Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Whenever he thinks of the days before the prison, Dream only remembers light. Warmth shining down from above. He doesn't remember what the world looks like outside. What creatures once lurked outside these walls. Can't remember what sounds the world used to make.

But he remembers light. Something that he occasionally dreams of when he dares to sleep. He doesn't remember where he got his name but he liked to think it came from these dreams.

Every night and day is the same. It all melts into one continuous cycle. Day after day, week after week. Scratches on the obsidian walls long since given up on. He's been here for thousands of years, what's the point in counting anymore.

Centuries ago, he used to have guards patrolling regularly outside of his prison. Watching them pass by the outskirts of the lava pool that was supposed to prevent him from moving. Hanging off the edge as he watched them and lazily twirling his finger in the substance.

He could walk across it, for sure. He knows that much. Yet he also knows what awaits him outside this room is nothing but resistances. Too many to count. All pushing him back into that same hole.

Dream has long since given up on the outside world and lets the warmth he remembers be his only glimpse.

Nowadays however, there are less guards. No, never any guards. He hasn't seen another being in so long. Just the wail of the creatures called Elder Guardians that lurk below him. Constantly weakening him and never giving him a moment's break.

He has reason to believe he's been forgotten.

This prison could stand forever, never wearing down. With technology inside of it that will never grow outdated. And he himself, an immortal, had no means of dying to escape it.

He wonders if the world outside of here has burnt to ash. If the people he once stood among had gone extinct in their species. He doesn't remember them but he knew they were there.

So weak, so fragile, so easy to use.

Some days, he paced. Slowly trudging around the square that was his cell until his legs began to feel the slightest bit tired. When his mind could no longer entertain himself.

Some days, he wrote. Words in a language he barely remembered, scribbles otherwise. Things that he wanted to remember or pictures he'd draw.

Some days, he slept. It passed the time the quickest. He could force himself into a hibernation that lasted months on end. Never needing to eat.

Not that there was anyone to bring him food.

It was one such time that he awoke to sounds. Strange new sounds that caused his ears to perk and his head to turn this way and that to find the source. He stood up, at first on all fours and then eventually two.

Leaning out of his cell over the lava as the noises got closer. As energy flashed red around him. Gates opened and closed.

Finally a portal before him shimmered with light and for the briefest of moments, he found himself scared.

Backing up into the corner of his cell and hiding behind the lectern that held his writing tools. Crouching down to the smallest size he could manage. Easier when the creatures stepped out of the portal and he could take hold of their small forms.

"This place is so fucking creepy." A voice? Was...was that speaking? He listened in as the others called back. Some making weird noises that made no sense, repeating them like breaths.

"We heard you the first eighty times, Tommy." A sound of something smacking. "You want me to push you into lava? I'll push you into lava."

"Techno, don't push your baby brother into lava. He's not easy to replace."

"We have a perfectly good Tubbo and Ranboo right there."

"FIGHT ME! I'LL KICK YOUR ASS!"

"You two, knock it off! This is the last room we have to check and then we can go home and order this place dismantled."

"Honestly Phil, there's nothing here. Just lava and a box."

"Wilbur, I can't help but notice that you didn't mention the bright red eyes staring at us."

"The what-"

Dream saw all the creature's gazes whip to him and he shrunk back further against the wall. His breath quickening. Willing himself to stop that before it gave away his location any further.

"Holy shit, there's actually something down here!"

"How long has it been here?!"

"This place has been abandoned for centuries, hasn't it?"

"Alright, alright, everyone calm down. We're scaring whatever...or whoever it is." The one making that noise seemed to be a leader of the pack. Calming the others down as it stepped forward.

To the edge of the platform across from Dream, cringing with the heat of the lava but not backing away. It bared its teeth at him and he didn't know what to make of it. Was it a threat? A warning? A challenge?

It made motions towards him as well. "Hey come on out! We're not going to hurt you."

He didn't understand its calls but they sounded...calm. Certainly as well he couldn't hide here in the corner forever in the hopes they'd go away. Knowing his luck, they'd be just as immortal as him and would wait him out.

With a final inhale and exhale, breathing once again, he slid out of his corner warily and into the light.

All of the creatures let loose sharp noises. Like gasps that he himself could make and he stiffened. Ready to fight if need be.

"...bloody hell, that's a guy!"

"That's a human guy! Like us!"

"Speak for yourself."

"No offense Techno...or Ranboo."

"None taken!"

"A lot taken."

Taking their forms seemed to be winning them over. He had taken on a myriad of their features. Choosing the golden hair from a few, the spots on the face of one. Two legs, two arms, these strange adornments. He rather liked the color the leader wore but also found himself enjoying the hooded cloak another had.

When they looked him directly in the eyes however, he realized a mistake. Only one of them had a single red eye. The rest were a variety of colors. It was easy to come to a conclusion they did not like that.

He could not change what he had chosen just yet. So he did the next best thing. Formed a second face in his grasp and brought it up to hide those eyes.

"...okay, can't tell if he's creepier with or without the smiley face mask."

"WAY CREEPIER!"

The leader of the pack shushed them again. Grabbing Dream's attention as it called out, "Hello! I'm Philza." It gestured to itself. "Do you speak common? Who are you?" It gestured out towards Dream and waited.

It took a few seconds to register that this creature wanted his response. Talking was not something he's done in a long time. Hesitating as he tried to bring back the memories of when he used to.

He coughed raggedly, his throat very unused to what he was attempting to do and he managed repeat back what the leader had said. "Hello. I'm Philza. Do you speak common? Who are you?"

"...is he a fucking parrot-"

"Tommy." One of the creatures smacked another.

"Ooookay, definitely got some sort of language barrier here." The leader made more noises. Rubbing the back of his neck as he did. Looking side to side before turning to talk to the tall mixed color one about something. "Ranboo, do you have any lava proof blocks with you?"

"You...you sure you want to go over there?"

"Can't help the guy out if we don't."

"Phil, come on big man, why the hell do you think he's in here in the first place?! Isn't this place a prison!?"

"Tommy's got a point!"

"Tommy, I highly doubt he's a prisoner. This place hasn't been used for centuries. He might just be a homeless guy who lost his path to the lava." The young ones bickered as the leader took some strange gray objects from the mixed color one.

Its hands glowed, the objects beginning to move on their own and slowly but surely they were set into the lava. Creating a narrow path towards Dream's cell. As it approached, its hand reached out towards him.

Strange appendages stretching out from its back to balance itself and it took Dream too long to recognize them. Wings.

"Come on mate, let's get you out of here."

Dream stared at the hand. Looked to the face of the creature and back down to it. Unsure if he could trust this being. Whatever it wanted it seemed confident in itself.
He understood the gesture of course. A universal sign of 'come with me'. He didn't know why they wanted him. Why he was being offered to go with them but...this was his only chance possibly to finally escape this prison.

Mimicking the gesture, he placed his hand in the creature's. Letting out a startled noise he couldn't help when he felt something odd.

Warmth. Not the heat of the lava, not the stale air around him. That was warmth. Similar to what he remembered, what he dreamed of.

The creature bared its teeth at him again, letting out that unfamiliar noise once more before it pulled him onto the blocks and Dream started to take his first steps towards freedom.

"Philza." The creature repeated as they walked through the portals and twisting hallways. Gesturing to itself but never letting go of Dream's hand.

"Wilbur." Said a tall one, wearing strange glass on its face.

"Techno." The one with large teeth and vibrant hair announced. Was it wearing a second face just as Dream was?

"Ranboo." Offered the mixed creature. A block of strange stuff in its grasp as it walked.

"Tubbo!" A small one. Much younger than the rest probably. Baring its teeth the entire time.

"And I'm Tommy!"

"Just say your name idiot."

"You're the idiot!"

The loud one was definitely a child of some sort.

The one holding his hand gestured back to Dream and the pack grew silent. Waiting for him to do something. He frowned behind his second face, before mimicking the leader. "Philza?" He gestured to himself.

The leader shook its head, an indication of no and then gestured back to itself. "Philza." It repeated and then gestured to Dream.

OH.

It clicked finally, Dream wanting to smack himself upside the head. These were names! That's why they were all saying different things but pointing at themselves! They wanted Dream's name!

He said it and watched them all freeze in their steps. Staring at him with wide eyes. The only one who looked the least bit startled was the one apparently called Techno.

"Ranboo, that make any sense to you?"

"...er...no. Not at all."

"So we can rule out ender language."

"No language I've heard either." Philza? was saying. Shaking his head. They all looked a little bit disappointed. Had his name provoked this reaction? Was Dream a bad word to them?

"Maybe if we try saying a whole bunch of words, he'll pick one out!" Tubbo? offered. Immediately a much sour look came over all of them.

The one called Ranboo growled something that sounded like 'pacifist lifestyle questionable' or something like that.

Yet despite all their looks at what the young one had said, they did not protest further. Letting it constantly spout out random noises as they continued walking. The repetitive noises kept up in the background as Dream focused on their path.

Soon the area was less of a maze. Less portals. Opening up into chambers that held spider webs and the like.

At one point a new sensation caught him. The air shifted, felt colder. When he breathed it in, his lungs burned a little and he almost stopped dead in his tracks. They continued moving however. Not noticing his reaction.

Sounds hit him as well. A strange noise that sounded like metal klinking together repeatedly. The rush of lava-no, not lava. It moved too smoothly. Water? When was the last time he saw water?

Then, as they approached an archway, he saw it.

A glow, a bright light. Nearly blinding and illuminating a vast colorful world beyond this prison.

He let go of Philza's hand. Let out a noise he couldn't contain. Practically a scream if he had to admit it and he tore forward. Burst through the entrance without anything holding him back. No machines, no magic.

No guards.

He stumbled, something he hasn't done in centuries. Hands touched the color that wasn't unlike the one he wore. Felt tingles across his hand as he moved them along the strange pointed things. Grass?

Dream was pretty sure this was grass.

He breathed deep, more scents hitting him. Clean fresh air. No heat of the lava. Pressed his hands into the dirt under the grass and fought back a squeal as his fingers squeezed deep into it.

Brought clumps to his face to examine them as let it fall through his fingers.

"Holy shit, how long has that guy been down there?!"

That sound again, water! He let the dirt fall back to the ground and he tore towards it. Just barely catching himself where the world ended and the water began. It was small, drifting along a path with strange stone structures arching over it.

Without thinking, he reached into the water and yelped when it was cold. Startlingly so but not freezing. When was the last time he felt something so cool?

He tilted his second face back, cupped his hands in the water and he brought it to his lips. Drinking down a handful that practically burned his throat with how refreshing it was. Relief, it felt like relief.

"Pace yourself there," Philza was walking up to him. Gently placing a hand on his shoulder and when he looked to the creature, it made that strange facial expression again. What was that called? It felt...familiar now.

...a smile.

When was the last time he smiled?

Tilting his head back, he stared into the vibrant expanse around him.

Sky.

It was called a sky.

A breeze blew against him.

Wind.

Sunlight.

Alive.

He felt so alive.

For the first time in centuries. Millennia.

Then there was a feeling, overwhelming him. Water dribbling down his face. His hands hesitantly reaching up to touch strange sensation. It came from his eyes, trailing down his chin and splattering against his clothes? Yeah. Clothes.

"You can cry, mate. We're not judging."

"WE'RE TOTALLY JUDGING YOU!"

"TOMMY!"

Dream didn't understand their language. Yet he knew that the leader was telling him this was okay. That what he was doing was something they understood. Good, because he didn't think he could stop it if he tried.

It came faster, harder, he struggled to breathe and he wanted to stop altogether but he couldn't focus. His voice, it broke. A shrill sound coming from him as he wailed. No, howled.

Yelling out to this world that he was free. Finally free.

Free.

"Well that's too much emotion for me today," Techno huffed, watching the strange guy as he wailed. Phil patting him on the back in comfort, rubbing occasionally and whispering that it was okay. He glanced at his siblings, seeing the tears already starting to form in Tubbo's eyes.

A sympathy crier at times.

He reached out to ruffle his brother's hair before he turned. Starting to head back towards their town. Grunting as he adjusted his cape.

"Techno, hey big man, where you going?!" Tommy raced up beside him, all the energy of someone who didn't just traverse miles upon miles to a secluded prison.

"Home."

"Uh-"

"Come along or stay with Phil, I don't care but I want a hot shower and a coffee and to forget we just possibly committed a jailbreak for some ancient being."

"You know dad's gonna bring him home right?"

"Ugh, don't remind me."

"He's practically adopted already."

"UGH!"

Tommy laughed at his outbursts and soon the other siblings fell at their sides. The conversation turning from any mystery the guy from the prison had to the topic of dinner and who would be cooking. Rock, paper, scissors resulting in yelling matches that Techno tried to tune out.

They found their car, parked off the road nearby. Wilbur taking the driver's seat because Techno refused to drive this old ugly van. It served its purpose, don't get him wrong, but he was a sports car kind of guy.

"Should we wait for dad?" Tubbo asked from the furthest backseat. Tommy crawling in beside him. They always let Ranboo have the middle since it had the most space for his lanky legs.

Wilbur shook his head as he turned on the hunk of junk. "He'll probably walk the guy home. Which means he probably expects us to clean up the house for him too." There was a collective groan behind him and he chuckled.

"I CALL MUSIC!"

"NO, IT'S MY TURN!"

"Please for the love of everything don't put on six hours of recorder music again!"

"HEY! I'm in the passenger seat, I pick the music!" Techno interrupted the fight before it could happen. Ignoring the even louder groans that came from that. Tommy muttering about how he always was in the passenger seat.

He leaned forward, pressed the number for his favorite station and classical music began to fill the car and drown out the majority of the brats' noises.

Home was a rather large house in the middle of a city. Standing out against the architecture of modern businesses. Nestled in an old grass lot that had seen better days before the kids got to it. One single huge tree that held a tire swing.

The house itself had three floors. Well three and a half. One haphazardly added on by Phil's hard work and no one truly trusted to hold them. It mostly held storage.

The first floor was picture perfect. A staple of a home in a magazine.

The second floor was chaos incarnate. With the majority of bedrooms being there and thus the teenagers never cleaning up after themselves.

The third floor held Phil's room and any hobbies they had. Most notably an extensive library and a music room.

"Alright, here's the rules!" Wilbur began once he had parked the car in the driveway. Unbuckling and gripping the steering wheel with determination. "We clean up anything we see on the floor, clean the guest room, and we-"

Techno glanced back at the other seats and snorted.

"They're already gone aren't they?" Wilbur asked with a sigh.

"Yep."

"Looks like it's just you and me cleaning then, Tech."

Techno quickly opened the car door and dove out. "I call dinner duty." He called back, barely hearing the gasp behind him.

"BETRAYAL!"

Techno ducked into the house. Narrowly missing something that went flying past and watching his brothers run past screaming. Smirking to himself because he knew they were going to make it hell for Wilbur to clean.

He took off his cape, hung it up on a coatrack alongside the more boring attire. Keeping his shoes on because he simply enjoyed the height his heels gave him. He pulled his long pink hair back into a ponytail and rolled up his sleeves.

Washed his hands and then surfed through the fridge and cabinets for an idea of what he wanted to make.

Ranboo poked his head in at some point. "Do you need help?"

"No, go harass Wil."

"Uh-"

"If he bitches, tell him I bribed you."

"Oh, okay."

Techno chuckled to himself as he began to slice vegetables. Hearing his older brother screech when something fell over in another room. A soup was definitely a safe bet if the guy they had picked up hadn't had a proper meal in forever.

If it was truly an immortal being locked up in there, the thing probably hadn't eaten at all.

He wasn't the type to trust people. Of course, he wore a mask in public and shied away from new interactions. Only really trusted his family and at times that was a thin line that was easily crossed.

It was hard not to struggle with this sort of thing when he was a hybrid. A modern world around him that welcomed them but also scrutinized them.

Strange laws that prevented him from doing basic things that his siblings could. With the exception of Ranboo, who was also a hybrid. Phil could hide wings easily but Techno would have to hide so much more and Ranboo...he'd have to just be invisible.

This guy could be a hybrid like them. The red eyes he had seen weren't normal. Only seen in hybrids but the guy had hidden it behind a mask the moment they had shown any discomfort.

He could probably read a room well despite being there for who knows how long.

"Ew soup? It's not that potato stuff you're obsessed with is it?"

He glanced over at Tommy who was leaning on the counter. Not even questioning why the boy had a scribbled word on his face in smeared ink. Or god knows what sticking his hair up like gel.

"I want a sandwich!" He whined dramatically.

"I'll make sandwiches with it too, don't be a baby."

"You're a baby!"

"Smooth comeback there." Normally Tommy would storm off or start a riot with that but instead the teenager was oddly quiet. Just watching Techno work until the older stopped what he was doing and looked to him pointedly. "What's up?"

"...do you...do you think that guy is...like...on the level?"

"Do I think the guy dad adopted is just a homeless guy who needs help or do I think we unleashed an abomination from hell onto society like a plague untouchable?"

It got a laugh out of his little brother and he was glad the little smile that gave him was mostly hidden behind his mask. He pointed to it however and huffed, "I'm not taking this off until that guy proves he won't slit our throats in our sleep."

"I can take him in a fight!"

"You don't even know what powers he has."

"I'm strong!"

"Suuuuure, just keep telling yourself that. One day it'll come true." Tommy launched forward then, grabbing a potato from the cutting board and racing out of the kitchen. Techno let out a somewhat bewildered noise, whirling around to call after him. "YOU'RE NOT GOING TO EVEN EAT THAT, WHY WOULD YOU STEAL IT?!"

"TO PISS YOU OFF!"

It was working. He hated to admit it.

He tried to focus back on the food then as time passed. As occasionally he'd hear loud noises and screams. Hear Wilbur yell about how he was getting Dad's belt. A threat that wasn't grounded in anything because their father never even wore regular pants.

At one point he heard the shrill enderman noises from Ranboo that indicated someone had stared at him for too long followed by what he hoped wasn't glass breaking and that was when he heard the door open and close.

Phil's voice softly talking while chaos erupted around him.

"This is it, don't mind the mess. Or the noise. That's normal." Techno snorted, knowing the guy didn't understand a word of what his father was saying but it was natural for Phil to keep talking even in awkward silences.

He waited as he got the soup on the stove before he called out, "PHIL'S HOME." Grinning to himself as panic ensued on the second floor. Phil laughing loudly at the misery of his kids that went into 'hide the mess' mode.

When another crash sounded, Phil excused himself. Rushing up the stairs then as he called to ask what happened.

Techno became instantly aware of his surroundings in intricate detail as the thing...the thing Phil brought home, started to move. At first, it just lingered in the doorway. Looking around at everything. Occasionally reaching out to touch.

Then it started to explore. The living room, the dining room, and now the kitchen. Which had Techno's posture stiffening but he focused on the sandwich prep instead. At times pausing to stir the soup.

It saddled up beside him and watched him. He couldn't read the thing's emotions behind that mask and it annoyed him but he knew he wasn't one to judge. Not when he too was wearing one.

When the thing reached to touch something, he shot his hand out to stop them. Knowing those hands were far too dirty. It flinched back, took several steps back and part of him almost felt bad.

"...here." He finally spoke and motioned for it to follow him to the sink. Holding up his hands and waiting for it to mimic him. It did, albeit slowly and seemed to understand now that when they made gestures it wasn't just for fun.

He slowly grabbed soap, lathered his hands and then rinsed them under water. Watching the thing repeat the motions. Making a strange noise in the back of its throat as it watched the grime fall off.

When it was done, he offered the hand towel and was welcomed with a new noise. Not unlike a purr. The thing apparently like fabrics.

As a reward for doing what he wanted, he reached back into the sandwich pile and grabbed a slice of bread. Offering to the thing to eat. Bread was easy, simple enough the guy could stomach it he was sure.

It held the bread like a treasure. Turning it over and over again in its grasp before looking to Techno with a tilt of the head.

...right, this guy apparently didn't know what bread was.

"...RANBOO!" He barked and startled both the creature and probably everyone in the house. The teen was one of the least messy in the family however, so it was a safe bet that he'd be free to leave the chaos.

Sure enough, the hybrid trotted into the room nervously. Glancing at the thing who still held the bread and then back to Techno.

Techno offered him a bread slice in return. "Eat this."

"...uh-"

"It's not poisoned. I'm trying to show this thing what food is."

"OH!" Ranboo nodded, smiled and then took a decent bite of the bread. Making sure the thing could see him as he chewed and swallow. Then gestured to it as if to say 'your turn'.

The thing made a curious noise, tilted its mask up a bit and gave a cautious bite.

Then let out a shriek that rattled the windows of the house and nearly burst their eardrums.

Phil came rushing back down the stairs, followed by the remaining hoard of his children. Burst into the kitchen with heavy breaths and his wings outstretched in a tense manner. He looked between the thing happily eating bread and Techno and Ranboo on the floor, both clutching their ears.

"What happened?!" He demanded.

"...WHAT?!" Ranboo asked, seeing his father talking but not able to hear him over the ringing echoing in his temporarily deaf state.

Techno, who was better at lip-reading, scowled. "DON'T GIVE IT ANYMORE BREAD!"

Slowly all sets of eyes looked to the thing, who looked back at them passively. Munching away as though he didn't near deafen everyone around him.

Tommy approached, stupidly brave as always. Holding out his hand with a huff. "Sir, I'm going to have to ask you put down the weapon."

"Wilbur you burn that dinner and I'll shove your face so hard in the ground I'll make sure your grandchildren taste dirt." Wilbur rolled his eyes. He could handle soup and sandwiches. He didn't burn every single thing in the kitchen.

Techno was just overreacting.

His brother had been granted leave of kitchen duty by Phil when the headache started. Both he and Ranboo now sat at the dining room table. Icepacks to their temples and the ringing having mostly died down. Enough that they could talk in a normal volume.

Ranboo had his head on the table, warbling pained noises occasionally and Techno would reach out without hesitation to rub circles gently on his scalp.

Techno had a book. Eyes a little cross-eyed from what they could see through the mask but determined to read despite his headache.

"Where's dad?" Tubbo asked as he took a seat across from them, legs kicking out a little from the higher chairs used to accommodate the tall family members. Tommy didn't hesitate to take the spot beside him.

"He dragged the guy away to get a shower or something. I don't know."

Wilbur snorted a little, "Good, that guy stinks." He grabbed plates and bowls from the cabinets. Going to start sorting out everyone's shares. Thankful when Techno pushed Ranboo back down from getting up to help. "Any idea what he is yet Tech? I've never heard even Ranboo screech like that and he's part ghast isn't he?"

"Working on it." Grumbled the other hybrid. Flipping through a few more pages as he rubbed his temple. "So far only one thing is close to matching up but I really rather it not be."

Tommy reached for the book, just to have it yanked away at the last second. "Tell me!"

"Dreamon."

"...demon?" Tubbo asked, confused by the word.

"No, dreamon." Techno sat down the book, sighing. "It's a titan. Sort of."

"Titan?" Tommy asked, the collective now becoming equally confused.

"Primordial."

"Techno, dumb it down." Wilbur called over his shoulder as he started to fill bowls and he could feel his brother's exasperation from across the room.

"Okay, so in ancient ancient history, before people existed, really before the world even existed-there was this ...race? I don't know. Of things call titans. They were made by the universe itself, kind of like the big bang and they were stronger than gods." He paused, most likely for dramatic effect and Wilbur tried not to laugh.

"Some say there were twelve, others thirteen, some say thirty, no one really knows. They had...children? That became gods mostly but there was a few that would give birth to demi-titans. Or mini-titans. Not as strong as them or as big but they were still big and powerful."

"So wait, you're telling us, the guy upstairs taking a bath in our bathtub, is stronger than the gods?"

"Sort of."

"Big man you're blowing my mind-"

"Look, I'm trying to narrow it down better. There's one titan that gave birth to a lot of these things. They were the predecessors to the concept of thought and-"

Wilbur set down a plate in front of Tubbo. "English, Tech."

"Religious texts say that dreamons invented dreams." He simplified, gesturing out with a groan. "Including daydreams!" A pause and he scowled. "Basically these things invented thought outside of the gods."

"If you believe in that shit anyway, right?" Tommy reached for the food before the plate was even set down. Stuffing half of the sandwich in his face noisily.

Wilbur got Ranboo to sit up to try and eat before Tommy and Techno started an argument over the purpose of gods. He managed to get a plate in front of the other hybrid as well. Just barely missing his hands as they gesticulated.

Sighing as he placed two more for his father and their guest and then took his own seat.

"SO-wait!"

Tubbo finally interrupted the rising shouting match. Nearly spitting his food everywhere as he did and attention turned towards him. "If this guy is a dreamon...why does he look like us?"

Techno sighed as if his entire explanation went in one ear and out the other. "It can manipulate thought. It doesn't actually look like that, it's making us perceive it as that. It's an illusion sort of."

Wilbur swallowed his spoonful of soup before he dared to ask what was on his mind. "What makes you so sure he's a dreamon?" He met his brother's eyes, the two silent for a moment but he could read the hidden message. Techno was sure, even if he didn't want to be.

"...because, there's only one story in history that links up to that old abandoned prison anymore."

"STORY TIME-"

"Eat your dinner and shut up."

"Aw."

Phil had to admit, it was a bit odd to help a grown man bathe but it was amusing all the same to watch his fascination with the bubbles and faucets. Like when he had to give his kids baths as toddlers. How quickly they became distracted by the mundane.

And it wasn't like the guy wasn't putting effort into doing his part. Mimicking actions Phil did and willingly enduring any new thing that was brought out. He especially seemed to enjoy shampoo and practically purred the entire time Phil helped wash his hair.

Phil tried not to think about how this man had no distinct features of his body from the neck down. That his skin was the color of his face but there was no physical features. Like a ken doll without shaping.

Or a Gumby just human colored.

Well, it at least settled any curiosities he had about this guy being a hybrid or not. He was definitely part something. Perhaps even a whole something. He'd have to ask Techno if he had any leads later.

In the meantime, he hadn't seen anything particularly telling. No greed over jewels or metals. No compulsive habits to move objects. No screeching when stared at too long. The most odd thing was the man's simple curiosity.

The fact he acted like he hadn't seen any of this stuff before.

Yet given the fact that that prison had stood the test of time and immortals existed, Phil couldn't really count that as evidence either.

He reached to drain the water, watching as the guy perked up in fascination. Chuckling as he grabbed a towel, thought better of it and grabbed a second. Sure enough when he handed the first towel over, the guy was immediately examining it.

Letting out little noises here or there as he turned it this way and that. Running it across his face after he sniffed it. Phil raised up his hands under the towel and then went for that messy blond hair.

He could've sworn the guy was purring as he dried it the best he could.

Getting the clothes back on was easier than getting them off. In a blink they were back in place. Phil taking note that the guy could do that. It wasn't too odd. He had that ability as did all of his sons.

Though it could be a waste of energy at times and not worth the hassle.

"We really need something to call you." Phil muttered as the guy adjusted his mask back in place. Hiding away those red eyes again. A low chirp responding to him and it took him a moment to realize that mimicked a bird native to their area. "Don't expect me to name you...or Wilbur. We're rubbish at it-...better yet, you choose your own name. We're all rubbish at it."

He hung up the towels to drip dry and motioned for the guy to follow him. "Come on then, let's get dinner. It smells nice."

A pause and he held up a finger. "No screaming this time okay?"

He was met with a head tilt and he sighed, realizing that was a stupid thing to ask. Shaking his head to himself as he walked downstairs. Feeling the light footsteps behind him.
His sons were talking. Loudly. As usual.

It brought a smile to his face as he took his seat at the table and greeted them.

Watching as the guy stared at them for a long moment. Realizing his mistake a little too late. This guy probably didn't know how to use a chair. He was about to get up when there was a sudden attempt.

It grew very quiet.

Everyone staring at him as he sat much like a dog on the chair and looked around at them.

Tommy, who was closest to him, scooted his chair a little off to the side. Further away and nudged against Tubbo. "I gotta be honest here," He said, grabbing the other half of his sandwich. "I thought Ranboo was going to be the weirdest addition to the family."

Said hybrid at the end of the table could only shrug. "Fair."

Chapter Text

The world turned dark, fast. Something that at first scared him. Wondering if this was all a dream and he would awake back in the prison. That this was nothing more than wishful thinking.

As the colors of obsidian overtook the sky, he tried to hide. Crawling into spaces that he thought might protect him. The creatures around him becoming startled as he did. They tried to pull him out of those places and he resisted.

Hissing at Techno who didn't hesitate to lift him out of his hiding place with one arm. Impressive, if he wasn't so concerned with not being flung back into his cell.

Just as he was about to bite the hand clutching him, Philza was stepping forward. Hands held up in a calming fashion. Its voice the same as always. Dream would've hissed at it too, fought back, but this was the leader of the pack.

It would probably just aggravate the entire pack if he did.

So instead he let himself show weakness. Hoping to appeal to their caring or curious nature. Letting himself fall limp in Techno's grasp and giving his best whine. It hurt his throat but he'd have to tolerate it.

"Yeah it's okay mate...there, there." Philza smiled at him and Techno slowly set him back on his feet. "What spooked you huh?"

"I think it was outside the window." Tubbo pointed to the view to the outside. Making Dream hiss again as now he saw it was even darker. Less light than before. What looming beast was coming for him?

Was the prison itself alive and that was why he had no guards?

"Call me crazy-"

"You're crazy."

Wilbur reached up and smacked the one called Tommy again. That seemed to be a form of communication between the pack. When the younger one resisted however, it was quickly subdued in a strange grapple. The taller one had the advantage and leaned on it.

"As I was saying, but we saw how he reacted to dirt and grass. Maybe he's never seen a day and night cycle?"

"It is not ready to hear about light switches."

"Oh, that's a good idea Techno!"

"Huh? ...I mean yeah of course, it's my idea."

"What idea, Wilbur?" The leader defaulted to Wilbur and the creature began a lengthy explanation.

Dream admittedly, tuned it out. Not that he wasn't curious about their strange behaviors but the language barrier made conversations rather boring at times. He turned away, looked back at the outside through the glass and ducked down. Sneaking under it and past it.

They let him go, he does not know why but he's not complaining. No resistance found from any of them. Instead he was somewhat followed.

Two of the youngest watching him, exchanging looks, before they trailed after in a similar manner. Crouched just as he was.
It was cute.

Like they were mimicking him instead.

He paused only to chitter at them and they both smiled. Ranboo made a noise back, nothing like the language they normally spoke in. Tubbo made garbled noises in his own language and then that repetitive one.

When he made an approval noise, they smiled brighter. The younger ones seemed to be the easiest to communicate to. Excluding the loud one, Tommy.

So he continued on exploring. When more glass areas showed up, he resorted to crawling on all fours underneath them. Weird to do with this body type but he eventually found his rhythm and sped up.

The young ones behind him made noises of distress at times, stumbling as they tried to keep pace. He'd pause momentarily to let them catch up and then continue on. He crawled under strange crafts, over them, slid across strange floors.

They were both making that repetitive noise as they followed him. Tumbling over each other at times but smiling all the while.

He found the place that led upward. These things that resembled stairs but not made of any material he understood. Carefully he approached it, sniffed at them warily. He had been up them once before but he hadn't traversed them alone. Looked back as the youngest burst forward.

They crawled up the stairs just as he was walking. No trouble in doing so. Pausing high up on the stair like things to look back at him. Waiting.

A reversal of positions but he smiled and followed.

"I'm way too tall for this." Ranboo spoke as it traversed up onto the next floor.

"Don't rub it in!!!"

The next floor was...messy. Things strewn across it that made no sense to Dream. Though some appeared to be clothes. Smells wafting off of them that made him cringe internally. Not all smells were pleasant in this world.

The young ones showed him rooms. Explaining who they belonged to seemingly each time they stopped.

Wilbur's room was moderately clean. Smelled much nicer than the other areas. He could see unusual objects hung up and a messy what should be a bed. A strange box sat on a table, with a bouncing circle inside of it.

Techno's room was smelly but not so much a bad smell. As though it was meant to smell this way. It held darkness he did not like, hissing at it and they quickly made noises of distress when he did. Closing the door and he did not venture in further.

It appeared the darkness could be removed by closing doors. He'd have to take note of that.

Tommy's room was putting the other areas to shame in terms of mess. There was clothing, objects, what smelled like the food they had given him strewn about. He did not linger long in the doorway.

Making a response that made the two others make those repetitive noises again. Tubbo introduced its room next.

It was somewhat neat, somewhat messy. As though it had a place for these objects despite them looking thrown about. More unusual objects just as Wilbur had that sat like tables or hung up on the walls.

Ranboo's room was clean but confusing. Strange things sat everywhere. On platforms and other objects as though they are supposed to sit there but they looked nothing like what Dream had seen so far.

Some appeared to be made of light and others grass. Some like stones. Ranboo seemed to become distressed when Dream moved close to inspect a few so he refrained from touching them. Choosing to follow the young ones back out.

"Should we show him dad's room?"

"Uh...dad has more breakable things...of value."

"Tubbo! Ranboo! Is he with you?!" Philza called for the young ones from downstairs and its footsteps could be heard following. When they answered back, it appeared at the top of the staircase. Blinking down at them with an air of surprise.

"What are you guys doing on the floor?"

"He's avoiding the windows." Tubbo pointed at Dream and Dream looked between the finger and Philza. Tilting his head as he tried to figure out what they were discussing.

Philza nodded, a smile on his face now, and it beckoned them all with a wave of its hand. "Come on, Wilbur's got an idea about that. We're going to try it." It turned to head back down the stairs and the young ones stood on two legs once more. Following but pausing to wait for Dream.

He did follow. Curiosity possibly winning over self-reservation. He didn't know what they had discussed or why they had pointed at him. Maybe he had done something wrong and they were kicking him out. Or worse.

Still, he followed, down the stairs and to a room that was closed off.

Philza let the young ones go in first and then closed it again. Turning to face Dream. "Alright mate, deep breath." It inhaled drastically, then exhaled. Making motions for Dream to do the same.

He complied, even if this felt a bit silly. He had no need for such a thing.

Then Philza opened the door and revealed what was behind it. The pack sat in a circle of sorts. All looking to the door and them in anticipation. Perhaps impatience.

It was a room he had seen before in brief, with a large strange box and floppy shapes taking up the floor. Which now the young ones sat in them.

What had changed however was that this room was now darker than it had been before. Not as dark as the obsidian sneaking in through the glass but darker than the other rooms that shined brightly.

He took a step back, hissing low in his throat and Philza held up its hands. A placating gesture he had come to recognize. "No, no! It's okay! Watch!" It reached into the room, touched something and the room brightened to normal again.

Dream stared, watching as it dimmed down back into somewhat darkness. Slower this time. Gradual and he stepped forward. They were not trapped in the room as far as he could tell. They were calm and talking while they watched.

They were not prisoners by this darkness.

He looked to where Philza's hand was. Connecting that the leader must be doing something to change the brightness. Its hand nestled around a circular device and whichever way it was turned slowly, the brightness would come and go.

They had control of it.

Magic? He questioned. Technology? Perhaps. Was there something hidden within the walls that helped them control it or was this a power only known to Philza as the leader.

The leader who took hold of his hand and placed it on the circle.

He tested it himself, watching as the light above dimmed as he turned it one way and back to bright as he turned it back.

No, he could control it too. What was this?

"There, see? It's nothing bad."

Dream ignored Philza's attempt at communicating again. Stepping forward once more, into the room and staring up at the centerpiece that was responding to the circle. It was of warped metal and held cones on various points.

"He's going to go blind if he keeps that up."

It dimmed again as one of the young ones said this and then grew darker and darker still. Gradual but also fast, just like the outside. He felt himself tensing, gritting his teeth as he braced for whatever may come from it.

Just a sliver of light remained and illuminated their faces around him.

Nothing happened.

This allowed Dream to take note that this room had no glass to peer outside. Part of him wondered if this circle controlled all light in the world. If that they required it to be darker at some points.

He wondered what in the world these creatures would need darkness for. Hunting perhaps. Maybe they used it to blend in with their surroundings and catch prey off guard.

Yet, they were all sitting around in this darkness. Comfortable. Talking to each other. Smiling and play wrestling.

Tommy was still being easily pinned by its older packmates. Letting out angry noises as it was. Flailing its limbs and smacking at Wilbur and Techno, who smiled viciously as it did. Dominance was quite the sport here.

"Daaaaad, can we watch a movie or something?" Tommy yelled from under its predicament.

"Not tonight. I don't think our friend here would handle that well if he couldn't handle light changes." Tommy looked disappointed by its leaders response. Putting arms under its head and barking back at Wilbur.

"GET OFF THEN!"

"Nope! Hugs of death!"

Tommy's screams were quite loud yet no one seemed bothered by them.

"Hey Techno," Tubbo waved for the attention of the one that sat on Wilbur's legs. "What did you say his species was?"

"Tommy's? Gremlin."

"HEY!"

"No, no, the new guy."

"Oh, possibly Dreamon."

"So why don't we just call him that? Dream or something."

"Bit rude to name someone isn't it?" Ranboo leaned forward, seemingly interested by this conversation.

"Well it's ruder to call him 'that guy' or 'him' or 'thing' right?"

"Isn't that like calling me Ender or Techno Piggy?"

"This coming from the guy who names all of his video game pets with the prefix 'ender' huh?"

"T-that's different!"

Philza raised its hands again. "Settle down, settle down. Dream will work fine for now. If he hates it, once he learns enough of common, he can change it." Smiled and then turned to face Dream, who stood there awkwardly. Unsure of what to do in this strange room.

"Dream." It said, gesturing to Dream.

Dream chirped back, tilting his head. Mimicking the gesture and Philza repeated the word. He took a moment to repeat the sound over and over again in his head before he finally tried it himself. "Dream." He repeated and gestured to himself.

Philza nodded in approval and Dream looked down at his hand. Pointing at himself and repeating it again. "Dream...?"

The pack was giving him a name, yes? This was what they did when they introduced themselves. Was this part of their culture? Did these names have meaning or was this a name given to all new members in this pack?

...or food.

Still, that was something to refer to himself as. It would most likely come in handy later. "Dream." He said a little more confidently and the pack smiled at him. With that, he takes his spot in the circle and sits.

Patiently waiting to see what this room and meeting was for. Though it could have been a naming ceremony now that he thought about it.

An idea struck him and he perked up. They had given him a name, a gift, so maybe he should do the same! He studied them for a moment, each distracted by something unique. Voices rising and they paid him no mind.

It would be proper, he deduced, to name the leader first.

So he turned to look at Philza. Who was yelling something at the young ones but paused when it was looked at. Confusion on its face.

"Yeah mate? Got something on my face?"

It would have to be a strong name. The strongest beast that he knew of was that of death. A being that could end the lives of any who opposed it. Who controlled nature. He pointed at Philza and when the creature repeated the gesture, he spoke.

Death Evader.

Philza blinked at him. Tilted his head as Dream pointed to him and repeated the name.

"Uh..."

"I think he's giving you a name now, Dad!"

"OH! Wow, okay uh...okay, let me try pronouncing this..."

Philza tried to repeat it back. That much was obvious. Its pronunciation utterly terrible with no sense of how to roll the sounds. Dream found himself making a sharp noise as Philza did that.

Hand going to his second face in confusion.

That noise...the pack made it often. Repetitively.

Philza made a similar noise, its face tinting red in a strange way. "Don't laugh at me!" It tried the name again and butchered it even worse.

Dream made the noise again, unable to stop it, feeling it within his body. It shook his insides and he clutched at them, confused but not muting himself just yet. It wheezed out of him like a trill and he fell back, struggling to sit up.

The pack burst into the noise alongside him and that's...that's when it clicked.

Laughter. This was laughter.

He was laughing.

"Dad, you're really bad at this!"

"Hey, you try pronouncing it!"

Ranboo hesitated, looking conflicted before it tried. It repeated Death Evader far better than Philza but it was still shaky. With practice, Ranboo would master the language.

Dream sat up slowly, his second face askew and they could no doubt see his smile. He shook his head at Ranboo and then held up a finger. Pointing at the young one.

This one deserved the name Obsidian. It seemed to enjoy collecting these within its nest and was a steady mark in the pack.

Ranboo pointed at itself, repeating it back and nailed it on the first try. Dream nodded eagerly and Ranboo made a noise that was clearly happy.

"Me next!" Tommy yelled and Dream didn't need to know their language to know this was a desire for a turn. Looking to the young one who pushed the others off finally and sat in front of him.

This was easy. Explosion.

He said it as he pointed at Tommy and was met with a quick smile. "That sounds badass."

"Try saying it then."

"Er...uh....eckahoooooteimana?" That was the worst one yet.

Dream's laughter said it all. Distressing the young one who yelled in frustration at him. It took longer to recover from the feeling this time but as he did, he sat up to find curious eyes from the one called Tubbo.

Ah yes, that'd be a perfect name. Curiosity.

"Ketcha!" Tubbo repeated back and though just as bad as Tommy's attempt, Dream couldn't bring himself to laugh at this one. Fighting the noise down as he reached out and patted the young one on the head as a reward.

Hair felt soft. He noted.

Techno was the next one he moved onto. One word instantly came to mind. Intimidation. Hidden strength but the wariness around it that enveloped a room. An oppressive feel.

He said it carefully, adjusting his second face back on himself as he did and Techno took it with silence. Warily watching him. It wasn't acknowledgment beyond the look that said it was listening.

He moved on and stared at Wilbur.

He didn't know Wilbur. Traits were not obvious with this one. No intimidation, no loudness, no distinct features. Yet there was one singular thing that was consistent.

Dream never saw Wilbur alone.

There was a word for this. Long since lost in time to Dream. It was on the tip of his tongue and he swore he could find it, if he just dug deeper and deeper. Sadly, as he searched, the silence grew longer and he could see the pack grow restless.

"Either your name is gonna be long as hell or he's got nothing."

"Sorry you're so boring, big man."

Wilbur shushed them, its face tinting the color like Philza's. Huffing when they laughed at it and it waved its hand towards Dream. "Listen, I don't need a name. Thanks for trying though."

"We won't disown you from the family, Wil. Even if you're nameless." Philza laughed.

Dream perked up at that. Looking back at the leader and chittering softly. He had heard that word before! The Tommy had said it! It was something he had heard in his language before.

Philza blinked back at him, head tilting and Dream motioned to him. Trying to get him to repeat it. When the leader looked utterly confused, he sighed. He'd have to repeat it himself.

"Family." He said and Philza nodded. Gesturing to the pack.

"That's us, mate! I'm the dad and these are my kids. We're family."

Family! What did that mean? Was that a collective for their creatures? It sounded so...so familiar. He had heard it before, outside of Tommy, he was sure of it now. Long ago.

"Famrey." He said now, correcting it in his language in a way they could understand. Rolling sounds or shrilling wasn't required for some words. Then he pointed at Wilbur. "Famrey."

There was a silence that followed his announcement and as he looked around at the group they seemed to grow wider and wider smiles. Vibrating slightly with excitement. Wilbur's face turning a violent red now.

"WILBUR GOT ADOPTED!!!"

"THE SHOE IS ON THE OTHER FOOT NOW!!"

"HAHAHA, FIGURES A DEMON WOULD WANT YOU!!!"

"WELP, WE DIDN'T HAVE TO DISOWN YOU. YOU GOT ADOPTED."

"Wilbur how could you, abandoning us so quick for the new guy."

Dream felt himself twitch. A frown etching on his features. He didn't like these words. He did not know why. He couldn't understand them but he could see the way Wilbur reacted to them. Hiding its face away from the loud noises and red as can be.

It felt wrong to Dream.

He moved on autopilot. Hissing low in his throat as he nudged Tommy off of Wilbur. Curled his body around the older one as the words died down. He made sure each one heard his discomfort. Baring his teeth even if none of them could see it.

Stop that, he demanded silently.

It got the point across and Philza stood slowly. Hands held up again in that placating motion. There was a tenseness to its shoulders that wasn't there before. It felt threatened by Dream but it was going to intervene either way.

"Easy there...we were just teasing."

Techno stood as well, the young ones backing up away from Dream and Wilbur. Tommy putting itself in front of the other too. They all felt threatened by Dream.

Admittedly, it cowed him a little.

He didn't want to fight them. Just stop whatever was going on that didn't feel right. Philza took another step forward and he ducked his head down a little. More submissively.

The leader let out a breath and smiled. "Just teasing." It repeated and then relaxed somewhat. Eyes glanced to Techno who didn't relax. Who stared down at Dream with a budding growl in its body.

"Alright, I think...that's enough for tonight." Philza was still talking. Motioning and beckoning Dream forward. "Come on Dream, let me take you to your room."

Dream hesitated, looked at the rest of the pack and then Wilbur. Who was sat frozen beside him. Eyes never leaving him. Wilbur was the most tense of them all.

He had unintentionally scared Wilbur too.

Dream broke away from that one then, following Philza and eventually righting himself to two legs like the leader. Hearing a scuffling behind him of multiple creatures moving. Voices hushed.

"Wilbur, are you okay?"

Philza took him out of the room. Walking backwards somewhat as they moved down the hall. Up the stairs. There was fewer rooms here. Yet one was emptier than the others. That was the one Philza stopped at.

Gestured inside as if telling Dream to enter once it brightened.

There was squares of objects, glass looking outside, a bed of some sort in the center and there on the one wall was glass that reflected like water.

"We'll fix it up for you when we can. But it's yours for however long you stay with us."

Phil groaned as he made his way back down the steps. Feeling his age more than usual. What a trip that was. Trying to explain to a person that a bedroom wasn't a prison, a bed was to be slept on, where the bathroom was, and all with a language barrier.

He made it down to the kitchen and found his oldest there. Wilbur and Techno sat at the table with warm cups of tea in their grasp. Techno getting up to pour Phil a cup as he took his seat.

The kids were no doubt off playing video games if they couldn't watch a movie.

"Cheers." He told his son as he took the mug and sighed. Inhaling it for a moment rather than drinking. Then looked to Wilbur, who sat directly across from him. Gaze unfocused as he stared into his own cup. "Wil?"

Wilbur didn't respond.

Techno huffed, taking a sip as he shook his head. "He's been like that. Been trying to get him to talk about it but he keeps spacing out."

"Because of Dream...?"

"Your guess is as good as mine."

Phil reached out, hand going for his son's. Not reacting in time fast enough to draw away when Techno suddenly told him not to. When his fingers brushed his son's hand, Wilbur jerked back violently.

The mug went flying, shattering against the wall and hot tea spilled everywhere. Splattering works of art magnetized to the fridge and staining what was mostly white to begin with.

His son was breathing heavily. As though he had been awoken from a nightmare. Wide eyes looking around for a threat that wasn't there. Phil was up on his feet in seconds. Rushing around the table to put his hands on those shaking shoulders.

"Wil! Wil, easy! It's just me. Just me, it's just dad."

A sob choked through his son's lips. Tears starting to fall and he felt himself letting loose a sound he hadn't in a long time. A worried chirp. He drew his son closer. Into a hug, wrapping arms and wings around him and they crumbled to the floor.

Wilbur held his shirt and sobbed into it. Muffled but intense.

"You're safe..." Phil reminded him as he rocked his son gently. Rubbing his back. "You're safe. We're right here. We'll protect you."

Something plush pressed against his face and he nearly jumped himself. Blinking at the blue sheep stuffed animal that hovered by his head. Techno looking away as he held it out. Clearly embarrassed about retrieving the item.

Phil smiled and took it with one hand while his other son quickly abandoned the emotional scene to go clean up the tea instead.

He drew the plush down between them. Poking it up into Wilbur's arms. Feeling his son detach from his shirt to grab with shaking hands and clutch the toy close to his chest.

It felt like hours before Wilbur calmed down enough that he could breathe steadily again.

"Wil?" He asked once the sobbing died down. His son still looked daze. Still clutching the sheep tight to him but he didn't flinch or react badly. "Do you want to talk about it?"

He was barely able to catch the soft words.

I saw it.

"Saw what?" Phil looked to Techno as he asked. Who leaned on the counter nearby and could only offer a slight shrug.

I don't know.

Techno frowned behind his mask. Eyes narrowing. Posture tensing and Phil could see the aura radiating off of him ready for a fight. To defend his brother and family at any cost.

"I..." Wil's voice came up stronger as he lifted his head. Slowly looking between Techno and Phil and eventually resting on his father. There was something missing in his son's gaze.

He couldn't quite make it out but something had changed.

"...I think it was Dream."

Chapter Text

The bed was far comfier than his own but this didn't entice him anymore into sleeping. Instead he laid across it, staring out the glass that led to the outside. Heaving a sigh as he listened to the various noises around him.

Sleeping was something he's done too much of. He was free. He wanted to explore. See what this world had to offer now that it changed.

Philza had seemed rather tense when it left however. Keeping the door open a crack regardless. Not forcing Dream to stay within this room.

Soon as he lay there, the noises died to a simmer. No more of the pack shouting or playing. Just chirps that echoed from outside and the occasional echo of something deep.

It was then that he decided he would finally leave the room. Assuming the others had fallen asleep. He could adventure without disturbing them and be back hopefully before they awakened once more.

The door made a slight creaking noise as he pushed through it. Fighting back the urge to hiss at it. Crouching down onto all fours for stability as he quietly crawled into the hallway.

He had seen these rooms and most of the downstairs but the upstairs apparently belonged to Philza. Avoiding the leader would be best.

Going down the stairs was a lot harder than going up them like this.

These things were clearly made for two legged creatures. Three steps down and he sighed in silent frustration. Hating the way it ached his insides to do this.

A solution, he simply jumped off.

Landing at the floor and cushioning the impact so as not to make a noise. Looking back upstairs warily for any signs he disturbed them.

None.

Perfect.

He paused at the door he had once entered through. Temptation rising to go through it but there was another door he had not yet seen.

Back by the place with the delicious food.

Part of him actually debated seeing if there was scraps left out. He may not need to eat but it was a pleasure he craved now more than ever.

No angering the pack however. He should keep in their good graces the best he could. Taking only what was offered.

Reaching the second door he sat in front of it briefly. Looking it over. No runes or energy wafting off of it. Nothing like the prison doors. Similar to the rest in the place. Which meant that the orb was the key to opening it.

He did and found himself stepping out onto a platform. A whistle of wind colder than earlier brushed through him. So unlike the prison.

It was dark out here too, yes but now there was a glowing object in the sky that illuminated what he couldn't see before. Tiny sparks surrounding it and the occasional blockage that seemed closer.

It took him a little bit longer to realize just how much the sky had changed. Leaving him staring at it until then wind whipped at him again and he shuddered.

It tickled his skin, sent a sensation over him he had never felt before. Glancing down at his arm as he raised it and found it to be prickling. It was cold, like the water.

Finally moving from his spot, he hopped over the stairs at the edge of the platform. Landing in grass that felt almost wet. Taking a moment to feel it before he looked around.

The grass was encased around the building by a wall. Small and easy to jump over but not bowing to the wind that pushed at it. A few strange objects scattered about but the most notable one stood tall.

Towering into the sky and holding an object beneath it.

A chirp escaped him as his curiosity was building into an unstoppable force. Approaching the tall thing with caution. Head bowed in case it was alive. It had a sense to it, he could tell, but not the same as the creatures inside.

Just as he was nearing close to touch it-

"What are you doing?"

He jumped, ashamed to admit it. Startled and hissing at the thing in preparation for a fight. Quickly moving to two legs for hopes it would help himself look intimidating.

Then laughter followed, soft, barely audible and he realized that it was not coming from the thing. From behind him instead.

He turned to find Techno and Ranboo behind him. Their garments changed and a light in Techno's grasp pointed at the grass. He relaxed some then. Realizing the voice did indeed belong to Techno.

"Can't sleep?" Ranboo directed that at him and he tilted his head in response to show he was listening. Even if he couldn't understand it was a polite thing to do. "Welcome to the insomnia club."

"As the club president, I am not extending him a formal invitation."

"Well as the vice president, I am."

"Then I cast my vote on his application as a firm no."

"I vote yes!"

"And we're at a stalemate, he won't be joining." Techno looked proud over whatever they were discussing. At least until Ranboo turned away. Muttering something about Philza. Immediately Techno slumped.

"Fine, he's in." A pause. "Manipulative brat."

"Your favorite brother, you mean."

"Ha! With what competition?!"

They shared laughter, a sight that warmed Dream in a way against this cold. Enjoying the less intimidating side of Techno definitely.

Ranboo stepped forward, past him. Grabbing the tall object by one of its many protrusions and pulling itself up on top. "Come on Dream, you've got to see the view from up here."

The young one kept climbing and soon Techno moved to do the same. Putting the light away on its body and then following upward.

These were not stairs, he was certain.

He tried to mimic their movements. Yet when he pulled on the protrusion, he didn't budge like them. Remaining low on the ground. He frowned, increased his strength...and it promptly shattered in his grasp.

Sending him crashing back against the grass.

He heard a snorting sound above him. Ranboo and Techno both looking to him with smiles on their faces. Techno's far more mischievous. Like it had planned this to happen.

Dream huffed, backing up from the object.

"Awww, Dream. Let me help-"

Ranboo's words cut off as Dream ran forward. Leaping up into the object and clutching its side. Digging his nails into the strange material it was made of and stopping himself from falling again.

He was stuck.

Momentarily.

Trying to find balance between his clawing and his footwork. Until he was able to pull himself up further and further. Soon on the level with the other two and surpassing them as curiosity took over.

He climbed as far as the thing would hold him and sat up on a protrusion. Overlooking the world from above.

A chirp escaped him, happy purrs soon following and he looked upward. At the sky. Where the darkness held those lights still. The sparks around the glowing orb seeming even brighter from this spot.

He glanced downward at the two a few spots below him and chirped again to get their attention.

Pointing back to the orb and looking between it and them. He wanted to know what they called it.

"That's the moon." Ranboo answered. Then pointed at it and repeated. "Moon."

What a strange word.

It sounded a lot like the word he knew meant life in his language.

Ranboo then spread its hands out. Gesturing to all of the sparks around them. "Stars!"

He repeated both the words. Nodding along. Then he patted the thing he was crouched on.

"Tree."

Dream patted it again as he repeated the word but soon his attention turned back to the moon. Silence falling between the three of them. He stretched upward with how he was sitting.

Somewhat trying to put himself closer to the moon.

He wanted...to touch it. He realized. It felt so close to him like this. His hand reached out but it was still just a bit further.

