. To What do I owe the pleasure to?' Crow cackled at the name while Celer Vulpes just continued to try to hide his nervousness, failing miserably might I add.

'You know we have to arrest you mate'

Tommy pretended to be thoughtful for a minute before tutting and shaking his head. 'No can do man, have pre-made plans.'

Just as he said that Tubbo's voice cracked to life through the comms. 

'Red, Portal could really use your help!'

'Ok ok, copy that Gremlin. Sorry big man, have a friend to help!' 

With that he did a mock salut and jumped backwards off the building. He landed safely on the ground and sprinted towards Ranboo.

'Always one for dramatic exits, aren't you Red' 

'Wait, Isn't that how you injured yourself yesterday?'

Tommy ignored Tubbos disapproving voice, more focused on getting to Ranboo. Tommy was slightly worried about how he and Ranboo were going to deal with 2 v 4 since he was positive that Crow and Celer Vulpes weren't going to leave them be. 

When Tommy finally reached Ranboo, they weren't doing so well. They had a cut on their brow and a deep looking gash on their arm. Tommy immediately jumped into the fight to block and attack for Ranboos back. He pressed his back to Ranboos and thankfully Ranboo seemed to realize that it was him as they didn't turn around to attack Tommy. 

Tommy briefly realized that Tubbo was panickily saying something about not having music ready to blast through his comm. Tommy ignored him, hoping that the hero's would assume that he wouldn't be able to hear them either . Siren seemed to notice though to Tommy's horror.

'Red, stand down'

'That doesn't work on me, prick!' Tommy yelled as he punched Siren across the face.

His voice changer wasn't working

Siren paused and stared at him. 'Wait are you-' He was cut off by Crow and Celer Vulpes  showing up 'Wait Red-' Siren started. Ranboo didn't wait, he grabbed Tommy's arm and teleported the two of them back to the apartment. Ranboo promptly passed out.

Tubbo looked like he was about to either cry or kill someone. Then he saw the two and quickly ran to Ranboo. Between the Two of them they got Ranboo into his bed. Tommy walked off to call the cafe to let them know that Ranboo wasn't well and wouldn't be in the next day. Ranboo has made a habit of pushing his powers too far, so both Tommy and Tubbo knew that he would be out cold for at least a day. When Tommy reentered the bedroom Tubbo had removed Ranboos vigilante gear, leaving him in his underclothes which was a blue t-shirt and shorts. 

Tubbo kept giving Tommy weird looks, but Tommy was too tired so ignored him and went to sleep. 

He dreamt of days long passed, of causing trouble at the hero's tower with Siren and enduring Crows parently lectures about starting food fights, about meeting Blade when he was first brought in and sticking up for him against the other Heroes and when Blade repaid him by teaching him sick moves. Tommy smiled in his sleep.

Chapter Text

Tubbo had gotten up early the next morning to go to the local library so he could get his CV printed off. He had slept on the couch that night, not wanting to wake Tommy with his alarm. Tubbo sighed and rubbed his face, he wasn't sure how to address what happened the night before. Not only did Tommy's voice changer malfunction, but Sirens commands don't affect him at all? he's never mentioned that before.

'Hurry up kid! I have places to be!' an angry voice growled from behind him, only then did Tubbo realize that he zoned out and was holding up the line, it wasn't very long but the guy behind him was getting impatient.

Tubbo quickly apologized and went up to the desk where he was greeted by a tired face. 'Whatcha need?' the employee asked with a bored expression. 

'Can you get this printed off for me? Two copies please,' Tubbo asked while handing over the USB stick.

The employee took one look at the USB before shaking his head and handing it back. 'Printer's broken. Next'

'oh, I can-'

'I can fix that'. everyone turned to the new voice. The number 6 hero Awesamdude just walked in and was smiling politely at the employee who looked a lot more interested now. The employee nodded quickly before leading Awesamdude into the back.

Awesamdude has been in the hero business for 7 years, he's one of the oldest Heros, only being topped by one who hasn't retired (fully) yet, Crow. He is mostly known for his work with electronics, but he's pretty scary in a fight as well. 

Tubbo stared after the two in shock. What was a hero doing in the outer district? This is probably bad news for the vigilantes in the area. 

A few minutes later Awesamdude walked out with the employee who was singing the Hero's praises. Tubbo rolled his eyes as the Hero awkwardly shuffled past the employee. 

As Awesamdude was passing he clapped Tubbo's shoulder. 'Stay in school kid'. The Hero promptly left with Tubbo glaring daggers into his back. Truth be told, Tubbo seriously respects the guy and what he can do with electronics. It's one of the main reasons he decided to study what he is. Unfortunately he also has to stay clear of the Hero because of the whole illegal vigilante thing he has going on.

Tubbo re-joined the end of the line, and waited patiently as the guy behind him checked out 5 books and the teenager next in line talked the ear off the now back to bored employee about the book she was returning. When it was finally Tubbos' turn again the employee just took one look at him before sighing and extending his hand for the USB. 

'Two copies?'

'Two copies', Tubbo confirmed. 

A few minutes later Tubbo exited the library with his CV that was now printed. He checked the time, after noticing that he just got 'paid' decided to try to get something presentable for the interview. So he turned away from home and headed towards the train station, the closest shop that sells the clothes he is looking for is 2 districts away. As he waited for the train he sent a quick text to Tommy.

Bee Boy

>Have gone out, might be home late.- Look after Ranboo, don't burn down-  the kitchen :)

Tubbo looked up to the display screen to see how long it was till his train, seeing that it is 5 minutes he pulled out the headphones that he took from Tommy's bag a few days before and listened to some music. 

After the first song his phone vibrated, signaling a message.

Racoon Boy

>ok [thumbs up emoji]

Tubbo laughed quietly to himself.

Bee Boy

>You do know that you can't just type [thumbs up emoji] and that your phone will change it for you....right? 

 

>Also, don't think that I've forgotten what happened last night. We'll be talking about that when I get home later.

Racoon Boy

>[Sad emoji face]

Bee Boy

>... 

Tubbo glanced back up from his phone and noticed that his train was late, it was supposed to be here 2 minutes ago, but the board is still saying 5 minutes. Strange.

He looked around the station and was startled when he realized that everyone was passed out on the ground, even the guards.

Bee Boy

>Wait, something weird is happening. I'll text you later

Racoon Boy

> Ok, don't die

Just then Tubbo heard loud, slow footsteps. When he looked up his heart sank, it's the villain Nightmare. This is bad. Nightmare is the ex-hero Sleep, just under a year ago it was revealed that he was working with villains to kill other Heroes, which is what is assumed to have happened to late number 3 hero Phantom Chaos. Sleep and Phantom were never close, and Phantom had kept Sleep from getting into the top 3 for a long time, having helped a newer hero Blade get up to number 1. After the info was released Sleep and Eagle Eye ran off together to become villains. It took The Mage a long time to gain the trust of the public back.

Now that that was over with, what does Nightmare want with Tubbo? He can't know that he's a vigilante right? That would be impossible since Tubbo never goes out patrolling. Whatever it is isn't good.

Nightmare continued to walk slowly towards him, and Tubbo started to freak out a bit. He hurriedly put his phone back in his pocket and tried to remember anything he could do to keep himself alive. But there is also very few thing you can do to defend yourself against Nightmare, since he can just *snap* and now you're asleep. 

Tubbo looked around. Maybe if he doesn't hear the snap he won't fall unconscious? It was worth a shot. As he walked backwards he fumbled with his phone to try to put the music back on.... but oh, his phone isn't there?

Nightmare smiled at him, holding up the missing phone. 

'Too late'

Tubbo paled, frozen. This isn't good. 

Ok, what else did they learn in that mandatory safety class? Oh! Pinch yourself! that way you know if you're asleep and can (hopefully) get out! Tubbo quickly pinched himself. He felt nothing. He released a breath he was fully aware that he was holding. He is asleep, meaning Nightmare can't actually harm him physically. it is one of the few things that's known for sure.

'Figured it out, have you?' Nightmare cocked his head to the side. Tubbo shivered, that's creepy-

'What do you want?' He finally managed to say.

'oh, don't worry. I just need you to deliver a message for me. And you know what they say, the messengers don't get hurt' 

'That is not the saying! It's 'Don't shoot the messenger''. Tubbo shouted appalled. You would think that an ex-hero turned villain would get their sayings right!

Nightmare just continued to smile. that fucker.

'No matter. tell him that he can't escape me that easily'

Tubbo blinked.

'What? Tell who?'

'Don't play dumb with me, you know who I'm talking about. You are under his protection after all. Either way, it seems our time is up. Till we meet again'

Nightmare snapped his fingers and suddenly Tubbo bolted up straight. He was lying on the floor and there was a group of people who had surrounded him. 

'Are you ok son?' A slightly older guy asked, maybe in his late 40's early 50's.  He was also wearing the security uniform. 

Tubbo nodded and slowly stood up, revealing a ':)' that was carved into the ground he was lying on. The security guard helped him up, one lady in the group noticed what was on the ground and paled.

'He was visited by Nightmare!'

that sent everyone into a panic. Tubbo didn't blame them, but all the panicked shouts and screams weren't helping his headache.

One of the other guards looked at him apologetically. 'Sorry kid, but we're going to have to call the Heroes. They'll want to speak with you'.

Tubbo nodded as he was led off the platform and into an office. He was doomed. He as well as everyone knows that Nightmare doesn't visit just anyone. So far the only people he has visited are Heroes, particularly The Mage to try to convince him to join them.

Which means that he's about to go through a stressful few hours.

He can't tell them the truth, but maybe they'll help him? No, Ranboo and Tommy won't look at him the same anymore. He doesn't need help, he's done fine by himself, he doesn't need help now.

His phone vibrated in his pocket.

Bee Boy

>Have gone out, might be home late. Look after Ranboo, don't burn the kitchen down :)

 

Racoon Boy

>THAT WAS ONE TIME!

>Did you hear that someone got visited by Nightmare at the station? 

 

Bee Boy

>Yeah, I might have heard something about it. Will be home in a few hours

 

Tubbo turned his phone off, wondering how the news got out so fast. Just then a few Heroes walked in. Blade (number 1 Hero), Crow (Who did retire but apparently got so fidgety with nothing to do so came back, He does not have a number), Siren (number 2 hero), and Mage (number 3 hero).

Tubbo started to get nervous, would they be able to tell he was lying? Maybe if he acts confident they'll believe him? wait, no- They'll find it even more suspicious, what member of the public would be calm after meeting Nightmare? Great, now he doesn't know what to do and he's overthinking and everyone is staring at him and oh god did this room just get smaller?! Where did all the air go? His lugs are starting to burn, BREATH GOD DAMMIT.

'Hey hey, kid you need to calm down' 

Tubbo barely registered the voice, being too panicked about the fact that he can't breathe.

'Is he breathing? kid you need to breath-'

the sound of a light hit to the head

'Obviously he needs to breath'

'Kid can you hear me?' a kinder voice asked. Tubbo mutely nodded while still trying to breath, failing miserably I might add.

'Can I give you a hug?' the same voice asked. It took Tubbo a bit longer to register the question, nodding again.

A minute later, arms wrapped around him and his face met a shoulder. Hands rubber up and down his back, careful of his wings. It took him a few minutes to realize that the voice was talking lowly to him.

'It can be scary the first time it happens, yeah? I reacted the same way, sat alone in my room for hours trying to calm down. You are doing so much better, just a few more deep breaths. This will pass, you'll be ok. that's it'

Tubbo noticed that he could actually breathe now.Now that his head was a bit clearer he recognized the voice as The Mage, the only member of The Dream Team that didn't go to the 'dark side'. The other Heros were talking quietly on the other side of the room. 

'You ok now?' Mage asked quietly. Tubbo nodded into his shoulder. 'Want to tell me what he told you? You don't have to talk to the others, I'll fill them in' 

Tubbo thought about it.

'He wanted me to give a message to someone,' Tubbo explained quietly, leaning back out of the hug to see the Hero's face. Mage scrunched up his face.

'To who?' 

'I don't know. He didn't say, just told me to not play dumb and that I know who', Tubbo decided to leave out the part about him being under the protection of this mystery person.

Mage nodded at him to continue.

Tubbo took a deep breath. 'He said to tell this person that he can't escape him that easily'.

Mage nodded at him thoughtfully. The other Heroes seemed to realize that Tubbo calmed down and came over. 

'Mage, you know the rules. You should have told us and we all could have asked' Crow lightly scolded. Tubbo suddenly became very interested in the far wall.

'He is a civilian , who was scared. No offense but you're not all the most friendly looking. He had only just calmed down, I didn't want you to crowed him'

Tubbo studied the other Heroes faces, they don't seem to actually be angry at the breach in protocol.

'Let's not pretend that you've never broken protocol Old Man' Siren teases. Blade makes a grunt noise that sounds awfully like a snort.

'Shut' Crow shoots back before turning to Tubbo.

'Can you think of any reason that Nightmare would contact you'

Just a few Tubbo thought bitterly. 

'He mentioned that Sl- Nightmare wanted him to pass along a message, we just don't know who it's for'. Mage explained to the others.

'What was the message?'

'Tell him that he can't escape me that easily' Tubbo quotes. 

'Are you sure that the message wasn't meant for Mage? Nightmare isn't stupid, he knew the second the smile was noticed we would be called', Blade pointed out

'You have a point Blade, Nightmare has been trying to get Mage to join him' Siren chimed in.

Mage shook his head. 'It doesn't seem right. He could have just visited me again. And if I may point out, I do still know him the best out of us. This message wasn't meant for me'. Tubbo looked between the four Heroes. Mage seemed to be certain in his response, while the other three seemed unsure.

'You weren't responding the way he wanted, is it really that hard to believe that he targeted a civilian to get the message across?' Blade asked.

Mage opened his mouth before closing it again and snapping his head to Tubbo, he seemed to search Tubbos eyes for something. His eyes saddened so Tubbo assumed that he found whatever it was that he was looking for. Mage sighed and turned back to the others.

'You need to trust me on this one. The message is not for me' 

Tubbo suddenly felt a pit of dread appear. Is it possible that Mage found out? Surely not.... Right?

Crow, having realized that Tubbo was still there, turned to him again. 'Well, we don't have any more questions for you so you can leave now'. 

Tubbo nodded and stood up when had he ended up on the floor? Mage stood up with him. 'I'll walk you home, wanna make sure you get back safe'. 

Before the other Heros could protest Mage had grabbed Tubbos sleeve lighty and guided him out of the office, past the station guards and out of the station before releasing his sleeve.

They walked side by side in silence, about halfway to the flat Mage broke.

'How do you know Nightmare?'

'What?'

Mage sighed

'No need to lie, I know that you know him. He can't visit someone without a connection to them. Which means that you know him and I want to know how'. Mage sounded..... sad?

Tubbo froze and stared at Mage with wide eyes. 

Well fuck

Chapter Text

*Tubbo's POV

Tubbo closed the apartment door behind him with a shaky breath. That could have gone better. His interview in 2 days was going to be awkward. Tubbo's face palmed, he never got new clothes.

'That you Tubs?' Tommy's voice came through the open bedroom door. Tubbo slowly made his way towards the sound, shaking himself free from any visible nerves. He doesn't like to admit it, but Tommy is very good at reading him and he doesn't want Tommy questioning him about what happened. Here's hoping that he doesn't ask him where he was, that wouldn't be good.

*Tommy's POV

Bee Boy

>Have gone out, might be home late. Look after Ranboo, don't burn the kitchen down :)

 

Racoon Boy

>THAT WAS ONE TIME! 

 

>Did you hear that someone got visited by Nightmare at the station? 

 

Bee Boy

>Yeah, I might have heard something about it. Will be home in a few hours

 

Tommy stared at his phone with a confused expression. He has a feeling that Tubbo hasn't told him everything, but he would be a hypocrite if he got mad since neither Tubbo or Ranboo know about his past, or the fact that he's a fucking phoenix hybrid. Do they actually know the real him? 

Suddenly the front door opened and was closed softly, Tommy realized that there were quite shaky breaths coming from the other room followed by quiet deep breaths.

'That you Tubs?' he called out as he stood up and walked around the bed to check on Ranboo who has developed a fever since yesterday. When he wakes up Tommy will be giving him an earful about over-exerting himself. Tommy made a mental note to call the café to let them know Ranboo's still not better and he won't be in for the foreseeable future. 

When Tommy was replacing the damp cloth on Ranboos forehead he registered the sound of quiet footsteps, a few seconds later Tubbo walked through the door. Tommy paused at the sight of him, his eyes were red-rimmed and his cheeks were slightly flushed signaling that he had been crying. Tommy decided to pack that away, it was obvious from Tubbos expression that he had tried to look as normal as possible. Unfortunately for him, big man Tommy can read him like a book! Even if his eyes and cheeks didn't give him away, his wings would as they are currently drooped. Poor Tubbo has yet to realize that his wings portray his emotions.

Tubbo caught sight of Rambo.

'What happened?' he whispered as he walked closer 

'When I had woken up he had a high temperature, it's been getting worse over the past hour. 

Tubbo nodded. 'He was a bit warmer than usual when I was leaving, I didn't think it was going to get any worse'.

Tommy nodded in understanding. 'If it gets much worse we'll have to bring him to the hospital' Tommy said in a low voice. Tubbo, who had been making his way towards the door, froze, and after a minute nodded 

'only if it gets worse'.

Tommy looks after him confused. What happened while he was out? Tommy paled a little, Tubbo wasn't the one who was visited right? What does that fucker want with his Tubbo?! 

Tommy suddenly got very angry, and wished that he would never cut the connection. Is it possible that he knows? that's impossible, he bought Punz out!

He took a deep breath, he has no proof that Tubbo was the one visited, he shouldn't get ahead of himself. 

Tommy shakes the thoughts from his head and turns his attention back to Ranboo and notes that he'll have to change the bedsheets very soon. He sighs and stands up, at least it's something to do. 

Time for one of the funest activities. Changing bedsheets with a person asleep in said bed with a bad fever, he knows that he could ask Tubbo to move Ranboo for him since Tubbo is surprisingly strong, but Tommy can tell that Tubbo needs some alone time after whatever just happened.

Tommy leaves the room to find the spare sheets which are harder than originally expected. He was certain that they were folded up in a box under the coach, but said box was empty. Tommy groaned in frustration before giving up.

'TUBBO!'

Tubbo's head popped around the bathroom door

'Yes?'

'Where are the spare bed sheets?'

'They should be in the box under the coach'

'the box is empty'

'Did you look in the other box?'

'.... there's another box?'

Tubbo sighed dramatically before shutting the door and locking it. A few seconds later the sound of the shower could be heard.

Tommy looked under the coach, and yep, there's a second box which has a change of bedclothes and a spare set for the other bed. Tommy grabbed both sets, deciding that the other bed could use with a change as well.

He re-entered the bedroom to see that Ranboo had rolled over in his sleep and was on the floor. Tommy stared at him in disbelief. 

'boo, you're joking right?' 

Ranboo didn't answer, which was expected. Tommy sighed and put a pillow under his head. Might as well change the bed before trying to get him back into it. He cringed at the sweat soaked shirt, he'll employ Tubbos help to change it once he's out of the shower. 

Once Tommy had removed the sheets he put a towel down onto the mattress and put the clean sheet onto the bed. Once the sheet was secured he put another towel on top where Ranboo would lie, hoping that it would protect the sheet and mattress for at least a little longer. Just as he got the new duvet protector on he heard the bathroom door open.

‘Thank god. Tubbo! I need some help with Boo!' 

He heard hurried footsteps, a second later a wet-haired Tubbo was standing in the door-way.

He took one look at the scene

'Did you push Ranboo off the bed so you could change it? and do you now need help getting him back onto said bed?'

Tommy spluttered

'What? No! When I got back from grabbing the sheets I discovered them on the floor!'

Tubbo nodded with an expression that screamed 'I don't believe you'.

`We also need to change his shirt, it's drenched,'' Tubbo noted and turned toward the old wardrop to find a comfortable top, while throwing his towel onto the radiator. 

As they were changing Ranboos top they realized a problem they had not previously thought of. Ranboo is an enderman hybrid, and water burns him. Luckily his sweat won't cause burning, but if he sits in his own sweat for too long it'll cause a rash, which can now be seen on Ranboos' sides and arms.

'Great' Tubbo mutters, rubbing his face in irritation.

'You get him back into the bed while I check if we have the right cream' Tubbo directed and left the room.

Tommy stared at Ranboo and to the bed and took a deep breath. He's strong, this won't be hard, He's a big man TommyInnit after all! He can do this!

'I'm running down to the pharmacy' Tubby's muffled voice drifted into the room, followed by the front door opening and closing.

*Tubbos POV

Tubbo closed the door with a sigh. We'll, this day can't get much worse . He paused Fuck, He’s jinxed it now- 

Tubbo rubbed his face with a sigh. He's a mess today. He turned towards the stairs and started to make his way down them as fast as he could, skipping the second last step as it always makes him trip.

The Pharmacy isn't far away so Tubbo should get there and back within 10 minutes. He made a mental note of what to grab, some cream for the rash and some more face clothes. Tubbo nodded to himself. He picked up the pace, not wanting to be out in the open much longer. 

As he rounded the last corner, he spotted another fucking Hero. He paused and stared at a scene. The Hero Crow was talking to passerby, nobody was too interested with what was being said. Heroes aren't held in much of a high regard in this district. Only 2 Heros in the past 10 years have been trusted by all 10 districts. The Hero Blade, since he originated from the furthest out district and used to be a top vigilante for them. And late hero Phantom Chaos, there's no information about where he came from, but he's always been protective of the 10th district and would always defend them.

Crow turned around and spotted Tubbo and made a bee-line to him. 

'Hey kid, twice in one day huh?'

Tubbo just nodded. 'What are you doing here?'

Crow was silent for a minute. `We're looking for someone, hero business. We think that they're hiding out in this area' He explained.

Tubbo signaled for him to continue.

'He was about 5 '5 last seen, had shoulder length blond hair, not a hybrid and has no powers' Crow listed on his fingers.

Tubbo was nodding along thinking if he knew anyone like that, not like he would tell the Heros if he did, but he paused at the 'not a hybrid and has no powers'. It's normal to not be a hybrid, it's also normal to not have powers, but it's practically unheard of to have neither. 

Crow smiled. 'Know anyone who matches the description?'

Tubbo thought about it. 'Well, depending on how long they've been in hiding and how young they are, they could no longer be 5'5. Same could be said about the hair, it could be longer or shorter. There are plenty of people around here with blond hair. But I've never met someone who isn't a hybrid or has powers. Again, depending on how young they were when they went into hiding, they could have developed powers or hybrid features.'

Crow nodded along with everything. 'That's what I was afraid of. I can't explain everything, but keep an eye on the news. This will make more sense when we hand over our information to the press.'

Tubbo quickly checked the time. 'I have to go now. Got a sick roommate at home and need to pick up some medicine for him. See you on Friday'. With that he quickly rushed down the road into the pharmacy, leaving a confused Crow. 

Tubbo went straight to the desk when he got in. He has no idea what cream will work so he has to consult whoever is at the desk.

'Hello, what can I do for you today?'

'I've got a friend at home with a fever. He's an enderman hybrid, I just need a cream that'll help the rash?'

The lady nodded her head.

'How long has he had a high temperature and how bad is the rash?'

'He's had a high temperature since my other roommate woke up today, so around 11 O'Clock? The rash isn't too bad, it just looks a bit agitated and red.'

The lady made a humming sound as she turned around to check some shelves behind the counter.

'This one should work. rub a little onto the rash every 5 hours, if it doesn't get better come back and I'll help you find a different one' She smiled politely at Tubbo, who beamed.

A few minutes later Tubbo exited the pharmacy and pulled out his phone.

Bee Boy

>Just got the cream, will be home soon. How's Boo doing?

 

Racoon Boy

>Nothing changed. I managed to get them back in bed.

 

>I am the biggest man after all! 

 

Bee Boy

>Ok Tommy 

 

Racoon Boy

>No need to be jealous, Tubs. Not everyone can be this strong!

 

Tubbo put his phone away, deciding to leave Tommy on read. Luckily for Tubbo Crow had seemed to move on, as he was no longer hanging around. Tubbo shook his head, if they wanted to get information out of anyone around here, they should have sent Blade. People actually listen to him. 

Tubbo rushed the rest of the way to the flat, forgetting about the second last step and almost losing his balance. It's times like these that he's glad he has wings, they're too weak for him to actually fly but they do help with balance. Score.

It was only when Tubbo had gotten to the door that he realized that not only did he forget to buy face cloths, he also forgot his keys. Tubbo sighed and kicked the right bottom corner of the door as hard as he could. One good thing about living in a cheap apartment complex is that if you know the weak spot of the door you can open it without a key.

Tommy greeted him at the door. 

'We should talk' He said in a low voice

'Yeah, we should' Tubbo agreed thinking back to what happened the night before. How had Siren's command not work on him? Maybe he'll get an answer. 

Chapter Text

*Ranboos POV

‘So tell me his identity. We both know that you know him. I wasn't able to get anything out of your friend, though I have a feeling that I’ll be able to get you to crack with time’ 

‘I don’t know who you’re talking about!’

‘Sure you don’t, let's see how long you’ll be able to keep quiet since you won’t be leaving till I get my information. Though it does seem that our time has come to an end for today, as the person you swear you don’t know is expelling me from your mind. Till tomorrow’

‘:)’

‘You’re not in trouble, just answer the question. The Hero’s can protect you, you just need to tell me how you know Nightmare’

‘I can’t tell you… He’ll know’, Tubbo mumbled the last bit. It wouldn’t be good if he finds out that Tubbo went running to the Hero’s. Tubbo shivered just thinking about it.

To his surprise Mage didn’t push, just gave him a business card.

‘Keep in contact. You can come to me if you need help, ok?’

Tubbo stared at Mage in shock before nodding.

‘ok…’

*Mage’s POV, 2 hours before

Sapnap paced the length of the room, checking the time every few seconds. Blade had yet to get back and the two had decided to patrol the 4th district today as they were seeing a rise in crime-rates, mostly break-ins.

Almost 7 O’Clock, that’s not good. The agency is very strict on patrol times.

Sapnap rubbed his face. Where the hell is Blade?!

Just then his phone rang, he quickly grabbed his phone off the floor (Don’t question it), and looked at the caller's ID, Crow. Sapnap rolled his eyes at that, Blade doesn’t like anyone having his number so if you want to contact him you have to contact Crow or Siren who are the only two people who actually have his number. Same the other way round, he goes through Crow if he wants to give any of the other Heroes information. 

‘Heya mate, sorry for the close call, traffic was crazy. Blade has gone to get his armor on and said that he will meet you out front in 5’

Sapnap said his thanks and grabbed his mask off the counter before leaving his room.

He got some weird looks in the halls, despite the fact that it was nearly a year ago some people still can’t get over the fact that he was the only member of the Dream Team that didn’t join the other side. Most believe that he’s a spy. He has long since stopped caring what they think, he has gained back the trust of the public and they have made him one of the top three heroes. 

They aren’t technically wrong with one of the things they think about him. He is hiding some information. Like, he’s the only hero that knows that Nightmare can’t just visit whoever he wants when he wants. He needs to have a connection to that person. Which is the exact reason that no one can ever find out. If he ever told the heroes? They would tell the public and arrest anyone who gets visited. Whatever poor soul that gets visited could be shunned by their friends and family, could lose their job or even spend years in prison. Not to mention the trauma that’s bound to come with interacting with Nightmare in that sense and having to deal with questioning from the heroes. 

He’s also hiding the identity of both of his ex-team. When asked if he knew their civilian names or faces he denied. He doesn’t have the best reason for this one, they haven’t revealed his name or face to the public so he won’t do that to them. Though he did warn Nightmare during his first visit that if they do anything overly extreme that he will reveal their identities. He’s not sure how to explain it, maybe it’s the need to do one last thing for his old teammates. 

‘Oh, hi Mage! Going on patrol?’

Sapnap turned to the familiar voice and smiled at the owner, Nihachu. She is a newer hero, only just having gotten clearance to do solo patrols.

‘Yeah, me and Blade are heading to district 4’ 

Nihachu nodded in understanding. ‘District 4 has been seeing an upturn of crime lately. Mind if I joined you? I don’t feel quite ready to go out by myself yet’ 

Sapnap smiled. ‘I have no problem with it, I’m sure Blade will be the same. We’re to meet him out front in 5, he’s getting his armor on’. 

Nihachu’s eyes lit up

A few minutes later the two were out front waiting for Blade, having a debate on whether the crime rates have gone up or not in recent years… It was a very interesting conversation

‘God, I didn’t know that you two are nerds’

Mage jumped. Blade just appeared , like one minute he wasn't there and next POP well hello there. Mage clutched his chest and dramatically took a deep breath as Nihachu laughed, she didn’t even jump, impressive. 

‘Ah, Nihachu. Joining us?’

‘If you’ll have me’

Blade nodded. ‘I assume that Mage told you the plan?

‘Yep!’ 

Mage smiled slightly under his mask. He had noticed that Nihachu has a very bubbly personality that can light up any room. He often wonders if her enthusiasm will die down with time like so many others before her. He really hopes not.

They all agreed to enter the district from different angles and meet in the middle, then do a few laps of the district together and call it a night. Blade will be clocking out earlier since he has to be present for the interviews the next morning.

Mage stopped 2 break ins and 3 muggings by the time he got to the meeting spot. The whole time he was fully aware of the figure that was following him, they weren’t being very discrete. They kept making little mistakes, knocked over a garbage can, stepped on a cat's tail, tripped over their own feet twice and then of course almost fell off a building. Well, they did fall off and just managed to catch themselves a few stories down.

Mage wasn’t sure if they knew that he knew that they’re there. He’s curious to see what they’re planning to do, just watch? Try to find out Hero secrets?

He sighed, no sign of Blade or Nihachu. Bored, Mage summoned a small ball of fire to play with.

It took him years to master his destructive power, and a few more years to become confident enough in his ability to control his powers. 

He’s come a long way from almost burning down his childhood home and never wanting to use his powers again in fear of hurting someone, to performing small tricks to distract scared children while the medics check them for injuries. 

Suddenly Nihachu and Blade appeared. Hey, that’s not fair! He taught the sneaky sneak move to her! :( 

‘Nihachu! If you make a habit of doing that I will cry’. He pouted. It was bad enough that Blade did it, he found it funny that he manages to scare Mage everytime.

‘How was your first solo run?’ He adds

‘It went well! Stopped 6 muggings, no injuries!’ 

Blade nodded along. ‘She did really well’.

Mage could tell that Nihachu was proud of herself from how much her eyes crinkled with a very obvious big smile.

Nihachus' eyes traced to behind Mage and paused. 

Oh, my shadow. Forgot about them

‘Uh, Mage? Why is Gremlin here?’ She questioned slowly 

Sapnaps brain blanked 

What’s a gremlin?

Blade's eyes snapped to where Nihachu was still looking, and made a sound that could only be described as a disappointed parents sigh. Mage had no idea that Blade could replicate that sound apparently by complete accident.

‘Gremlin, you’re not fooling anyone. Come here’

Sapnaps head finally caught up with everyone else's

Oh! The vigilante Gremlin. That makes sense.

The familiar sound of uncertain footsteps reached his ears and a figure appeared. Mage is a bit disappointed to admit that he jumped again. 

‘Gremlin, why are you here?’Blade pulled off the same tone and Mage was re-reminded how close the vigilantes are to Blade's heart. It was sweet in a way.

‘I’m out for a walk?’ 

‘Say it less like a question and we might believe you’, Nihachu suggested with a small laugh.

‘I’m out for a walk’, He repeated with a more confident tone.

‘Gremlin, focus’, Blade brought the attention back to himself.

‘Why are you here?’, He repeated. When Gremlin didn’t answer Blade continued. 

‘You haven’t been out in years, and I’m only assuming this but by the way you’re holding yourself you are out of practice. You know how easy it would be for someone to take you down or for a hero to arrest you? You’re lucky that Mage didn’t decide to pick a fight with you’. 

Gremlin paused, seemingly just realizing that he was with three heroes that could arrest him.

‘You won’t arrest me right? You’re an ally with the Vigilantes right?’

Blade walked closer to Gremlin and put a hand on his shoulder. ‘I won’t arrest you and these two won’t either.’ He sent a glance to Nihachu and Mage that said ‘That’s not a suggestion’

‘I won’t arrest you, wouldn’t want to take down the brains behind the Vigilantes’ Mage piped up. 

Gremlins ears turned red. ‘I’m not the-’

Mage waved him off.

‘Just take the compliment dude’.

Nihachu nodded, ‘Don’t worry about me, I respect you guys too much.’

‘You still haven’t answered my question, why are you here? If it’s about what happened last night, I’m sorry. I had no control over that.’ 

Blade paused

‘How are Portal and Red?’

‘....Portal is in a rough spot, we’re looking out for them though. As for Red? Currently cursing you out in my ear.’

Blade nodded, ‘Does sound like him.’ 

‘As for why I’m out, I just need to get some information. I was hoping that you would be willing to give it to me?’

Blade made a gesture to continue.

‘Why has our district been crawling with Heros the past few days? And what exactly happened with that civilian today?’.

Mage and Nihachu shared a glance. How much is Blade going to tell him?

‘Make sure that only the other Vigilantes hear of this and I’ll tell you.’

Gremlin nodded.

‘I need you to give me your word. Only the Vigilantes.’

‘I will only tell the other Vigilantes, no one else. You have my word.’

Blade fixed him with a hard stare for a minute.

‘The Heroes recently got information out of Punz. He has confirmed every kill he did under Nightmares orders, at the same time he hinted towards the fact that Phantom Chaos might be alive. When questioned on the topic he refused to say anything, we think that someone paid him out.’

Mage studied Gremlins body language, all he could see was confusion and a spark of hope in his eyes. Something about him reminded him of someone, he just can’t figure out from where.

Gremlins eyes suddenly lit up.

‘You think that Phantom is hiding out in District 10! It would make sense, he did love the area.’ 

‘Wait, does that mean that there are going to be heroes around until he’s found? This is bad’

‘Yes, that’s why I told you to warn the others. It’s going to become a whole lot more dangerous for you guys to go out now. Once the news goes out there will be Heros in your district 24/7 looking for him’.

What could be seen of Gremlins face paled

‘I’ll let the Vigilantes Committee know as soon as I get back’

‘Is that the official name?’, Mage cut in 

‘Yeah, we have a group chat’ Gremlin answered absent-mindingly 

‘As for what happened with the civilian today, he was visited by Nightmare to give someone a message. We have reason to believe that this message is for Phantom, which also leads us to believe that this Civilian is under Phantom's protection. We were going to bring him in for questioning but Mage won’t let us’.

‘I gave him my number, he’ll contact us if he knows anything’. Mage cut in with a hint of anger.

Blade waved him off. ‘But, you knew all that already. Right?’

Gremlin rubbed the back of his head. ‘Yeah, I got to the civilian earlier. Just wanted to see if you knew more than he did. Do you really think that he’s under Phantoms protection?’

Blade shrugged. ‘If the message is for Phantom, it is possible. He might not even know that he is under Phantoms protection, he was very shaken up and confused earlier.’ 

‘Why wouldn’t he just look into his memories to get Phantom's civilian face then?’

‘If he's under Phantom's protection, Phantom would have blocked his identity from his mind so that Nightmare can’t find him easily.’ Mage butted in without thinking.

Everyone stopped and looked at him.

‘I thought that Phantom doesn’t have powers?’ Nihachu questioned.

Shit

Mage shrugged. ‘Phantom was a very private person, but I do think that he has some sort of mind manipulation. Before we knew of Nightmares' betrayal he would often comment about not being able to enter Phantom's head, like a strong force field was keeping him out. Same with anyone close to Phantom’.

Mage is in trouble, this is information that he didn’t hand over. Hopefully Blade and Nihachu don’t report him.

Blade gave him a look of ‘We’ll talk about this later’

Blade turned to Gremlin ‘Get home before you get hurt, get the word out as fast as possible.’

Gremlin gave him a mock salute and started to run off.

‘Other way!’ Nihachu called after him.

Gremlin paused and took a minute to look around. Mage saw his shoulders drop and laughed quietly to himself. He had been running towards district 3 .

As Gremlin disappeared, going the right way this time, Mage turned to Blade.

‘How do you deal with them?’ He joked

‘I don’t know, first time I’ve met the kid. Have heard great things about him from the others.’

‘You recon he’s a kid?’ Nihachu asked

‘Well, maybe not a kid but he can’t be over 20. None of them are even if they won’t admit it’.

Blade glazed at his watch. ‘Welp, I’m off now. Don’t stay out too late you two’. 

Then of course, he just fucking disappears. Mage and Nihachu stand in silence looking at where he had been.

‘I’ve got to get him to teach me that’, Mage whispered in awe 

‘It’s an old vigilante trick, they use it to get away from heroes. Although it seems that the newer generation of Vigilantes don’t know how to do it.’ Nihachu informed 

‘That’s awesome’, Mage gushed 

‘How about we do a few laps and call it a night?’

‘Sounds good’.

The rest of the patrol went by without incident, they stopped 3 break-ins and 9 muggings. Though Mage did have this weird feeling of being watched that he couldn’t shake.

*Tommy's POV

Tubbo had gone out that night and got Tommy to sit in comms for the night, meaning that he was to do everything Tubbo usually did: Look out for the vigilantes that were out. Tommy had no clue how Tubbo does this every night, following every patrol through security cameras and warning them if there was anything around them. Like what happened yesterday.

Luckily for him all the Vigilantes out tonight said that they would be fine going in blind for a night so that he can focus on Tubbo.

So he was just chilling in comms with Tubbo, holding a very one-sided conversation since Tubbo has to be sneaky sneaky.

Tommy suddenly felt a pull from the protection he put on Ranboos mind. 

‘Hey Gremlin? I’ll be right back, just going to check on Portal’

He didn’t get a response which was to be expected since Tubbo is currently talking with the Heros. Blade had just gotten Tubbo to swear that he would only tell the vigilantes, he really wants to stick around to hear the information but he knows that Tubbo will tell him everything later,

Soon Tommy was beside Ranboo, he was staring at them trying to figure out the weird energy radiating off of them. It took him a minute to realize what was happening.

He put his hand on Ranboos forehead, cursing silently when he realized that he was right. Ranboo is being held captive in their own head by Nightmare.

Tommy took a deep breath and focused as much energy as he could into forcing Nightmares presence out. It worked, but was a temporary fix. He’s going to have to use a lot of energy to expel Nightmares presence permanently.

He rubbed his face in irritation, he’ll have to do that tomorrow. He returned to the other room to see how things were going on Tubbos end.

Tubbo was on his way back by the time he returned.

‘How’s Portal?’

‘No change’, Tommy reported

‘Anything interesting happen?’ 

‘Lots, I’ll give you a full update when I get back. We have much stuff to discuss.’

*??? POV

Boss

> IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: DISTRICT 10 WILL BE CRAWLING WITH HEROES FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. DO NOT GO ON PATROL SOLO FROM NOW ON. FOR MORE INFORMATION MEET AT SAFEHOUSE 3 AT 5PM ON SATURDAY.

 

Purple Boi

> Will be there

 

>Have any of you met the new Vigilante yet? He’s kind of strange… 

Chapter Text

*Purpleds POV, Wednesday Night 

Purpled opened the window carefully, cringing when it squeaked. His whole body froze as his ears worked overtime trying to sense any movement in the house, when he couldn't hear any movement he released a silent breath and continued to slide the window open. 

He opened it enough to be able to slip through, when on the other side he closed it again and crept across the carpeted floor towards the door, leaving his bag behind some cabinets. 

He cracked open the door, relieved that it didn't squeak like the stupid window did. 

Trying to sabotage him. 

He glanced both ways to try to memorize the upstairs layout so that he won't go through the wrong door later. 

There are three doors on the left, 1 on the right beside the staircase. He opened the door the rest of the way and stepped out, going towards the stairs. 

About 5 paces towards the stairs the floor creaked, he froze and stared down the hall.

No lights appeared under any of the doors.

No movement could be heard

Purpled released another breath

This is not good for my health

A few minutes later Purpled had made his way down the stairs. After many, many creaky stairs. It was a miracle he hadn't been found-out yet. 

He creeped into a room that he assumed was the office and started to rummage through some files, but all he could find were property management documents and bills.

Suddenly the light turned on in the room. Purple slowly turned around ready to fight or bolt.

'Hello Purpled of District 10!', the strange person greeted brightly, not showing any signs of being confused about Purpled being in his house at stupid O'Clock in the morning.

'...Hi?'

The man smiled, Purpled noticed that this person is a slime hybrid. Rare but not unheard of, they tend to either be overly friendly or very hostile. The young tend to always be friendly, most becoming hostile as they get older.

'Purpled of District 10, what are you doing here?'The man asked with a sort of innocent curiosity. 

Purpled internally panicked for a moment, he could tell the truth? Nah, that's a terrible idea-

'....Top secret mission? Although it seems I have the wrong house. Sorry for disturbing you' 

The slime nodded.

'Next time use the ground floor windows, they're quieter' He advised before turning around and walking out again leaving a baffled Purpled.

What was that?

Purpled decided that it was best he left now, so he waited a few minutes before leaving the office and retreating back upstairs, caring less about making noise this time. He slipped back into the room and grabbed his bag and hastily exited the house.

The whole time he was trying to figure out what had just happened.

'Purpled, report in', his ear-peice crackles to life with Gremlins voice.

'Personal mission failed, about to re-enter District 10 and patrol', Purpled informend 

'understood. Stay away from area k and all areas surrounding it. 4 Heroes have been sighted, Red and Portal barely got away'. 

Purpled paused

'Was Red supposed to be out tonight?'

'No, but he went out to provide Portal with back-up. Both have gone home for the night'

Purpled made a noise of understanding

'Ok, I won't be out long. Any areas short?'

'Area C and P don't have anyone paroling them today. All yours'

'Thanks Gremlin. I'll let you know when I'm done for the night'.

That's where their interaction ended, Gremlin mentioning that he had to check in with the others. 

Not long after Purpled got back to District 10 and made a b-line towards Area C, he'll go to P later as it'll be easier to get to from C without going through K. 

He didn't run into anyone on his way, just noticed a few shadowy figures of other Vigilantes on their own Patrols. They don't tend to stop to chat while on patrol unless their patrol buddies.

Area C was calm for once so it didn't take him more than an hour to patrol it. On his way to Area P he came across a figure standing idle on a roof in his path. He didn't recognize them, maybe a new person? 

While Purpled was deciding whether he would sneak around them or not the mystery person's head snapped to him.

Purpled couldn't see his face, the whole thing being covered with a colorful mask with black tinted glass for the eyes.

The figure beckoned him over, Purpled deciding What's the worst that could happen Obliged. When he got closer he realized that the black hoodie the other is wearing has a white clock design.

'Hello!' Mystery person greeted brightly

Purpled felt a headache coming on. 

What's with people being overly friendly today?

'You're Purpled right? I'm new!'

Purpled rubbed his head. 

'Yeah, I'm Purpled. Are you a new Vigilante? or Hero?' 

'Oh! Sorry I should have specified! Vigilante. Can you get me in contact with your leader?'

'Who? Gremlin?'

'Gremlins the leader?! Wow. That's so cool. I heard that he hasn't been on the field in years! Did he really train with Callahan?!'

'Well, we don't really have a leader per say. Gremlin is just really good at organizing everything so we let him call the shots. and yes, Callahan trained him. Callahan trained a lot of us'. 

Purpled could tell from this guy's energy that he definitely had a shocked and ecstatic face under the mask.

'Wow, that is so cool. So... Can you get me in contact with him? I want to join the.... Vigilantes Organization?'

'Vigilantes Committee' Purpled corrected.

He thought for a minute.

'I can't get you into contact with him yet. We have safety procedures for this type of thing. You have to be able to prove that you are actually serious about being a vigilante. So find me in a week and I'll see what I can do, but just know that it takes a while to gain the trust of all of us.... you won't be allowed into the groupchat for 2 months' He added hesitant at the end

'....There's a groupchat?'

Purpled sighed, regretting every life decision that led up to this point.

'....yes'

They kind of just stood in silence.

'I should go. Don't want to stay out too late. Talk to you in a week?' The stranger awkwardly excused himself. Purpled nodded at him and the two went their separate ways.

Purpled continued on his way to area P and finished his patrol with nothing overly exciting happening, before going home.

....Then why did he have this lingering feeling of being watched?

*Tommy's POV, Present Day

Tommy woke with a start to his alarm. He quickly looked around for his phone so he could turn that awful alarm off before it woke Tubbo. 

Even though he would have to get up soon, Tommy wanted him to have that extra 10/20 minutes. 

When he finally got the alarm off the room felt way too quiet. Tommy groaned when he remembered what happened last night, when Tubbo got home from talking with the Heros he told Tommy what had happened.

About Phantom Chaos being alive and possibly hiding out in District 10, how the Heroes were going to be around until he was found. 

Tubbo had then added how the heroes think he is under Phantom's protection, he had gone quiet for a while before asking quietly who Tommy thought could be Phantom. 

Tommy rubbed his face, this isn't good. Of course Nightmare would recognize his mind block, and Mage would catch on as well. 

Now he has to be more careful, especially around Tubbo. If he keeps thinking of this topic the way he was last night then it won't be long before he figures out Tommy's secret.

Tommy stood up and looked across the room to where Tubbo was sleeping.

I should tell him before he figures it out

He wandered over to the wardrop and picked out a suitable outfit for work. He called the office yesterday to take the day off to watch Ranboo, but if he misses much more the work will pile up too much and he won't ever get it done. 

While shifting through all the clothes he found some of his older nice looking clothes, deciding that they would fit Tubbo he took them out and left them on the back of Tubbos bed, he could wear them to the interview. He then made his way to the bathroom to change.

Once Tommy was dressed he went to the kitchen to make some toast for himself and Tubbo. 

When he finishes he turns around to go wake Tubbo up, only to get jumpscared.

Behind him is a Tubbo with a bedhead and this wild look in his eyes.

'Toast' He smiles widely

Tommy just stares at him.

'I forgot how much you like toast'

'Toast'

Tommy sighs and hands him a plate.

'I pulled out some of my old clothes that should work for the interview today, I left them on the back of your bed'.

Tubbo nodded as he was trying to chew his mouth full of toast. 

Tommy stared at him in horror.

'Did you just put the whole slice in your mouth?!'

Tubbo shook his head violently and held up the other half of toast. 

Tommy sighed in relief.

'That's not as bad, but seriously Tubbo. You need to stop doing that, I don't want you to choke'

Tubbo smiled at him.

Tommy shook his head and grabbed his phone to check the time.

'I have to go to work now, remember to check Boo before you go. I'll talk to Puffy about going home earlier so he won't be alone for too long.'

Tubbo did a mock salut.

'Good luck today' Tommy called before he left the house

Tommy only realized that he still didn't have his headphones when he got to the station, which is when he also remembered that a few days prior he found Tubbo rummaging through his work bag trying to find Tommy's lunch box so it could be cleaned. 

He pulled out his phone and sent Tubbo a quick text.

Racoon Boy

> You don't by any chance have my headphones, do you?

 

Bee Boy

> .....

> No?

 

Racoon Boy

> You don't sound very sure of yourself there

 

Bee Boy

> ... I don't have them

 

Racoon Boy

> Tubbo

 

Bee Boy

> Yes?

 

Racoon Boy

> I want my headphones back

 

Bee Boy

> Ok :)

Tommy slipped his phone back into his pocket when he heard the train coming. As he was boarding he passed a smiley face carved into the ground.

He paid it no attention.

*Tubbos POV

Tubbo paced up and down the hall, he had 30 minutes till he had to leave. 

His mind keeps going back to what he learned the night before, he was trying to piece together a puzzle that has pieces missing.

If Phantom Chaos is alive, why didn't he go back to the heroes when Nightmare became a villain?

Why did he fake his own death?

What was the 'top secret' mission he was on before he faked his death?

Too many questions and not enough answers. Tubbo paused in his pacing.

Hang on. Phantom loved hero work. There's no way in hell he would give it up completely.

He started to tap his foot

Could Phantom be a vigilante?

If so, who?

Not enough is known about Phantom, although the same could be said about all the vigilantes.

I don't have enough information

Tubbo was started out of his thoughts by an alarm going off. He sighed, grateful that he had set an alarm to go off when he had to leave since he has a tendency to get lost in thought and be late.

He quickly turned the alarm off and put on the fancy dancy coat Tommy gave him. 

Tubbo was shocked to find that there were already holes in the back for his wings

Did Tommy do those? When?

Tubbo shrugged it off and left the apartment, saying a silent goodbye to Ranboo before closing the door.

On the way to the station Tubbo pulled out the flier from Wednesday and turned it around to re-read the extra information.

Basically anyone could show up to this interview and would get 5 minutes to talk with the heroes, then the selected people will be later emailed with a date and time for their second interview where it will be decided who'll get the job.

It also said that depending on how many people show up, the time might have to be expanded, but people will only be allowed to join the line between the noted times.

Tubbo nodded to himself while refolding the paper and slipped it back into his pocket. 

He pulled out Tommy's earphones and plugged them into his phone for some tunes while he walked.

As he was walking his mind slipped back to Phantom. He's 99% sure that he is a vigilante now, but not many of the vigilantes fit the description. 

Purpled is the only one who isn't a hybrid, but he does have a power, although he won't tell anyone what it is, same for Tommy. 

Ranboo is a definite no as they have known each other for years and have watched live fights of Phantom together, also the whole him being an enderman hybrid thing might also be a factor.

Tubbo shook the thought from his head, he shouldn't dive too far into this. He might get more information after the news article the Blade told him about.

He suddenly remembered the new vigilante, Purpled being the one to report the newbie in. 

Tubbo and Purpled talked about it and agreed that Purpled was in charge of keeping an eye on him, and if he passes the trust tests, teach him the ropes.

Tubbo made a mental note to get Purpled to warn the new guy about the heroes, but for no other information to be shared yet.

Tubbo got himself comfortable on the train, the interview being held at the Heroes tower in District 1. Tubbo has personally never been there, closest being last night when he was in district 4.

He watched as the Ditrics passed, slowly becoming more rich looking, better built buildings and cleaner streets. 

The closer to District 1 he got, the emptier the train got, not many people have jobs there.

Tubbo had gotten some weird looks by some stuck-up looking people who obviously looked down on insect-hybrids. 

It was shocking how many people disliked them, there had been problems in the past with people hunting Insect-Hybrids, making them almost instinct. 

Another reason Tubbo makes sure that when he does go out as Gremlin there is no way to tell that he's a bee-hybrid, it would be too easy for people to link him with his vigilante persona.

A stop or two before Tubbo had to get off, he was chilling listening to music. He never knew why but riding a train was always very relaxing, but just after leaving the stop Tubbos instincts started to yell at him.

Everything screamed danger and unsafe, Tubbo took a few deep breaths and tried to tap into this feeling to see if he could find the source.

Eyes

something whispered in his head. Tubbo whipped his head around the tram to see if he could spot whoever had been staring at him. Nothing. 

There were only three people in the tram with him, and all of them were doing their own thing.

A guy in a suit was reading something in a file. Defindly some sort of bird hybrid, Tubbo just couldn't place which one.

A teen-aged looking boy was doing sommething on his phone, he kind of reminded Tubbo of Tommy, with his dirty blond hair and blue eyes.

The last person was staring out the window, watching everything pass by. Tubbo didn't trust them, but he's not sure why.

His instincts were still screaming at him but he chose to ignore them for now and try to calm down. He made sure to keep note of everything happening around him, just in case.

Ten minutes later, Tubbo is stepping off the train and taking in his surroundings.

yep, this does look like the first district

He nodded to himself, before realizing that he was blocking the exit and scurried away quickly. 

He kept his wings pinned close to his back as he walked towards the tower, he didn't want them to snag on anything since that would hurt, plus he didn't really trust anyone to not pull at them like-

No, don't think of him

Tubbo shook his head and paused in his step. that was fast, he was already at the tower which was a lot bigger in person.

He couldn't remember how many stories there are, but it be tall.

Tubbo slowly entered the building, looking around in awe. Everything screamed expensive and he was suddenly terrified of breaking something. 

He made his way to the front desk where he saw a sign that read 

‘Take a ticket, go to 20th floor, enter the correct waiting space, when your number is called enter the office’

Tubbo chuckled a bit, whoever was in charge of meeting everyone had just said No

He can respect that. Having to say the same thing over and over will get repetitive, especially if it’s to stuck-up people.

Tubbo picked up a ticket and on the way to the elevator unfolded it.

Number 53, Office 5

He slipped the paper into his pocket, along with his earphones and stepped into the elevator. 

He tried to ignore the growing feeling of being trapped. He took a few breaths and looked at one corner, it would not be very pog to have a panic attack just before an interview.

Just before the doors could close the teen from the train appeared out of nowhere. Tubbo would have jumped if he didn’t know that trick as well.

Callahan was the one to invent the move, and thought it to all the vigilantes he could. So either this guy is a vigilante, or is just very sneaky…. Or are they friends of a vigilante?

Tubbo and the mystery person nodded to each other as the doors closed.

‘Here for the interview?’

The maybe-vigilante asks

Tubbo nods mutely, he recognizes the voice a little

‘What’s your number’

‘53, office 5. You?’

‘40, office 3’

Tubbo nodded

‘I never caught your name’, maybe-vigilante continues

Tubbo gets the feeling that this guy is socially awkward as all this feels very forced. He smiled slightly.

‘Gremlin’

Maybe-Vigilantes head snaps to him with a shocked expression.

Tubbo smiles innocently at the now confirmed vigilante.

‘I mean, my name is Tubbo, but everyone that knows me say that I act like a Gremlin so’

The guy nods

‘The name’s Daniel, everyone that knows me judges me because of how much I like the colour purple’

Tubbo smiles again at the guy, Daniel , otherwise known as Purpled

Tubbo stuck out his hand

‘Nice to meet you Daniel’

Daniel shook his hand with a composed face that definitely screamed Purpled.

Tubbo wasn’t sure what he thought Purpled looked like under the mask, but this definitely felt right.

‘I would recommend not doing that around here. A certain ex might recognise that’, He kept it as vague as possible since he wasn’t sure if there are hidden cameras.

Daniel nodded.

‘I’ll keep that in mind’

The two spent the rest of the time in silence, but it wasn’t awkward anymore since this was the norm for them.

When the doors opened again they had to go their separate ways, but othering a quick goodbye and good luck as they parted. 

Tubbo found himself very grateful that Purpled was there as he was so distracted with the fact that he just met Purpled as a civilian, that he didn’t panic like he normally would in elevators.

He ignored the little voice that said

What happens when you have to go down again?

He walked through the hallways keeping an eye on the door numbers but…

WHY ARE THEY IN THE WRONG ORDER?!

He just passed ‘Office 1’, but the next door was ‘Office 8’ ???

Finally he found Office 5, next to Office 11 and 2? and went inside. There were about 9 people already in the room.

Tubbo checked his phone

Interviews started about 30 minutes ago.

Tubbo picked a corner away from everyone and settled down, putting in one earphone and turning his music back on.

He double checked his folder to make sure he had all the documents needed, seeing that he did, he relaxed a little.

Now he just needs to wait.

*Tommy’s POV

Tommy sunk into his seat with a sigh, he finally got all the projects that were left for him yesterday done. He looked over at Puffy who was sipping away at her coffee, it’s like her third cup.

A good day then.

‘Hey Puffy?’ He called out.

Puffy blinked a few times, probably lost in thought.

‘Yeah?’

‘Would you be able to cover me later? Ranboo’s still not well and no one is home to watch him…’ Tommy trailed off

A big smile crept up Puffys face

Tommy felt his ears heat up

‘Awww! You’re worried about him!’ Puffy teased

‘No….’

‘Sure Tommy, sure. And yeah, I can cover for you, but stick around till Lunch ok? Make sure to get everything done.’

Tommy nodded mutely. Puffys smile fell a bit.

‘I’m sure that Ranboo will be fine. You say he’s just got a fever?’

Tommy nodded again

‘He just needs rest then’

Puffy smiled kindly at him and Tommy couldn’t help the grateful smile he sent back.

‘Now get back to work. I have funny cat videos to get back to’

Tommy put on his best shocked face.

‘Puffy!’ He said in the most dramatic voice he could muster 

‘Watching funny cat videos during work! How could you!’ He dramatically cried.

‘Like you haven’t’, Puffy snickered

‘THE SLANDER!’

*Tubbos POV

By the time Tubbos' number was called it was coming up on lunch time and he was mentally making plans on where to eat after his turn.

When he was called there were 11 other people in the room, all new people. Everyone else had their turn and went home, some wishing the people waiting good luck, others just looked smug.

Tubbo shoved his (Tommy’s) earphones back into his pocket and walked up to the door as confidently as he could, and knocked.

Once he heard the muffled confirmation from the other side he entered, and

Oh

Crow was sitting at the desk shifting through a small stack of paper. When he registered the sound of the door opening, he looked up at Tubbo, who saw recognition fash through his eyes.

‘Well you did say that I’ll see you today’. Crow teased

Tubbo nodded mutely

This will be fun

‘Sit down’, Crow nodded at the empty chair

Tubbo obliged and sat down.

‘I assume you saw the requirements. I will need your id to confirm that you are over the age of 18. Will also need a CV or something of similar value.’

Crow explained. 

Tubbo put down his files on the desk where Crow picked them up and read through them.

‘You’re in college?’ 

‘Yep, studying electronic engineering. 2nd year’, Tubbo listed with a smile. He loves engineering.

Crow smiled back at him

‘If you get this job, how will you manage your time?’

‘I’ve talked to my university in the past, they are fine with me swapping to online studies if need be, or to night classes. So I would probably do that.’

Crow nodded.

‘Any previous experience in management? Or report writing?’ 

‘I have managed small projects at my university in the past, and one of my earlier jobs had a lot of reports that needed to be done,’

Tubbo purposely left out what this earlier job was, best the Heroes don’t know that.

‘What about your home life? How easy would it be to get from your house to the tower at short notice?’

Tubbo thought about it.

‘I live next to the train, so it’ll depend on how fast trains pass. Maybe half an hour or more’.

Crow made a clicking noise, Tubbo was fully aware that that was not the answer they were looking for, but he wouldn’t be able to travel 9 districts in under 30 minutes in civilian form.

‘How good at keeping secrets from people close to you?’ 

Crow suddenly asks

Tubbo’s brain stops for a minute

‘If you get this job, you won’t be allowed to share information with any outside forces, including friends and family.’ Crow specified 

Tubbo swallowed 

‘Won’t be a problem’

*Tommy’s POV

Tommy quickly packed up his stuff and shouted thanks to Puffy again before sprinting out of the office. He had checked when the next train was going to arrive and he had 3 minutes to get there.

Luckily he didn’t run into Jared on his way out, since that definitely would have eaten up the limited time he has.

Luck was with him again as the train station isn’t all that far away from where he works, so he might just make it in time.

Once he paid for his ticket and got onto the platform, the train arrived. Tommy leaned over and took some deep breaths, that was close.

Unluckily though the train was packed so he didn’t get a seat. He decided to shoot Tubbo with a quick message.

Raccoon Boy

 

>On my way back, good luck with the interview.

> I’ll let you know how Boo is when I get home.

He shoved his phone back into his pocket and stared out the window, letting the chatter of the people around him fade into the background.

*Ranboos POV

Everything was suddenly dark, there was no other presence in his mind like before. 

It happened so fast, one minute Nightmare was there, next he vanished. 

He hasn’t been alone like this for so long, everything felt slow and cold. 

They hugged their legs a little tighter and hurried their face into their knees.

Why is it so cold?

Ranboo doesn’t like to be alone, everything is so much scarier alone.

He tried to not focus on the darkness of the void he was trapped in.

Everything will be ok… right?

*Tommy’s POV

Tommy carefully entered the apartment, he wasn’t all that surprised that it was silent inside. 

He dropped his bag inside the door and walked over to the bedroom.

Ranboo was unsurprisingly still in bed unconscious. Tommy walked over to them and put his hand on their forehead. He paused.

Has his fever gone up?

Tommy kept his hand where it was and concentrated. After a minute he cursed under his breath and ran out into the hall to grab his phone off the table.

He quickly dialed Tubbos' number, walking back to the room as it rang.

*Tuboos POV

‘Well that’s all we have time for, an email will be sent to you within the next few days to inform you of your results’

Tubbo nodded at Crow, at this point he can’t be sure if he’ll get the second interview or not.

Just as he left the room his phone rang, he quickly answered it when he saw that it was Tommy calling.

‘Hey Toms, how was work?’ Tubbo answered cheerfully 

‘Tubbo, I need you to get home as fast as possible. Ranboo-‘

The call went silent

‘Fuck!’

‘What! What happened?’ 

Tubbo started to get a bad feeling.

‘I was calling to let you know that Ranboos fever had gotten worse but he just fucking teleported!’