Slowly he stood and leaned forward.

"DREAM!" Ranboo shouted, predicting what would happen before it did. He fell, nothing holding him up and the ground was suddenly rushing at him in an instant.

Admittedly, he let out a screech but his body reacted before he really registered what happened. A round green object popping to the forefront of his mind.

A strange noise filled his ears, a color emanating off of him and then suddenly there was arms wrapping around him.

In a blink he was gone and then he was on the grass. Safe and sound. No impact whatsoever.

Ranboo laid sprawled out beside him. Eyes wide as it stared at the sky.

He reached to poke the young one out of habit.

"Ranboo!" Techno yelled and was dropping down out of the tree. Racing over with hands held out. "I've never seen you teleport like that! Are you okay?!" It dropped down beside the young one and reached to cradle its head. Brushing that hair out of its face. "Ranboo...?"

The young one didn't answer. Eyes still wide as it stared. Not reacting to its packmate.

"Shit!" Techno growled, glancing to Dream. Snarling and then glancing back at the building behind them. It pointed at Dream and then at Ranboo. "Watch him! Don't let him move! Don't let anything hurt him!"

Dream didn't understand a word but could clearly tell that he was to stay here. Tilting his head as Techno gently set the young one back down and ran for the building. Yelling for their leader all the while.

He looked back at Ranboo. Letting out a soft little chirp as he poked it again. No response. Had the young one been hurt?

He frowned, not liking the idea of that one bit. This one was rather kind and he liked it. Not that he would wish bad upon the Techno or Tommy ones either.

The young one was cold. He noticed as he poked it. Which seemed wrong. These creatures were often warm were they not?

There was nothing around them to warm it. Nothing to shield it from the wind. So instead he moved to drape himself over it. Careful not to put weight on it but just crouch slightly over. Waiting.

The whole pack exploded from the door the moment Techno returned. Rushing to pull on extra layers and their worried tones echoed across the land. The leader was the first to reach them.

Gently nudging Dream to tell him to get off and he complied as Philza reached for Ranboo.

"I've got his coat!" Tubbo said and offered a warm covering to the leader. Who quickly wrapped it around Ranboo's shoulders.

"Ranboo? Hey, come on. Can you hear us? Ranboo?" No response from the young one. "Techno, call the hospital. Tommy can you grab my wallet and Ranboo's medical card? I don't think we should move him."

Just as the pack is about to split off, Ranboo stirs and a collective wave of sighs overtakes all of them. Philza muttering soft words and sounds as it strokes the young one's hair.

"Ranboo, Ranboo, can you talk to me?"

"D-dad...?"

"Yeah, it's me."

"Give him some space guys, back up." Dream feels a hand suddenly grab his clothing and yank him back. A little startled but it was Techno, who constantly does this. He watches back with the others as the young one moves more. Makes more sounds.

Clutches the leader and rests its head against their shoulder. "...Phil, I'm cold." A shiver racks its body and Philza nods. Pulling that covering closer to Ranboo and lifting it up. Into its arms with ease.

"Should we still call the hospital?" Techno asks and Philza looks to it.

"Let's let Ranboo decide. I'd hate to shove him in a hospital again if he's not needing one."

Dream watches the leader herd its pack back inside. All but one follows and one hesitates in the door when they notice it lingering behind.

Suddenly Dream is grabbed again. This time by two hands. That grasp his clothing and lift him higher than ever off the ground. Above Techno's head.

Who snarls at him and bares its teeth. "What did you do?!" It demands, clearly asking Dream something. Shaking him when he doesn't know how to answer. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?!?!"

"Tech, he can't understand you!" Wilbur approaches now, hand outstretched.

Dream is thrown to the ground, Techno standing over him. Eyes wild behind its second face. Which is removed in an instant as its features begin to shift.

Soon it looks nothing like its pack. More animal like than ever. Snarling and pacing as fur grows along its features. "I don't care if it can't understand a word I say!" It yells at Wilbur. "That thing did something!"

"Why are you so sure?!"

"Because I saw Ranboo's face before he teleported! I saw it! His eyes, his face, it just went blank! As though something took control of him!" Techno was growing in size now as it paced. As it continued to growl. Saliva dribbling between the ever growing fangs.

"You don't know that it was Dream, do you?"

"Do you have a better explanation?!"

"How about the fact that Ranboo is a mess?!" Wilbur huffed, crossing its arms. "Look, I love our little brother but you and him are not the prime examples of a normal person! None of us are! Ranboo can barely eat breakfast without having a meltdown! He has to write down everything he does for fear he'll forget it! He sleep walks and steals our neighbor's yards!"

Techno stopped. Towering over Wilbur. Eyes blank and pure white. Glowing like the moon above them. Clothing ripped, claws sharp, panting heavy breaths like it is two seconds away from attacking.

Dream moves again without thinking. Putting himself between Techno and Wilbur. Not as aggressive as before when he rose to the one's defense but...showing he wouldn't accept this.

Wilbur and Techno look at him strangely.

"...see?" Wilbur adds, sighing.

"You said it yourself...it's a monster. You described that thing!"

Wilbur frowned, stepping around Dream. When he chirps a warning, it smiles back at him and then reaches up. Touching Techno's face. Not at all afraid of the fangs and the threatening aura.

"...Technoblade. You of all people know that just because someone looks scary...doesn't mean they're an enemy."

These words seem to do something. Dream watching as the raised hackles of the beast slowly flatten. As a heavy sigh escapes it. Eyes narrowing and then glancing away. Wilbur smiles, laughs, and draws that face closer.

Pressing its own to it.

"...come on baby brother, it's alright. I'll protect us."

"...m'not the baby brother anymore."

"You'll always be my baby brother!" Wilbur rubs hands along that face as it slowly begins to shift back. To look more like the packmates. Letting go to pick up the second face and put it on Techno before it fully changes back.

"I'm scared too." Wilbur says as it does this. "...I don't understand Dream. Dream scares me. What I saw...was downright terrifying...but...I'm willing to give him a chance. To try and adapt to what we have here. Maybe he did hurt Ranboo...maybe he didn't mean it."

Hands find Techno's shoulders instead now. Adjusting the ripped clothing. "...maybe he's as scared as us okay?"

"If he hurts any of you again, I'll kill him."

"I know, I know. Big scary Technoblade will go to war for his family. Will drag demons out of the nether to do his bidding and burn the world to the ground." Dream watches as Wilbur somehow makes Techno timid.

Submissive.

There's quiet between them for a moment. That seems to stretch on forever and Dream feels he shouldn't interrupt it. Yet a noise catches his attention and he perks up.

Glancing in the direction it echoes from. Like howls.

"...Ranboo?" Techno asks but Wilbur shakes its head.

"No, no, that's a fire engine. Someone got ahead of you on the burning the world to the ground bit."

"Har har."

Dream listens to the wails and howls. Tilting his head and then after a moment's hesitation, he reaches out to Techno. Gently poking it. Watching it flinch away from his touch.

"What." It addresses him and he points in the direction of the sounds.

"...oh." Techno sighs, rubbing its head. "Siren." It tells Dream, pointing at the sounds when it does and he nods.

"Oh? He's asking about words?"

"Yeah, he asked about the moon and stars earlier."

Wilbur tilts its head at him. Smiles and claps its hands together. "Well since we're not getting any sleep tonight..."

"Here, I can sew them." Philza was taking the torn clothing from Techno once he had changed. Chuckling a little as he looked it over. It had been a while since his son had ripped his clothing from shifting. "...need a talk?"

He added that last part in a whisper and his son shook his head. Turning to head back to his bedroom for some alone time. Isolating himself after a shift was pretty normal.

The rest of the kids however were now piled up in the living room. Having quickly made a blanket fort and torn all the couch cushions, pillows, and comforters down to make the floor as soft as possible.

Ranboo was perched deep in the little tent. Leaning against Tubbo and fading in and out of sleep as he watched his brothers play video games. Both keeping conversation so each time he woke up he knew he wasn't alone.

He was in the process of finishing hot chocolate and some snacks for them. Knowing that none of them would get sleep now with the panic from before.

He wouldn't either.

Dream perched outside of the fort. Peering in with a curious little chirp. Often invited in by Tubbo who patted the spot beside him but too wary to go in.

At least until Wilbur walked into the room, clutching a bunch of old children's books and taking his spot next to Tubbo instead.

Now Dream's curiosity was too much and he slipped in. Sitting much like a dog on the edge of the boys' space. Chirping when Wilbur held up a book to show him.

"Book." He said as he patted the object and Dream repeatedly it obediently.

"Are you going to teach him words?" Tubbo asked, looking away from the game. Just for it to announce he was killed and he squawked in protest. "TOMMY!"

"Voices down." Phil reminded them and started bringing the mugs over.

"Techno said he was interested so might as well. If he learns more, we can talk to him more."

"It'd be nice if I could explain the bathroom to him."

"...wait, he doesn't know what the bathroom is?"

"If he does, I haven't seen him use it." Phil watched his sons exchanged looks of disgust. Ranboo briefly waking to let out his own tired opinion of a warble. Accepting the hot chocolate that was handed to him.

He had put a tight lid and straw on that one just in case.

Tubbo thanked him, Tommy barely muttered one, too distracted. Wilbur took his with gratitude as he thumbed through the books to decide where to start.

He hesitated with Dream. Who looked at him with a head tilt and nose twitching. Clearly catching the scent of chocolate. He crouched down, held out the second lidded drink and guided his hands to hold it properly.

"No screaming." He reminded softly even if Dream didn't understand. Then gestured to Ranboo who sipped through the straw.

Dream watched, nodded, and then adjusted his mask. Allowing himself to put the straw in his mouth.

The heat startled him but luckily he couldn't spill like that.

Phil smiled and went back to the kitchen to collect snacks. Listening as he worked.

"...you can take off the mask, big guy. We don't give a shit if you're ugly."

"Speak for yourself." He just barely caught Wilbur's mutter. And apparently no one else caught it. "He's right, you can take off the mask."

There was a pause and he could not doubt imagine they were doing hand gestures to explain what was being said.

"There you go."

"Those eyes are so creepy!"

"Yeaaaaah but Techno's eyes are scarier."

"...true."

"Okay let's start...here." A pause and then the tapping of a finger against a book. "People." The sound of clothing shifting and Wilbur repeated it. "People."

Phil returned just in time with a bowl of chips and pretzels to catch Dream repeating it softly. Pointing at Tommy and then Tubbo. Then hesitating on Ranboo and looking back at the book in Wilbur's grasp.

Which had a standard depiction of a human and was probably confusing Dream.

Wilbur nodded however. Pointing at Ranboo, Phil, and himself. "People." Then paused and pointed at Dream. "People."

Those red eyes blinked, the face behind the mask unreasonably young and innocent. Freckles dotting his cheeks and blond hair a little tousled. He pointed at him, tilted his head and chirped instead of repeating it.

Then shook his head. Disagreeing.

A fast learner, Phil thought to himself and took his seat in the fort. Tommy putting his legs on his lap.

Wilbur stared at him for a moment and then flipped the page. Where a ton of animals were pictured and he pointed at it. "Animal." He said. Watching as Dream looked over the page. Repeated the word and then glanced at Phil's wings.

Looking between a bird and the man repeatedly. "Animal?" He questioned.

"People." Wilbur corrected and poor Dream looked like his brain might explode. Phil had to fight back the snort. Using his own mug to hide his smile as he took a sip.

"Animal." Dream insisted and pointed at the bird. Then paused, frowned and switching the book back to People. Flipping between them and frowning. He looked to Wilbur with a whine.

Wilbur flipped to the next page. Which had people with animal features and he showed it to Dream. "Hybrid." He said, patting it and then pointing to Phil and Ranboo. "Hybrid."

At this point Dream snatched the book right out of Wilbur's hands. Setting aside his drink as he looked between the pages. Hissing low in the back of his throat as he grew frustrated.

"People." He said softly, then flipped the page. "Animal." Another flip. "Hybrid..." He glanced up over at the book at Phil. "...people...hybrid?"

Phil set his own drink aside and reached up on the nearby side table. Pulling off a sketchbook and a pencil. Something that belonged to one of his sons but he was sure they wouldn't mind. He'd just buy them a new one if they did.

He opened it to an empty page and scooted closer to the poor confused kid as he doodled.

Drawing a shape of a person, then a bird, then a hybrid, and then a skeleton. The best he could manage when he wasn't much of an artist himself but it looked similar to the children's book.

He pointed to each one. "People, Animal, Hybrid, Monster." Dream repeated the last word quietly, frowning as he did. He circled the person and the hybrid. "People." He said, tapping that circle. Then circled the Animal and Monster and shook his head no as he tapped that. "No. No people."

Repeating it a few times in the hopes the poor guy would get it.

There was a slight spark of clarity in those red eyes. Just brief and then Dream was looking back at the book. Glancing between the kids before he took a deep breath.

Pointed at Ranboo and Phil. "Hybrid." He said and then gestured to all of them. "People?" Phil and Wilbur clapped while Tommy let out an exhausted groan.

"FINALLY, HE GOT IT!"

"Tommy give him a break, he doesn't speak our language."

"Yeah but if I had to hear the word 'people' one more time-"

Dream cut that sentence off as he pointed to himself then. "Monster." He said simply and then handed the book back to Wilbur. Expectantly waiting for the next word to learn.

Phil frowned, reaching out to pat Dream's shoulder. "People." He assured.

Dream ignored him and Wilbur looked down at the book. Turning to the next page and holding open the book to show the picture.

"Sun."

Phil stood then, leaving them to it and going back to the kitchen with his drink. Hearing someone follow him and when he sat down at the table, Tommy sat beside him. Glancing back at the fort and then leaning into his dad's side.

"You okay there, Toms?"

"...he weirds me out."

"I know, I know. But Ranboo weirded you out too when he first got here."

"...yeah but...this feels different."

"How so?" He lifted a wing up, to gently wrap it around his son's shoulders. Feeling the boy shift underneath it and get comfortable. The occasional warmth of the hot chocolate brushing his feathers when Tommy lifted it up to take a drink.

There was quiet and he let it be. Knowing it sometimes took his son a bit to formulate words that wasn't a screaming match. Usually picking fights over talking when he was stressed. Tantrums he hasn't really gotten rid of since he was a baby.

When no words came, he offered the sketchbook then. Still opened to the doodles he had done for Dream and Tommy looked to it before picking up the pencil.

There was a clearly recognizable shape happening. The typical pig drawing he did when he wanted to refer to Techno.

Phil grabbed another pencil and added a little curly tail and a crown for emphasis. Tommy cracking a smile as he did.

He took a stab at the topic as Tommy continued the drawing with a fancy cape. "...are you worried...that Techno might fight him?"

Tommy paused, frowning and nodded before continuing on. Adding a doodle of the more boar like form that Techno had. With a monster coming to loom over it. "...and you're...worried that Dream is stronger?" He tried and Tommy nodded again.

A soft chirp escaped his son, a sound he picked up a habit of making long ago. Communication that meant he wanted reassurance but felt too embarrassed to ask for it. Phil chirped back, using his wing to pull his son in closer.

"Hey, I'm not going to let Dream do anything to our family."

"...I heard Techno shouting earlier...saying that Dream did that to Ranboo. That he was the one who fucked him up."

Phil nodded, he had heard it too. Thankful that Tubbo and Ranboo didn't catch it as far as he knew. Reaching to ruffle Tommy's hair and smile to make sure his son knew he wasn't worried. "I have a theory about that actually-"

Wilbur suddenly waltzed in and set a book down. Startling the two of them. Tommy cussing and shooting his brother a look.

"What's up Wil?"

Wilbur gestured to the book. Which when they looked, was open to a page with a knight in armor and the word 'Hero' underneath it. A common word for children to learn as it was often part of history.

The depiction of the knight was even modeled after a famous one. Who had alongside three others, lead armies into battles for centuries.

"Do we have to explain that heroes are people too?" Phil joked and Wilbur shook his head.

"He didn't say hero."

"...what."

Tommy huffed and rolled his eyes. "...what the fuck did he say then?? He just parrots everything we say!"

"He said George."

Chapter Text

Tommy nearly slammed the door to his room. Not meaning to but his heart was racing. His head hurt. Part of him felt abandoned and it was all because his Dad instantly focused on that Dream guy again.

He knew his dad wasn't pushing him away.

He knew it. He swore it.

Yet part of him still felt incredibly lonely even when he was still wrapped up in that wing. When his dad didn't leave him. Didn't let him go until he pulled away.

He hated these feelings. He's always had them, as far back as he could remember and all they did was frustrate him.

So he plopped down in his messy bed. Buried his face against his pillow and let loose a scream that was successfully muffled.

He should be downstairs comforting Ranboo. It was the big brother thing to do. He was the youngest in his family, sure but he was the third in the line of when he was obtained. Wilbur, Techno, and him had all been born to Phil in that order.

Tubbo and Ranboo had been adopted after him.

Well, adopted was a strong word.

Phil just kind of stole kids and never let them leave.

Tubbo he says he found on the side of the road one day and no one can prove it otherwise. The kid can't even remember it.

Ranboo was a mystery no one could unravel because dad had just shown up with him and said "He's ours" and that was that. Ranboo didn't like to talk about it either.

So by that logic, Tommy was the big brother to the two of them. A task he normally accepted with pride and without hesitation. Delighting when the two indulged him and called him big bro or otherwise.

It made up for how often Wilbur and Techno treated him like a baby still.

As he laid there, the silence grew and so did a bit of his impatience. Wanting something, anything to change but not wanting to move. He kicked and punched at his bed a bit and then a gentle knock sounded at his door.

Only one person knocked like that.

So of course he told Techno to fuck off.

It never worked, his brother still came in. Closing the door behind him and making his way over to the bed. Sitting down without a care for the mess.

"...dad talked to you didn't he?"

"Yep." Techno snorted.

"Auuuuuuuuuuugh!!!" Tommy forced himself to sit up, his face burning with embarrassment. Seeing that smirk on his brother's unmasked face. "I hate it when he does that!"

"Hey, at least he cares."

"Only because of Wil's-"

Techno silenced him with a look. Right, they don't talk about that. And Techno hated hearing anyone badmouth Phil. Tommy loved his dad, he did, but his dad was also a bit of a birdbrain.

No pun intended.

He huffed, drawing his knees close to his chest and burying his face against them. Glaring at nothing and waiting for his socially awkward brother to take the lead.

A small punishment for invading his room.

Techno sighed, leaning on his knees. There was a bit of animalistic features left on him. Signs that he was still stressed and trying to relax.

Tommy liked his piglin form, so it didn't bother him too much.

"...do you really think I couldn't beat Dream in a fight?" That was what his brother addressed first and Tommy huffed a little laugh.

"...you're the strongest guy I know." He admitted in a small voice. Seeing his brother's lips turn up in the slightest smile. "...but you said that guy is basically a god right?"

"I thought you didn't believe in gods?"

He frowned at those words. Looking away, catching sight of his brother out of the corner of his eye. Tensing because he feared he had fucked up.

"Tommy look-"

"I feel like I've met him before." He admitted before Techno could make a failed apology.

"...Dream?"

"Yeah...I don't know where...but...something keeps screaming in the back of my mind that..." He hesitates, unsure of how to word this. Fingers drumming against his arm. "...that I know better and I should run from him."

A deep breath. "...but when I try to think of why, nothing comes up. I don't know him...but I know him." He groaned, running his hand through his hair. "I sound fucking crazy!"

"Maybe it's a past life thing?" Techno offered with a shrug and when Tommy looked to him, he was smiling. An evil little glint in his eyes. "...or maybe you're remembering the story your brother told you when you were five to make you wet the bed after you stole his favorite cookies."

The words sink in and Tommy grabs the pillow behind him. Raising it up over his head as Techno barks a laugh and barely tries to defend himself from the attack. He hits him a good ten times until a bit of his emotions let up.

Only stopping when he doesn't feel so overwhelmed.

It felt nice.

"...what story?" He asked, lowering the pillow warily and Techno sits up right. Pulling a bit of feather out of his braided hair.

"I told you the dreamon story long ago. Dad grounded me for it."

"Tell me it again."

"I'm too old to get grounded now, Toms."

"I'm not going to wet the bed!!!" He smacked his brother with the pillow again, snatching it back when Techno moved to steal it and clutching it close to his chest. "I'm a big man! The biggest!"

Techno seems to think it over. Humming a bit before he leaned back to get comfortable on the bed. "...it's actually a poem but I translated it for you because you didn't understand half the words."

"Ha ha very funny."

"You were five!"

"The smartest five year old ever!"

Techno rolled his eyes. Scoffing. Then took a deep breath, always the theater kid.

Beast of my kin,
mutated,
warped,
devoured by man's sin,
distorted,
unearthed,
swallow people within you,
darkness surround you,
unending hunger for more.
Cry endless for no answer,
a disgrace,
a dancer.
Deceiver,
achiever.
Believers fall forth.
Within walls now sealed,
may your power yield,
immortality your greatest fault.

"...what does any of that mean?"

"Told you."

"Shut up, it's all fancy and shit. Why are poems so complicated?!"

"Because they're more about emotion than logic." Techno shrugged, grunting a little. Sounding more pig than human. "From what I can translate, it's the story about a dreamon that started to destroy the world. Since it was the offspring of a titan however, it couldn't be killed. So they sealed it within the prison."

"...and we let it out, great."

His brother rolled on the bed. Taking off his shirt. Tommy about to make a gross comment when Techno started to shift form. Making the bed creak with his weight as he grew in size. Slowly becoming that boar like beast of a piglin.

And then promptly dropped himself in Tommy's lap against the pillow still there. Much like a dog would.

Tommy didn't hesitate to start petting the rough fur of his head. Breathing out a soft sigh of relief. Petting things always helped calm his nerves. Especially livestock. A trick Techno knew all too well and abused at times.

They were quiet for a moment. Just letting each other sit like that and enjoy the silence. Relax and breathe.

"...Wilbur said to give him a chance." Techno muttered eventually.

"Wilbur isn't that smart."

"...no, but he saw something we didn't see...and I trust him."

Tommy just nodded silently.

"...and if he tries anything funny, I'll rip his throat out."

"Hell yeah you will!"

"Technoblade never dies."

"Come on, come on, it's okay." Tubbo muttered to the looming figure behind him. Trying to keep his voice down as he crept through the hallway. He had seen Tommy go up here earlier and the fort had gotten lonely.

It was becoming harder and harder to reassure his 'younger' brother that everything was okay.

Still he had a sneaking suspicion of what might be going on. Which lead to this secret mission to invade Tommy's room before Phil caught them and ushered them back to the safety of downstairs.

Ranboo was still pretty out of it. Speaking more in Ender than he was in common. Avoiding eye contact and often shivering. He listened to Tubbo and kept quiet even if he was nervous about following him.

Shaky on his feet the entire time.

They made it up the stairs and to the door of Tommy's room. Peeking through the crack when he opened it and sure enough, both Tommy and Techno were fast asleep on the bed. Techno in his piglin form protectively laying on top of the younger.

He smiled and opened the door for Ranboo, beckoning him in and shutting the door behind them.

Ranboo practically purred at the sight and stumbled forward. Still clutching the blanket around his shoulders from downstairs. Warbling when he got close to the bed and they could both see one glowing white eye peek open.

Techno lifted his head tiredly, then raised his arm and motioned for them.

Tubbo and Ranboo jumped onto the bed. Getting sleepy protests from Tommy but pulled into the warm hug of their older brother. Settling back into comfortable positions. A snuggle pile had been a long time coming.

Used to having them more often before Dream showed up.

Phil, being a winged hybrid, was very touch-oriented. Something he passed onto his children. Which made hugging a requirement and all too often they shared the same space.

It helped the other hybrids in the family with their instincts as well. Namely Techno's when he needed to protect his sounder. His pack.

Plus he was warm to the touch.

That was always nice on cold nights.

"What's dad doing...?" Techno muttered against Tubbo, quiet and barely audible to not disturb Ranboo who was quickly asleep again.

Tubbo rolled to face his brother. Who still had his eyes closed. Reaching to pet his head much like Tommy had been doing. "...talking to Wilbur about some George guy."

"George guy?"

"Yeah, Sir George of the Found or something."

One eye cracked open, giving Tubbo a look that was managed well despite the limited facial expressions. "...I thought you passed History."

"I suppressed it."

The piglin snorted, careful to keep his noise muffled. Brushing his snout under Tubbo's hand to get a good spot to scratch and he gladly complied. Even going for the ears as he knew Techno enjoyed that.

He thought about what Techno said and hummed. "...is he the guy who helped lead the Independence war or something?" Techno nodded against his hand and he smiled, proud of himself for getting it right. "Apparently Dream knows history better than I do. He recognized him from a kid's book immediately."

Techno shot up at that. Suddenly sitting upright and as a result throwing Tommy and Tubbo off the bed. Ranboo awoke with a startled ender noise as his brothers shouted in alarm.

"Ugh, Tech...you gotta stop waking up dramatically!" Tommy yelled from the floor, face down against the rug. He beat his hands against it before he too sat up. Brushing his wild hair out of his face. "Dad told you no more startling revelations when you're sharing a bed!"

Tubbo could only agree from where he landed next to Tommy. His back sore and he knew he'd be feeling that for a week.

Ranboo yawned as Techno started to shift back to his more human form. "...did he realize finally that you can't critical hit in that game by-" Tommy launched across the bed, putting his hand over Ranboo's mouth before he could finish that sentence.

Smiling sheepishly when Techno looked at him suspiciously but their older brother was too distracted now. Pulling his shirt back on and doing his best to tame his hair.

Then he darted out of the bedroom and left the three youngest there to stare at the empty space he once was in.

"He's so dramatic." Tommy groaned and let Ranboo go, flopping back onto his bed.

"Dad says it's a medical condition." Ranboo muttered, not hesitating to get comfy again. The middle space between them reserved for Tubbo. Who crawled back up as well.

"What's the diagnosis?"

"English Major."

The three boys shared a laugh, now too awake however to sleep. "What'd you say to him Tubbo?"

"Oh, Dream apparently knows ancient history."

"Shocking!" Tommy raised his hands up, waving them with all of the sarcasm he could muster. "We're all taught history."

"Didn't you get a failing grade-"

"Shut up Ranboob. I beat Techno to death with a pillow, I won't hesitate to do the same to you." When Ranboo let out a distressed noise however, his expression softened and he reached over Tubbo to pet the tallest of them all.

"I'm joking."

A pause and he grinned.

"We should sneak out."

"I definitely don't feel up to that."

"Okay, Tubbo and I should sneak out because we're not pussies and bring you back ice cream."

"I like ice cream." Came the sleepy mutter and Tubbo smiled at Tommy, who grinned back.

"You and me, Big T?"

"Yeah!"

Sneaking out was far easier when all of the responsible adults were distracted by some new discovery about the weird guy living with you. However, it didn't mean they went alone.

They got dressed for the night air, snuck out the front door without making a sound, turned their attention to the street where the corner store lay on the other end and...

...there was Dream.

Tubbo and Tommy just barely managed to stop each other from screaming and giving away their plan.

"Stop doing that!" Tommy hissed through gritted teeth as he glared at the maskless man. Who hadn't put it back on since they suggested he take a break. Blinking back at them wordlessly with a tilt of the head. "Go back inside, you can't come with us!"

Tubbo shrugged. "We could take him."

"Look, I know the guy working the store isn't the brightest bulb on the christmas tree but he's definitely going to freak out when we bring a red-eyed demon in who speaks in a language nobody knows!"

Tubbo stared back at Dream, who was looking somewhat around at his surroundings. Having seen the road and buildings before so he didn't seem too much curious. Though when a car passed by he followed with his eyes and confused chirp.

"If he's a dreamon like Techno said...I think they can shapeshift right?"

"How the fuck would I know?"

He waved to get Dream's attention and when he looked back at them, he pointed at his own eyes. Mimicked by the man who nearly poked his own eye out.

"Eyes." He said as he did and Dream repeated him.

Both Tommy and Tubbo's eyes were blue. Which seemed to catch Dream's eye, no pun intended. Who looked between them. Noticing many of their similarities no doubt.

"Change eyes?" He tried then and Dream tilted his head again. Clearly not knowing what 'change' meant yet. It was worth a try.

Tommy suddenly pushed them both. Towards the direction they were supposed to be going. "Come on! We can't hang out here forever, if we're going to have to take him with us let's get a move on before Phil drags us back in."

Tubbo pointed ahead of them and Dream followed obediently. "I guess we could just tell the workers he's a hybrid if they ask. Say his traits just came in or something."

"Great idea Tubbo, you're a great liar!"

"You should hear what I told Mrs.Caliday to get out of gym that one time."

"Was that the pregnancy scare one?"

"Yes! She was so confused but let me go!"

"Dad was dumbfounded you got away with that."

They talked and Dream kept at their sides mostly. Until they started entering an area he clearly hadn't seen before. Soon venturing closer to the buildings off the sidewalk and touching various things.

Mailboxes, flowers, signs, the works.

When a porch with an iron railing blocked his path, he jumped up on top of it with ease. Balancing without any sign of falling. Jumping to the other side and then sliding off of it.

"Whoa!" Tommy and Tubbo said in unison as they watched him and he looked up at their outburst.

Tilting his head and then glancing back at the railing as if he understood that they were impressed.

"Must be dreamon shit right?" Tommy asked Tubbo and all he could do was shrug. "Man, I wish I had gotten some hybrid traits. Techno stole all of them." He put his hands in his pockets. Huffing a bit.

"What would you want to be?"

"I don't know...maybe a raccoon? Or a cow. I like cows. I could turn into a minotaur and Tech and I could be the buffest scariest livestock ever!"

Tubbo snickered, nodding along. Too amused picturing his brother with cow ears and a tail. No other features. Nearly dying of laughter however when his brain turned against him and added some udders.

"Why you laughing at me?!"

He saw something out of the corner of his eye and choked on his laughter. Staring past Tommy who slowly turned to follow his gaze.

Jaw dropping open as Dream walked along the buildings. Perpendicular to the wall. Like a casual spider-man.

"WHAT?! You can do that too!? What else can you do?!"

He reached out to grab his brother's arm. An idea coming to him. Grinning as he felt adrenaline spiking already. "Hey! Let's race him on the way back home! He's got to be amazing at parkour right?"

"We can beat him!"

Leave it to Tommy to not hesitate to agree with his plans. The two shared smiles, laughs, and Tubbo reached to pull Dream along. Back to their original destination. Which was now within sight.

Glowing against the darkness as it was open all day and all week. Two cars there and maybe three people inside beside the cashier. Dream let out a curious noise, not resisting as he was pulled and jumped when the automatic door opened for them.

Walking backwards inside as he stared at it and jumped again when it closed.

"Welcome to the best place to be past midnight!" Tommy introduced the place, gesturing out at the multitude of food and drinks. Immediately going to snag a large bag of gummy worms. "Ah, gotta get these for Ranboo."

"Grab me some too!"

"Nope, Ranboo gets dibs. Since he's the sick baby brother."

"Softie."

"Bitch."

A lady an aisle over shot them a look and Tubbo gave his best apologetic smile. Even if Tommy ignored her completely. Now pointing out different snacks to Dream and explaining them. A complicated language lesson that Dream didn't need.

Tubbo grabbed a handful of drinks in the meantime. Energy drinks Phil wouldn't approve of them buying but wouldn't take away either. Then went for what they came for. A pint of ice cream of Ranboo's favorite flavor and a larger tub for both of them to share.

"Tubbo I have the best idea ever."

He looked over his shoulder and Tommy held up a bag of extremely hot chips. Gesturing to Dream who was currently studying a bag of donuts intensely.

"Are we going to record it?"

"Fuck yeah!"

Tommy looked back at the confused man. Patting him roughly on the back and saying he'll buy him the donuts.

They eventually managed to get to the counter. Arms full and no one left but them. The cashier yawning as he started ringing them up. Giving occasional glances at Dream who stared at every little thing he did.

"New brother?" He eventually asked in a bored tone. Used to Phil seemingly having a new kid every now and then.

"Yep!" Tubbo answered, leaning forward to avoid Tommy smacking a lighter out of Dream's grasp. "...he just recently got his hybrid traits." He used the lie and the guy just nodded. He didn't really care probably. Not paid enough to care.

"Cool. What is he?"

"Not sure yet! We're thinking spider."

"Heh. Cousin's a spider."

"Neat!"

The bags were set forward. Payment processed, receipt stuffed in one and the guy waved them off as they left. Biting into a piece of gum and watching with amusement as Dream audibly hissed at the automatic door this time.

Even made movements outside like he would fight it.

Tubbo quickly drew his attention back to the road home.

"House!" He said firmly, pointing down the street. A word Wilbur had taught Dream today. Dream followed his pointing, tilting his head but nodding along. "Run!" He said then and took off down the street.

Tommy was close behind him. The bags slowing them down a bit but they had done this a few times before. Knew how to set them in their arms so they didn't drag them down.

They got as far as two buildings forward when they decided to look back and make sure Dream had gotten the memo. Just to find the street empty behind them.

Tubbo skidded to a stop and Tommy nearly fell over his own feet.

"Shit! Dad will kill us if we lost him!"

"Dream!" Tubbo called and they waited for a moment in silence. For some sort of answer. The chirps or other noises the guy made. Nothing of the sort but the sound of approaching footsteps on the road.

They both breathed sighs of relief as Dream slowly came into view. Walking after them rather than running.

"I know damn well Wilbur told you what running was today!"

"Come on Dream!" Tubbo waved his hand, beckoning him to speed up. "Run!"

When Dream looked up at them, silent and just continuing to walk. They both said it in unison.

"Run, Dream!"

Dream stopped altogether. Dead center in the road. On the yellow dotted lines. Body a bit tense as he tilted his head. Then rolled it to look straight ahead.

"No." He said, another word he had been taught and they frowned.

"Man, if you don't want to play fine but-"

"Tommy. Tubbo." Dream smiled. "Tommy, Tubbo, run."

Tubbo felt a chill crawl down his spine.

"...haha...okay um...was that a threat or...?"

Tommy backed up a step and he did too. Dream advancing on them with one. That smile still on his face. "Run!" He said again, louder. More joy in his voice than he had ever emoted before. Hands twitching at his sides like he wanted to grab something.

He started to run towards them and laughed. "Tommy, Tubbo, run!!"

They did.

"HE'S GOING TO KILL US!!!"

"I'M TOO YOUNG TO DIE!!!"

They screamed as they ran. Hearing the thundering footsteps of the man behind them. So close, it sounded so close and was gaining on them by the second. The laughter ringing out turning into a delighted wheeze.

The word 'run' being chanted over and over again.

They managed to stay ahead of him however. Just barely enough that when the house came into view they didn't even think about sneaking back in. Flinging the front door open, rushing in and slamming it behind them.

Both panting and out of breath.

"...and where have you two been?" Phil's voice called out to them from the living room.

Their great plan to avoid a lecture was to throw one of his favorite snacks at their dad and bolt upstairs. Claiming they did it for Ranboo. Ignoring the fact they locked their house guest outside.

Surely Phil would give them one hell of a talking to later about that. He couldn't have possibly not noticed Dream was missing too.

They made it to Tommy's room, both collapsing on the floor. Startling Ranboo awake who lifted his messy bedhead up with a warble.

"Never. Again." Tommy blurted out between breaths and Tubbo just nodded alongside him. Taking a moment to relax before he dug into the bags and pulled out Ranboo's treats. Their brother thanking them in a soft voice.

Already topping his ice cream with some gummy worms.

"I'll grab some spoons," Tommy offered and went to open his door again. Just to screech and fall flat on his butt when he found Dream there. Who looked almost like a pouting puppy in the grasp of their father.

"...someone want to tell me why I found him outside scratching the door like a cat wanting to be let in?"

"...we have his donuts?" Tubbo offered, holding up the bag.

Dream watched the pack talk. Eyes darting between them where he sat next to Ranboo on the bed. In his grasp was a strange round food they called a donuts. He liked donuts, he decided.

Resisting his delighted urge to scream after the first bite because Philza didn't like when he made that noise.

It seemed the leader was also a bit mad with Tommy. Maybe because they had taken these strange foods from another house. He assumed that they were only supposed to eat the food in this house.

A house belonged to each pack apparently.

This pack had this one. Like a den or nest.

Wilbur had taught him a lot.

He had also learned that these creatures were male. He could stop referring to them as "it". They held genders much like his own kind did. Using the same words as well.

Ranboo let him try a gummy worm. It was not like a donuts but it could be made into a round shape as well. Ice cream was cold. He preferred the warm foods.

"What do you mean he chased you?"

"We were just going to race back home but he got all creepy and weird and started chasing us!"

Philza sighed loudly, pinching his nose. Looking like he was very tired. Dream was almost tired. Even if he didn't need sleep. He had done a lot today and it was beginning to feel like he could rest.

Perhaps an offering would appease him for the time being.

"Donuts?" He held one out to Philza and the leader smiled at him. Taking it.

"Thank you Dream. I'd love one."

He turned his attention back to his pack as he bit into it. Pointing at the two young ones standing in front of him. Both looking ready to be scolded.

"Listen, I'm tired. We're all tired. Let's go to bed and I'll deal with you sneaking out in the morning. I get why you did it but you still snuck out and you dragged a guy who doesn't know how anything works with you! What if he got hit by a fucking car?!"

"I'd be worried about the car."

"Tommy."

"Aren't you the least bit concerned that he hunted us down like prey?!"

"I'm many things concerned but you guys did start it and you're alive and we can't have a sit down and talk to him about how he can't do that if he doesn't understand us!"

"Favoritism."

"Tommy!"

"Fine, everyone get out of my room!"

Ranboo whined from beside Dream. "Do I have to move...?" He sounded so pitiful and broken. Dream offered him a donuts too.

"...fine, everyone but Ranboo get the hell out of my room!"

Tubbo left first, gathering up some of the food to take with him. Waving and giving a cheerful goodbye. Dream waved back and Philza beckoned him forward.

"Come on Dream." He crawled off the bed, sticking the container of donuts in his mouth briefly to carry it and then once on two legs put it back in his hands. Going to follow Philza out as Tommy slammed the door behind them.

Philza did not take him to his room however. Instead guiding him up the stairs and into the leader's own space. It was filled with strange objects, books, metal that glimmered. Everything looked so...different.

It felt like a powerful area.

"I can't trust you not to run off so you're staying with me until we fix that."

He chirped to acknowledge he was listening and suddenly a wing wrapped around him. Drawing him close to the leader. Who chirped back at him...and then froze. Eyes widening.

"Shit sorry! Reflex!"

The wing drew back and he laughed. "I shouldn't touch you unless you want to be touched."

He turned towards what must have been his bed. It curved like a round shape. A circle, a nest. Filled with fluffy things and the like. He sat on the edge, set a covering off the side and then reached for a book.

Invited Dream over to sit with him and he did. Watching as the book opened and pages blew past. He expected a word lesson again.

Instead, Philza stopped on a page with a picture. A painting, of a being that rang familiar in Dream's mind. He smiled. "George!" He said, letting out a soft purr. This picture was a better picture of George.

Philza turned the page. His eyes widened. "Sapnap!!!" He barked, patting the picture on that page. Looking to Philza as he did it again. He knew these! He knew these names and words and what these were!

Philza smiled at him and then the next page showed itself. "Bad!!!" He was bouncing a little in his seat. Wanting to move. Wanting to run. All of the tired feelings leaving him again.

The next one was obvious too. "Ant!! Ant!!"

"So Techno and Wil were right." Philza muttered, nodding along as Dream looked between him and the book. "...you are immortal for sure...and you knew the legendary heroes of the wars."

"Well this at least explains why you're so out of touch with modern society."

Dream didn't understand what Philza was saying but Philza seemed to know them too. The four he had identified. He was allowed to hold the book. Shift through the pages and look over the pictures. Finding more and more of those beings.

He stopped on one page that had a large picture. That took up two whole pages and he laughed. Feeling the leader lean closer to look. He patted the image and said with confidence.

"George, Sapnap, Bad, Ant. Run."

It was a picture of the four of them. Riding brilliant beasts that he couldn't recall the names of. Weapons in their hands, metal on their bodies. With fire that burned like the sun in the background.

And there was him, running alongside them. In his true form and not this one that mimicked others.

"Dream run!"

Chapter Text

Wilbur is running. He doesn't know where he's running to but there's a voice screaming in his mind that he needs to hurry. That if he doesn't get there soon enough, everything will go wrong.

He hears screams in the distance.

He recognizes the voices.

The scene he stumbles upon is horrific. Of his brother, Technoblade, fully shifted. Blood on his tusks. Manic laughter escaping him as he slices a sword through someone. Stomps on the remains and crushes bone.

As beasts rise around him that he's only heard of in legends. Withers. Three headed skeletons that float and glow. That summon energy that radiates death. Throw it at unsuspecting victims, both animal and human.

The ground crumbles beneath them as they run for their lives. He watches them fall, screaming. He watches one of their legs break and there's no chance for escape.

Techno gets to them before the Withers do.

He tears through them like a beast. In a blind rage. Soaking his fur in their blood. He roars when someone screams and begs him to stop.

It's Tommy. Who has tears in his eyes as he runs towards the piglin. Yelling something about Tubbo.

Techno raises the sword and Wilbur screams as he watches it cut clean through Tommy's neck.

His brother steps over their baby sibling. Without a care in the world for what he just did. Advancing on to his next target. Ranboo, who is shivering, cowering. Clutching at something in his grasp and screeching as he does when someone stares at him.

Wilbur is racing down the hill. Stumbling. Scrambling to get back to his feet. Screaming Techno's name over and over. Begging Ranboo to teleport. To get out of there before their lost brother takes him too.

He's too late, only able to watch as Techno grabs the poor boy. Lifts him high into the air and then slams him down into the lake nearby. Steam rising up and muffled screams just barely audible under the surface.

He holds him down until they stop and then he casts the limp warped body to the side. Turns and faces Wilbur.

Who freezes, unable to believe any of what just happened.

He chokes out a sob, reaching for Techno. Telling him to come back to him. That this isn't him. He isn't a monster.

And just as his hand is about to touch that face, draw him in to comfort him, he suddenly hears Phil's voice.

"What are you doing?" His father asks, looming behind him with a look of pure concern. He whirls around, screaming for his help. But the words don't come out.

His father doesn't seem to really look at him. Or at least, what he's seeing isn't Wilbur there. Crying, struggling to bring sense to what's going on. Mourning.

He stares into Wilbur's eyes with this look that screams 'who are you'.

Wilbur feels his hand moving without his control. Screaming as he's puppeteered. As it lifts up and slams into a button on the wall. Since when was he in a room?! He didn't know where he was, what was going on.

And a heavy oppressive feeling overtakes him.

"Dad! Help me! What's going on!?"

Phil doesn't answer. Instead, he takes a sword, his prized sword, and thrusts it through his chest. Through his ribs. There's so much blood.

His father holds him tightly, clutching him as they fall to the floor and he can feel himself fading away. Sobbing as he tries to stay. Tries to hold on. Phil strokes his hair, sobs alongside him and cradles him in his wings like he always does.

They're broken however. Ugly. Feathers missing, blood splattered against them. He'd never fly again and he'd never hold Wilbur again.

Why?

His world crashes into darkness. And two red eyes appear above him. Towering over him with a white Cheshire cat smile to follow.

Soon forming a white smiley face mask.

That sits on the body of a creature he knew all too well. Having seen it before when it had tried to protect him from his sibling's taunts.

Dream.

Dream with a long dragon like body. That had eight arms that arched like spider legs. That had a mouth on its stomach, eyes littering its body. Shape seemingly warping every now and then as it drew in and out of the shadows.

Like ink running off a paper.

It bellowed out a strange noise. Twisting around him. Encircling him in a strange dance. Almost akin to laughing. And then it stopped in front of him. Curled like a snake would sit and the two closest arms to its head resting on its side.

"Run." It said simply and he wanted to. He wanted to so badly. He wanted to run and never look back but no matter how much he wanted to, he couldn't move.

Its form dissolved instantly into millions of spiders. The swarm advancing on him and he could feel them crawl across his legs and hands. Reshaping into that beast once more once it was overtop of him.

Crouched down like it was studying him. Mask close to his own face. His breath warming it.

"Fear?" He didn't teach Dream that word but he nodded.

Dream nodded back, the dominant hands reaching for his face. Cradling it and the touch felt...warm. Almost comforting.

The monstrous form fell away. The human Dream sat crouched beside him. Still holding his face. There was a shiver to his body that wasn't there before. That caught Wilbur's eye.

Without thinking, he reached up and undid the mask.

Found tearful red eyes behind it.

Dream heaved a sob as he let him go...

And Wilbur woke up screaming.

The house was silent, normally he'd expect his father flying up the stairs asking if he was alright. It sent a brief moment of panic through him when nothing responded. Scrambling out of bed with no thought to change.

Raced down the stairs and stumbled into the kitchen.

Techno looked up from the stove and merely arched an eyebrow.

Normal, unmasked Techno. Who had bags under his eyes from lack of sleep and a crown lopsided but pinned to his long pink hair. Little tiny fangs poking through his lips. Calm as can be.

No blood to be found.

"...you look like shit."

"Thanks." Wilbur breathed out a sigh and smiled. Walking forward and going to wrap his arms around his brother. Feeling Techno briefly tense but then relax. Focusing on the food he was making.

Trying not to show the fact he was blushing.

Normal, normal Techno.

"...nightmare?"

"Yeah."

Who knew his pain about that all too well.

"OH!" Both brothers jumped a little as Tubbo walked into the room. Sleepily rubbing his eyes. Looking to them with a bright smile before he ran forward. "HUGS!" He hugged them too, letting out a happy hum.

"Why." Techno grumbled, the embarrassment getting worse. Trying to shrug them both off. "If you want waffles, you better get off."

Tubbo let go so fast that Wilbur thought for a moment he had maybe been burned.

Wilbur hesitated, not really hungry and Techno heaved a sigh of defeat. "...I'll throw blueberries on yours." His stomach growled against his will and he relented. Pulling off.

"Where's dad?" Tubbo asked as he took his seat.

"Took Ranboo and Dream to the doctor."

"Dream?"

"Since we confirmed he's immortal he's making sure he doesn't have any ancient diseases or anything."

A pause.

"And getting him much needed shots."

"Poor Dad." Wilbur snorted at that, grabbing butter and syrup from the fridge and cabinets. Going to set up the table while Techno finished up the first batch.

Quickly slicing up some bananas as well when the plate was set in front of Tubbo. The delighted squeak of their little brother bringing a smile to both of their faces.

It wasn't just them for long. The smell of the waffles quickly drifted through the house and Tommy came running down. Just as much of a mess as Wilbur looked but because he couldn't sleep still.

Raising his hands in victory as he yelled. "FUCK YEAH TECHNO COULDN'T SLEEP!!! WAFFLE TIME!!!"

"So glad my miserable insomnia can bring joy to my family."

"Well you have to contribute something-god Wil, you look like shit."

"Thanks." Wilbur repeated the same answer he had given Techno. Though as Tommy moved to sit at the table, he quickly pulled the chair out from under him. Continuing to grab things like nothing happened.

Tommy's screaming and profanity echoed behind him and he flinched a little but reminded himself that it was just a nightmare. His brother was fine.

At most his butt would be sore for an hour.

It was fine.

When Techno dropped the fork in his grasp however, the sound of it hitting the floor had Wilbur yelling. Whirling around to face a threat that wasn't there. His shout unnerving his siblings that had once been calm.

Techno jumped, Tommy yelled, Tubbo choked on his food.

"TUBBO DON'T DIE!"

"Tommy you don't hit someone who is choking!"

"That's what they do in the movies!"

"Since when have movies been a-" Techno cut off his words with a snarl. Slamming down the waffle maker and marching over to his younger siblings. Shoving Tommy away from Tubbo as he applied proper first aid and made sure he swallowed.

When Tubbo caught his breath, everyone but Wilbur collectively relaxed.

It lasted maybe three seconds.

Then Techno plucked the fork up off the floor. Brandished it as a weapon that could very well kill and advanced on his older brother. Backing Wilbur up against the counter and onto it. Soon finding himself on the fridge to avoid the four prongs of death.

"Explain." Techno growled glaring up at him.

"I told you I had a nightmare!"

"What the hell kind of nightmare did you have that a fork scares you?!"

"One where you all died, happy now?!"

Silence followed his outburst, his brothers staring at him. Techno looking a little bit shameful at having pushed the issue.

"Technoblade never dies." Tommy said simply as he took his seat again and began to dig into his waffles that he barely rescued from the waffle maker.

Wilbur grimaced. Yeah, that...was one of the ones that didn't die in his dream. Yet there was so much more Techno had done. He could still see his brother holding Tommy's head like a victory prize.

"...going to come down off the fridge?"

"...going to stab me with that fork?"

"I can refrain. For now."

"Then I will come down, for now."

He slides off the fridge onto the counter. Flinches when a hand reaches out for him but relaxes as Techno doesn't acknowledge it. Helping him down off the counter and they just stand there for a moment.

Looking at each other.

"Get a room!"

"Tommy, if you say one more thing like that I'm shoving this fork up your-"

Tubbo cuts off the threat with a whine. Playing it up like he didn't just almost choke to death. "Why's everyone so grouchy this morning?!"

"No one got good sleep, Tubbo. Sorry." Wilbur reaches out to ruffle his hair. "Maybe if we eat we'll all be in a better mood."

Techno does finish his waffles next, so he takes his seat once he's sure everything on the table is set up. Dousing his blueberry waffles in butter and syrup until Tommy gags beside him. Taking a bit slobbery bite just to spite him.

"Can you do my hair after breakfast?"

Wilbur looks up as Techno sits down across from him. Brushing a bit of his hair behind his ears and he smiles, nodding. Braiding Techno's hair always helped relax both of them.

It might've been why he left it undone this morning.

"How do you think dad is fairing?"

"He's probably still trying to get Dream out of the car."

"Okay, on three, we all pull and hope he doesn't rip the door off." Phil nodded to the two nurses who had walked out to help him. Three sets of eyes glancing at the poor boy huddled up against the other side of the van.

Clutching onto the door handle for dear life and hissing whenever they leaned too close.

Undeterred, they counted down and lunged forward. Phil managing to get a hold on Dream's leg once more. Pulling it back until the nurses could reach in and held him.

They got two-thirds of his body out of the van when he grabbed the door and it creaked with the strength.

"No no no-" The nurse closest to him said kindly, going to ease his fingers off the best she could.

"Hang on, I got an idea." The other muttered and then moved to tickle Dream. The boy burst into laughter, letting go, and they all fell back to the ground. Phil just barely managing to recover fast enough to get a good hold on him.

Dream hissing and flailing as he was held like a tantruming child.

"Thanks!" Chirped the man, ignoring the concerned looks he got as he used his foot to close the car door. Heaving Dream over his shoulder and heading towards the doctor's office finally.

Ranboo had probably already finished his appointment by now which just meant getting this one in to get checked over.

The automatic doors opened and Dream nearly screamed, trying to claw his way out of Phil's hold and back outside. Luckily blocked by the two nurses regardless.

"Ah..." The receptionist noted as she watched the commotion. Everyone in the lobby now staring. "...this is the one you called ahead about? Dream?"

"Yep. He's not as dangerous as he looks, promise. He's just scared of everything right now. He probably thinks I'm taking him back to prison." The joke got a deeper look of concern. Phil trying not to laugh at it.

Patting the boy's back as he snarled now at some poor unsuspecting woman sat nearby reading a magazine.

"Would you like a sedative?"

"No! No, I don't think that'd help any...uh...you mind if I claim the children's section though? The far corner one?"

"Be my guest."

He turned around then, not needing to fill out most of the paperwork for a new patient. He had called ahead to say he practically had no information on Dream to begin with and they were willing to do a physical for that.

He waved at the people he passed, heading for the corner with the children's toys and books. Thankfully unoccupied now because all of them had migrated to the far other side with their parents.

Instead of taking his own seat and sitting Dream down, he plopped down on the floor with the kid in his lap and turned his attention to the toy table. Fear and curiosity had a mild battle.

That masked face darting looks around clearly looking for an escape route but at the end of each observance, he'd look right back at the toys. Letting out a worried little chirp.

"Easy there," Phil tried to placate. Rubbing the boy's back. Picking up one of the toys to show him. "Look at this."

The one he held in his grasp was a simple little toy phone. That would call out the numbers as you pressed them and such. He pressed the one button and as it lit up, Dream looked to it.

"One!" It said happily and Dream tilted his head.

"...one?" He repeated back, confused, going to press the number again and it confirmed it for him. He looked back at Phil.

"Numbers." Phil explained. Then held up his hands to show him his fingers. Putting all but one down. "One." He held up a second. "Two." And counted up to five before he stopped.

He could practically see the way Dream would think things over. Relating them to stuff he already knew. Always mimicking the gestures and words. It was a delight to watch.

It didn't take long for him to understand this either. Nodding along, even teaching Phil some of the numbers in his language. Not that he could pronounce any of them to save his life.

Ranboo came to sit with them when his appointment was over. "They're preparing for Dream. I heard talk about police on standby."

"Oh, psh. I can handle him."

"You couldn't even get him out of the car."

"He's here isn't he?"

The two shared a smile, Dream offering one of the toys he was fiddling with to Ranboo and much like the hybrid would with any child he came across he began to indulge the silliness.

They were part way through a sky battle involving ducks when Dream was called back. "You can stay here and rest." Phil paused to assure Ranboo. "Or head to the car and put on some music."

"You sure? I could probably help distract him."

"It might be a bit crowded in there." That was enough to get Ranboo to cringe. Definitely not one for crowds.

Dream was a little more compliant now at least. Seeming to realize that Phil wasn't taking him here to hurt or abandon him. Willingly being pulled along the hall by his hand and the nurse let him take one of the ducks with him.

"You might not get that back." Phil chuckled and she smiled.

"We've got plenty."

The room they had designated for him was at least one of the bigger ones. Made for those with multiple limbs or larger bodies. A window with drawn back curtains that let him see outside. A request on Phil's part.

One of the nurses who had helped pull him out of the car sat in a chair nearby and another was already typing away at the computer.

They closed the door and Dream immediately tensed.

"No?" He said warily, looking back at it. Going to head for it but Phil pulled him towards the exam table instead. Patting it and the boy hesitated. "...bed?" He was more confused now. Clearly noting this was not a bedroom.

"Sit up here okay?" Phil guided him up and he did sit, fingers tapping against the duck and eyes gazing around the room.

Everything too imposing had been hidden. A smart move on their part. No machines or poking things to be seen. The most medical item out was the stethoscope and cotton balls.

"Hi Dream!" The nurse at the computer said cheerfully, smiling at him as she pushed the chair back. "This is your first time at a Doctor right?" She was talking to him despite the language barrier. Keeping her main focus on him but glancing to Phil briefly for an answer.

When he nodded slightly, she nodded like Dream had answered her. "Well we're going to try and make this the best doctor visit ever!" She reached for something in a drawer and then held it up to show him.

A giant roll of stickers.

Which she promptly took one off and put it on his hoodie. Phil watched the kid marvel at it. Peel it off and then stick it back on. Chirping with amusement. She laughed. "There! Every time we get something done on our checklist, you get a sticker!"

"First things first, we want to try and get as much basic information about you. That means your," She held up her fingers and pointed to each one as she said the words, "Height, Weight, Age, Gender, Species, and any super strong Powers."

"Five things!" She wiggled her fingers. "We can do it! Then you get a sticker!" She then held her hand out to him. "Do you wanna pick what we do first?"

"Pick a finger." Phil instructed, reaching out to poke one of her fingers. "One, two, three, four, or five." He said the numbers instead, since they had just been discussing that and Dream chirped once more.

"...three?" He tried and several of them clapped for him.

"Gender!" The nurse said and then went for ID cards, they were basic things that only scratched the surface of gender but they were often used for kids who were trying to get a start on what they wanted to be called.

Since many people in this world didn't even have some of this to begin with.

Phil already knew that Dream was called a male so it was no shock when he pointed to the male card and then at himself. More clapping as a reward and that was one thing down.

The nurse let him pick the next one too.

Which was height. It took a lot more convincing for him to stand on the scale. And to let go of the duck. Whining as the metal bar came close to his head and he tried to avoid it. It ended up with Phil getting his height checked first to show him it was fine.

And just like all of his kids but Tubbo, Dream was far taller than him.

They convinced him to stay on for a bit for the weight assessment as well. The nurses exchanging looks when the numbers on the machine simply read 'error'.

"Is that...a bad thing?" Phil asked, handing the duck back to Dream.

"Not necessarily. It does help narrow down the species list however." The nurse explained. Right, species. How were they going to logic that one? If Dream really was the child of a titan, he'd probably be the first in their records.

"Let's do age next."

"Can we remove your mask?" A second nurse asked and Phil made the motions he knew the kids did when they asked him to. Dream eventually slipped it off and Phil could see the way they all flinched at his eyes.

Those red eyes were so hard to get used to. Much more like ender eyes than actual eyes.

The eyes were the window to his age however. Having to convince him to sit still as they briefly shone a light into them. People could shapeshift their teeth but rarely their eyes. Eyes were the most common thing to stay consistent.

Techno was an outlier in that everything shifted when he went into his full form. They aged him by his hooves instead.

He earned a sticker for that one as he rubbed his eyes and protested every step of the way. Putting his mask back on quickly and huffing at them. A clear sign that he wanted them to stop. Scooting closer to Phil as a result.

Even putting the duck between them like it would shield him.

They pulled up a picture of his eyes on the computer, showing him, earning a brief curious glance but he ignored them for the most part as they talked.

"Now, he has a rare eye type but if we look here." The nurse pointed to a weird looking spot. "This is a good indicator of how many millennia he's been alive!"

"Millennia." Phil repeated, making sure he heard that right.

"Yep! Looks like Dream here is over ten thousand years old at the very least. He's probably much older but we haven't determined a way to decide beyond that point. All we can do is confirm what they know about history. Which isn't a perfect indicator since we have study fanatics but..." She trailed off with a laugh.

"Where else do you get a point of reference?"

"Exactly. Not to mention very rarely does an immortal that old even remember beyond a couple hundred years. Demons are the most common species we've found with such strong memories."

"So...demon?"

"Most likely based off what you told us."

It was then that Dream gave his full attention to the computer image. Seemingly having gotten bored and curiosity took over. He leaned forward on the table, over the duck and tilted his head at the image.

Before perking up. "Run!" He said happily, pointing at it. "Run!"

"Oh?" The nurse indulged him, smiling. "Do you like to run, Dream? Would you like to try our treadmill we have here?"

"Run!" Came the answer and they wound up leading him to another room. Filled with exercise equipment and a few people with injuries and the like taking things slow with guidance.

The largest treadmill they had was unoccupied, a digital screen in front of it to supply whoever used it with an adventure. A nurse taking the time to explain it to the kid as she demonstrated.

Walking, jogging, running.

Phil gave it a brief go as well when Dream seemed wary of it. Just to prove it was safe. His body wasn't made for running however. Flying was his thing.

When they convinced Dream to get on it and started it up slow, he stumbled at first. Marveling at the moving floor before he found his rhythm. Watching the screen intently as it showed a garden path.

He started to speed up and it began to match his movements.

It didn't take long for a walk to turn into an all out sprint and that sprint to go from two legged to four. The meter for measuring how fast he was going skyrocketing from what most basic humans could do to what a cheetah could do in short bursts.

He would jump occasionally as well, land on his hands and feet and continue as though he had never stopped.

Laughing all the while.

"...huh." Phil muttered as he watched the scene. "...I might need a treadmill at home."

"Do you want anything fancy?" Wilbur asked as he took the seat behind Techno. Tommy and Tubbo sprawling out on the floor in front of them as though furniture didn't exist. The TV already on to one of their favorite shows to watch.

Some war drama.

"Eh, whatever you want to do. I don't have a date or anything."

"You say that like you can get a date to begin with."

Techno kicked Tommy's leg for that remark. Almost winding up in a leg slap fight until Wilbur started threading through the long pink hair. Combing apart pieces with a hum.

"I'm going to try something I saw online then."

"Oh gods above, don't ruin my hair."

Wilbur let out a dramatic gasp. Pretending to be offended. Though it was mostly ignored and all of them fell into a relaxed silence. With only the TV in the background.

Though the intricate hairstyle tried to distract him, Wilbur quickly found himself thinking back to that nightmare. His leg starting to shake until Techno leaned on it.

Repeat images flashing through his mind. Techno, as a beast. Uncontrollable.

No, he was here. Against his legs. Relaxing into the hair braiding.

Tommy, crying, screaming. Begging for his brother to stop. Headless.

No, he was here. On the floor. Critiquing the acting of some character.

Tubbo, gone. Missing, broken. Only Tommy knows what happened to him.

No, he was here. Next to Tommy. Laughing and pointing out plot errors.

Ranboo, drowned. Burned alive by the very thing he couldn't touch. Screaming without anyone to save him.

He wasn't here.

Phil, downed. Wings torn and bloody. Never able to fly again. Not able to talk to Wilbur.

He wasn't here.

Wilbur, a sword clean through him. Bleeding out as he sobs in his father's arms.

He wasn't here.

He pauses at that. Hands shaking, staring at the strands in his grasp. No, he was Wilbur right? He was...here, wasn't he?

Dream, alone. Locked away for so long. Crying but not making sense of it. Calling out to those who don't answer him anymore.

No one visits.

Dream is here.

He flinches as a shock rings through his body. As though someone dumped ice cold water on him. His spine feels ramrod straight. His eyes unfocused.

He hears screams in the distance.

He hears voices so many voices, all demanding to know why he did what he did.

Why he became a monster.

"Wil?"

He can't move, can't answer whoever is calling him. Staring at something fading into his vision. Four shadows advancing on him. Not remotely of equal size. They glow with armor and weapons.

They scream at him.

They grab him.

He screams back.

And someone suddenly slaps him.

He fades back into reality to find himself no longer sitting behind Techno. Instead he's perched somewhere. He can't make sense of it.

All three of his brothers here stand under what he is on. Looks of concern on their faces. Tommy's hand raised to slap him again if need be.

He hisses at them and they look downright confused.

"...maybe we should call Dad."

Tubbo gives his best attempt to finish what Wilbur started on his hair. It was clearly an attempt to try and twist his braids to resemble a flower. It winds up half-braided and half limp. A style he's not complaining about.

He has bigger worries.

It gives them time to gather their thoughts however. Talk and prepare for that awkward phone call they were about to have with their father. Wary glances sent Wil's way where he rested on top of their bookshelf.

Crammed into the tiny space and not letting anyone close.

"Maybe his hybrid traits are coming in?" Tubbo suggests with a mutter. "I read that sometimes people get really nasty?"

"Techno was the worst when his came in." Tommy concluded and he huffs a look at his younger brother.

"They don't usually come this late." He reminds them and they share a worried look. He could only hope that this was hybrid traits. Not some fault of the thing they let loose into their home and life.

Dream wasn't even here right now, how was he doing this? He asked himself. Scowling as he retrieved his mask. Holding it just in case he finally picked up his cell phone and called their father.

It was Ranboo who picked up.

"Heeeeey..." Came the tired greeting.

"Ranboo, where's dad?"

"Uh...currently trying to convince Dream not to kill someone."

"...what."

His confusion puts Tommy and Tubbo on guard. Leaning in to try and listen in rather than ask him to put it on speaker phone. Normally he'd oblige regardless but he didn't want their screaming reactions to make Ranboo harder to hear.

"Yeah so...they gave him his first shot. He retaliated. The police are here and they're trying to give him a sedative now."

Techno could just barely make out the screams of 'RUN' in Dream's voice in the background.

He looked up to Wilbur, watching him flinch each time Dream yelled. Even if he couldn't hear him.

"Alright, good luck with that." He hung up, mentally cursing at himself for just shutting off the call like that. Tommy and Tubbo sputtering on either side of him as he stood up.

Making his way over to Wilbur and reaching for him.

Getting clawed at with dull nails and hisses rising in warning.

"Dream." He said, and Wilbur's attention snapped to him.

"Uh, big man, that's Wil."

"Yeah he looks nothing like Dream. Are you going crazy now too?"

Techno ignored them. Huffing a bit. What were some of the words his family had taught this thing so far? No, they hadn't taught him enough to convey what he needed to.

"...Tommy, get me a lead pencil."

"...a what."

"A lead pencil."

"Oh I got one!" Tubbo ran off, shortly returning with one from wherever he had stashed it away. Techno raised it up, showing Wilbur.

Ejecting enough of the lead to show him an object vaguely resembling a needle. Then promptly jamming it into his own arm.

Tommy screeched, Tubbo flinched back. Wilbur remained the calmest. Warily watching him. He drew it back and showed his unmarred arm. Having retracted the lead as he did it.

No blood, no hole. A perfectly fine arm.

Wilbur stared at him. Glancing between the arm and Techno's face.

"...fear?" He whispered.

"No." Techno replied. "No fear."

After a moment of tense silence, Wilbur nodded and slumped against the bookshelf. Out cold in a matter of seconds. With no strength in his body to hold himself up there, he rolled off and Techno chucked the pencil quickly to catch him.

Not accounting for balancing and falling to the floor with his brother on top of him.

"...what the fuck just happened." Tommy asked.

"Oh no it's fine Tommy, I'm fine. Just had my tall as hell brother land on me from several feet up. It's fine. Thank you for your concern."

"We're home!" Phil called into the house as he entered. Letting Ranboo go in first and his son gave a concerned warble. Looking back at him as he struggled to carry the man on his back.

Dream was out cold. The sedative they gave him had done wonders and he was as compliant as a newborn kitten throughout the rest of the appointment. They gave Phil a roll of stickers to take home to reward him with regardless.

He admittedly, let Ranboo have a few too.

The kid was already going to put them in his collection. Single-mindedly traversing through the room and ducking up the stairs.

He found the rest of his boys in the living room. Another fort set up and for a moment he was concerned. Until Techno poked his head out with a muted greeting.

"...hey, fort day again?"

"Wilbur got sick." Was Techno's explanation and Phil frowned.

"Shit, did he catch Ranboo's stuff or something?"

"Sort of." His son admitted, then glanced at Dream. Who Phil finally slumped into an unoccupied couch. "...we need to talk, dad."

"...can it wait a bit? No offense, Tech but...I had one hell of a day at the doctor's."

"It's about Dream."

"Alright, at least let me get some coffee."

He headed for the kitchen, taking note of a few things still left out and about. "Waffles?" He asked his son who followed.

"There's some in the fridge you and Ranboo can reheat."

"Thanks."

The coffee was already set up. He just had to turn it on. Standing idle as he waited and let the tense muscles of his body relax. Groaning softly as he felt his shoulders loosen. Rubbing one for good measure.

"...this is about your idea that Dream controlled Ranboo isn't it?"

"It isn't much of an idea anymore. Today confirmed it. He controlled Wil too."

Phil wished he could say he was shocked. Yet he already knew this. Grabbing one of the mugs, realizing it belonged to Tubbo, putting it back and grabbing his own. Filled it up and took it black despite wanting a bit of cream.

He needed the jarring slap of coffee.

"I know."

"You know?!" Techno growled. If he was in his other form, his hackles would be raised and he'd be flattening his ears. "Then why are you still bringing that thing ho-"

"Techno, deep breath." He cut his son off and waited. Hearing the harsh breathing of his son trying to remain calm. Trying to control his anger. Soon the chair across from him scraped back and he wasn't alone at the table.

Techno folded his hands in front of his face. Hissing through gritted teeth. "Why haven't you thrown that thing back in jail then?!"

"Because he's just a kid."

"He's an ancient immortal being!"

"With the knowledge of a five year old."

"You don't know that for certain! What if he's just acting?!"

"And what if I had thrown Tubbo out for all the times he's lied to me?" Phil asked calmly, watching his son flinch at that. "Or for all the times Ranboo's memory acted up? What if I kicked you out because you snapped at me? Techno, you've bitten me and your brothers so many times...does that deserve being abandoned?"

"...that's not the same."

"No, it's not the same...but if I don't put my best foot forward and try to help before I say he's a lost cause, I'm going to regret it every day of my life. He's trying, we can all see that. He did very good today up until he got a needle in the arm."

A pause and he huffed with a smile. "...and honestly, his reaction wasn't as bad as yours or Tommy's for your first shots."

"Ranboo said he tried to kill someone."

"Yeah, so did you and Tommy."

"...what?"

"Tommy broke the nose of his nurse. You managed to get a hold of a scalpel and took the entire office hostage."

"...you're exaggerating."

"I'll never tell." Phil snickered, humming over his coffee as he took another sip. He leaned forward when he set it down. "Tech, I get it. Trust me when I say I'm not taking any of this lightly. I'm planning to confront this head on but we have so little information that if we rush in blindly, it could end worse for all of us. Dream included."

"He thought I was taking him to a new prison today. He panicked. He looked so broken and scared in the back of the car. I can't send him back to that jail. Whatever he did long ago to be put in there, he's probably long since forgotten it."

He sighed, ran his finger around the rim of the mug. "...I want you to help me plan a trip."

"Seriously? A vacation?"

"No, a trip to the Badlands."

Techno's eyes widened as he realized what that meant. "Oh."

"Yeah, the nurses told me today that a demon's memory is one of the strongest. So...let's get some answers shall we?"

Chapter Text

"What are the rules?" Phil asked, standing in front of the group. The house locked up behind them and everyone carrying backpacks. Most filled to the brim. Weapons and tools tied to their belts.

"Let Techno and Dad do all the fighting!" Ranboo piped up, raising his hand.

"Correct."

"Don't eat anything you haven't eaten and survived with minimal injury before!" Tommy added. "...even if it looks cool."

"Correct."

"No petting wild animals!" Tubbo pouted a little with that rule.

"Correct."

"No killing or threatening to kill your little brothers." Techno muttered with a tired sigh.

"Correct."

"When traveling to a different territory, do your best to be the most well behaved you can manage so we don't start world war six." Wilbur concluded and Phil clapped his hands together.

"CORRECT! Follow these rules, or I turn this group right back around and all of you get to sit at home while I go to the Badlands alone." He meant it and his sons knew that. Exchanging accusatory glances at each other.

As if already blaming each other for when the inevitability came.

"And one new rule." His kids groaned collectively. "Don't let Dream out of your sight."

Dream who sat on the ground beside the lineup of his kids. The least prepared for everything. They had gotten him gloves for four legged travel at least. A spare change of clothes or two.

And any extra things were all stuffed in Techno's bag since he often carried the least amount of things on his person at any time.

They had ultimately decided to forgo driving there. The Badlands were called that for a reason. Well multiple reasons but its terrain was also something better built for demons and hybrids.

Even with modernization, most cars still struggled on the roads and it was easy to get lost on the winding paths. Which is why being on foot was better with an experienced guide.

Said guide being Phil of course. Who thanks to his wanderlust, or 'roadtrip addiction' as his kids called it, he had been all over the world and back.

Not to mention he didn't think he could handle a week long trip in the car with six kids. A few trips to McDonalds alone with three often had him pulling his feathers out from stress.

At least when walking, his kids would burn energy.

And the trip would be shorter without having to drive across highways and roads that were designed by a madman. You could cut right through most of the territory into the next on foot. Very little blocking your way.

Phil was about to start the journey when he paused. Remembering something he had bought just to make sure this didn't go entirely bad within the first few days. Pulling it out of his wing safe bag.

It was a children's harness. With little dragon wings attached to it. He almost felt ashamed for doing this but he didn't want Dream to run into traffic or worse.

As much as he was worried about the kid getting hurt, Tommy also brought up a good point about the cars being damaged and them being held responsible.

So he strapped the guy in. Dream playing with the wings and seemingly unbothered by it. It had a decent leash for it and didn't look too much like a dog's.

"Can I hold it?" Tubbo asked and he gladly handed it over. The younger son smiling at Dream and jogging forward. The briefest of tugs happening before Dream gladly followed. Easily keeping pace.

"Let's head out!" He called over his kids and they started making their way down the sidewalk. Towards the open field area just outside the city. It'd keep them out of the public chaos and lead them in a decently straight line to the Badlands.

"Ranboo, you look pretty excited." Wilbur noted not long into their walk. The enderman hybrid letting out a little embarrassed chirp.

"Oh well I always kind of wanted to meet Sir Halo."

"Oh?"

"Yeah he's one of my favorite heroes...it's pretty cool that a guy with his looks became one of the most praised people in society you know?"

"Awww, that could be you next." Wilbur nudged him gently with his elbow, smiling all the while. Any sign that he was still reeling from what Dream had done to him a few days ago long gone save for the bags under his eyes.

Tubbo slowed down a little, letting Dream lead the way. "I wanna meet Sir Frost! I hope he's there!"

"Is...he even still alive?"

Techno shrugged slightly. "Well he's got feline immortality. He might've used all his lives up, I'm not sure. Haven't heard much about him lately."

"What's the difference between regular immortals and feline immortals?"

"Well, regular immortals can basically live forever. They can die, "respawn", die again. Until their 'time' comes." Techno started to explain, gesturing as he spoke. "And most don't know they're immortal until they die. All feline hybrids and felines are born immortal. They get nine lives so to speak."

"Each life has a 'time' too when it has to go."

"So...wait, mother nature just...randomly decides to kill immortals?"

"Pretty much."

"That's fucked up." Tommy added his own two cents and there was a few laughs among the group.

"It's to keep a balance. Since immortals are becoming more and more common. If they were allowed to live forever they'd destroy the planet. Most don't survive after their third death but some like Sir Halo have died a thousand times over and still live."

Techno then jabbed a finger at Phil, who knew what was coming immediately. "That's why dad's so impressive to everyone. He's dodged death so many times that he's pretty much an immortal without immortality."

"I bet Dad is an immortal."

"We won't know until he dies."

"Damn."

"Alright kids, as much as I love talking about me dying..." Phil waved his hand. "Can we change the subject to something nicer?"

"Who wants to sing a roadtrip song!!!" Wilbur called from the middle of the group and there was another collective groan.

They made it out of their territory by nightfall. The sun starting to set and though Dream was more used to it, he became obviously restless. Slowing down and pulling Tubbo back with the leash.

Phil called for them to set up camp then. Picking a spot by a nest of trees and a small river. His sons were pretty good at dispersing to specific jobs. Tommy and Tubbo already setting up the tents, Ranboo the rain guard, and Wilbur was setting out any essentials for the night.

Techno set his bag down to scour the area and place some monster warding lights on the edge.

So Phil turned his attention to Dream, who had climbed a tree to watch over them. Leash dangling down within reach if need be. Smiling up at the kid who tilted his masked face back with a chirp.

"We were going to teach you a few survival basics on the road out. So how about you and me go catch some dinner?"

He beckoned Dream to follow and he did. Jumping down and landing easily. Following after Phil on two legs as the man grabbed a few items and went for the river. It was too late in the day to go properly fishing but he could spear fish.

Explaining it as he demonstrated to show Dream. Who tracked every fish that swam close to them like a cat would.

When he had caught enough to feed them for the night, he let the boy have his turn. That way they wouldn't lose out on any food if he failed. Getting him to roll up his pants and wade in the water shoeless.

At first he held the spear awkwardly. More like a pencil than a spear and then eventually gave up on it. Instead trying to use his hands. Phil admitted to laughing at the sight. Grateful he had thought to bring a camera along as he snapped a photo with what little light he had left.

Then Dream jumped practically head first into the shallow river and he nearly flung the camera in his haste to save the boy from breaking his neck.

They both returned to the camp soaking wet with a full bucket and one particularly large cod in Dream's mouth. A proud hunting dog.

Everyone tried to avoid making a comment when Dream swallowed the thing whole and raw.

Everyone but Tommy who screamed and cursed while practically climbing Phil to get away from the guy.

"Oh come on, even I can unhinge my jaw."

"THAT'S NOT THE SAME THING, RANBOO."

The dinner ended with Wilbur teaching Dream more words. Phil telling stories otherwise to his other kids and Tubbo was the first to fall asleep. Easily carried to his tent where Tommy practically collapsed on top of him.

That left the others, two insomniacs with two who had been struggling with sleep over stress. And the cause of their stress. Who was now staring at the sky. At the moon and seemingly fixated on it.

Occasionally reaching towards it like he wanted to touch it.

"I'm half expecting by the time we get there, Sir Halo will just turn us away thinking we're crazy." Techno admitted and Phil snorted a laugh.

"He's too nice of a guy to do that."

"You've met him before?" Ranboo perked up.

"Briefly, he knew your mother better. And I've heard tons of stories about him. He spends most of his time trying to help the citizens of the Badlands. I'm sure he won't just push us aside."

Phil looked away as he said this. Scratching at his face slightly.

"We're not citizens of the Badlands, however." Techno pointed out.

"No, but we're allies. The Badlands have always been neutral and have never taken sides. Even with war on their doorstep."

Ranboo tilted his head. "But...wasn't Sir Halo part of the wars way back when?"

"Mmm...people change." That's all Phil could say. He wouldn't know of any reasoning Sir Halo would have to fight.

"War?" Dream suddenly asked, turning his attention back to them. Curious over the word. He poked Wilbur then, his way of asking what something was. "War?"

"Uh..." Wilbur hesitated, biting his lower lip as he tried to think of how to explain it. He hadn't really taught any words with regards to violence just yet.

So Phil gave it a try, waving to get Dream's attention then. "People...hurt, " He hit his hand with his own fist. "People."

"...hurt?" Dream asked then, watching the movements and mimicking them. Frowning when he shook out his hand a little. Apparently having hit himself a little too hard. "...hurt." He repeated then. Connecting the pain with the word.

"War. People...hurt...people." He then put it altogether, frowning from where his mask was askew. Reaching to take it off entirely. Something he's been doing more often around the family.

He rubs his own face, as if he's tracing his fingers over something. Letting out a soft murr sound as he thought to himself.

"No." He concluded and Phil snorted a laugh, followed by Wilbur's smile and Ranboo's chuckle.

"If only it were that easy." The winged hybrid sighed and reached to ruffle that hair. Dream chirping in response. "But...people are awful creatures. Hurting is sometimes the only way we try to solve our problems."

His words were lost on the boy thanks to the language barrier. The moon taking his attention once more. Though not entirely. Staring up at it but tilting his head instead as though he was thinking again.

"...George, war." He said softly and Phil leaned closer to listen.

"...George war?" Repeated the man. Dream glanced briefly back at him and nodded. When Phil tried to encourage him to talk more, gesturing for him to continue, he frowned.

"...George, Sapnap, Bad, Ant, war." He looked back up at the moon. "Dream no war."

He fell into a quiet state once more and Phil didn't push it. Leaning back to glance at his sons. Who were looking between each other. Concerned and curious looks. Reading body language so they didn't exactly talk behind Dream's back.

It was Ranboo who spoke up next, looking to Phil as he asked, "...does he even want to see Sir Halo?"

"...he certainly looked happy when he mentioned him."

"Let's hope it stays that way." Techno sighed, before moving to stand and to wander. Picking up a sword to take with himself as he walked. Just in case.

"Can we race Dream?"

Phil paused at that, shooting his son a look. "I thought last time you did that, you two wound up screaming for your lives."

"We can teach him tag!" Tubbo suggested. "That way he...hopefully knows it's a game and doesn't try to kill us!" Techno snorted and both little brothers shot him a look.

"I've got some energy to burn." Wilbur muttered, glancing ahead on the trail they were taking. It was pretty straight forward. No means to get lost and only a tree or two scattered about.

The rest an arid land with rocks. The air stale but the heat not unbearable.

"Ranboo, no teleporting!" Tubbo called as he set the bags down quickly. Phil snorting and picking them up. Not struggling with the weight and his own. Taking Tommy and Wilbur's as well as they set them aside.

"Who said I wanted to run!?" Ranboo called back, content just to keep walking alongside their father. Sticking out his tongue when Tommy called him a pussy.

The three of his sons participating picked a starting line. Drawing a line in the sand with a stick. They unclipped Dream's leash, leaving him with just the backpack and wings. "Okay Dream!"

Tubbo took charge of explaining. "Run! Tag!" He smacked Tommy, perhaps a little too hard for an example. "Win!" Win was a new word, Dream tilting his head at it and Phil decided to help.

Drawing out the roll of stickers he kept on hand now just in case. Waving them to show Dream he would be rewarded for "win".

Dream perked up, chirping and nodding.

"Then you can be it!" Tubbo laughed, holding up both hands. "Stay!" Dream sat at the line and soon Phil, Techno, and Ranboo were level with the group. He then whispered to his brothers to run ahead and Wilbur and Tommy took off.

Laughing and gaining considerable distance with their long legs.

Tubbo ran off after them before turning back to Dream and yelling "GO!".

"RUN!?" Dream yelled, practically asking and Tubbo echoed it.

"RUN AND TAG!!!"

Dream watched them for a few more seconds. A smile gracing his unmasked face. They had taught him to put it on the side of his head so the desert heat wouldn't get to him. He crouched down on all fours.

Much like a mountain lion preparing to pounce. Muttering under his breath 'run' in a mantra.

When Tubbo looked back again to see if he was following, he burst into a sprint. All of that speed he had shown in the doctor's office rearing its head again. Zooming across the trail as he yelled happily.

"RUN!!!"

"OH GOD!" Tubbo yelled right as he was tackled. Techno bursting into a laugh and Ranboo cringing.

"Oh that's...that's a rough tag."

Dream perched over the fallen brother, laughing still. Glancing back at Phil seemingly for approval. When the man smiled, he moved onto his next prey.

Tommy managed to dodge his first tackle but Dream skidded along the dirt and about faced. Using a rock nearby to propel him forwards with extra momentum. He missed by an inch but turned on a dime.

An impressive display that let him get a hold on Tommy's leg and take him down.

Wilbur hesitated as he looked back. Seeing both of his younger brothers fallen and Dream grinned at him.

"Run!" He said before he took off after Wilbur.

"I'm going to have to save Wil," Techno muttered and offered his bag to Ranboo. Stretching and rolling his shoulders with a sigh. As if this was a chore he was sentenced to rather than his own choice.

Kicking off his shoes, a practical set he rarely wore when it clashed with his aesthetic and tightened his ponytail. Unbuttoning the top of his shirt to allow for a half-shift of his features.

Hooves forming, tusks poking out from his mask. Pig ears on either side of his head. He crouched, loosened the button on his cape and then darted forward. It flying off in a dramatic flair that Phil managed to catch.

Dream had just about caught Wilbur when the full force of the piglin hybrid slammed into him and they both went rolling through the dirt.

Wilbur cheering as he was saved.

"Techno, play nice!" Phil called after, moving to help Tubbo out of the dirt as they reached him.

His words falling on deaf ears as both boys split apart like two animals ready to fight. Crouched down on all fours. Encircling each other.

Though both were smiling.

Clearly having fun.

"Worrywart changes his mind once he gets to let loose, huh." Phil muttered to no one in particular. Wilbur now helping Tommy up and the kids returned to take their bags. Watching the powerful display.

"Maybe he'll get some sleep tonight." Wilbur laughed and Phil nudged him for that.

"Then you should go join them."

"I'm...I'm good."

"KICK HIS ASS TECHNO!!!"

"My legs huuuurt..." Tubbo whined from where he sat on the back of Techno. Not at all having to worry about walking anymore. His brother rolling his eyes as they moved.

"Psh," Tommy huffed, holding his head up proud. "This is nothing! Dad used to take us on trips like this for far longer!"

"You were a baby when he did! You were carried!" Wilbur laughed and nearly got a punch to the gut. "Tech and I were the ones walking!"

"To be fair, he didn't stop until we got Tubbo."

"I couldn't carry so many kids at once." Phil lied, all three of his bio sons knowing it was a lie but it made Tubbo laugh.

Ranboo cracked a smile of his own. "Where did you guys go?" He was holding the leash now. Occasionally Dream while bored ran in circles around him. Tripping him once or twice. Now he spun with the guy so he wouldn't get tangled.

"The End!" Tommy piped up like he had full memory of it.

There a brief moment of silence and Ranboo's eyes widened. "Wait...you went to the End? Why is...why is this the first time I've heard about it?"

"We wouldn't stay for long," Phil tried to interject but Tommy was talking again.

"Dad used to have a place there! A huge house he built all by himself!"

"You have a house in the End?!"

"Not anymore." Phil said with a final tone to his voice and his kids quieted. Though Tommy looked a little more frustrated at the silence and Ranboo stared at the ground as he walked.

Phil sighed, running a hand through his hair as he took off his hat briefly. "I promise I'll take you one day, Ranboo." That seemed to lift the mood just a little.

Then suddenly Dream stopped in his tracks. Yanking the poor kid's arm back and causing him to crash down onto the ground. Letting out an alarmed ghast screech as he did.

The rest of the family stopped moving. Glancing to the fallen teen and Dream who was now sniffing at the air. Looking around warily. Perched partially up on his hind legs like a meerkat sensing danger.

"...Wilbur take the bags." Phil handed the ones he was holding over to his oldest. Spreading his wings wide before he took off into the air. Gone in the blink of an eye.

"Move off the trail." Techno added in command, guiding his siblings by the rocks nearby. A makeshift shelter for one side so they'd only be attacked by others. Setting Tubbo down and taking a defensive position in front of them.

Dream climbed the rock when he followed. Still looking around for the source of what was bothering him.

Luckily, it didn't take Phil long to return. Circling overhead like a vulture before he landed with a relieved smile on his face. "I think I know what set him off. There's a herd of creeper hybrids over the ridge."

Everyone let loose a collective sigh, except for Tommy who jumped up excitedly. "No way! I want to see them! Let's go!"

Creeper hybrids were rare in their territory. Mostly only seen every couple years as one migrated through. Their bodies were often like that of centaurs, with the few two legged every now and then.

Their strange paw like feet were perfect for the Badlands terrain. Letting them scale mountains like goats or run for hours without tiring on the rough ground.

And here they liked to travel in herds. Protecting each other and enjoying the night in the wild. Few settling down in one place.

Phil pointed in the direction of the ridge and the kids quickly picked up their stuff. Tubbo declining the offer to be carried as he raced ahead with Tommy. Ranboo curiously following close behind.

Dream hissed when they left, clear he wanted to go after them but was too wary to do so. Letting Phil take his leash and he walked alongside the older ones. Keeping to the middle in a pack formation that would help protect them all.

The kids reached the ridge first of course and they could hear their awe and excitement from even that far back.

When they crested it, they could see why. The herd was blazing across the field. Kicking up dust behind them. Racing each other, playing games with a few off to the side that relaxed or ate food.

"Tubbo, I change my mind."

"Huh?"

"I'd want to be a creeper hybrid."

Tommy and Tubbo shared smiles, before both jumped down from the ledge. Carefully making their way down towards the herd. Phil calling out for them to be cautious. Creeper hybrids were generally friendly to outsiders but were destructive if startled.

Like horses that kicked if spooked but instead they exploded.

The boys took that as their cue to yell their greetings from afar. Catching the entire attention of the herd. Some smiling and waving as they approached.

A rather tall one, who stood like a leader going to greet them back.

Phil and the others caught up just as they were shaking hands.

"You're so fucking tall!"

"Tommy!"

"He is!"

"I get that a lot." The creeper chuckled. Rubbing the back of his neck. Dressed in gold jewelry that seemed to mark his status as well. "My mother was half my size."

"I wanna be that big." Tommy concluded and Wilbur immediately used him as an armrest to remind him to stay the size he was now.

Dream hissed from behind the group and Phil glanced to him. Choosing to step between him and the creeper. Who gave a wary hiss back. Not necessarily aggressive. As hisses were common communication.

"He's never seen a creeper hybrid before." Phil excused the behavior and the leader let out a hum.

"Well, my name is Sam. Welcome to the Badlands, travelers. Do you need a camp site for tonight?"

"Are we welcome to join you?"

"Certainly, the more the merrier."

"That saves us some trouble." Phil chuckled and gently tugged the leash when Dream hissed again. "...you guys like to run right?"

"...yes...?"

It kept Dream occupied for a while. The creepers faster than him by a small margin. Able to make as sharp turns as him. So the adults raced him. Played a game of tag. Occasionally jumping over him when he got grouchy and frustrated.

Renewing his energy to try again. He caught a few at some point but was clearly growing a little tired.

That left the others to sit around the camp where burning lamps gave them light and a myriad of creepers sat telling stories. Mostly about their travels and the places they've seen.
Ranboo had written down a few notes about ones he wanted to check up on later.

"So, you're going to see Sir Halo are you?" An older creeper asked, leaning forward on the cane she used to help herself stand with. Her once vibrant green scaled skin now a dull olive. "Is your territory in need?"

Phil shook his head, waving his hand as he swallowed down his bite of rabbit. "No, no. Uh, we're escorting that fellow over there." He gestured to Dream, who was now laying on the ground.

Facedown and there'd be concern he was suffocating if he wasn't Dream.

Creepers stood around him like they were wondering what to do with the body.

"We think Sir Halo can help him."

"He's an odd one." Another hybrid noted, chuckling over the bone he was using to pick his teeth with. "What species is he?"

"Demon." The lie came easily, it wasn't even technically a lie.

"That explains it." The hybrid nodded. Casting the bone into a bag of them. "We just had a nomadic tribe of them come through here. They asked us for the nearest blood well." He snorted. "It took so long to explain we don't have those out here."

"Don't even get me started on their egg cult." Another added, rolling their eyes.

"Now, now." Sam interrupted. Setting down another plate of cooked rabbit and a few kids immediately stole a piece. Offering some to Tommy, Tubbo, and Ranboo. Young ones always got first dibs of the meals. "Let's be kind to our neighbors."

"We're all a little odd, we need to accept it." The older one shook her head and then raised a finger. "It's part of life." A few nodded along with her words and then she reached to smack Sam with her cane. "Tell the story about your great grandmother next."

"You know it better than me."

"Don't tell a lady to do all the work."

He huffed a laugh, laying down and tucking his legs underneath himself. Biting into his own food as he thought of where to begin.

"...my family comes from a long line of Guardians." He eventually swallowed. "We weren't always part of a herd. In fact, until my grandfather was born, my entire bloodline lived alone."

"I thought you guys always stuck in groups." Tommy piped up, looking confused.

"Yeah, normally but my family was..." He trailed off, looking conflicted on how to word this. Sighing and shaking his head. "Cursed." He settled on and the older female huffed.
"Not right to call it a curse."

"Well it was." Sam gestured out. "No freedom to roam or explore. Stuck forever guarding a single place. Generation after generation. If it hadn't been for my great grandmother wanting to give her son a better life, I'd be there. Just like them and the many before them."

Tubbo leaned forward excitedly. "Was it treasure? Oh, oh! Or a weapon?"

"No, sadly it was a prison."

Phil paused at that. Wilbur and Techno doing so as well. All exchanging looks but none of the younger kids seemed to catch on.

"Pandora's Vault, they called it. Built in ancient times by my ancestor. Creepers have always had a knack for mechanics. Long from the days of redstone and now with electricity." Sam continued on, not noticing the looks. "It was made to be the ultimate prison. To stand the test of time and never stop working."

"Who was in it?"

"...a beast so fearsome that the very gods who watch over us wished it was dead." Sam sighed, shaking his head. "...having a guard seemed silly really. The thing never tried to escape. Never made a noise. The few times my ancestors would check on it, it hardly ever moved."

He took another bite. "And my great grandmother swore it had had its immortal life taken from it the last she saw it."

Now Tommy seemed to catch on, nudging Tubbo who looked to him confused. Then clarity struck him and he sucked in a breath. Holding it to no doubt stop him from blurting out anything that could indicate they knew where the beast may be.

Ranboo, who may have caught on earlier, tapped his pencil against his notebook. "...do you know why it was feared by the gods?"

Sam shrugged. "My ancestors would pass down stories about it trying to eat the moon."

"Oh boy, I am tired." Phil suddenly spoke up, moving to stand and tossing his bones in the pile. "Gotta get an early start tomorrow so I might as well drag Dream to bed." If anyone found his behavior suspicious they didn't voice it.

Wishing him a good night as he strode over to the fallen kid and picked him up.

"I should probably go too!" Tubbo piped up, hurriedly running after his father. Techno nudging Tommy when he didn't do the same. He groaned and complied and that left the three best secret keepers in the bunch.

"Could I ask you about redstone?" Techno decided to redirect and Sam perked up immediately.

"Of course!"

"Shhh..." Phil hushed as he stepped around the sleeping creepers. Wings ruffled as he could feel every muscle in his body tense. Dream was hopping over them, something he wished he wouldn't do.

One scare and it could start off a chain reaction of explosions.

They navigated through the herd until finally being on the outskirts and Phil was tugged by the leash he was holding until they got to a ridge. Where it sat up higher. Enough to overlook the valley.

Dream immediately sat down and stared at the moon.

Phil sighed and sat beside him. Letting the leash drop because he didn't expect to move from this spot for a while.

"...so you want to eat the moon, huh?" He asked in a quiet voice. Expecting no answer. Especially when Dream was so dead set on staring at the moon. "...I wonder why that is?"

The next day, Phil asked his sons that very same question as they waved to the herd. Saying their goodbyes and heading back on the trail.

Techno started counting off his fingers. "Well the moon controls the ocean tides...maybe he wants to flood the earth?"

"Maybe he just really thinks it's ugly." Tommy interjected.

"There's a lot of superstition around the moon." Techno added, putting another finger down. "Legends and stuff. They say there's gods on the moon."

"Symbolism?" Wilbur questioned and Techno paused at that.

Seeming to think on it before he muttered, "Enlightenment, immortality, limbo, life itself."

"Do titans eat moons?" Tubbo asked and Techno paused again. Making a face, searching all of his literature knowledge for an answer.

"...I'll have to google that when we get back. Tentative yes."

Ranboo looked up from his notebook. "...maybe the moon resembles someone who was his enemy?"

Tommy scoffed. "I like my answer."

"Maybe he just likes shiny things." Wilbur shrugged. "Like a bird! Dad steals things occasionally."

"I do not!"

"Where'd you get your emerald earrings, dad?"

"...I'll tell you when you're older."

That earned a laugh from his kids and he rolled his eyes.

"Okay, hear me out." Tubbo began and someone groaned because it was conspiracy theory time. "...where are the other dreamons?" He asked then and several of the kids paused at that. Phil taking a moment to think about it before he too stopped.

All gazes turned to look at Dream. Who only stopped when the leash stopped him and he looked back at them. Letting out a curious noise.

"Techno said there was a bunch of them running around right? But...the only one we ever heard of or seen outside of stories is Dream? What if the rest of his kind got punted to the moon or something?"

"...isn't that a plot in my little pony...?"

"...how do you know that, Phil?"

"...I'll tell you when you're older."

By the sixth day, the kids are a mix of excited and exhausted. Thankful when they reach a civilization that gives them new scenery. The...city? could best be called bustling. With people selling all sorts of things on the outskirts.

Once they managed to get through the crowds to the inner workings, it was calmer but a bit harder to navigate.

Buildings twisted over each other. As though they had been built in haste. Some rusted with time and others looked brand new. Many with bright blue flowers sitting on their porches and doorsteps.

It gets harder to pull Dream along with just how much his curiosity overflows. Resulting in Techno holding the leash for the walk. Grunting occasionally when he felt himself caught momentarily off guard by Dream rushing to see something.

Steadfast otherwise and yanking the guy back.

"Should we grab a stay at the inn first or...?" Wilbur asked but Phil had his sights on the largest building in the city. That towered over like it was shadowing everything from the sun. Reds, blacks, and whites adorn it in color.

Flags waving with fire emblems in the center.

Diamonds encrusting the outside like they had been haphazardly placed by people who didn't know how to build.

He took a deep breath as he approached the giant steps and looked back at his sons.

"...okay-" He began, about to try and formulate a plan but Ranboo stood frozen. Staring up at the building with wide eyes.

"...I'll stay back here." He muttered and Tubbo gravitated to his side. "...I'm not ready...mentally. Sir Halo is in there and I'm going to meet Sir Halo and I am not ready."

"I'll stay with Ranboo!"

"...okay." Phil nodded, Techno offering the leash and Dream to the two kids. "Techno we kind of need him...?"

"No, let's not." Techno grunted. "Let's wait until after we talked to Sir Halo. If it's going to end badly, we don't want to rush in." It made sense and Phil was nodding.

Taking another deep breath.

His kids noticed his tense shoulders and they tensed as well. Making their way up the steps as Ranboo and Tubbo found some place to sit off to the side.

There's guards in the entrance. Armored creeper hybrids that greet them with smiles but also ask what they're there for. Phil introduces himself properly, their eyes widening with recognition and he and his sons are lead back into the main hall.

Where a small line of visitors stood waiting.

Taking their turns to approach a large throne. Ornate with gold, diamonds, and emeralds. Pure white and polished otherwise.

Sat in that throne was none other than Sir Halo himself.

Towering over the small patrons of the city surrounding him. Dressed a lavish black cloak that sparkled like stars. Lined with a satin red trim. It makes him look all the more regal.

His horns nearly crest the ceiling. A fiery halo encircling them. Flames black as night. His tail long and looping around the leg of the throne.

If not for the cloak, he'd look like a pure black void in the shape of a human. With glowing white eyes and fangs.

And he sits there, smiling. Leaning forward to listen to each person who approaches him.

"Sir Halo!" A young woman and husband are next, both bowing as they step forward. In their grasp was two cows on leads. "We would like to bring you this gift. For you and Sir Frost. May the rest of your year be wonderful."

"Thank you very much." Sir Halo responds in earnest. His tail swishing much like a happy puppy's. Servants coming forth to lead the cows away. "Sir Frost would love to send his regards as well if he were here."

The couple thank him, leave and an older woman steps forward. Clutching the hand of a young boy who looks sickly.

"My Lord," She greets. "Please, I beg of you. Help my son."

"Oh dear, what seems to be the problem?"

"He's gravely ill!"

"Has he seen doctors?"

"The doctors try to poison him with their medicine!" The woman spits and there's a moment where Sir Halo's eyes narrow. "I would prefer if you could heal him, my lord."

There's a brief moment of silence, a small sigh from the demon, but he forces a smile to his face and nods. "Would you allow me to house your son while I work on his healing?"

The woman brightens immediately. Not hesitating to agree. Thanking him profusely as he has his servants lead the boy away. To a back room, his tail tapping a few times on the floor and they seem to take note of it.

When she leaves, still thanking him and he waves her off with well wishes...he slumps into the chair with a groan. Dramatic and stretching out his limbs. Changing his posture like that of a kid who didn't want to sit in a chair correctly.

His voice ringing out through the room. "ANT!!!" He whined. "Is it our turn to switch yet?! It feels like it's been hours!!!"

"I'm still napping!" Came a voice from down the long arching hallway and Sir Halo pouted. Blowing a bit of black hair that had fallen from his hood out of his face.

"...uh, Sir Halo. Sir." A guard walked forward.

"Whaaaaat?" The demon tilted his head to look at him.

"...you have more guests here to see you."

Almost immediately the demon launched back up into a sitting position. Quickly fixing his posture and clothes. Forcing a smile back on his face as he says in a booming voice. "My apologies dear patrons! I did not notice you there-"

His voice cuts off as he looks down at Phil and his kids. Tommy just barely holding back his laughter.

He blinks once, twice, and then a smile stretches across his face.

"Philza Minecraft!" He drops down, all formality forgotten as he kneels on the floor. Shaking it a little with the impact. "I haven't seen you in ages!"

"Well...I've been busy." Phil mutters, looking away. Sir Halo's tail wagging the entire time.

"I know! I mean look at them!" Those glowing white eyes dart to Wilbur, who briefly flinches. "Wilbur is so tall! At this rate he'll be the same height as me!! Oh and is that Techno!? Wow! He's really grown into his hair! And...oh my gosh!!!" A purr rises up from the demon and he reaches out.

Large hand encompassing around Tommy who yelps as he's picked up. Brought to Sir Halo's face. "Tommy! He was a newborn last I saw him!!"

"I've never seen you in my life." Tommy growled back, putting up a brave front even if his knees were shaking a little.

Sir Halo laughed. "Of course you wouldn't remember me." He slowly set the boy back down. "You were too young!"

"We have more kids if you want to scare the piss out of them too." Techno offered, gesturing to the entrance.

Sir Halo perked up momentarily, then frowned as he looked to Phil. "More kids...?"

"Adopted." Phil clarified, his face a little stern. "But still mine."

"Oh! Of course!" The demon smiled again, tail wagging. "Well bring them in! I want to meet them! Have you a place to stay the night? Stay in the temple! ANT! PHILZA IS HERE!"

"About that, Sir Halo, we have a-"

"Wilbur please, call me Bad! You of all people do not have to call me by any title."

Wilbur looked a little puzzled at that. Glancing to Techno and his father but his father never took his eyes off Bad. Arms folded across his chest in that tense posture.

Then a large cat squeezed into the room. Just as tall as the demon beside him. Bigger than a building. A golden jeweled ornate collar around his neck. Siamese in appearance, tan and brown fur. Bright blue eyes with pupils that briefly contracted.

A tail that split in two swishing behind him.

Sir Frost...or Ant as Bad and Dream called him.

The cat purred before he shifted into a more reasonable size. Around five feet and more like a hybrid. Standing on two legs and ceremonial robes draped across his fur. Bad quickly following him and shrinking down to a still imposing nine feet.

Ant smiled, a soft toothy grin. "Wow, these kittens grew up fast."

"...you know us?" Techno finally asked the question on everyone's minds.

Bad and Ant looked just as confused as they were now. Exchanging looks before both looked to Phil.

"...you didn't come here for a visit." Bad noted then, frowning as he crossed his arms over his chest. His tail swishing in slight agitation. A deep sigh escaped him. "...what do you need from us, Philza Minecraft?"

Chapter Text

When they led Dream to the temple, they let Ranboo and Tubbo go in first. Wilbur and Tommy introducing their brothers. The mood was less joyous than before, though Bad's tail still wagged as he greeted them. Asked about them. Wanted to know as many details as he could in the short timeframe he had.

Techno was peering through the crack in the door as he waited. Catching sight of the fur on Ant's body raising. Tails swishing in agitation. A clear sign that the cat hybrid could sense what was coming.

He sighed, glancing to Dream. Who sat obediently beside him and waited. Who played with the wings still on his back. Not asking any questions.

Phil stood leaning on the railing. Looking far older in the past hour than he has all of his life. Tired, exhausted. Wings drooping. Rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"...they know us." Techno muttered and Phil nodded silently. "Why?"

"...can we postpone this conversation?" His father asked, a pleading tone to his voice. He couldn't help but nod. Barely uttering an audible 'sure' as he shrugged. "Thanks Tech." It was an earnest appreciation.

His father was hiding something he didn't want to talk about.

It made Techno's mind race. Fearing the worst. Knowing that demons enjoyed contracts and that maybe there was one in place with his father. It would explain Bad's reaction to the mention of more kids.

A guard poked their head out. "They're ready for you." He stated and then pushed the door open further to allow them to walk in.

Phil went in first and Techno gestured at Dream to follow. Who stood on two legs to no doubt get a better view of the intricate designs of the room. It still shielded him from view until Techno decided to step aside.

When he did, there was an immediate change in the air. A familiar scent wafting off someone. The smell of pure fear.

His siblings probably wouldn't notice it. Ant and Techno however? Both of their noses scrunched up briefly at the scent. Their eyes glancing to Bad.

Who stood there staring, momentarily frozen in time as he looked at Dream.

Then in an instant, the scent was suppressed and a wide smile graced his lips. A perfect acting job only two people in the room could see past.

Dream looked forward then, focusing on the two knights in front of him and if Bad had radiated fear...he radiated pure joy.

Flinging himself out of Techno's grasp and straight at the demon. Looping arms around him in a tight hug. Their height difference awkward until Bad kneeled down and returned it. His arms much looser than Dream's.

"...hello Dream." He whispered.

"Bad..." Came the whisper back. Dream burying his face against the demon's shoulder. Clutching tighter if possible.

Slowly the two parted and Dream went to hug Ant as well. Who hissed automatically. Backing up with claws outstretched. Fangs bared. Dream stopped dead, eyes wide with an emotion almost no one had seen on him before.

"Who are you?" Ant demanded, relaxing some when he stopped trying to get a hug. He glanced at Bad. "You know him?"

"...you probably don't remember him," Bad admitted, his tone flat. Solemn. Staring down at Dream as he sighed. "...it was back during the early wars. Back when we were kids."

Ant blinked, his ears perking up. Demeanor shifting now as he looked far more interested. "An immortal? As old as us?" He smiled then, softly. "I'm sorry then, I...barely remember anything before the past three hundred years."

He offered a paw out for a handshake, the motion foreign to Dream who just stared at it. "It is good to meet you again, Dream?" He said the name with a question, picking it up from Bad.

When Dream didn't take his hand, he drew it back and frowned. "...I'm sorry if I offended you."

"No, actually, that's what we're here about." Phil sighed, stepping forward. Wings fluttering with feathers ruffled with stress. "...we found Dream." He sugarcoated it. They had essentially broken him out of prison. "And...he's got the innocence of a child."

He paused, glancing at the boy in question. Who still looked confused by Ant's reaction. "...he doesn't understand anything about modern society. Doesn't know common, doesn't understand how the world works...the only thing he seems to truly remember, is you and the other legendary heroes."

Bad had folded his hands. Pressing them in front of his face like a prayer. Closing his eyes and taking a soft deep breath. Lowering them slightly as his tail flicked. "I see." He says, tone still flat.

Techno notes he's not that brilliant of an actor as he thought.

He spread his hands out, much like how he greeted the patrons of the temple. "How can we help?" He smiled.

"Anything you can offer, really." Phil shrugged. "His language, his species, his information?" He acted like he didn't know the middle part. As if it wasn't already obvious this was the dreamon from the legend. "...we want to help him."

"Same old Philza." Bad chuckled, though the smile didn't quite meet his eyes. "Then consider our entire evening free!" He clapped his hands and servants stepped forward. "We'll have dinner and you can stay as long as you need! We'll catch up and I'll see what I can remember about our times together!"

He waved them off as the servants offered to lead them to their guest rooms. "Please, get comfortable! We'll call for you when the food is ready! You must be exhausted from your trip!"

That was an understatement but the kids chatted happily as they were led back to the rooms. Deep past a waterfall that stood out against the usually barren landscape. Past a gorgeous tapestry of a red egg.

To a large room with enough bedding to make a nest fit for all of them. Not proper for a human but perfect for hybrids and the like.

Tommy didn't hesitate to jump into the bedding with a yell. Shortly followed by Tubbo and Ranboo gave a tired cheer before he collapsed on top of them. A little fight ensuing that Dream decided to join.

Pouncing on them with a happy chirp.

All awkwardness of Ant's reaction to him now gone.

Phil thanked the servants and closed the door behind them. Sinking down to the floor with a groan. Putting the heel of his palm to his head.

Wilbur sank down beside him and Techno huffed above them.

"He was lying." Techno growled, voice quiet enough not to alert the kids who were having fun.

"Definitely." Wilbur nodded and Phil sighed.

"...I know." A pause. "That's why I lied too. Something's off."

"He reacted like Dream was the scariest thing in the room."

"Impressive, since you were in there."

Techno gave Wilbur a look and his older brother stuck his tongue out. Clearly trying to lift the mood a little. He cracked the smallest smile behind his mask and it made Wil smile too.

"He might be lying because of me." Phil muttered and the two oldest siblings looked to him. Techno frowning before he took a seat on the floor as well. His father glanced to him, a sadness to his eyes that wasn't there before.

"...how does he know us?" Techno asked again and Phil sighed heavily.

"...Bad is your uncle." He admitted finally, words just barely above a whisper.

It was the first time Techno would ever describe his jaw having dropped.

Wilbur had much of the same reaction. Looking like someone had just slapped him across the face. Leaning in close to his father as he held his hands up. "...Phil, come on. I think I would've remembered a gigantic demon at our family get togethers with mom's side."

"...he took other forms. So people didn't crowd him and take away time from his family."

"...what?" Wilbur said the word with solid disbelief.

"Remember Uncle Darryl?"

There was an immediate silence that followed that. Techno remembering the uncle well. Who laughed and played with them despite the age gap. Who wasn't afraid to crawl around the floor with children.

Who picked them up with ease and cooed over them in delight. Their mother's older brother.

Who they never saw again after her death. After Tommy was born.