Tubbo felt everything stop.

*??? POV

The mystery person stepped into the room silently and nodded at the two other figures in the room.

‘Report’ 

‘He knows’

‘How?’

‘You haven’t been careful with who you share the information with. Someones sold you out’

‘We have a spy?’

The mystery person nodded ever so slightly.

‘Be careful of who you trust’ He advised

With that the mystery person quietly exits the room, just in time to hear a frantic call about an enderman hybrid going missing.

They smile.

It’s begun

Chapter Text

‘We’ve finally found you. Did you really think that you could hide from me?’

The other person glared but didn’t respond

The mask man stared at him

‘You’ll help soon enough’

Karl woke with a start.

He has to warn the others

*Tubbo’s POV

‘Tommy, it’ll be fine. We’ll find him’

Tubbo spoke quietly into the phone as he navigated his way back to the elevator.

‘How?’

He could tell that Tommy was pacing 

‘I never took off Ranboos smart watch’

‘Which means…..?’

Tubbo sighed

‘It’s connected with find my friend. We’ll be able to get their location.’

‘oh’

‘Yeah’ 

Tubbo laughed silently

‘Listen, I’m about to leave the tower. When I get home I’ll check the location and we’ll go out to get him, ok?’                                  

‘ok’

‘I’ll see you soon. Bye’

Tubbo hung up and sighed. He was afraid something like this would happen, which is why he never took the watch off. 

Tubbo paused

Here’s hoping that the battery didn’t die

He shook the thought away, it’ll be fine. They’ll find Ranboo and everything will be fine.

Tubbo walked into the elevator and watched the doors slowly close. Nobody else entered, he’s alone.

Tubbo took some deep breaths, it’ll be over soon, he just needs to focus on not panicking

Panic?

No

Cramped space

Stop

No way out

It’ll be over soon

No air

Tubbo took a shallow breath. This is fine, he just has to survive a few more seconds

You’ll be trapped here

It’s almost over

After what felt like forever, the doors opened with a ding. Tubbo shakily walked out and tried to smile politely at the person at the desk, but it felt a bit forced.

Once outside he sat down on a low wall by a flowerbed and took some deep breaths.

After a few seconds he heard footsteps coming towards him, he looked towards the noise only to see Awesamdude.

‘Hey it’s you!’ the hero smiled brightly

Tubbo tries to smile back with the same energy, but knows that he failed.

He tries to hide his shaking hands in his pockets.

If Awesamdude noticed, he didn’t say anything.

‘You here for the interviews?’

‘Yeah, just finished’

He nodded 

‘How do you think you did?’

Tubbo thought a moment

‘Not very well. I don’t think they’re looking for someone to do part-time’

‘You can’t do full time?’

Tubbo shook his head

‘Still in college, wouldn’t have the time’

‘What are you studying?’

‘Electronic engineering’

‘You wouldn’t happen to be going to Pencil College?’

‘Yeah! ….Why?’

A giant smile appeared on the hero's face.

‘I studied there! Is Mr Part still teaching?’

‘Yes!’

‘Great man’

After that they got lost in conversation, exchanging every ‘Mr Part’ story they could think of. 

Like how he would collect all his students' signatures so that if they ever got famous he would already have one. When Tubbo asked if Awesamdude gave him one the Hero smiled and didn’t answer.

After a few minutes of exchanging funny stories Tubbo was feeling better and his hands stopped shaking.

‘You feeling better now?’, Awesamdude asked after a while

‘...you knew’

‘Of course, when I came over you looked on the verge of tears. Want to tell me what happened to trigger it? No pressure! Only tell me if you’re comfortable!’ He started to ramble

Tubbo mentally thought of his options. On one hand he’s a hero and can’t be trusted, on the other…. Something was telling him that this hero could be trusted. He wasn’t sure how to feel about that.

‘I don’t like small spaces’ he mumbled . though it seemed like the hero heard.

Must be the creeper genes he has, creepers have better hearing.

‘So I’m guessing you used the elevator?’

Tubbo nodded

‘Ahh. makes sense. Never liked how little space there was in there.’

At that moment Tubbo remembered about the call he had with Tommy and jumped up, panic coming back.

‘I have to go!’

‘Woah , calm down there. What’s the rush?’

‘One of my roommates is missing, my other roommate is waiting for me so we can search together’

The hero's eyebrows scrunched up in confusion.

‘I’ll walk with you. And you can tell me what happened, ok?’

Tubbo nodded

As the two walked towards the station, Tubbo explained how Ranboo had overworked himself , that he developed a fever, and of course how he recently teleported after a spike.

Awesamdude nodded along with everything that he was saying.

‘Ok, I’ll keep an eye out for him and will contact you if I find him. I’ll let the other heroes know as well’

‘Thanks’, Tubbo gave him a small smile.

The hero stayed with Tubbo till they got to the station.

‘You get home safe kid, right? And don’t stay out too late looking for your friend’ 

Awesamdude said in a tone that could only be described as parental, or protective. Tubbo yet again didn’t know how to feel about that. This was the first time they had had a proper conversation.

He was probably just being nice.

Yeah, this is his job.

….Then why did Tubbo feel a bit lighter getting onto the train?

*Ponk’s POV

It was a calm day in the sick bay, which was few and far in-between. Ponk told his staff that they could take a break, but to stay on-call just in case. 

He decided to spend this time sorting out the room, as it’s been very busy the last few days and he hasn’t gotten the chance to clean up.

Just before he could start, the doors slammed open and Celer Vulpes rushed in.

‘Ponk, you have to help! I don’t know what to do!’

‘Ok, calm down. Explain what happened, and no, I won’t help you cover up a murder’

‘…..why do you think I murdered someone?’

‘…..never mind’

‘……’

‘……’

‘.......’

‘…are you going to tell me what happened?’

‘Right!’

*Tommy’s POV

Tommy put his phone down with a sigh, why was everything going wrong? Things had just started to get better, Tubbo could get a good job, Tommy wasn’t getting into trouble as much at work anymore and had managed to expel Nightmares consciousness  from Ranboos head.

Tommy rubbed his face in irritation before flopping onto the couch staring at a wall blankly. 

But it’s fine

Tubbo knows how to track Ranboo

He just has to wait for him to get back

Hopefully Ranboo doesn’t get himself into trouble

…..

fuck

What if Ranboo teleported into a body of water?! 

He’ll be burned beyond recognition if he doesn’t drown

No

Thanks to his enderman instinct, he’ll immediately teleport away again.

As Tommy continued to stare at the wall, his brain continued to come up with different scenarios.

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but eventually he shook himself out of his daze and slapped him face lightly a couple of times.

‘Stop that, they’ll be fine’

He decided that he would make himself something to eat, but just as he stood up his phone rang. 

He answered it without checking the caller id.

‘Hello?’

‘Hey Toms, did you get home ok?’ the slightly distorted voice of Puffy came through the speakers.

‘uh- yeah’

‘How's Ranboo, is he any better?’

Tommy stayed silent, not knowing how to respond

‘Tommy? Still there?’

A single tear fell from Tommy’s eye

‘I have to go Puffy, I’ll fill you in later’

Tommy will forever be grateful for the fact that his voice didn’t waver or crack as he hung up the phone.

He returned it to where it had been previously sitting on the table and entered the kitchen to get a glass of water.

He spent the next half hour aimlessly wandering around the house, sometimes tidying something up.

About 40 minutes after his initial call with Tubbo, Tubbo got home.

‘Tommy, are you ok?’

He nodded his head slightly, continuing to stare into space, but when his brain caught up to the fact that Tubbo is now home and they can look for Ranboo, he became fully aware of his actions again and jumped up.

‘Can we go look for Ranboo now?’ He suddenly asks, impatiently.

‘Yeah, give me a minute and I’ll go check the location’

Tubbo called back as he walked into the bedroom

Or tried to at least

He forgot to open the door, so ended up walking into it.

Tommy probably would have laughed any other day, but not today, not with their current situation.

‘You ok?’

‘Yeah, just forgot a step’

Tubbo mumbled while rubbing his nose, which caused Tommy to crack a smile

‘You think?’

‘Shut up’

Tubbo turned back to the door and made a big show of opening it before disappearing into the room .

Tommy decided that now was probably a good time to put his shoes back on

When did he take them off?

When Tubbo didn’t reappear 5 minutes later, Tommy started to worry, so he made his way to the still open door.

He was going to check on Tubbo, just as he got to the door Tubbo came out.

‘What took so long? Nevermind, you ready to go?’

‘Um, yeah…we can go search for them…..’

‘Why do I feel like there’s a ‘But’ coming?’

Tubbo paused, as if wondering how to break bad news

‘ But we don’t have his location.’

‘What? I thought you said that he has his watch on?’

‘They did, but the battery died…. Or it was destroyed’

‘So we’re back to square one?’

‘We are’, He conforms 

The two stared at each other in silence, they both seemed to mutually decide that they’re going to go looking anyway as they make their way out of the house in silence.

*Tubbo’s POV

They spent the next two hours searching everywhere they could think of, with no luck.

In the end they decided to head home and Tommy will continue to search in his vigilante gear.

Tubbo sank into his chair with a sigh. 

He’s just waiting for Tommy to join comms now, he didn’t know why he was taking so long but was enjoying a moment to himself.

The quiet atmosphere was ruined when his phone rang.

Tubbo quickly grabbed it but paused when he saw the caller id.

Boss

He rolled his eyes and answered the phone

‘What?’

‘Watch your tone’

Tubbo clicked his tongue and slowly spun his chair.

His attitude was the complete opposite of what it was last time he spoke to his ‘boss’.

‘What do you want Nightmare? You agreed to not call when I’m home’

'Just checking in, how's your roommate doing? I heard he went missing.'

Tubbo could never figure out how Nightmare knows about Ranboo, but nothing about Tommy.

When Tubbo didn't immediately respond, Nightmare continued.

'Though if you're home, that means you've found him, right? Someone like you wouldn't give up so early in the day. unless....'

Tubbo paled

Has he finally found out about Tommy?  After all these years?

'I don't know what you're talking about'

Tubbo could distinctly hear the sound of disapproving clicking

'How about my message? Have you delivered it yet?'

'No, how am I supposed to pass it along when I don't know who it's intended for?'

a sigh

'Tubbo, Tubbo. I know that you know him. You can't protect him forever'

'Know who?'

'Ok, I'll play along. Phantom Chaos. and don't try to deny it, I can recognize his brain blocks. Just make sure he gets the message'.

With that Nightmare hung up the phone.

Tubbo paused

So I am under Phantoms Protection

but who could it be?

He quickly grabbed the business card he got from Mage and dialed the number.

The call was answered after 3 rings.

'Hello-p?'

'Hi?'

'who's speaking?'

'um, Tubbo. You gave me your card the other day.'

'Oh! I never caught your name, but it's good to hear from you'

Tubbo calmed down slightly at the calm and friendly tone

'Is there any particular reason you're calling? anything wrong?'

'Yeah...'

'Take your time' 

Tubbo took a deep breath

'Don't ask me how I found out, as I can't tell you.'

He warned

'Ok, just tell me everything you can without putting yourself in danger'

'The message was meant for Phantom Chaos. Nightmare seems to believe that I know him'

Tubbo said it all in one breath, afraid that if he hesitated again he wouldn't be able to tell Mage.

The call was silent for a minute.

'yeah, we had gathered that it was something like that. Do you know anyone that it could be?'

Just then Tubbo heard the faint ding signaling that someone, most likely Tommy, joined the call.

Saved by the bell

'Sorry, someone needs me right now. I'll contact you if I find out anything else'

Tubbo hung up without waiting for a response, then felt really bad about it

You're going soft

toughen up

Tubbo shook off the thoughts and put on his headset.

*Ponks POV

Ponk jumped when the doors were suddening crashed through.

He whipped around to see who was making a ruckus.

What he found was a terrified Celer Vulpes.

'Are you ok?'

Celer shakily nodded

'Yeah, I just wanted to see how the mystery person is doing, but I forgot about my powers', he laughed

'....You forgot about your powers?'

'Well, I mean....... yes, I don't use them often, so I forget what triggers them. Anyway how are they?'

'They're stable, I've also given them a bracelet so that they won't accidentally teleport off again.'

'Cool, do you know when they'll wake up?'

Ponk looked over at the sleeping enderman hybrid, and after a minute of thinking

'in about 5 seconds'

'What?!'

The sound of coughing filled the room, Ponk smiled at Celer in the 'I told you so' fashion and made his way over to the mystery person with a glass of water.

'How you feeling?'

'...Where am I?'

'The sick bay in the heroes tower. Can you tell us your name?'

The enderman froze

'My roommates are going to murder me'

Chapter Text

A/N - Hey guys, sorry again about the lack of updates. I have got a few announcements and would appreciate it if you could read them, then at the end there’ll be a chunk of the story.

***Don’t feel pressured to read announcements if you don’t want to though.

First thing is that I will be putting this story on hold for a bit, BUT! Don’t worry, I have the date that it’ll come off hold.

That date is the 18th of April (this year obviously), this is when you can expect the next chapter.

The reason for this is because I have this big project for an extra curricular that is due this date and I want to put my best work into it in hopes of getting past at least the first round of judging. You might get the chapter a bit earlier as I’m hoping to get it submitted on the 16th.

That’s the main announcement.

Next, you guys will be happy to hear that Ranboo will be back in the game next chapter, lots of stuff will be happening.

The last announcement is that I have realized that I have unintentionally forgotten about some of the DSMP members, such as Bbh and Skeppy.

So if there are any members that you would like to see in this story that aren’t already in it, let me know and I’ll find a way to squeeze them into the timeline. 

Note: don’t suggest Charlie as I’ve already added him (chapter 6), he will have more time later on, he just isn’t fitted into hero/villain/vigilante, he’s a civilian.

That’s everything I wanted to say, thank you for reading this. Now have the first time the bench trio met and became friends, hope you enjoy and see you on the 18th!

! ! ! STORY ! ! !

Phantom stood in the line patiently, the café was very busy today, way too busy for the two people behind the counter. 

Phantom checked his watch, ten past three, odd time for the café to be busy but whatever.

When he finally got to the front he was met with a familiar face.

Ranboo.

Ranboo had started to work here two months ago and just so happened to be here every time Phantom was.

‘Here you go, 1 double choc chip cupcake for 1.50’

Phantom nodded at the worker and handed over the money.

That’s where their interaction should have ended, but it seemed that the universe had other plans.

Phantom sat down at his usual table, which was surprisingly free, still caught up on the fact that this Ranboo person could guess his order.

Since faking his death 3 months ago, he became a regular at this café and would pop in every few days to get something.

Usually some sort of pastry.

But this tall fucker seemed to always know what Phantom was planing to order and had it ready for him the time he got to the front.

Phantom paused

Oh

When he really thought about it…

I always order double choc chip cupcakes on Mondays,

Hot chocolate on Tuesdays,

Plain muffin on Wednesdays,

Croissants on Thursdays,

Hot chocolate and a plain muffin on Fridays

And he’s never gone in on the weekends.

He hadn’t realized before, but he has yet to stray from this menu.

Phantom shook his head and started to eat his cupcake.

Just then the door opened with a ding, revealing a short bee-hybrid.

Bee-boy chatted with Ranboo for a minute before turning towards Phantom.

Bee-boy then turned his head to Ranboo while pointing at Phantom's table.

Phantom assumed that Bee-boy asked a question as Ranboo nodded.

Not long after Bee-boy made his way to Phantom table while Ranboo watched.

‘Hi! I’m Tubbo! What’s your name?’

Phantoms brain blanked for a moment

can’t use my hero name, I’m suppose to be dead…

but do I have a name???

Think Phantom!

This ‘Tubbo’ stood there patiently staring at him

Ok, just give any random name

It’s not like you’ll ever see him again

‘…Tommy?’

‘Nice to meet you Tommy! I’m friends with Ranboo, he’s told me a lot about you and I wanted to meet you! Can I sit?’

Ph- no- Tommy stared at the strange person

Is this how you make friends?

Tommy nodded at Tubbo, who quickly sat down opposite him and proceeded to stare at him unblinking without saying anything.

Ranboo, seeing what was happening, came over and lightly hit Tubbo's head.

‘Quit that’

Tubbo, without missing a beat

‘I’m trying to memorize his face so that it’ll be easier to kidnap him later’

‘Tubbo’ Ranboo warned

‘What?’

You need to find better ways of making friends’

‘… But it worked with you?’

‘My point still stands. You can’t go around saying that you’re going to kidnap people’

Ranboo then turned to Tommy

‘Sorry about him, he has some problems’

Tubbo’s face morphed into fake offense

‘Excuse you! I am perfectly fine! And if you’re such an expert at making friends, how would you do it?’

‘… just ask them?’

‘Wait… really??? It’s that easy???’

‘… yes?’

‘Why didn’t you tell me sooner?!?! I’ve been going around trying to kidnap people! How irresponsible of you Ranboo, you’re supposed to be the voice of reason here!’

Ranboo opened and closed his mouth a few times looking completely baffled.

Tommy watched them interact, and he couldn’t help but think back to his friendly banter with Siren.

Tubbo, seemingly remembering that Tommy is there, suddenly turned to him.

‘Want to be friends?!’

‘… Do I have a choice?’

‘Nope!’

‘Ok, sure’

Tubbo pumped his fist in the air with a giant smile.

‘Great! We’re gonna have lots of fun!’

‘Good luck’ Ranboo whispered to Tommy, but Tubbo heard and elbowed them.

‘Oh yeah, I’m Ranboo’, Ranboo offered his hand out for a handshake, which Tommy accepted.

‘Tommy’

‘WAIT! I didn’t get a handshake’ Tubbo pouted

Tommy and Ranboo shared a look

‘Ok Bee-boy. You can get a handshake as well’

What Tommy didn’t expect was for Tubbo to do a… circle handshake?

Tommy stared at Tubbo baffled while Ranboo had to turn away to stop laughing.

‘Why?’

‘I will be MEMORABLE! You shall never forget me now!’

Ranboo nodded along with a smile

Tommy stared at the two

‘You guys are kinda strange’

‘Have a problem with that?’ 

‘Not at all big man’

‘RANBOO! Get back to work!’ The other person behind the counter suddenly yelled.

Tubbo cackled when Ranboo jumped.

‘Seriously Ranboo, how irresponsible! Look at how packed the place is’

‘Back to work boob-boy’

Ranboo paused and looked at Tommy in pure horror.

Tubbo on the other hand looks like all his wishes came true at the same time.

‘Oh, we’re going to get along just fine’

The two high-fived as Ranboo walked away in defeat.

Four hours later Tommy entered his apartment with two new phone numbers and a promise to meet up again tomorrow.

He happily fell into a deep sleep, for once looking forward to starting a new day.

Chapter Text

*Purpleds POV

Purpled stared blankly at the vigilante in front of him, trying to wrap his head around what was just said.

'Ok, let me get this straight. Your power is mild predictions, correct?'

'Yes'

'And you saw that Callahan was in trouble?'

'Correct'

'But you have no idea when it's going to happen or who is after him?'

'Yep!'

Purpled groaned in frustration, it's too early to be dealing with this. 

'Ok, I'll let Gremlin know and he'll contact Callahan. Thanks for the info'

'No problem!'

'Thinking of Gremlin, he has a message for you. There's going to be an influx of heroes around here soon, so be careful'

The newbie nodded, and just as Purpled was about to leave he paused, remembering something Gremlin had wanted to know.

'Do you have a name? Doesn't matter if it was given by the public or not.'

'The Watcher!' the newbie - Watcher - cheered, seemingly very proud.

'Well if that's everything I'll be going now. Bye Nyx!', Watcher said in the same enthusiastic tone

Purpled felt a shiver shoot up his spine

'What did you call me?', he demanded

'....Your name?'

'My name is Purpled?'

'What? Since when???'

'....Forever? Why are you acting so surprised? The first thing you ever said to me was 'are you purpled?', you already knew'

Watcher scratched his head in thought

'Did I?'

'Yes!'

'Huh... did you come up with that name?'

'No, the public gave it to me a few months after I started.'

Watcher took a quick minute to look at Purpleds clothes.

'They.... They're very creative'

Purpled shrugged

'Hey, it's better than Gremlin. Some say that's why he stopped going into the field'.

Despite the fact that Watcher was wearing a full face covering, Purpled could practically feel his eyes light up.

'But I am curious why you thought my name was Nyx?'

When Purpled was met with silence he turned to look at Watcher, but there was only empty space beside him.

fuck, who taught him that move?! Not fair, I wasn't shown how to do it till I was in the field for 6 months

Purpled, still grumpy, took out his phone.

Purple Boi

> @Boss New guys name is The Watcher, his power is mild prediction.

> @Boss Have more info, will bring it up at the meeting tomorrow. You still have Callahan's contact right?

Boss

> I do, everything ok?

Purple Boi

> Watcher made a prediction about him, will give full details tomorrow. Need to get home now.

Boss

> Ok, get home safe. Let me know when you're back

Purple Boi

> Will do

No Falling Off A Building

> Gremlin is parent confirmed???

> Also

> WHO CHANGED MY NAME AGAIN???

> .....it was one time :(

No Name

> ....

No Falling Off A Building

> YOU!

No Name

> No

> Not me

> Nu uh

> 100% not it

> .... And you did it to me first

No Falling Off A Building

> But it's true! You're never spotted, so the public don't know you exist. Therefore you don't have a name!

No Name

> .... Your name is true as well??

No Falling Off A Building

> How DARE you!

> It was one time!

> The Slander, I will not stand for it! 

Boss

> Enough! Everyone change the names back.

No Falling Off A Building

> #ParentGremlin

Boss

> I know where you live

No Falling Off A Building

> ...Is that a threat???

> Am I being threatened?!

Boss

> Keep fucking around and find out

No Name

> ....Why is gremlin actually kind of scary?

> Gremlin, I'm sorry!

> Please don't come for my knee-caps

No Falling Off A Building

> Oh no

> @NoName Save yourself

Boss

> ....

No Falling Off A Building

> It's too late for you now 

> o/

Purple Boi

> o/

Boss

> GET YOUR ASS HOME

Purpled quickly turned off his phone and abandoned it in his pocket. He sends a quiet prayer for 'No name', and briefly wonders whether his name will ever get changed back as it's been 'No name' for a good two months now.

*Ranboos POV

Ranboo felt like they got whiplash with how fast they went from being in the void, the cold and dark void, to everything being so bright.

They shivered to themselves, what happened?  

He slowly sat up and blinked a couple of times trying to get used to the light again. 

When he did finally get used to the burning light, he paled. 

Where am I???

Just then he heard two sets of footsteps coming towards him.

'Where am I?'

Ranboo ignored the glass of water that one of them tried to hand him.

'The sick bay in the heroes tower. Can you tell us your name?'

Ranboo, who had finally accepted the glass of water, froze, almost dropping the glass.

'My roommates are doing to murder me'

Did I fail???

Did the heroes get Tommy???

What about Tubbo?

'Uh, Kid. We really don't know who you are, can you give us contact information? We'll get your friends to come get you'

Ranboos brain blanked

What?

Just then the doors opened to reveal a creeper hybrid, who Ranboo identified as Awesamdude.

Awesamdude smiled when he saw Ranboo.

'Hey, are you by chance Ranboo? Your roommates are kinda panicking trying to find you at the moment'

...do they not know?

'..Yes? What happened?'

'Well, according to Tubbo you overworked yourself-'

Who Ranboo was assuming was the doctor, gave him a disapproving look

'- Got a fever and after a spike teleported away'

Ranboo felt as if a weight was lifted from his shoulders

The heroes didn't get us then

He paused

Oh No

Tubbo is going to lecture me

As if Awesamdude could sense what he was thinking, smiled

'Good luck with that roommate of yours'

Ranboo was about to open his mouth to respond when the doctor cleared his throat and pointed at the glass of water that Ranboo had yet to drink from.

Ranboo very quickly drank from the cup and the doctor nodded and walked away to do god knows what. Dragging the other person with him.

'How do you know Tubbo?' Ranboo turned his attention back to Awesamdude.

'Oh, he came in to apply for a job here. Got to chat with him for a bit before he rushed home to go looking for you.'

Ranboo almost choked on hs water

Awesamdude, apparently not noticing the shock on Ranboos face, turned away.

'Thinking about that, I should go and call him to let him know that you're here and safe'

With that, the hero rushed out of the room leaving Ranboo alone with his thoughts again.

Truly alone

It felt weird

There's always been someone else just there

Ranboo wasn't even sure when Nightmare first got into his head, but it's been a while.

They paused.

Tommy did this

They remembered back to the moment Nightmare left his mind, they could remember a feeling of warmth spread through him.

It was a familiar feeling, they realized.

It was the feeling they had nearly every time  they were out with Tommy on patrol. Even if they didn't realize it before now.

Hang on

Is Tommy.....

Ranboo scrunched up his eyebrows in thought

I'll ask him when I see him

*Awesamdude's POV

Sam stepped out of the room and rushed to Crow's office, knocking on the door when he arrived.

He entered when hearing Crow's muffled voice.

'Oh, Sam. What can I do for you mate?'

'You had a kid called Tubbo come in earlier, right?'

'Yeah?'

'Can I have his number?'

'...What for?'

'His roommate went missing and I said if I found them I would let him know'

Crow nodded in understanding and he turned to a file cabinet.

'Where did you find his roommate?'

Sam cracked a smile

'I didn't. The kid scared Celer shitless when they randomly teleported in front of him in the Gym.'

Crow paused

'Teleported?'

Sam hummed

'Yeah, enderman hybrid. Wasn't doing too well, teleported while passed out with a bad fever'

'Ah, well here you go. Return the sheet when you're done'

'You got it'

Sam pulled out his phone as he left the office and dialed the number.He didn't press call till he was in his own office down the hall.

It took a few rings but Tubbo answered.

'Hello?'

'Hi Tubbo, it's Awesamdude'

'oh, Hi. What's up?'

'I've found your roommate'

The line was silent for a moment

'REALLY?!!'

'Yea, he's here at the heroes tower now and is conscious. Since it's late don't worry about coming to get them till tomorrow'

'That's great news! I won't be available to come get them but I'll send over our roommate to get them'

'Perfect'

They said their farewells and hung up.

Sam leaned back in his chair in thought before remembering that he needed to return the sheet to Crow.

*Tubbos POV

Tubbo put down his phone feeling relieved. Ranboo was found.

He turned around to see a very unimpressed Tommy, who had come back from searching about 5 minutes ago.

Tubbo offered him an apologetic smile.

'Sorry, I don't really want to get in that lift again. Plus I do have stuff to do tomorrow, like prepare for the meeting with the others'

Tommy sighed

'What if they recognize me?'

Tubbo shook his head

'You haven't had enough run-ins with the heroes for them to be able to recognize you. Only Blade would be able to and he won't sell you out.'

Tommy wouldn't meet Tubbos eyes for a minute

'Yeah, ok'

Tubbo smiled at him and patted his shoulder.

'You'll be fine'

He then retreated to the room, completely unnoticed of the fact that Tommy's hands were shaking.

*Punz's POV

Punz sat staring at Mage, keeping up his air of confidence.

'Listen, can you just confirm if Phantom is alive or not. That's all we want to know'

Punz leaned forward in his chair

'What happens after? You'll get me to use my powers to locate him, right?'

Mage sighed.

'We already know that if he's still alive he'll be in District 10. We just want to know if he's alive before we waste time searching for someone who could have died 3 years ago.'

'He did die'

Punz smirked at Mage, who looked unimpressed.

'As you've mentioned'

Punz leaned back in his chair.

'I was given a lot of money to keep this information to myself, if you want it you'll have to offer me more'

'Will you tell us then?'

'I am a man of my word, I will give you your money's worth of info'

Mage sighed

'I'll talk with the others. Who gave you the money?'

Punz's smile widened

'That's for me to know and you to maybe find out'

Mage, finally having enough, left the room. 

Punz stared straight into the mirror opposite him, certain that there were at least two other heroes behind the glass listening in. 

Punz smiled to himself

Things are starting to get interesting

*Tubbos POV, next day

Tubbo anxiously tapped the side of his phone, looking behind him every few seconds. 

Tommy would be getting up any minute, but he was also expecting a call from Nightmare.

He still wasn't sure how Nightmare didn't know about Tommy, but he's willing to do anything to keep Tommy off Nightmare's radar, even if it meant keeping Tommy in the dark.

Tubbo jumped when his phone suddenly rang, he checked the caller id.

'Boss'

Tubbo rushed into the bathroom, closing the door behind him and sinking to the floor in front of the door before answering the phone.

'Hello'

'When will you be here?'

Tubbo took a deep breath, he hates having to do this

'About an hour'

'Why so long? Are you really going to make everyone wait?'

Tubbo glared at the fall wall

'Do it without me then. We both know that I don't need to be there'

He heard tutting over the line.

'Tubbo, Tubbo. Do you really want me to tell your friend what you've been doing? How do you think Ranboo would react when he finds out you've been working for me, hmm?'

Before Tubbo got a chance to react or respond, a loud knock echoed around the room.

'Tubs? You in there?'

Tubbo froze.

Midnight definitely heard that.

'Who was that Tubbo?'

Tubbo quickly hung up, he'll get in trouble later for that but at this moment he couldn't care less.

Another knock

'Tubbo?'

'Be out in a minute Tommy'

'Ok'

Tubbo waited till he heard Tommy's footsteps going away from the door before getting up again.

He went over to the sink and splashed some water in his face.

He cast a glance at his reflection, he couldn't recognize the person staring back at him.

When did he become the type of person that hides things from his friends?

It's for his own good

It's best that Nightmare doesn't learn of Tommy's existence, and that Tommy doesn't know what I do

Tubbo shook the thoughts off and left the bathroom. 

Tommy was in the kitchen eating when Tubbo walked in.

'All good bee boy?'

'Yeah, everything is fine. You know how to get to the heroes tower, right?'

Tommy nodded

'Good, I have some errands to run and won't be back here before the meeting.'

'What type of errands?'

'Oh, you know. School stuff'

Tubbo looked down at his watch 

'You should get going soon'

Tommy checked the time himself before nodding

'Yeah, I should probably get this over and done with. Don't want to leave Boob boy alone with the heroes for too long, they might corrupt him.'

Tubbo walked Tommy to the door.

'See you at the meeting, don't get into trouble'

'No promises'

He closed the door once Tommy left.

The familiar feeling of dread crept up.

They don't have these 'meetings' often, but when they do it's horrible.

Tubbo had never wanted to be in the gang, but he didn't have a choice. 

And now he's dug himself so deep that he doesn't think he'll ever see the sky again.