Wilbur slapped a hand to his forehead. As if to wake himself up. Eyes blinking a few times. "...we're related to a legendary hero." He grunted out, shaking his head. Throwing his hands up when he couldn't find the words.

"...was...mom, a demon?" Techno asked warily and Phil just nodded quietly.

Mom wasn't something they really talked about.

She had some hybrid traits that they remember. Fox ears and tail. Constantly using magic. Never favored her human children over or under her hybrid son. Was always keen to drag them into a snuggle pile during the colder nights.

Playful with Phil in a way that showed their young love.

It clicked then, to Techno. His mother wasn't just a demon. She was a kitsune. It explained a lot. Puzzle pieces falling into place that were missing before.

It explained why her one son came out a piglin rather than a person or a fox. Youkai weren't exactly known for replicating genetics perfectly in their lineage.

"...we gotta tell Tommy." Wilbur said simply. Moving to stand but their father tugged on his shirt to get him to stay sitting. Silently asking him not to go yet. "Dad, we can't keep this from him."

"I know." Phil sighed, lifting his head to lightly bang it on the door behind him. "Just...just give me a bit, Wil. I thought I would be ready mentally by the time we got here but..." He trailed off, not wanting to admit that he wasn't.

Mom wasn't something they really talked about.

They lapse into awkward silence again.

Until Wilbur throws his hands up once more. "I'm part demon."

"It explains a lot." Techno grumbled.

Tommy thought his family was being dramatic again. Everything seemed to be going fine. Techno was on edge but that was Techno and Wilbur looked ready to go into a long winded speech but that was Wilbur.

The most unnerving thing was his dad. Who looked about ready to cry at any given moment. Constantly fiddling with his hair and wings. Rubbing his head like he had the worst headache of his life.

He didn't want to deal with whatever was causing that, so he opted to explore the temple instead. Dragging Ranboo and Tubbo along, with Dream following curiously.

The latter of which soon took the lead as he began to recognize various paintings around the area.

He'd stop, point at them, and loudly proclaim, "Bad!" or "Ant!" like they couldn't see that for themselves.

The temple was huge. A nightmare to probably navigate if it wasn't for the servants every other turn asking if they needed anything. Rooms were empty or held random items that didn't seem important to keep.

The most interesting by far was a huge room filled with pillars of white marble and curtains of red. Statues and cases filled with armor and weapons.

"Reminds me of Kung Fu Panda." Tubbo's assessment was accurate.

"Let's...not touch anything then." Ranboo added, backing away from a particularly nasty looking trident.

Tommy ignored that advice, of course. Making his way towards the weapon that had the most flair around it. Stood on a pedestal at the head of the room. Gold holding it aloft and silver shimmering around the edge of the glass.

It was a sword, clearly made to be handled by Bad. It was purple in color but edged with black like obsidian. Pulsing with energy and inscribed with a ton of enchantments and runes. The handle curved over slightly.

Perfect for a demon with too large of claws.

He couldn't read the plaque for it however. Frowning as he tried to piece together the foreign words.

"It says 'Language'."

Tommy jumped with a screech, earning a laugh from the cat who stood beside him. Figures, a cat would be silent on his feet.

"Ant!" Dream said happily. Racing over to greet the hero but hesitating when he got close. Clearly wanting to hug him but refraining. Ant gave him a smile regardless, his twin tails swishing.

"Hello again Dream." He watched as the kids gathered around. "Sorry for following you but curiosity and cats..." He waved his paw. "I wanted to see what chaos you would get into."

"Oh we're just looking!" Ranboo quickly explained, waving his hands.

"That's fine too." The cat purred and then leaned forward, pointing at the plaque. Reading it aloud. "Language, the sword of the great hero Sir Halo of the Badlands. Having served us in removing many evils."

"...why did he name a sword, Language?" Tommy scoffed and the cat smiled.

"He has a thing with cursing."

"...like saying fuck and all?"

"Yep."

"...isn't he a demon?"

The cat snorted, shaking his head. As if everyone said that in response to this knowledge. "Would you like to hold it?"

"Can I?!"

Ant lifted the glass case off with ease. Picking up the large sword like it weighed nothing to him and offering it out to Tommy. Who practically pouncing in excitement as he reached for the handle.

And would've dropped it had Ant not been holding it steady.

"How does Bad carry this?!?!?"

Tubbo snorted, the answer obvious. "He's a giant demon?"

"It's perhaps a bit too heavy for humans." Ant noted and then offered it to Ranboo. Who gave it a try and immediately gave up. Tubbo taking a turn next and nearly throwing out his back in his attempt.

Last the cat offered it to Dream. Who tilted his head down at it before reaching with one hand to pick it up by the handle.

He did so with ease, holding it aloft like one would do in a fencing practice. Calm and confident.

Ant clapped his paws together. "Aha! Well done!"

He handed it back to Ant when prompted and the hero moved to place it back in the case. "We haven't had a war in centuries. So most of these weapons go untouched. It's good to see them being held even if for a few seconds. It makes me feel like they're not going to waste away."

A pause and he twitched slightly, holding both of his paws up. "Not that I want a war!"

"You totally sounded like you wanted a war." Ranboo said bluntly and his two brothers laughed. Ant looking sheepish as he chuckled alongside them.

Dream frowned however. Shaking his head. "War...hurt people." He said, making the motion with his fists that dad had taught him. Ant watching the action with almost a solemn smile.

"Yes, but sometimes war is necessary."

Ranboo waved his hand, frowning. "Pacifist here, um...when would a war ever be necessary?"

The cat frowned then. Sighing as he folded his arms behind his back. Starting to walk along the room around the other weapons and such. Looking at each one like he hadn't seen them in forever.

"I don't...remember the wars much anymore." He admitted, his tails swishing. "I'm kind of grateful for that. What I do remember is a lot of pain and people who were...hurt." He gave Dream a sad smile. "...Bad remembers everything however. I feel sorry for him. He wakes up a lot of times in the night, screaming and crying."

He pauses in his steps. Staring ahead. Posture rigid like a man who has indeed fought for a millennia or two. "...and when I ask him if he regrets them all, he always tells me all but one."

Slowly he walked to a curtain. Pulling the rope that controlled it to draw it back. Revealing another sword behind it. This one broken in half.

Rusty iron that looked almost like blood splatter in the right lighting.

"This is the sword our comrade used during that battle, it is called the Nig-" His words are cut off as Dream suddenly hits the floor. Scrambling back away from the sword. Eyes wide with fear.

Ant looks to him confused, frowning. Reaching out as if he was going to help the guy. Tommy about to do the same.

Dream runs, scrambling to all fours as he bolts out of the room. Not looking back.

"What the hell," Tommy muttered. "...if anything he should be scared of the Language sword, that shit is totally more badass."

Dream needs to get away. As fast as possible. He can't be here, he knows. They have that thing. That thing he hates so much. The thing that scares him and makes him want to scream.

Images in the back of his mind of blood everywhere. Of him, unable to get free. Of the prison. All linked to that thing.

That weapon.

He slides on this strange floor. That is smoother than even the prison. No grip to it and he nearly crashes into a wall before he can right himself.

He's breathing heavy, his chest hurts. His head hurts.

Everything hurts.

Then he crashes into something and both of them are knocked to the floor with the force.

When he looks up, there's Bad.

Bad, he breathes a sigh of relief. Smiling and darting forward to greet the one he knows. Who he can picture so clearly in his mind. Who brings a sense of safety and comfort with him.

The demon looks up at him and flinches back when he approaches. He doesn't stop however. This is Bad. It is okay.

Bad knows him, unlike Ant.

"...Dream." Bad says his name again, knowing it like the pack does. He practically purrs as he butts his head against the leg of the demon. Who sits up and looks down at him. Studying him with blank white eyes.

Dream can feel him staring.

A clawed hand reaches up and slowly pets through his hair. It feels good, it feels safe. He leans into it and Bad just briefly smiles.

"...you're really here." He can't understand the words but he nods all the same. Agreeing with whatever Bad wants to do or say. "...how did you get out of the prison?" The claw traces under his chin.

Scratching a little there and he purrs again. "Still like a cat." Bad chuckles, sighs and then looks sad. It makes Dream feel sad too.

"...Phil and the others seem to like you." Bad keeps talking even if he is sad. Still petting Dream. "They really shouldn't get attached. I have to put you back before they get too close."

He hesitates as he draws the claw back. Looking conflicted as Dream stares up at him. Tilting his head in question over why his Bad has stopped.

"I should do it now, before the dinner. So it won't hurt them as much." He pushes up, moving to stand. Towering over Dream but Dream is not afraid.

Bad is safe. Comfort.

"It took all four of us last time." Bad mutters his words. Closing his eyes briefly, tilting head upward to where there is no sky. Only roof. "...but that was when you were at full power. When you knew who you were."

He holds out his claw and a stick appears in his grasp. Pronged at the end like a fork, the thing Wilbur taught him. It glows, it reads strength.

It smells weird.

He raises it up, pointing the sharp ends at Dream. Opening his eyes and staring down at him.

Frowning.

Bad is not safe.

"I'm sorry Dream."

A deep breath.

"Don't run."

"So that Ant guy, pretty cool." Tommy said as he returned to the room. Tubbo gliding past him to flop back on the bedding. Ranboo heading for the bathroom in the room first. "He showed us some of the old weapons."

"The swords were really cool!" Tubbo was muffled by the blankets.

"Language was cooler than Nightmare Killer."

"Definitely."

Techno huffed from where he sat at the window. Looking out over the darkening landscape. "Glad you had fun." He said though it was obvious he didn't mean it. Wilbur sat in the opposite corner.

Still on the floor. Just staring at his hands as if waiting for them to do something.

Phil was nowhere to be found.

"Wow, what is this atmosphere?!" Tommy yelled, throwing his hands out wide. "This is the welcome back I get?! You guys suck! I should've stayed in the weapon room! Tubbo, let's go back!"

"What about Ranboo?"

"Ranboo likes emoing."

"It's true." Ranboo said as he left the bathroom. "I am a miserable angsty teen who just wants to hide in my room and have a meltdown."

"See?"

"I'm going to write a poem about this."

"Where's Dream?" Techno asked, glancing around the room.

"Oh sure, you care about Dream more than awesome Tommy-"

"Tommy." Wilbur's voice cuts in. Stern. No nonsense. Their little brother sighs, rolling his eyes.

"He ran off a bit ago. Got scared of one of the swords. We assumed he ran back here."

"Why would you think he'd run here?"

"Well duh, we're all he's got right? If he's scared, he'd run to us."

Wilbur snorted, leaning on his hand. "He has Bad now too." The way he said Bad's name came out as dry...and no sooner did he say it did his eyes widen.

Techno was up out of his chair and making his way to the door. Wilbur standing up as well.

"Where are you guys going?" Tommy asked.

"Stay here!" They said unison before slamming the door behind them.

Leaving them in silence.

Ranboo slowly looked to his brothers. "...are we going to listen to that?"

"Fuck no, let's go."

They slip out of the room. Each head peeking out into the hallway to make sure the coast was clear. Tommy taking the lead and motioning where to go. Where he thought their brothers had run off to.

The hallways are empty, no sign of any guards or servants. Eerily quiet. Until they hear voices and they pause just outside a room.

A library from what they can see where the door is cracked open. Their dad standing in front of a bookshelf taller than even Bad. Staring up at it with an almost sad expression.

The second voice they heard makes himself known. Ant chuckling as he easily climbs down the bookshelf and offers a book out to the man.

"Here you are Mr.Minecraft."

"...you don't have to call me that, Ant." Phil mutters, taking the book carefully. Running his hand over it.

The cat frowns, tails swishing. Nodding like he agreed but his facial expression was conflicted. "...I know." He says softly. "...but it's been so long it feels like we're practically strangers again."

"Dad knows Sir Frost too?" Tubbo whispers, Tommy clamping a hand over his mouth as Ranboo shushed him gently.

"Are any of the kids...?" Ant prompts and Phil hesitates.

"...Techno and Wil have shown signs. Not sure about Tommy yet. Heh, though she'd say the most definite sign is the defiance."

"And Ranboo and Tubbo?"

"Adopted." Phil reminded him and the cat drew a paw to his chin. Contemplative.

"Doesn't mean there's much less of a chance, you know."

"...maybe Tubbo."

"He does have a certain aura to him." Ant agreed, nodding. "A feeling in my whiskers tells me he's the type to think nuclear bombs are neat."

Tubbo lets out a soft noise of agreement behind Tommy's hand.

"Will you be staying long?"

"...we're just here for Dream."

"...Ah yes, Dream." The cat sighed, walking around a table. Taking a seat on top of it rather than in a chair. "...what is he exactly?"

"That's what we came here to-"

Ant holds up a hand. Frowning, eyes narrowing. "Phil, I may not have the memory of Bad but I'm still centuries above you and not blind." His tails flick, agitated. "I know you know more than you were telling us."

"...demon." Phil lies again and Ant studied him. Staring at him rather intensely for a long moment before looking down.

"I see. Then he'll be right at home here." He sighed softly, looking up at the door and the boys flinched back to make sure they were out of view. "Dinner should be ready soon and I think your sons heard enough."

They could hear the smile in his voice.

Phil groaned, though it held a bit of laughter. Turning to face the door. "Come out you lot. You're busted." He gave a half-smile as the three walked in. Ranboo letting out a delighted noise at the ton of books that surrounded them.

"How much did you hear?" Phil asked.

"Enough. Like Ant said." Tommy huffed. He pointed at the book. "What's that?"

"A very old enchantment I've been wanting for a long time. Nothing major."

"Mending?" Ranboo asked and Ant looked to him surprised. The hybrid shrinking down a little at that. Comical with their sheer size difference. "...I like enchanting." He muttered in way of explanation.

The cat gave a soft purr, extending his arms out to gesture to the library. "Well have at it! We have every single enchantment here and more! Ancient ones that haven't been used in forever."

"Don't encourage my kids to make weapons!"

"I directed it at Ranboo, not Tubbo." Ant said in his defense. Grinning all the while and then hopping off the table. "Let's find the others and Bad and eat! I'm starving!"

The group barely made it two steps out into the hall when Wilbur and Techno careened around the corner. Wilbur taking a moment to catch his breath. Leaning on the wall while Techno didn't hesitate in stride.

"We can't find Dream." Techno growled and then shot a look at his brothers. Silently wondering why they never listened to him or Wilbur.

"Oh!" Everyone jumped save for Ant, who merely smiled as Bad approached them. Dressed down in more casual clothes that resembled jogging wear. "That'd be my doing!" When Techno tensed, he quickly waved his hands. "Ah! Nothing bad!...er...nefarious."

"I try not to use puns." He muttered when the kids gave him a confused look. "It gets a bit hard to understand what I'm talking about." He smiled, more cheerful than he had been earlier.

"I ran into Dream in the hallway! We had a lot of catching up to do so we tried to talk...but the language barrier is a bit strong. Seems he really doesn't remember much of our common." He shrugged in a 'what can you do' kind of way. "But I showed him our waterfall and garden and he's been out there ever since."

He gestured behind himself. To the glass halls that indeed went past the waterfall. Wilbur and Techno sharing looks before they moved forward to inspect if this was the truth or not. As the group peered out, there was Dream.

Sitting in the grass, lush from the water, staring up at the sky with his mask off. A soft smile on his face.

He looked so...relaxed.

Phil stared for a moment before he called out, "Dream! Food?" He kept it simple, watching the guy perk up as he was called. Sitting up briefly and seeming to think on it. Before he shook his head no.

"No!" He called back. "Dream stay!"

"...oh, okay." Phil frowned at that, hesitating. Looking almost like he wanted to join the guy out there.

"It probably reminds him in a way...of home." Bad muttered, his voice soft. And that seemed to be the thing to say to have Phil walk away. The demon smiling as he fell into step with the man and led them all back towards a dining area.

"When we were younger...we lived in such a lush area. A huge forest and grass for miles. Rolling hills, mountains. All of it was gorgeous and untamed." He reached out, touched a wall. His claws lightly scraping against it until he retracted them.

"...and now, it all has cities and roads built on top of it."

"And this is why I'm glad I don't have memories like that." Ant huffed, shrugging a little. "Sounds pretty but I wouldn't want to be jealous of what I can't have."

"How do you know your memories weren't like...wiped or something?"

"Tubbo, no conspiracy theories at the dinner table please."

"We're not at the table yet and it's a legitimate question!!!"

"Dream?" Bad called as he descended down into the dungeon. Careful to keep his feet light. Not wanting his hooves to disturb anyone asleep as they tended to echo on the stone.

Smiling at the guards who stood by the cage in the same position he had left them in. Lifting the lantern up to get a better view. Wishing that they had installed proper lights down here.

Dream lay on the single cot provided for him. Expression sad and lonely. His hands and feet buckled to the wall with little give. Just enough for him to get water and move from the bed or to the floor.

Bad frowned as he looked down at him. Sighing. "...can you give us a moment?" He asked the guards and they were off without a word. Leaving just the two of them in the dim lighting.

Bad sat down across from the bars. Curling his tail in his lap. Setting the lantern off to the side and took a deep breath. "...you won't be here for long." He explained, knowing it apparently fell on deaf ears.

"I'm going to take you back to Pandora's Vault tonight." He tried to sound happy, wanting Dream to feel like this was a good thing. It was a good thing, he told himself.

For everyone.

"...if you regain your memories or your full powers, the apocalypse will start anew and...the world will crumble again." He reached to touch the bars. Made of diamond and reinforced with netherite.

His claws could barely leave any marks.

"I'd hate to have to kill you again." He adds, pressing his forehead to the cool metal. Sighing heavily. "...I'd hate to have to call George and Sapnap here...just for all of us to go through that again."

"...George?" Dream asked in a quiet voice. Lifting his head and Bad smiled, amused to hear that name in that voice again.

"Yeah, Gogy and Sappy." He paused then, biting his lower lip. "...they wouldn't remember you, I think. Ant didn't...and they've long since retired. George lives up in this really beautiful place. It's by an ocean and it's almost everything he wanted."

"Oh and Sapnap lives in the nether now! He practically got an army of blazes at his disposal. I'm very proud of him."

Silence falls between them. Dream just staring at him for a moment before laying his head back down. As though he resigned himself to being imprisoned.

A far cry from the memories Bad held of him.

"...all the fight has left you huh? No more running?"

No response.

"Maybe Phil was right, maybe you really have the innocence of a child now."

No response.

"...and I wish I could trust that but you know what they say...don't hand a child anything of value." He drew back away from the bars. "Unless you want it broken."

"I'll explain it to them after you're back in the vault. I promise. I'll help them understand why this was necessary." He stood, grunting a little as his one leg fell partially asleep. Pausing as he stood there.

Looking back down at Dream a final time.

"...anything you want me to tell them?"

Dream glanced up at him with his eyes. Knowing one of those words. Maybe more. "...Wilbur. Run."

"Just like old times?" Bad chuckled. "Okay, I'll teach them all about our old games."

He started to head back up the stairs, retrieving the lantern. "Go to sleep Dream, when you wake up, you'll be back where you belong."

Wilbur is running. He knows where he's running to and why. A voice laughing in his head as the wind blurs past him. As he hears screams in the distance.

He knows those voices.

He bursts through the trees. To a cliff edge, taking a moment to inhale the cold mountain air and then he raises his hand up. Summoning an ender pearl in his grasp.

With a flick of his wrist it goes flying and so does he.

Landing safely on the ground and glancing back up at the four shadowy figures cresting the hill. Not remotely of equal size.

"RUN!" He yells to them and they yell back.

"NO DREAM! YOU RUN!"

He laughs and he does run. Faster and faster. Climbing trees just for fun. Skipping across the water's surface. Pausing to investigate anything that catches his eye.

He winds up with many shiny things, many foods, some magic that he doesn't have for himself and items that help him run.

Running is the thing he's best at.

And sometimes he chases.

He hunts them down too. Always catching them by surprise. They sometimes leave when he does but come running back. Smiles on their faces and laughter echoing out of them.

They always come back.

...how come she didn't?

Wilbur stops running, pausing to look around again. Frowning as he notes she's not here. Normally she would be.

Around here, waiting for him. Smiling when she saw him and ready to teach him about the world. Bringing him a new gift every day that delighted him more than the last.

His favorite gift from her were the hand crafted clothing. That she always said was made special just for him.

A color he grew to love.

Green.

His color.

Not the inky blackness of his skin or his blood. Not the deep red of his eyes. He loved green the most and it was his color.

He calls out for her and no answer comes. He sits and he waits for her.

She never shows up.

Time passes, rain falls, winter comes. His friends, his pack. The ones who love to run stop by to visit him and they get him to play more games.

He always joins them but looks back, waiting for her.

She's not there.

She never came back.

Why?

Then he finds her.

He knows it's her because he can feel it. She always had this thing about her that he could feel that others didn't. His kind, called them dreams in a sense.

His namesake.

So he recognized her even if she looks nothing like she did. Even if she doesn't respond to him or greet him. Doesn't even look at him. He tries to get her attention.

Tries to make her laugh and smile.

She doesn't respond.

He touches her and she's cold. She was never cold before.

So he tries to protect her from the wind.

She might be sleeping, he realizes. So he waits for her to wake up.

She never does.

And eventually, she's no longer there. Just...these strange objects that are withering away and animals want.

He doesn't understand, why didn't she come back? All the others come back.

His friends find him again, he wants to ask them questions. Figure out what was going on. Where she was. They either don't understand him or they laugh it off.

He doesn't understand why they laugh.

He doesn't...feel happy.

And laughter is what you do when you're happy right?

Wilbur isn't running and he should be. Voices screaming in the back of his mind that he needs to hurry.

That if he doesn't get there soon enough, everything will go wrong.

He'll have to live with it, forever.

He closes his arms close to his body. Hugging himself as he sits on the black ground. Feeling the darkness envelope him and the bright cheerful landscape fade away.

He wants to cry.

It doesn't happen.

And he hears the footsteps of someone approaching. Looking up to see human Dream once more. Standing in front of him.

Looking down at him without his mask, tears rolling down his cheeks. A pained lost expression on his features.

"Fear?" He asks.

He nodded.

Dream nodded back and reached out his hand. To help Wilbur to his feet. Placing his hand over his.

"...Run." It said simply...and he wanted to.

Wilbur woke up panting. A scream dying in his throat like someone had snatched the sound away from him. Almost choking but once he realized where he was at, the feeling went away.

He looked around the room. At the nest his family had made of the materials. Remembering how Dream had declined to sleep in the same room as them tonight. Techno and Ranboo took a while to fall asleep.

They went out to look for him.

They never found him.

He stares down at his hands, trembling and he balls them into fists. Carefully pushing himself up and stepping over his family. Stumbling his way towards the light switch and flicking it on.

Techno flinches awake, groaning with the bright light. Ranboo hisses and draws a pillow over his face. Tommy doesn't stir and Tubbo mumbled something about 'turning off the sun'. Phil lifts his head up slowly.

Techno stared at his brother, taking in his disheveled state. "Wil? What's wrong...?"

"I don't know where the bathroom is so if that's why you woke us up...?" Phil grumbled out tiredly.

"No, I just need you to help me break Dream out of jail."

Silence followed his words, until Ranboo removed the pillow with a tired groan.

"Again?!"

Chapter Text

"What do you mean Dream is in prison?!" Tommy hissed through clenched teeth. "We literally just saw him out in the garden!"

"I think that was an illusion." Wilbur sighed, running a hand through his hair before putting back on his pair of glasses. Sat at a small table they had pulled over towards the bed. Family surrounding it with various degrees of wakefulness.

Tubbo let out a confused noise. "An illusion?"

"I think Bad wanted us to think Dream was fine but he locked him away instead. He's fully intent on returning him to Pandora's Vault."

"How are you so sure?"

"I dreamt it."

That drew some silence from his family.

"...um Wil? You do realize how that sounds right?" Tommy cringed. "Like I believe you, big man but...what?!"

Techno sighed, leaning forward and placing a stack of papers on the table. "Well good thing I stole these earlier. These are maps of the temple and town."

"You're perfectly fine with this Techno?! Just...Wilbur dreamed it happened so we're doing a prison break?!"

"I hear voices all the time, nothing about what Wilbur said remotely seems strange to me."

"You hear voices?" Phil mutters, looking to his son with concern. Several of his sons matching his expression and Techno loudly cleared his throat. Putting the focus back on the papers in hand.

"If Wilbur is right, which I'm sure he is, since he was connected to Dream before...then I'm sure Bad put him in the underground dungeons here." He pointed to part of a floorplan of the temple.

"It's only got three entrances. Which means three exits. And from what I saw, they're heavily guarded."

"Why does a temple have a dungeon?!"

"It's a temple run by a giant demon and the largest cat on the planet."

There was a bit of shrugging and nodding that went with that. Making sense for the sheer ridiculousness that was this setup.

"So how are we getting him out of the dungeon?"

"We're not."

"What?"

"If we go in the dungeon, it's a suicide mission. It's heavily guarded, like I said, and by the time we get past those all exits will be blocked. I doubt the material of the walls is weak enough to break. And the cells themselves have to be strong enough to hold things demons want secured."

"And if Bad is confident enough to hold a guy who wants to eat the moon in there...a guy who scares the piss out of him? It's definitely not going to be easy to get in and out of."

"So..." Phil puts a hand to his chin. "We wait for Bad to move him."

"Exactly. We get him on the way out. It took us a week to get from our territory to the Badlands. If Bad intends to move him quickly without arousing suspicion, he'll have a portal or something to the territory."

"We find the portal, we set up a stake out. We take him before he can go through."

"And then what?" Tubbo asks and his family looks to him. "Run like hell? We'd have a legendary hero on us in seconds!"

"I'll hold him off." Techno offered and his father shot him a look.

"Tech, I am not leaving you to fight your...to fight Bad." He corrects himself, a quick glance to Tommy who didn't notice the mistake. "I could probably distract him. Long enough for you kids to get a good head start."

"Where will we go?" Wilbur points out, sighing. Leaning on his hand. "If Bad is determined to lock him up...put him back...then he'll hunt...he'll hunt us down." He frowned, stumbling over his words. A deep breath sucked in. "...and he knows where we live."

"We wouldn't be able to go home."

His words echo in the room. Leaving a soul crushing impact. That home held everything. It was theirs. It was their memories. It...was one of the few things left of a childhood that could be said to lay in ruins.

It was Tubbo and Ranboo's first homes.

It was everyone's home.

Were they really going to give it up for Dream?

Ranboo let out a nervous laugh. "...are...are we really going to do this for Dream?" He asked the question on everyone's minds. Watching them frown and stare down at the table. "...I like the guy, don't get me wrong but...if Bad wants him that badly in prison...he must've...trying to eat the moon couldn't be his only crime."

Phil pushed to stand then. Shaking out his wings. Sighing. "I'm going to flat out ask Bad what he did."

When his sons looked to him, he gave the best smile he could manage in the moment. "...and then we'll decide where we want to go from there okay? ...everyone's voice matters. If we all don't agree to it, then we won't do it. Okay?"

"Even if only one person says no?" Ranboo clarified and his father nodded.

"This has to be something we all are willing to risk. I'm not taking our home away unless we're all ready to do that."

"...can I go with you?" Wilbur asked and after a moment of hesitation, Phil nods again. His son moving to stand and glancing back at his brothers. "I'll tell you everything." He promises and they all nod back.

Phil and Wilbur walk out into the hallway without another word.

There's servants again. Life is bustling like there wasn't a huge secret hidden in these walls. Phil catches one's attention. Asking very pointedly to speak to Bad. They run off after a bow and he and Wilbur start heading for the library.

Flicking on the lights as they enter and it's just as imposing as Phil left it.

The night through the windows has no moon. New and only the stars to light it. The occasional light from a home outside.

Wilbur wonders if the new moon would delight or anger Dream. Staring out of it until there's a commotion outside the doors.

Bad enters, tailed by servants who try to wait on him hand and foot as he yawns. Ant at his side and stretching out in a smaller cat form. As though he just uncurled from a spot.

"Philza, I am always happy to talk to you...but couldn't this wait until morning?" The demon asked, blinking slowly. Sleepily. Pulling a chair back from the table to sit on the floor instead. Nothing really his size despite the library being part of his temple.

Ant jumps up into his lap and he starts to pet him.

Phil takes the seat across from him. Sighing as Wilbur takes the one to his right.

"No, it couldn't."

Bad waves off the servants. Asking them to give them space and when the doors close, he faces Phil. Tilting his head slightly. Glancing briefly to Wilbur. "...is this about her?" He asks softly.

Words full of love and care.

Wilbur feels almost disgusted by it. Knowing that Dream was locked up somewhere by this man. That this man had hurt him and then acted none the wiser.

"No. It's about Dream."

This catches Bad and Ant by surprise. The cat lifting his head as his ears flick and he jumps off Bad's lap as the petting stops. Landing on the table to sit and the demon gives a nervous chuckle.

"Oh, you want to hear about my memories right?"

"I want answers." Phil says, his voice firm. His gaze could be mistaken for glaring if you didn't know him well enough.

This was his 'listen to me or else' look. One he used on his kids. And it seemed to be just as effective on ancient demons. Because Bad sort of shrunk down in posture.

"...to er...what questions?"

"I've been lying to you."

"...I know." Bad replies, his tail swishing. Ant nods as well. They had both caught on pretty fast. "You know who and what Dream is, don't you?"

"...I know he's a dreamon." The word makes Bad flinch and Ant tilt his head. Curiosity in his expression.

"Dreamon? ...the children of titans?" His tails flick and he frowns. "...that's impossible. They're just legends."

"So are you two." Phil huffs, gesturing out. "Yet here we sit." He sighs, his feathers ruffled. Wings itching to spread and take to the air. To make himself look bigger. "...I know he was locked up in Pandora's Vault," He continues and this is something Ant recognizes.

The fur on the cat raising ready for a fight.

"...because I helped free him."

Bad sucks in a breath, his tail flicking. Hands clasped together like he wants to pray and he looks like he wants to scream that prayer. Just barely holding it in. Letting out the breath slowly.

"You shouldn't have done that, Phil."

"Why." Phil demands, and that's clearly his question. "Tell me what he did to be locked up in there, Bad."

Bad opens his mouth to answer. Possibly shout, judging by his posture. He only freezes as he looks to Wilbur. Concern on his features. "...Wilbur, are you sure you want to be here for this?" He asks softly.

That feeling of disgust rises up in him again. One hand gripping his other arm tightly. Nails digging in but he just smiles and nods at his uncle. "I'm sure."

The demon nods after a moment of quiet. "...it's not a pretty story."

"Wasn't expecting it to be."

Ant turns to face Bad. "...should I be here?" He asks and Bad smiles at him.

"You were there when it happened Ant. That's up to you. Do you want to relive it even if you don't remember it?"

The cat frowns, ears laying back briefly. Letting out a soft sigh before he straightens his posture. Even in a cat form he looks regal. Poised. Confident. Staring ahead before he nods. "...I'm ready."

Bad nods, clasps his hands back together. Closes his eyes and there's a brief spark in his halo's flames.

"...Dreamons were common to see." He began.

"You could find them adventuring about. Roaming from village to village. Never settling for long. They were known for their curiosity and their desire to read dreams. Since it was their sole purpose really. They loved dreams, thoughts, creativity. They wanted to see it all."

"It was considered a blessing if a dreamon passed through your village. People often left gifts on the outskirts of the borders for them. To try and lure them in. A dreamon would stay for as long as it could be entertained before it moved on."

"...George, Sapnap, Ant, and I...we were childhood friends from the same village. Dreaming of becoming knights in the army. Our fathers had all been before us and it was a common little dream of kids."

"Not much else going on at the time. You were either a knight who traveled and fought battles or you picked up a trade and supported a family."

"We wanted to stick together, so we all picked up the idea of becoming knights. We saw at least five dreamons before we met Dream. The day we were all set to leave for the nearest barrack and start our training. I should've left long before the rest, being the oldest...but I wanted to wait for them."

He smiled.

"...and on the way there, Dream crossed our path. We were excited of course! He was so obviously a dreamon! They all have those crazy ender eyes and a form that moves like water."

"It was like the gods were blessing us and telling us we'd become great knights. That our dreams were realized."

"We offered Dream whatever extra we had on us, to keep him entertained and he followed us for several days on the way to the barracks. We expected him to leave one he got there and our gifts ran out."

"He didn't."

A pause.

"Well he did...but not for long. He'd leave and come back. Taking a human form around us so he wouldn't cause a stir in the other knights. Put to work a few times by the captains who thought he was a useless work boy." He snorted. "...he never did get the hang of cleaning."

"We'd spend any free time we had with him. We taught him common the best we could, taught him how to be a human the best we could. We had even given him the name Dream."

A pause.

"...we weren't very creative."

"He didn't mind. He didn't seem to need a more creative outlet like the other dreamons. He stuck to us and occasionally would talk to other people. Mainly us however."

"...when it came time for us to finally achieve our goals as Knights. To venture into our first battle...George died in less than an hour." Ant flinched at that. "...someone had put an arrow straight through his..." He trailed off, not wanting to say it.

"...we went back to the barracks, expecting to bury our friend. Dream was there with him, his new body. No scars. Laughing and playing games. We learned George was immortal. Such a rare thing at the time."

"...and then Ant died."

He looked over at the cat who was staring at the table. "...feline immortality wasn't a well known thing back then. So we feared the worst for him too. But he was fine. Sapnap was next to die...same old story. We were all kind of expecting it to happen to me too at this point."

He put a claw over his heart. "...and it did. And we learned that all of us were immortal."

"...we defected from the knights not long after. Ran away like cowards. We wanted to see the world and adventure but...the minute everyone knew what we were, they wanted us to be on the frontlines. To face every gruesome act head on."

"They wanted us to be meat shields."

"It took away our freedom, our dreams. So...we ran."

"...and Dream came with us despite everything. Despite us having nothing to offer him. He followed us into a future of running, hiding, and never returning home." He gave a soft smile. "...and he made it all the more easier to do so. We would've probably broken down far quicker on our own had he not been there."

"We traveled for ages. We saw so many sights! Learned trades we never would've taken up on had we stayed anywhere for long. Started paving a way for people who we trusted. Made a name for ourselves in tasks not many would try."

"Immortality made us confident but not stupid. We would gladly hike a mountain we had before without a worry but we'd never go after monsters twice our size."

"...and then I died again." Now his tail rubs the back of his neck. Tracing an area that must have related to that death. "...and I came back."

"...and then George died again...and he came back."

"...Sapnap, me, Sapnap, George, me, me, George, Ant, Sapnap-" he counted them off. A pattern he seemed to know by heart. As if he had said the names in this order over and over again. Memorized them. "...Dream would always be there when we got back."

"...it made us care less. Become more reckless. We've been through so many horrible things we didn't think twice about getting stabbed or drowning. We started to do crazier stunts. Started to make up games."

"Who can traverse the nether the fastest? Who can ride a spider the longest?" He huffed, shaking his head. "...who can beat who in battle?"

"...we eventually picked up this game we really loved. Called it Manhunt. The five us, we each took turns trying to hunt one of us down. The four were hunters, and one of us was the prey. We'd pick a point for us to try to get to before we got caught."

"No rules, anything goes. Win at any cost."

"...Dream was the best runner. We never once beat him. Not a single time, so we kept putting him as the prey and us as the hunters. We all just wanted to beat him once. Just once."

"...and then one day, the nightmares began.."

Phil and Wilbur looked up at the demon. Who looked like he was reliving everything. Clutching his stomach and staring at the floor intensely. "...nightmares weren't a thing...they weren't. We only had dreams. Never nightmares."

"...and suddenly they started. It spread like a plague. We heard of villages crumbling to madness because of them. Because no one had answers. Scientists, clerics, magicians, the like, none of them knew what was going on."

"Children would wake up screaming, begging for their parents. Adults would never want to sleep again."

"People grew afraid of their own shadows."

"...and no dreamon had an answer either. Just as confused as the rest of us. Just as scared as the rest of us."

"We got them too. Horrible ones. We'd relive deaths, we'd be devoured by monsters. We'd see our deepest fears trudge out of the darkness and consume us."

"...and then the dreamons started to get them too." He shuddered, shaking his head. "One by one they fell. Their forms twisting and becoming gruesome. Reflecting the monsters their dreams now created. Becoming...nightmares."

"The first one to change was Dream." he noted. "...but we never saw him have a nightmare. He never woke up screaming. He never cried. He would sleep beside us without a care in the world...but his true form warped."

"It went from something we gladly ran alongside to something that made us flinch whenever we saw it."

"...and then the other dreamons followed suit. Racing through villages as monsters, screaming blood curdling screams of pain. It wasn't...it wasn't long before they started to die."

"None of us thought a dreamon could die until that happened. And watching a dreamon die? One of the most horrific experiences...all of the dreams, thoughts, and curiosities they explored up until their last moments? Replayed like some sick twisted film."

"The area where they die could best be described as haunted. Forever cursed to hold those broken memories."

"...we expected Dream to meet the same end. We were scared for our friend. Worried for him. Kept him close even if we didn't want to see his memories played back like that."

A deep breath, his eyes narrowing. "...we didn't even think twice about why Dream wasn't affected like the rest of him. Why only his form changed but he felt no pain...why he never had a nightmare."

"We were idiots. Trusting our friend. Blindly trusting him."

"...and he began to destroy everything around him."

"First it was just...nature. Burning down trees, drying up rivers. The grass shriveling and becoming dead where he stood. Then it was...animals. People. Entire villages consumed by whatever he was doing. He left nothing but destruction in his wake and we didn't even connect the dots until it was too late!"

He snarled, moving to stand. Hands going to his black hair that was barely visible when he ran his claws through it. Pacing the library. "We didn't think Dream could do such a thing! We thought we were being haunted by something! That maybe we were cursed! That this was part of the nightmares power!"

"We watched Dream react coldly to things! We watched him shove human contact away. We watched him grow angrier and angrier and we didn't think anything of it! Because it was Dream! Dream would never do such a thing!"

He flung his arms out. "Our games turned into us running for our lives and we...we were so used to death, we didn't even question it!"

"We became the prey so easily!"

"He would kill us with delight! Laughing at us as we gave our last breaths! There was madness in his eyes and we still idiotically trusted him! ...and at night, he'd tell us, he'd tell us his plans to destroy the moon."

"...we laughed it off." His arms dropped. His posture slackened. He dropped to his knees with a thud. "...we...laughed it off."

"Because how ridiculous is that right?...destroying the moon? What good would it do?! What could he possibly want that for?!"

"We didn't take him seriously until the gods did. Until we were faced with power that wouldn't let us brush it off. It was a cold slap to the face to learn that everything we had been enduring, it was all Dream's fault."

"...they told us, he invented the nightmares. He corrupted the dreamons. He killed without mercy. He laughed at the misery. And we couldn't even deny any of it because we had witnessed it all...and we just didn't want to believe it."

"...the titan, the one who created the dreamons approached us. He told us within a year's time, a prison would be built. We would have within that time to prepare. It was our job to take Dream down. To lock him away."

"He couldn't be killed," Bad sighed. "...so we would have to seal him away forever. If we wanted to save what was left of the world."

"...for a year, we prepared."

"...and when the time came, it took every single resource we had. Every ounce of our strength. Several of our lives...and one painful ending."

He held down a sob. Choking it back as he leaned forward. Hunching in on himself. "...we finally won a game against Dream...and we never would play again."

Ant slowly crawled off the table. Making his way over to Bad. Nuzzling against his side until the demon drew him into an embrace. Hugging him. "We put Dream in Pandora's Vault...and the very last thing he said to us, the thing he said as the sword we used against him broke off into his face. As he would forever return to the vault no matter how many times he tried to die to escape..."

"...he told us he was scared."

"And all we said was goodbye."

"We were praised for what we did. Even if it hurt so much. Even if we felt like we had lost. He was our friend. He was...he was a monster who tore us apart but before that he was our friend. No one let us live down what we did. No one let us forget...not until Dream was finally forgotten about."

He sobbed now, unable to hold it back. Clutching Ant tighter to himself. "...but a demon rarely forgets...that's probably why I was chosen by the gods...so if it ever came down to this, to him escaping, I'd remember...I'd remember and I would know he had to be stopped."

"I know...I know it shouldn't still hurt. Given that...given what he did. He...killed so many, destroyed so many lives. Brought something upon the world that was never meant to be..." He slowly let Ant go, wiping at his eyes as he moved to stand again. To face Phil and Wilbur.

The tears left blood like streaks on his face. "...this is why, this is why he has to go back." He said, his voice firm. A bare hint of a wobble to it. That showed he was still hurting. "...I have to protect everyone. He'll do it all over again."

"...how can you be so sure...?" Phil whispered, his gaze never leaving the table.

"...you've seen the signs too, haven't you Phil? ...that's why you're here isn't it?"

Silence follows his words, the father unable to deny it. Still staring down at the table before he suddenly scoots his chair back and moves to stand. To leave.

Bad steps in front of him, kneels, and brings hands to his shoulders. "Phil-"

Phil grits his teeth. "I know what you're going to say, don't."

The demon frowns, tail flicking in agitation. "...you say you know it but I don't think you ever listened to me once when I said it." He doesn't let go. Sighing. "Phil, you can't save everyone. That's life."

Wilbur just barely catches the whispered words.

"I could've saved her."

Bad's grip on his shoulders tighten. His eyes close briefly, then reopen to stare at the floor between them. "...he's not her." He says back, calmly. "...if there was any other choice, I'd make it. Trust me, Phil. He was my friend...but he was also...a monster."

He looks over at Wilbur. "...think about your kids, Phil. You wouldn't want them to grow up in that world. I wouldn't wish what happened back then on anyone."

Phil follows his gaze, to stare back at Wilbur. A broken expression briefly visible on his face before it melts away. To the best smile the man can manage. He beckoned his son forward and Wilbur gets up.

Silently moving to join him. A wing and arm wrapping around him as Bad draws his hands back. The best smile the demon can give present as well. Slowly lowering his hands to his knees. Remaining crouched in front of them.

"...will you give me a chance...after this is all said and done?" Bad asked. "...a chance to be a part of your life again?"

Phil flinches with that question, sighs. Looking stricken. "...would you be mad if I just said I'll think about it? Maybe let the kids decide on their own?"

"Hey, thinking about it means more to me than I could ever say. It was great seeing all of you...even if it was under these circumstances." He reaches for Wilbur, tucking one claw gently under his chin. Lifting his head so he can look at his eyes. "...it was great seeing these kids all grown up."

Wilbur smiles despite everything and Bad purrs.

"...he has her smile."

"Yeah." Phil agrees, a dry chuckle escaping him. Pulling Wilbur past Bad and the demon lets them go. "...we'll leave in the morning."

"...okay." The demon nods, even if he's sad about it. The library doors closing on them and the two headed back for the room they were staying in.

Quite a few guards outside the doors, warily watching them. Antsy as though they expected a fight.

They ignore them.

When they get back to the room, it's painfully silent. Tommy and Tubbo stare up at them from the floor. Not having moved from their spots it seems but their hair is rustled as though they have been playing.

They share half-hearted smiles.

"Tech and Ranboo took a walk." Tommy says and Phil nods as he sinks to the floor. "So...what'd he say?"

"...I'm afraid I'm making the decision for us." Phil sighed. "...we're not breaking Dream out."

Wilbur doesn't say a word as Tommy and Tubbo just nod solemnly.

Morning comes a lot faster than it should've. They pack up their backpacks. Techno grunting slightly with the weight of his. Grumbling about how Tommy packed it wrong and the boy sticks his tongue out at him.

They don't stay for breakfast. Are just about to exit when Bad comes jogging up to them. Shifting form to a human, a recognizable one. Short reddish brown hair, glasses, and swamped in a hoodie.

"...THAT'S WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE AS A HUMAN?!" Tommy demands and Bad blinks at him, shocked, face flushing in embarrassment. "You're a demon! At least pick a badass form!"

"Language! I blend in better like this!" Whines the demon, pouting much like a child would. Earning a little chuckle from Phil. "This way I can walk you guys to the town border!" He huffs, crossing his arms. "...Ant probably won't be awake for another six hours but he told me to tell you not to be strangers!"

"It'd be nice to come back!" Tubbo agrees, smiling, looking back at the temple as they start to walk out. "It was like...history but fun."

"The food was pretty great too." Ranboo muttered, a little shy as he walked next to Bad. Who smiled at him and laughed.

"Yeah, one of the perks of having an entire town kind of worship you. It's awkward and you have to do a lot of crazy things but they feed you well and you never have to worry about any bills."

"Also a lot of lying." He cringed, clearly not liking that part of his 'job'. "Telling people you'll heal their son when in reality, you sneak them off to a doctor behind their back." He shrugged, chuckling. "But hey, it helps in the long run."

"What's being a demon like?" Tommy asked, walking backwards despite the threat of what the bustling town would do to him. Wilbur keeping a hand on his shoulder to steer him if need be.

"Oh you know..." Bad begins, awkwardly, just to realize Tommy doesn't. Makes a face and waves his hand. "Well uh...there's the cravings for blood and violence occasionally. The voices in the back of your head. Hearing eggs talk to you..." He trailed off at that.

Drew a hand to his mouth and then coughed. "Uh...but you got a surplus of powers! That's always fun! I can do magic other people can't! And I can use my tail as an extra hand!"

"That sounds mildly sexual."

"Oh don't be vulgar!"

"You're a really shitty demon!"

"LANGUAGE!!!"

They make it to the edge of town with a back and forth similar to that. Despite the argument Bad and Tommy got in, the demon is practically in tears as he says goodbye. Pausing to hug each and every one of them tightly. Reminding them once again to come back soon.

"Oh and-!" Bad paused, summoning a book to his grasp and offered it to Ranboo. "Ant told me you like enchanting! So consider this a gift from me to you...it's also for Tubbo, so use it well okay?" He smiled. "Welcome to the family!"

"Wow-uh thank you!" Ranboo smiled back, taking it. Looking at the cover and his eyes widened. "A-are you sure we can have this?!"

"Of course! It'd just be gathering dust in our library!" The demon laughed, looking around at them again and smiled. "...be safe." Then he waved and turned to head back into the town.

As soon as he was out of sight, Techno turned and started walking in a brisk pace. Quickly followed by Tommy. Ranboo tucking the book into his backpack as he and Tubbo raced to catch up.

Phil blinked at them, confused.

"Uh boys...home is this way!" He pointed in the correct direction.

"Not anymore!" Techno called back, waving and pointing instead the direction they were going. "Come on Dad, Wil, hurry up."

Wilbur smiled, the grin stretching over his features and he jogged to fall into step. His father sighing tiredly behind him before following. "So what's the plan?" He asked his brother, who smirked back at him behind the mask.

"I'm thinking we should start making our way to the End."

Phil sputtered at that. "What?! We're not going to the End! Boys! Turn around, we're going home!" He stopped dead in his tracks, gesturing in the direction of their house and everyone slowed to a stop.

Looking back at him like he's lost his mind.

"Boys." He says sterner. "Home."

Wilbur and Techno exchange looks and then Techno sighs heavily.

"About that..." He began and he tapped the backpack on his back twice. Slowly it began to move and the top half burst open.

Dream poking his head out and somewhat perching himself on Techno's shoulder. Smile wide as he chirped.

"Philza!"

Chapter Text

Phil...was speechless. Staring at Dream who smiled back at him. The smile mimicked by his sons who all looked satisfied with themselves.

He raised his hands up, feathers ruffling and all he could manage to say was...

"WHAT?!"

"You said we'd take a vote!" Tubbo reminded him. "So we voted!"

"And all of us wanted to save him!" Tommy laughed, gesturing out. "Wilbur already voted long before you even said it."

"And no offense Dad but...we were going to ignore your vote regardless." Ranboo at least looked sheepish. Muttering an apology as he hovered near Techno.

Who just smirked at him. Proud of himself.

Wilbur laughed openly. Looking around at his brothers. "You used us as distractions didn't you?!"

"Yep!" Tubbo bounced where he stood. "It was my idea!!! You and dad distracted Bad and Sir Frost and Tommy and I made the guards think dad was super mad!! So they all rushed to protect Bad and Sir Frost! And then Techno and Ranboo got him out!"

"The backpack was my idea, though." Tommy pointed out, earning a look from Techno who clearly would've preferred a better method.

"Genius!" Wilbur praised, holding his hands out for high-fives. Getting one from both boys involved in the planning and saving one for Ranboo. "And the End?" He directed that question at Techno.

Techno shrugged. "Way I see it, Dad's familiar with it and there's no moon. If it's true Dream wants to eat it, we'll protect the world and stay out of everyone's way."

"Genius!"

"No!" Phil shouted but it fell on deaf ears. "What-what are you-" He sputtered, unsure of what to say or do. Just kind of in shock. His sons sharing laughter as they started walking again.

He reached out to stop them, stumbled as his legs gave out. The realization that they just...committed one hell of a crime hitting him. Their home lost, a force of nature with them. It all crashed down alongside the exhaustion from everything else.

He sat there, stunned and Wilbur paused.

Looking back before reaching out to help him stand. "Dad." He said firmly. "Uncle Bad was right. You can't save everyone."

A deep breath.

"But that sure as hell doesn't mean you should stop trying."

There was a moment's hesitation. Those words sinking in. Then slowly Phil took his son's hand. Getting to his feet with a shaky laugh. "...only my kids," He muttered and Wilbur smiled at him.

"We get it from you." He nudged his father and then jogged to catch up with his siblings. "How long do you think we have until they notice he's gone?"

As soon as he said it, there was a loud bang from the city behind them. All heads turning to look as the temple, visible even from here thanks to its size, suddenly began to glow a bright blue light.

That light condensed and a beam pierced the sky. Seeming to go on endlessly. Bright and shining. Energy bursting through the earth beneath their feet and their bodies tingling with it.

"Oh wow, I've never seen a beacon in real life before!"

"That's...not a good sign."

"That's definitely a call to arms." Phil frowned, then looked forward. "We're going to need transportation. Something other than running. Something faster or we need to get underground now." His foot tapped the dry soil.

"There's bound to be tunnels under us. The Badlands are known for them but navigating them will be hell."

Dream let out a curious noise. Looking around at all of them. Seeming to notice their distress.

Wilbur perked up at his noise however and looked to Dream with a smile. "Dream!" He called and the boy chirped back. "Run!" There was a bit of excitement in his voice as he said it. A giddy laugh bubbling out of him. "Manhunt!"

That seemed to be the magic word, the name of the game played long ago. Dream's eyes widening in realization. A bark escaping him. "RUN!" he said, nodding and jumped free of the backpack. Nearly knocking Techno over with the sudden weight change.

He gestured to all of them. "Run?" He clarified and Wilbur nodded.

"All of us! We're running with you!"

Dream nodded back and then looked around quickly. Suddenly grabbing Tommy's backpack and rummaging through it. Holding up various things to study them before putting them back. Collecting one or two.

Then moving onto Tubbo and Ranboo's as well.

"What's he doing?!" Tubbo screeched when he was pulled with his bag. Struggling to get it off his shoulders before Dream pulled his arms out of his sockets.

"Whatever it is, he should do it faster." Ranboo pointed over their heads. Towards the city and when they looked back they could see two large figures exiting it. Glowing armor on their features.

Bad and Ant looking ready for war.

"PHILZA!!!" Bad roared into the Badlands and the man in question flinched.

"Go, go, go,go!" He shoved his sons gently forward. Dream seeming content to continue working while moving. They broke out into a sprint, using the sandy landscape to their advantage to slide down hills faster than they could run.

Dream started to break branches off bushes they passed. Yanking off leaves from any green plant he could find. Jumping up on Techno's shoulder to retrieve a cup from that backpack and back down when they passed water.

He filled it up without breaking stride.

Running backwards as he fiddled with various things in his arms and looked to Phil. Barking out a word that none of them could understand. Sounding much like he was asking for rain. When Phil looked to him confused, he rolled his eyes.

Ducked behind the man, grabbed a wing, and yanked a feather out.

"WHAT THE SHIT-"

Dream held up the feather in triumph, purring a little. Giving a gesture to Phil that could probably be interpreted as a thank you.

It appeared to be the missing ingredient to whatever he was doing. Focused entirely on his hands moving now. Not even looking where he was going but keeping pace with the rest easily.

That's when a lion's roar could be heard. A few of them looking back to see the large cat form of Ant burst over the hill. Much faster than Bad on all fours and taking the terrain easily as many cats would.

"Techno!" Wilbur yelled but it wasn't needed. His brother tore off his backpack and brandished a sword. Sliding behind his siblings to take on the defensive.

Snarling at Ant and daring him to harm a single hair on their heads.

Ant skidded to a stop just short of him. Ears laid back. Stance firm. Confident that he could beat Techno easily.

"By order of Sir Frost and Sir Halo, stand down and release the felon into our care!"

"...felon, really?" Techno repeated, snorting a little. Holding the sword aloft with just as much confidence as Ant held. "Your fancy words won't sway me."

Ant frowned, tails swishing. Releasing a sigh. "Really now, we don't want a fight! We are returning the one called Dream to Pandora's Vault! For the safety of the world and its territories!"

"So Dream doesn't count in that safety part huh?"

His words were grating under Ant's skin. That was obvious. The cat's claws flexing in the brittle dirt. Yet he still made no move to advance. At a standstill with Techno. Whose family stood behind him.

Phil the second guard between him and the others. His sword ready as well.

"Look, let us go and we'll take Dream somewhere he can't do any harm. Simple as that." Techno shrugged slightly.

"If the solution was that simple I'm pretty sure Bad would've done it ages ago instead of living with the guilt every day of his life of locking his friend up in a prison." The cat retorted, eyes narrowing.

Techno gave a slow head tilt. "...you seem to trust whatever he told you completely."

"Of course I do! He remembers it and he is my most trusted-!"

"A long memory isn't a photographic one." Techno cut in, huffing. "What's to say he's remembering it right?"

The cat hissed low in his throat at that. Fur bristling. His body coiled, ready to pounce and Techno and Phil prepared for a fight. Lowering their stances and holding up the swords.
Dream suddenly ducked under Techno's sword. Letting out a little noise as he dove between the two opposing sides. Catching everyone off guard. Ant especially, who jumped at the sudden appearance.

"What-" The cat began and Dream held up a hand to signal for him to wait.

He watched as the man slowly brandished a quickly made bow. Materials hardly worthwhile. It would be a miracle if it managed to fire one single arrow.