Boss

> @Purple Boi  If you can find him in time, bring Watcher to the meeting. I think it's time we all meet them.

Chapter Text

*Ranboos POV

Ranboo sat staring off into space, he was busy putting together the timeline mentally.

I suppose it would make sense 

We only met Tommy after Phantom ‘died’ despite the fact he said he lived here most of his life.

He’s never really spoken about his past, only thing we know is that he doesn’t remember much about his parents.

They scrunched up their nose in thought

But, Phantom didn’t have powers?

Unless he hid them?

Ranboo was brought out of his thoughts when the door opened, Awesamdude.

‘Tubbo said that he couldn’t collect you, so he sent your other roommate. They should be here soon’

Tommy is coming here !?

If he is Phantom, that’ll be a terrible idea

‘… or I could leave alone? I’d bump into him at the train station anyway, it would save him from coming the whole way?’

Ranboo crossed their fingers.

There is probably a good reason that Tommy faked his death

Awesamdude shook his head.

‘Ponk would actually murder me if I let you leave alone’

Ranboo wasn’t 100% sure who this Ponk is, but he was guessing that he was the doctor.

They watched as Awesamdude left the room again and silently hoped that Tommy wasn’t freaking out right now. He also hoped that he was completely wrong. Sure, it would be cool to be friends with the Phantom Chaos but that would also mean that he was young, like really young, when he was working as a hero.

Ranboo continued to think it over

If Tommy is Phantom, It’s been three years since he ‘died’, meaning he faked his death when he was 14.

Before that Phantom had been working for 2-3 years.

Meaning….

Phantom could have been as young as 11 when he started.

Ranboo suddenly started to feel sick, they really hoped they were wrong about this.

*Tommy’s POV

Tommy slowly walked towards the tower. He had really hoped to never go back into it, but it can’t be avoided now, he has to collect Ranboo.

Act normal

He tried to tell himself.

Wait-

No, then they will probably recognize you.

Ok, plan. 

Act nervous

Phantom was never nervous

Tommy then realized that he didn’t have to act nervous.

He shook off the thoughts and walked through the glass doors.

Not much has really changed in the past three years, except it seems that they finally got rid of that blood stain.

Long story.

Tommy crept up to the reception desk, where a friendly looking lady was going through some cabinets.

Her name tag read Niki.

She turned to look at him when she heard him approach.

‘Hello, can I help you?’ 

‘I’m here to pick up my roommate?’

She nodded.

‘Ok, give me a minute. I’ll get Ponk to come get you’

Niki pointed him towards some seats

Tommy nodded and went to sit down.

As he was sitting there, he suddenly realized that he could just text Ranboo while he was waiting.

Tom

> You alive Boob-boy?

> I’m here, just have to wait for someone to escort me up to you

> You are so getting lectured by Tubs later

Boob-Boy

> Yes, I am very much alive Tommy

> And…. we have something to talk about

> It’s important

Tom

> Should I be worried????

Boob-Boy

> No

> Just know that… I don’t blame you,  I can understand why you wouldn’t tell us.

> That’s if I’m right

Tom

> Ok, I’m starting to get worried

> What is it?

Boob-Boy

> Sorry Toms, best we talk about this in-person

> Have I missed anything? 

> Other than Tubbo applying for something here

Tom

> There’s a new Vigilante

> Calls himself Watcher

> Oh! On that note there's a meeting today. Do you think you’re up for it???

Boob-Boy

> Should be, yea

Tommy looked up from his phone when he heard the elevator open, and watched as the person walked out.

Yep

That looks like a Ponk

Ponk has been the hero's healer for a long time. Mainly for the fact that people with healing powers are rare.

The doctor walked up to Niki, who pointed him towards Tommy.

Tommy, realizing that he’ll have to get off the very comfortable chair, stood up and made his way towards them.

Niki smiled at him.

‘This is Ponk, they’ll take you up to see your friend. Sorry, I never got your name?’

‘Tommy’

Niki’s eyes lit up

‘Do you know Puffy? She’s a friend of mine’

Tommy racked his brain trying to remember if Puffy had ever mentioned Niki.

A memory popped up.

‘Oh! I do know you. Puffy mentioned a while back she had a friend working for the heroes. I’m guessing that’s you?’

Niki nodded enthusiastically.

Ponk cleared his throat.

‘I don’t mean to rush you, but it’s going to be getting pretty busy soon and I need to get ready’

Niki gave him a look

‘I thought it’s been quiet lately?’

Ponk hummed

‘It has, but something big is coming. I can feel it’

Niki nodded and waved the two towards the elevator.

When the doors closed there was a heavy silence,

‘.... What do you mean something big is coming?’

Ponk sighed.

‘Nothing you need to concern yourself with Red, you can sit back and let us handle it this time’

Flashback

Crow walked Phantom to the sick bay. Phantom had yet again over done it in a fight and needed to be patched up.

As the two walked in the door Ponk turned and spotted them, and sighed.

‘Can you handle Chaos from here?’

Ponk nodded and pointed to a bed.

Crow left quickly after, probably to go help clean up the fight zone.

‘Phantom, why is it that every time I see you you’re covered in blood?’

Phantom took off his face coverings to show a giant smile.

The doctor was the only one he was allowed to show his face to.

‘I don’t know. Maybe ‘cause I’m awesome!’

‘You need to be more careful, what if you die next time?’

Phantom pouted

‘You’re no fun Big P’

‘Don’t call me that-’

Phantom just went back to smiling

‘Honestly, we should change your suit to be red. Harder to see the blood that way’

‘Red is a pog colour’

Ponk nodded along, he learned a while back to not question Phantom's word choices.

Once Ponk was finished bandaging up Phantom's newest injuries, he patted his shoulder.

‘All done Red’

‘Red?’

‘A nickname’, Ponk explained

Phantom's eyes lit up and a giant, genuine, smile appeared.

Tommy’s head snapped to Ponk

‘You remember?? You won’t tell the others, right???’

Ponk nodded

‘How could I not remember? I saw you most out of all the heroes, and you’re not exactly someone that would be easy to forget…. How have you been?’

Tommy looked back at the doors

‘I’ve been doing ok. Took me a while to get used to civilian life’.

‘Yeah, going from a hero to civilian is never an easy transition. Most retired heroes end up coming back as they can’t handle that life-style. I see you’ve found a work around? And that you took my advice with the red costume’

Tommy opened and closed his mouth a few times

Ponk smiled at him

‘I’m proud of you Red. It’s a good group of people you’ve found yourself with. The others will try their hardest to find you, but just remember that they can’t force you to come back. They just want to know if you’re alive’

Their conversation was cut short when the doors opened again, so Tommy just nodded at Ponk to show he understood.

They don’t have to worry about anyone hearing what was just said, they both know that the Heroes don’t have cameras or mics in the elevators.

The rest of the walk to sick bay was silent.

When they entered the room, Ponk pointed him towards the back before going into his office.

Tommy hurried over to the bed, and spotted Ranboo sitting on his phone.

‘Ok Boob-boy, adventure over. Let’s go home’

Ranboo’s head snapped to Tommy, he just sat there staring at Tommy.

After a minute Tommy laughed awkwardly.

‘All good there Ranboo? I don’t have something on my face do I? I will murder Tubbo if he let me leave looking like an idiot’

Ranboo blinked a couple of times

‘Sorry, just got lost in thought for a minute there’ They explained while standing up.

Tommy squinted at them for a moment.

‘Ok, something has to be wrong, I just set you up perfectly for that joke. Does this have something to do with what you wanted to talk about?’’

‘A little…. What joke? I was a bit zoned out’

Tommy sighed dramatically.

‘I said “I will murder Tubbo if he let me leave looking like an idiot’’, I won’t say it again Boob-boy’

A big smile spread across Ranboos face

‘Don’t worry about that, you always look like an idiot’

‘Thank you!’

‘No problem’

Tommy whipped around at the sound of a door closing, but it was just Ponk, and Ponk was staring at the two blankly

‘I’m not going to question it’

Tommy smiled

‘Good call doc’

Ponk, ignoring Tommy, turned to Ranboo.

‘Good I caught you, I meant to give this to you earlier.’

They explained while holding out what looked like a bracelet 

Ranboo looked at the piece of jewelry before sending a confused look to Tommy that screamed help.

Tommy, deciding to respond to the obvious call for help, stepped in.

‘Don’t worry boob-boy, it’s to stop you from accidentally teleporting again’

Ranboo blinked

‘So…. a power suppressor?’

Ponk shook his head

‘No, you can still use your powers while wearing this, you just have to consciously decide to use them’

Ranboo made an ‘oh’ sound, accepting the bracelet.

‘Thanks doc, but if you will excuse us we have somewhere to be’, Tommy and Ponk exchanged a look that Ranboo couldn’t decipher.

Ponk nodded.

‘You two take care of yourselves, stick out of trouble. And you’ Ponk turned to Ranboo with a serious look. ‘Stop overworking, it’s not good’

Ponk left the room again without a word.

Ranboo left out a sigh of relief

‘I don’t think he likes me very much’ 

Tommy shrugged

‘He’s a doctor, you’re someone who hasn’t been taking the best care of themselves. They’re just trying to do their job. Also, Tubbo will murder you, so be prepared.’

Ranboo paled slightly.

‘Also, what did you want to talk about?’

They shook their heads. ‘Best we talk about this later… somewhere more private?’

Tommy blinked at his friend

‘You’re really making me anxious here Ranboo’

‘I know, sorry, but I think this will be better in the long run’.

Tommy sighed

‘Ok, let's get out of the lion's den. Tubs isn’t home at the moment and won’t be till after the meeting. We can talk when we get back before the meeting, sound good?’

Ranboo nodded

They made their way to the elevator in silence. Both lost it though. Neither spoke again until they got to reception where Niki spotted them.

She waved them over.

‘Hello again, so this is your escaping roommate?’

Tommy nodded and smiled politely at her.

‘I’m Ranboo’

‘Niki’

Ranboo looked over at Tommy

‘Niki is a friend of Puffy’s’

‘Ahh’

‘So, have any plans for the weekend?’

Tommy and Ranboo exchange a look, can’t exactly tell a hero that they’re on their way to a vigilante meeting.

‘Nope’

Niki nods

‘You two live in the outer district, right? Seen many vigilantes?’

‘Every once and a while…. Why?’

Niki shrugs

‘Just curious’

They all stood their in silence for a minute

‘Well…. We should really get home now. Nice meeting you Niki’ 

Niki nodded at them and waved them off.

‘So, what’s Watcher like?’ Ranboo questioned Tommy after they left the tower.

‘Not sure, haven’t met them yet. Purpled is the one who is in contact with them. But Tubbo did ask for Purped to track them down and bring them to the meeting.’

Ranboo nodded

‘What’s this meeting for anyway?’

Tommy stopped walking and looked at Ranboo

‘Didn’t you read anything from the group chat after waking up?’

‘What part of being in the heroes tower don’t you understand? I didn’t want to risk anyone seeing’

Tommy face palmed

‘Right, my bad’

Ranboo chuckled

‘Not my fault, I’m stressing over what you want to talk about!’ Tommy weakly defended himself

‘Sure Tommy, sure. Now are you gonna answer my question?’

‘Tubbo is going to tell us the info he got from the heroes. Purpled will be giving us a run-down of some info he got from Watcher, if he can find them they’ll be there as well to give us a more in-depth report on what he knows’, Tommy listed off.

Ranboo nods.

The rest of the walk was silent, as was the train ride back. 

The whole time Tommy was worried about what Ranboo wanted to talk about. He thought through the little information he knew but could figure out what it was for a few minutes.

Let's see.

He mentioned that he doesn’t blame me for not telling them.

They didn’t want to talk about it until we got somewhere private.

He gave me weird looks

….

He paused for a minute before paling

Did he figure it out????

If they have, does Tubbo know?

Gees, if they figured out, they’re smarter than I give them credit for.

Not that I’ll ever admit it.

Ranboo was also lost in thought.

Having come to the conclusion that Tommy could be Phantom Chaos, he is starting to see the similarities.

It took a while, but they got back to the apartment.

Tommy was the first in the door, dropping his keys on the table and turning to Ranboo as they closed the door.

He pointed at the couch.

‘Sit’ He instructed before walking into the kitchen to grab a glass of water.

‘Want water boob-boy?’

‘Sure’ Ranboo decided to ignore the name

Tommy grabbed an extra glass and filled it with water, reentering the room and handing it over. 

He stared at Ranboo for a moment.

‘Now, I think it’s about time you ask me whatever it is that’s been on your mind’

Ranboo cleared they’re voice.

‘Well.. .you see… I was just wondering if-’

Before Ranboo could continue, the front door banged open to reveal a pissed Tubbo.

‘RANBOO. I HAVE SOME WORDS FOR YOU MISTER’

Ranboo instinctively put the glass down on the table and put his hands up in surrender, hoping to be spared Tubbos lecture and rage.

In a last ditch effort, he looked at Tommy and mouthed help .

Tommy shrugged.

‘Good luck’

Before Ranboo could respond, Tubbo does what can only be described as rugby tackling Ranboo to the floor, where he got what he was really after. Ranboos ear.

Tubbo proceeds to drag Ranboo to a different room by the ear.

Tommy stands there, dumbfounded by what he just witnessed. Before bursting out laughing.

Oh what he would give to see Tubbo rugby tackle someone again.

After what felt like forever, the door opened again and the two emerged. Tubbo, looking considerably less mad, turned to Tommy.

‘I’m off again, I have some more things to do before the meeting. See you two later’, Tubbo has decided to make a big exit and jumps out the window.

His plan? Glide down safely to the ground. What happened? His top got stuck and he needed Tommy and Ranboo to rescue him.

Once Tubbo was safely back in the room, he cleared his throat.

‘Welp, won’t be doing that again.’

He proceeds to run out the front door. 

Tommy and Ranboo stood in silence for a minute.

‘What was that?’ Ranboo whispered, as if they were afraid that Tubbo would return to lecture them again

‘No idea’

‘How long till the meeting?’

Tommy looked down at his watch.

‘It’s an hour till we have to be there, we should get ready soon’

Ranboo nodded 

‘Here, I’ll go grab your gear.’

When Tommy got back they both got into their vigilante gear, not speaking any further.

*Tubbos POV

Tubbo was the first one at the meeting point, but the others should be here soon. He takes this opportunity to grab the hidden phone.

It was the only phone that could contact Callahan. 

Callahan has a special vigilante phone, like they all do. That’s the number that this phone has saved.

If any number other than this phone calls him, he won’t answer.

Tubbo clutches the phone tight.

Just then the door opens.

He turns to see who has arrived.

It’s Purpled and someone that Tubbo doesn’t recognize, he assumes that it’s Watcher.

Purpled caught sight of Tubbo.

‘Gremlin, this is Watcher. Watcher, Gremlin’ 

Tubbo was about to greet the new vigilante, but the newbie beat him to it.

‘You’re about to have some very shocking information given to you by a close friend, and it will cause you great pain for a while. The pain is temporary’, Watcher delivered this in a very monotone voice

Purpled and Tubbo exchange a look

‘What do you mean?’

Watcher was silent for a moment, Tubbo could briefly see the shadow of him blinking.

He suddenly looked around and spotted Tubbo and Purpled.

‘Oh! Hello! You must be Gremlin!’

Tubbo leaned over to Purpled

‘Does he do this all the time?’

‘This is new to me’ He whispered back, before turning to Watcher.

‘Watcher, did you just predict something for Gremlin?’

‘No?’

‘What did you mean when you said “You’re about to have some very shocking information given to you by a close friend, and it will cause you great pain for a while. The pain is temporary”?’

Watcher paused

‘...Did I say that?’

‘Yes!’

‘Huh. I don’t remember that’

Purpled put his face in his hands with a groan

They didn’t have the chance to continue questioning as another vigilante arrived. 

Tubbo was pleasantly surprised to see that Jack decided to show up this time.

Tubbo smiled at the vigilante, even if they won’t see it.

‘Watcher, this is Jack. They have the most normal name among us vigilantes. Jack, this is the newbie Watcher.’

Jack nodded his greetings, while Watcher does what Watcher does best. Ask lots of questions.

‘Jack? How come I’ve never heard of you before? Or seen you around? How long have you been a vigilante? Are you in the group chat???’

Jack laughs

‘I don’t do a lot and don’t appear in the public eye very often. I’ve been a vigilante for a few months, and yes, I am in the group chat’

Watcher nods slowly.

‘Ok then. What’s the group chat like? Nyx won’t tell me’ Watcher pouted.

Everyone paused, trying to figure out who the fuck Nyx is. Purpled just sighed.

‘For the last time, Nyx isn’t my name’

Watcher paused and looked at Purpled.

‘What? What is our name then??’

‘Purpled?’

‘Since when?’

Tubbo and Jack watched this go back and forth 

‘We have the same discussion every time we see each other! My name has always been Purpled. I honestly don’t know where Nyx came from!’ 

It was silent for a minute.

‘Don’t go disappearing on me again, you always do after you learn this’

Watcher tilted his head to the side, looking over at Tubbo and Jack.

‘He's pulling my leg right?’

Both shook their heads.

‘Huh’ Watcher scratched his head

‘Strange’ 

That’s when Tommy and Ranboo finally decided to show up.

Purpled nodded towards them.

‘Not dead I see’ 

Portal nodded

‘Not yet. Got an earful earlier though’

Tubbo sent a hard glare his way

‘I am not afraid to rugby tackle you again bitch!’

Jack butted in

‘He rugby tackled you?’

Portal nodded

Jack looked at Tubbo

‘Impressive’

Tubbo shook his head

‘I think we’re getting off track, everyone is here now, we should start. First though. Watcher, these are Red and Portal.’

Watcher seemed to open his mouth to make a comment, but quickly closed it again after receiving a harsh look from Purpled.

‘First order of business. I have gotten information from a source in the heroes tower that Phantom Chaos could be alive-’ 

Red and Portal exchanged an undecked look 

‘-and hiding out in this district. I’ve brought this up because there’s going to be an influx of heroes here to try to find him. My source told me that the influx won’t happen till after this information is handed over to the press, so we have some time. I suggest that no one does solo patrols anymore, agreed?’ 

Everyone nodded.

Tubbo looked towards Watcher

‘That includes you. Try not to go out alone’

Watcher mock salutes.

Tubbo nodded at Purpled to take over.

‘Watcher, would you like to tell the others what you told me? About Callahan’

‘...What about Callahan?’

‘The prediction you made? It was only the other day, you couldn’t have forgotten already!’

Watcher scratches his head, muttering to himself

‘Did I make a prediction about Callahan? What was it’

Purpled face palmed

‘Really? Will I just tell them? It might jog your memory’

Watcher nodded in agreement.

‘From what Watcher told me, someone is going to hunt down Callahan. But he wasn’t sure when it’ll be or who it’ll be’

‘That's why you asked if I still had his number?’

Purpled nodded 

‘Ok, let’s give him a call to see if anything is wrong’

Tubbo unlocked the phone and clicked on the only contact in it. The phone rang a few times before being picked up. Text appeared on the screen.

Hello vigilantes. Is there a problem?

‘Callahan, it’s Gremlin speaking. Have you noticed anything strange recently? Like anyone following you?’

Hi Gremlin, no, nobody has been following me. Is everything ok?

‘We’ve got a new vigilante on field, he has a prediction power and predicted that someone is hunting you down. We wanted to check in’

I haven’t noticed anything strange, but I’ll keep my eyes out. Does he know who is hunting me? Is there any chance you could get this vigilante on the phone?

‘Not possible, we only know what Purpled told us. The newbie has no memory of this prediction.’

No new text appeared for a minute

Ok, keep me updated. Don’t be afraid to call, I will be happy to jump back in to help with anything

Tubbo chuckled

‘Getting bored are you?’

Very. Where I am I don’t receive any news from over there. How is Blood doing? Last I heard he was still number 1, has he managed to protect that title?

‘He has, yeah. Still number 1. I’ll make sure to keep you up to date’

With that the call ended and Tubbo put the phone safely back into the hidden spot.

‘I think that’s everything. Who’s planning to go out tonight? Might as well discuss it now that we’re all here’

Everyone except Watcher turned to Portal at the same time.

‘Well, we know one person who’s not going out’

Purpled mutters

‘Come on guys! I’m better now, just a short one?’

Jack shook his head ‘I’ll get Gremlin to rugby tackle you again’

Portal hung his head in defeat ‘fine’

‘I’ll sit out today’ Watcher piped up, the others nod

‘I’m also going to take the day, life is getting quite busy. I’ll go out tomorrow’

Purpled looks over at Red

‘Guess that leaves us. You up for it Red?’

‘You know it’

‘Now that that is settled, the meeting is over.’

Everyone started to filter out of the room. 

Watcher muttered to himself, Tubbo being the closest was the only one who heard it.

‘It’s too late now, we’ve fallen into his trap’

Before Tubbo could question it, Watcher disappeared out the door with the others.

‘Are you Phantom Chaos?’ Ranboo blurted out without thinking

Tommy paused in his actions before sighing

‘You might want to sit down for this conversation’

Chapter Text

*Technos POV

Four Years Before

Blood dripped onto the clear marble floors as the figure walked through the reception area, staining spots red. He walked towards the desk. 

The heroes in the area stayed clear of him, like usual. Some shook their heads and walked away, while others simply ignored what was happening.

Suddenly a shorter figure grabbed his arm and turned him around.

‘Hi! Are you new around here, I haven’t seen you before’

Techno looked at the hero, Phantom Chaos. 

Techno nodded a little

‘Oh, well. Welcome to the tower! What’s your name? I’m Phantom Chaos, though people just call me one or the other’

Techno nodded slowly.

He has heard of Phantom, who hasn’t? He’s very popular in the public eye.

Techno has been a hero for a few weeks, but Phantom had been off working on a “top secret mission” the whole time.

‘Blade’

Phantom's eyes, which were the only face feature that weren’t covered, lit up.

‘Oh my god! Are you the new hero who was a vigilante?! Blood was it?’

Techno nodded, trying to figure a way out of this social situation.

That’s when Phantom seemed to notice that Techno was dripping blood everywhere.

‘Are you ok??’

Techno grunted

‘Yep, just got a scratch while out. Nothing too bad’

Phantom grabbed Technos' sleeve and dragged him towards the elevator.

‘I don’t care if it’s bad or not. I’ll take you to see big man Ponk, they’ll get you patched right up!’

It seems that Phantom wasn’t taking no for an answer, so Techno just went along with it.

For the next hour, Techno had Phantom talking his ear off about anything and everything while Techno was getting patched up by Ponk, who he hadn't met before.

As they were leaving Pon sent him a look that read “good luck”

‘Oh! Blade, I have to introduce you to Crow and Siren!’

Great

More socializing

Despite all that, Techno still went along with it.

Best to not offend the only person that is interacting with him.

Also best to not make enemies with Phantom.

As they were walking to where Techno assumed that Crow and Siren were, Techno couldn’t help but notice that Phantom seemed young. Like, really young.

You wouldn’t really notice it on the news due to the fact that Phatom doesn’t speak and if he does the audio is bad, but in person you can tell that his voice is that of a child.

Doesn’t sound like he’s had a voice crack yet.

He decided to pack that away for later instead of questioning it at that moment. It might be a personal matter.

Also, they did just stop in front of a door.

Techno was expecting Phantom to knock, oh who wrong he was.

Phantom got this mischievous look in his eye that Techno immediately didn’t trust.

Without warning Phantom threw open the door.

‘PHIL! Philza Minecraft!’

Techno didn’t get to see the reaction, but he did hear laughter and some curses.

When he rounded the corner Crow was trying to mop up what seemed to be coffee off his desk, while Siren was laughing in the corner.

‘Little shits’, Crow muttered, lacking any anger.

Phantom looked towards Techno, who was still standing awkwardly in the door.

‘Oh, Phil. This is my new friend The Blade ! Wilbur, you’re not cool enough to know him, sorry’

While Wilbur was making offended noises, and seemed to… tackle Phantom? Crow, or Philza, turned to Techno.

‘Nice to meet ya mate. Would have said hi sooner, but things are quite busy lately. Have you settled in ok? Phantom hasn’t been annoying you has he?’

At this point Wilbur groaned.

‘Philllll, stop adopting all the newbies!’

Phantom sniggered

‘Yeah Phil, better retire soon before you adopt everyone’

‘Shut’

Techno watched them interact, feeling a bit out of place.

He then noticed that Phil was still looking at him, as if waiting for him to answer the questions.

When he didn’t answer, Phil just continued, not acknowledging it.

‘So Blade, have you found patrol buddies yet?’

Techno shook his head.

‘Well, want to join us then’ Crow offered.

Techno thought it over a minute.

He probably shouldn’t refuse some of the highest ranking heroes. All the others in the room were top three.

He nodded.

‘If you’ll have me’

Before Crow could respond, Phantom jumped in.

‘If Blade is joining us, I say we throw Wilbur out. Blade is too cool to be associated with him’

Wilbur, seeming to have taken no offense to this, jumped in on the joke.

‘I’m cool! You want to know me, right Blade?’

In the spur of the moment Techno responded with

‘I don’t know, you seem like a nerd. I’m going to trust Phantom on this one’

Techno started to double guess his word choice when everyone was silent.

The silence only lasted 5 seconds before Phantom's fist shot up in the air, and Crow started to cackle.

‘I knew you had it in you!’

Siren started to pout

‘Great, now I’ve got two brothers who bully me. What has life come to?’

The word didn’t register in Technos brain, it didn’t register an hour later, or even on patrol that night. 

It was only when he was settling down to sleep and was replaying the day's events in his head that Wilburs words had made themselves known.

*A few weeks later

Techno was just minding his own business, trying to deliver some boring hero paperwork to be filed away, when he got jumped from behind.

He was used to this now, it was just Phantom being Phantom.

A few days after they became acquainted, Techno learned that anyone that Phantom liked or was close to got the ‘honor’ of being tackled at any moment.

‘Phantom’

‘Blade’

‘Any news? Or have you tackled me for no reason’

‘I came to ask a question’

‘Yes?’

‘Want to patrol with me today?’

Techno paused in his walking. Yes, he had continued to walk when Phantom jumped on his back, acting as if it never happened. 

‘Don’t we usually patrol together?’

‘Well, yes. I mean just the two of us though. I just got clearance to patrol the outer district, I would like you there. Out of all the heroes you know that area the best’

The fact that Techno might see his vigilante friends again went unsaid, but they were both thinking it.

‘Sure, what time are we leaving?’

‘8 work for you?’

‘It works, but if you want my professional opinion. Leave it till 10. That’s when most of the crimes pop up’

Phantom nodded.

‘10 it is then. I’ll make note of it for the “bosses”’

Phantom jumped off his back and mock saluted 

‘Have fun with your paperwork. I have plans with Siren’

Techno narrowed his eyes at that.

‘You two aren’t going to start another food fight in the cafeteria, are you?’

Phantom's eyes shined in a way that said “We are so going to do that, but I won’t admit it”, he proceeded to run away.

Techno shook his head.

Welp, they’re the ones who’ll have to sit through Phils lecturing later.

And Techno was right. 

A few hours later when Techno went to get Phil to sign off on more boring hero paperwork, he found Wilbur and Phantom being scolded. 

He decided to come back later.

*A few months later, just before Phantom died

‘Phantom’, Techno called out, a bit worried

Phantom looked up from his notebook with red rimmed eyes.

He quickly rubbed them, pretending he wasn’t just crying.

‘Yeah big man?’

‘Just tell us what’s wrong?’ 

People had started to get worried about Phantom. He doesn’t seem to be acting like his normal self.

He spends more and more time working on his ‘top secret mission’.

And they lost someone. The number 6 hero died unexpectedly while on patrol. 

It seems like it was murder.

Phantom had shut himself away since the news got out, which was a day ago. 

‘Sorry Techno, I can’t do that.’

More tears escaped Phantom's eyes, getting caught on his mask.

He kept muttering sorry’s over and over again.

‘Phantom, it’s fine. You don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to. We’re just worried about you, why are you apologizing?’

Phantom sniffled.

‘I’m sorry Techno, I’m on the list. You guys will have to go on without me. Don’t worry about me though, I’m working on it! Hopefully I can stop this from continuing!’

Techno wasn’t sure what to think about that interaction, but once Phantom was done speaking his personality took a full turn, and he was fine again.

Over the next month more heroes died unexpectedly and Phantom spent more and more time working on his ‘top secret mission’. Until one day they got the news that Phantom was the latest victim, Techno wasn’t sure how to feel. 

He spent a lot of time in Phantom's old room, taking responsibility for clearing it out.

While clearing it out he found a note addressed to him.

His hands started to shake, and he decided he can’t deal with this right now, so he put it carefully in his pocket for later and pushed it out of his head.

At the end of the day he rediscovered it, finally deciding that he should read it.

Inside read:

Big Man Techno! 

Sorry I didn’t tell you what was happening, I thought that I could handle it alone. I now know that I’m a bit of a dumbass, aren’t I? But it’s too late for me.

I ‘m not going to spell it out for you, you’re smart. Take a look around, at the people I trust, and those I don’t. 

Stay vigilant and watch out for the others when I can’t anymore.

We’ll meet again, friend.

Until then, continue bullying Wilbur for me.

-Phantom

Techno refused to acknowledge the tears running down his face, but he felt an odd sense of peace.

He wasn’t sure why, but he completely believed that he would meet Phantom again.

Until then, he needs to figure out what Phantom was trying to tell him.

He flipped over the paper in hopes to find more, but only found some weird symbols.

Over the coming weeks, he observes the others in the tower, mentally making notes of how Phantom acted around each of them. He would also spend time trying to decode the symbols.

After a while, he discovered that it was the enderman language. 

Now the hunt was on, he looked everywhere trying to find a key to decode with, he was unsuccessful for a long time.

After a while, he half forgot about it.

One day, months after Phantom's death, he walked into Phils office to see him staring confused at a sheet of paper.

‘All good Phil?’

‘Yeah, I was just reading a book that I got back from Phantom a few months back, when I found this sheet labeled “Alphabet”, I just can’t figure out these symbols’

Techno closed the door behind him and stuck his hand out for the page, Phil handed it over.

Techno laughed after seeing it

‘Thank you Phil! I’ve been looking for this for months!’

Phil tilted his head

‘Phantom’s message? It’s written in this language! I haven’t been able to find a key anywhere!’

Phil made an ‘oh’ face.

Techno had only told Phil and Wilbur about the note.

Techno quickly left the room and made his way to where he had hidden the note in his room.

Once the note was decoded he grew more confused.

DON’T TRUST THE DREAM TEAM

He wouldn’t understand the message completely for a few more years, not till after Sleep and Eagle Eyes betrayal had been brought to light.

Techno has found new hope, knowing that Phantom might still be alive out there. 

Chapter Text

*Tubbos POV

Guess we should start at the beginning, huh?

Tubbo had an ok childhood. 

For the first few years, he and his dad lived by themselves. Tubbo can’t remember much from that time.

His dad, Schlatt, was tight on money back then. That on top of his alcohol addiction didn’t mix well. 

Schlatt found it hard to find work, that’s when his power came in. 

Schlatts power developed very late, later than had been heard of before. Usually you would develop powers from ages 5 to 17. 

It took him a while to understand it, but it was basically alcohol…. bending? That’s the only way that Tubbo could think of describing it.

So Schlatt did the only thing he could think of to earn money, he gathered some friends and started a gang. They would do anything to earn money, which would usually be selling drugs or weapons. 

Schlatt was able to manipulate the alcohol in some of the things they were selling, making it more powerful, last longer etc.

These items were in high demand.

Soon the little gang started to gain attention and more members.

That’s when The Dream team managed to capture Schlatt and lock him up, where he got help for his addiction.

He was only in prison for 11 months, they deemed that he wasn’t much of a threat, so they wiped his memories, put him on a power suppressant pill and let him go.

Of course, Schlatt doesn’t know that the pills are power suppressants. He was just told that they were for his heart.

Tubbo takes time to go visit him at his ice-cream shop, even though Schlatt can’t remember him.

When Sleep and Eagle Eye left the heroes, they took over Schlatts old gang.

When Nightmare found out about Tubbo, he threatened to track down Schlatt and tell him the truth. 

Tubbo, not wanting Schlatt to learn of his past, agreed to work with Nightmare.

Unknowingly walking into Nightmares plan.

He gave NIghtmare a stronger hold over him.

Now he uses the fact that Tubbo works for him to blackmail him into doing what he says.

Tubbo rolls his eyes at the thought as he leaves the house.

As he is getting to the stairs, his phone starts to ring. 

He cast a glance at the caller id, sighing at the name before answering.

“Where are you?” Nightmares' unimpressed voice greeted him.

Tubbo huffs.

“I’m on my way now”

“Why did you hang up? Who was that I heard?”

Tubbo knew this was coming.

“That’s none of your concern”

“I asked who was that?” Nightmares voice became dangerous

Tubbo paused at the tone

“If you must know, it was my neighbour. I invited him over for breakfast”

Tubbo catches himself before he tripped on the last step, jumping over it last second. 

He heard Nightmare hum over the phone.

“Alright. Some of our allies are going to be at the meeting. Don’t make a scene again”

Tubbo smiles to himself. Last meeting he started a yelling match with one of his dads old friends about whether fries or curly fries are better. 

Nightmare wasn’t impressed, but everyone else found it funny.

Before Tubbo could respond, Nightmare hung up.

Tubbo rolls his eyes, putting his phone back in his pocket.

While walking to the meeting spot he did start to wonder who these “allies” were. 

Nightmare never let him meet any allies, as he would have private meetings with them. 

He shrugged it off.

“OI! Kid!”

Tubbo turned to the voice, already knowing who it was.

Joker, one of his dads old friends. 

Joker isn’t part of the gang, having his own empire to run.

‘Oi yourself dickhead, who are you calling kid?’

Tubbo stayed where he was to allow Joker to catch up

‘You, dickhead ’ Joker slagged him, Tubbo rolled his eyes

‘How’s your Dad?’

It was a common occurrence for Joker to ask about Schlatt. Joker stayed away to respect Tubbos decision of not wanting Schlatt to remember.

‘He’s doing fine, I hear that he’s looking for a different space to buy for the shop. It’s become very popular lately.’

Joker smiles.

‘That’s nice, congratulate him for me would ya?’

‘Will do, I’m going to see him soon anyway’

They were silent for a minute while they walked.

‘Wait, why are you here?’ 

Joker scratched the back of his head.

‘Have a meeting with Nightmare, you’re on your way there as well right?’

Tubbo nodded

‘Didn’t know you two were allies’

Joker scoffed 

‘Out of necessity. I would rather not go to war with Nightmare’

Tubbo nodded in understanding

‘Do you know who the other allies are?’ Tubbo questioned as they walked

Joker hummed

‘Yeah, Hook will be there. Heard that she’s bringing someone new in. Haven’t met them yet. Punz would usually join us as well, but the heroes still have him’

Tubbo has heard of Hook, but hasn’t met her yet. Ranboo had a run-in with her a while back, but he teleported away before they could interact.

They had to stop their conversation as they came into view of the warehouse. 

I know, a very stereotypical place where a villain would hold meetingings with his allies, but Nightmare was just like that.

Tubbo paused in shock to see that The Eye was talking with Nightmare. It was uncommon for The Eye to attend meetings due to his power.

The Eye has a similar ability to Watcher, just a lot more powerful. He can make very accurate predictions.

As people say, the more powerful your power is, the worse the downside is. This is very true for The Eye.

The downside for him is that his power drains him a lot, causing him to be asleep most of the time, which is when he’ll get his visions.

He wakes up long enough to tell someone what he saw, and do basic self care, like eating/washing etc.

How he ever got through hero training, Tubbo isn’t sure.

*Ponk’s POV

It was getting a bit busier now. 

Heroes are being more reckless.

Ponk scoffed to himself.

Heroes are too self-sacrificing for their own good. They should learn from the vigilantes, who manage to keep everyone safe and not get horribly injured.

Ponk shoo-ed away the Hero he just patched up.

The Heroes are too used to having a healer. Unlike Vigilantes who have to care for themselves and each other.  

Ponk removed his surgical gloves and threw them in the waste bin, before cleaning up his work station.

As they were cleaning, the door opened.

Ponk took a deep breath before turning around, expecting to see another injured hero.

Instead he was met with Blade and Siren, uninjured.

She blinked a few times in surprise. It’s not often that people visit him unless they’re injured.

‘What can I do for you guys?’ He questioned as he continued to pick up some trash to dispose of.

It was Blade who spoke up. Siren seemed quite nervous. 

‘You knew Phantom the best, right? I heard you were the only one who saw his face’

Ponk paused.

It wasn’t surprising, Ponk was wondering when this was going to come up. It’s quite surprising that it hasn’t happened before this.

‘I did, yes. Anything you want to know?’

Blade cast a glance at Siren.

‘Keep this between the three of us?’

‘Ok?’ 

This got Ponks attention. 

So, they weren’t sent by The Council to talk about this.

‘Is there anything you know? Like, have you seen Phantom lately, any sign that he’s alive?’

Ponk stared at the two in thought.

‘I think you should be asking yourselves that question. It seems as if you already know something. Care to share?’

Siren spoke up this time

‘I had a run-in with some vigilantes recently. One of their voice changers wasn’t working, They sounded so much like Phantom’

Siren explained, sounding a bit sad. Like he didn’t want to get his hopes up.

‘Was there anything else to link this vigilante to Phantom?’

‘Yeah, he was able to ignore my command. Unless this vigilante has a strong mind manipulation power, he shouldn’t be able to do that without the Heroes serum’

Ponk nodded in thought

‘So… Do you know if he’s alive? And a vigilante?’

Siren sounded hopeful 

Ponk sighed.

‘I can’t tell you much due to patient-doctor confidentiality. But hypothetically, what would you two do if I told you that he is doing fine? Would you continue to look for him to see for yourself, or leave him be and order for the search to be called off?’

Ponk held his breath as he waited for the heroes response

‘We would continue to search for him. To get some answers and check up on him. He might also have to do time in Pandora if he did in fact become a vigilante. Hypothetically of course’

‘Well, good thing this is all hypothetical then. I know nothing’

Ponk lied, glad that he has a good poker face.

Despite that, he felt that the heroes didn’t believe him, but neither questioned him further as they left his medical bay. 

They took a deep breath.

At this rate it won’t be long till everything unravels and the truth is revealed. They just hope that everything works out and there’s no fallout for Red, After-all Ponk is the only one who knows why Red didn’t want anyone to know he was alive. And Ponk is willing to take that to his grave.

Ponk silently grumbles as the next wave of injured and sick heroes stumble in.

It’s like a really shit video game.

Ponk puts back on his customer service smile and gets to work.  

*Tubbos POV

Tubbo sits silently, trying really hard to not look to his left. Joker had decided that it was his personal mission to make Tubbo laugh at some point during the meeting.

Said person is currently staring at Tubbo, so he knows that if he looks towards Joker, he’ll burst out laughing. 

Tubbo had been introduced to the other allies just before the meeting started.

Like Joker had said, Hook was there.

She brought King with her. King has quite an interesting ability. She can manipulate fabrics, and her appearance! Tubbo swears that he was looking at them with star eyes when they were explaining this.

King isn’t one for talking apparently, as he doesn’t say much during the meeting. Something about them reminded Tubbo of someone, but he’s not sure who.

He gets a feeling that King feels the same, as he’s felt Kings staring at him. 

He is now purposely avoiding looking at two people.

  Stupid Joker

I bet he put King up to this.

Jokes on you! I live with Tommy, I have gotten very good at ignoring people.

I shall win this game!

Tubbo suddenly realises that he was zoned out, so tries to zone back in, only to discover that the meeting was already being wrapped up.

‘That’s it for now. Everyone familiar with the plan?’ Once everyone nodded, Nightmare continued.

‘Good, dismissed’

Hook was the first one to stand up, she left with a sour face. King quickly followed after her, casting one last look at Tubbo before they do. 

Tubbo finally looks over to Joker with a victorious smile.

Joker rolled his eyes before leaving as well.

Tubbo looks down at his watch, shocked to see that the meeting ended about 2 hours before it was supposed to.

He turned to Nightmare and The Eye.

‘Why did the meeting end early?’

The Eye looked over his shoulder 

‘We had hoped that Punz would be out by now, we added that time on in hopes that he would fill us in. That obviously didn't happen.’

Tubbo nodded, deep in thought.

He’s got a little over 3 hours till the vigilante’s meeting. So he decides to go visit Schlatt before going home. Tommy will be back with Ranboo at that point. 

An evil smile spreads across his face as he leaves the warehouse. Ranboo is going to get a talking to.

Luckily enough he’s already in the right district to visit Schlatt, so he heads that way.

When he gets to the shop, instead of going in through the door like any normal person, he pops his head through the window beside the door, and goes in that way.

‘Ding-dong! I, your favourite person, have arrived!’

Tubbo got some odd looks from some of the newer customers, but the regulars smiled at him before going back to what they were doing.

The employee who was at the counter, pointed at him with a big smile.

‘1 minute! I’ll grab him!’ 

The employee ran into the back, remerging a few minutes later with Schlatt.

‘Tubbo! How have you been? You haven’t visited in a while, I was starting to get worried’

Schlatt ushered him over to a table so they could chat.

‘Yeah, sorry. College has gotten busy, and i’ve been trying to find work so there is less pressure on my roomates’

Schlatt waved him off

‘It’s fine, no worries’

‘What about you? I heard that you're popping off! Congrats dude, from me and a friend’

‘Well thank you, and thank your friend as well. And yeah, we’ve become quite popular. I’m hoping to move to the new place by the end of the month. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that the front window is big enough for you to climb through’

It was a running joke between the two. 

Tubbo didn’t always come in via window, but a while back the bell above the door broke, so Tubbo started his ‘ding-dong’ bit.

When the bell was eventually fixed, Tubbo missed going ‘ding-dong’. So, he started to climb through the window instead so he could continue to self-announce his presence.

At the beginning, Schlatt tried to convince him to stop, before giving in and going along with the bit.

‘Better, If you don’t I’ll stop visiting the shop….. I’ll find your address and come annoy you at home instead’

Schlatt blinked a few times

‘I wouldn’t put it past you’

‘Good, don’t underestimate me!’

They quickly lost track of time, just talking about everything and anything.

Before Tubbo knew it, he was climbing back through the window on his way out.

He has just enough time to run home to grab his suit before going to set up for the meeting.

He might also be able to squeeze in scolding Ranboo.

Who’s he kidding?

He’s gonna do that even if he doesn’t have enough time.

Ranboo pushed themselves too far this time, and no one wants to go through that again.

It was easy enough to get home, as he only had one district to travel.

Instead of wasting money on the train, he decided to walk. 

As he got closer to the border between the district, he slowed.

There was a hero checkpoint.

It’s been a while since the heroes made checkpoints, and usually it wouldn’t be going into the furthest out district. 

The checkpoints aren’t horrible to get through, they just ask for your id, and ask some questions. They only check bags if they suspect something is up.

Tubbo joins one of the shorter lines and plays a game on his phone to pass time.

It doesn’t take long for him to get to the front.

He was pleasantly surprised to see Mage.

‘Oh, hey kid. Heading home? This won’t take long’ 

Tubbo nodded to Mage, handing over his id

‘How long have you lived in District 10?’

‘17 years’

Mage glanced down at his id.

‘Date of Birth?’

‘23rd of December. 2003’

‘Address?’

‘58 Lab Street, District 10’

Mage shut over his id and handed it back to him.

‘Have you seen anything suspicious about the vigilantes in the past three years? Like a new one who is very talented?’

Tubbo knew what this question meant, Mage knew that Tubbo knew. Neither voice it.

‘We have a lot of talented vigilantes here. Most seem to know how to fight before becoming one, so nothing out of the ordinary that I can tell’

‘Do you keep up with the news?’

‘Not at home, but my professors have it playing during college lectures.’

Mage nodded

‘Keep an eye on it over the weekend’

Tubbo processed the information.

That was quicker than thought

I suppose that it’s big news

Does that mean it’s confirmed that he’s alive?

Mage signalled him to start walking again, so Tubbo said a quiet goodbye before rushing past him.

Tubbo picked up his pace, realising that he didn’t have much time to get prepared.

Why did I think that it would be a good idea to schedule a vigilante meeting the same day as a villain meeting?

It only took him a few minutes to get to his apartment, where he dashed up the stairs.

Not forgetting to skip the bottom step, score!

When he got to the door he heard very muffled talking from inside.

Good

They’re home

Tubbo took a deep breath, preparing himself for what he was about to do, channelling all his inner chaotic energy.

He opened his eyes

Time to tackle this bitch

He threw the front door open with a battle cry.

‘RANBOO. I HAVE SOME WORDS FOR YOU MISTER’

Ranboo put his hands up in surrender, but Tubbo ignored that. 

He just got straight to the tackling, dragging them away by the ear into another room.

When the door shut, he released their ear and stood with his arms crossed.

They stood in silence for a minute, Ranboo getting more and more worried at Tubbo silence.

‘I hope you realize how fucking stupid that was Ranboo.’

‘If I did nothing, me and Tommy could have been arrested! I did what I had to!’

‘I know! I just….. I just wished that you wouldn’t push yourself so much. One day you might go too far, what are me and Tommy supposed to do if you die?’

The room is overcome with silence

Tubbo finally broke with a sigh.

‘Don’t do that again, ok? You scared me and Tommy when you pulled that stunt’

Tubbo ignored the fact that he sounds a bit like a parent, and that Tommy would totally call him out on it,

‘Yeah…. Sorry’

Tubbo walked around Ranboo to grab his vigilante gear, he noticed that Ranboo didn’t say he wouldn’t do it again.

They both knew that he would.

All he could hope for was that it’ll never go to that extent again.

He tucked the gear into a backpack before walking back out of the room with Ranboo following. 

Tubbo turned to Tommy.

‘I’m off again, I have some more things to do before the meeting. See you two later.’

This is where Tubbo messed up. He had calculated that he would save 2 minutes if he just used the window as an exit. 

He didn’t expect for the back of his shirt to get jammed in the window.

In the end, he lost 5 minutes for that stunt, so he rushed out of the house shortly after being released.

In his rush, he forgot to skip the last step and tripped.

He grumbled as he picked himself up, thankful that no one was around to see that.

This day can’t get any worse

He sped walked the rest of the way.

*Ranboo’s POV

It has been a few minutes since Tubbo had left. Ranboo was fiddling with their fingers, trying to figure out a way to bring back up the conversation.

Tommy just left the room to grab both of their gear

Will I wait till next time?

Maybe Tommy will bring it back up?

How do I ask

‘Oh hey, wanted to know if you are the hero who supposedly died three years ago?’

No!

Ranboo, learn to word please

‘Ranboo, all good there? Nervous to get back out in gear?’

They jumped, having not realised Tommy was back.

‘Uh, yeah?’

Tommy blinked at them a few times

‘Alright then, here’ 

He threw over Ranboos gear, before starting to pull on his over the clothes he was wearing.

Ranboo followed his lead.

Things were quiet for a few seconds.

‘Are you Phantom Chaos?’ Ranboo blurted out without thinking 

Tommy paused in his actions before sighing

‘You might want to sit down for this conversation’

Ranboo quickly sat down on the couch, staring at Tommy.

‘So… You are?’

Tommy was silent for a minute.

‘Yeah, I am. How long have you known? Does Tubbo know?’

Ranboo felt as if his brain did a factory reset.

Tommy is Phantom Chaos

And never told us

‘What- How did you fake your death?’

‘By buying out the person sent to kill me. How long have you known?’

‘But, a body was found?’

‘Yes, there was. Does Tubbo know?’

‘Wait, how old were you when you started? And why??’

Tommy sighed

‘Ranboo’

‘Yeah?’

‘How long have you known, and does Tubbo know?’

‘Oh, right. Sorry.’

Ranboo laughed awkwardly.

‘I’ve known since I woke up. I’m not sure if Tubbo knows, I haven’t told him.’

Tommy nods

‘Ok, let’s keep getting ready. I’ll answer more questions later, once I’ve told Tubbo’

‘When will that be’

‘.... After the meeting. The sooner the better’

‘What do you mean?’

‘The longer I wait to tell him now that you know, the worse it’ll go. So I’ll tell him today.’

Tommy cast a glance at Ranboo.

‘My turn, how do you know Dream?’

Ranboo looked away from Tommy.

‘Who?’

‘Nightmare. Dream is his civilian name. You know him. Am I right?’

Ranboo nods slowly

‘He is a regular at the café, has been for about a year.’

The two are silent as they continue to pull their gear on.

Once they had finished they left the apartment via window. Not getting stuck like someone they know.

*cough* Tubbo *cough*

*Techno’s POV

Techno was sitting with Phil and Wilbur in Phils office. They were all sitting around Phils desk, waiting.

Celer Vulpes suddenly walked through the door, file in hand.

‘Here’s all the vigilante reports you wanted. We’ve got profiles dating back 10 years, but I went ahead and only got the ones from latest 5 years back’

‘Thanks Celer’

Celer put the file down and sped out of the room.

‘Shouldn’t we wait for Mage? Isn’t he in charge of this case?’

Wilbur looked at the others in the room.

‘He said to go ahead. He’s taking an early finish. Said something about having a date?’ 

Techno answered off handedly, picked up the files and started to spread them out on the table in front of them. Removing his, Pearls and Callahan's profiles.

‘Currently we have 6 active vigilantes. The bench trio, consisting of Gremlin, Portal and Red.’ 

Techno put down the files as he said the names.

‘We’ve also got Purpled, and two unnamed vigilantes who we know practically nothing about.’

‘We would know more about them if you would give in the info you learn from working with them’ Wilbur grumbled as he leaned back in his chair.

‘I have no legal obligation to submit that information, so I don’t’ 

Techno shrugged.

Phil picked up Gremlins profile.

‘He hasn’t been in the field for how long?’

Techno glanced at the file.

‘I bumped into him a day or two ago, but before that he wasn’t out since the bench trio first formed 2 years ago’

‘Could he be our guy? If I didn’t want to risk running into heroes but still do vigilante work, that’s what I would do’

Techno shook his head

‘I don’t think so. When I saw him, he was very out of practice. Gremlin seemed very unsteady on his feet, if I was to guess he was concealing wings or a tail. Something that affects his balance.’

Phil hummed in thought.

‘What do we know about the others? Purpled?’.Wilbur injected himself into the conversation, holding Purpled’s file, continuing with his train of thought.

‘He seems to work alone most of the time, and has never shown any signs of having any powers, or being a hybrid. Just like Phantom.’

They all sat in thought, staring at Purpleds file and the blurry picture that accompanied it.

‘I see what you’re saying Wilbur, but something just doesn’t feel right’

*Hooks POV , just after the villains meeting

Hook stomped out the warehouse, seeing only red.

fucker

King kept up with her fairly well

‘King’

‘Yes?’

‘Did you see that?!’

I can’t believe he would do that

King nodded

‘The kid?’

‘Yes! Why would he have a kid there???’

‘I’m not sure…. Hook? Did you know the kid?’

Hook paused, calming down.

‘Civilian life, I work with the kids' roommate. Met him once a little under 2 years ago. I’m sure that you’ve also picked up on it, but he’s a vigilante as well.’

King nodded

‘I do, yeah. He’s Gremlin, right?’

‘Yep, the kid I work with is Red. They have no idea that I know’

Kings nods

‘What did you think of what Nightmare suggested?’

‘I hate to admit it, but it’s a solid plan. I wonder how long it’ll take for the Vigilantes to catch on, or if they’ll walk into his trap. It’s probably too late now.’

‘Yeah, it’s too bad. I’ve heard that Callahan was a cool guy’

*Tubbos POV , After vigilante meeting

They all went home separately, Tubbo got home first so he started to get his equipment set up. Just as he was finishing, the door opened.

‘Tubs? You home?’

‘In here Tommy’

A minute later the door opened, Tubbo didn’t look away from what he was doing.

‘Where’s Ranboo?’

‘They won’t be long behind me.’

Tubbo nodded

‘Oh, Mage said that we should keep an eye on the news over the weekend. I think that they’re announcing the news about Phantom. I forgot to mention it at the meeting.’

Tommy stayed quiet.

‘I wonder who it'll be. They think that he’s one of the vigilantes.’

Tubbo paused and turned to Tommy

‘Who do you think?’

Tommy avoided eye contact.

‘Tubs, we have to talk’

Before Tubbo could question what Tommy meant, the front door opened.

‘Oh, that’ll be Ranboo.’

He glanced at Tommy

‘Is this a conversation that Ranboo needs to hear as well? Or just a me and you thing?’

‘It doesn’t matter if Ranboo is here or not, he already knows…’

Tubbo pauses for a minute before nodding.

‘Ok, let's go sit in the living room then?’

The two made their way out into the living room, where Ranboo was chilling on the couch.

He took a look at Tommy

‘Oh, is it time?’

Tubbo looked between the two, worried about what he was about to learn.

‘To be fair, we should probably have this conversation after patrol, but at this point it’s too late to back out….. I just have to tell you before I back out’ Tommy rambled a bit

‘Just say what you need to Tommy, we’ll work from there’ Tubbo cut off his rambling.

Ranboo stayed quiet, just watching everything.

Tommy nodded.

‘Ok, ok…. So, you know how one of the vigilantes is Phantom Chaos..?’ Tommy paused, glancing at Ranboo.

Tubbo nodded in thought.

‘Yeah, we were just talking about this. Do you know something? Like who it is?’

After what seems to be an encouraging nod from Ranboo, Tommy takes a breath.

Tubbo felt his heart drop, before he even heard Tommy’s answer. 

‘I do. It’s me Tubs, I’m Phantom Chaos.’

They all sat in a tense silence. 

Both Tommy and Ranboo were awaiting Tubbos' response. 

‘How… How long have you known?’ 

Tubbo directed towards Ranboo. Brain a bit foggy.

‘I figured it out while I was sick…. I asked him after you left’

Tubbo looked at Tommy, a feeling of guilt swelled up.

He could see that Tommy didn’t mean any harm keeping that information to himself. He even came clean to Tubbo after he realised that Ranboo knew!

But…

‘Why didn’t you tell us?’

That doesn’t stop Tubbo from being pissed

‘I could understand why you wouldn’t immediately tell us, but we’ve been friends for three fucking years Tom!’

Tubbos voice got louder

He came clean about his biggest secret.

That’s something I can never do.

Tommy sat there in silence, seeming to be trying to find some way of responding.

Ranboo looked a bit taken aback by Tubbos reaction.

The whole room continued to sit in tense silence. Tubbo was fuming as he stared at Tommy.

‘How do you know Dream?’

Tommy’s quiet voice caught him off guard.

He clenched his jaw

He’s avoiding the question 

‘Don’t try to change the subject. Why would you keep something like this from us?’

Ranboo suddenly piped up.

‘Tubbo, you know Dream?’

He glanced over at Ranboo

‘No’

Lies

Ranboo looked over at Tommy confused, but Tommy didn’t look at them.

‘Tubs, I know that you know him. I just want to know what your connection with him is’

Tubbo glared at Tommy

‘This isn’t about me and if I know Dream or not. This is about why you wouldn’t tell us! We’ve asked about your past before, but you always brushed us off! Telling us that nothing interesting had happened before you met us! If you lied about that, what else have you lied about?’

Why were you able to come clean to us?

Where did you find the strength?

‘Tubbo, you know that Tommy has his reasons. We don’t need to know yet if he’s not ready’ It was Ranboo who spoke up.

‘Are you really ok with this Ranboo?! He’s lied to us for as long as we’ve known him! For all we know Tommy isn’t his real name!’

Tubbo spat as he looked at Tommy expectantly, as if asking for an answer to that.

‘Yeah, ok I admit to that’ Tommy mumbled

Ranboo looked at Tommy in shock

Wait

What?

Tommy nodded slowly.

‘When you asked my name that day, I didn’t know that we would become friends so I gave you the first one that popped into my head…’

Why would he tell us that?

He didn’t need to come clean

But he did

….

What else is he hiding?

Tubbos glare hardened a bit

‘Is there anything else that you're not telling us?’

Tubbo felt as if that wasn’t everything.

At this point Ranboo had quietened down and was listening in. It seems that Tommy didn’t answer many questions earlier.

Tommy avoided eye contact.

‘I can’t tell you. I can’t ’ 

Tubbo felt himself shaking. 

He stood up, grabbing his laptop and headphones off the table, stuffing them into his backpack. He then started walking towards the door.

‘I’m going. I don’t want to see you right now Tom. I’ll guide you as Gremlin, but apart from that count our friendship as over’

Without another word he left the apartment.

While he walked away he grabbed his phone and opened up messages.

Boss

> Hey Purpled. I know this is last minute, but can I crash at yours a while?

> Feel free to say no, I know taht you’re a very private person. I can figure other things out.

Tubbo set up a private chat with Purpled after meeting him that day.

Purpled

> It should be ok for a few days.

> Everything Ok?

Boss

> Had a falling out with Red

> Just need somewhere to stay for a while

Purpled

> Alright

> I’ll come find you. Stay put

Tubbo stuffed his phone back into his pocket. Thinking about what just happened.

I can’t be friends with someone who lies and keeps things from his friends.

And has the courage to come clean about it.

That’s the kind of courage I’ll never have.

Even now, after leaving the house and calling off their friendship Tubbo can still feel the guilt eating him alive.

If only I could tell them

Have an ounce of Tommy’s bravery.

Maybe things could have been different. 

*The Watchers POV

‘Please don’t leave us, you could stay here, with us’

He shook his head

‘That’s not how things are supposed to work out. This is how things are destined to end for us. As a Timer, I have to uphold this.’

He looked away from the two people who faced him, tears in eyes.

‘I’m sorry. I can’t defy fate. This is how things were always supposed to end’

He couldn’t look back as he started to walk away, into the arms of destiny. Away from his new found life.

Karl sat up in bed, breathing heavily. 

Who were those people?

He quickly wiped his face, having realised that tears had been streaming down it.

After a few moments, he decided that he wasn’t going to try sleep again, so he got dressed and left his house to take a walk.

By the time he left his house, he had already forgotten what had gotten him so worked up.

While walking, taking in the calm night atmosphere, he spotted a restaurant that he had planned to try a while back. So he decided to go in for a midnight snack. ‘Cause… that’s normal, right?

*Tubbos POV

Tubbo set up his laptop on the kitchen table as Purpled watched from the door.

‘Want to tell me what happened? I thought you guys were thick as skin’

‘Yeah, we were. But…. I overreacted a bit, I know that. I don’t want to share that information without Reds permission.’

Purpled nodded.

‘Alright, I can respect that. Will you be good to do coms tonight? Me and Red could survive without you if you need time’

Tubbo shook his head.

‘It’s fine. I told him before I left that I will interact with him on a professional level. Nothing more. Not for a while anyway.’

Purpled looked at him for a minute.

‘Ok, I’m off then. Don’t go snooping through my things, I will know.’

He placed his mask over his face and left the apartment by the window. Normal vigilante behaviour.

Watching Purpled jump out the window reminded Tubbo what happened earlier today, when Red and Ranboo had to help him unstick himself.

He smiled at the memory a bit, becoming a bit sad.

Tubbo put his headset on, knowing that Purpled and Red will be joining coms soon. In fact, Purpled is already in his.

A distant ding alerts Tubbo to Red joining his com. 

He took a deep breath before joining Reds one.

‘Red’

‘Gremlin’

There was silence, but Tubbo ignored it. 

‘Since it’s only you and Purpled today, go join Purpleds line.’

Tubbo quickly left and joined Purpled’s one, taking a breath.

I can do this

The patrol will only last a few hours

Just have to stay professional 

‘Red will be joining this line today, where are you guys meeting?’

‘We’ll be meeting at the library in section B. I'm coming up to it now. What do you have planned for us?’

A familiar ding rang out, signalling that Red finally joined.

‘Since it’ll only be you two out tonight, you’ve got a long patrol ahead of you. Start in section b and make your way around the border. As you’re passing, check in with sections T, W and D. They’ve seen an up in crime lately. Remember to keep an eye out for heroes, and try to avoid splitting up. Red, how far away are you?’

‘Passing through section J now, will be there in under three minutes’

‘Purpled?’

‘I’m a block away, will arrive just before Red’

‘Good, I’ll keep an eye on the cameras. Notify me if anything happens’

Tubbo quickly put himself on mute, pulling up his usual set up, prepared to track the vigilantes' progress. 

He leaned back in the chair with a sigh.

It’s going to be a long night

*Sapnaps POV

Sapnap sat at a window table waiting for his date.

This will be the second time they’ve met in person.

Technically 

Hopefully this date goes better then the last one.

Sapnap cracks a smile at the memory. 

They had met on a dating app, when they met they found out that  they were on opposing sides in an on-going war.

The sounds of the door opening lodged Sapnap from his thoughts. He looked towards the door to see the familiar duck hybrid.

Quackity

It didn’t take long for his date to spot him, the restaurant was quiet tonight.

Quackity made his way over to the table, dropping his coat over the back of his chair before sitting.