To say the least, no one was impressed.

Dream smiled however, pulling back an arrow and aiming it directly at the cat.

Ant huffed, ears flicking. "Fire that at me and it will be considered an act of war."

Dream paused for just a moment. Registering the word 'war'. Staring at Ant with this look in his eyes that could almost be described as sad. He sighed, shook his head.

"No." He said and then fired the arrow.

The hero, smart from battle, of course dodged it. Easily sliding under the projectile before it could hit him. Catching sight of Dream now smiling as he ducked.

The arrow wasn't meant for him. Because it slipped under his exposed armor. Pulling a rope along with it.

Dream tossed the bow aside, grabbed the end of the rope, jumped onto the back of the cat who was caught by surprise and grabbed the arrow before it could fly all the way out. He tied the rope ends quickly together and turned armor into a makeshift saddle.

Ant hissed at him, whirling around to knock him off but Dream held on. Laughing as he rode the cat around. Digging into his hoodie pocket for something else like he hadn't a care in the world.

Despite a giant cat actively trying to throw him.

He pulled a rock out, brought it to his mouth, bit into it quickly and with a swipe it caused a spark. Igniting the rope and setting it ablaze. Dream hopped off then, racing back towards the family as Ant realized what he had done.

The cat yowled as the flames ate up the rope. Catching his fur with it, struggling to get it off as he couldn't reach it with his paws. Rolling on the ground in an effort to put it out.

Dream practically skipped towards them then. Smiling and hands in his pockets. "Run!" He said cheerfully and beckoned them to follow.

They did.

"What have we gotten ourselves into...?"

Dream led them around like he knew the area by heart. Bouncing in his steps, constantly moving. Never taking a moment to pause even if he let them take breathers. He'd be climbing rocks and trees, surveying above them. Chittering whatever his language meant under his breath.

Ant hadn't followed them yet. Which most likely meant that he had regrouped with Bad and alerted him to what Dream had done.

Phil expected reinforcements.

So he was falling back into his old habits as well. Chopping wood whenever they stopped, mining into small crevices. Looking for anything they could use.

Exhausting himself when he should've been taking breaks.

Techno was right alongside him. Paranoia and suspicion in his life making him take up trades similar to his father. A master of combat and survival but with much more stamina.

Neither talked as they worked.

Leaving the rest in the dark.

"Should...should we be doing something?" Ranboo asked Wilbur on their next break. Watching the three as they bustled about. Clutching his arms close to himself. "I feel...useless." He admitted and stared at the ground.

"Let's not get in their way." Wilbur reached to pat his younger brother on the shoulder. "I know how you feel but if we mess them up I think we'll all feel worse. Better to stand back and answer when called."

He instead reached into his bag, pulling out his phone. Pulling it up with data on to display a map. "I don't know much about the End," He sighed. "Dad had used an old community portal when we were younger. I doubt we'll be able to get access to that now. If a legendary hero tells everyone we're fugitives, they'll lock up every exit they can get to."

"...so we'll need another portal." Tommy concluded, leaning in to look at the phone.

"Not just any portal. We'll need a portal no one else knows about."

"Where the hell are we going to get that?!?"

"In ancient times they use Eyes of Ender to locate them right?" Ranboo frowned. Making a face that showed his disgust. Fidgetting in place. "...I rather us not kill any wild enderman."

Tubbo shook his head. "Won't those just lead us to other portals either way? We can't guarantee it'll take us to a portal no one has found before. We'd just be going to every single one and checking it off a huge list."

Dream suddenly dropped from the tree they were standing under. Startling all of them with varying levels of screaming. He looked back at them, reaching up to tilt his mask off his face and give them a confused curious look.

As if silently asking why they were screaming.

He cracked a soft smile when they relaxed. Chuckling to himself.

Wilbur paused, humming and turned his phone to show Dream a photo of an End portal. The dreamon leaning forward to look. Letting out a little mewl as he did. "We need to find this." Wilbur said, even if he knew he wouldn't be understood.

Tapping it and then adding the word, "Manhunt." Trying to make Dream understand that was their destination. Bad had said their game was getting to one place and others trying to stop them.

It was quiet between them. Dream studying the image and then suddenly a loud growl interrupted them.

Techno whirled around ready to face the giant cat again...and instead everyone else looked at Tommy. Who clutched his stomach with a whine.

"...I'm hungry."

"...we can't stop for long." Phil frowned, putting what he gathered in a bag. Sighing as he stood. "We'd need to find an underground shelter before we take a real break."

"How about an abandoned mineshaft?" Techno pointed towards a mountain range. The edge of a mesa looming in the distance.

A place rarely fit for most people to live in and so it was bound to have a lot left over from the old days. Where gold mining was profitable.

"It might be a bit too obvious..."

"Better than our other options at the moment."

With that, they gathered up their things and started making their way to it. Dream taking the lead once he realized where they were going. Taking a stick from the pile of those collected.

"We might have time to make tools and construct a portable furnace."

Furnaces were...not the easiest to make. Used more in older times and a thing magic could form but the first thing you had to do was get enough stone for it. Collecting blocks wasn't something people did anymore.

Unless you were Ranboo.

Who was clutching a grass block in his grasp as they wandered forward. Nodding when his father asked him if he could help.

When they approached the mesa, it didn't take long to find the entrance of a mineshaft. A looming hole of darkness and spider webs. Rails rusted and broken barely gracing the entrance.

Tubbo turned on the flashlight for his phone and lit up the place easily.

"How deep should we go?" He asked as he started walking forward and his family moved to follow his lead.

"We'll want somewhere where we can feel the air but not somewhere we can see the outside."

"That narrows it down."

"I've got it." Techno sighed, reaching over Tubbo's head to take the phone. Sniffing briefly before he turned in a direction and started to head that way. Little brothers keeping pace with him curiously.

He stopped when they eventually stumbled across an indent in the walls. An abandoned minecart nearby with an old chest inside. The remains of lanterns with no fuel tossed haphazardly.

"Here." He concluded and the family sank to the floor of the area all in unison. Breathing out equal sighs of exhaustion.

Dream and Techno exchanging looks as they both smiled in amusement.

"Okay, okay, can't rest for long. Let's get this place set up." Phil reached out to Ranboo, who was quickly handing over some of his blocks he had collected. Not much, a giant assortment, but some would help.

Several grass blocks, a few leaves left in perfect squares, a flower, some stone, and somehow a chunk of diamond.

When everyone stared at that last one, he gave an awkward laugh. Hands fidgeting. "...it's uh...it's from Sir Halo's throne..."

"You stole a piece of their throne?!?"

"I was going to put it somewhere else in the temple! Somewhere better! But then everything happened!"

Wilbur reached to poke it, sighing. "Does...does this count as adding to our list of crimes?"

Tubbo laughed, holding it up. "Let's make it into stuff!" He gestured out with a grin, mischievous as ever. "They can't get us for robbing them if they never find out we have it!"

"He has a point."

"Dad!"

"Well, as much of a good a diamond pickaxe or something would do for us..." Techno mused, snatching the chunk out of Tubbo's grasp. "We don't have a means to forge it. So it's a rock unless we get an anvil and some smelting tools."

"Can't you just magic it?"

"Not in this state, no. If Ranboo had stolen smaller chunks, yes."

"Way to go, Ranboo!"

"Oh I'm sorry, next time make a list of things you want me to compulsively steal from HIGHLY RESPECTED PEOPLE!"

"Boys, boys, calm down." Phil managed to get them to settle. Sighing as he looked over his sons. Going for his bag as Dream made a curious noise and reached out for the diamond. "Let's work on what we can here and now. I'm going to need a bit more stone for a furnace."

"I'll help." Ranboo nodded and they stood, heading deeper into the mine.

"What about food?" Tommy asked and Techno glanced at his younger brother.

"I'll go see about grabbing some rabbits."

"Can I help?"

"If you promise not to be a giant headache."

"Hey!"

Despite any protests, the two left and Wilbur and Tubbo sat there remaining. Shrugging without an idea of what to do. Dream nearby turning the diamond over and over again in his hands.

"We should probably make...a light or something?" Tubbo offered and Wilbur nodded. Reaching forward to their bundles of sticks.

"Maybe a fire actually. A furnace won't keep us warm and light up the entire area."

"It's hot outside though!"

"It'll get much colder in the night, trust me."

It took a bit to get it settled. A few rocks to keep it from burning out of its pit. Sticks and fuel in the center. Now all they needed was a light and they looked to Dream for it. Who seemed to catch on fast and repeated the motions he had done with Ant and the rope.

"It's kind of scary that his teeth are that sharp..."

"Heh, his teeth are the least of my worries. You should see his arms and spiders."

"...his what."

Preferring not to mentally scar his younger brother, Wilbur didn't elaborate. Instead choosing to stretch out on the ground. Glancing up at the ceiling. Huffing a little to himself. "...I haven't gone on an adventure in so long...my muscles are going to be sore for weeks."

"I've never been on one!" Tubbo piped up, excitement in his voice. "...well unless you count before I met you guys...but I barely remember it." He shrugged, poking at the fire with a stick playfully. "Wish we had marshmallows."

"We're running from the law, Tubbo."

"And it'd be better with marshmallows!"

Wilbur couldn't argue with that. Chuckling instead and sitting up. Just in time to watch Dream join them around the fire. Reaching out for the flaming stick in Tubbo's hands.

Tubbo handed it over and they both expected curiosity or playfulness. Not for Dream to open his mouth and suddenly eat the end on fire.

They both screeched, launching forward to try and stop him but he had bitten it off before they could get close enough. Chewing noisily as if his tongue wasn't on fire. Offering the rest of the stick back to Tubbo.

"...you...you okay there?" Tubbo asked warily, taking the stick back. Eyes wide as Dream just gave a head tilt in response.

Then held up the chunk of diamond in his hands and bit into it like one would an apple.

Wilbur and Tubbo stared on in absolute silence.

".....DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!" They yelled in unison when the initial confusion wore off.

Phil paused in his mining when he heard distant noise. Checking his phone to make sure he had no messages. If it was urgent, he assumed, he'd be hearing screaming. His sons weren't well known for their hushed voices.

Save that is, for the one standing behind him. Who has been shuffling his arms close to his body. Staring down at the floor.

Looking on the verge of tears but fighting them back to protect his face.

Phil sighed softly, fondly as he looked back at Ranboo. "I'm not mad," He promised. Knowing that body language all too well.

So many nights being woken up by scared enderman noises and a child who didn't know how to talk to his new family.

Ranboo glanced up at him, heterochromatic gaze looking much like a cat's would. As though he had been gifted a treat but was too wary to take it.

"...it's okay if you are." Ranboo muttered, looking back away then. Awkwardly rubbing his neck. "...I would be, I guess?"

Phil chuckled, shaking his head. Stretching out his wing to draw his son closer. "I'm not mad, honestly. A little bit frustrated you boys didn't...you didn't talk to me. I could've formulated a plan. Could've gotten us out of there faster. I get why you didn't tell me but..." He trailed off.

Shook his head again and kept etching out stone. Letting his son reach forward to pull a chunk free and form it into a block he could carry. Clutching it as though it was the only thing grounding him.

"It's exactly as Wilbur said." Phil concluded. "...can't save everyone but that doesn't mean I should stop trying." He smiled. "When did my kids start growing up so fast?"

"...well, we all are taller than you. Except for Tubbo."

"Don't rub it in!"

Silence follows their muted laughter and only the occasional low warble from Ranboo echoed in the mineshaft.

"...are you sure you're not-"

"Ranboo."

The kid squeaked softly. Backing up, his tail swishing. "Sorry!"

"Look, the most mad I can be is the fact we can't go home." The man breathed out a sigh with that. "...at least not yet. Maybe after we reach the End and show Bad and them that we got Dream to a safe area...maybe then they'll let us gather our things."

He huffed. "I can live without my coffee pot, I guess."

"...but..." He glanced down at the pickaxe in his grasp. "...but there's baby photos in that house. There's...baby blankets. There's a music box tucked away up on a shelf. A cross stitch. A set of curtains that I'd hate to see dust grow on."

"...that's...uh...that's oddly specific."

Phil just nods, going back for another chunk. Feeling his son watch him. Head tilting as though he's trying to figure out a puzzle. "What...what do all of those mean? Are they like...my journal?"

"Yeah. They are. They hold memories. Pieces of the past you just don't want to let go of." Ranboo nods, understanding. Venturing a little bit closer now that he feels a connection.

He trusted Phil, saw him as a father. Old habits still lingered in his mind however. Forever untrained due to his memory problems. As well as other mental health he was dealing with. "...the music box?"

Phil smiled, "Tommy's favorite thing on the planet. He won't admit to it now, I'm sure. He'd tell you to fuck off if you brought it up. Used to have to play it every single night or else he wouldn't go to bed. Needed him to take a nap? Better break out the music box."

He rolled his eyes, pointing at Ranboo, his tone joking but there was an exhaustion in there. "It only played two songs! TWO SONGS! I'm pretty sure if you handed me a piano, I could play them both and I've never learned a damn thing about piano."

Ranboo grins, laughing along with his dad. "...and the uh...cross stitch?"

"Used to hang up in Wilbur's room. Warded away bad dreams, or so we told him. That if we put it over his bed each night he'd sleep peacefully."

"The curtains?"

"Techno used to be scared of the dark."

"...Techno?!"

"Yeah! I know! You'd never know it now!" Phil barked a laugh, throwing his head back. Hand going to his forehead to brush some of his hair out of his face. "He used to need a nightlight and everything! I couldn't count on both my hands how many times I'd wake up to being tackled by a little piglet at night."

"He'd crawl into our bed and hide under the covers and tell us about these monsters he saw in his room and how we can't leave or else they'd get us."

A pause.

"It was even worse when he'd get Wilbur on about it too."

He sighed. "Didn't stop that until a little bit after Tommy was old enough to walk." He shrugged. "So we had these curtains. That were covered in this bright yellow ugly suns and such. Glowed in the dark. Hated how it looked, worst decorating idea ever. But he'd relax some if those glowing ugly suns were there."

"...heh, anything...anything of Tubbo and I's you'd like to keep?"

"Loads!" Phil stepped back for Ranboo to grab the next chunk. Hands flying up as he did. "There's a rock, a rock! Tubbo was holding it when I brought him home. Told me flat out I couldn't put it outside because it was a magic rock!"

"So we kept the rock. Until he was old enough to forget about it and I was going to throw it out but...that rock had been there from day one and who knows, maybe it was magic! Maybe it helped me find him...?"

He smiled at Ranboo as the teen drew back with a new block. Smiling back at him and his tail was wagging.

"...and I have your first grass block too."

He laughed as Ranboo's face lit up in a bright blush. Nearly dropping the block he was holding. Clumsily trying to get a good grip on it again and he looked at his father with wide eyes.

"What?!"

"Yep! The block you had been holding when we met. You probably don't remember it. You asked me to hold it for a few seconds because I was standing on the spot you wanted to put it. And then you attempted to lift me off the ground...but you were way too weak for that."

He snorts. "So I wound up holding the block and talking to you and then I brought you home and you were so distracted by everything you never asked for the block back! ...so I kept it."

Ranboo let out a happy noise. A mix of enderman and ghast, a rare sound that echoed out around them and Phil gave a chirp back when his son looked embarrassed. There's been weirder sounds in their family.

Not long after the happy noise however, his face falls again. Glancing down at the block in his grasp. Frowning. "...I'm sorry we took that away from you."

"...it's...it's just stuff." Phil admits, though his voice waivers as he says it. Clear hurt in his gaze even as he does his best not to look at Ranboo. Trying not to show just how much that stuff meant to him. "...I've got you boys here with me so...I can always replace them if I can't get them back."

"...I guess right now someone would say something like 'things fade but memories don't' but uh..."

Phil can't help it, he laughs. "Ranboo! That is the last thing I expect from you!" His son laughs with him and the hurt melts away, slowly.

"Awww this one is really cute." Tommy is cooing over a rabbit that stares up at him. Eyes wide and frozen in fear. Laying its ears back in the hopes it won't be noticed but it's already too late.

His affections are cut off in the next second when an arrow goes right through the throat of the animal. Killing it instantly.

He stares at the corpse for a second longer and then turns to face his brother. Arms held out in disbelief. "WHAT THE FUCK TECHNO!?"

"Foooood." Came the lackluster reply. His brother stepping forward and easily snatching up the rabbit by the ears. "You won't be complaining when you're eating it later. Not like you could keep it as a pet either when we're running from the law."

"You could've at least waited until I looked away!"

"It probably would've run off then." Techno huffed, staring Tommy down. The two often at odds with each other. A picture perfect scene of a fight about to break out. At least until Techno brought his thumb to his lips.

Licked it, and then smudged off a splatter of blood on his younger brother's cheek.

"Gross!"

"Oh like the blood was any better."

He turns away with a guttural snort. Tying the rabbit up with the others they've so far collected. One short of probably feeding the family.

"Where'd you even get a bow and arrow?" Tommy asked, as if he was just now noticing the surplus of weaponry Techno had on him. Gaze raking over the sword, axe, crossbow, and pick. All impressive materials of iron or more.

"I always have my bow on me, just in case."

"...in case of what?"

"I don't know, a group of three to four people hauling me off for execution?" Techno shrugged. Retrieved another arrow from his quiver and nocked it into the crossbow.

"...that's...weirdly specific, big man. You alright?"

"Paranoia."

"Ah." Right, that was something Techno had a lot of. Tommy huffed quietly, glancing down at his feet as he trailed after his big brother. Occasionally glancing up to see if he could catch a glimpse of a rabbit in the retreating light.

"...so...voices huh?" He asked after a quiet moment. Not missing the slightly quiet pig like squeak that escaped Techno. Grinning to himself at having caught the guy off guard.

"...seriously going to bring that up now? Isn't it Phil's job to pry into our mental instabilities?"

"Well hey, I'm your little brother and it's my right to be concerned about you...occasionally!" He adds the last part when Techno gives him a look. Sticking out his tongue. "...besides, you can't just...fucking drop that bombshell and not expect us to ask about it? Y'know how crazy that sounds right??"

"So I hear a few voices...no big deal."

"...a few?" Tommy prods and Techno sighs.

"...okay, a lot of voices." He keeps his gaze off of Tommy. Scanning the landscape. Pointed ears twitching a little. "...but it's not really anything bad. I've had them for years."

"And you never...thought to bring this up? Pretty sure there's medicine and shit for that."

"Yeah well, Dad had enough on his plate when it started and I got used to them."

Fair enough, Tommy admits. Kicking at the loose dry dirt under his feet. He couldn't really judge Techno for that when he often squashed his own problems down. Letting Tubbo or Ranboo get the attention. Shutting up and yelling in his room instead.

Behind closed doors it was easy to feel like you could simply talk about something.

In front of his father, it was a completely different deal. A struggle to piece together what you wanted to say and why. He always clammed up at the wrong moments. Like when he was worried about how Techno and Dream would be.

"Well...if you ever...need anyone to talk to..." He grunted out, barely audible. Feeling awkward as he offered and Techno paused in his walk. Glancing back at him. Eyes a bit hard to read behind the mask he still wore.

There was a very awkward silence between them and then Techno sighed. His tone genuine as he said "...sure, thanks." And they moved on like nothing happened.

"Can I shoot the next arrow?"

"I'm not made of arrows Tommy, you're going to miss."

"Oh come on! I won't miss!"

"Oh yeah? How many times have you used a crossbow?"

"...I won't miss!!!"

"Dear gods, Techno what happened to your ear?!" Phil yelped when his sons returned from hunting. Startled out of his concentration and the furnace fell apart in his grasp. Dispersing back into stone that scattered about.

Ranboo quickly collecting it while everyone glanced up.

Techno's ear was bloody. A slice clean through it and blood splattered the back of his hair behind it. He huffed, holding up the bundle of dead rabbits and shot a look at Tommy beside him. Who looked anywhere but him.

"He missed." Was all he said as an answer and let his father fuss over him while Wilbur took the food.

"Sooooooooo-" Tommy plopped down beside Tubbo. Leaning into his younger brother's shoulder. "...uh...what did I miss?"

"...besides whatever you were aiming at?"

"Shut up Tubbo."

Tubbo grinned, laughing and gestured out. "Well as you can see, Wil and I made the best fire ever! and Ranboo and dad got stone and they've been trying to magic it into a furnace for a while now."

"That's it? You guys are boring."

"We're in an abandoned mineshaft, what did you expect?! Us to rescue a princess?!"

"...do princesses still even exist?"

"...wow you really failed history."

"Shut up Tubbo!"

"Alright, alright!" Wilbur called over their voices. Holding up some of the rabbits. "How do you want your rabbit? We have three options. Raw, cooked, or charcoal!"

"Charcoal is very tempting but I think I'll go with cooked." Ranboo looked up, grimacing at the bloody carcasses.

A chorus of 'cooked' following but Techno grunted out a 'raw' and everyone looked to him. Phil pausing and drawing back from the bandage he was working on. "Blood craving?" He asked, though rare it was technically 'normal'.

"Blame Tommy."

"HEY!"

Wilbur huffed, pointing his carving knife towards to Dream then. "And for the other terrifying beast at our circle tonight?" He hadn't taught Dream these words yet. So he was basically grandstanding for no reason.

Tubbo shook his head. "He's probably still full from the diamond."

"From the what." Ranboo asked and Phil stopped bandaging again to look over at them again. Only then noticing that yeah, the entire chunk of diamond was missing. They all slowly looked to Dream.

"...he ate the diamond?!" Phil demanded.

"All of it, like an apple."

"He also ate some fire."

"WHAT?!" The man let out a noise, a mix between a wheeze and a groan. Turning to Dream as he snapped his fingers. Then commanded, much like you would do with a pet, to spit it out. "Out! No! We do not eat rocks! I already had to deal with Wilbur eating weird shit growing up! I'm not putting up with it with you! OUT!"

Motioned to the floor and his sons let out amused chuckles behind him. It seemed to be working however. Dream somehow understanding the motion as if someone has done it to him before.

Starting to heave a little and crouch like a cat about to cough up a hairball.

"Oh this is gonna be gross-!" Tommy yelped and dove behind Tubbo who screeched in horror.

Dream's jaw seemingly unhinged, much like Ranboo's could do at times and much like he had done to swallow the fish. With a final gag, the contents of his stomach spilled onto the floor. Just...not remotely in the way it had been before.

Not a chunk or a gross melted mess. Instead there now sat a diamond pickaxe and axe head. Perfectly molded into the shapes they would otherwise need an anvil for. Completely with holds to cement a handle into.

He looked up at Phil with a whine. As if asking for forgiveness and the man stared back at the tools dumbfounded.

Slowly lowering his hand to reach out and gently pat Dream on the back.

"...er...good...job?"

Chapter Text

Dream is pretty sure the pack was supposed to be taking turns being awake. At least that's how it started out. Now he sits among them, all of them fast asleep with the fire out. Curled around Techno who seems to be the warmest.

He doesn't mind.

He'll gladly stand guard for them as they rest. Their bodies aren't made for manhunts. They grow exhausted quickly and struggle to keep running.

They'll get better at it, he assumes. As time goes on.

It took his old friends time to learn to pace themselves too.

He frowns as he remembers the look on Bad's face. The anger and sadness in his eyes. He could feel fear in those moments as well. He doesn't know why his old friend turned against him or why he was so upset.

Dream sighed, going to pick up the items he had made. He was halfway through making proper handles for these things. Trying to recall their names. He knew their uses well, the one in particular being a weapon to defend himself.

It was easier to make these things when everyone was asleep and he could use his mouth freely. Biting into the wood to skin it and licking it to mold it into shape.

His proper mouth would do better but Wilbur was scared of his true form.

He doesn't like it when Wilbur is scared.

Sighing to himself, he fits the handle into the weapon. Licking it again to seal it together. Testing the strength with a quick hit against the wall nearby. It makes a loud sound but cracks through the stone and no one wakes up.

Setting it down, he moved onto the next item.

He's halfway through the process again when he suddenly hears something. Perking up and looking around.

Ears twitching as he listens and hears it again. Soft, faint. Like a voice echoing in the distance.

Curiosity overrides any sense he has that this could be the hunters. Setting down his work quietly and crawling over the pack. Using the wall to get over Techno and then landing on the other side silently.

He ventures deeper into the thing they called a mineshaft.

Twisting hallways, ugly darkness. He tenses but at the same time the voice calls again and he can't ignore it.

It sounds...familiar, the closer he gets.

"Oooooh Dreaaaam...!" He chirps softly when he recognizes those words. When he recognizes that voice!

George!

Diving further into the darkness, he scrambled to locate his old friend. Dashing faster through those halls until the voice is unmistakably on the other side of a wall to him. He presses against it and listens.

"Dreeaaaam!" George calls again and he smiles. Nuzzling against the wall briefly and then starting to dig with his claws.

He created a nook in the stone, using it to climb upward. Into a small cramped space that he began to dig out further. George on other side must hear him, because he calls again, his voice excited.

"Dream?!"

"George!" He calls back and bashes through to the other side.

He comes crashing down into waiting arms and laughs. Just to look up and find himself in the arm of a familiar person. Not his George, no...that's Bad.

Who smiled down at him with an air of regret.

"...sorry, Dream. That was a cheap trick." Bad mutters, sighing but reaching to pet him. It's a nice comforting touch but last time he trusted it, Bad turned against him.

So he kicks out of Bad's arms and dives to the wall. Backing up with a low hiss. Bad doesn't react. Doesn't seem confused by his reaction. Nodding instead. Holding his arms out regardless like he wants Dream to come back.

Ant stands not far behind him. Small to fit in the cramped spaces but still armored. A hint of burnt fur on his face.

"Come with us, Dream. You know you need to. You're going to hurt Phil and the others!"

Hurt? No! He doesn't want to hurt anyone! Not unless he has to to get away! Even then, that hurt him more!

"No!" He responds and Bad sighs.

"Yes! I'm not arguing with you Dream. Now come on, let's go. This isn't a game!"

"Manhunt!" Bad looks almost frustrated. His tail swishing in agitation and he groans. Bringing a claw up to the bridge of his hidden shapeless nose.

"No! No Manhunt! This is serious!"

Dream stands his ground, his mask is off. He looks at them with determination and knows they can all see it. Ant's fur bristles. Bad scowls.

He summons that fork into his grasp again. Points it at Dream. "Come with us!"

Dream stares at it for a moment. Registers it for the weapon it is and holds his hand out. He summons his own weapon. The one he had just been making. Slowly stands on two legs and points it back at Bad.

"No."

"...where did he get a diamond axe?!" Ant whispers urgently.

"Oh muffin." Bad says in just as quiet of a voice. Like he said something wrong and immediately regretted it.

Dream doesn't know what a muffin is but it must be a very unhappy thing.

Then just as soon as anyone could blink, Bad launches forward. Switching the fork suddenly for a sword, the one Dream had held in the strange house. In his other grasp, a weird flat surface appears.

He's fast. Dream is faster.

The axe, they called it, clashes against the surface. It cracks but only a slight amount and Bad brings up the sword as Dream is momentarily caught off guard. He uses the surface to dodge, bringing his legs up to push off of it.

Pushing him and Bad apart until they face each other again.

"Ant, flank me."

"Right!"

"He's fast, he's smart, but if we keep his resources down then the only thing we really have to fear is that speed and axe!" Bad's words make no sense to Dream. Who stands there, tense. Letting them talk.

He doesn't want to hurt them. He just wants to run. Back to the pack. Protect them. Get out of here.

"Take whatever he goes for before he gets to it."

"Don't let him get above you!"

"Don't let him chase you! He'll chase you down and run out your stamina then turn and run away! Face him at all costs!"

The more Bad talks, the more dread fills Dream. Something he is saying is important. It's wrong. It's against him and it's just going to make it harder to run. So he has to stop it.

He leaps forward and both of his friends flinch. Their flat items coming up to guard them. He doesn't aim for those. He knows their tricks now.

He dives under them, under their legs and winds up on the other side of them.

It's not a long advantage. Ant whirls around with speed unmatched. No weapon in hand because his hands are the weapons. Claws coming down a mere moment where Dream had been before.

He loses a bit of hair with that. Mentally telling himself he can't afford to be that sloppy again.

Bad is there too, taking up the side Ant can't reach. They're working together, which makes finding an exit all the more difficult. The sword whiffs by his one leg. He dodges, just barely. Climbing up into the walls of the mineshaft.

"Ant!"

"Moving!"

Both of them run the moment he's above them. Getting far distance away from him but still blocking his exits. He can't help it, he growls.

They smell of fear when he does.

Maybe he can use that to his advantage.

Fear seems to be a good thing to weaponize.

So he does.

Wilbur is scared of something he has. He wonders if Bad and Ant will be too. If he can make them freeze long enough to run by.

He lets his people form fade away into the monster he really is.

He can watch Bad and Ant's eyes widen as he does. The scent of fear grows stronger and stronger. Ant drops his flat surface, his fur standing on end. An audible swallow escaping him.

Bad, Bad doesn't react as much. He's clearly seen this form before but he holds his ground even as he trembles. Even as his heart, which Dream can hear, beats faster and faster. His blood pumps fast through his body.

Inside of him, he screams but he doesn't show it. He draws his sword up, ready for a fight.

Dream opens his real mouth and roars.

Phil wakes up with a jolt to Wilbur screaming. His wings flaring out over his sons to protect them from whatever was attacking them but there's nothing there. Just the startled exhausted faces of his boys and his screaming, writhing son.

He moves quickly. Grabbing his son to stop him from slamming himself against the stone. Holding down his shoulders while Techno automatically grabs his legs. "Wil! Wilbur! It's us! You're dreaming! Wil!"

"I got this-!" Tommy says and next thing he knows, his youngest son slaps Wilbur clear across the face. Hard.

It seems to do the trick. As he draws his hand back and shakes out the muted sting of the slap, Wilbur cuts off his screams and his eyes snap open. Gazing in confusion at the world around him.

"Why does slapping work so well?"

"I dunno, but I'm glad I built up a few years of wanting to slap Wil."

Phil ignores that for now, tracing a hand lightly across his son's cheek. Where it was reddening. Apologizing softly when Wilbur hisses in pain. "Wil, shhh, it's okay. It's okay. It's just us."

Wilbur looks around again, eyes scanning each of their faces. Panting heavily and trembling in his father's touch. He mouths something, not speaking and Phil leans closer to listen.

"What's that?"

"...run..." Wilbur manages to choke out and Phil leans back. Confusion filling him. Run?

He freezes, realization washing over him. Whirling around to look for the missing member of their entourage.

Dream isn't there.

"Dream?!" Phil yells into the mineshaft and instantly all of his sons are on guard. Some standing, looking around as well. Some had better night vision than he did so they weren't struggling as he was to find shadows against the walls.

"He's not here." Techno tells him.

Phil dives for his sword. "Can you smell him?" He asks and his son nods, grabbing his own weapon. "Stay here!" He tells the rest of his kids, knowing it was probably futile but having a little bit of hope.

Techno and him take off running into the mineshaft. Following the scent.

It leads them in a twisting path. Uneven rock that clearly wasn't mined well. Soon a hole in the wall that barely a person could fit through. Techno doesn't even bother trying. Instead, he draws his fist back and breaks clear through it.

Using his foot for the rest once it was open far enough. Both of them jumped through.

That's when they notice the screaming and it wasn't Wilbur.

It sounded like Ant.

They run towards it, coming around a corner into what looked like the start of a ravine. The crackle of lava not too far off and the dim light of the world above them. Water splashes against their shoes and they find themselves running across obsidian.

Stopping dead when they come upon their destination.

Where the monstrous form of Dream, exactly as Wilbur had barely managed to describe, pinned down the hero. Who was screaming and crying. Begging for anyone to save him. His partner in crime nowhere in sight.

Dream's many eyes moved at once in separate directions. Some looking to them, others staring down Ant, and even more looking at their surroundings. Several arms were used to hold the cat.

Others were bracing against the walls or digging into stone.

The creepy mask face tilted over him as if studying him and the mouth drooling above the rest of Ant's body. As though it would swallow him whole.

All the while the darkness of his constant moving form seemed to creep along the walls. Into the cracks. Finding any deep shadows it could.

Phil stood frozen, legs trembling. Fear overtaking so much of his body for a moment and he could feel Techno beside him do the same. They recovered fast however. If by the screams still echoing or the fact they've seen worse in their lifetimes.

"Dream!" Phil yelled and several more eyes snapped to look at him. He approached warily, putting away his sword. Reaching out even if his hand trembled. "...Dream, put him down!"

Dream let out a hiss, like steam releasing from a pipe and Ant seemed to be crushed against the floor. Screaming in pain.

"NO!" Phil snapped and the pressure released on the hero. "...no hurt, Dream!" He motioned off to the side. "Down!"

Dream's many eyes stared at him. As if contemplating why he was saying this. Before the form slowly began to move off of the hero. Dripping like water across the floor. Slowly but surely moving off to the side and releasing the cat.

Who slumped against the floor in relief, still breathing heavily.

Just for a moment, catching his breath and then he scrambled to his feet. Not going for a weapon however. Instead, calling out to the ravine in a panic. "BAD?!?!" He screamed and there was no answer.

He scrambled over broken rocks and weird formations. "BAD! ANSWER ME!"

"What's going on?!" Phil demanded and Ant looked to him, scared.

"He threw Bad! I didn't see where he landed!"

"I'll help find him." Techno growled, stepping between them. Skirting around Dream who watched him curiously. "You deal...with this." He gestured at the dreamon and Phil nodded.

Coaxing the beast towards him as the two of them ran off.

"Come here, Dream."

Dream obeyed, inching closer. Curling his long body around Phil as the man sat down. His body still trembled. He still felt fear but he knew this wasn't the time to focus on it. He needed to keep this thing calm.

"Fear?" Dream asked him and he nodded. Unsure of what else to say. Instead reaching for one of those many hands and just holding it. Rubbing it like he'd do for one of his sons.

It had weird long fingers. Claw like nails. It was human but very much not.

It felt like bone in his touch. Nothing more.

"Dream, you gotta change back." He says this, knowing Dream hasn't learned these words yet. Sighing as the beast just tilts his head at him. "...this may be your true form but...you...you need to be like us for now. Ant and Bad don't trust you. You need to earn that trust."

"Trust?" Dream repeats and he's clearly confused.

"Yeah...trust." Phil nods. He doesn't know how to explain it with words.

So he just holds up the hand that had been holding Dream's. Fingers splayed out and he waits to see if Dream will understand. "Trust." He repeats and Dream stares at it. Cocking his head to one side and back. Then slowly repeating the motion.

When their hands are just a mere inch apart, Phil closes the gap. "Trust." He repeats again and again. Letting their hands rest against each other.

Dream's hand is triple the side of his own. It looks comical. Like a child against a parent but he doesn't flinch away. Even as that sense of fear tries to overwhelm him. This thing could kill him, his mind tells like a mantra.

This thing was dangerous.

It was a monster.

But he stays there despite all of that, and he waits.

Slowly Dream's form melts away. Back into the human like one. Red eyes blinking once, twice. As though he's getting used to the limited vision again. Then he smiles, laughs. There's confidence in his posture.

He nods.

"Trust!"

Phil knows he understands and so he smiles back.

Then he hears the almost too soft voice of Techno calling out to him. He looks up to see his son approach. Alone. Face solemn and obvious even with the mask.

Techno heaves a sigh. "...we found him." He says, voice quiet. "...he's not going to make it."

Slowly, he gets to his feet. Doesn't say a word to Dream but is followed. Trailing after his son in a path clearly hastily carved out. It leads them towards a patch of lava. Heat blazing off but they're all used to it in some or another.

And there, Ant sits next to the fallen demon. Who lays on the rocky ground. Blood pooling underneath him. There's broken bones, wounds that couldn't be stitched fast enough potions. His halo, normally alit with flames now becomes dull fading embers.

He's dying. That much is obvious.

And Ant holds his hand and cries. Despite probably seeing this a thousand times over. He clutches his friend's hand like this is truly the end and sobs.

Bad looks at them, his glowing eyes starting to fade from the light as well. There's a bit of blood leaking from his mouth and his voice gurgles as he tries to speak.

"...get...away..." He manages between broken breaths. Glaring at Dream the best he could. "...you'll....next."

His body spasms with pain, he chokes on air. He struggles and Ant apologizes for something. Stands shakily to his feet. Takes a deep breath and summons an axe into his grasp.

"...I hope to see you soon." He whispers and no one is prepared for what he does next.

Bad dies instantly from the blow.

Put out of his misery.

No more pain.

His form bursts into black flames. Slowly consuming the entire body until all that is left is the halo. That clatters against the stone lifeless and Ant picks it up. Gingerly. As if he's holding a baby. Sobbing still as he clutches it.

Phil and Techno don't say anything. Don't fight. Just gently place hands on the cat's shoulders and let him mourn for a moment longer. Before they go to show him the way out of this hellhole.

Ant doesn't say a word the whole walk. Sniffling occasionally. Never letting go of the halo. Ignoring the confused shouts of the kids when they all meet up again. Phil shushes Tommy when he prepares to fight.

They walk Ant out of the mineshaft and into the morning sun.

Ant pauses only then. Turning to look back at them. Blue eyes still brimming with tears but there's also determination in his gaze.

"...I have...hundreds of halos." He says softly, the implications left unsaid. "...I keep every single one..." He sucks in a shuddering breath and looks at Dream. His tails swish with anger. His paws flex ready for a fight.

His face twists into a snarl. "...do you think he cares?!" He demands suddenly, his voice loud. Whirling around to properly face them. "Do you think he thinks of you any different?! That a millennia or two can erase what's been done?! The phrase 'time heals all wounds' is a lie! It's always been a lie!"

"I may not remember what he did but I watched my friend suffer for hundreds of years through what happened! I watched Bad remember every detail. Cry, scream, beg gods he didn't believe in for a new chance! A new opportunity! If he had the answers, if it was so simple, he would've found them!"

He hisses. "He would've! Because I have spent hundreds of years of watching him searching for those answers! I spent my entire life with him, and I may forget as time goes on but he doesn't! And I have to live with the pain he shoulders! And I can do nothing but support him!"

He glares at Phil. "HE'S YOUR FAMILY!" He spits out and Phil flinches. "...why does a stranger matter more than your own family?!"

"...Dream will eventually do to you what he did to us. What he did to Bad. And you will not get the hopeful second chances we have." He stares down at the halo in his grasp. Clutches to his chest and wails softly. "...I don't understand...how you can trust so easily in something so awful...and yet push us away, Philza."

A deep breath.

"...would she have done this?"

And that's what he leaves on. Turning away. Trudging off back towards the central area of the Badlands. To the temple. Humming a lament that echoes across the silence that follows. A song sung for heroes who have fallen in the battlefield.

The family stands there, watching him disappear into the distance.

"...is...is Bad...?" Tubbo asks after a moment. Unable to get the words out and Techno nods. Answering him silently. "...oh...did...Dream do it?"

Techno nods again.

"Well, I mean-they attacked him right?!" Tommy pipes up. Throwing his hands up. "If you attack a guy, you gotta be prepared to be hurt or worse right?! We all know Dream is a crazy dude! He can do stuff like...make weapons in his stomach!"

"They gotta know that! Bad remembers him...and stuff right?! So...they know when they attack him he's going to do crazy stuff! So stop fucking attacking him!" A pause, a deep breath. Tommy crossing his arms over his chest. "...so what's the big deal? Why risk their lives to take Dream in?"

He looks to Wilbur for the answer. "You promised you'd tell us everything."

"Let's keep moving." Phil says, turning back to the mineshaft to gather their things. "We'll explain on the way."

"...so...so we're escorting the apocalypse with us?"

"Pretty much, if Bad's memory is correct."

"...why the moon though, bro?" Tommy looked at Dream who looked back at him. Head tilting. No longer leading the pack on this journey as if he knew he had a specific amount of time to relax. "Like...seriously, why eat the moon?!"

"I'm going to work on that." Wilbur replied, a sigh escaping him. "Try and build up communication some more. Ask him what's going on. See if we can get some answers and maybe convince the heroes off our backs."

"Without a doubt they won't be coming after us until they have more people." Phil nodded. "...they definitely don't want to risk their lives anymore than they have to."

"You sure?" Ranboo asked softly and when they looked to him, he just gave half a shrug. Clutching the block close to his chest. "...I mean, you said they got used to dying right?"

Phil glances back to where they came from. "...it's been a long time since one of them died, I'm sure." Shakes his head. "Ant clearly wasn't used to it anymore."

Silence stretched between them. Before Phil brought his hands to his face and gently slapped his cheeks. Groaning. "Okay! Short term goals! Techno, I need you to teach Dream a word."

"Heh? Isn't that Wilbur's job?"

"Wilbur can help but this is a word only you can demonstrate."

Techno grumbled but relented eventually. Slowly undoing his cape and taking off his shoes. Begrudgingly letting Tubbo take his crown this time. While Tommy draped his cape over himself.

Slowly taking more and more off to save his wardrobe until he stood shirtless and awkwardly in front of his family. Wilbur standing beside him with an amused smile.

He got Dream's attention and the dreamon watched as Techno began to shift.

First to his half-form. Taking off his mask only then to show off some of his more animalistic features. Pig ears, hooves, the tusks, a bit of fur on his chest and neck. Muscles bulging slightly with the new found strength that flowed through him.

"Change." Wilbur said, pointing at Techno.

Techno shifts again, slower, his face twisting and becoming a snout. Tusks elongating, sharpening. Eyes turning white and glowing. Sharp short fur crawls over his body, which is growing. Becoming that monstrous form Dream had seen once before.

Towering over Wilbur and snorting hot air.

"Change." Wilbur says again, still pointing at Techno.

And then slowly Techno shifts back to the form that best resembles his family. His face tinting red as he did. Scrambling for his mask to put it back on and hide behind it. Going for his shirt next.

Which had been stolen by Tommy and Tubbo and he had to chase them a bit to get it back.

Now Wilbur gestured to Dream. Repeating the word and waiting for it to sink in. For confirmation that the boy understood. He stares at Wilbur's hand for a bit longer. Frowning.

Glancing up at his face and says, "No."

"Well...you don't have to change right now but we'd like to know that you understand." Phil cuts in, reaching to ruffle that hair. "We're not trying to force you but it's hard to know what you get and what you don't. So...change? Please?"

Dream shakes his head. "No. Wilbur." He points at Wilbur, as possibly his attempt at explaining but no one knows what he's getting at. Staring at him in confusion and he frowns. Clearly going over the library of words he knows in his head.

"...hurt Wilbur?" He tries and then Wilbur connects the dots.

"Oh! He knows his other form scares me-!"

"Awww, that's nice of him." Ranboo notes, his tail wagging a little. Just to jump as his brothers race past him and hand him Techno's crown and cape. Still holding onto his shirt as they run away.

He hesitates, watching the commotion for a moment and then sets the crown on top of his own. Then fastened the cape around himself. Casually wearing it as though it wasn't stolen. Letting out almost a purr like noise.

"You look ridiculous." Wilbur can't help but snort.

Ranboo just smiles. "Is that any way to talk to the new Technoblade?"

"Discount Technoblade?"

"Walmart Technoblade."

They laugh and it brings a little smile to Dream's face. Phil mirroring it.

"See?" The man says to Dream, leaning on his shoulder despite the mild height difference. "Wilbur isn't afraid right now. You can change."

He pauses, remembering the word Dream had said to him. "No Fear." He states and looks to Dream. Who stares back at him with this pensive look.

Then slowly steps back. His form beginning to shift. Melt away and reform. Arms growing out, mask taking over his face. The eyes blinking open one by one. They back up away from him as he grows in size. And keeps growing.

More space to do so now that he was outside.

His form change causes the chase to end. The younger brothers staring up at him with wide eyes. Their mouths agape.

"...holy...shit..." Ranboo mutters and it's enough of a statement that no one says anything else.

"Change?" Dream asks and Wilbur and Phil nod.

"Yes." They say in unison.

"Fear?" Dream asks and though he can smell the answer, Wilbur shakes his head no. Which is what he wanted. Taking a deep breath before he shifts his form back to the human one. Adjusting the mask to sit on the side of his head once more. "No change."

"No need to change anymore unless we ask you to." Phil nods. "You can be in whatever form you like best."

"AAAAAA RANBOO HELP, TECHNO GOT US!"

"I can't help you now, I'm the new Technoblade. I must side with my people. Off with their heads!"

Techno gets his shirt back. Pulling it on with a huff and turns to Ranboo. Giving him a once over before snorting. "You look ridiculous, Ranboo." Almost the same tone as Wilbur.

"That's Walmart Technoblade to you, fellow Technoblade."

He does take off the second crown at least. Gladly placing it back on his brother's head with ease thanks to his height advantage. The two sharing smiles and laughter. "Alright fine, you can wear the cape for a bit longer."

Ranboo lets out a 'yesss' before he's strutting forward. Going to show off the new accessory to his brothers. Who greet him much like he had been asked to be greeted. Bowing and praising the 'walmart technoblade'.

Dream watches them the entire time, purring softly.

"Family?" He asks quietly and Phil nods.

"Family." A deep breath. "Alright you lot! Let's keep moving! We can't ignore the fact we're on a mission! One short term goal done! Let's plan for the next!"

"Can we stop at McDonald's?"

"...we're running from the law, Tubbo!"

"Yeah but Dream seems pretty calm and he's like...an expert at this stuff right?"

"Are there even McDonald's around here?"

"Ranboo, there's McDonald's everywhere!" Tubbo gestured forward. Pointing to the small mountainous range ahead of them. "I guarantee you, there will be a McDonald's on the other side of that!"

"Wanna make a bet?"

"Winner wears Techno's cape!"

"Hey, I didn't agree to that!"

"Deal!"

"Hey!"

Tubbo wound up wearing the cape inside the McDonald's. Giggling to himself as Ranboo ducked into the doorway. Wide enough for most hybrids but not exactly tall enough. The drive-thru having a special area for those like him.

Dream looked bewildered by the setting. Eyes darting everyone at all the different people and things. The noise seeming to overwhelm him a bit and Phil motioned for his more shy sons to locate a table and take Dream with them.

"Are you guys still serving breakfast?" Tubbo asked, leaning on the counter and the teenager behind it let out a sigh as though he's answered this a thousand times already today.

"...we're the Badlands West Location, sir." He grumbled. "We never stop serving breakfast."

"Huh? Really? Why?"

"Because we have breakfast muffins." The teen replies like the answer is obvious. When the family looks confused, he sighs again. "...Sir Halo literally would cry if we stopped serving muffins."

Phil had to fight a laugh as his sons started to order then.

"Dad you got to get Dream a happy meal."

"Why? Is that even enough to feed him?"

"Cause he's new to the world! He's gotta have a happy meal at least once!" That made sense in some weird way so Phil did order two. Just in case the first wasn't enough to fill the boy. He had two hybrid sons that could eat their own weight...plus Tommy.

Tommy could eat McDonald's out of business if he had enough money.

Phil hesitated with his credit card. Realizing almost a bit late that the heroes might have access to track it and he rummaged into his wallet. Counting out bills and humming. "Does the Emerald trade law still apply to the Badlands?" He asked.

The teen groaned, pulling out a chest from under the counter. "Yes sir, it does."

"Great, how many emeralds would that be?"

"Three."

"Where did you get emeralds?!" Wilbur asked, bewildered and Phil gave him a sheepish grin.

"I found some while we were looking for stone."

"...you and your damn luck." His son rolled his eyes, moving on down the line once they were paid for. Tommy and Tubbo racing to get straws and whatever else their hearts desired from the condiment area.

It wasn't long before their food was ready and they made their way to the table in the far corner. A larger one that let Ranboo stretch out his legs and Techno sit back against the cushioned seating.

"Techno don't die, we have your burger!"

Phil compulsively stayed standing. Making sure all of his kids had their food set up before he took his seat.

Ranboo hesitated as he was about to dig in. Frowning. Looking around at his brothers and Dream, who was sniffing an apple slice.

"...am I the only one who feels weird now?" He asked and they looked to him. "...Sir Halo just...died...and we're eating McDonald's?"

"I'm sure he's fine." Wilbur waved his hand. "He's immortal. I highly doubt this is going to be the chosen time to do him in." When Ranboo made a face at that, he looked to his dad. Silently yelling at the man to reassure his younger brother.

Phil hesitated, about to bite into his own chicken sandwich. Glancing between his two boys before he set it down. "Okay look, I'll call him. Make sure he's alright."

"Why do you have the guy chasing us's number?!" Tommy demanded.

"...dad." Techno frowned, Wilbur looking at Phil expectantly too. "Might be time to address the elephant in the room."

"...in a McDonald's?!" Phil whisper yelled back.

"Would you rather it be while we're running from the law?! No chance to rest or hide in a bathroom?!" Wilbur shot back and Phil frowned. Looking down at the phone in his grasp.

"I don't like secrets!" Tubbo whined, reaching for Dream's toy to open it from the plastic. More interested in it than the owner was as Dream was still intently sniffing the apple slice.

"Where do I even begin..." Phil whined and his sons rolled their eyes.

"Just blurt it out!" Techno said. "You already pretty much did to us!"

"Oh for-I'll do it!" Wilbur reached over, patting the table to get Tommy, Tubbo, and Ranboo's attention. "Sir Halo? Bad? Yeah, he's our uncle. Mother's side."

Silence followed his words. Tubbo dropped the toy, Ranboo's jaw dropped open, and Tommy...Tommy started choking on his food.

"AAAA DON'T DIE!"

"Tubbo don't hit someone when they're choking!"

"No, it's okay, Tommy owes him one."

"Techno-!"

They were moved to the parking lot for too much yelling. Which was understandable. Once the food was dislodged from Tommy's throat, he didn't stop talking. Even now, as they were sat out in the empty spaces off to the side he paced. Yelling. Throwing his hands up.

Accepting some of his food occasionally from Wilbur or Techno who watched him like this was a normal reaction.

In their defense, they had felt the same.

"I'm related to a demon! Blood related to a demon!"

"Sir Halo on top of that." Ranboo interjected, still not comfortable with eating until he had knowledge said demon was okay.

Phil stood off to the side currently. One hand covering his other ear while the one was pressed to the phone. Occasionally shouting over Tommy to try and hold a conversation with whoever was on the other end.

"Mom was a demon?!" Tommy asks for the third or fourth time and Techno nods again. Taking another bite out of his burger. "I'm part demon!"

"It explains a lot." Both older brothers said in unison. Looking to each other and then laughing.

"So how come we never saw him?!" Tubbo asked then, pausing eating. Looking at Techno and Wilbur. "...you guys said he visited you right?"

"...yeah, he visited us before mom died." Wilbur noted and a hush fell over the kids. All glancing to Phil's back as he continued on with his conversation. Not noticing that he could stop yelling himself.

"SO YOU SAY HE'S ALRIGHT?!" Phil yelled, Ranboo breathing a sigh of relief and finally going to his food. "GREAT! GOOD! ...UH...STOP CHASING US?! I GUESS?! I DON'T KNOW HOW TO END THIS REALLY AWKWARD CONVERSATION!" He hung up then, hurriedly. Staring wide-eyed at the phone.

It buzzed angrily as someone immediately called him back and he jumped.

"Eugh!" He turned it off fast and tucked it back into his bag. Holding both hands up as he tried to breathe evenly again.

"Okay, okay. Eat your food and let's keep moving. He's fine, he's taking a day to rest and get his energy back but he's fine. He came back." He looked to Ranboo, smiling when he saw his son eating.

"Alright big man, good, now I got a lot of questions for you-!" Tommy began, poking his dad in the chest. "Why the hell were you hiding-" His words are cut off then when Dream finally took a bite of his apple slice.

Made the most outrageous noise. As though he was offended and spit the piece across the parking lot.

Sticking his tongue out partially like he was trying to get rid of the taste.

"...you...you alright there, Dream?" Tubbo asked and Dream gagged again. Pulling all of his apple slices into his bag and rolling it up. Storing it somewhere on his person then.

Huffing a pout and moving onto the chicken nuggets instead.

"Gah." He said as an answer.

Ranboo pulled out his journal. Humming as he quickly started to write. "...Dream hates apples." He tapped the pen to his paper at the end for a period. "I'll try to remember that for us."

"Oh sure, he'll eat a whole raw fish but he draws the lines at apples?"

"Might just be the type of apple species McDonald's has."

"Who the fuck cares!" Tommy yelled, throwing his hands up. Turning back to face his father now that the interruption was over. Finding himself standing there alone. Phil having walked off a bit down the parking lot.

He stared after his dad, sighed and plopped down next to Wilbur.

Unbeknownst to him, he was watched the entire time. While brothers talked over him. While Wilbur nudged him and tried to get him to laugh. While Phil walked on, lost in his own little world.

Dream watched him and frowned.

"Family...?" He whispered, curiously.

Chapter Text

Mom wasn't something they really talked about.

But when Tommy wanted answers, he didn't stop asking questions until he got them. Backed up by his younger brothers. Whose curiosity overflowed at the revelation a woman they had never met was someone so unique.

Wilbur and Techno never tried to stop the questions either. Some of them clearly being some of their own they wanted answers for.

Phil didn't answer all of them. Walking with his gaze set on the horizon. Determined to get further and further away. Deflecting when Tommy asked one he wasn't ready for.

Dream trailed in the middle of the pack. Watching the exchange silently.

"So mom was a demon too right?"

"Sort of."

"But she had fox features right?! Wilbur showed me a picture of her ages ago!" Tommy didn't remember her. He was too young to remember anything about her outside of warmth. A deep feeling inside of him that he was loved by her.

"She was a kitsune."

"How did you two meet then?! Was she as old as Bad?! She had to have been right?! If they were siblings?!"

Phil deflects all of those. Pausing to read a map of the city they were in. On the outskirts of the Badlands. Nothing as showy as the temple.

He doesn't stop Tommy from asking them, even if it's obvious he's uncomfortable.

"How come he stopped visiting after she kicked the bucket?!"

Phil flinches at that question, shoots his son a look. Wilbur grabbing Tommy's shoulder and drawing him away from their father. Silently letting him know that he crossed the line. Petty whines and complaints following.

"Wil, let go!"

"Tommy just...walk with me for a bit. Give dad a break."

"What, oh come on Wilbur! You've got a million questions too right?! Why won't he just tell us?!"

Mom wasn't really something they talked about.

Tubbo isn't a big fan of the awkward silence they walk in. He tries to make conversation. Tries to bring smiles back to everyone's faces. Spends an entire hour discussing local fauna with Ranboo but it gets nowhere.

Just lapsing back into silence soon after.

It makes the backpack on his shoulders feel five times heavier. The meal in his stomach send waves of nausea through him. He wants anything to break this atmosphere. Anything.

In the many many years he's been with his family, he's never felt a hole opening this big.

He knows there's a rift in the family. He remembers vividly as a child asking why they didn't have a mom. Wilbur and Techno telling him that they used to. How great she was. How much she would have loved Tubbo.

Tommy had stories about her that clearly were told by his brothers. Fairytales more than anything. They never were the same story twice.

Sometimes she saved a whole nation from war. Sometimes she won a cake baking contest. Sometimes she was a famous rock singer.

The list went on and on.

Tubbo didn't even know her name.

Which in itself, felt odd to him.

He didn't know much about families outside of his own but he's seen movies and TV. Read stories and the like. Where even the Disney parents were remembered in some way. There's remnants of her all over the house.

Yet...it feels like she's been tucked away. Hidden from view.

Phil never talked to Tubbo about her. Never talked to Ranboo. Tommy. Techno or Wilbur.

Phil never brought her up once unless he had to.

He watched the back of his father. Walking ahead of them and those wings showed every ounce of nervousness in his body. Otherwise hidden on his stoic face.

Tubbo could see just how uncomfortable he was with everything.

He knows the feeling.

Ranboo was growing restless. His senses dulling but at the same time he could hear everything. A slow building sensory overload that had him tuning out his own individuality. Walking but really just following.

Not paying attention to where they were going.

Claws digging into the soft dirt block he carried with him and gaze straight ahead.

Becoming acutely aware of how loud his footsteps were. How heavy Techno breathed as he walked.

The ruffle of the feathers of his father.

He wanted to thank Tubbo for trying to fix everything. To bring them back to that happy state they were in before but it was clear the circumstances were weighing heavy on everyone. Finally dragging them down.

And he knew that part of it was entirely the family drama. Which he himself felt alienated from.

He was the newest addition to the family. Practically grown up by the time he arrived. He didn't experience a childhood with any of them. Just a few years as a teen who awkwardly tried to blend in with their society.

Ranboo had basic instincts and knowledge and knew he was welcome and loved here.

It always felt like a puzzle piece was missing however.

And he desperately wanted to put it together properly.

But he was just one teen. One confused, broken teen. Who could barely remember if he did anything last week let alone solve a family crisis that's been brewing under the surface for over a decade.

He lets out a warble. Unable to control his noises. Feels someone gently take his hand. It feels like fire. Like his arm is coming out of sleep and he's tense.

He doesn't pull away however.

Techno wants to scream. A rare sentiment from him. He was usually the calmest in the family, murderous tendencies aside. Level-headed. Booksmart.

Eager to find solutions to problems in the simplest of ways so he could kick up his feet and relax.

An elegance he wore with pride but never flaunted. Ostentatious but casual.

His mind an ever growing noise against all of this however. Louder even now as he walked in the unbearable silence of his family. Which made him want to scream.

So used to the level of noise that came with them that when he finally gets the break he's long since asked the gods for, he regrets every second of it.

His family isn't meant to be silent. Brooding. He was supposed to be the odd one out. With Ranboo as a close second. The one that made people think the family photos were edited.

Ever since he was born, he accepted that part of himself. Being at odds with the rest. It helped mold him into the person he was today.

Steadfast. Strong. Protective. Loyal.

The voices in his mind echo his words. Mixed with chants of his fears, his frustration. His paranoia ramping up with every step he took. When Ranboo made the softest of sounds he tensed with the means to fight whatever caused it.

Nothing. It was just his own imagination working against him.

He counts to ten and then backwards. Breathes in deep and exhales. Remembering a soft voice that sits louder than the others. Who coos over him and cradles him in a warmth he's almost forgotten.

Things will work out, she tells him. Chuckling when he doesn't believe her.

If it feels like it's all falling apart, you have people to fall with.

Your family.

Your pack.

Your sounder.

So he reaches out, takes Ranboo's hand. Holds it quietly and tries not to show his obvious tension.

Things will work out, she reminds him.

Wilbur is the first to snap.

Stopping dead in his tracks, hands in his hair. Yelling out in frustration as he rounds on his family. "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" He says and everyone flinches when he breaks the silence like glass.

"Wil-" Phil begins but he ignores his father. Storming past him and towards a new direction. A park that's barely held together by mother nature creeping in on the Badlands.

Everyone watches him go before they silently follow. Not willing to leave him alone even if he may have wanted space.

He ignores them until his shoes touch grass. Until he can hear the excited shouts of children playing nearby. Until there's a rustling through leaves that drowns out all of the silence. He opens his arms wide.

Collapses against the grass. Dramatically releasing a sigh he was holding in.

He isn't alone for long there. Soon Tommy falls in a similar manner. Both staring up at the sky with muted expressions of frustration. Watching clouds overhead slowly shift in one direction.

Techno pulls Ranboo off to the side. Under the shade of a tree to sit in and bask in the meager silence that they could find. Talking in a low voice to the teen and rubbing his hand. Pulling him out of his anxiety in slow sure manner.

Tubbo and Phil exchange looks. Unsure of what to do with themselves.

Then the boy sighs, takes his hand and Dream's and leads them towards the playground.

"...I'm sorry, Tubbo." Phil says in a quiet voice.

"I know!" He responds chipperly, giggling at the look on the man's face. "...but I'm not the one you should say it to, y'know?"

He knows, that much is obvious.

"But I also know how to read a room sometimes...and I think we should give everyone a break."

"Sometimes?"

"And sometimes I will annoy my brothers until they set something on fire!"

Phil chuckled, Tubbo considered it a win. Letting go of his hand then and dragging Dream towards the swing set.

Clearly eager to play a big brother role for once as he guides Dream to sit in it. Taking the one beside him and showing him how to swing his legs. Phil smiling as he came up behind them and helped by giving Dream a little push.

Dream lets out a squeak of a surprise when he starts moving. Following Tubbo's lead enough that Phil could sit back and watch.

Higher and higher, his smile wide and a purr echoing through him.

"That's it!" Tubbo says happily, spreading his arms out. "We're flying!"

A couple of kids run past and Dream's gaze snaps to them. Fixated. Barely propelling himself anymore but he still has enough momentum to go high.

When he reaches the crest of his swing, he suddenly jumps.

Phil dives for him, but it's not needed. Dream doesn't fall.

Instead, he flies.

Movement as though he has wings on his back. Arms outstretched slightly. Clear he's not used to doing this. Stepping through the air as he slowly lowers himself towards the group of kids.

Who watch him now. Pointing and aweing. Flying hybrids a mixed bag of common but rare in the Badlands alone.

He touches down. Smiles and reaches out to touch the hand of one of the kids. A little girl who wore a rainbow shirt. Her fluffy hair barely hiding long ears. Two antlers nestled in it still growing.

She giggled loudly, not at all bothered by his curiosity and offered him a high-five. Which he chirped at.

Tubbo eventually got back on the ground and ran over. A little out of breath in his panic when Dream jumped.

"H-hey!" He greeted the kids and they chorused hellos back.

"What's wrong with this guy?" A boy asked, pointing at Dream.

"Oh uh...he's new!" Tubbo tried to explain and when they all looked at him like he was crazy, he stuttered. Waving his hands. "Uh-!"

"Oh!" The girl suddenly perked up. Hands on her hips before raising a finger. "I know! He's like a baby! I have a baby sister! She doesn't understand anything! She makes weird noises and thinks loud noises are funny!"

Tubbo smiled. "Yeah pretty much! He's like a baby but an adult! He probably wants to play with you guys because he doesn't get to do it much."

"Can he talk?"

"Not well, he's still learning!"

The girl beamed at that. Seemingly taking charge. "Well what's his name?!"

"Dream."

"Hi Dream! I'm Arcadia!"

"I'm Michael!"

"I'm Silver!"

"I'm Cheesey!"

They raised their hands up as they introduced themselves. Apparently going too fast for Dream to keep up as he looked between them confused. Looking back at Tubbo for answers but the teen just shrugged.

"My name's Tubbo." He introduced himself instead and someone laughed at his name. Which had him turning on them. Yelling but it just made them laugh more.

Dream looked back at the kids. Namely at Arcadia and reached out to tap her shirt. She looked down at it, confused. Stretching it out with both hands as she looked for a spot or something.

When he didn't get his answer, he tapped Tubbo's arm. Distracting him from his fight with a kid.

"Huh-what?"

"He tapped my shirt! What does that mean?"

"Oh-uh! My brother has been teaching him words...normally when he taps you or something, he wants to know what it's called!"

Arcadia looked back at Dream. "Shirt!" She said, holding it out again.

Dream knew that one however. Shaking his head and tapping it again.

"Oh...uh..." She struggled to figure out what he wanted before she perked up again. "The colors?! Okay um..." She pointed at a stripe. "This one is Red!" Then another. "Yellow!" Another. "Green! Blue! Purple! Pink!"

A pause and she smiled. "Altogether it's a Rainbow!"

The word seemed to strike a chord with Dream. Who immediately responded with an excited chirp. Bouncing slightly in place. Reaching to touch the sleeve of her shirt again and she laughed.

"You really like rainbows huh?! I do too! Um...here!" She ran off, skirting across the grass at a pretty fast pace. Leaving behind a slightly upset Dream. Who watched her go with a sad expression.

Until she returned in an instant. Digging through a little backpack she brought with her until she found what she was looking for. "It's kinda girly but I got a lot of them and you don't got any!"

She handed him a rainbow scrunchie. Giggling as he responded with a happy noise. "Now you got a rainbow too!"

He played with it, fumbling and nearly dropping it but loving to stretch it and make it small again. She motioned for him to sit and he obeyed. Taking some of his hair in her grasp and then the scrunchie to tie it back into a small ponytail.

"Arcadia he looks stupid!"

"Nu-uh! He looks great! And he likes it, see?"

Dream touched the hair tie. Bewildered by it briefly before he smiled. Brightly. As though it was a gift he was long waiting for.

He jumped to his feet then. Barking, a new sound for him. The kids laughed, mimicking his noises and soon they were running around. Dream keeping pace with them the best he could even if he easily overtook them.

They ran around the grass, starting a game of tag with Tubbo as it. Climbed across the jungle gyms and scaled a large wooden fake boat in the center. The kids taking time out of their play to teach Dream how to use a slide.

The dreamon laughing and smiling the whole time without a care in the world.

Until, that is, that Arcadia's mother called her back.

"I gotta go!" She said, gathering up her backpack. Accepting a flower that Dream had picked up for her. Tucking it behind her ear and nearly losing it in the mess of her hair. "It was nice meeting you Mister Dream! Mister Tubbo!"

"It was nice meeting you too, Arcadia!" Tubbo smiled at her, waving. "Thanks for being so nice to Dream!"

She pulled on the backpack. Turning to leave when suddenly Dream grabbed it. Tugging her back. Frowning as she looked to him confused. "Um...Mister Dream, my momma says I gotta go home!"

Tubbo reached for Dream's hand. Gently prying it off. "Yeah sorry Dream but Arcadia's probably gotta a lot to do at home."

"No!" Dream whined and Arcadia pouted at that, looking up to him.

"...is he gonna cry? I don't want Mister Dream to cry!"

"Er...I don't know." Tubbo admitted, reaching to pat Dream on the shoulder. Phil had spotted the commotion from where he was talking with other parents. Frowning as he approached and crouched down to somewhat be on Arcadia's level.

"What's up?"

"Dream doesn't want Arcadia to go."

"Oh..." Phil chuckled. "New friends are always the hardest to say goodbye to." He straightened up, wings fluttering. "I remember when Techno made his first friend. Nearly broke his arm trying to keep him."

Arcadia made a face and Phil quickly placated her. "Dream wouldn't hurt you! He's just confused! He hasn't made a friend outside of us yet!" He ignored the obvious notion of the legendary heroes. That would be too hard to explain in the moment.

But it made sense. What few friends Dream did have outside of them chased and hurt him. This new friend...he wanted her to stay. Like the family did.

"Oh..." Arcadia frowned, now glancing to her mother who looked to her with a head tilt. "Um...hang on!" She raced over to her mother. Asking a question and her mother glanced back at them warily. Ears, which were clearly a rabbit's, twitching.

They talked back and forth for a bit before Arcadia returned with a business card. Offering it to Phil. "Here Mister Dream's dad! My momma said when Dream learns how to he can write me letters! She said to call her when he can!"

Phil took the business card, smiling at the little girl. "Thank you very much. He'll love to send you a whole bunch some day, I'm sure!"

Arcadia smiled, waving now, and when Dream reached for her both Phil and Tubbo stopped his hand. Letting her run back to her mother and the two of them leave.

"...no..." Dream whimpered.

"Awww...I feel really bad now!"

"Welcome to parenthood, Tubbo."

"Ew, no! I'm not ready to be a dad!"

Phil laughed, patting Dream's shoulder. "Come on, the best solution for the goodbye blues is a distraction and I think I see an ice cream truck on the other side of the park." He gently guided the boy away. Dream glancing over his shoulder but Arcadia and her mom were already gone.

"...so yeah. I know but...I'm just...angry." Tommy concluded and Wilbur beside him nodded. Sighing as he sat up. Mimicking the pose his younger brother was doing by curling his legs up to his chest.

Resting arms on top of his knees and staring at him. "I know exactly how you feel."

A phone dinged loudly and Wilbur jolted. Patting himself down until he grabbed his out of his pocket. Tommy letting out a loud groan. "Really?! Texting when I'm pouring my heart out to you?!"

"No, no!" Wilbur gently shoved at him before showing him his phone. "I downloaded that creepy celebrity tracker app."

"What, why?"

"Because it has a whole bunch of people on there constantly on the lookout for famous people. You can choose who you want to 'stalk'."

"And...?"

"And I picked the legendary heroes." Wilbur concluded, Tommy's eyes widening in realization.

"Ooooh, that makes sense. That's...actually kind of genius. Wow Wilby, didn't know you had it in you."

"Oh shush." Wilbur scrolled through his alerts on the app. Having to dig through various suggestions of who to stalk next. Finally finding the message that should've been at the top but thanks to poor design wasn't.

He stared at it, frowning. "...Sir George of the Found and Sir Sapnap of the Flames were spotted." He read aloud, dread pooling in his gut and Tommy leaned in to look.

"Where?"

"...here."

"...you have got to be kidding me!"

Wilbur pulled up the photo that was included with the appearance. A hastily snapped one with guards trying to stop it but there in the background was indeed the two legendary heroes. Stepping out of a community Nether portal.

Armed with shimmering armor and weapons.

Comments were flooding in. Asking if there was a state of emergency declared. If anyone knew why the heroes were traveling like that. Whether or not Bad and Ant had been spotted similarly recently.

The location listed as the very town they were in.

"Do they know we're here?!" Wilbur hissed through gritted teeth. "We need to move! Tommy get Dad, Tubbo, and Dream! I'll get Techno and Ranboo!" They split apart. Tommy racing towards the others. Narrowly dodging a kid who cut into his path.

Wilbur ran towards Techno, who was still holding Ranboo's hand. Though the younger teen looked far more relaxed than he had earlier. Listening intently to whatever story Techno was telling him from memory.

"We gotta go!" He called out as he got closer and Techno looked up at him.

"What now?"

"George and Sapnap are here! In this town!"

Techno stood, helping Ranboo to his feet. "Alright calm down, don't make us look suspicious. It's a decently sized town. Unless they somehow have a tracker on us if we lay low they won't focus on us. There's bound to be crowds surrounding them and delaying them from looking around."

The wind blew sharp suddenly. Overwhelming them in a blast of cool air that wasn't normal in the Badlands. All three briefly shivering with its touch. When they looked around for the source, there was nothing.

Just their approaching family and Dream.

"Did it say where they were?" Phil asked as he ran up. Tommy clearly having filled him in on the app. Wilbur double checked it. Telling them the location of the portal and Phil glanced to Techno.

"That's about forty minutes away from here. We should be able to leave unnoticed if we head in the opposite direction."

"That's what I'm thinking."

They gathered up their things, Phil double checking with Ranboo that he felt up to this. About to head off from the park. Wings gently urging his younger sons forward. Dream's leash reattached to his backpack for now.

As he lingered behind solemnly, not even the ice cream he had in his grasp perking him up.

"Let's go-" Phil began when his words were cut off by a child screaming. The sound of something loud erupting behind them.

All sets of eyes whirled to look at the scene. Where the swing set had once stood now lay a crumpled heap of rusted metal. Parents rushing to help a few children trapped underneath it. Someone calling for an ambulance.

Phil automatically moved to go help but Techno caught his arm.

"We don't have time!"

"Techno, there's kids-!"

"Whose screaming is going to attract the heroes! There's a ton of adults around here and someone is already calling for emergency services. It's them or Dream. Make your choice!"

Phil hesitated, frowning. Biting his lower lip before he turned away. Rushing forward again. Muttering to himself under his breath that his son was right. That they needed to keep moving.

They made it halfway down the block when they saw a light in the sky. Zooming overhead like a meteor that came crashing down in the park. Cheering screams of delight following it and the obvious voice of a famous face.

Sapnap, who rushed to help where the children were trapped.

"Okay, okay, keep calm, keep walking. Keep calm, keep walking. Don't draw attention." Phil told his kids, keeping his voice low. Pointing in the direction they would follow. He looked to Dream briefly, who was looking back at the park.

"Dream, no." He said firmly, trying to get the boy to focus. "We have to run okay? Well..walk but we're staying away from Sapnap and George."

He expected an excited repeating of the names. All he got was silence.

More loud noises echoed in the park. Sounds of things crashing. People screaming. Sapnap yelling alongside them. The words too hard to make out.

Then the sound of footsteps approaching them in a fast pace.

Phil glanced over his shoulder, barely catching the blue blur that zipped around them. Sliding to a stop in front of them and blocking their path. The sound of a sword being unsheathed from it's scabbard.

"Shit!" Wilbur hissed and Techno was moving forward to stand between them and George.

Who stared at them quietly. Gaze hidden behind his signature sunglasses. Armor radiating energy that could be felt several feet away. Sword the same, runes inscribed in a language lost to time.

Similar to Bad's own sword and armor.

Artifacts of ancient war.

"By order of Sir George and Sir Sapnap," He began but Techno cut him off with a long drawn out groan.

"We've already heard that, the answer is still no!"

"Do you declare War?"

"You guys are really selling me on the idea, not going to lie."

"Techno..." Phil warned but it fell on deaf ears. The hybrid snarling back at the hero when said hero seemingly relaxed. A smile slowly creeping across his face.

"So be it." George said, in a tone almost hushed and he raised his sword up. Techno bracing for an attack but it never came. Instead the man slammed the blade down into the concrete path below him.

Cracking it and his hand on the handle began to glow blue. The sword enveloped in the light.

Then it seeped into the cracks.

The world opened up below them and swallowed them whole.

Admittedly, everyone screamed.

Even Techno, who would later deny it.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING?!?!?" Tommy yelled as they fell through darkness. Seemingly hurtling into a bottomless pit. Able to see his family and Dream falling alongside them somehow.

Like something was illuminating them and only them.

"IT'S GOTTA BE MAGIC RIGHT?!?!"

"ADMIN MAGIC!"

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?!"

"IT'S AN ANCIENT MAGIC, VERY FEW PEOPLE HAVE IT NOWADAYS!"

"OH GREAT, GLAD WE SOLVED THAT! HOW THE FUCK DO WE GET OUT OF HERE?!?!?"

"WHERE EVEN ARE WE??!?!"

Phil tried to use his wings, cringing at the strain it brought on them. Unable to get a wind or anything to float down. The place was both nothing and something at the same time. Swallowing natural physics around it.

He folded them after two attempts and turned his gaze upward. From where they had fallen. It was a black unrelenting void until it suddenly opened and there stood two people on either side of the hole.

Before they jumped in.

George and Sapnap began to fall with them. Confidence on their features.

Phil grabbed his sword, turning over to face them. Prepared to fight even as he was falling. Some of his sons doing the same.

Sapnap fell like they did. No grace but a savage grin like he had done it a hundred times over. No sword in his grasp but instead a gun.

A friggin gun.

"...seriously?!" Phil demands to no one.

Guns weren't a common weapon. At all. He could probably count on one hand how many he's seen in his entire life. All of them shooting different materials and many countries banned them outright.

George meanwhile practically glided along like he was traversing an area he knew by heart. Jumping from unseen platforms to the next. Falling with ease. Not afraid of what lurked below like he could see it the entire time.

He wasn't the only one.

Dream righted himself mid-air. Landing on something solid with a soft thunk sound that echoed through the impending silence. Standing to face the two that fell towards him. His axe appearing in his grasp.

George landed on the platform with him. Sapnap practically crashed into but righted himself as George helped him up.

From there, the rest of them began to fall in an endless loop. A dizzying effect where they were below the three one second and above them the next. Never able to land on the platform like the others.

Catching whiffs of the conversation happening each time they zoomed past.

"-it's already started-"

"-children! Never children-"

"-every bit as I see in my nightmares-"

"-memory is worthless-"

"-we trust him-"

"-we don't trust you-"

Not anymore.

"Wilbur!" Ranboo yelled and suddenly he stopped falling. Phil craning his neck to see what had happened. Seeing his oldest son off to the far left of them falling. One hand clutching the edge of something he couldn't see.

The other now holding onto Ranboo's hand and stopping him from falling.

"Concentrate!" Wilbur told his brother. "Deep breath! You can do this!"

Ranboo let out a whine but tried to do as he was told. Closing his eyes tight before he suddenly exploded in a puff of purple particles. Reappearing wherever Wilbur was grasping onto.

Standing just fine and offering his older brother a hand once he was able to.

Wilbur climbed up and both of them set out to grab the rest. Calling for them to fall closer. Hands outstretched. Nearly falling off each time they managed to snag someone out of the air.

Tommy and Wilbur fell back.

Ranboo pulled Techno onto it.

Caught Tubbo and they slipped off but Ranboo managed to teleport them back.

All that left was Phil. Who used his wings to propel himself towards them. Three of his sons grabbing his arm at the same time and yanking him onto the platform. Once he touched down, he felt this sensation.

Much like the energy of a beacon. Stumbling as he tried find where he could walk.

"How...?!" Tubbo asked in disbelief and Wilbur was the only one with answers.

Collapsed on the floor exhausted as he panted. "I...I don't know...I just suddenly saw a platform...and I went for it..."

A roar echoed around them and they all looked to the platform above them. Where Dream was fighting off the two heroes to the best of his ability. George was engaged in close combat. Not afraid to get right in Dream's face.

Grappling with their weapons. Knocking the axe away from Dream just to have his sword do the same. A punch hit Dream hard across the cheek but he returned it by knocking the feet out from under the hero.

All the while Sapnap was perched at a distance. Aiming the gun towards them. Firing occasionally with expert shots that never hit George and were narrowly dodged by Dream.

"They're going to end up like Bad and Ant at this rate." Techno scowled. "Pushing him to fight back and hurt them."

"Or Dream's gonna lose!" Tubbo pointed when Dream suddenly faltered. George gaining the upper hand unexpectedly. That blue glow returning to his hand as he suddenly slammed it against Dream's chest.

There was a crackle of electricity and Dream stumbled back. His arms going limp, his breathing becoming heavier. A strange scent filling the otherwise stale air.

"...weakness, it's a potion effect." Phil scowled, they weren't fighting fair. Not that there was really a standard for heroes when capturing someone they intended to put in prison. He heard something beside him.

Saw Techno out of the corner of his eye fire an arrow.

It exploded at George's feet. Sending the man jumping back and looking down at them with a scowl.

"WHAT KIND OF ARROW WAS THAT?!" Tommy demanded.

"It wasn't. It was a firework."

"...you can do that?!"

"It takes practice."

"Sapnap." George looked to other hero who nodded. Running to the edge of the invisible platform and jumping off. Falling towards them and landing on theirs. He twirled the gun around his finger before he aimed it at them.

"You shoot my kids and I'll cut off your hands." Phil warned and Sapnap almost snorted.

"Jeezus Phil, calm down. It's set to stun."

"My statement stands." His words echoed by a snarl from Techno as well. A sword being tossed in the direction of Wilbur who took it. Tommy raising his fists while Ranboo backed up.

Tubbo looking around for something to weaponize.

"Let us take Dream then."

"He counts as one of my kids now."

"You and your serial adopting man, you need to get a life." Sapnap sighed, rolling his eyes. Stance relaxing somewhat but not lowering his weapon. "Listen, I don't know if Bad told you the whole story-"

"He did, we know what Dream can do but we're going to take him to the End and fix this."

"The End?" Sapnap perks up at that. Looking to them with mild confusion. Then his eyes narrow. "Wait, you can't do that."

It catches the family off guard. Phil about to ask more questions when suddenly George comes flying out of nowhere. Slamming into Sapnap and the two heroes roll across the platform.

Dream lands softly after them, a snarl on his lips. Red eyes glaring at them and axe bloody in his grasp. He advanced on them rolling his shoulders with a crack and only stopped when Phil grabbed his sleeve.

Looking back at the man with cold eyes.

"Dream, no hurt." Phil commanded and Dream stared at him a moment longer. As if contemplating it. Slowly losing the hatred in his eyes and his posture relaxing. Heaving a soft sigh as if he's tired and reaching for his mask.

Adjusting it to put it over his face and hiding the axe away.

"George, let us out of here."

George stands, rubbing his head, blood coming back on his hand and there's a cut through his leg where the axe got to him. It makes him almost collapse but he still stands. A shield in his grasp now. Protecting them as Sapnap recovers as well.

"I won't." The hero states firmly. "We're leaving with Dream."

Dream hisses behind his mask.

The cold air bites at them.

It catches everyone off guard. Looking for the source of the wind that wasn't there before. George and Sapnap tense. The former's hands starting to glow blue again.

"Do you even remember him?!" Phil demands and George looks to the boy beside him. Who stares them down behind that smiley faced mask. Unmoving. An aura around him that radiated death.

"...I do." He says, his voice almost soft and he summons his sword back to his grasp. "I see Dream in my nightmares every week."

"That's not what I meant and you know it!"

Sapnap reaches forward, putting his hand on George's shoulder. Stopping him from his next attack. "George, we should get the others."

"We could handle it right here and now."

"No, we can't. You gave Dream weakness and he still nearly took out your leg." He hesitated, frowned. "...and I have information for Bad."

There's a moment of awkward silence between all of them and then the sword slams into the platform. The void surrounding them starting to melt away. Returning back to the street they once were on.

Now instead it was broken. Vehicles around them were upturned. Emergency workers running about. Buildings crumbling as though an explosion ripped through. Lights above them blown out and the grass on the sidewalks burned away.

"WHAT DID YOU DO?!" Tubbo screams, the picture perfect town this once was now gone in a wreckage.

Sapnap gives them a strange look as George makes a portal out of thin air. Confusion lacing his features. He's pulled in by his one arm and the last word he says to them is, "...us?"

The portal closes behind them and they're left on the wrecked street. Dumbfounded. Having just battled the legendary heroes and come out of it on a raincheck of sorts.

Phil doesn't know what to say. What to do. Where to run and how to get there. He just stands there, letting his mind settle from everything it was screaming at him. Looking around at his sons for injuries.

They're all manner of exhausted. Battered but hardly bruised. Slumped in a similar manner to him and Techno is rubbing his head like he has a headache. Whispering something inaudible under his breath.

His eyes glance over Dream. Still in the same spot he was before. Among their family, an imposing figure behind the mask. Staring at the space George once was.

And they fall on Wilbur. Who has glazed eyes. Unfocused. Head tilting awkwardly before they roll up into it and he collapses. Just barely caught by Ranboo who yelled.

"Wil!"

Chapter Text

"Oh wow...I'm a dad now."

"...really? It's just now dawning on you? You had nine months to mentally prepare for this."

"Yeah well...it's way different actually holding him. He's...so tiny. He can fit in my arm."

"Heh, yeah. He didn't feel that tiny coming out."

"Wilbur right? That's what you wanted to name him?"

"Yep! Wilbur Soot Minecraft."

"Soot."

"Don't laugh, it's a very nice name in my culture."

"I'm not! It's...just...different. I like different, you know that."

"I know."

"He's got your eyes."

"And definitely has your nose."

"Think he'll get some tails?"

"Oh I hope he at least gets one! But y'know...he's fine just as is. Would be a bit cuter with the fluffy ears but..."

"Hey, he's perfect but I can't help but want more of you in him."

"Oh hush."

"Oh...he's starting to cry."

"See? You upset him. Give him to me."

"Just born and already playing favorites. I see how it is."

"Hello there my little kit..."

My little duckling...

Wilbur is running. Chasing. Laughing as he does. He jumps from tree to tree with ease. Landing perfectly on branches that hold his weight.

Below him, his best friend is yelling. Calling back to those behind them that Wilbur is on top of him.

Begging them to help him.

He jumps off the next branch into a clearing and lands directly on top of George. Knocking the wind out of him and pinning him to the ground.

George blushes up at him. Bursting into a fit of giggles as he smiles back. "Okay, okay you got me! Let me up now?!"

"No!"

"Dreaaaaaaam!"

"Oh, are we interrupting something?" Sapnap calls from behind them as he approaches. Armed with a sword and a shield. What should've been a fight pauses for laughter. The teasing voices of his friends as they gather around.

"You know, Dream is supposed to be our target." Bad reminds George, leaning over the two. Smirking despite his dislike of anything implied to be lewd. "Not the other way around."

"He always does this!"

"Ohohoho!"

"NO, SAP! I mean he always turns this game against us!"

"Well, you're not wrong." Ant gave a half-hearted chuckle as he caught up. A bag slung over his shoulder filled with supplies. Tails swishing behind him a little anxiously. "...but it makes the game more fun?"

"Definitely!" Sapnap agrees and Wilbur laughs. Slowly getting off of his friend and offering him a hand to help him to his feet.

George begrudgingly accepts it. The faintest hint of a smile on his lips. Doesn't let go and when Wilbur tries to pull away, he pulls him forward. Trying to grab him.

He ducks under the arm quickly and races off. Momentarily dragging George with him before the man thinks better and lets go.

He darts across the field, skips through the water carefully on rocks. Hears them calling after him and he laughs again. Joyously.

No one could ever catch him.

He was the champion here. The prime. The god.

George could do nothing to stop him. When he wanted to turn the game against him he would in an instant. Stopping dead in his tracks and whirling around to face them.

Sometimes armed, sometimes not.

Always winning.

This game ended like all the others. His victory. His reward as his friends dropped exhaustedly around him. Laughing and talking about all of the strange things they've seen during this travel.

Congratulating him. Praising him.

Hugging him.

Warmth.

"Well, I got to get home to my husband." Sapnap said, grunting as he stood. Dusting off what he could on his pants. Fixing his hair and double checking his reflection in the water for any leftover blood. "Karl promised he'd make my favorite tonight and I'd hate to ruin datenight."

"Oh true, it's getting pretty late." Bad looked in the direction of the fading sun. Before looking back to Dream, smiling softly. "Who are you following home tonight, Dream?"

Why are you following me?

"Skeppy! I'm home! And I brought Dream!"

"Shocking." Came the reply and Bad made a face. Sticking out his tongue at his roommate.

He liked to shorten the word to 'mate' but Bad yelled at him for it.

It made sense in his head.

He entered the house. Giving a short wave to Skeppy. Who waved back. His diamond scaled skin glinting in the setting sun. Part golem as far as he knew. He never bothered to ask.

"Who won?"

"Dream, of course!" Bad groaned as he got a cup for water from the cauldron they kept in their house. "I almost had him this time! But he knocked me off a cliff and I broke my neck."

Skeppy made a face. He never liked listening to Bad talk about getting hurt. Rolling his eyes as he took his seat next to the demon.

"Your sister sent a letter."

"Oh! Give me!"

"Say please!"

"Skeppy!"

"Fine fine, no please...I'll take a kiss instead."

"SKEPPY!!! THAT'S HIGHLY INAPPROPRIATE!!"

He ignored them as they argued. Venturing to the kitchen area and snagging a bit of pastry from a basket. Helping himself as he bit into it.

"Skeppy look, Dream is taking your favorite!" Bad snatched the letter out of Skeppy's hands the moment he looked away.

"WHAT?! DREAM COME ON YOU SNEAKY LITTLE-"

Why are you being so sneaky? I see you!

Wilbur is running. Chasing. Laughing as he does. He jumps from tree to tree with ease. Landing perfectly on branches that hold his weight.

Below him, his best friend is yelling. Calling back to those behind them that Wilbur is on top of him.

Begging them to help him.

He jumps off the next branch into a clearing and lands directly on top of George. Knocking the wind out of him and pinning him to the ground.

Grabs George by his hair, pulls his head back and slams his face back into the ground. He hears the soft snap of whatever these beings have in their bodies. Smells the fresh scent of blood.

Lifts his head up to look at his broken nose and laughs. Drawing the axe in his grasp forward. Pressing the sharp end to the flesh exposed area of his throat.

Looks up in time to see the rest of his friends arrive.

"George!"

"Run!" George chokes out but it presses him closer to the axe and more blood is drawn. He just smiles at them.

Then slams George's head forward and impales his throat on the axe. Cutting through and decapitating him. The helmet he had been wearing rolls off onto the ground and he kicks it towards them.

No need for it.

"Run!" He cackles and watches them scatter. Carrying his prize with him as he starts to chase Sapnap down next. "RUN!" He screeches at them and they do. They listen so well.

Are you hungry?

He's like a little puppy.

No...wait, a little baby duckling!

My little duckling!

Wilbur wakes up with a gasp. Panting, struggling to grasp his surroundings. He's vaguely aware of a blanket. Of a warm body beside him. No, curled around him. A gentle snoring behind his ears.

The fog in his mind slowly lifts and he drifts back down to earth. Glancing at his brother, Techno who was the one he was laying against. In his beast form. Sound asleep but ears occasionally twitching.

They were alone otherwise. In a room he didn't recognize. Somewhere a little run down with a draft. Voices far off in the distance and the otherwise silent world save for crickets chirping.

He breathed in, he breathed out. Groaned and laid his head back against Techno. Patting his hand around until he could find his glasses and pulled them on. Helping fix some of the blurriness of his vision.

"Wilbur?"

Techno had woken up, lifting his head to look at him. Glowing eyes showing concern even in this form. Sniffing him briefly and Wilbur can't help but give his best smile. Reaching to pet that snout.

"Hey Techie..."

"There's water."

"Thank fuck, my throat is dry." He sits up somewhat. Reaching for one of the capped thermoses off to the side. Shakily opening it and taking a sip. It's still cold. Still fresh.

As soon as he put down the drink, that pig head was in his lap. Nuzzling against his stomach. A low rumble not unlike a purr echoing from Techno.

His nearly silent way of saying he was happy Wilbur was okay.

"There's also food."

"Well I can't get the food with a giant boar on my lap, now can I?" Techno doesn't move despite his words and he just chuckles. Not really hungry either way. Nausea bubbling beneath the surface.

Instead he focuses on ear scratches and petting and letting his head rest back down. "...what happened?" He asks softly and there's a low grunt against his stomach.

"You blacked out. We haven't figured out the cause..."

"But...?"

"My money is on Dream and that's why I'm watching you and not killing him. Dad wouldn't let me."

Wilbur was quiet for a moment. Hands just running through that coarse fur. Letting out a sigh eventually and nodding. "...yeah, my money is on Dream too."

Techno snarled, lifting his head up with intent to already chase down the dreamon but Wilbur kept a hold on him. Not letting him go and that forced his head to lay back down. A frustrated grunt slipping out.

"...can we talk?"

"...yeah."

"...I've been getting dreams."

"Oh god there's more of them?!"

Wilbur can't help it, he laughs. Throwing his head back, hand running through his hair. Clutching his stomach that he could as he full on belts out the high pitched laughter. Seeing Techno smirk from the corner of his eye.

His brother knows what he did. Letting out a content sigh at the laughter. "You know what I mean!" Wilbur protests and Techno just nods. Settling back against him.

"...nightmares? Like before?"

"Yeah...and...in some of them, I'm Dream, I think."

"Moon eating?"

"Not yet." He hesitates after he says it. Lifting his hand and looking at it. Frowning. Clutching it into a fist and then releasing. "...I'm pretty sure I'll get more of them. I don't know why but Dream's shit seemed to latch onto me..."

"Maybe because you were the first of us to see his true form?"

"...wouldn't...wouldn't it be the heroes getting those dreams then?"

"Maybe they do." Techno grunts again, stretching out his arms and legs. Yawning as he cracked his back momentarily and then rested again. "...Sir George said he sees Dream in his nightmares. I'm assuming that's everything he knows of him outside of what Sir Halo told him."

"Yeah, I...I saw Dream...myself...whoever we are, some disturbing hybrid...kill George." His hand falls to his neck. Rubbing around it. Feeling the echoes of what happened on himself.

Techno looks at him, quiet for a moment before he starts to shift back to his human state. Leaving his mask on the floor. Still a bit hairy and Wilbur can tell he probably shifted against his will again.

Overcome with emotions like before.

His shirt was in tatters as well.

"...was it vivid?" He asks and Wilbur nods. Techno's hand reaching for his own. Drawing it off of his neck and just holds it. "...yeah, I know that feeling. Memories you can't get rid of. Once you kill someone...it just haunts you. You feel every moment like you're reliving it."

"One thing I find helps is justifying it. It sounds disturbing, almost psychopathic but...it helps." He shrugged. "...telling myself I'm protecting my family. Most times, it's been the truth."

Wilbur nods along, gladly holding his brother's hand. Now without the support of the beast form he found himself laying back against a surplus of coats and capes. All drawn from their backpacks in a hurry.

It smells like his family.

"...but I was Dream. How do I justify that?"

"...maybe you need to ask him?" Techno sighed, groaned really. Clearly not sold on the idea of keeping Dream around for much longer. Despite having voted to save him. Family came first. Missions second. "Look, I hate the guy. Don't trust him worth a damn. Only did this because I have my own twisted morals and I saw how it was affecting all of you."

"...but we clearly need to have open communication if we're going to get anywhere with him."

"Yeah, I need to teach him more words." Wilbur sat up then. Pushing himself forward. Nausea stabbing him again and he almost fell back. Caught by a reassuring hand on his back. Smiling at his brother who smiled back at him.

"Make sure you feel up to it."

"I don't think we have enough time for me to feel up to anything."

"True." Techno blows a bit of hair out of his face. Only moving to fix it properly when he's sure Wilbur won't fall over. "...how's...the..." He struggles with the words. Always has but Wilbur knows instantly what he wants to ask.

"...I'm okay." Wilbur nods, looking back at his hand. At his wrists. Where scars lay shallow and faded. "...I promised you I'd tell you otherwise. I'm going to keep that promise." He hides his arm against his other. Matching but easier to not notice when you weren't staring at them. "...I promised all of you."

When Techno just stares at him he lets out a long sigh. "...okay, I also dreamed about mom I think...and it..." He trails off, bites his lower lip. "...this trip is hitting hard. I thought we'd just...face whatever Dream brought us. Not...the elephant in the room of her."

"Destiny is a series of twisted knots tied to everyone around us."

"Don't throw your English Major preaching at me!"

"I actually made that one up on the spot but sure, let's blame my past mistakes."

They shared smiles. A bit of light laughter and soon voices approached them. Techno reaching for his mask and Wilbur moving to help fasten it for him. They're both sitting in silence prepared when Phil enters, followed by Dream.

The latter of which is wearing his mask too.

"Wil!" Phil brightens instantly, diving to hug his son. Practically cradling him and his wings flutter happily. "I'm so glad you're awake. You scared me." He drew back, hands on his son's shoulders. "How are you feeling? Did you get something to drink? Eat?"

"Air might be nice." Wilbur grunts and his father gives him more space. "I got a drink...not feeling up to eating just yet." He admits and Phil frowns but nods. "No, I don't want soup." He clarifies when he sees those wings twitch.

His gaze drifts to Dream and he pats the spot beside himself. Waiting until the dreamon finally gives in. Sinking into the floor beside him. Sitting similarly to a child prepared to be scolded.

Wilbur hesitates momentarily and then reaches up and undoes the mask. It falls to the floor with a clatter.

The hint of tear stains on Dream's face.

Those red eyes glancing to Wilbur with no emotion behind them. Lips twisted into an almost frown. Almost a sneer.

He draws his arms close to himself on his knees. Clutches them tightly. Nails digging into the fabric of his hoodie and that scrunchie looks almost comical with the air around him.

Wilbur doesn't say anything. Just motioning to his father for his bag and when he's handed it, he draws the children's books out. Scooting closer and opening to the one they left off on before.

He points at the picture of someone eating. "Eat." He says. Waits and Dream stares at it.

It seems to stretch on forever until finally he repeats it. His voice soft. A crackle to it that shows he was indeed crying at some point.

Wilbur smiles, nods and moves onto the next word.

Phil looks like he wants to interrupt but Techno grabs his arm. Draws him away as they stand. Leaving the two alone.

They make it through six words before they hit a page both of them hesitate with. Staring at the image of someone crying. Dream touching his face where the tears probably fell. Making a low noise like he already knows what's coming.

"Cry." Wilbur says and he looks to Dream. Nodding when Dream taps his cheek again. "Cry." He thinks back to when they first brought Dream outside of the prison. When he collapsed and wailed.

All of the tears he shed that day and hadn't really been seen crying since. Only in Wilbur's dreams.

"C-cry..." Dream repeats, swallowing the word down like it was a lump in his throat. "...no cry." He adds on, shaking his head. "No cry!"

Wilbur wishes they had more words to work with but...he sets the book aside temporarily. Clapping his hands together a little to keep Dream's attention on him. "Yes cry." He says, "It's okay to cry."

Dream doesn't understand, that's obvious.

"...crying is hard." Wilbur says, continuing on despite the language barrier. "It's scary. It makes you feel weak. Like a burden to everyone around you." He glanced back down at his wrist. Briefly. Looking back ahead. "...but crying is important. It's necessary."

A hand reaches for his and he allows it. Dream looking at the scars on his wrist. Confusion on his features. He taps them, asking what they are. "Scar." Wilbur says and Dream repeats it.

He taps his freckles then. It takes Wilbur a moment to realize he's asking if scars and freckles are the same. He smiles but shakes his head no. "No," He says clearly. "Scars...hurt." He taps Dream's freckles. "Freckles." He says to clarify and Dream repeats it quietly.

Before turning his attention back to Wilbur's wrists. "...scars hurt?" He asks.

"Yes. Scars hurt." He reached out for his bag. Finding a pocket knife tucked into a pocket. Hidden behind a ton of other things. Buried beneath where it'd be a hard thing to grab easily and no one would notice.

He opens it, makes sure Dream is watching and just nicks the edge of his finger. Enough to draw a drop of blood. Dream frowns.

"...hurt." He says, and takes the knife away from Wilbur. Wilbur letting him close it and set it down.

"Yeah. Hurt..." He points at the small wound and says, "Hurt change...scar...?" Trying to work with what he can. He waits, seeing if the words connect enough for Dream to catch on.

Dream's hands move. Just a bit above his freckles. Across his nose and in the center of his face. He nods after a moment.

Wilbur can't see any marks there but he knows what that means. Pointing at it. "Hurt?"

Dream nods again. Frowns, looking nervous. "...Wilbur fear?"

"No fear." Wilbur assures him and the human form begins to melt away again. That monster that haunts him looming over him. Cramped in the space and struggling to shrink down to a more reasonable size.

One of the many hands reach up. Touch the mask. Pull it off with a sickening squelch sound.

And there, were a face would be. Is blackness.

Except for a shimmering purple crack. Perfectly shaped to show where a sword had once been.

"...hurt." Dream says softly. "...scar."

He leans down, letting Wilbur get a closer look. Letting him touch it even if the face feels ice cold to the touch. Even if the body seeps between his fingers and splatters some on the floor. He wonders briefly if this is how Dream cries in this form.

"George?" Wilbur asks. Dream lets out a noise that sounds like a confirmation. "I'm sorry."

"...sorry?" Dream repeats and that form slowly shifts back to human. The scar fading away to unmarred peach skin. He doesn't draw away and Wilbur slowly lets go of his face.

"...hurt," a pause. "For Dream."

"...No hurt!" Dream says urgently. Yelping and backing away. "No hurt Wilbur!"

Oh this was a mistake. "No no!" Wilbur held up his hands. "No hurt Wilbur! Wilbur no hurt!" He doesn't know how to explain the difference between physical and emotional. He stops to think.

As Dream slowly relaxes with his words. Staring at him warily.

"...sorry." Wilbur tried again. Patting his chest. Over his heart.

"...human." Dream tries.

"Okay, this isn't working let's see..." Wilbur grabs the book. Thumbing through it to see if there's something easy he could connect to this. Eventually finding something in the second one he had on him. The harder words.

A picture of a girl opening a box and an arrow pointing into it. "Inside." He says. Pointing to the picture and Dream repeats it but tilts his head.

So he tries to show more examples. Opening his backpack and gesturing into it. "Inside." He looks around, finds a hole in the flooring. Points into it. "Inside." Opens his mouth. "Inside."

Dream watches him and then it seems to click. "Inside?" He asks, picking up the pocket knife again but just closing it in both of his hands. Hiding it.

"Yes!" Wilbur smiles and Dream smiles back. Proud of himself. "Inside!" He tries again then. "...hurt, inside. For Dream."

"For?" Dream latches onto that word now.

"...like...gift." He held his hand out for the knife. Gesturing until Dream gave it up. "For Wilbur." He takes the knife then offers it back. "For Dream." And repeats the motion until Dream is connecting the gestures.

"...donuts!"

"Yes, you gave my dad donuts. Donuts for Philza!"

"...hurt...inside...for Dream..." The dreamon motions between them. "...hurt inside..." He points at Wilbur's chest. Then slowly points at himself. "For Dream." He frowns, then shakes his head. "No sorry!"

Wilbur chuckles, pretty sure the dreamon has it now. "...yes sorry. Sorry isn't something we can control." He sighs, leans back on his hands. "Family sorry."

They sit in silence for a moment again. Wilbur switching books and putting away the pocket knife. Dream fidgeting. Playing with his own hands. Staring at them as he's lost in thought. He struggles with what he wants to say, that's obvious.

But eventually, he tries.

"...Dream sorry." He says, taking a deep breath. "Dream sorry...hurt family. Hurt Wilbur. Hurt Techno. Hurt Tommy. Hurt Tubbo. Hurt Ranboo. Hurt Philza. Dream sorry. Dream no hurt." He waves his hands a little. As if he's looking for a word that's not in his library.

Muttering it out in his language instead.

"...Dream hurt Bad. Dream hurt Sapnap. Dream hurt Ant." He continues. Scowls. "Dream hurt George!!" He practically spits out the words. "...Bad, Sapnap, Ant...George...hurt Dream. Dream sorry...Bad, Sapnap, Ant...George...no sorry."

A deep breath. "...Dream hurt...Dream no hurt." He repeats that word in his language again. Frowns, pauses. Shakes his head. "No...Dream hurt. Yes. Dream hurt."

He pats his chest. Where most hearts would be. "...Dream hurt inside."

"Cry?" Wilbur asks and Dream nods.

"Dream cry. Dream cry yes."

He looks to Wilbur and taps his arm. Asking for a word but he doesn't gesture to anything. Looking conflicted on just how he wanted to talk again. "...run?" He asks, then shakes his head. "...family run?" He shakes his head again. Growing frustrated.

Hands flying to his hair as he growls. Fingers brushing against the scrunchie and he freezes. Eyes widening. Pulling it out of his hair and holding it up in front of himself.

Tears start up in his eyes again. Shaking the item in his grasp. Holding it up to Wilbur. "RUN!" He says loudly, voice cracking. "Run, run, run!!!" He tries desperately. Trying so hard to get his point across. Letting out a little wail when Wilbur looks confused.

And Wilbur doesn't understand. At all.

But that doesn't stop him from what he does next.

Quickly wrapping his arms around Dream. Drawing him into a tight hug. The wail cuts off, Dream lets out a confused noise. His hands hover in the air unsure of what to do. Then he clutches onto Wilbur like his life depends on it.

Sinking into the hug. Burying his face against the man's shoulder and he breaks.

Shatters.

He clearly hasn't been hugged by someone other than the heroes in a long time.

Because he melts just like when he escaped. When he got fresh air. He wails and he sobs and he can't hold any of it back. Wilbur holds him through it all. Patting his back. Rocking him gently.

Used to his own brothers hitting their breaking point and just needing someone to hold them.

"No run!" he yells against Wilbur and Wilbur nods.

"I'm not going anywhere. It's okay."

"Oh wow, he's asleep." Tubbo notes, his voice hushed as he enters the room. Looking down at Dream in Wilbur's lap. His face still red from all the crying but he's peaceful. The scrunchie around his wrist and Wilbur's hand running gently through his hair.

"Yeah...learning is exhausting." Wilbur chuckles and smiles when his brothers filed in. Phil and Techno off somewhere but the younger ones come in one by one.

Taking seats around him. Ranboo letting out a little noise and his tail curling around Wilbur. Tommy flanking him as though he'd protect him from monsters unseen. Tubbo sat directly across from him.

Pausing only to drape one of the blankets over Dream.

Wilbur glanced around at them. Noticing their own faces. The tear burns on Ranboo, the bloodshot eyes of Tommy. The way Tubbo can't sit still and he knows.

"...I'm okay." He assures them and they all breathe out sighs in unison. "I promise. I'm just not used to running." He lies about it and they know it but it makes them laugh a little. He smiles with that. "If anything serious comes up, I promise I'll tell you. If I black out a few times, I'm just...talking to someone."

"That's weird."

"Thanks Tommy, I love you too!"

They shove shoulders together. Nearly disturbing the beast asleep between them but Wilbur gently settled him back down. Earning a sleepy purr as a response.

"If you guys need anyone to talk to," Wilbur noted after a moment of quiet. "You know you have me right?"

They all nodded. Some refusing to meet his eyes and he smiled. "Hand me my phone, Ranboo?"

The hybrid did and he opened up a guitar app. It wasn't as good as the real thing but he'd make do with what he had. And he began to sing, picking a song they all knew by heart. Though improvising the lyrics to get a smile or laugh.

Bringing them back slowly to the security they knew with their family.

Chapter Text

"He hasn't woken up yet." Techno scowled as he looked down at Dream. "We can't stay here forever. We need to keep moving."

"Bad won't attack us during a rainstorm." Phil notes, staring out the old doorway of the building they're in. Where the sky is dark, rain heavily pelts everything. Flooding areas by them.

The boys have done their best to prevent the insides from drowning as well. Old fabrics that were scattered around the abandoned home now stuffed in holes in the roof and pots and the like catching what they couldn't prevent.

Ranboo stuffed in a corner the best his body could allow to avoid any of the acid that seeped through.

"Are you sure?"

Phil smiled over his shoulder. Trying to be reassuring to his paranoia riddled son. "Yeah. He's not that cruel. He'd also never risk the health of his friends by letting them out in this weather."

Techno just eyed him for a moment before scoffing. Accepting the answer even if he didn't fully believe it.

"And if push comes to shove, I'll carry Dream."

"Dad-"

"I can carry Ranboo just fine, Techno. I think I can handle Dream for a bit. You've been carrying too much weight on your shoulders as is and he's my responsibility."

He sighed, drew away from the door. Peering down at the dreamon who slept soundly. Not a care for the world around him. As if years of sleeplessness had caught up to him. "...besides, I'm not about to deny anyone a good rest when they need it."

With that, he looks pointedly at Techno. Knowing his son had a tendency to keep himself awake for days on end. The piglin looking away. Avoiding his gaze and accusation. Until he was tugged down by a shy arm of Tommy.

Who silently invited him back into a cuddle pile on the floor.

Techno rolled his eyes. Groaned as if this was the biggest chore on the planet and he didn't love it. Flopping dramatically on his brothers who yelled but laughed. Tommy and Tubbo starting a fruitless wrestling match with him.

Easily pinned down by his brute strength.

Unaccounted for was Wilbur. Who had found the perfect window to sit on. Gazing outside at the ugly weather. One leg up and holding him steady. Forehead pressed against the cool but dusty glass.

Phil approached him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "How you feeling?"

"Tired."

"Get some rest."

"...I...I rather not." His son admitted and he frowned. Leaning on the nearby old wooden table that could barely support his weight.

"What's up?"

"Nightmares."

"Oh..." Phil knew those were caused by Dream. Regret punching his gut that his son would have to suffer through something so simple just because he took this thing out of a prison.

Wilbur shrugged, brushing off the notion.

"I'll get some sleep next time I black out."

"Wil!"

"We know it's going to happen." His son smirked. Giving him a look. "Best not to overreact."

"...you know why?"

"I think Dream is trying to talk to me...somehow. Or maybe it's against his will but I get memories. Flashes of his own and...sometimes mine I guess." He says the last part quietly. Drawing his leg closer to himself to rest his chin on his knee.

A silent pause and then he looked to Phil.

"What does Soot mean?"

"...what?" Phil looks confused, knowing that his son knew that word but Wilbur shook his head.

"In mom's culture." He clarified and Phil blinked. His mouth opening in a soft 'o' of surprise.

"It...uh...it means..."

Phil frowned, his hands gripping tight to the table. Biting his lower lip and Wilbur can see a sadness in his eyes growing. "It means...from what's left." He says eventually, looking away. Hiding his sadness behind a mask again.

The meaning having far more depth to it now with what's left of their family.

"She also...she also thought of making your middle name "Ash" but...uh...Soot was her mother's second name."

"...second name?"

"Demons...often have multiple names."

"Ah."

"Bad's...super creative name is Bad Boy Halo." He cracks the briefest smile when Wilbur snorts. Both unable to contain their amusement. "He tries so hard to make it sound more special than it is. But literally their parents said "ah yes this is our son, let's make everyone know it"."

"Good thing he didn't turn out trans then huh?"

Phil laughs a bit louder, more confident. "Yeah it's awkward when he shifts gender."

"...he what." Now Wilbur's tone holds disbelief and Phil is still laughing. Perking up a little. Wings fluttering.