*Karls POV

‘Please, you don’t have to leave! You know better than anyone that you don’t have to play into destiny's hand! Look at Purpled, he was able to find his own way! Why can’t you?’

Karl shook his head

‘They’ll be back to get me in a week. I’ll be leaving with them. I’m sorry’

The two figures shared a look.

‘Is there nothing we can do to convince you otherwise?’

Silence covered the room.

‘I’m not Purpled.’

He turned and left the room, leaving his two….someones alone 

Who are they?

Karl blinked the images out of his eyes as he pushed the door open to reveal an almost empty restaurant.

His eyes scanned over the floor, before they landed on two people sitting by a window at the back.

For some reason Karl felt very happy to see these two men, so he made his way over.

He stopped at their table, the two looked up at him, halting in their conversation.

‘Hi! I’m new around here, any suggestions on the menu?’, he asked with a giant smile.

The two shared a look.

‘Umm, alright. The days special is pretty good.’

‘Cool, cool. You don’t mind, do you?’ He asked as he sat down in the vacant chair at their table.

‘Well, actually. We’re on a date right now so…’

Karl looked towards the other person who spoke up, who seemed to be a duck hybrid.

His eyes lit up.

‘Really?! How long have you guys known each other? How did you meet??’

The couple exchanged an unnoticed look.

Karl noticed the uncomfortable looks, but misinterpreted them.

‘Oh, how rude of me, I’m sorry’ He quickly apologised.

A look of relief passed through their eyes.

‘I never introduced myself! My name is Karl!’ 

The two deflated.

‘I’m Sapnap, this is Quackity’, Sapnap said in defeat

Karl smiled at them

‘What do you guys do for work??’ He asked with a twinkle in his eye.

Quackity spoke up this time

‘I’m an entrepreneur, I run a nearby gambling empire’

Karl nods, looking at Sapnap.

‘I work for the government’ 

Sapnap and Quackity sent another unreadable look to each other.

‘Oh that’s so cool! My job is boring compared to you guys’

‘What do you do?’ Sapnap took the bait 

‘I’m a vigilante!’

Quackity, who had just had a sip of water, choked and started to cough. Sapnap reached across the table to pat his back, avoiding his wings.

Sapnap turned to Karl

‘Don’t go announcing that!’ He whisper-yelled in a scolding manner

Karl cocked his head to the side.

‘Why not?’

‘It’s illegal man!’, Quackity spluttered when he stopped coughing

‘Oh….’

Quackity sent a wide eyed look to Sapnap.

‘How hasn’t he been arrested yet?!’

Sapnap rubbed his eyes with a sigh

‘I don’t know’

Karl continued to sit there happily with no care in the world.

Quackity watched him

‘How long have you been a vigilante?’

‘Five days!’

Sapnap looked up

‘Your one of the newbies?’

‘Yep! Did you know they have a groupchat!’

‘It’s been mentioned’

‘They won’t let me in yet’ 

Karl pouted

‘It’s almost like they don’t trust me with secrets’

Quackity sent a look to Sapnap

‘I wonder why’

Just then the waiter came around to take orders.

‘Hey folks, you all ordering together tonight?’

Quackity and Sapnap look to each other.

‘Yeah, we are’

The waiter took all their orders before going to the kitchen.

The table was silent for a minute, Quackity looked at Karl before his eyes met Sapnaps.

‘Can we keep him?’

‘I think we have to’ Sapnap mumbled.

Karl just continued to smile, swinging his legs back and forth like a kid.

Chapter Text

*Hooks POV

Hook walked the length of the room, lost in thought. King stood by the side, watching her.

‘Are you going to do it?’ They asked after a minute of silence. 

‘I don’t know. What Nightmare did to Gremlin? That was too far’ Hook answered without halting in her pacing.

‘Then you should tell them. Give them a chance in all of this’ King advised before leaving the room. The fabric around them swirling till they were in civilian clothing instead of their villain suit.

Hook watched him leave, taking his words to heart. 

She only thought for a few more minutes before putting her mask back on and leaving the hideout. 

She was going to find Red and warn him of the dangers approaching.

The final battle was creeping up, everyone could feel it, they just didn’t know how soon it was.

*Tommy’s POV

Tommy stood idle on the roof, waiting for Purpled to show up. 

He somehow managed to get there before Purpled

His mind was racing with what just happened. 

He told Tubbo

And Tubbo walked out

This is what he was afraid would happen, the only surprise was that Ranboo was still there.

Ranboo found out by himself, and accepted Tommy’s unsaid reasons. 

The sound of quiet footsteps jogs Tommy from his thoughts. 

At first he thought that it was Purpled, but he only entertained that idea for half a second.

Those footsteps don’t match Purpleds.

Tommy tensed up for a minute, whoever it was was right behind him.

Blade POV*

Techno made his way to the office, blinking the sleep from his eyes. 

He had been called in by their undercover hero, Queen, whatever information she has can’t wait till morning. Meaning, Techno was woken up on his only day off at 3a.m. 

Upon entering the room he was met with Crow and Queen talking quietly. Both looked up when he entered. 

Crow looked as he felt. There were dark bags under his eyes, which had a hint of worry in them. 

Queen looked better, and different. Techno couldn’t recognize the look she was wearing this time, meaning she was back to creating new looks. 

Techno quirked a smile when their eyes met.

They still can’t change their eyes

Queen rolled his eyes, sensing what Techno was thinking.

‘Experimenting again?’ 

Queen smiled. ‘Yeah, what do you think?’ He asked while doing a little spin. 

This look had just above the shoulder length wavy brown hair. The height of the look wasn’t all that off from his other looks, being about 6ft. He was wearing a white dress, with what seemed to be strawberries dotted around on it. The only thing that was off was his eyes. It’s the one thing that he’s never been able to do anything about. Her eyes are completely white. Often when she goes undercover she has to wear contacts to avoid detection.

Techno nods

‘It’s very you’ 

Queen smiles at him to show her thanks, before her smile drops a bit.

‘I’m afraid I come bearing bad news’

Techno glances at Phil, who is staring off into space, seemingly deep in thought. He looks back at Queen.

‘Alright, what’s up? Is it about the villains meeting you reported in?’

They nodded.

‘Yeah. It’s also about Callahan’, She said slowly, trying to gauge his reaction.

Techno didn’t say anything, so she continued.

‘Nightmare has a plan on how to track down Callahan, a pretty good one I might add. He called in some of his alias today to share this plan’

Techno paused for a minute.

‘What did The Eye have to say?’

‘He never right out said it, but it was heavily implied. Their plan will work. It’s already been set into motion. There was nothing I could do’, 

Phil suddenly re-entered the discussion.

‘Who was at the meeting?’

Queen glanced at him.

‘Apart from myself, Nightmare and The Eye there was Hook, Joker, some of Nightmare's men, and the original leader's son. It is still unclear if he is there by choice.’

Queens body language suddenly changed and they reached into their bag.

‘I remembered to bring his file with me this time. Take a look for yourselves’

Phil took the file as he was closer.

Techno watched his eyes roam the page, taking in all the information. He paused, eyebrows scrunched together in confusion.

‘Hey, mate. Isn’t this the kid from the station?’ He asked.

Phil turned the file so that Techno could see.

It took him a minute to register what he was seeing, but Phile was ultimately right.

The photo that accompanied the file very clearly showed the kid from the station, the same kid who showed up for the job interviews the other day.

Well that’s not good

‘Wait, do you guys know him?’

Techno nodded.

‘Yeah, the other day we were called out. Some kid had gotten visited by Nightmare. This kid. And he then showed up for the interviews the other day.’

Techno turned to Phil

‘How was the kid looking for the job?’

Phil thought for a second.

‘He got pretty high scores, but he wasn’t going to be put forward for the position. He’s a full time student at the moment, The Council aren’t looking for part time workers at this time.’

Techno and Queen shared a look

‘We’re going to have to keep a closer eye on this kid. Get Awesamdude and Mage in here”

Queen chuckled a little.

‘Oh, Mage is going to be so pleased that you are going to interrupt his date night’

*Mage’s POV

Sapnap put down the phone and looked over to where his date, and surprise guest, were still joking about something absurd. 

Something about frogs in tophats? 

Sapnap shook his head and walked back over to the table.

Quackity heard him coming, so looked over. His smile fell a bit when he saw Sapnaps face.

‘Work calls?’ He guessed

Sapnap nodded

‘Sorry. Something unexpected came up and they want me back at the tower.’

Quackity nods

‘Alright. We got some of our date at least, we can reschedule. I’ll make sure he gets home safe’ Quackity nods over to where Karl seems to be having a sugar rush of sorts. He was laughing…. at nothing?

Sapnap nods. ‘Good idea. Text me when you’re home safe’

Sapnap made his way over to a waiter and asked for the check. When he returned after paying it, he found Quackity trying to convince Karl to stand up and that no, the floor won’t eat you . 

Sapnap mentally made a note to get a drug test for Karl.

He pulled out a pad of paper and wrote a quick note before walking over to help Quackity get Karl up.

When they finally managed it, Sapnap handed the folded up note to Karl.

‘Do not read it, give it to Gremlin next time you see him’ he said.

Karl, in all his silliness, did a wonky mock salute with both hands with a giant smile on his face.

Good god

What am I getting myself into?

They all walked out together, but when they left the diner they went in separate directions. 

Before they separated Sapnap offered Quackity good luck with Karl.

To which Quackity respond with a ‘Thanks, I don’t know where he lives’

Neither think he’ll be able to get that information out of Karl, so Quackity was in for a long night.

Sapnap turned and started to walk towards the first district, it would be faster than waiting for the train.

On the walk he started to wonder what was so important that he was called back in so late.

*Tommy’s POV

Tommy was still in a stand-off with the mystery person. Neither had moved.

Tommy didn’t want to turn around and risk starting a fight he couldn’t win, so he was hoping to wait for backup. For Purpled.

Where is he?

Just as he thought this, he was tackled to the ground and his fight or flight response kicked in.

Fight won.

He started to punch, scratch and kick anything that he could. He might have even started biting if it wasn’t for his mask.

‘Oi, Red. Calm down, it's just me!’

Tommy realized that he recognised the voice. It wasn’t Purpleds, but it was familiar.

He also realized that his eyes were shut, and started to feel quite silly.

How was I gonna win that if I couldn’t see the enemy?

He stopped fighting and opened his eyes.

What he saw shocked him.

‘There you are. Sorry I didn’t contact you sooner, but backup has arrived’ The familiar voice said.

When Tommy got over his initial shock, he sent one good kick to the gut of this fucker .

The ‘backup’ toppled over with a groan

‘Real nice Red, real nice’ He said, holding his gut.

‘What are you doing here?’ He hissed, but he couldn’t actually find it in him to be mad.

‘Haven’t you seen the amount of heroes crawling around? No one’s supposed to be out alone! Didn’t Callahan warn you?!’ 

Tommy took a second to take in his appearance. 

His gear and suit looked better from last time Tommy saw him, which wouldn’t be hard he supposed.

‘I thought you retired, Manifold ’

Manifold put his hands up with a smile.

‘Hey, you caught me. I couldn’t stay away for long. Plus, who was I to deny Callahan?’

‘It’s been like two years! That feels like a long time’ 

Manifold just shrugs

'1 Years and 4 months, actually'

He pauses for a minute before opening his mouth to say something else, probably something stupid, but he doesn’t get the chance, since he is suddenly tackled by none other than Purpled.

Who came out of seemingly nowhere.

Purple stood up, dusting off his pants.

‘Apologies for that, Gremlin wanted to do that, but couldn’t. So I did his bidding’

Manifold lay on the ground for a little longer, seemingly trying to catch his breath.

‘Nice to see you too’ He says as he sits up.

‘So, what’s the news? Why were you gone for so long? Didn’t Callahan say that your injuries weren’t that bad?’ Purpled got right into the questioning

‘No hello? No, how are you Malifold? No Nice to see you? Nothing?’

‘Hello, what the fuck happened?’

Tommy jumped in.

Manifold sent him a tight smile.

‘Fine. It turned out that my injuries were worse than originally suspected. Turns out almost being blown up leaves a lasting impact. Who would have thought?’

Purpled snorts 

‘I’m guessing you’re all good now?’

Manifold nods

‘Yeah, if given the choice I would have taken another few months. I still don’t have full motor range back yet, but Callahan made things sound bad. He thought you guys needed another set of hands. So, here I am’

‘Gremlin is so going to go full Parent mode on you’ Tommy joked

From what could be seen of Manifold's face, paled.

‘What? Is that new?’

‘Yep’

‘God, I am doomed’

‘You sure are’

‘Thinking about that’ Purpled pulls another earpiece from one of the many pockets in his gear.

‘Gremlin makes everyone carry a spare, just in case. I have been, not so nicely, ordered to give this one to you. Good luck friend’  

Manifold makes a scared noise, while Tommy cackles

From a little bits away, a figure creeped away, unnoticed by any of the vigilantes.

*Quackity’s POV

Well

Quackity is having an interesting night

So far he has had to stop Karl from jumping into two ponds

Because no, you can’t live with the fishies 

He has also had to drag Karl away from 5 different shops, ‘cause there is no way in hell Quackity is going to let Karl get his hands on another Monster tonight.

Now, Quackity and Karl are walking aimlessly around the district waiting for Karl to remember where he lived.

‘Do you live in a house? An apartment? Do you even live in this district ?’

 ‘....I have a plant? His name is Mr. Prickles!’ 

Quackity sighs

‘That wouldn’t be because he’s a cactus, right?’

Karl nodded with a giant smile

‘How about your front door? Do you remember a number? Or even the colour?’ 

Karl shakes his head

‘No!’

Quackity sighs softly, checking his phone for the time.

4a.m.

Well fuck

*Mage’s POV

Sapnap stared at the file he was handed.

Suddenly everything made sense 

Tubbo not wanting to tell Sapnap how he knew Nightmare

He stared at the photo, already having decided that he couldn’t be doing any of this in his own free will.

Nightmare must have something on him

The question is just what

He looked back up to the other inhabitants of the room.

‘What’s the plan?’

Crow spoke up. ‘Well, we can’t give him the job. That had already been decided before we got this information. But we have to keep a close eye on this kid. Which is where you come in’ He directed the last bit at Awesamdude.

‘We can offer him an apprenticeship with you. That way we can keep an eye on him, and he will get to do something towards his degree. Do you think you can do that?’

Awesamdude thought for a minute

‘He seems like a smart kid. I could definitely organize that. Just let me know when to set it up’

Crow nods ‘Good. That’s good.’

Blade looked at Queen. ‘Can you tell us what you learned at the meeting?’

The Queen makes a sound of confirmation.

Just as she started to talk, Sapnap received a text.

Evil Mastermind With Wings

> Got home safe

 

Stupid Fire Boy

> Good

> What about Karl?

> Is he home safe now as well?

 

Evil Mastermind With Wings

> You could say that

Sapnap put away his phone to listen to the report.

‘Nightmare was informing his allies of his plan to take down everyone. The heroes, the vigilantes, anyone who opposes him. He didn’t give us all the details, he wouldn’t want to risk anyone banding against him and picking apart the plan.’

She took a breath

‘So he just told us the first step: Get Callahan. He believes that if he can get Callahan on his side, he’ll be unstoppable. And, I hate to admit it, but his plan on how to do that was pretty rock solid.’

They took a glance around the room

‘He somehow found out that the vigilantes have an emergency contact for Callahan. He was able to put a track onto any calls going outside of the walls, there aren’t many to begin with. He monitors these calls.’

Queen sighs

‘He got information that the vigilantes were going to contact Callahan soon. When they do, they will unintentionally be giving Nightmare Callahan's location.’

The room was very quiet

‘It’s probably already too late’

Chapter Text

*Tommy’s POV

The front door of their new apartment slammed open, making Ranboo, who was putting groceries away, jump. A feral Tubbo stood in the doorframe, a wild look in his eyes.

‘It’s Halloween tonight. Two words; Matching. Costumes’, Tommy has never heard such horrifying words in his life.

Ranboo clears his throat. ‘Why? Must we?’

‘YES!’ Tubbo states, as if it was obvious

‘It’s Tommy’s first Halloween with us. We must be the embarrassing best friends! It is our duty ’

Toomy really doesn’t like the sound of this

Ranboo sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose, looking like a disappointed parent.

Tommy stand awkwardly to the side, wondering what the fuck is happening.

‘What would we even dress up as?’ Ranboo tries to reason

‘Heroes, duh’ Tubbo rolls his eyes and crosses his arms, just like every other teenager who’s in their rebellious phase. 

‘There will be lots of people dressing up as heroes though’ Tommy jumps in on Ranboo’s side.

‘Then we won’t be traditional heroes’ Tubbo shrug

Ranboo and Tommy glance to each other questionably 

‘Tubbo, buddy… What do you mean?’ Ranboo asks carefully

‘We make our own heroes! Create our own hero names, and costumes. What we believe we would be like if we were heroes’ Tubbo explains his thought process

Oh no

That’s not good

Tommy goes to object, but falls silent when Ranboo fucking betrays him ‘Oh, that actually sounds like fun’ they smile. Tommy deflates.

‘Great! Let’s go’ Tubbo marches back out the door, pointing a finger in front of him like the twat he is.

Ranboo dropped what he was doing immediately and followed Tubbo enthusiastically, while Tommy followed behind and locked the door behind him.

The next 2 hours were spent buying clothing and fabric scraps. Tubbo even disappeared for an hour and came back with a bag that they weren’t allowed to see the contents of.

That’s not concerning

Not at all

After an hour Tommy got into the spirit and stopped sulking.

With clothing (and mystery items) purchased they all rushed home and started putting it all together. Tubbo finished his costume first so disappeared into the room with the bag.

It was a tight squeeze, but they got everything made by 9p.m. 

Now it was just time to see what Tubbo made-

‘What the fuck are those?’ Tommy says a bit louder then intended, staring wide-eyed at the goggles Tubbo was holding.

In truth, he knew what they were, but how did Tubbo get them?

‘Night vision goggles’, Tubbo says, pride in his voice

Ranboo is frozen in shock

‘You broke him’ Tommy scolds Tubbo, who doesn’t seem to care. At all. He proceeds to throw one of the weird goggles at Tommy, and lays down another on the table for Ranboo.

‘Would not recommend putting them on right now, will hurt your eyes with these lights’ Tubbo says, slipping his around his neck.

Tommy rolls his eyes ‘Knew that. Do you really think so lowly of me?’

Tubbo gives him a ‘really’ look, as Ranboo picks up the goggles to inspect them.

‘Need I remind you that you tried to cook a mini pizza in the toaster just 2 nights ago?’ Tubbo asks with a raised eyebrow.

Tommy splutters ‘It was an honest mistake!’ 

‘My toaster will never be the same again!’

Ranboo jumps into the conversation ‘Don’t mess with Tubbos toast’ he advised

‘I gathered’ Tommy says unamused 

Tubbo looked at his watch ‘Nearly show time boys, and we still have one very important thing to do’ There was a mischievous shine to his eyes.

‘Which is?’ Ranboo pressed

‘Names. We need Hero names’ 

Tommy and Ranboo glanced at each other, before nodding in agreement.

‘Alright, what were you thinking?’ Tommy looks back at Tubbo

Tubbo smiles ‘I’m Techmaster200’ He says proudly

The other two look at him blankly

‘Ok’ Tommy drags out. ‘Ranboo?’

They take a minute to think, before speaking up ‘Purple Eyes?’ they say, not very sure of themself. ‘Well it’s better then fucking ‘Techmaster200’’ Tommy says deadpan

Tubbo huffs ‘Let’s hear it then, what is your hero name?’

Tommy is silent, brainstorming. He spent a few minutes debating a few options, before finally deciding 

‘Ray’

‘Ray?’

‘Ray’ Tommy nods, locking in his decision.

Tubbo smiles, amused ‘Why Ray?’

‘Because people keep saying I’m a ‘Ray of Sunshine’.’

‘Who?’ Ranboo chuckles

‘Idiots’ Tommy shrugs ‘But no better ideas, so Ray it is’ 

Tubbo nods ‘Well, alright then. So, we have Techmaster200, Purple Eyes, and… Ray’ 

Ranboo and Tubbo burst into giggles, while Tommy rolls his eyes

‘Yeah, alright. Laugh it up’ he says with a smile

Tubbo suddenly stops laughing, with a gasp ‘We should go out now!’ He says excited 

Tommy raises an eyebrow ‘Right now? Isn’t it a bit early?’

‘Nope. It’s already 9p.m!’ Tubbo jumps up ‘I’mma get into my gear’, he races out of the room. Only to return a few seconds later, realising that his costume was still sitting on the table.

Tommy looked over at Ranboo, who just shrugged. They ended up also getting changed, taking turns in the bathroom.

By the time Tommy was done, Tubbo was in his costume, jumping up and down excited by the door. Ranboo, also in costume already, was standing next to him looking like a tired parent.

Tubbo’s smile brightened when he saw Tommy

‘Let’s go cause mayhem!’ He yelled at the top of his lungs, causing Ranboo to jump and shush him

‘Tubbo! Our neighbours are going to think we’re crazy!’ they scold 

Tubbo cackles like a mad-man ‘Oh but Ranboo, we are crazy!’, with that he bolts out the front door, still cackling 

Ranboo sighs, and sends Tommy a look. Tommy shugs ‘Best we follow him, huh?’ 

The two follow Tubbo out, not as enthusiastically.

It took about 5 minutes, but they did refind Tu-

Techmaster200…

They did find Techmaster200 again, by a convenience store. He looked over at them, eyes shining with mischief. Tommy is sure that if Tubbo wasn’t wearing that wonky mask, he would also see a giant smile.

‘Ray! Purple Eyes!’ He calls out to them. ‘Our first mission! Acquire candy!’, He points back to the store

‘I had put some money aside just for such an occasion!’ He says happily, walking into the store, forcing Ray and Purple Eyes to follow him.

20 minutes later they found themselves in a random park, just strolling around, laughing and eating chocolate. 

There weren’t many people in the park, perfect time for exploring. 

The three had only just recently moved into the area and still needed to get acquainted with it.

As they are walking, Techmaster200 randomly comes to a halt, pointing in front of them. 

Ray and Purple Eyes stop, glancing back at him. Thanks to the night vision goggles they can see him fine in the dark park.

‘All good there Techmaster200?’ Ray calls out. He finds the name very entertaining, and loves to say it.

Techmaster200 continues pointing. “Second mission gang, we must have that bench’, he said seriously. It was only then the other two noticed the bench Techmaster200 was pointing at.

‘And… Why must we have that bench? We don’t need a bench… Do we?’ Purple Eyes looks over at Ray questionably.

“No time for such questions” Techmaster200 runs past them towards the bench, and starts examining the way it was bolted to the ground. He tuts

‘Bolted to the ground? You would think they don’t trust us! Nevermind that now’ He pulls a tool kit out.

Where did he get it? 

Your guess is as good as mine.

Purple Eyes and Ray hurry over to him, not wanting to stand around looking like idiots. ‘Pretty sure this is illegal Techmaster200’ Purple Eyes says nervously.

‘Where’s your sense of adventure?’ Ray playfully jabs, egging Techmaster200 on. 

‘Left it at home’ Purple Eyes grumbled, looking around. He was paranoid, thinking that any minute now a hero would show up…

No, more like a cop. 

They wouldn’t send a hero out to deal with 3 teenagers stealing a park bench.

That would be silly

‘Would you just hurry up?’ they ask, looking worried

‘Calm down Purple Eyes’ Techmaster200 says, moving on to the bolts on the second leg.

‘We are actively breaking the law’ He hisses back, looking nervous

‘Heroes do it all the time. As do police’, Ray says with a shrug. That makes them quiet down.

Techmaster200 , after like 10 minutes, gets the bench free, and looks over at them happily.

‘Help me lift it!’

The two approach him, both grabbing one end and hauling it up.

‘Now what?’ Ray asks, arms getting a bit sore.

‘I… Didn’t think that far ahead’ Techmaster200 admits, holding up the backrest.

So now they are three teenagers, dressed up as heroes, standing in a dark park, holding a stolen bench. Great.

‘Will we just take it home?’ Ray suggests 

‘I guess?’

‘Ok, answer me this. How are we getting it up all those stairs without anyone seeing us?’ Purple Eyes askes, sounding annoyed.

They’re silent for a moment

‘You raise a fair point, Boob boy’

As they are all silently pondering what to do next, a sudden scream cuts through the mostly silent night, causing them all to jump, dropping the bench on Purple Eyes' foot.

They yelp, and unintentionally teleports the bench off their foot.

Towards the scream.

They all watch in horror as the bench re-appears in the sky, and comes crashing down on some guy dressed as Pikachu.

It takes them a minute to realise what happened, finally snapping out of it when a young female yells out a thank you and runs off.

They

They just saved someone from… something? Kidnapping? It was something.

Suddenly, Techmaster200 crouches down and runs around like that, cackling like a mad man again.

Purple Eyes looks very pale ‘Did I just kill someone?’ He rushes over to the bench and unconscious Pikachu. 

Ray looks between his two roommates, before following Purple Eyes, who just teleported the bench off the guy. Who was thankfully still alive. Just unconscious.

Purple Eyes breathes a sigh of relief, falling back to sit on the ground

‘Thank god’ He mutters under his breath. 

Ray pats his shoulder, Techmasters cackles still flying in the air as he…. Does whatever he’s doing. Ray chooses to not question it.

Suddenly, a figure appears behind them and they look back at it.

Callahan.

Renowned vigilante, only member left of the originals. Ray felt himself growing nervous.

Callahan looks between the teenagers, and the unconscious Pikachu. 

He holds up his hand, palm up, words appear

[WELL DONE. I HAVE BEEN HUNTING THIS GUY FOR A FEW WEEKS]

He compliments, the teen blink back at him 

[CONGRATS ON THE LOUD MESSAGE YOU SENT ON YOUR FIRST PATROLLS. I CAN TELL YOU WILL ALL MAKE GOOD VIGILANTES. I HOPE WE WILL ALL GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE]

And just like that, he was gone.

Ray and Purple Eyes blink a few more times, confused.

Techmaster approaches them, breathing heavily. ‘Crazy first halloween’ he says brightly, having no idea what just happened.

Next Day

“Last night, three new vigilantes were spotted in Nevada Park. The public has nicked this team The Bench Trio, after they were seen throwing a bench to save a young girl from being kidnapped”

Tommy put down the newspaper, a bit pale

‘Uh, guys? You need to see this!’ He calls out to his roommates, holding up the newspaper.

They enter the room, Ranboo taking the paper and reading it aloud for Tubbo.

“- These vigilantes have already received their public names. ‘Portal’, who it was obvious, is some kind of Enderman hybrid. Our second vigilante was given the name ‘Red’, while our third bench trio member was named ‘Gremlin’. Witnesses stated that ‘Gremlin’ “Was running around, laughing like a crazy person. While distracted, Callahan approached the other two and shared some words before disappearing into the night again.” It is still unknown-” 

Ranboo stops reading, also looking pale.

‘Oh god, are we vigilantes now???’ They sound panicked. Tubbo is quiet, strangely so. Tommy looks over at him

‘Tubs? All good buddy?’

Tubbo looked up at him, anger in eyes ‘They fucking named me Gremlin’

The other two are silent as Tubbo silently huffs.

Wait

Tommy turns to Ranboo ‘Where did you put the bench?’

Ranboo shrugs ‘Somewhere’

Tommy opens and closes his mouth before sighing ‘Fine’

Chapter Text

A/N

Hey guys! So, apologies for the 3 months I just died. I am now hopefully back.

So, onto the announcement.

It is coming up on the 1 year anniversary of me starting to write this, so I want to write a special chapter for it.

I have some ideas picked out, but I would like to get feedback, a vote.

Idea's;

1. Blade and Chaos first patrol together
2. Blood, Callahan and Pearls first meeting / becoming friends
3. Manifold first spotting / joining vigilantes committee
4. Chaos, Blade and Siren shenanigans. Disappointed father Crow 

Those are the options. Anyone wanting to vote, simply put your vote into the comments (please keep it to just this chapter. Votes on other chapters won't be counted. 1 vote per person)

***Voting closes on November 15th , 23:59 GMT

I would also like to mention that there will be a normal chapter out very soon, it will be out before the 1 year special.

Also, I will not be scraping the ideas that don't win the vote. They will be stored away for future chapters

Thank you for reading this Authors note, I really appreciate it.

Side Note. If there are any other scenes that you would like to see written out, pop those into the comments as well. They shall be added to the list of filler/special chapters :)

Chapter Text

*Blades POV

The room was silent. Queen's last words echoing in everyone's head. 

‘It’s probably already too late’

Techno felt his blood run cold

‘You said the kid was there? Gremlin has gotten information from him in the past, maybe he’ll track down a vigilante and tell them’ 

He directed it towards Queen, who shook her head sadly.

‘That’s another thing. Nightmare used his powers to force the kid to get lost in thoughts. He has no idea about the plan’

Techno cursed quietly under his breath.

‘But, Hook is at this moment tracking down Red to tell him. Even if it’s too late, they can still be prepared’ 

‘That’s good’ Phil agreed

Awsamdude left the room saying something about making the arrangements to have Tubbo come in for an apprenticeship.

That left Phil, Techno, Queen, and Mage in the room

Techno glanced around at them all, noting how tired they all looked.

‘Let’s call it a night, we can work out a plan later. Queen, I’ll send word to you when we have a plan.’

Mage was the first one to leave the room, Techno saw him pulling out his phone while he was leaving.

*Quackity’s POV

Quackity slumped into a chair with a tired sigh, he closed his eyes for a second trying to get a little peace

Nope

Something crashes to the ground behind him

“Sorry!”

Quackity pinches the bridge of his nose, sitting up and turning to look at Karl, who just sent a book falling off the table

Karl smiled at him, before getting distracted by something else in the room, and wondering off 

Quackity kept a close eye on him to make sure he didn’t break anything.

He took a second to look at his phone, to let Sapnap know that he’s home

Rookie mistake

‘Hey! Don’t touch that’ He scolds the second he looks back at Karl

‘What? Why not?’

‘It’s a knife’

‘But… it looks cool’

‘I know, just-’ He took a breath ‘No touchy’

Karl pouted, but did take his hand away from the knife and sat on the couch.

Quackity watched with a careful eye, suspicious of the lack of a fight. How could he handle villain work, but not handle a crazy vigilante?

‘Can you remember anything about where you live yet?’ He asked carefully.

‘No’

Quackity sighed. ‘Alright. I have a spare room, you can stay the night. We’ll work something out in the morning’

‘What about Mr. Prickles? Who’s going to water him?’

‘I’m sure that Mr. Prickles will be fine for one night’

Karl pouts a bit, but doesn’t continue the conversation. He sits quietly.

Quackity sighs and looks back at his phone for a few seconds. 

…

‘PUT THE KNIFE DOWN!’

Karl grumbles, and drops the knife back where it was.

*Ranboos POV

The last thing Ranboo expected to hear when he entered his apartment was his roommate cursing out a cleaning product.

‘IT SAID ‘KILLS 99.99% OF GERMS’, BUT IT CAN’T FUCKING GET BIRD SHIT OFF MY MASK’ 

Ranboo stared in the direction of the bathroom as they closed the front door behind them and dropped their bag on the floor.

‘Tommy? All good in there buddy?’ He calls out a bit hesitant 

‘NO! A FUCKING BIRD SHAT ON MY MASK’

Ranboo fights to keep a straight face and makes his way into the bathroom. There he was greeted with the sight of Tommy, still in his gear, sitting by the tub, sleeves rolled up and scrubbing at his mask. 

Ranboo crosses his arms and leans against the doorframe, failing to hide his amusement now. Tommy looked over at him and huffed ‘Bitch’

‘I said nothin’’ Ranboo holds his hands up in mock surrender.

‘You didn’t need to say anything, your expression screams what you're thinking’, he grumbles, going back to scrubbing the mask.

Ranboo pauses ‘What?’

‘You have a very expressional face boob boy’ Tommy says off-handedly.

Ranboo opens and closes his mouth, before deciding against commenting. He had other things to discuss with Tommy anyway.

They clear their throat ‘I’m going to look for a new job’ they announce. Tommy stops in his scrubbing to look over at him ‘But yo love that job, why-’ a pause ‘Oh, right. Sorry”, Ranboo nods too. Now that he’s free of Nightmare, he’s going to move jobs, hopefully Nightmare won’t get to him again. 

‘Do you have any ideas yet?’ Tommy started to scrub again. ‘I was thinking your firm? You did always say that you were low on staff’

‘An office job? No offense Boo, but you’re not fitted for an office job. Retail is where you are supposed to be’ Tommy says, tone soft as he rinses his mask under the water.

Ranboo is silent for a bit, he was thinking the same thing. 

‘If you have any suggestions, my ears are open’ Ranboo decides.

Tommy thinks it over for a minute.

‘I have a friend, her roommate owns a bakery. Word has it she needs extra hands in the back’

Ranboo blinks ‘Oh, that’s actually perfect’

Tommy stands, wiping his hands off on his trousers ‘I’ll go get her contact info for you’

*Tubbo’s POV (next day)

Tubbos leg bounced nervously as he stared at the email in his folder. It came in 10 minutes ago, and he couldn’t bring himself to open it yet.

Purpled was standing at the door, watching him.

‘It’s not going to bite your head off’ he broke the silence

‘We never know, maybe it has a virus attached to it that gets activated when I open it’ Tubbo says, tilting his head as he looks at his screen.

Purpled scoff ‘Alright, that’s enough’ he walks into the room and grabs the laptop.

Tubbo goes to object but it dies in his throat as Purple reads.

‘Mr Underscore,

We are sorry to inform you that your resume is no longer being considered. We thank you for taking the time to apply.

We would like to extend an invitation to you on behalf of Awesamdude, who has invited you to complete an apprenticeship with him.

Please come down the tower to let him know your decision.

Heroes Hq’

Purpled looks up from the screen

‘There, problem solved.’

Tubbo looks shocked “They offered me an apprenticeship?’ he reaches for his laptop, which Purpled hands back 

‘That’s what the email said. Are you going to do it?’

Tubbos eyes dance over the typing 

‘Hell yeah, I can’t pass this up’

He glances back at Purpled

‘What about you? Have you gotten a response on your application yet?’

Purpled sits on the table ‘I have, application accepted. I start on Monday’

Tubbos eyes light up ‘No way!’

Purpled smiles a bit and nods ‘Yeah, it came in a few hours ago. Hey, how about we go down to the tower together? I need to get my badge anyway’

‘You get a badge?’ Tubbo tilts his head ‘And yeah, we can go over together’

‘Yeah, so I can get into the building without reception. Want to go over now?’

They decide to go right at that moment, ‘cause surely that’s a great idea.

*Sapnaps POV (night before)

Sapnap opens the door to the apartment, and is greeted with… something

‘NO, PUT THE DAMN BOMB DOWN!’

Honestly, not the weirdest things he’s come home to his boyfriend screaming. There was something about a sentient potato eating pasta while staring at him?
Turn out he had a nightmare and needed to talk it out with a stuffed bear, who he later gutted because ‘it looked at me funny’

Now, just to figure out what this bomb was, and who Quackity was speaking to. Or rather, yelling at.

He pauses at the door

‘Oh, hi Karl’ he sends a confused look to Quackity, silently asking what Karl was doing in their appartment. Quackity just sent him a tired look back

‘HI SApnap!’ Karl greeted enthusiastically

‘He never remembered where he lived’ was the only explanation Sapnap got from Quackity

‘And what’s this I heard about a bomb? Should I be worried?’ his eyes racked the room, trying to figure out what unseeming object was a bomb. With Quackity’s power, it was a normal occurrence.

‘Oh, don’t worry about that! but also, you should be worried. Very worried’

Sapnap raised a brow, but decides to not question it any further for now.

‘Alright’

*Tubbos POV (present time)

They went to the tower together, like they said they would. Purpled wanders off pretty fucking fast though, leaving Tubbo to fend for himself.

Luckily, no elevator trips this time around

‘Kid?’ Tubbo jumps slightly at the voice.

Mage was standing behind him, a serious look in his eyes

‘We need to talk’

Chapter Text

*Techno’s POV

Techno sat on the couch just doing his own thing as Wilbur opened a cabinet.

‘Techno, why do we have so much bird feed?’ Wilbur questioned, looking over his shoulder at Techno, holding a bag of bird feed in each hand.

Techno looked up from his book ‘Oh, that’s from my time on the street. Being friends with the birds was very helpful when escaping heroes’ he shrugged, looking back at his book

Wilbur dropped both bags on the counter “Is that why birds keep attacking me?’

Techno snorts ‘Oh yeah, sorry ‘bout that’, he did not sound sorry

Before their conversation could continue, the peace was broken by a feral child

The door bounced off the wall with a loud crack, making both Wilbur and Techno wince

‘I demand revenge!’ Phantom yells

Wilbur leans back in the counter ‘Who did what?’

Phantom huffed and crossed his arms, pouting like a child.

‘Phil’

Wilbur and Techno exchanged a look. What did Phil do to make Phantom demand revenge?

‘And, what has Phil done?’ Wilbur asks carefully, like he was speaking to a wild animal who could pounce at any minute

‘He grounded me’

Silence

‘The horror’ Techno says deadpan, going back to his book

Before Phantom could tackle Techno, Wilbur stepped in

‘Oh now, that just isn’t on. Here I’ll help you get back at Phil, unlike some people’

Phantom looked over at Wilbur ‘Thank you Wilbur, you’re a real one’ he sends a dirty look at Techno, who just snorts

‘Ok, ok. I apologize. I’ll help you out. What did you have in mind?’

‘A prank’

‘A prank? What type?’

‘The funny type’

Wilbur and Techno cast a glance at each other ‘uh-huh, anymore information there buddy?’

Phantom huffs, throwing himself down on the couch beside Techno

‘That’s the problem, I don’t have any good inspiration!’

Techno looks back at his book ‘Well, you let us know when you have an idea’

Wilbur stands there silently, still holding the bird feed. His grip tightened

‘Hey guys? I think I might have something’

Techno and Phantom looked over at him questionably

‘Let’s get Phil some kids’ Wilbur smirks, holding up the bird feed

‘Who’s idea was this again?’ Wilbur asks as he hangs upside down out of a window of the 20th floor of the heroes tower. Only thing that keeps him from plummeting to his death was Techno’s uninterested grip on his ankles

‘Yours’ Techno says, as he continues to read his book, which he is holding in one hand. The other hand is gripping both o Wilburs ankles

‘This better be fucking worth it’ Wilbur grumbles as he takes another fistfull of bird feed and throws it into the room bellow, which was Phils room.

Suddenly the door opens, revealing Phil, who took one look at the pair and sighed.

‘Techno, why are you dangling your brother out the window?’ he asks, voice exasperated

Technos eyes flicker up, a warm feeling in his chest at the brother comment.

‘Me and Wil were just having some issues, so he’s in time-out. Nothing to worry about Phil’ Techno waved him off, almost letting go of Wilburs feet

‘I WILL FUCKING MURDER YOU TECHNOBLADE!’ Wilbur's voice screeches from out the window.

‘Ah you big baby, I won’t drop you’ Techno rolls his eyes, looking back at Phil, who seemed like he’d aged 20 years in the space of 10 seconds.

‘Techno, let him up’ Phil says, rubbing his face

Techno decides that that is probably a good idea and pulls Wilbur up through that window again.

When he is back on steady ground, he looks quite pale and is hugging the bird food close to his chest

‘Never. Again’ he says, looking lowkey traumatized

Phils eyes narrow in on the bird feed

‘Why do you have bird feed?’

Techno clears his throat as Wilbur goes to sit down ‘Well, funny story that Phil’

Phil hold up a hand ‘Nevermind, I don’t want to know’

Phil turns around to leave and Techno smirks

Not the best idea Phil

*Phantoms POV

As per the instruction of both Wilbur and Techno, Phantom stayed in his room while they completed stage one of the prank.

He sat on his bed, knee bouncing anxiously

It had all been a ploy really, he didn't mind Phil grounding him. It felt nice to have someone care about him enough to stop him from doing stupid shit.

Really, he just wanted a distraction from everything happening. Sleep was betraying everyone, and no one knew. It was only a matter of time till he sent his hitman after Phantom.

Phantom would have to disappear, he can’t let his secret get out. It was bad enough that Ponk knew.

He bit his lip hard, thoughts going a million miles per hour.

His door slid open, breaking his thoughts. Wilbur stumbled in like a drunk man, collapsing on Phantom's bed next to him.

‘All good there Wil?’ Phantom teases, poking his side

‘No’ Wilbur groaned, pushing his palms into his eyes ‘Techno had me hanging out a window on the 20th floor’

Phantom immediately felt bad, Wilbur was terrified of heights. No matter how much he would deny it and put on a brave face while on patrol

‘Sorry’

Wilbur pulled himself up, punching Phantom's shoulder ‘Nothing to be sorry about, all in the name of the prank, huh?’

Wilburs eyes soften a bit seeing the expression on Phantom's face.

‘This isn’t about being grounded by Phil though, is it?’ he asked lightly

When Phantom didn’t respond, he pushed again

‘Want to tell me about it? I promise I won’t judge. You can tell me anything and it’ll stay between us’

Phantom shrugs

‘I dunno, I guess it just occurred to me that I won’t be able to do stupid pranks like these forever. There’ll come a time when the Council will expect me to be professional’

Wilbur snorts ‘The council can keep their thoughts to themselves, them and their stupid new vine earrings. What are up with those?’ Wilbur chuckles, making Phantom smile a bit under his mask

Phantom snorts ‘yeah I know, they’re so weird. Don’t want to join that club’

I really don’t

Wilbur pats his shoulder ‘come on then, phase one is already in motion, we don’t want to miss this’

With some convincing, Phantom got up and they left the room together.

A duo which would usually never be silent, the air around them was tense and uncomfortable. or at least, to Phantom it was.

Wilbur had tried to make conversation, a few attempts at a joke, but it all was dropped by Phantom's unenthusiasm. As the silence stretched on, Wilbur started to get worried.

Maybe a different approach?

‘Say, Phantom. Will you ever show us your face?’ he asked, trying to sound casual.

Phantom jumped ‘Uh- I dunno…. Why?’

Wilbur shrugs ‘It’s just, you know, you’re like my little brother, but it feels like I don’t truly know you. I’ve never seen your face, heard your real voice, or even know your name’ he looks over at Phantom

‘I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable, I was just curious’

It worked to some degree, Phantom was actually talking to him again.

To be honest, Wilbur isn’t buying that bullcrap about Phantom being scared of maturing. He’s been acting off for months now.

Since just before….

Since just before the first hero was found dead

‘Wait, are you afraid that you’ll be targeted?’ Wilbur suddenly asks. not letting Phantom have time to answer his first question.

Phantom didn’t need to be told what Wilbur was talking about, everyone knew. ‘Of course I think I’ll be targeted’ he huffs ‘I am the number three hero.’

That doesn’t do anything to ease Wilburs nerves, normally Phantom would pull a joke. There were no jokes.

‘And as for your first question Wilbur, no. ‘Cause if I ever reveal my face I fear you would grow too self-conscious to go into public, having such a sexy, handsome little brother’

There was evidence of a smirk on his voice, and upon closer inspection, Wilbur could see mischief flashing through Phantom's eyes.

Wilbur sighed in relief, that was better.

He pulled Phantom into a headlock and messed up his hair, ignoring the squacks of anger coming from the gremlin.

‘whatever you say Ray’ he teases, letting Phantom out of the headlock and watching amused as he attempts to fix his hair

‘I really wish you would stop calling me that’ he grumbles as they continue walking.

Wilbur snorts ‘I could start calling you ‘sunshine’, how would you like that?’ he pokes Phantoms side

Phantom grows quiet ‘Fine, Ray it is’, Wilbur woopes, punching a fist into the air.

Under his mask, Phantom smiles softly

Please, let this last longer. Just a little longer

*Phils POV

It was creeping up on 9pm before Phil got back from his last meeting of the day. He felt drained, physically and mentally.

All he wanted to do was sleep.

Then the birds struck.

Phil stood in the entrance to his room, staring in with shock.

There was a murder of crows in his room, all staring back at him.

Phil couldn’t even begin to say how many there were in the small room

he’s not sure how long he stands there before turning and walking away

Nope, I am not dealing with this shit today

Only issue?

They followed

A hundred something crows, following him down the hallway

He walked straight to the common room, where he found the people he swears are the culprits.

Techno was over on the couch with a book, while the other two were at the table playing a game of uno

‘Uh, Phil? Why are you- why are there like a million crows following you?’ Phantom asks with a confused laugh, making Wilbur look up from his hand and Techno drag his gaze away from a book.

‘Why don’t you tell me?’ Phil crossed his arms, and tried to ignore it when one of the crows jumped onto his hat and yelled in his ear.

Tried being the key word

‘You take that back!’ he gasped at the crow on his hat

His outburst was ignored as more crows hop onto him and start yelling

The others found this very funny, well, Techno had the good sense to hide his amusement

‘Get rid of them’ Phil pleads, looking between all their faces

‘Are you sure you want them gone Phil? I mean, goddesses love birds’ Techno drawls, hiding a smirk behind his book

Phil pauses ‘I guess they aren’t that bad’ he scratches the back of his neck.

Wilbur snorts ‘It’s decided then, you’ll keep ‘em. So, get to naming’ he waves a hand

Phil thinks for a second, crows all still yelling at him, some even pecking at his clothes

‘Chat’ he says, air of finality

Phantom raises an eyebrow, exchanging a look with Wilbur

‘Like, all of them?’

‘Yes, they won’t shut up, so they are now chat’

He spins on his heel and walks out of the room again, ‘chat’ following closely behind, still screaming

‘That is going to get annoying super fast’ Wilbur says deadpan, Phantom nodding along

‘A prank well done I say’ Phantom says, holding his hand out for a fist bump, Wilbur rolls his eyes but connects his fist with Phantoms.

Techno looks on, unimpressed ‘I have a feeling we’re going to regret this’

*Wilburs POV (That night)

‘Phantom, you really don’t have to do this’ Wilbur says, holding his palms up in a ‘stop’ motion. Was he curious? Hell yeah, that didn’t make it feel any more right though.

They were now standing in Phantom's room, it was just the two of them again. Like old times.

Phantom ignored his words and reached up behind his mask. The distinct noise of a button being pressed filled the room

Wilburs mouth snapped shut at the sound, staring at Phantom wide eyed as he took his hand out from behind his mask, fixing it over his face again.

There’s silence in the room, being broken what felt like hours later by Phantom

‘You said you wanted to hear my real voice’ Phantom says softly, wringing his hands together. A nervous tick.

Wilburs brain stopped working. It was Phantom, he still sounded like him, but his voice was now missing that mechanical sound.

And boy

He sounded so young

too young, way too young

Wilbur swallowed ‘Phantom? I hate to push but… are you old enough to be doing hero work?’

Phantoms eyes dart away from his

‘I can’t tell you. I’m already breaking so many rules by just turning off my voice changer around you’ his voice shook a bit

It sounded so un-Phantom like

Without another thought, Wilbur pulled Phantom into a hug, holding him tightly

‘I’m so sorry’ he said softly, hugging Phantom tighter

‘I can only imagine, they shouldn’t be doing this to you’

That’s all Phantom needed, the waterworks started.

Wilbur closed his eyes and just held Phantom as he shook with silent cries

The whole time Wilbur couldn’t stop thinking.

How young was Phantom?

And, What was happening with The Council

Why would they hire someone so young, and then let them climb so high in the ranks before reaching puberty?

He’s only guessing there, as it sounded like Phantoms voice only recently cracked

But he’s been a hero, or in the heroes program for years

Something is happening, and Wilbur doesn’t like it. Someone hurt his little brother, and he’s pissed .

Chapter Text

*Tubbo’s POV

Tubbo looks at Mage, swallowing the lump in his throat. Something about Mage’s tone made him nervous.

‘I’m actually here to speak with Awesamdude…?’ he says awkwardly, trying to find an out of this situation.

‘Oh, don’t worry. That’s what I wanted to speak with you about’ Mage waved him to follow as he walked towards a door.

Tubbo hesitated a moment before giving in and following Mage into the room.

The door shut with a bang behind him

‘What is this about?’ Tubbo asks nervously

‘I think you have some things you should tell me’ Mage ignores his question completely, sitting down at the table in the small room.

One that looks far too much like an interrogation room.

Tubbo swallows and walks to take a seat as well, facing Mage. ‘What are you talking about?’

Mage tuts ‘This is no time to play dumb kid. You are in great danger by going down this road. So, I am going to offer you two ways this will end’ he paused, keeping eye contact with Tubbo to get his point across

‘I know what your relation with Nightmare is now. As do the rest of the heroes in this building’

Tubbos mouth dried out

‘That’s why the internship was offered to me, wasn’t it? So you could keep a closer eye on me’

Mage nods

‘I am going to offer you two ways this could end. 1, I will take you into protective custody-’

Tubbo didn’t like the sound of that, if he went into protective custody it would become a million times harder to be Gremlin.

‘-or, stick by Phantom Chaos. We know he lives, and we know that you know him. If you stick with him, he will do anything to keep you safe from Nightmare’

Tubbo fiddled with his hands

‘I won’t deny knowing him… I didn’t know I did last time we spoke. It was something that was brought to light recently… we had a bit of a falling out over it’ Tubbo admits quietly

Mage hums, leaning back in his chair ‘Would protective custody work better for you then?’

Tubbo shook his head quickly ‘No, no. I have been meaning to rebuild that bridge, just didn’t know where to start’ he sighs ‘I pick the second option. I will stick with Phantom’

Mage nods ‘Good call’

*Purpleds POV

He watches from the doorway as Tubbo packs up his few bits from the guest room

‘Are you sure you’re ready to go back?’ he askes, watching Tubbos movements as he spins around for a minute, trying to figure out where he left something.

‘Yeah, I’m sure. I can’t be mad at them forever can I?’ Tubbo chuckles, but it sounds forced.

Purpled narrows his eyes at that. Everything had been going fine, they got used to being around each other as civilians, and had just fell into the grove of being roommates.

Then they met up after separating at the heroes tower, and Tubbo suddenly wanted to move back in with his old roommates.

Something happened, but Tubbo wasn’t budging

‘Alright, just remember that you’ll always be welcomed back here if you ever need it’ Purpled said quietly as Tubbo walked past him into the hallway and started to pull his coat on.

‘Thanks Bud, you’re a real one’ Tubbo smiles at him, then the front door shut, leaving Purpled in his apartment.

Alone again, the silence was deafening.

He sighed, shoulders dropping

Time to get back to work.

*Ranboo’s POV

They put down the phone, a smile spreading on their face.

Tommy, who was sitting on the couch, looked over. ‘What you smiling about bitch?’

‘Tubbo’s coming back’

Tommy froze in what he was doing, looking at Ranboo with wide-eyes. He swallowed nervously ‘that was him on the phone, right? Did he say anything about what happened?’

Ranboo shook his head ‘No, he didn’t’

Silence covers the room, the only sound was their upstairs neighbors yelling. About what? Who knows.

Ranboo is the one who breaks the spell

‘He said that he should be back in the next 20 minutes’, he informs somewhat awkwardly. Tommy just nods, glancing around the apartment and cringing a bit. Compared to how it looked the day Tubbo left, it looked like a tornado hit it.

Tommy pulls himself off the couch ‘We should probably clean up a bit before he gets here’ he mutters as he walks to the kitchen to retrieve a broom

Ranboo doesn’t say anything, just silently walks to the bedroom to do their part

*Tubbos POV

The whole way to the apartment Tubbo was trying to convince himself that he would be fine, that it would all be fine.

He would apologize to Tommy, Tommy would accept it and everything will go back to how it was

No it won’t

Something in his head whispered

He knows that you know Nightmare. Do you really think he’ll let you off that easy?

Tubbo bit his lip, coming to a stop at the bottom of the stairs

No, it’s fine. They’ll both be walking around on eggshells for a while, Tommy wouldn’t question him, not yet. That gives Tubbo a few days to come up with a convincing lie

Why not just tell him the truth? Like he did?

No, that’s not the same

How?

Ranboo figured it out first, Tommy felt obliged to tell me for it to be fair

Tubbo shakes his head, he must be going insane, speaking with himself like this. With a breath he went up the stairs, not forgetting to skip the first step, and running the rest of the way up before he can change his mind.

Walking through those corridors brought back memories of that day, the anger and disappointment, only some of which was towards Tommy.

He stands outside the front door for a long time. He didn’t grab his key before leaving and it felt wrong to just barge in after everything, so... he knocked.

Tubbo held his breath as he waited for one of his roommates to open the door for him, at this point he wasn’t sure who he would rather open the door, Ranboo or Tommy.

In the end, it was Ranboo

He swallowed, looking at one of his best friends

‘Does he hate me?’

please

‘No, no he doesn’t’

‘Do you?’

‘Should I?’

Tubbo falls silent at that

‘To be determined’

Ranboo lets Tubbo into the apartment without another word.

Tubbo decided, he would tell the truth, make it all right. It’s what they deserve after all, Ranboo and Tommy had been honest, and when he was asked to do the same he ran away like a coward.

As Tubbo hung his coat up in the hall, Ranboo walked further into the flat, probably to tell Tommy he got here.

But when Tubbo entered the living room, only Ranboo was there, back to him.

‘Where’s Tommy? I have something I need to tell him, I need to tell the both of you’

Ranboo turned to face him, an unreadable look on their face, a sheet of paper in their hand.

‘He’s gone’

Tubbo blinked, walking closer and peaking at the paper

‘What do you mean ‘gone’?’

Ranboo read out the paper, Tubbo looking at it, he could recognize Tommy’s usually neat handwriting, but now it was messy, done in a hurry.

‘Find The Watcher, he holds the answers. And save Callahan, he’s been taken.

I’m sorry

-PC’

Ranboo and Tubbo make eye contact, each trying to figure out why he would leave so suddenly.

Tubbo felt a bit in his stomach

It was me

He didn’t want to see me

He hates me

He left because of me

Chapter Text

*Tommy's POV

The knock made Tommy freeze in his track, and he sent a wide-eyes look to Ranboo

A beat of silence

‘I’ll go let him in, you just stay here’, Ranboo left the living room towards the front door

Tommy took a break, walking over to the window and leaned against the wall while looking out. They were on the second floor, not much of a view.

Not much time passed, it must have only been a few seconds, he could hear Ranboo and Tubbo speaking at the door, but something else grabbed his attention.

Two men, tactical gear, he could just barely make out the crest in their uniforms. Everything stopped, time slowed down, the back of his neck tingled as he stood rooted to the spot.

‘Stay here, ok? Don’t come out, we’ll come back for you baby’, the woman's kind face reassured him.

‘Hold on to this for me, alright?’ she handed him a teddy, his small hands gripping it like a lifeline, tears escaping his young eyes

A voice yelled from somewhere else in the house, making the woman look over her shoulder. ‘Stay quiet’ she urged him, closing the closet doors over and running out of the room

Tommy blinked the memories away, quickly jumping to action

No time to surrender to fear

He rushed to the table, writing a quick note for his roommates

Why were they still at the door?

In lightning speed he wrote the note and pulled his shoes on, going back to the window. The men were still approaching

He needs to lead them away

With a deep breath Tommy did something he hasn’t done in many years, a set of red golden wings unfurling from his back, almost knocking a nearby shelf down.

He didn’t give himself much time to appreciate the sight of his wings, instead got straight to work on opening the window

Need to lead them away from flock his brain supplied helpfully

Once the window was open he took no time in throwing himself out it, uncurling his wings from his side and letting the wind catch him.

It was dangerous, so dangerous, but they already knew who he was, they came here to get him and they don’t like people standing in their way of what they want

Tubbo and Ranboo will be safer without him there

He can give the hunters the run-around, lay low for a while and then return

Tommy’s instincts kicked in and he started to fly, his wings successfully grabbing the attention of many people below on the streets. Along with the hunters.

Afterall, it has been a millennia since a phoenix hybrid has been openly seen, it’s a rare sight.

He quickly changed directions, flying full speed away from the city-center. Out to the badlands. Away from everyone he’s ever known. Again.

He didn’t stop flying for what felt like hours, not until he could no longer see the walls surrounding L’manburg, or the skyscrapers of Las Nevada, until his wings grew tired and he felt that he would drop out of the sky at any moment.

Only then did he swoop down closer to the ground and touch down, folding his aching wings into him again and glancing around.

No buildings could be seen anywhere on any side. Just a wasteland.

No people, no animals, no nothing.

That doesn’t mean he is safe. The hunters will be trailing him now, and it will take him a while to shake them.

This brought back many memories from his early days. After…. That day, he spent many days and nights alone, hiding.

With hunger in the pit of his stomach he forced his feet forward. It’s getting dark, he needs to find somewhere high to sleep.

Out here in the badlands monsters rule the nights

Luckily they can’t climb

…. last time Tommy checked that is.

After what felt like hours of walking, he came across a lone tree, old, dying. It’s seen better days, but it is standing. So it’s good enough.

Lying in the branches, staring up at the sky as it gets darker. He thinks back to his flock, how are they doing? Are they looking for him?

He sighs, closing his eyes, listening to the sounds of the undead bellow.

He stays in the closet for hours after the sounds of screaming ends, too afraid to come out.

With a surge of confidence he pushes the closet door open with a little hand, gazing around the master bedroom and keeping the teddy close to his chest.

Taking small steps he searches the house. Empty. Front door open with a cold breeze ruffles his golden feathers.

Tears appear in his vision with every empty room he discovers. Finally he comes to the living room, glasses lay broken on the carpet, the curtain torn and red staining the couch.

Tommy gasps awake, tears on his cheeks.

What is happening to me?

He looks around, morning, all the monsters are hiding again. Time for him to move.

The hunters wouldn’t have stopped for the night, who knows how close they are now.

He jumps down from the branches, stumbling a bit.

As he regains his balance and tries to remember which way he came from the night before, he catches sight of two figures walking towards him in the distance.

His tired brain briefly thinks it’s Tubbo and Ranboo coming to find him, but he quickly expels those thoughts

Stupid

You’re alone now, they’re not coming for you

Ignoring the spikes of hunger he uncurls his wings and takes off again, gaining altitude and flying away as fast as he can

How long will I have to play this game of cat and mouse

And will I still be the same after it all?

*Tubbos POV

‘Why would he just take off?’ Tubbo asks as he paces, Ranboo sitting on the couch, note still in his hand

‘I don’t know’

‘He didn’t take his gear, but he left through the window. Where could he have gone? Maybe he went to find Callahan?’ Tubbo continues to mutter to himself

‘Then why would he tell us to get Callahan? And how does he know that it's already too late?’

‘I don’t know! Maybe he wants us to be backup? In case he fails and something happens?’ Tubbo stops pacing

‘Tubbo, when does Tommy ever ask for backup?’

Silence covered the room as they just stared at each other

‘It wasn’t your fault’

‘How can you be so sure?’

Ranboo sighed

‘I can’t’

They just stare at each other

‘Let’s get a move on, he left instructions for us. He’s always known more, and I will be damned if we lose this war because we didn't listen to him’

‘You’re the boss Tubbo’

*Tommy’s POV

The memories were eating him alive. He thought that he pushed them away years ago, and he hates that they’re coming back now.

He needs his head clear right now more than ever, he had fucking hunters after him!

Tommy takes some deep breaths, sweat trickling down his forehead as he hides behind a tree. He had managed to find a forest, but the hunters caught up with him.

Fuckers had crossbows and shot him out of the sky.

Now he had to escape without his wings, which had been damaged in the crash landing.

He closed his eyes with a shaky breath, trying to come up with a plan as the sound of the hunters grew closer with every passing second.

Tommy held his breath when everything went silent...

Chapter Text

*Niki’s POV

Niki clutched the note tightly in her hand, crumpling it up into a ball as she sped through the hallway of the upper levels, dropping the crumpled paper into a window plant box as she passed.

The plants warp, growing quickly and eating up the paper within seconds before going back to their harmless forms.

This meeting required the utmost secrecy, The Council cannot find out of its existence, for her protection and that of the others attending.

It was a liberating feeling, creeping behind The Councils back like this, it has been far too long.

Sure, she was going to miss her lunch out with Puffy, but she would understand. This was so much more than lunch, it was a means to an end, what they had been searching for for years .

She slowed down a bit as she came to the end of the hallway, glancing around quickly to make sure the coast was clear before slipping into a room.

Not many people had gathered, they didn’t want too many people to be aware of the existence of this group.

The more people that knew, the more likely it would be that The Council would find out.

In fact, this little group held only three members, counting Niki herself.

Blade and Crow were the other two members.

To further avoid detection, they used code names. Blades idea, 'cause of course it was. The man loves being sneaky.

And if being sneaky includes getting to speak at length about Greek mythology? Yeah, they were never escaping it.

When Niki entered the room only Blade was there.