"Yeah! He can change gender! Your mother could too!"

"Oh god, I'm picturing Uncle Darryl as a woman. It's not a pretty picture!"

"WIl, oh my god, stop, you're killing me."

"Dad! Can you picture Uncle Darryl with breasts?!"

"I don't want to!" The man clutches his stomach. Wheezing. Hand coming up to brush at his face. Brushing away tears that were both from the laughter and not. Wilbur smiles all the while.

"How do you know they could change gender-" He makes a face. "Philza Minecraft, you saw them as gender swapped! You naughty boy! What did you do-"

"Oh god! No it wasn't like that!" He waved his hands, still smiling despite his words. "Wilbur, I did nothing inappropriate with your father and aunt!"

"Quick to call them father and aunt however!"

"WILBUR!" He squeaks out the name. Rushing forward to put his hand over his son's mouth. Shushing him. Glancing back at the kids that were still too distracted by their wrestling or books.

He breathes a sigh of relief that none of them heard and Wilbur cocks an eyebrow at him. The smirk on his face evident. His dad giving him a look back. Face flushed with red.

When he draws the hand away, Wilbur laughs. "I'm not judging you, we all have our kinks. I personally find fish attrac-"

"If you finish that sentence, Wilbur Soot Minecraft, I will ground you for the rest of this trip."

"Ground me from what?!"

"I don't know! But I will figure it out!"

They're both staring at each other with false intensity. Before it slowly melts into giggles and laughter. Leaning back on their respective roosts, equally red in the face from laughing so hard.

They look so much alike in that moment.

Eventually it dies down to the occasional snicker and snort. Phil fixing his hair where it became a mess. Tucking it back under his hat. "...they pulled a prank on me." He admits.

When Wilbur looks to him expectedly he continues. "...I didn't know at all that they could do it. We were having breakfast together. Your mother's amazing pancakes." He breathed a happy sigh. Wistful. Remembering the taste.

"And she asked me to get something from the fridge. When I turned back, there was some...random lady demon in your Uncle's clothes sitting there. Sipping at her tea like nothing had happened."

"I nearly dropped what I was holding. And Bad just responded to me normally. Asking what was wrong. I thought I was going insane. Then I looked away for a second and when I looked back, your mother was a man. Leaning on the table and looking at me with this smile."

"I broke a glass." He snorted. "...and they laughed like siblings." He sighed softly, smiling. "...they had the same laugh."

Wilbur smiles back at him. Slowly uncurling from the window and standing. Stretching. Nudging his father with his shoulder. "You should tell us more stories like that!" He says and he sees his father's face fall in an instant.

Eyes widening like he realized he had done something wrong. That bliss turning into regret. Almost shame. Wilbur frowns.

Reaching out and going to comfort his father but Phil draws away. Avoids it. Clearing his throat as he grabs his coat. When his kids look to him, he gives the excuse that he heard something outside.

Ushering Techno back down when he rises to meet the unreal threat. Slips out into the pouring rain and Wilbur stares after him.
Sighing heavily.

He forces a smile to his face. Looking back at his siblings. "Did you guys know that mom and Uncle Bad can change gender?" He asks and their curiosity erupts like a volcano.

Confused shouts and questions and he sits down among them to answer all that he can. Relaying the story with a few exaggerations. Mostly for dramatic effect and how his brothers light up.

"Our best bet, is to collect eyes of ender and get as far into the wildlands as possible before using them. There's a low low chance to find an unused portal but our best bet is in the untamed lands. Where no smart person would build a home."

"How do we get eyes of ender?" Tommy asked Techno, leaning forward to look at the maps on the floor in front of them.

"Well, Ranboo doesn't want us killing enderman."

"Please and thank you!"

"So our best bet is piglin trades if we don't want to spend a fortune buying ender pearls from shady places."

"Piglin trades?" Tubbo repeats and he looks to Techno with this sense of awe. His older brother knowing what's coming next as he sighs heavily. "Techno, your people!!"

"They're not my-" He groans, hand coming to his face. Rubbing his temple. "I'm a hybrid!"

"Still, they gotta respect you some right?!" Tommy grins. "The Blade himself! The scourge of the overworld!"

"I just won a few fighting tournaments!"

"Uh-hello, international fighting tournaments!"

"That means nothing to piglins!" Techno scowls, rolling his eyes behind his mask. "They'd probably see me as a pet rather than a person!"

"Then we put a bow on you, call you Fluffy, and charm them with your cuteness."

Techno reached over to shove Wilbur. The older one crashing to the floor with a laugh. "Awww, what part offended you? The bow, the fluffy, or the cute part?"

"I think Techno is very cute!" Tubbo added and Techno gave him a look. "Most of the time!"

Techno's face flushed. Just barely. Visible by the pinking of his ears and how he looked away. His brothers ganging on him in an instant. Various levels of cooing and teasing. Wilbur practically hanging off of him as he called him pet names.

"Look at my baby brother! My widdle Techie! All embarrassed!"

"I will kill you."

"Not yet! Dad said no killing brothers on the trip!"

"He said LITTTLE brothers."

"Oh no, a loophole! Damn your English Major tactics!"

They all let out various levels of screams when Techno snarled at them. Clearly in play but they knew what was coming next. Maps thrown aside. Their brutish brother tackling Wilbur. Tickling him and earning high pitched squeals of laughter.

"TOMMY HELP!"

"Hands off my brother!" Tommy yelled and jumped on Techno. Just to get easily thrown off and down onto the floor beside Wilbur. "Oh shi-!" Two hands on two separate people. Tickling them until they were nearly blue in the face.

Tubbo and Ranboo being of no help as they cheered Technoblade on.

The noise finally waking the other person in the room. Dream sitting up slowly. Eyes blinking open and he surveyed his surroundings with a quiet rumble. Looking at the scene with a head tilt.

He slumped onto all fours, crawling between the brothers. Putting himself as a sleepy shield between Techno and the others.

Techno drew his hands back, momentarily surprised.

"Dream! Our savior!" Wilbur yelled dramatically, just to watch the dreamon unleash a fierce yawn.

Techno knew weakness when he saw it. Smirking and grabbing the dreamon. Earning a startled yelp as he immediately woke Dream up from any sleepiness he had left. Pinning him down and starting to tickle him too.

Dream's laughs were as wheezy as always. Breathless, struggling to get any air not that they thought he needed it.

"Cut down in the prime of his life!"

"He's older than all of us!"

"What are you saying about dad, Tubbo?"

Eventually Techno did stop, letting up. Drawing his hands back as Dream relaxed too. An occasional giggle bursting through the monster and Wilbur just barely caught sight of the fond smile behind the mask.

He leaned forward, smirking at Techno. Proving him he caught him in the act of being fond.

Immediately earning another shove.

"Philza?" Dream asked when he fully recovered. Having apparently done a headcount and several of them pointed outside.

Where their father was tucked out by the old rusted shed. Shielding himself from the rain but refusing to come inside just yet.

He clearly thought he was out of their sight. They had risked the water to check on him however. Now able to pinpoint his location through one of the windows.

Dream grimaced at the rain. "Cold?" He asked Wilbur and the man nodded.

"Yeah but he's stubborn."

Dream tilted his head but didn't tap him to ask what that meant. Instead moving closer to the doorway. To peer out into the storm on his own. Staring up at the cloudy dark sky. Where nothing could be seen.

They wouldn't know what time it was if not for their phones.

"Moon?" Dream asked them instead and they exchanged glances. Silently debating how to respond.

He didn't wait long for an answer. Instead jumping out onto the grass. Calls of concern following him but he doesn't seem to mind the rain too much. Hands and feet getting soaked by the mud.

Gaze tilted upward towards the sky still as it soaks his clothes.

His hair clutching his face.

Eyes closing briefly and he breathed a sigh. Basking in the cold droplets.

"...great, he's just like dad. Welcome to the family, big man." Tommy snorted and his brothers laughed. "What's so great about standing in the rain!? It's cold and wet!"

"Hides tears." Wilbur admitted and when the others looked to him, he shrugged. "...and it just...feels refreshing. Like part of you is washing away with it."

Dream doesn't linger in one spot for long however. His gaze moving to look around and he spotted Phil. Slowly making his way over.
Chirping a greeting and the man looks to him. Frowning.

"Mate, what the hell are you doing out here?" He extends a wing. Giving an awning to hide under until Dream can slip under the shed with him. He shakes off the water before he draws it back. "Nasty weather."

Dream might not understand him but he gives a look that clearly reads 'ditto'. Phil chuckles. "...got me there." He mutters. "Five more minutes?" He asks like Dream will grant him permission.

The dreamon just sits silently beside him like a dog.

Staring at him before averting his gaze to the sky. Where the moon should be. Phil sighs softly, peering out from under the shed to see if he could see what Dream does. Finding nothing but cloudy sky and rain.

"...can you keep a secret?" Phil asks after a moment of quiet. Then nearly slaps himself upside the head. "Of course you can, you can't understand ninety percent of what I'm going to say."

He leans back against the shed. Runs a hand through his hair. Twirling his hat on his finger instead of putting it back on.

"...it's not that I don't want to talk about her..." He begins, his voice hushed. Dream looking and listening to him even if he doesn't understand. "...I just can't."

Dream leans to look at him better. Curiosity on his features. "Hurt?" He asks and Phil's a little surprised he can understand that much. Nodding as an answer.

"Philza no hurt."

"I wish it was that easy, mate."

"YOU TWO ARE GOING TO DIE OUT THERE!"

"...we better listen to Tubbo before he makes good on that threat." Phil holds up his hands, sighing. Putting his hat back on and offering his wing to Dream. To shelter him as they walked back.

Dream didn't move. Staring at the wing for a moment. Tilting his head.

"Just blocking you from the rain." Phil promised but Dream reached out. Touched his feathers. Far more gentle than last time he did. As if observing them.

And slowly he arched up. His back changing. Slow bone like spider limbs extending through the fabric of his hoodie. Two, four, six. Extending about three feet from his body and then they began to fill.

Into feathers.

Soon forming wings.

Six full black wings with a neon green pulse to them. Marked with small X's that scattered about the bottom. Much like Phil's own diamond pattern.

He stared and Dream relaxed them. Fluttering them briefly. Getting used to them one by one.

"...couldn't resist the lure of wings huh?" Phil asked softly and he reached out. Hand hovering over one of the two top ones. Gesturing to ask permission to touch and Dream pushed that wing up into his hand.

Letting him run a finger along the feathers.

They felt like static.

Not the softness he knew.

"...or are these something you've kept hidden from us?"

"Change." Dream answers and that much is obvious. Phil chuckling at his use of the word. Subtly proud of him.

"Well, let's go head in then and show everyone your new change."

"Can I have wings next?" Tommy asks, watching as Dream stretched his out and flapped them briefly. Tubbo looking over them with fascination. Allowed to touch them as much as he wanted.

"You're still growing. You might get some." Phil promised and it brings a smile to his son's face. He's using the furnace he finally fashioned to heat up water for all of them. To make tea and hot chocolate.

Something to keep them warm as the rain just seemed to hit harder and harder.

"You might actually wind up a hybrid." Wilbur notes and Tommy smiles more. "You and Tubbo."

"How come Ranboo got his early?"

"I'm pretty sure I was born this way." Ranboo admitted but he looks conflicted. His memory unsure. Flipping through his journal to find his oldest entry and he taps it. "...yeah as far back as I know."

Phil moves to sit with them. Bringing the hot water over and grabbing thermoses and cups. "Techno's came in when he was young too. I think it depends on what features you get?" He tried to explain. "My wings came early but took a very long time to grow before I was remotely able to fly."

He glanced back at them. Puffed up from the cold. "They're the only hybrid part of me aside from noises and instinct too."

He squeaks a little when he feels a hand suddenly in those feathers. Looking over at Wilbur who gladly invited himself in. Not asking for permission. It wasn't too unusual but it had been a while since his son had preened them for him.

Phil relaxed a bit once he knew what was happening. Ignoring the urge to let out happy noises when a few stubborn feathers were righted.

Wilbur did these things to keep steady in his mind, he knew. Braiding Techno's hair, playing music, organizing things. Small things that kept the hand and mind busy.

"Think of it this way. If you were born a creeper hybrid, you'd most likely need those extra legs early on right?"

"...so I could still get wings!" Tommy cheered, throwing his hands up. Phil chuckling and handing him a drink. "Fuck yeah! I would make an awesome avian hybrid."

"I wanna be a bee!"

When the others looked to him, Tubbo smiled. "Bees are awesome!"

Ranboo, always willing to indulge a Tubbo rant, started asking questions. And they delved into a comfort from there. Surrounding each other as they listened and talked. Sipping at their drinks. Dream the only one moving as he paced occasionally but would always come back.

Antsy and no doubt looking for the moon judging by his gaze.

Techno watching him warily, as if expecting him to do something. Scooting closer to their father and Wilbur as he did. To keep his voice hushed somewhat.

"...what did Sir Sapnap mean about us not being able to take him to the End?"

Wilbur leaned in, frowning. Fingers tapping at his arms. "Maybe just in general? They don't want us going anywhere after all. They want Dream in prison."

"They'll definitely seal off all of the community portals now." Phil sighs and his sons nod.

"Tech has a plan about that."

"Oh?"

They share their plan. Focused on the conversation that they don't notice Dream's pacing stop. His wings flaring as he stares out the doorway.

Ranboo is the one to notice. Frowning. Reaching out to gently tap Dream and the dreamon flinches. Looking back at the hybrid. Slowly lowering his wings and venturing close. "You don't want to fly in the rain, Dream."

Dream ducks under his hand like a cat. Giving a soft noise and Ranboo awkwardly pets him. Smiling and chuckling.

"Dream, give me your wings!"

"Tommy I don't think it works like that-"

"He has plenty to spare!"

The rain stopped in the early morning. The moon visible briefly before it started to hide away and Dream was watching it the entire time. Unmoving from the doorway as the others packed up their things.

He put his wings away once it disappeared from the sky. Chirping back at them and letting them put on his backpack. Letting it be leash off for now.

"I can make a nether portal." Phil says as he zips up his own bag. "We have a diamond pickaxe, it'll be easier to pick up obsidian. We're going to need to find a place we can't be caught however."

"Isn't this like...super illegal?" Ranboo frowned.

"Extremely."

"Oh great!"

"We'll be fine." Phil tried to reassure. Frowning at his kids. Reaching to help Tubbo to his feet. "We just got to keep a low profile."

"Low profile with an apocalypse demon with us."

"...yeah." He snorted, rolling his eyes a little. He glanced at Dream, who looked up at him expectantly. "Ready to run?"

"Run!" Dream perks up instantly, jumping out the door and not waiting for them. Phil laughs and they follow. Tumbling out with far less grace. The dreamon waiting for them on the edge of the untamed property.

Tommy and Tubbo raced to catch up. Ranboo somewhat lagging behind but still keeping pace thanks to his long legs.

Wilbur and Techno took the middle and Phil sighed softly as he trailed behind.

"PHILZA!" The roar of a voice echoed around them and he flinched. Wings puffing up and he whirled around just in time to see Bad burst through the trees. Three others with him. All four heroes there.

"SHIT!" Phil yells and he runs forward, pushing his kids into running and Dream barks a laugh as he takes the lead.

"DON'T YOU RUN, PHILZA!"

"CAN'T HEAR YOU, RUNNING!"

"PHILZA!!!"

"HOW DID THEY FIND US SO FAST?!?!" Tommy demands and Techno glances back at the mob chasing them. Seeing a silver device in their grasp. A low growl escaping him and he stops.

Putting himself between the heroes and his family once more. Drawing his sword. Phil stops as well but urges the rest to keep running. They listen, he thanks the gods.

"Compass." Techno tells his father and Phil glances to the device in question. Eyes widening. Disbelief on his face as he steps forward in front of his son.

"YOU PUT A COMPASS ON ONE OF US?!" He demands, wings puffing up and there's a brief flash of concern and guilt on some of the heroes faces. All but Bad's. Who looks almost tired.

"OF COURSE WE PUT A COMPASS ON YOU!" The demon fires back, gesturing out like it's obvious. "We're not playing a game here, Phil! We're trying to return a felon to a prison! This is a serious, life threatening, matter!"

"That's such an invasion of privacy!"

"It's on you, not the kids." Bad clarifies and snatches it out of George's hands. To show them. The arrow pointing in the direction of Phil. "We wouldn't dare put it on the kids."

"Why not Dream?" Techno asks and Sapnap groans like he's been asked this a million times.

"We tried that." He says casually. Almost bored. Shifting from one leg to another. Antsy to get running again but he doesn't seem to want to chase down a bunch of children. "It doesn't work as well as it does on other people."

"We'll destroy it as soon as this charade ends." Ant reassured. "We'll even let you destroy it."

"We could just do that now." Techno grins, a feral glint in his eyes and he sees the fur on Ant's body raise slightly. A hiss echoing out from the cat.

George steps forward. Putting himself between Techno and the other heroes. Sword glowing with that crackle of ancient magic. Techno scowls at him. He scowls back.

"And what's your deal?" Demands the piglin and gets no answer.

"Phil, if you'd just talk-"

"Bad, shut up! We're doing this whether you like it or not."

"It's not about liking it! You're putting the entire world in danger! Yourselves in danger!!"

"Danger's my middle name." It's a joke that earns a few groans. Even his son rolling his eyes.

Bad however, looks almost comically annoyed. "No, it's a curse word and I hate it!"

Techno pauses at that. Giving his father a look. Several of the heroes mimicking it. "...your middle name is a curse word?" His son asks and Phil's face flushes just slightly.

"...yes my name is Philza Fucking Minecraft."

"LANGUAGE!"

"IT'S MY NAME!!!"

"We're running from the law and the law stopped to argue with Dad about his middle name." Wilbur says in disbelief. Taking a moment to lean on a tree and pant. Dream was perched up in it again. Watching for signs that they needed to move presumably.

"Sounds like a good summary of our life." Ranboo admits and they all nod simultaneously.

Wilbur lifts his head, feeling exhaustion in his body. Knowing he can't run for long as he still needed to recover and he looks around. Hesitating before he calls upward. "Dream?" The dreamon pokes his head down from the branches.

"Cave?" He asks, glad he taught the boy that word.

Dream chitters. Perching on the branch and looking around. Sniffing the air. Soon enough dropping down and nudging Wilbur in the leg with his head. Towards a certain direction.

They take the initiative and start heading that way. Dream darting in front of them until he suddenly stops. Pressing his ear to the ground and starting to dig. Hands becoming more claw like as he went faster and faster.

Tommy having to dodge the dirt a bit and Ranboo stealing a piece for his collection.

He eventually created a bit of a hole. Hitting stone and summoning the diamond pickaxe to his grasp. It works faster than his hands for sure. Soon dropping into a cave system that was hidden beneath them.

Calling up to them with a little noise and Wilbur ushers the kids in first.

Ranboo drops down first. Gently smacking his head against the ceiling and grumbling as he crouched over. Tubbo followed and stumbled. Gasping at the darkness like he didn't expect it.

Finally came Tommy and Wilbur. Ranboo hesitantly putting the block of grass back above them. Plunging them entirely into the blackness with no means to see.

Bats screeched in the distance.

Tubbo scrambled for his phone and illuminated the area. A bit blinding in the cave. Causing a few of them to look away and readjust. "...shouldn't we wait for Dad and Techno?"

"We'll be able to find each other easier than we are able to get away from them." Wilbur notes and his siblings frown but nod. "We'll hopefully make enough distance from the heroes however that we can rest and wait."

"What if they find us again?"

"I can fight!" Tommy protests and Wilbur frowns but nods.

"As can I. Techno isn't the only trained member of our family."

"I...really rather not fight." Ranboo mutters, frowning and Wilbur pats his shoulder.

"We hopefully won't need to if we play our cards right." He then glances to Dream who seems to be looking around the cave. Sniffing various pieces of stone and the like. "Let's trust our little dreamon for that for now."

As soon as he said that, Dream bit into a rock.

Making everyone cringe and exchange looks.

"...not too much trust." Wilbur corrected.

Techno hated to admit he was struggling. He had faced a hoard of people before. Thirty on one? Easy. He could take them all down without breaking too much of a sweat. Those people however were varying levels of combat expertise.

This was four highly revered, highly trained, war torn heroes. Who had faced creatures Techno had never even seen. Who have led armies into battles and come out with hardly a scratch.

Who had zero fears of death.

Techno didn't fear death. In a way. He would gladly die for his family. He would gladly die for a cause. Yet he had never faced it head on. Had never bit into the impending doom that rises up when the process starts.

He, like his father, escaped so many instances of it that he earned the title of the next Philza Minecraft.

The Technoblade who never dies.

So he wasn't afraid...but he was cautious. Dodging where he could. Not taking attacks. Trying to conserve his energy at times and prepare for the worst.

All the while, the ones he faced against charged in blind. Not afraid of what his sword could do. Not afraid of him.

George took two slices clear to the chest.

Sapnap had a gash on his hand that was bleeding profusely.

Ant had nearly lost a tail and had been stabbed in a front leg twice in his large cat form.

Bad, never even came close to him. Refusing to fight him and instead focusing on Phil. Both men expertly dodging each other. Coming close just to back up again. Scowls on their faces. Fire in their eyes.

Techno nearly got hit by a stray bullet and both his father and Bad snarled at Sapnap.

"SAPNAP!"

"WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT SHOOTING MY KIDS?!"

"IT'S A RUBBER BULLET!"

"DON'T SHOOT THE KIDS!!" Bad says firmly, hissing through his teeth. Blocking a sword blow from Phil who tried to take advantage of the distraction. Using his tail to grab the man by the leg and flipping him off his feet.

Ant tackled Techno at the same time. The full force of the giant cat pinning him down was admittedly a struggle. His features starting to shift once he realized he needed the extra strength.

"We won't be able to find them without the compass." George says, taking a momentary break while both opposing forces were down. "Not only Dream but Philza Minecraft's kids? This will be annoying."

"You said it." Sapnap sighed, groaned. Ripping off part of his shirt to tie it around his still bleeding hand. Not caring for how disheveled he looked afterwards. "But they have to leave trails regardless. Come on."

He darts into the forest with George and Bad calls after them, reminding them not to harm a hair on any of the kids. It gives time for Techno to full shift. To snarl and roar at the cat and then they're fighting.

Not equal in size but almost a good match. It becomes a struggle for either of them to gain the upper hand. With Ant constantly trying to pin him again, claws retracted.

Bad stands over his father the entire time. Keeping one foot lightly on his chest and he takes a sip of water from a thermos. Sighing.

"Let's talk, Phil."

"FUCK YOU!"

"LANGUAGE!!!"

Tommy didn't want to think about where the sword in his grasp came from. The hint of a saliva smell still on it. Making him grimace but at least the handle was dry. Iron that felt heavy in his grasp.

It was still better than nothing. Something that gave him security alongside the others. Who received their own weapons shortly from Dream. The dreamon now leading them further into the cave.

Pausing occasionally to listen.

Perked like a hunting dog on the scent of something.

He slipped easily through the rocky terrain. Guiding them in a way that helped them move as one. Knocking down rougher spots for them or offering his hand to help.

It got colder as it got deeper. A shiver creeping up his spine as he started to hear noises he wasn't prepared for.

Monsters.

Hidden deep in the earth away from the rest of the world.

And clear from their mindless shuffle, not hybrids.

Not friendly.

"That's...that's a zombie isn't it?" Tubbo asked, voice hushed. Backing up against Ranboo and the light shook in his grasp. Another noise and he squeaked. "More than one!"

"It's okay." Wilbur stepped forward, shushing them with a wave of his hand. "We can handle zombies. They're scary at first but they're mindless. They don't know strategy. It's the skeletons we should be wary of."

"I feel so much better now."

"Ranboo, now isn't the time for biting sarcastic wit."

"Sorry, it's my coping mechanism."

Dream skipped ahead of them. Calm as can be and they warily followed. Watching him press his ear to stone again. Perking up however as he heard something he liked. Starting to dig into the wall and create a narrow crawl through.

When he burst through to the other side, the sound of zombies grew all the more louder and the kids jumped back. Armed and ready for battle.

There was the sound of groans and moans. Something wet slapping against the ground. The crunch of metal being broken and then loud thumps one after another. Until no sounds came at all.

They waited and Dream poked his head out. Slowly sliding through to start digging a deeper tunnel into whatever awaited them on the other side.

It opened up into a strange room, with moss and vines on the walls and a broken cage in the center. Zombie bodies littered the area. Rotting away unmoving by chests that looked rusted and faded.

"What...is this place?"

"I'm...not sure." Wilbur admitted and stepped over a body as Dream opened a chest. The latch of the box exploding with how rusted it was. Pieces going everywhere.

He rummaged through the stuff and Tubbo stepped closer to provide a light.

"Oh...it's full of a bunch of stuff! I see uh...bones, strings, rotten food...eugh...gold! It has gold and-" His words cut off as Dream held up something very distinct. A golden apple.

A rare precious fruit that people have been trying to farm for centuries.

"...A GAPPLE?!" Tubbo exclaimed, loud, his shouts echoing off the wall.

"No way!" His brothers rushed over to look at it and Tubbo held up his phone. Showing the glinting golden skin of the apple.

"Okay, that's pretty awesome. Now I wanna see what's in the other chest."

"Yeah let's just ignore the surplus of dead bodies and loot the place!"

"Ranboo, you stole diamonds from the legendary heroes."

"NOT ON PURPOSE?!?!?"

His shout echoes and Dream snaps up at attention. Frowning and looking back to the entrance that got them into this place. Quickly jumping to it and starting to shove stone back into place. Blocking it off.

Pausing and listening.

"Dreeeeeeeam!" The call could be heard echoing through the caves. Just barely audible against the stone wall.

Dream mutters something in his language under his breath and dives for the other chest. Gathering various materials and quickly shove all the items he can into their bags. Motioning for them to follow him as he started to dig out the other side of the room.

"Dreaaaaam!" The voice gets louder, closer. Dream pauses digging, motioning for them to be quiet.

They hear footsteps nearby.

"Come out and we'll spare the kids!"

"Sapnap!"

"What? I'm just trying to motivate them."

A low growl escaped both Dream and Wilbur, inaudible unless you were right next to them. Either Dream understood them or fed off the way everyone tensed.

Tubbo reached out and tapped Dream. Getting his attention and then pointing back to the wall he had been digging in. The dreamon hesitated but nodded. Going to start digging again.

Softer, more gentle. Barely making a sound as he did. Glancing back over his shoulder occasionally as the footsteps continued on. Walking past them.

He dug up into the stone, creating a bit of a stairwell. Soon bursting through to the other side. Where another cave system rested. Catching some of the debris to keep it from clattering.

It might have been connected and slight noise could alert the heroes hunting them.

Tubbo popped out first, digging into the bag on his shoulder that was now filled with more things. Pulling out something Dream had stuffed in there and held it up to Ranboo, covering the light somewhat so he could see better.

Ranboo read the cover of the book, perking up. His tail swishing as he leaned to whisper. "Curse of Binding."

Tubbo smiled at that.

Then turned to face his family and Dream.

"I got a plan." He whispered.

Chapter Text

They used a weakness potion on Techno. A dirty trick but it made sense. Phil should've expected it. Seeing his son hit the ground hard. He called out for him, ignored and Ant stepped over the limp body.

Sniffing and examining him. Before looking up to the concerned look of Bad and giving a soft noise. "He's alright?" Bad confirmed and Ant nodded.

"Just asleep, I think."

"Asleep...?" Bad is confused, frowning and he leans forward. Keeping his one foot on Phil to keep him pinned. "...good grief, how long has it been since Techno got some proper sleep?!" He looks down at Phil for an answer.

"He's an insomniac."

"Oh that poor thing." The demon whines, but shakes his head. "At least he'll get a good rest."

Ant starts to move Techno. Gently picking him up by his clothes in his mouth. His form starting to shift back to the more human like state in his sleep. He moves him out of the way. Off to the side and then curls his tails around him.

Giving him a makeshift bed to keep him off the wet ground.

Phil sighs softly. Almost in relief. Thankful that Bad and Ant were really keeping up their promises of not hurting his kids.

"As for you-"

"I've already talked enough, Bad. I'm not changing my mind."

Bad stood over him. Staring down at him silently. His blank eyes filled with emotion not many could read. He swished his tail once, twice. Sighed heavily as all of the exhaustion fell on his shoulders.

"When did you become so selfish, Philza?" He asks quietly. Holding up his hand, hovering it over the pinned man.

"Stay."

The command hit Phil like a force untamed. His entire body falling limp. Trembling but refusing to move. As though all of his muscles were no longer in his control. The demon stepped off of him only then.

Walking around him in a wide berth to then face him properly. Where he could look up at him but that was it.

Bad stared down at him with a cold expression. A hero's expression.

A soldier of war.

"For a man so bent on caring and protecting others, you pick and choose who you want to include in that. Don't you?"

"They're just kids!" Phil protests and Bad almost laughs. His lips quirking just slightly.

"He's older than all of us combined, Phil."

"His mind-"

"Is a sham." Bad finished, his tail flicking. Arms crossing. "He lures you in with false pretenses. Then he destroys you."

"You haven't spent time with him! I can see that his actions are genuine!"

"Oh? You think you're the expert now, Phil?! You think that ten thousand years makes my sincerity useless?!" Bad puts his claw over his heart. Yelling now. Emotion flickering back into his features. "Why does my life matter so less?!"

"Am I a part of that picking and choosing?!"

"AM I SO EASILY CAST ASIDE?!"

Phil opens his mouth to argue. To yell back. Hesitating when he sees a single tear roll down the demon's face. "I WAS GRIEVING TOO!" Bad snaps and with his voice comes a tremble in the ground beneath his hooves.

He's panting, eyes wide, struggling to gain control of himself again. Ant lets out a soft noise and the demon takes a step back. Hands going to his hair. Pulling the hood closer over his head to hide.

He turns away. Tail curling around himself. Posture shy and there's a brief sniffle heard as he composes himself. Takes a deep breath. Wipes it away.

Hides it back behind the person he's supposed to be. "...children, Phil. Think of the kids who aren't yours. Who are home right now with their parents. Laughing, playing games. Reading stories. Watching movies. Dreaming of the future they will grow up into."

"We have a plan, Bad. Trust us!"

"I CAN'T!" The demon snaps again and he whirls around. A snarl on his features. "What do I have to trust with any of you?!" His claws curl into fists at his sides. "A dreamon that destroyed my life?! Who made it so difficult for me to spend a day on my own?! Fearing the worst when my friends don't contact me for more than a day?!"

He steps forward. "A man who used to be family?! Who tossed me aside the moment everything went to muffins?!" The substitute curse word almost makes everything too awkward. Even if Phil has heard it time and time again. "Who wouldn't let me see my own nephews?! And when I begged him to tell me what I did wrong, he wouldn't even give me the decency of that?!"

He snarled. "Am I supposed to trust children I barely know?! Just because they're blood related to me?! Am I supposed to throw the world away because someone who wouldn't even give me the time of day tells me 'it's okay'?! Am I supposed to abandon everything I sacrificed, everything I worked for, my entire life because some fool got it in his head that EVIL IS A CUREABLE DISEASE?!"

"...not everything is black or white, Bad..."

"I could say the same thing to you, Philza Minecraft!" The demon gestures out. "But my gray isn't good enough for you! You want a lighter gray! A gray you pick out! But my gray is reality and you're running from it!"

"I want a world," Bad continued. "...not a perfect one. Perfect is meaningless. It doesn't give anyone the chance to grow. To flourish. Hardship brings out the most beautiful things in people even if it burns like the nether."

"And I was made to protect this world I want."

He held up his sword. Let it disappear from his grasp. Summoning a new weapon. No, not a weapon. A tool. Shears. Large clippers that would be perfect for the world's largest paper snowflake.

The demon looks down at Phil. Pain on his features. "...you want to keep running, Phil? You want us to hunt you down. You tell us each time we try to reason with you that you won't listen. I thought knowing even just half of what happened would make you understand."

He steps forward, back behind Phil. Puts his foot back on his back and the command from his earlier words lift. The pressure doesn't however. He keeps him pinned.

"...he's already killed."

Phil jolts at the words. Looking up at Bad over his shoulder. Questioning silently. "He tore that playground down. Destroyed it. He took three children's lives with it. Two adults."

"N-no!"

"Yes, but why believe me? I'm just the man who's seen it firsthand before. I'm just the one who tried to prevent it." The demon hisses. "...I'm just the hero who swore to those grieving parents that they would never have to worry about a single cent regarding their children's burial. I'm just the hero who delivered the news to the families waiting for someone to come home."

"And you keep running and I'm left to pick up all the pieces you leave behind without looking back." He opens the shears. Runs his finger across the sharp edge. A bit of blood on his claw that he wipes away.

He presses down. On his knee. Forcing Phil to expand his wings.

Phil's eyes widen as he stares at them.

"...Bad, wait-"

"No, Phil. You're done talking. You won't change your mind."

"Bad!" Ant hissed and the demon looked over at his fellow hero. The cat looked unnerved. "That's so cruel! Don't!"

"It's okay Ant." Bad reassures him, grabbing a wing. It flails but he grabs the bone of it perfectly. Holds it still and spreads it out further. Displaying the feathers. Phil stops struggling when the shears come close.

"I've done this for him before. I'm not taking them away permanently. I promise. He'll be able to fly again after his next molt. A month away."

Phil knew he was right. Knew Bad knew exactly where to clip to down him. Knew it would be a perfect job if he just relaxed. Didn't fight. But the fear was mounting. The horror of what was about to happen clutching him.

The thought of being grounded sent a shiver through him. A nervous chirp escaping him. His brother-in-law looking to him with a look of almost pity. Resigned that he had to do this if Phil kept fighting back.

"Last chance." Bad offered. Holding the clippers up for him to see. "Phil, I'm serious. I don't know how else to get it through your head. I can't have you guys doing this." He sighs. "It'll cut down one of your advantages and keep one of your escape routes closed."

"You won't...you won't do this to any of the kids right?"

"Of course not. They're just kids."

Phil takes a deep breath, weighing his options. Unable to escape the pin he was under and if he fought while getting his wings clipped they could be ruined forever.

It was a temporary clipping. Like Bad said. Downing him just for this run and it wasn't like he was going to use his wings often. He couldn't carry all of his kids in a flight and he'd be running alongside them.

If he gave in, it might establish some more trust with the heroes. It would get him out of this situation for now. Back to his kids. He didn't know George and Sapnap well enough to know they were safe.

Especially against admin magic and a gun.

He lets out the breath. Rests his head on the ground. "...cut them." He mutters and Bad frowns at his response.

"Hold still, let me know if anything feels wrong."

Everything about it feels wrong but he knows what Bad means. Closing his eyes tight as his fully expanded wing is angled right. Feeling the clippers breeze past the closest feathers to his back. Into his primaries.

Starting to go through the flight feathers in slow careful clips.

He shudders with the feeling. Grips at the grass beneath him and Bad comforts him through it with useless words. Making sure no feathers fall out of place while he's doing it.

He's done it twice before for Phil.

He knows what he's doing.

When that one wing is finished, he wants to vomit. Struggling to breathe a little more and Bad gives him a break between wings. Touches what feathers he didn't clip to reassure Phil they were there.

Just barely opening his eyes to confirm it. It's not at all a bad clipping. It's perfect. It'll keep him down but only for a month or so. It's still churning his gut and building tears in his eyes however.

His wings were part of him.

It was like removing his arms.

The second one feels just as awful as the first. There's no actual pain. Just the heavy mental crushing it's doing.

"There we go." Bad shushes him as he finishes the second one. Letting him fold them tight against his back as he lifts off. It's a security blanket that feels too light and he lays there, unmoving even as he's no longer pinned.

"Can you stand, Phil?"

He nods despite struggling to get onto all fours. Heaving and any food he had left in him splatters against the grass in front of him. A hand rubbing his shoulders as he does.

"Here." He's offered water and he hates himself for being grateful for it. Washing out his mouth and soothing his sore throat. "Keep it."

He does, groaning before he lifts his head up with determination. "...take me to my kids." He growls and Bad offers him a hand up. To get him back to his feet. Steadying him as Ant picks up Techno.

"Of course."

Bad doesn't resist, more intent on reuniting them then giving George and Sapnap more of an advantage. Gathering up any fallen things and they start following the direction everyone went.

Ant keeps his nose somewhat to the ground. Following scents. Though his eyes occasionally glance over at Phil and Bad. The cat may be wingless but he's clearly had his claws threatened before. It makes him sick too.

Bad, stares on, face hardened despite his kind words and gestures.

Phil's wing moves slightly and there's air breezing through against his back that wasn't there before. A reminder he'll have to get used to after having his wings full for over a decade. He nearly vomits again.

Just barely managing to stagger along with arms close to his stomach. Tears reddening his face. He breathes in, breathes out.

Focuses on his kids.

His main priority. His kids.

His dreamon among them.

"Found them." Ant says suddenly and he's digging into a small hole in the ground. Bursting through to a cave system that's dark and has no sound.

Just the echo of a cavern.

Until they hear a scream.

Ranboo was part enderman. He knew that. Everyone knew that. It was hard to guess his second half at times. The ghast side would probably be obvious if you knew what ghasts looked like but he barely showed it outside of appearance.

His enderman cries held more volume. Higher pitches. He screeched when he spotted things he was looking for at times.

Phil hypothesized that he could float and shoot fire if he tried.

But his enderman side was strong. Practiced. Something he knew even if his anxiety got in the way with some of his efforts.

It was also easier to give into the feral side of his mind when it came to his enderman habits.

Which is why he was now separated from his siblings. In the dark of the cave. He could see better than they could for sure. Not perfectly, it wasn't amazing night vision but he could see what they couldn't.

Pick apart shapes and obstacles. See the shadows of what moved around him pass by. Could sense when another creature stared at him. Staring was the worst.

He hated being stared at.

But there was some comfort in being alone at times. In the darkness. The block in his hands being occasionally twirled but firmly held. Letting his mind wander. His feet follow it.

Slowly moving through the cave in a weird pattern. Almost a zigzag. Taking breaks to stare at things that interested him or listen to sounds. Occasionally spinning in place just for the hell of it.

Letting out little warbles here and there.

It's how the heroes found him. Sir Sapnap's hand held a blaze rod. Using it as a torch to guide their way through the darkness. Both freezing when they spotted him.

They blocked his only exit in the hollowed out room.

"...what the hell?" Sapnap is the first to speak. Looking around for his siblings no doubt. He glances to George who looks just as confused as him.

Though his expression softens after Ranboo lets out a warble. As though he suddenly understands why he's here. George takes the initiative and steps forward. Carefully, gentle.

"Hey there, kid." He greets, tone kind. "Did you get separated?"

Ranboo doesn't answer. At least he can't. He's let himself go a little too far so all that comes out is more ender. More noises that neither of them could understand. Now they both look sympathetic.

They're staring at him.

He hates staring.

He lets out a distressed noise to let them know and they both immediately avert their eyes. Recognizing what his noise meant. He calmed down a little with that.

"They could be flanking us, this could be a trap."

"Let's not assume the children are that evil."

"Children are extremely evil, Georgie."

"This is why you're not a father."

"Duh!"

They glance back at him briefly but avert their eyes again. Focusing instead on his clothing. On the block in his hands. He doesn't want them to take it.

But they seemed to be practiced with hybrids lost in their instincts. Smiling softly despite their caution just before. George gesturing to his block. "Whatcha got there?"

He holds it up to show them.

"Ooooh a pumpkin!"

"Where did you find a pumpkin in the cave?!"

"He probably carried it down."

"Oh right, they do that."

"Don't be racist, Sapnap."

The one hero sputters at the accusation. Gesturing wildly. The light of the blaze rod bouncing around. Ranboo watches the shadows. Seeing one more there that wasn't supposed to be. The heroes don't notice.

"We should help him get out of here." George notes, looking around. "I'd hate for Phil's kids to get lost down here. He'd kill us."

He reached out, palm up. Summoning a block into his own grasp. It piqued Ranboo's interest immediately. Nylium was rare. A nether block. He let out a curious noise and stepped forward.

Ranboo really wanted that block for his collection.

The hybrid glanced between his pumpkin and the block. He shouldn't trust these people, he knows but that was a nice block. A rare block. He could put somewhere nice. Somewhere perfect!

"It's okay." The person holding it said. Reassuring him. Who was this again? "We'll carry your pumpkin for you if you want."

That settled it. Pumpkin be damned.

He handed it to Sapnap and took the nylium with a delighted noise. Feeling the dirt like substance under his nails. Bringing it to his face to sniff it briefly.

Happy fuzzy feelings in his brain.

"Heh, I think he likes it." Sapnap laughed at him but he didn't care. He wanted to show this block to his family! ...where was his family? He spun around while the hero looked over his pumpkin. "Oh hey! This is a carved pumpkin!"

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah, I'm kinda wondering now if that's how he got lost. If he's part enderman. Maybe the kids are carrying them to get past other enderman down here?"

"Bit old fashioned isn't it? We have masks for that now."

They snorted. "Typical Minecraft kids." They said in unison and then they turned back to face Ranboo. But he was stepping past them. His size easily overtaking them so they had to scramble to get out of the way.

"Hey don't wander off!"

They followed him and he listened to the world around him. Intent on finding his family to show them his block.

He heard monsters, bats, someone following them. Almost silently. He heard enderman! Other enderman!

What was he supposed to remember about other enderman?

Go towards them. A voice told him. He perked up at it. He knew that voice. That was...that was Tubbo, right? Tubbo was part of his family.

Ranboo listened to Tubbo and turned towards the enderman. Ducking through a tunnel as the heroes tried to coax him into following them instead. They didn't touch him however. Respecting his boundaries.

He didn't like to be touched like this outside of his family.

Family.

Tubbo!

...and Tommy?

Yes and Wilbur.

And Techno!

Phil!!! He knew them all! He really did! Which was bringing clarity back to him as he walked. He warbled out a low noise. Enderman ahead of him calling back in curious noises.

When he stepped into the open area, they turned to look at him. To the block in his hands. They never got mad at him unless he hurt them. So they let him get closer. Showing off their own blocks.

Dirt, gravel, and one had sand!

"Oh god-"

"Well at least we have a pumpkin." Sapnap laughed, pulling it on to avoid angering the enderman. George simply tilting his sunglasses down. Which may have made it impossible for the enderman to register eye contact.

Ranboo didn't look back to check. Because now he fully remembered what he was supposed to be doing. Most people won't interfere with a hybrid's instincts unless it endangers anyone. Which is why they stood idle.

Waiting as he 'chatted' with the others.

"George, why don't you go ahead." Sapnap noted after a minute or so of this. Arms crossed. "I can watch the kid and lead him back to you. You find the others." The heroes exchanged looks. George fighting back a laugh at the pumpkin head, nodding before he turned away.

"Don't kill the kid!"

"I fear Phil more than I fear my own mother!"

"She's dead!"

"Which makes her more terrifying!"

George leaves and that leaves Ranboo with three enderman and a fool. Who doesn't realize he's played perfectly into Tubbo's plan.

Who thanks to the blind spot the pumpkin on his head makes, doesn't see the shadow coming to loom over top of him. He hears it too late, goes to remove the makeshift mask but it doesn't come off.

Something grabs him, a hand bursting into the open mouth of the pumpkin. Covering his own before he can scream and alert George. He can hear a shushing voice through the pumpkin. Wilbur's.

He looks ahead as Ranboo steps away from the enderman. To stand in front of him. Full intimidating height. Staring him dead in the eyes past the pumpkin. Knowing where to look unlike his friends.

His stare has been called paralyzing.

"You know," Wilbur whispers, chuckling. "Enderman are strange creatures. They hate eye contact...but people think that's the only thing that upsets them." There's a smirk on his features.

"...you know what else they hate? When you try and steal their blocks. And when a friend's block gets stolen...? A child's block gets stolen? Guess what happens." He pats Sapnap's shoulder. "You're about to learn something we learned the hard way."

Ranboo gives him an apologetic smile. "Sorry Sir Sapnap." He says, then his body trembles. His eyes widening, his jaw opening up. Particles filtering off of him as he lets out a warning noises.

The enderman behind him look up, startled by the sudden fighting noise. Ranboo tells them what he can in ender.

That's his pumpkin after all. The pumpkin Sapnap is struggling to get off now. Begging behind the hand that muffles him.

That's his pumpkin.

And he's a child.

Nobody messes with children.

Wilbur holds him as the enderman swarm him and the last noise from Sapnap is a scream.

George jumps at the scream. Whirling around towards the noise. Calling out because he recognizes it. "SAP?!" He screams back to where he came from. No response.

"...what did that idiot do." He growls and he starts to run back when he sees something on the wall. A second shadow cast by the glow of his hands. That's someone behind him. He notes and he turns to face it.

There's nothing.

A chill creeps up his spine.

"Boo."

George screeches, jumping out of his skin. Forgetting for a moment that he had weapons and magic at his disposal and he throws up his fists instead. Fully prepared to punch the threat.

Which isn't a threat at all.

Tommy stands across from him, in front of him. Casual. Hands raised in surrender. Eyes wide like he can't believe what he's seeing. Then his face cracks into a smile and he doubles over in laughter.

"You should've seen your face!!"

George draws his hand over his heart. Sucking in a deep breath before he scowls. "Alright you little gremlin-"

"Why does everyone call me that?!"

"-what did you do with Sapnap?!"

Tommy tilts his head, confused. "..huh? I don't got him. What the hell are you going on about?!"

George can't find a lie on his features. He frowns. "...alright, where's the rest of your siblings?"

Tommy shrugs. "Dunno. I'm lost as shit."

"You're...lost?"

"Yep!"

"I don't believe that at all."

Tommy sputtered. Hands gesturing out. Practically yelling somewhat. As he argued over how trustworthy he was. How strong he was. How cool he was. Things that George didn't remotely ask about.

It was clear the rambling was starting to get on his nerves however. Bringing a hand up to rub his temple before he cut Tommy off. "Fine! Come with me! I'll get you back to your family!"

"Sweet! Thanks Big G."

"...big G?"

"Yeah, a nickname! Because we're bros now!"

"I'm over a hundred times your age."

"Yeah, about that. I'm super curious. Do you guys like...are your bones brittle as shit?" Tommy ventured closer. Following as George continued walking. Eyeing his surroundings carefully. On guard now with this possible trap.

"No. We stopped physically ageing around age twenty-one."

"That's cool as shit. Do you guys need licenses to do anything? Can you just go to a bar and be like 'I'm Sir George of the Found' and they're like handing you beer and women left and right?"

George wanted to question the 'women' part of that. He didn't however. "We have legal authority in every nation, terroritory and country. We can basically do anything we want, we're above the law. Within reason."

"What if someone steals your face?"

"We have codewords for high risk security measures."

"What's the codeword?"

"I'm not telling you that!"

"C'mon! We're bros!"

George rolled his eyes. Wondering to himself how Philza Minecraft wound up with a kid like this. Nothing like him in personality except maybe for the language when he got going. Yet everything like him in appearance.

"Do you guys use tinder?"

"What?!"

"Like, can you even? Are immortal heroes allowed to use dating sites and stuff? Actually, do you need to make profiles on any website? Or can you just...send an email or something and be like 'give me an account'!"

"I have a Twitter. I signed up normally."

"Are you verified?"

"...no."

"HA! My dad is verified! So is Techno!!"

"I can't picture Techno using Twitter."

"He mostly just makes snarky comments on everyone else's Tweets."

"That I can believe."

"Are you friends with my dad on Twitter?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"I only follow my fellow heroes and..." George trails off, not sure if he wants to admit the other person he follows. But the kid leans forward. Into his personal space. And he gives in just so he stops making that weird grin.

"...and a k-pop group."

"Oh my god. You're such a loser."

"Do you have any questions that aren't about my personal life?!"

"Yeah!" Oh god, what did he get himself into.

He groans. Beginning silently to gods that won't listen. Hoping he finds either his target, Sapnap, or the kid's family soon.

"I wanna know about that funky magic stuff you do!"

Okay, it wasn't as bad as a topic as he was expecting. A little part of him proud of his admin magic. So rarely getting to talk about it since most of his company was used to it. Having seen all of his tricks.

"Admin magic." He corrected and Tommy smiled brilliantly at him. It made his lips quirk just the smallest of smiles. He held up a hand to let the blue energy crackle in his grasp. Watching the kid grow more excited.

"Yeaaaaah! That stuff! Techno told us about it! It's so cool! What was that thing you did?! Where you threw us into a pit!"

"I teleported you."

"WHAT!"

"To the void."

"What's the void?!"

"It's..." He doesn't know how quite to explain it in words the kid will understand. Biting his lower lip. "...it's complicated."

"Ew, that's dad talk for adult stuff."

"No, it's not like that!"

"Sure, okay, pervert." George goes to protest again but Tommy is already jumping onto his next question about the magic. Practically skipping beside him. Leading them down the caverns. "So you can just...teleport anywhere?! Anyone?"

"No." George pauses then, sighing and thinking about how much he wants to tell Tommy. Yet the joy on the boy's face is pretty much bribing him. "It takes a lot of time and building of power to teleport a large group. One or two, is easy. But for putting you guys in that void? I had to have the magic ready to go before I caught up to you."

He shakes his hand out, a little spark flying off of it and reignites his hands to illuminate them again. "If I want to go to a specific area, I have to have a clear picture of it in my mind or know the exact location. So I can't just think "I want to go to a place with sand." I have to think of a beach in detail or something."

"Do you just...whoosh and bam, you teleport?"

"No, I focus on the person I'm teleporting. Focus on the location. Focus on the connection and then use the energy."

"So if I were to push you down a ravine, would you be able to teleport back to the top immediately?"

George stared at him. Yet the question, despite its words, held no malice on the boy's face. Pure curiosity written all over him. "...no." He says, hesitant after a moment. "It would need a strong reaction speed, picturing the place I want to teleport to well and then conjuring the magic for it. If it's a short fall, I'd probably hit the bottom before I could manage it."

"That sucks."

"Are you planning on pushing me down a ravine...?"

"Nah! Dad would ground me."

George silently thanks Phil. Even if he's not here.

"What else can you do?"

"Change the weather, teleport items to me, summon monsters, change time, kill someone, destroy items, give people magic affects or potion affects, give them temporary magic abilities, make items change shape or become more powerful..."

"Teach me!"

At that, he laughs. "I'm not handing a kid a bunch of omnipotent powers!" He then smirks. "Besides, it can't be just taught. You need to have a spark for it first."

"A spark?"

"That's the common term for it...or was, back when everyone knew of it." George looked up, at the ceiling of the cave. Breathing a sigh. "...a spark is something you can't lose or forget once you have it. It's a form of desire. A need to rule as a god. To make a change no one else will."

"...so you have a god complex."

He chokes on his breath. Shoots Tommy a look. Is met with laughter and he almost laughs himself. About to chide the kid when he suddenly hears a shout again. Sapnap.

He turns back and his fellow hero staggers towards him. Pumpkin still on his head, clothes worn and battered. He stumbles like he's about to collapse and George races to his side. Catching him as he does. "Sapnap!"

Something wet splatters against his leg and he just knows it's blood.

"Shit!"

"Hey! Big G! There's a mineshaft over here! Bring him here so you can lay him flat!" The kid has a point so he doesn't hesitate to lift his friend up. Careful in how he carries him and rushes over to where Tommy is.

Who now has a torch in his grasp and is embedding it into the stone wall to give them enough light. George lays Sapnap down on the old wood. The stuff creaking under their weight but it holds. He would make sure of that.

"Where's the wound!" George says in a panic, hands hovering over his friend as he looks for the blood spot. Then finally he sees it. On his side, where there's a darkness blooming in his white shirt. "Shit, shit, shit-"

He goes for his supplies instead of investigating it further. Shifting through what he can to find potions inside. Fumbling a little as he read the labels. "C'mon, c'mon. Where's regen?!"

"G-george..."

His head snaps up. Sapnap letting out a shuddering breath. Reaching for him and he takes his hand.

"Sap! Hang on. I'm trying to find a potion. I know I have one on me. Tommy!" He calls out to the kid. "Take off this ridiculous pumpkin would-" He looks around, there's no Tommy.

Just him and Sapnap in the mineshaft.

"...Tommy?!" He calls again, his voice echoing off the walls. "KID?!" No answer. Then he hears it. The fast skittering of spiders. A huge multitude. In the distance but gaining on them. He looks to the light.

Regret pools in his stomach. The light and his noises were leading the spiders right to them.

George jumps to his feet. Bringing out his sword and shield. His hands crackling with magic. "Sap, I'm going to have to fight." He nudges a knife out of his bag, towards the fallen hero. "Here, if you need to defend yourself. But I'll do my best to make sure they don't get to you!"

He hears Sapnap pick up the knife. Lets out a breath. Tries to calm his nerves as he starts to catch sight of the multitude of glowing red eyes advancing on them. A legion of cave spiders.

A spawner had to have been nearby.

Maybe two.

If he meets them halfway, he can stop them from getting close to his friend. Get them to focus on him. And him alone. He tenses, readies his sword and goes to run.

That's when Sapnap slams the knife into his shoe. Just barely missing his foot.

It embeds into the wood below them. Causing him to fall forward. Losing his balance and not making sense of it before he hits the ground hard. He tugs on his foot as he lays there and can't lift the shoe.

"Sap?!" He demands as the other man stands up. Puts his own foot on the knife and dives it down further. Locking him into the wood. Then reaches up and takes off the pumpkin.

Sapnap grins down at him. With a red gaze that remind him of ender eyes.

Dream waves to him. Shifting back to his other human form. Laughing with a cheer before he takes off running into the darkness.

George hears the spiders getting closer. He reaches for his shoe to untie it and pull his foot out. Cursing himself for keeping them tightly woven when he was on a hunt.

He gets it halfway loose when the first spider launches at him.

And his world fades into a terrifying darkness as the swarm follows.

Tommy hears the yells as he runs down the mineshaft. Almost out of breath but he follows the route he had done his best to memorize. Not alone for long. Dream running alongside him. They share smiles and burst through the hidden area.

Dug through in the side with a trap of gravel waiting above the doorway and a guard at the entrance prepared to let it go at any moment.

Tubbo laughs when they land flat on their asses and cheer. Giving Tommy a hug while Wilbur reaches out to ruffle his hair. Ranboo perched nearby on a block and a smile on his face.