‘Nemesis, Zephyrus couldn’t join us today. He has other matters to attend to’

Niki makes a sound of understanding and goes to sit down at the table with Blade

‘Why call this meeting, Protesilaus? Did something happen?’

‘Everything happened’ he pulls out some files

Niki looks at all the paper and mentally says goodbye to her lunch

He flipped open the first one ‘I have reason to believe that Nightmare is building an army-’

Niki raises a brow, taking a closer look at the file first page holding a photo

‘-and that he’s killing anyone who gets in his way’

Niki’s eyes flash up ‘That doesn’t seem like Nightmares signature though. Are you sure about this Protesilaus?’

They both look down at the photo again, a crime scene, covered in blood

‘If I’m wrong, we have much bigger problems on our hands’

*Technos POV -about 20 mins later-

The meeting had to be cut short, as something happened.

Something big

For the first time in months, Nightmare visited Mage

It left a few people shaken, including Mage. He had yet to tell anyone what was said, instead simply requesting Technos presence

Which is why Techno is currently making his way towards the medical bay

Apparently Mage was on patrol when he was visited and fell off a building, not unlike some others Techno once knew…

When he got to the medical bay he found Mage sitting on a bed in the back, mask off - Ponk was by his side wrapping his arm, blood poking through.

‘How’s the damage?’ he asks once he’s standing in front of the bed

‘Just a glass cut’ Mage gestures to his bloody arm ‘And a bruised ego’

Techno snorts at that, Ponk finishes up what he was doing and leaves the two alone. Once he was out of the room, they got back into work mode

‘What did he want?’

Mage takes a breath ‘He brought a message’

Techno raises a brow at that ‘What message? Should you not report this to The Council?’

Mage huffs ‘The Council can go to hell. As far as I’m concerned, you are the only one who should be receiving this information’

It takes a moment for Techno to catch on to what he was saying ‘Something has happened to the vigilantes?’ it was a statement, not a question

‘Not a vigilante Blade. Callahan’

The world seems to slow down, all outside noises going silent

‘Nightmare has him Blade. He has Callahan’

*Callahan's POV

He came to slowly, head throbbing.

His eyes squeezed together, a pained hiss escaping his mouth.

It took a few seconds for everything that had happened to catch up with him, but when it did he knew he was in trouble.

Callahan's eyes snapped open, darting around the room he was in.

He took note of the restraints around his wrists, keeping him tied to the chair.

His gaze darted to the door when a cruel chuckle echoed around the small concrete room.

‘I don’t know which is more embarrassing. The fact that the heroes couldn’t catch you, ever, or that you got caught so easily by me’

Callahan's eyes narrow, trying to adjust to the low light levels in the room.

He recognized that voice. Nightmare.

Chapter Text

HOUSE IS DESTROYED, FAMILY MISSING

This past afternoon, local law enforcement were called out with reports of a break-in. Upon arriving on the scene they found the house completely destroyed. ----- Innit, his wife ------ Innit, along with their 5 year old son, Thomas Innit were nowhere to be found in or around the house.

It is unknown what has happened, some fear they were all killed as there was blood found in the front room. A manhunt is being set up to search for the family, local law enforcement asks that anyone able comes by to help.

INNIT FAMILY NOT FOUND, SEARCH CALLED OFF

Local law enforcement regret to inform the public that they have no leads for what could have happened to the Innit family. It has been confirmed that the blood found in the Innits home belonged to ----- Innit and ------ Innit, there has been no proof that their son was injured in the attack.

“We are going to continue to look for Thomas, and do everything possible to bring him home'' police sergeant Jeff says. Let’s all put our hearts together and hope for the safety of Thomas Innit.

THOMAS INNIT, CASE GONE COLD

After a year of searching, Sergeant Jeff says that it is unlikely that Thomas will ever be found. Local law enforcement has officially made his case cold now, with promise to re-open if any evidence should cross their desks.

NEW HERO PHANTOM CHAOS MAKES HIS FIRST APPEARANCE WITH NUMBER ONE HERO CROW

Today L’manburg welcomes a new hero to its ranks. Phantom Chaos who has already made a big impression on the public, being the first hero to be powerless and a non-hybrid. He has quickly become a public favorite, everyone rooting for the ‘little guy’.

We shall see how far this ‘Phantom Chaos’ can go

PHANTOM CHAOS CLIMBS THE RANKS FAST

It seems everyone these days is talking about Phantom Chaos, so it is no surprise when he gains public favor and climbs up at an alarming pace. He has now passed every member of the Dream Team in rank, booting Sleep down to 4th place.

There are words that he and Phantom don’t get along, so this may be the start of a strong rivalry

PHANTOM CHAOS HELPS OUT EX-VIGILANTE, NEWLY TURN HERO BLADE

Vigilante ‘Blood’ was recently caught by heroes Sleep and Mage, and made a hero under unknown circumstances, given the name ‘Blade’. Phantom Chaos was spotted on patrol with Blade in the outer districts today, and word from inside the heroes tower says that Phantom has taken Blade under his wing, creating an alliance with the ex-vigilante and bringing him into the group of high ranked heroes; Crow and Siren.

Public does not yet know how to feel about this alliance, responses have been varied between the districts. The most positive responses have come from the outer district, one passerby telling reporters “Blade was our protector for a long time, we feared we lost him to the heroes. Now we see Phantom Chaos keeping his views alive by sticking with him. I believe I speak for everyone in district 10 when I say, thank you Phantom Chaos''.

The more negative responses come from District 3, who had previously been getting all of Phantom's attention. An angered citizen tell reporters “Phantom (Chaos) is stepping out of line”

WORLD IN SHAMBLES, HEROES DROPPING AT AN ALARMING RATE

These past few weeks heroes have been killed under suspicious circumstances. A new fear has covered L'manburg, making everyone wonder who is next, and who could be doing such a thing to the country's protectors?

Here at the studio, we hold a moments silence for those lost and we send condolences to the families of those fallen.

PHANTOM CHAOS DRAWS BACK FROM PUBLIC EYE

Many are wondering why Phantom chaos hasn't been making any appearances these past weeks. We got an interview with retired hero ‘Crow' who stated “Phantom (Chaos) has always done his own thing. He doesn't really let a lot of people in, and has kept what he's doing close to his chest. I don’t think there's a person alive who knows what he's doing except him".

Some speculate that Phantom Chaos has taken it upon himself to look into the weird mystery surrounding the sudden deaths in the hero population. No proof has come forward that supports this claim, yet.

PHANTOM CHAOS: LATEST VICTIM

It is with heavy hearts that we report that beloved number 3 hero, Phantom Chaos, was announced dead, the latest victim to this ‘Hero-Killer’. Many other high numbered heroes, such as Blade and Siren, along with un-retired hero Crow, have sworn that they will find whoever has done this and find justice for Phantom Chaos and all the other fallen heroes.

To the hero we barely knew but love so much, we’ll miss you.

NEW VIGILANTES SPOTTED

It is an exciting day for district 10, who for the first time in 2 years have their very next generation of Vigilantes. This trio, who the public have nicknamed ‘The Bench Trio’, were spotted just last night, defending a teen girl from what could have been a terrible fate.

While the public welcomes these new additions, they have not been the kindest when dishing out names. We introduce to you; Red, Portal, and Gremlin.

The three newbies were visited by one of the top three, Callahan, not long after saving the girl's life. They shared some words before Callahan disappeared into the night. We will have to keep a close eye on these three, sit back and watch the new talent flourish.

PHANTOM CHAOS LIVES?

It is very confusing times in the hero's world, word just getting out that Phantom Chaos, who was declared KIA over three years ago, is alive and hiding out in District 10 somewhere. “We will do everything in our power to find him and bring him home” Number five hero Siren tells reporters.

There has been no explanation on how he lived, or why he is hiding. Some say he knew ex-hero sleep was behind it, and stayed away in fear of him. But that still begs the question on why he wouldn’t come back after Sleep’s betrayal had been known?

Others wonder what kind of life he has been living in District 10, one passerby swearing that he had to be a vigilante. That skill like that wouldn’t be put to waste. All this raises more questions than answers them.

Karl stares at all the newspaper clippings on the wall, tilting his head slightly.

He had found his way home an hour ago, and found all this hidden behind the bookshelf.

He can’t remember putting this together, but upon reading everything, he can’t help but feel that whoever put this together, might have been onto something.

Or was delusional

These events could all be linked, but they also could not be.

Karls eyes flicker to the front door, hearing footsteps approaching.

That would be Sapnap and Quackity back with food.

He quickly pushes the bookcase back in front of all the clippings

Can’t have his new friends thinking he’s psycho so soon

He’ll explore this again later

….

Explore what?

He blinks dumbly into space

Ah well, mustn’t be important if I forgot it

He walks to the door to let his friends in

Chapter Text

*Tommy’s POV - many years prior

The world seemed too quiet without his parents and the scary men there

Tom peaked out the broken front door, small eyes filled with wonder - teddy bear forgotten on the floor behind him.

The sound of birds singing fill the air, casting a false sense of peace on the area - it was almost enough to distract one from the blood within the house

A reasonable part of the child's head said that he should stay in the house, wait for his parents

Then there was the child part of his brain that wanted to eat grass like his favourite teddy

…

Any guesses for which side won over the other?

Tom spat out the grass, it didn’t taste as good as it looked

It was enough to bring fresh tears to the child's eyes - the tears continued to fall with no one there to calm him.

A shadow fell over him, making his wails stop

Maybe his parents have returned?

*Tubbo’s POV - present time

They were short on vigilantes, that’s the only reason Tubbo had gone out

or at least that’s what Tubbo told himself

With Tommy gone to god knows where, and Purpled also vanishing into thin air - they now have no way to contact Watcher as well

That’s three vigilantes down.

Therefore, Gremlin is back for now

And so is the weird feeling of being watched

Tubbo himself hasn’t experienced it much - especially not in gear

But he has heard from the others that they get this weird feeling of being watched

It is usually followed by The Watcher making an appearance

Tubbo stayed on guard, you could never be too sure

Best not to assume it was a friendly

He carefully slipped into an alleyway, avoiding a hero he didn’t recognize - he hopes that they didn’t see him, he would be far too easy to catch right now

He hid behind a wall as the hero passed

Thankfully, they didn’t seem to notice him

With a sigh of relief, Tubbo turned around

‘Hi Gremlin!’

He damn near jumped out of his skin - standing in front of him was Watcher

Tubbo places a hand against his chest, over his heart

‘Watcher’ he says, heart still beating fast

The vigilante is question just smiled, waving at him

Tubbo waves back, a bit confused, but thankful for the company nonetheless. ‘I haven’t been able to find Nyx anywhere’ the friendly vigilante says, coming closer.

Tubbo blinks in surprise, before remembering that Purpled told him about Watchers strange nickname for him.

‘Purpled’s just kind of gone off the grid. No one knows where he’s gone’ he shrugs, leaning back against the wall behind him

Watcher makes an ‘ooh’ sound, and for a while everything is quiet between them. Until Watcher gasps

‘I almost forgot! I have a note to you from-’ Watcher paused

‘From…?’ Tubbo tried to egg him on

‘I don’t remember’ Watcher says with a tilt of his head

‘But he said it was important to give it to you! So here!’ Then Watcher throws a folded piece of paper at him before running away.

Tubbo stands there dumbfounded for a moment before reaching down to grab the paper from the floor.

Inside reads; Contact me as soon as possible

Tubbo’s eye twitches

WHO IS ‘me’?!?!

He takes a breath, pushing the note into his pocket and out of his head.

He’ll deal with this later

For now, he has bigger things to worry about

One being Ranboo

He had decided shortly after going on patrol that he was going to tell Ranboo

Today

I’ll tell him today

*Ranboo’s POV

It was proving to be an interesting night

Everything seemed so much quieter - but he thinks that’s partly because Tubbo isn’t in his ear.

Overall, the night had been super stressful

So many heroes were crawling around, in the back of his head Ranboo wondered whatever happened to no vigilantes going out solo.

Low numbers he decided.

The area was too big for the vigilantes to cover in groups

Especially considering there were only the three of them able to patrol tonight

Wondering about that, where was Manifold?

He hadn’t reported in to be going on patrol that night

Is it just me and Tubbo out ?

They blink away the thoughts, no time to be getting distracted - someone was approaching

… something? Was that a person?

Some sort of moving…. green blob?

Ranboo was far too confused to get into a fighting stance

I mean, this should raise some concerns, right? A moving green gooey thing

They stood there dumbfounded as the blob took shape as a person

A very… gooey person with big eyes

Not creepy at all

The slime-blob-person walked up to Ranboo, who only now thought that hey, this could be dangerous

‘Hello vigilante friend’ the slime-blob-person says happily - it sort of reminded him of Watcher

‘uh.. hi?’

The slime-blob-person gets closer to him, and he takes a step back ‘I’m sorry, who are you?’

‘Slimecicle! Would you like some corn?’ the blob tilted his head, holding out a gooying hand of equally as gooey corn

Ranboos nose crinkled up ‘no…. thank you’

*Tommy’s POV - many years prior

he looked up at the figure casting a shadow over him

Not his parents

A tall man stood there, staring down at him - a mask on his face that showed a blank smile

The strange man crouched down

‘What are you doing out here alone child?’ the man voice was smooth - a stark contrast to the screaming from earlier

‘Waiting for mum and dad’

The sound of leaves crunching under feet reached their ears - two more people approached

‘And where are they?’ smiley man grabbed his attention back as the others stopped behind him.

The young boy blinked ‘around’

One of the other figures snorted at that answer - while the other had a horrified look on his face.

Scared-faced stepped forward

‘kid, is that your house?’ he points back at the kids house

Tom nodded - the second he did the guy who snorted fell silent, smirk falling

A silence covered the group

‘Alright kid, we’re going to take you somewhere’ Smiley said, picking up Tom without warning

Tom struggled in his arms ‘No! I’m waiting for mum!’

Smiley cursed as he nearly dropped the squirming kid

‘Calm down’ he scolds Tom, who did no such thing

‘Kid, we’re going to take you somewhere safe - your parents can come get you later’ guy wearing goggles says - sounding tired and or bored

The other guy had vanished back towards the house while Tom was fussing

‘NOOO!’ tears sprung to his eyes as he tried to unsuccessfully escape the mask man's grasp

He was finally dropped back to the floor, landing harshly on the grass where he curled in on himself

The two strange men started to talk in hushed voices, Tom was only able to catch some of their conversation

‘-can’t just leave him’

‘-get him to-’

‘-won’t work’

‘Where is Mage??’

That last part was super clear, but what was a Mage?

A few more minutes pass and Tom’s cries die down a bit as the two men continue to talk

Just as fast as he vanished, he returned

The third strange man

He ran back up to them and Tom became aware of the man crouching by him

‘Hey kiddo - this yours?’ the man spoke softly - Tom looked up and spotted what the kind man was holding

Henry

His eyes light up and he snatchs the teddy from the kind mans hands - hugging the cow close to his chest

Kind man smiles ‘you can bring your friend, we promise we’ll track down your parents’

Tom thinks for a minute before nodding, suddenly tired from all his fussing

Kind man picks him up and walks back over to the group

‘Show off’ Smiley mutters

‘Not my fault kids love me’

*Ranboo’s POV

Turns out that Slimecicle was a vigilante

Not from around here mind you - outside of L’manburg

Ranboo and Slime (as he preferred to be called) found a quiet nook where the heroes hopefully wouldn’t find them as they spoke

‘So, you’re saying that we should call in outside vigilantes to help?’ Ranboo tilts their head

Slime nods quickly ‘Everyone can feel the tension rising - there’s something up with the heroes’

‘How many of you are there?’ Ranboo was starting to like the sound of what Slime was suggesting

They were very outnumbered, on both sides

‘A few dotted around - we’re not as grouped up as our vigilante brothers here.

‘I’ll see who would be willing to join up’

Ranboo nods along, feeling a small sense of pride for what they have… including the danged group chat

‘Just get Gremlin to contact us himself’ Slime says

‘This could work’ Ranboo mutters to himself

‘How soon do you think you’d be able to gather them? We’ll need more members to rescue Callahan’

Slime waves a hand ‘don’t worry about brother Callahan’

Ranboo’s eyebrows furrow ‘why?’

Tommy said to rescue him.

Tommy is Phantom, surely he would know what we should be doing

Slime shrugs, a knowing smile on his face ‘I think Blade and a little friend have that handled’

*Tommy’s POV

It all felt like a fever dream, unrecognisable shadow shapes dancing around his vision, laughing at him

their laughs drown out his screams, blocking them out

Pain seared through his body, pins and needles prickling all over his skin in an uncomfortable dance

*Ranboos POV - next day

‘Yes, thank you very much’ Ranboo hangs up the phone and sets it on the couch, eyes wide.

Tubbo walked into the room ‘well?’

‘I’ve got the job’ Ranboo says, eyes still wide with amazement, he looks over at Tubbo - who’s smiling at him

‘I told you I knew someone’ Tubbo chuckles, sitting down beside him on the couch

‘Have you found out who the note is from yet?’ They change the topic, sensing that Tubbo has something to say.

Tubbo swallows ‘No, not yet. But listen Ranboo’ he hesitates

‘There’s something else I want to talk about’

This grabs Ranboo’s attention, they turn around in their seat so they are facing Tubbo now

‘Ok’ they say softly, sensing this may be a delicate situation

Tubbo swallows again ‘You remember last time me and Tom spoke?’

Ranboo nodded slightly, the emory of Tubbo yelling at Tommy was clear in their head

‘well….’

*Blade’s POV

Techno paced the room.

Callahan was captured

By Nightmare no less

rip

0/

What a disappointment

He groaned, and chat was being no help as usual.

His eyes travel to his phone, he swore that he wouldn't call - not unless completely necessary.

But really, he needed them.

If he wants to get Callahan back from Nightmare, he’s going to need the help of…

Can he really ask them to come back?

Call them

Call them

call them

Techno was still hesitant

Don’t be a wuss

His eyes harden, stupid chat.

He grabs the phone and dials a number that he had kept stored in the back of his mind for such times

The dail only rings twice before the other side picks up

‘I know, it’s an emergency. I need you to come back’

There’s silence on the other side for a few minutes before he sighs in relief

‘Thank you-’

POG
BACK IN THE GAME
BITCH DOESN’T STAND A CHANCE NOW

‘-Pearl’

Chapter Text

Ranboos POV*

It was a meeting in passing. They honestly thought they would never see him again.

He wasn’t complaining, that kid was weird - staring at him so much

Then they started to see him everywhere.

They can’t remember what the kids name was, they don’t think they were introduced properly.

It all came to a stand-still when he suddenly showed up at their house.

Which just so happened to be this moment.

Ranboo stared at the kid blankly, trying to figure out how they got themselves into this situation.

Ranboo was home alone when he popped by.

Tubbo, he said his name was, didn’t seem to mind his silence. As long as he could drag Ranboo around.

It was a strange feeling, a stranger knocking on your door, and dragging you away. Completely ignoring any complaints.

Ranboo had no idea where this Tubbo was taking him.

And Tubbo seemed perfectly happy to keep him in the dark, not offering any kind of explanation.

In fact, he hadn’t spoken since introducing himself.

Strange indeed

Ranboo huffed as Tubbo took another turn ‘where are you taking me?’ he finally broke the silence.

It was starting to get unnerving, Ranboo could no longer tell where he was

Tubbo glanced back at him ‘home’

Ranboo deadpanned ‘home?’

What home?

Who’s home?

Tubbo’s home?

Ranboo’s home?

This answers no questions

Ranboo opened their mouth to try again, but shut it when Tubbo suddenly turned them off the street

A bungalow stood in front of them, front garden trimmed neatly

I guess we’re here

Upon entering the house, they were dragged through a clean living room. A very clean living room.

It was almost unsettling, like it was all a set - it doesn’t look lived in.

Tubbo seemed to be getting excited

‘This way! We can go to my room’

Ranboo stumbled, despite Tubbo’s small size, he had a surprising amount of strength in him

…

Tubbo’s room seemed to be like the rest of the house - uncomfortably clean

What was with this house?

‘Tubbo? Why does your house seem like a… stage?’

I did not just say that

Tubbo looked over at him, thankfully he did not seem offended

‘I keep the place clean’ he declared proudly

Ranboo furrowed their brows

‘The whole house? And out front? Shouldn’t your parents do that?’

Ranboo felt like dying on the inside, since when did they ask such forward questions?

‘Dad isn’t around a lot - I want to make him proud by keeping the place tidy! Nothing will be out of place in case he comes home!’

A sudden spike of sadness strikes his heart at those words.

He’s doing it to get the attention of the adult in his life - one that is barely around from the sounds of it.

Ranboo swallows ‘can I sit?’ they gesture to the spiny chair by the desk, which like everything else seemed unused.

Tubbo nods enthusiastically and Ranboo sits down, really taking a moment to look around the bedroom he’s in.

If he didn’t know any better, he would think it was a guest room from how little decoration there was.

But no, this was Tubbo’s room

‘Say, how many friends do you have?’ they finally turn their attention back to Tubbo

Who was staring at him, watching his expressions closely

‘None - they all keep running away’ he says sadly, deflating a bit

Ranboo was silent for a minute, thinking everything over.

This was just a lonely kid who had no one to speak with from the sounds of things

And really doesn’t know how to make friends

‘I’ll be your friend’ Ranboo finds himself saying before he can stop himself

Tubbo’s eyes immediately light up, energy returning in the blink of an eye

‘You will?!’

Ranboo jumps at the loud sound despite himself, and nods quietly, hoping that he wouldn’t regret this decision later.

*

(present day)

Ranboo watches Tubbos small frame shake as he speaks - tears streaming down his face

Their eyes soften as Tubbo tells them his most well kept secret

I never regretted it. Not for a minute

They gather Tubbo into their arms, not saying anything

Just holding him as he cries

Chapter Text

Sorry, the title is a bit misleading - this is just a really important Authors note, so I would appreciate it if this was read through. I’ll keep the formatting spaced out, don’t worry :)

So, to start things off, I am putting this back on hold. This is partially due to all the shit happening in the community right now.

But also because while I like this idea, I don’t necessarily like how it is turning out right now.

On that note I would like to announce that I will be taking this story and doing an almost complete rewrite

Keep reading and I’ll let you lot know how you can help me with this

This story will stay up and I will make a new one for the rewrite, so apologies for those who got a heart attack when they saw DISCONTINUED in the story description

I so did that on purpose, sorry not sorry

For those of you who want to be angles, I ask a few things (don’t be pressured to do any of this, I just want to give people the opportunity to provide feedback)

Just pop into the comments

1. Were there any scenes in particular that you really liked that I should make sure don’t get written out?
2. For the rewrite, would you like longer/shorter chapters?
3. Would you like me to go into more detail on any particular character's story?
4. Literally any feedback that you have - good or bad (this can be on anything - all me out on bad grammar and inconsistencies)

I am seriously sorry that I have chosen to do this just after a cliffhanger - I promise that when I come back there will be a lot of updates

cough maybe even two chapter a week cough

So yeah, I apologize again for my own shortcomings with this story, and that the weekly uploads failed so soon after I started them after swearing that they were going well.

Oh, right, the chatfic. I have no idea what I’m going to do with that. Maybe I’ll get a surge of ideas and motivation.

But for now, it’s just chilling

I would like to seriously thank everyone who has read this fic and those who have left comments. 

I have tried to respond to everyone, but if I haven’t just know that I really did appreciate it <3

I hope that some of y’all will stick around to read the new version, if you don’t I don’t blame you.

Have a lovely day/night

your writer,

Bitz

Chapter Text

Hi all, it’s been a while since I discontinued this. Just wanted to give a quick update on how the rewrite is going as I am aware that not everyone here would have read the chatfic and probably didn’t see the update in the a/n over there.

So, here’s a date for y’all - I am hoping to start uploading the rewrite early June. As in, by the 7th the 1st chapter will be up.

Oh, and that’s not all

I have at this point written the first two chapters and have a solid plot plan - but I am an impatient bastard so I’ll be creating the new story on here in the next day or two and posting the prologue.

When I do that I will make another post here so y’all know when it’s up - just remember that new chapters won’t be up till June, this is pretty much a teaser of sorts

A side note, I have to decided to post on Wattpad along with here. Just so no one gets confused lol

Thanks for all the understanding surrounding this - and a special thanks to those who left comments, I really appreciated them.

That’s really it, I’m just going to say some more things about this work, you don’t have to read the next bits if you don’t want to - it’s just about the future of this work in specific.

So

I would be further along in the rewrite except I realized a fatal flaw in that plan

Sitting down to write it, at the time I wasn’t entirely sure how to end it - evident by the 50k odd words in this story

So, guess what I did and am currently doing?

I am still writing this version of the story

Yup

debated to continue posting it - but decided that there were some things that I wanted to leave as a surprise for the rewrite. Such as Pearl's identity and what’s happening with Tommy.

What does this mean for the future of this story?

Well, for you OG readers it means that after the rewrite is done I might post the rest of what I am now referring to as Draft 1

Only if y’all want to see it though - it won’t be as developed as the rewrite and won’t have anything different, might be missing some things from the newer version

But it will let draft one be done

Yeah, I’ll stop word vomiting on you guys now

Thanks again,

See y’all in a few days….

*cough* Maybe even within the hour because I really am an impatient bastard *cough *

Chapter Text

Very quick update

The rewrite can now be viewed on my profile, or through the series

Which ever one you wanna use

I do not have the brainpower to deal with tags right now, but I will get them all sorted out in the next few days.

Chapter Text

Purpled’s POV*

Purpled didn’t feel bad about leaving them hanging like that

Well… maybe a little

But he would never admit that

He got a lead on his… personal mission.

It came in the form of a news report.

It was only a small section of the report, but it was all Purpled needed

Punz had been released and put on house arrest

It didn’t say it was Punz per say, but Purpled just knew

it stated that ‘a man held by the heroes today was released to house arrest’

Now Purpled get’s to go have some words with his old mentor

Tommy’s POV*

The first thing he felt when he came to was the overpowering pain that was consistent all throughout his body.

It was like a pulse, originating from his head and spreading throughout his body in waves every few seconds.

Tommy sat up with a groan, hand to his head

He suddenly became more aware of his surroundings - every fibre of his being telling him something was wrong

And upon inspecting where he was, he could confidently say that he was well and truly fucked

The hunters obviously caught him, and now he’s in their basement.

Cool cool

Just what he needs right now

Being in the basement of phoenix hybrid hunters

alright, first things first

he proded his body for any injuries that needed immediate attention

Luckily, there wasn’t anything that fit that bill

One of the up-sides to being a phoenix hybrid

With that out of the way, now he just had to figure a way to get out

After a quick look around the very dark and creepy basement, he determined that yet again

I am so fucked

So, let’s have a look at Tommy’s ‘I’m fucked’ list

1. In a pheonix hybrid hunters basement (as a phoenix hybrid)
2. No idea where said basement is
3. No one looking for him
4. No immediately obvious escape
5. The sound of steadily approaching footsteps

Wait-

*Tubbo’s POV

Things had been alright since telling Ranboo

It was a little awkward for a while as they both get used to that information hanging between them

Tubbo was back in gear now

He was going to meet with Slime - a vigilante that had contacted Ranboo

He decided to do it at a time that Ranboo wouldn’t be able to join

They would be annoyed, sure

But Tubbo was not risking Ranboo

If this was a trap - it would be better if there was one person left who knew what was happening

So yeah, Ranboo doesn’t know that Tubbo is doing the meeting now

And they won’t know, not until after the meeting has already happened

Getting out of L’manburg was easier than Tubbo would have originally thought

It really was as simple as climbing over the wall

Why would they make the outer wall so weak, is the real question here

It’s there to protect all of L’manburg from the monsters that roam the badlands

While getting out of the city was easy, finding the vigilantes was not by any feat of the imagination

Tubbo swore that he was searching for hours - even that he lost sight of L’manburgs walls - before finally running into someone who was certainly dressed like a vigilante

Now the real question, were they a vigilante or a non-friendly?

Guess he’ll find out real soon

*Queens POV

Things were heating up in the villians world - both literally and figuratively

Somehow word got out that Phantom Chaos lives, and now everyone is questioning Nightmares powers

Meaning?

Queen gets to give a very satisfying report back to the heroes

She can say for certain that there isn’t a single person at the heroes tower who will be displeased to learn that even the lowlife criminals are against Nightmare

He is losing his following by the minute and all heroes get to sit back and watch it all burn down under his feet

Queen sat in the common room with Niki

They held a strange relationship they did

Queen knew that Niki was playing all sides, Niki knew that Queen was a hero spy

They had come to the silent agreement that neither would snitch the other out

Queen tilts their head, leaning forward in their seat

‘You want to know about Nightmares secret bases?’ they ask, eyebrow raised as they think over what Niki is asking them

‘Why? You’re not thinking of paying him a visit are you?’

Niki barely flinched under interrogation, eyes hard as she kept eye contact

‘Just wanna know - do you have any cords for me?’

Queen studied Niki for a minute before sighing

‘I’ve never been in his inner circle, but I can see what I can get for you. I’m guessing that the heroes don’t know that you’re looking into this?’

Niki shrugs ‘One does’

‘Oh, so you are doing the hero's dirty work now?’ Queen smirks, leaning forward - now intrigued with the conversation

Niki snorts ‘You say that like you aren't having an early mid-life crises thanks to following them’

Queen gives a mock offended gasp, pressing a hand to their chest

‘How dare you’

Niki smiles, shrugging with that sickly innocent look on her face

They breath out a chuckle ‘Alright, alright - enough bullying, I’ll see what I can find for you’

Niki nods and stands up, obviously about to leave the room

‘Just-’

She looks back at Queen

‘-keep me updated, I assume you are involved in some massive tea - and I want in’

Niki smiles

‘You’ve got yourself a deal’

*Callahan’s POV

Callahan tries to listen to his surroundings, though he can’t tell much

Nightmare had given up for the day (night?) and had left Callahan blindfolded in the room he woke up in

He’s long since given up on slipping out of the restraints - they’re just a tad too tight to move around in

He’s not an idiot, despite what the vigilante shits would have one believe

Callahan knows why Nightmare is keeping him locked away

No, he doesn’t just know because Nightmare told him

Don’t ruin his moment

He figured it out long before Nightmare told him, ok?

Nightmare wants Callahan on his side for the upcoming fight between the three forces

Everyone can feel it’s coming

And, without bragging too much, Callahan is pretty awesome

Not to mention he has pretty strong ties to the heroes and vigilantes

It would make sense for the villains to try get him onto their side

Or at the very least keep him out of their way

Bingo bango

Callahan is locked in someone's creepy basement

Could life get any better?

He thinks not

(Note the sarcasm)