"Okay...that was pretty cool." He admits.

"Tubbo, your plan was awesome! It worked! There's no way they're coming back fast from that!"

"Do we still have the pumpkin?" Dream holds it up when they ask and they cheer again. The secret weapon to their victory. That Ranboo happily takes back and keeps on his person. Not yet letting go of his nylium however.

"We could use it on Bad next!"

"Can it even fit over his head?!" They share a laugh at that. Chatting back and forth about the roles they played. The adrenaline. How Wilbur and Dream had snuck around while Tubbo held the fort down. Ready with Plan B just in case this would all go to shit.

"Sapnap is definitely dead." Wilbur confirms with a sigh once all the excitement dies down. "He should be back at his home. Waking up and probably cussing us out."

"If George manages to fight off over twenty cave spiders? I'll be impressed." Tommy grins and then waves his hand. "And I got some intel!"

"Intel?"

"I know a bit how admin magic works now!"

"Sweet!"

"Yeah! So maybe that guy will think twice before trying to mess with me! I know his weak points!" He threw his arms out proudly. Awaiting his brother's proud cheers and praises. Just to come up with silence and he looked to them.

Watching their eyes widen in horror.

He slowly looked over his shoulder and found there was a person standing behind him. In the room with them. Face stern and filled with barely buried rage. Hand gripped tight to a sword and a shield.

A few scratches but otherwise, completely unharmed.

George.

"WHAT?!" Tommy screams as he scrambles to his feet. As Wilbur grabs him to shield him. As his brothers jolt to the other side of the room. Dream snarling back at the hero. "HOW DID YOU-WHEN DID YOU?!"

"For a Minecraft, you are a bit of an idiot." George scowls. Raising his sword up. "As if I'd tell you everything about admin magic so casually."

Dream tackles him through a wall of stone and out the other side. The gravel trap crumbling down to block some of the exit. A snarl ripping through him as he bares his teeth and George punches him clear in the throat.

"DREAM!" Tubbo calls as he hears the pained yelp and the squabble on the other side. Starting to dig through the gravel and aided by his brothers.

They manage to get it open enough for them to squeeze through. Just in time to watch the two grappling on the ground. Rolling with every punch, kick, and grab. Dream lands a nasty blow by slamming George's head against the stone but George fights dirty.

There's blood on Dream's nose and lip. A blow earned from a knee to the chin. Scratches across his freckled skin. George doesn't hesitate to bite him when he tries to slam his head down again.

Dream bites back. Curses and growls being exchanged. Weapons lay forgotten.

They tumble through the misshapen hallways until there's nowhere left for them to move. On the edge of a ravine. Dream pinning George over the side of it. So his blood is rushing to his head as he looks down at the fate far below him.

They couldn't even see the bottom from up here.

"Figures, a fucking ravine!" George spits out a bit of blood, right at Dream's face. Trying to wrench the arm off his neck. Delivering a solid kick to Dream's stomach and the dreamon winces in pain. "God I wish you had a dick!"

"KINKY!"

"TOMMY!"

"He said it!"

"KIDS?!" Phil's voice calls to them. Raspy but it echoes out in the caverns and several heads turn. Including Dream's. Which gives George an advantage briefly. Managing to roll them to switch positions.

Drawing his hand back to punch the boy hard across the face. Resulting in more blood and the red eyed glare that shimmered in the darkness.

"Dad!" Tubbo runs towards the man when he appears. Arms held out to grasp his son in a hug. Soon followed by Bad and Ant. Techno still collapsed on the cat's back. Wilbur doesn't hesitate to run over for his brother.

Glaring at Ant who just lowers himself to allow Wilbur to take hold of Techno. To look him over and make sure he's alright. Reassured by the cat that he was just sleeping through a weakness potion.

"Are any of you kids hurt?" Bad asks and is met with several glares. "Seriously, tell us now. We have a first aid kit."

Phil echoes the statement immediately. "Seriously are you hurt?!" He draws Tubbo back to look him over. Breathing a sigh of relief when he mostly just saw the kid was dirty. Moving on to Ranboo who trembled slightly where he stood. "You're okay, you're okay..."

"What the fuck is this?!" Tommy demands, gesturing at the demon and cat. "Some sort of fucked up truce?! Just lead them straight towards us dad, great idea!"

"Tommy, they led me to you!"

The boy looks momentarily taken aback. Squinting at the demon whose focus is now falling on the fighting pair. "What-why would they-"

His voice is cut off when a blinding pain erupts into his shoulder. Hand going to it. Feeling something that shouldn't be there. He yells, his siblings yell, his father screams. And his feet slip.

His body feels so light, just for a moment. Eyes scrunching closed as he endures the pain and when he opens them in the next second, he realizes why that was.

The ravine swallows him.

"TOMMY!!!"

Chapter Text

Tommy's earliest memory is warmth. That's it. That's all.

Not just any warmth. It's hard to explain. So he doesn't even bother trying. He just knows it feels different to the rays of a sun or a fireplace.

He dreams of it often.

So it's really no surprise to him when he feels that warmth as his eyes are closed. Except it takes him too long to realize he's not asleep. He's not dreaming.

He forces his eyes open and he's in someone's arms. Cradled protectively. His head pressed against a chest. Arms looped over his back. A hand brushing gently through his hair. It's such a calming warmth.

A perfect representation of what he feels in his dreams.

He can't help but breathe a sigh into it.

"T-tommy?" Comes the quiet voice that breaks him out of this illusion and he forces his head up. To look at the face looking down at him. At Sir Halo, aka Bad. Who is the one holding him.

He's a little dazed, so he doesn't freak out like he should. Doesn't scream and back away. Doesn't cuss the man out like he wants to. He just lets his head fall back against that chest with a small thud.

Bad lets out a little grunt but goes back to petting him. And the reality of what just happened washes over him.

Of the arrow that lodged into his shoulder. Of him falling into the ravine. His family all scrambling to catch him but none of them making it in time. Watching the horror on their faces.

Sir George and Sir Ant occupied but tensing ready to jump for him. His dad spreading wings that looked too small to be his own.

And then that black blur of Sir Halo, not even hesitating to jump after him. To grab him. Shield him with his own body as they plummet. As rocks begin to crumble in around them.

The demon speaking fast to them as they fall. Cautioning him about what is about to happen. How to breathe, how to steady himself. What to do if he wakes up and Bad isn't there.

It feels like a cold hard slap against his face and before he can control it, he's sniffling. Clutching tight to the fabric of the hoodie the demon wore. No armor, he must've switched it out at some point.

Maybe right as they were falling. To soften the landing even more.

He buries his face against it and cries. Sobs. Let's the fear overtake him while that warmth never leaves him. A gentle shushing coming with the petting. Bad telling him over and over again that it was okay but that he could be scared.

And really, he was.

He can't recall a single time in his life he had ever felt like he would die so surely and lose everything.

It takes him a while to come out of it. To breathe normally again. To ground himself in the reality that he's alive and he needs to stop crushing the demon he's on top of. Even if Bad is three feet taller than him.

He lifts his head, rubs his eyes on his arm. Hiccups and grimaces at the sound. And Bad smiles at him. Chuckling softly. Helping him wipe the rest away with steady gentle claws.

"Don't..don't tell anyone I cried like a bitch, okay?"

"I'll let the cuss slide if you promise not to tell anyone I did either." Tommy looks at the demons face and sure enough. There's the tear tracks that look like blood. He gives a half-hearted smile. And Bad smiles back.

"Where do you hurt?" The demon asks then, looking him over. Much like Phil would do when he came running inside as a kid screaming.

He would protest but instead he does a mental scan. His head is throbbing a little but otherwise, he feels fine. Automatically going to touch the shoulder that was shot and feeling a fresh bandage there. It's tender but numb, almost tingly.

When he looks to it, he can see the shimmering residue of a potion.

"Uh...my head hurts a little...but...did...you?" He gestures to his shoulder and the demon nods. "Oh...thanks."

"It could've gotten infected down here. It was best to treat it immediately."

Tommy looks around then. The area they're in is dark. Too dark. It feels more like a cave than the ravine. No light from lava. No rush of water. No real change in the stone flooring. He must look really confused, because Bad sits up. Struggles with it but keeps him in his lap.

"We're at the bottom of the ravine." He explains. "But the ravine started to collapse in on us. So I had to dig us a little space." Then the demon reaches for his bag. Grabs a potion among many others. Some broken and empty, others just with cracks.

"If you ever feel yourself really struggling to breathe, drink this." He puts it gently in Tommy's hands. Closing his own over it. "Just a few sips each time your lungs burn. It'll help."

Tommy stares down at it and then looks back at the demon. "...you've been caved in on before huh?" It's an observation he hadn't meant to say out loud but the hero chuckles. A little dryly.

"Three times dead. Six times survived."

"That's so cool-wait, shit. That's offensive ain't it? Uh...what do you even say to that?! Happy you're not dead?!"

Bad laughs again, it has a genuine smile. Waving his claws when he catches his breath. "Tommy, Tommy, it's okay! You won't offend me. I've heard it all. Really. Vici thought it was pretty cool too! So you're just following right in her footsteps."

"Who the fuck is Vici?"

Bad stops then. Freezes really. Staring at Tommy like he has two heads. Like the human just splashed freezing cold water on him. He stares for too long, making Tommy uncomfortable and the boy looks away.

"...oh..." Bad whispers like realization hits him. "Um...Vici was your mother."

"...her name was Vici?"

"...Vicious Ruin Halo, yeah."

"Sick name, what the hell mom..." Tommy's voice doesn't hold the same excitement as before but yeah, that was a pretty cool name. He had wished he had heard it before this moment. Sliding off of Bad's lap to sit on the cold stone.

Drawing his legs up to his chest.

Bad seems to want to say something. His hand reaching out for Tommy but it hesitates close to his shoulder. The air is so awkward.

"So uh...when we getting out of here?"

"George should be able to get us out within the next three hours. He'll need to charge up his magic to do a few things and then make sure to handle the area with caution. So it doesn't collapse further on us."

"Right...got it." Three hours of awkward sitting with the man he just recently learned is his uncle? Great. Nothing totally awful about that.

Bad draws his hand back then. Sighing. Checking himself over and feeling his hand along his back. Once he seems to confirm something, his form starts to shift. Becoming smaller. Paler. He grimaces through it but soon he isn't taking up the majority of the entire cave.

Giving Tommy plenty of room to put space between them if he wanted.

Glancing over at that human form who looks a little out of breath but comfortable enough to draw the hood off his face. Fixing that reddish hair.

"...why didn't dad jump to save me?"

He doesn't mean to ask the question out loud but he did and it's there on the table. Making his cheeks flush red with embarrassment.

"I wouldn't have let him even if he could've." Bad answers so casually. "I saw the ravine start to crumble. If he had jumped for you, you both would've been crushed under the rocks. At best, your father would've never flown again. At worst, well...this chase would've ended." He softens the meaning of the last part.
Despite how easily he commented on his own deaths before.

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"Thanks, I guess."

"Tommy, you don't need to thank me for saving you. You're family!"

"...yeah okay sure." He feels a bit of anger rise up in him at that statement. "Where were you then for sixteen years?" He bites out and Bad frowns out of the corner of his eye.

"...that's a conversation you're going to need to have with your dad."

Tommy barks a laugh. "I'll never have it then! Asking that man anything about family outside of us?! Impossible! I didn't even know mom's name until just now!" He throws his hands up. Buries them in his hair. Groans as his head throbs more with the pain. "...I don't know shit about mom outside of what Wilby and Tech tell me."

"...I don't even know what she looks like outside of pictures."

There's silence that follows his outburst. Unbelievably awkward silence. And he just wants to be at home. In his bed. So he can bury his face against his pillows and scream. He's just...exhausted.

Angry, sad, and exhausted. And there's nowhere to go to escape these feelings.

"...she had white hair."

"...no she didn't, in the pictures she had orange hair."

"She would hide it, so she looked like a regular fox hybrid."

"...oh."

"White hair was...very rare where we came from. So...on top of having a really cool name, she had a rare hair color. She was the talk of the community. Every girl was jealous of her. She was very popular."

He reached up to his red hair, paused. Made a face and drew his hood back up briefly. His face forming that blackness with barely a shape and now he could run his hand through the black hair he truly had.

"Mom used to call us the Yin and Yang of the family. Because we were pretty much exact opposites." He flopped the hood back down and then looked to Tommy expectantly.

The teen hesitated a little, then blurt out the next question on his mind.

"Eye color?"

"Brown! A little boring compared to the hair color I guess but considering the rest of us had white eyes...?"

"Yeah your glowing eyes are kind of freaky."

"Thanks!"

Tommy snorts as Bad takes it as a compliment. Lifting his head up with a little smile and the now human demon returns it.

"...got any more questions?" Bad offers then, tilting his head. "...I'd be willing to answer as much as I can."

He had a million of them.

Mom wasn't something they really talked about.

He doesn't even know where to begin.

Bad seemed to read his body language perfectly however. Chuckling a little. Smiling as he gets comfortable. "She thought you were going to be the first demon after her."

"Ha! I practically am!"

"Yeah! You showed all the signs as a baby. Sure you came out pale and human and looked every bit like Phil but she would always say, 'he's got the defiance, the spirit, he'll be biting us in no time'." The hero suddenly held up his arms.

As if he was holding Simba.

"And she'd parade you around to anyone who would listen. Even in public! Saying," He paused and his voice became more feminine. "Behold! My greatest creation!"

Tommy burst into a laugh at that.

"He will surely be the first demon in the family! He will burn down cities and start wars and steal everything shiny!" Tommy laughs harder.

He lowered his arms, voice returning to normal. "Of course she didn't out herself as a demon to just anyone. She wanted to give you guys a normal life and-"

"Hell naw, I wanna be proud of this demon blood! Tell everyone about it! This is the coolest thing I've learned about myself since that time I learned I can eat seventy pizza pockets in a day!"

"I'm glad. It's rare that someone is proud to be a demon."

Tommy hesitates then. His smile briefly morphing into a frown. Looking around. Upward and then down again. Fingers tapping anxiously at his arms. "Hey uh..."

"You can call me whatever you're comfortable with as long as it's not mean."

"Right uh...what's your human name again?"

"Darryl!"

"Right uh...so...Big D-"

"Oh god Tommy why-"

"Heh, suffer!" He sticks out his tongue and Bad's face flushes red but he's laughing a little. "so...uh..." He hesitates again. "...can you like...tell me more stories like that about her?"

"Of course."

"I just never...got to meet her and..."

"No, you did." Bad smiles. "I just wish you had the demon memory for it." He scooted a little closer. "She loved you, so much. She loved all of you so much. She never went a day without saying it if she could."

"...when we were kids. Waaaaay back in ancient times-"

"So mom was immortal?"

"...er...." Bad pauses, frowns. "...no." He says eventually. "She uh...she was a demon and a kitsune. All demons live pretty long lives but kitsunes can just...they just pretty much tack on the years as symbols of power and pride."

He gave a soft smile. "...she was careful, cautious. Wanted to spend as much of her time possible with those she loved." He chuckled a little. "Said she wanted to see me with a family one day."

"...how'd that go?"

"Still single!" Bad laughs and Tommy laughs with him. "I feel a little bad-er....a little upset, that I couldn't give her a nephew or a niece or just anyone extra to dote on but...she told me she rather me find the perfect someone than anything else."

He shrugs. "...but uh, she always told me when we were kids that she wanted a huge family. An army. She wanted warriors, scholars, the works." Tommy imagines if he had his tail, it'd be wagging. "When she met Phil, she practically kicked down my door to tell me he was the one."

A pause.

"Meeting your dad was the most awkward hour of my life..."

"Hurry up!"

"I can't just hurry up!" George snaps back at Wilbur. Who goes back to pacing. Hand to his mouth and posture hunched over. Tears speckled across his cheeks.

Ranboo is just as anxious. Curled in on himself and shaking. One leg constantly jittering while Tubbo holds him. Trying to keep him from the panic attack that's edging every bit closer.

Ant reaches out for Wilbur but the man practically snarls at him. "Don't touch me!" He demands and the cat shrinks back. "This is all your fault! All of you! Tommy could be dead and-"

"Wil." Phil says suddenly. Sternly. From his perch on the edge of the ravine. The part that was still stable. Watching over the darkness down below for any sign of life. He glances back and his son shoots him a look. "Tommy is alright."

"How can you be so sure?!"

"Because Bad jumped with him and-"

"You expect me to trust him?!"

"Yes!"

"WHY?! You haven't trusted him for sixteen years!" His voice raises a pitch, echoing across the caverns and everyone flinches at it. Averting their gazes from the father and son. Who stare each other down. "Uncle Darryl sure became scarce and you know what, Philza! I don't think it was his choice!"

"It wasn't." Ant grumbles and Wilbur rounds back on him.

"Stay out of this! I'm yelling at my father, not you!"

"Wilbur, come on-"

"No! Shut up! I'm-" Wilbur cuts off, throwing his hands up. Screaming again and storming off deeper into the tunnels. Into the darkness. Leaving behind his family and all they could hear was shouts and cusses following.

After a moment of awkward silence, George huffed.

"Go comfort your son, Philza."

"Don't tell me how to parent, George."

"Someone needs to."

Phil shoots the hero a look. Getting a tired one back as George kept his hands moving. Charging up his admin magic to do what he needed to do. Only looking back to it when he sees Phil falter. Just for a second.

"We'll watch the kids." Ant assures him and Phil looks back at him. Glancing at Techno still sound asleep beside him. Then looks over at Ranboo and Tubbo.

Both giving him looks of mixed emotions. Part of them wanting him to stay and other parts telling him to go. Tubbo makes the hand motion to send him off and he sighs heavily. Standing up, making his way towards Wilbur.

Dream moves to follow him and he stops the dreamon short. Motioning for him to stay. Not looking back as Dream whines after him.

"Wil!" He calls after a bit of searching. Holding up his phone to illuminate the darkness. "Wilbur Soot!" He says it firmer, just to immediately regret his choice of tone and force it back. "...Wil? Come on son, let me find you..."

He does eventually. Find him, that is. Curled up in a crack in the walls. Head held in hands. Beanie cast aside on the floor with his glasses placed on top. Sniffling and if Phil didn't know better, he'd see a fluffy fox tail curled around him.

Every bit like his mother in that moment. With how she'd hide away when she was upset. Hunch in on herself. Block out the world.

He sighs softly. Sets down his phone beside Wil's stuff. Keeping the light there for them to see and he makes his way over. Climbing upwards some to get to him. Taking the spot across from him to sit.

"Go away." Wilbur growls but he doesn't listen.

"Tommy will be al-"

"Shut up!" Wilbur snaps again, lifting his head to glare at his father. "Don't tell me he'll be alright! I won't know until I see him!" He tugs at his hair. Biting briefly into his arm to stop a fierce sob and he wipes uselessly at his face.

"...don't lie to me again." He whispers.

And Phil finds himself thrown back into the past. With two scared little boys looking up at him confused. Clutching each other's hands. Asking about their mother.

Phil smiling, ruffling their hair, telling them she'll be alright.

A lie he regrets.

Because they never even got to say goodbye to her.

He reaches out, slow and careful. Taking hold of Wilbur's arms and drawing them closer to himself. Wilbur is limp. Not fighting him despite his words. Exhausted and scared. Just like before.

Hands ghost over those scars and he just holds those arms. Grounding him.

"Deep breath."

"I don't want to..."

"I know. But try."

Wilbur tries and it barely makes it. A choking wet sound that barely gets any air in. "Good job." Phil tells him regardless and waits a bit before asking again.

They get through five breaths before Wilbur yanks his arms out of his grasp. He lets go, reluctantly. Knowing that sometimes his touch felt like fire.

"I promise Techno I'd protect everyone."

"That's not your job, Wilbur."

"YES IT IS!" His son looks up at him. Eyes wide with fear and regret. "It is! Don't you understand?! I'm the oldest brother! I've been here the longest! I'm the one who is there when you aren't!"

"I'm the one who is to protect all of you-!"

"You're doing it wrong!"

"Wilbur I-"

"You don't know the difference between protecting and hiding us!"

Phil's jaw slams shut. Staring at his son. Bewildered by the outburst. He leans back as Wilbur's tears start anew. "...you never understood! You...you just...you think if we never hear about the bad stuff, we'll be fine!"

He hiccups a shuddering breath. "...but when you hide us from the bad stuff, you take away the good stuff too!" He wipes at his eyes again. "...we don't even know Mom's name!" He squeaked out. "...if you told me, if she told me! I don't remember it! I can't tell Techno or any of the kids when they ask!"

"I can't tell them anything but what I remember and my memory is not perfect! It's filled with stuff only I saw! Only I heard! And they have questions that I don't have answers to and I can't ask you because you hide it! You hide it all!"

He lets out a long drawn out breath. "...that's not protecting dad. That's...that's denying us a really strong part of our lives."

There's a moment of silence between them and then Wilbur whimpers. "...didn't you love mom...?"

"O-of course, I did. I still do-I love her so much!"

"Then...why can't you talk about her?! Why do you just...push her away?! She's still a part of our lives even if she isn't here anymore!"

"Wilbur-"

"I hate that I'm forgetting so much of her because I can't talk about her! I try to and you just shut down! I hate that you just push me away from her!" He glanced to his arm. At his scars. "Do you think I did this just...just because it wasn't that important to me?! It's so important to me that I did this!" He shows both his arms.

"I thought you understood! I thought you-"

"Wilbur!"

"Why do you expect me to trust and do things your way if you won't even-!"

"WILBUR, I KILLED HER!"

His son freezes at that. Eyes wide and Phil hates himself for shouting that. His hand flies to his mouth. His own eyes filling with tears. Unable to stop them. He draws away from his son. Curls his wings close. Clutches tight to his shirt.

"...w-what...?"

Phil can't handle it. He can't do this. Not here, not now. He's not ready.

He pulls away further. Slips off the crack even as Wilbur calls for him. Dodges the hands that reach out to him and he runs. Wings flapping and trying to get him airborne but they fail him. He feels his heart start to race.

His mind run with it.

Bile rises up and he ducks into the darkness. Slipping away from the world he's not ready to face.

Wilbur calls after him weakly and he can't help but ignore it.

"And this was her's!" Bad handed Tommy the ear cuff. Which was pure gold and fashioned into a wing.

Tommy held it gingerly. Marveling at the shine of the metal and how it gave the appearance that feathers were actually around your ear. Holding it up to capture more of the minimal light they had.

"She just...like...casually wore this?"

"Yep! She was one for flair." Bad chuckled. "She figured she went far and wide for the riches, why not flaunt them? This one was actually made from gold she stole off a pirate ship back in the-"

"Mom robbed pirates?!"

"Yes!" The demon bounced where he sat. Overjoyed alongside Tommy. "She loved adventure! Exploring! She was a daring fighter but she never endangered herself too much! She only tackled things she knew she could handle!"

Tommy ran his fingers over it and his uncle smiled. Reaching to take it from him briefly. Just to help put it on his own ear. He ran his fingers over it again. Wishing he had a mirror. "Do I look like a hybrid?!"

"An avian!"

"Hell yeah!" He gave his best chirp and Bad clapped for him.

"Just like your father!"

"Man, I really hope I get wings! Or fox features! I just feel so weird being human when both of them were so cool!"

"Hey, humans are cool!"

"No they're not!"

"They totally are!" The demon laughed. "Humans are resilient! They can survive in almost any environment! They adapt to their surroundings! Us demons, we can barely tolerate the cold and we can't go across most holy grounds and don't get me started on the blood wells!"

"And egg cults?"

"The egg is a shining beacon of hope and prosperity that should be respected and-"

"Yeah yeah!" Tommy cut him off before he could rant. Laughing and then going to take the ear cuff off. Handing it back to his uncle. Who stared at it for a moment and then closed his hand over it. Pushing it back towards the teenager. "...what are you doing...?"

"Keep it." Bad smiled.

"...but...it's yours right? Like...something you have of mom's?"

"Yeah but...I rather you have it." He sighed softly. "It'd just be gathering dust in my collection of things from her if I kept it. With you, you'd clearly use it. Wear it. Show it off with pride just like she used to. She would've wanted that."

He smiled more brightly. "I have a million and one memories of her to live with. I want you to make your own! Even if she can't be here with us right now, she can live on in what we do and how we do it."

His hand reached up and ruffled Tommy's hair. Chuckling when the teen protested. Yelling something about how his hair was a mess already. "...she would be honored to have you wear something of her's."

Tommy glanced back down at the jewelry. Nodded and then reached to put it back on. "...thanks. It's...it's nice to hear that sort of thing." He sighed, bit his lower lip. Letting go once it was in place and his hands fell to his lap. "...dad doesn't tell me stuff like that."

"...I'm sorry, he should."

"...did...did he and mom have a fight before she...y'know...? Or something?"

"No, no, they were closer than ever when she passed." The demon waved his hands. "...but...grief is different for everyone I guess." He scratched his face gently. Looking a little nervous. "Uh...the other heroes and I...we don't remotely process grief the same as anyone else does."

He leaned back then. Sighing. "...we're kind of numb to it...kind of not. We don't go through all the stages anymore. We just...cry once, let go, and wait for each other to come back. If one of us doesn't...well...we don't know what we'd do, honestly."

"...that's rough, buddy."

"Did you just...did you just meme on me?"

"...you know what a meme is?!"

They snorted at each other. Burst into laughter and that's when a crack of light entered their shadows. Just a small little hole in the ceiling off to their right. They looked to it and now as they listened they could hear words.

"Bad, Tommy?!"

"George!" Bad perked up. "We're in here, we're alright!"

"Okay! Give me a bit, I need to make this area more stable! Do you have enough oxygen?!"

"Yes! I haven't been breathing!" The demon said it so casually and Tommy's head snaps up to look at him. With the new extra light and the way Bad's back is turned to him, he can see far more than he was meant to.

The bloody destroyed back of the demon. Who even in human form was still healing. Slowly. A regen potion taking its grand old time with repairing horrifying damage.

Bad had taken the brunt of the fall for him.

He chokes on his own voice. Eyes wide as he stares at it. Unable to look away until Bad turns back to him and rests a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Snapping him out of his daze. "Tommy! We're almost free! Your family will be so happy to see you!"

"Y-yeah...thanks Big D..."

George burst into a laugh on the other side. "DID HE JUST CALL YOU BIG D?!"

"GEORGE! FOCUS!"

Techno was awake by the time they got Tommy free. He awoke to a mess. Crawling back to the surface of consciousness to find Ranboo a wreck, Tubbo trying his best to be a big brother where he had no experience.

Tommy trapped below them, and Wilbur and Dad nowhere to be found.

Ant watching over them silently. Pushed away when he tried to comfort the kids. George down trying to rescue those trapped.

Dream sat on the side of the ravine. Staring down at the abyss. Emotionless and hidden behind that mask again.

So the first thing he did when he woke up and took stock of the situation was race to the kids sides.

He scooped Ranboo and Tubbo up into an awkward hug. Letting his human little brother burst into much needed tears. Having been his strongest for Ranboo but needing that reassure too. They both melted against Techno.

Clutched him like he was their only lifeline. He held them and whispered to them. Rocked them gently back and forth until their breathing settled. Distracted them from the crazy world around them with soft jokes and smiles.

When George called up that they were free, his voice echoing off the caverns like a gunshot-he jumped to his feet and guided them safely towards the edge to watch.

Bad was the first up. Climbing the wall in his demon form with steady claws. Moving slightly when part of the rock crumbled and finding new paths. Eventually bringing himself up over the edge and collapsing back with a deep breath.

Ant rushing over to check on him.

George flew.

Literally flew without wings.

Holding Tommy who cheered like he hadn't almost died just now before they touched down.

He held his arms up in triumph and Tubbo nearly tackled him back into the ravine.

Techno knew Tommy well. Knew that the confidence, the bravado, the jokes and the like were all just a front half the time. Knew that it would only be a matter of moments in that too tight to breathe hug that the tears would start flowing.

Which is why he was shocked when Tommy looked happier than he has been for a very long time. Grabbing Tubbo's arms to pull him into an awkward dance. That had his little brother laughing in confusion.

Voice going a mile a minute. "Tubbo! Tubs! My man! You're not going to believe this! Did you know mom used to be an international fencing champion?!"

What.

Techno stared at his brother, watching as Tubbo perked up at the information. As Tommy started to tell this heroic story of how their mother once defeated her opponent with her sword in her mouth instead of her hands. As part of a dare.

He catches sight of something glinting off the boy's ear.

Feels his lips quirk into a smile as he recognizes that jewelry.

Guides Ranboo over closer to hear the story. Beckoning Dream as well when the creature hesitates outside of their bubble. Wanting to join but nervous.

They sit down, they relax. They breathe and they listen.

"Where did you learn all of this...?" Ranboo asks quietly after a while.

Tommy doesn't hesitate to gesture to the demon a bit of ways away. Who is being properly healed by George and Ant. Checked over for any other wounds. "Uncle Bad! He knows everything about mom!"

When everyone looks to Bad, he shrugs with a smile. "Had to pass the time somehow!"

"Wait till you hear mom's name! It's so badass!"

"Language, Tommy!"

"Oh come on!"

"We're out of the hole, no more bad words!"

Tommy stuck his tongue out at the man and it was returned playfully. Then he turned to look around and ask, "Where's Wilbur?"

As if on cue, the man stumbled out of the darkness towards them. Hat lopsided, glasses tucked against his shirt. A phone in his grasp that hung loosely at his side. He wasn't really paying attention to where he was going.

Which meant he didn't see Tommy before the teen crashed into him. "Wilby!"

Wilbur blinked out of his haze. Stared down at the boy holding him so tightly and with a heavy sob he clutched him like his life depended on it.

"Ow-okay, big man, you're kind of hurting me."

Wilbur didn't let go.

"...Tech, Wil is scaring me..."

"Just...give him a moment, Tommy."

"O-okay." He does his best to give his brother a pat on the back and Wilbur just seems to hold him tighter. Which eventually does lead to Techno interfering. Just enough to scoop them both up into his arms like the rest and a big group hug.

Until the silence and moment is broken.

By Wilbur shaking Tommy by the face.

"IF YOU EVER FALL DOWN A RAVINE AGAIN, I WILL DIG YOU OUT BY MY OWN HANDS AND STRANGLE YOU!!!"

"TECH, WIL IS SCARING ME!!!!"

Chapter Text

"Okay, I think we all spent enough time in the cold gross cave." George said as he stood. Dusting off whatever was on his pants. Grimacing at something and then snapping his fingers.

Instantly he was cleaned off. Much to the chagrin of his comrades that looked messy still. He gave a sheepish smile back at them.

"George is right." Bad said after a moment. "It's not safe down here. Let's get you all somewhere better. No more ravine dives." The demon tail swished anxiously and he looked around. "Where's your father...?"

Everyone looked to Wilbur for the answer and the young man shrunk in on himself. Quiet. Arms cradling his own body. Biting his lower lip as he looked to the ground.

Techno reached out and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Probably run off." Wilbur eventually managed. A little bit of bite to his voice. "As he always does when he can't face his problems." He added the last part as a mutter under his breath. Heard by everyone regardless.

His brothers cringed, Techno scoffing a little. Bad nodding along and George and Ant exchanged looks of equal awkwardness.

"Well, we can find him." Bad says then, holding up the compass with a smile. Then looking it over. His face going from confident to confused in seconds. "...er..."

"What's up? Did it break?" Ant asked, leaning over him.

"Maybe? It says...it says Phil is right on top of us."

"Oh? Maybe he's a floor above us-"

"I can't fly but I can certainly drop, motherfucker!"

Bad didn't even get to protest about the language before Phil landed a solid kick to his head. Knocking him out cold as he landed on the stone where the demon once stood. Without hesitation he grabbed George by the shirt then.

Bringing him down on his knee and breaking his nose. When the hero was stunned by the pain he slammed him down on the ground and dropped a potion on him. Dodging the splash effect just barely.

Then he charged the remaining cat, whose fur was fluffing up in surprise. A hiss barely out of his throat.

Faster, faster than Phil but just barely. Jumping back away from the punch that nearly got him. Just to get a face full of wing. He sputtered and growled. Swiping at the feathers but they were replace by a foot.

A roundhouse kick that sent him slamming into the wall. A hit to the temple following and he was out cold like the rest of them.

Phil rounded on his sons then, eyes full of determination. Stance still trained like a professional fighter. "GO!" He said in a voice that could not be argued with and many of them flinched. "We're speedrunning this bitch!"

"Dad what-"

"GO!" He repeated again, firming and started to run at them. His kids didn't argue twice. Grabbing up their things and bolting away from him. Racing through the tunnels while Phil grabbed Dream by his backpack and turned him to face forward.

Once the dreamon got the hint and started running with them, Phil got ahead of his kids. Guiding them through the caverns and towards his destination. Down the mineshaft's narrowed hallways with no light.

Tubbo retrieved his phone just in time to show what lay up ahead.

The pale glow of lava becoming brighter and brighter.

Only blocked by pillars of pure black stone.

Obsidian.

"...YOU BUILT A PORTAL?!" Tommy gasped out when he saw it. Awestruck briefly before Phil called back to Dream. Who perked up at the sight of the portal and adjusted his mask to show his teeth.

Bringing his rock up to light a spark and the portal exploded with energy. A bright purple haze overtaking the center.

Ominous sounds flooding through it. Particles drifting off that matched Ranboo's own that sometimes appeared.

They all stood frozen momentarily at the sheer power of the thing before Techno and Dream jumped through.

"This is the craziest roadtrip we've done-" Tommy began but Phil pushed him through. Turning to the other kids who flinched under his gaze. Tubbo apologizing as he darted into the portal and Ranboo ducking in after.

All that left was Wilbur.

Who stared at his father.

Who stared back.

Then averted his eyes and went in before his son.

"...YOU CAN'T KEEP DOING THIS!" Wilbur shouted at nothing, scowling before he took a deep breath and jumped through as well.

Caught on the other side by Techno who was helping everyone land safely. The portal itself partially hovering above the red rock terrain.

The heat was instant, overwhelming. The atmosphere the same. Yet it was also familiar to the two oldest, to Dream, and their father. So they adjusted fast where the others didn't.

Phil didn't give them much time to change that however. Gesturing like his sons were a makeshift army. "Piglins." He said firmly, "There should be a bastion two regions over. Near the Northwest Warped Forest."

He ignored the glare on his back that Wilbur sent him.

"Do...do we have enough water for that?!" Tubbo asked, glancing in his bag. Shuffling the contents and then glancing to Ranboo who let out a concerned noise.

"Ration it."

"Dad!"

"Okay Philza Minecraft, I think you are crossing the line-"

"What the hell big man!"

"D-dad?!"

Phil rounded on them. Anger lacing his features but they could see the lingering frustration and sadness in his eyes. Wings puffed up in a stressed manner. Showing that he wasn't thinking well through any of this.

Running, just like Wilbur said.

"Do you want to spend another three months running from the heroes?!" He demanded. "Do you want to see another one of you possibly die?!" His words make Tommy flinch. Ranboo letting out a louder noise of distress. Backing up away from the man.

"I didn't think so! So we're getting those supplies and we're getting to the End and we're not looking back until we do! We don't have time for this! Sapnap is already on his way towards them, knocking them out won't be a permanent solution! George will probably stave off that potion and-"

"Dad!" Wilbur snapped again but was ignored.

"You all wanted to do this! So we're doing it!"

"WHO GOT US INTO THIS MESS IN THE FIRST PLACE?!" The shout should've been expected...from Wilbur.

Not from Tubbo. Who inched forward. Fear in his eyes but taking his spot in front of Ranboo protectively. As if he was shielding him from their father. "WHY ARE YOU YELLING AT US WHEN YOU'RE THE GUY WHO INSISTED ON BRINGING DREAM HOME FROM PRISON!??"

"...Tubbo-" Tommy reached out and his hand was knocked away. His little brother giving a brief sniffle.

Hands going up to his face to wipe away the tears. "I don't like being yelled at..." He whimpered.

"Way to go dad." Techno growled, Wilbur pushing past him to reach out and draw Tubbo into a hug. "Anything else you want to ruin today?!"

Phil flinched at the words. Looking away again. A scowl on his features but he just turned his back to his kids and started walking. "Come on." He ordered, wings now held close to his body. Trembling.

Everyone could read his body language where words failed him.

Techno released a heavy sigh, watching his father walk away. Glancing to his remaining family. Who all looked to him for leadership at this moment. He couldn't blame them.

He was the strongest, he was the most knowledgeable. He was humble.

The last part was a joke.

"Deep breath." He told everyone, raising his hands up and they all took it. Some more shaky than others. Glancing up to see Dream waiting for them halfway through the distance to their father. "...Ranboo, how much obsidian do you have on you?"

The poor hybrid just let out a noise. Not really able to communicate. Techno nodded regardless. "Okay, if anyone runs out of water. Come to me. Try to drink slowly and carefully. I know the nether feels like you're dying constantly but you're not, trust me."

"If push comes to shove, I'll get us out of here."

He turned back to the portal they came from. Frowned, eyes narrowing and he looked back to Dream. "...Dream, diamond?"

The dreamon summoned his axe.

"No."

The pickaxe then. And Techno took it when offered, climbing up to begin working on taking the portal apart.

He listened the entire time as Wilbur placated their little brothers.

"Dad's not mad at you. I promise. He's just being a whiny bitch baby."

It got a few nervous chuckles.

"Hurt?" Dream asked as he ventured closer and Wilbur looked up at him. Nodding and clarifying the hurt was inside. Dream tilted his head, slowly going to remove his mask and then reach out.

Awkwardly petting Tubbo's hair.

"...awww, look at Dream. Trying to comfort you."

"Good effort," Tubbo gave a half-hearted laugh. Reaching to fix his hair and smiling the best he could at the dreamon. Who smiled back.

Tommy gave a smile as well, before walking past them. Standing on the edge of a rocky incline to look out at his father. Who had stopped only when he was nearly out of their sight.

Waiting with almost an impatient posture on the path he was making.

"...what's wrong with Dad, Wilbur?"

"...a lot. We had a fight."

"...a bad one huh?"

"Well I don't really think there's such a thing as a good fight, Toms."

"Debatable!" Techno called from over their heads. He dropped down then, grunting a little with the impact. Taking his cape off to fold it up and put it in his bag. "Sometimes you just need to improvise a toothpick and knock someone's teeth out."

"Your experiences are not universal, Techno."

"But I'm experienced regardless." The hybrid shrugged. "Fighting can relieve tension! You can hate someone all you want but after you crush their skull it's like everything falls into the past! You can begin anew."

"...they're dead though."

"And that's the greatest benefit of all."

He could see the slight unease on his brothers, so he dropped the subject then. Sighing as he moved to scoop Ranboo up. Easing the incredibly tall hybrid onto his shoulders like it was nothing.

Ranboo let out a noise like he might teleport away but then relaxed in the position. His tail curling around Techno's shoulders. A chunk of obsidian being handed to him that he cradled close.

"Alright, let's get a move on. If we want Dad to stop doing his weird coping mechanism we should get this done fast."

They started walking, following the netherrack safely around. Hearing distant cries of creatures and the bubbling of lava not too far off. Wilbur kept his arm around Tubbo for now. Rubbing his shoulder occasionally and Tommy took the lead.

"...has dad done this before?" Tubbo asked after a moment of awkward quiet.

"Yeah." Both Wilbur and Techno answered at the same time. Exchanging brief looks of surprise.

"After uh...after Wilbur had a thing...Dad took several weeks off from us." Techno admitted, a little awkward with the story. "...we always knew he had a wanderlust. Our old man can barely stay in one spot. Settling down in our house was probably torturing him in some way."

He sighed dramatically. "...he just...kind of left. I mean, we weren't going to die or anything. He made arrangements for us and Wilbur and I weren't exactly young but..."

"He still basically ran off." Wilbur concluded. Rolling his eyes. "Came back like nothing happened. Started taking care of us like a father again. Thought we'd just...forget it, I guess."

"We didn't." The brothers said in unison again. Both wearing equal scowls.

Tommy glanced back. "Was that the first time you told dad to 'fuck off', Wilby?"

"Yep!"

"I think I remember that."

"I'm glad I could imprint such a cherish-able moment on your childhood forever." Wilbur hummed, clapping his hands together like he had a brilliant idea. "I should've punched him too!"

"Wilbur!" Techno suddenly barked and the older brother flinched. Looking to him. Finding a smile there on his lips. "You wouldn't have done any damage. I should've punched him."

They laugh, though filled with miserable tones it's light. Fun. A breath of fresh air against the oppressive heat and mood. As they get closer to the man ahead of them he starts to move again. Leading them along wherever.

Dream sticking back with most of the pack for now.

Only occasionally breaking away from them to bite into a chunk of gold in the walls.

"I really hate it when he does that."

"It's very unnerving, not going to lie."

"I wonder what it tastes like."

"Surprisingly not that bad."

"Wilbur, I don't trust you to tell anyone here what something tastes like."

As they descended down an incline they had to work together. With Techno passing off Ranboo to Tubbo. Who took his hand and guided him down. Jumping down ahead of them to help them one by one.

Catching Tommy when he slips and hauling him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes while he waited for Wilbur.

Not bothering to change that as they started walking again.

His little brother just hung there limp, crossing his arms otherwise with a pout. Not bothering with his usual mouthing off and it raised a bit of concern from his brothers. Any words they planned on saying however were lost when an enderman suddenly appeared in their path.

"Oh, that's a bit far away from the forest." Techno notes as Ranboo perks up immediately.

Strutting forward to greet his new friend and dragging poor Tubbo with him as he didn't bother to let go of the smaller one's hand.

"Guess this calls for a break."

"Dad's still moving."

"He can take a break too." Growled Techno and he sat Tommy down. Grunting as he took a seat as well and soon had a lap full of Wilbur. "...might help break Ranboo out of that state either way."

He glanced over his shoulder as Ranboo happily showed off his obsidian block. The enderman he was talking to didn't have a block yet but seemed very excited over seeing the obsidian. Probably not a common material for them to hold.

Tubbo nervously averting his eyes the entire time but staying loyally beside his brother.

Dream hesitated a bit of ways between them and their father. Seemingly trying to make a choice of who he wanted to follow now. Then his gaze drifted downward instead. Towards a lava lake a bit of ways off to the left.

He tilted his head slightly. Listening to something.

Then darted away towards Phil.

Philza was stopped ahead of him. Perched up on a ridge and overlooking his next destination. When he glanced back, he paused at the sight of Dream. Waiting momentarily. Sighing heavily when Dream gave a curious noise.

Dream had many questions. Most of which he couldn't voice. Mainly wanting to know why the pack leader was separating himself.

He stopped short of Philza, tilting his head and chirping again. Mimicking the sounds the hybrid makes.

Philza doesn't greet him.

Looks away when he gets closer.

"Hurt?" Dream asks and gets no answer.

Ignored.

He didn't like that.

He huffed a little, standing up on two legs now. Venturing closer and closer until he's side by side with Philza. Mask still off so he could gaze directly at those eyes. That avoided him.

When he stepped in front of the leader, Philza purposefully turned around.

Now Dream couldn't help it, he whined in frustration. "Philza!"

The man sighed heavily, ran a hand through his hair and finally looked at Dream. Who waited impatiently there. Maybe he was glaring a bit. But Philza was upsetting him.

"Come off it, mate. Let's just...keep running. Find a blaze den, some piglins, get out of here and get you to the End."

"No!"

"Wha-...what do you mean, no?!" Philza gave him a look. Frowning. His wings puffing up. "Dream, the entire point of this was to-"

Dream crouched back down onto all fours.

And headbutted Philza back towards the pack. The family.

Philza stumbled, let out an alarmed noise but caught himself before he fell off the edge. Dream didn't hesitate to do it again.

Watching with mild delight as Philza fell completely off the edge and landed hard on the rocky terrain below. A chortle of a creature nearby echoing after the scene and Dream grinned.

Jumping down to join him.

Philza retrieved his hat, grumbling and muttering something. Rubbing his back as he did. The look he gave Dream was even angrier than before. "Seriously?!" He demanded and Dream huffed back at him.

Whatever he said, the dreamon would deal with it later. Right now, he couldn't have the pack separate. He nudged Philza again. More gentle this time. Just to be met with a hand to his face that pushed him rather roughly back.

He stumbled now, giving a protest noise and there was the briefest smile on Philza's face.

It melted away fast.

"I'm not going over there." The leader growled. "I'm giving my kids space."

Dream couldn't understand that, but he was pretty sure it was a refusal to move. So he replied, "No."

Philza sighed loudly. Hand going up to rub his face and he gave Dream a tired look. "...alright, language lesson, I guess."

He gestured out around them. "Space!" He said.

Dream looked around. Confused. Philza gestured between him and the pack. "Space!"

The dreamon glanced over at the young ones, tilting his head. "Family?"

"Family." Philza pointed at them. Then gestured to the area between them. "Space." Then pointed at himself. "Philza."

Oh! ...it was the word for the distance, apparently.

"Space, no." Dream moved to headbutt him again and got a face full of hand once more. Pushing him away.

"Space, yes. Dream space for Philza."

Dream huffed at that, sitting down maybe an arm's length away. Pouting, really. Yes, he'd admit that he was pouting. He wanted Philza to go back to the young ones! They were unhappy!

But he had more endurance than Philza. He could wait. Until Philza decided this space was stupid.

Philza eyed him briefly. Rolled them and sighed. "...look mate, we had a fight." He looked conflicted for a moment before he tries to explain in a way Dream can understand. "...Philza hurt Family."

"No hurt!"

"Yes hurt! Philza hurt family! So Philza space Family!"

Dream frowned. How would that help anything? If family was hurt, Philza should fix their injuries. He paused then, thinking about it. Wilbur had taught him that hurt was sometimes inside. So...maybe Philza hurt the insides.

"Philza sorry." He concluded and the hybrid nodded at him.

"Yeah...Philza sorry."

No, don't tell Dream that! The dreamon wanted to smack Philza upside the head! Telling the family he was sorry would be better wouldn't it?! Wilbur kind of made Dream feel slightly better when he said sorry. He doesn't know why but it did.

Sorry seemed like a good word among these creatures.

He moved to push Philza towards them but the leader almost growled at him.

"Push me again, Dream, and we're going to have a fight."

He hesitated, frowned, studying the leader's expression. What did that mean? He doesn't know. But now he wanted to debate if he wanted to chance whatever that meant. Philza was a strong leader and could no doubt do many powerful things.

Fine, he'd relent. He wouldn't make Philza do it but he'd go do it on Philza's behalf!

He turned away, preparing to visit the younger ones when he was suddenly yanked back. A hand on that strange thing they made him wear. Philza glaring down at him.

"I know that look, you're not going to tell them sorry for me! That's not okay." He pulled Dream back, let go and shook a finger in Dream's face. "Listen, this isn't something that can just be repaired with a sorry. We'll deal with it once we get you to the End and-"

Dream didn't listen, didn't understand. He didn't know most of those words so he turned to leave again and was yanked back. Hissing in protest at the leader who looked angrier.

"Dream! No!"

"Dream, yes!"

Techno looked up as his sensitive ears caught the shouting starting. Frowning as he glanced over at his father. Who stood up at the bottom of a ridge and was shouting at Dream. Who was backing up, posture like a hissing cat.

He frowned, sighing. "Wil, dad is shouting at Dream."

Wilbur looked up, scowled, and pulled himself out of Techno's lap. "Dad, come on! He can't understand any of that!" He moved to stand. Intent on making his way over to stop it. Techno going to follow him for support.

No sooner had they both stood did a chill wind hit them. Blowing past them, towards their father and their dreamon. It stopped them dead in their tracks. Techno whirling around for a threat and Wilbur brought his hands to his arms.

"...did...did you feel that-?" He asked his brother and Techno nodded. "Why is it suddenly chilly in the-" His eyes widened. Clueing in some things together and that's when Techno recognized the feeling as well.

Both of them looked back at their father. Who was still yelling, still gesturing, his face red and his voice no doubt hoarse at this point. At the dreamon who was backing up still. Eyes wide and fear visible even from here.

They started running towards them.

"DAD!" Wilbur yelled. "DAD STOP!"

"PHILZA!" Techno echoed after him. Leaving behind the three very confused younger brothers. "PHILZA, YOU GOTTA STOP!!!"

Their warnings never made it to the man in time. As soon as he did stop, giving them confused looks, Dream's form was changing.

Shifting out of that human visage into that huge imposing true form. Towering over Philza and casting a shadow against the rest of the world around them. Until that monstrous creature loomed with all eyes pointed at the man who stood frozen.

Dream roared.

A sound a lot like thousands of children screaming in horror at once. The mouth across his stomach spitting with the noise.

Then the wings suddenly burst from his back and he disappeared like a black swirling mist up into the sky of the nether.

Phil dropped to his knees, shaking, right as his son's caught up to him.

"Dad are you okay-"

"What the fuck were you thinking-"

"You know he can't understand you-"

"You don't just yell at a child for no reason-"

Whatever sense his two oldest tried to drill into his brain at that moment went unnoticed. His eyes still staring blankly where that smiley faced mask had once been. Only when Techno touched his shoulder did he move.

Eyes rolling up in his head and body falling limp against the stone.

For all the anger Techno and Wilbur had, it faded instantly into worry. Their screams reaching the other kids.

It didn't take long for them to be joined then. Tubbo pulling Ranboo along, the curious enderman following them as well. Tommy's eloquent words the first thing said.

"Oh god, dad is dead?!"

Techno crouched down to check his father's pulse. "No." He said after a moment. Watching a relieved sigh overtake all of his siblings at once. He grabbed Phil's chin, lifting his head briefly to look over his skin. "...it looks a lot like what happens to Wil."

"Oh he's going to have fun, then." Wilbur snorted, breathing a sigh. Hand running through his hair. Muttering a soft 'serves him right' briefly before he looked around. "...I don't think we have enough resources to set up camp and wait it out, though...do we?"

Techno shook his head, they definitely didn't. "Dream still has the pickaxe too." He stood straight, glancing up to where the dreamon had disappeared to. No clue otherwise to his location.

"I doubt he wants to be found right now." He sighed. "Our best bet is to probably continue...and hope we run into him and Dad wakes up before we need him."

"And if neither happen?"

"Pick a god and pray." It was meant to be a joke but his siblings gave him equal looks of frustration. He shrugged. "...we'll deal with that if it comes to that. I can write down a million plans but a well laid plan is useless against the god of chance."

"...Techno is getting really poetic, we're screwed aren't we?"

Phil felt something cold on his forehead. Forcing his eyes open to the almost blinding lights. Cringing and groaning as he shut them quickly again.

"Oh! Sorry, sorry, hang on!"

He heard something move, the sizzle of an old torch go out, and then that coolness was pressed tighter. Dabbed around his head. Which he realized was very sweaty.

Once again, he looked and was met with much dimmer lighting. Just the crackle of a fireplace nearby keeping the room he was in lit up. And crouched over him was a woman he never met before.

But yet part of him felt like he knew her. With her vibrant rainbow hair that curled and bounced down past her lower back. Sheep ears and small horns. A bright smile on her face as she looked to him.

Filled with love, he recognized that.

"There we go, isn't that better?" She asked, rinsing out the cloth and dunking it back into a basin of cool water. Wringing it out before she put it back on his forehead. "Poor little duckling."

Duckling? He blinked slow, confused, looking around at the strange room. With outdated technology, furs and wool instead of linens. A rustic hand built feel to it all. The couch he thought he had been resting on was actually a cot.

Where was he?...when was he?

Who was she?

"Is this your first time being sick?" She asked him, not seemingly waiting for an answer. Chuckling a bit. "I knew from the moment I saw you today, you had a fever. A bad one." Tutted like a parent.

"You know better than to follow me around in the cold winter rain, silly." She smiled. "I'll be there when the rain stops, you know that. I promise." She stood and he was suddenly overwhelmed by the urge to grab her wrist.

To stop her from leaving his bedside.

He didn't have the strength for it however so he just let out a pained whine instead. She paused her movements. "Shhh, I'll be right back. Just grabbing you something to drink and eat."

He whined again, outside of his control and she shook her head fondly. Hands on her hips. "Dream." She said firmly. "Let me go to the kitchen. I'll grab your favorite bread if you let me."

A compromise. Fine, he'd settle for that and stopped his whining. Her laughing as she walked away then.

Only when she was gone did Phil snap fully back to his senses. Dream?...she called him...Dream?

...forget who was she, who was he?

She returned shortly and he felt a strange sensation of relief at seeing her. Her hands full of an old ceramic plate and a cup. Setting them down on the floor rather than a table and taking a seat on the edge of the cot.

"Can you sit up?" She made motions as she spoke, clearly communicating through a barrier and he complied. Nodding. Feeling her reach past him to adjust a pillow. "That's it. Good boy." She offered him the water first.

It felt like heaven and he drank it down in a second. Earning another laugh from her as she took it. "Don't eat the cup. I've already lost three to you."

"Alright, let's try some of this first." She held up a spoon. Full of some strange soup. The smell of which was nauseating and he suddenly regretted constantly offering his kids soup when they were sick.

Turning his head away when she tried to feed it to him. "Oh I know, when you're sick everything smells and tastes gross. But you got to put something on your stomach." She sighed. "Preferably not my iron I collected the other week."

She tried again and he resisted once more. Whining a soft 'no' that had her smiling. "Good word use! But yes, just a bite! Come on!"

He eventually relented and swallowed down the spoonful. Hissing low in his throat as he did. "Oh you're not dying, shush."

She tried again and he ate it again, wanting nothing more than to run away right now but his body was sore. Running was definitely not an option. And part of Phil, buried deep under whatever this was, wanted answers.

After ten spoonfuls, she set the utensil back in the bowl and retrieved a loaf of bread off the plate. Breaking a part off and holding it up for him. "Reward!" She said and he recognized that word. Perking up.

He ate that food happily. Practically purring.

It tasted amazing.

It went like for a while. Ten spoonfuls of soup was rewarded with that special bread. Which may have been coated in cinnamon and raisins, he wasn't sure. And when he had finished the bowl he could have as much as he could eat of the rest of the bread.

Only getting halfway through the last bit before he grew tired and laid back down in the cot. The woman petting through his hair gently. "It'll be okay." She promised, "Sickness goes away almost all the time."

He felt his eyelids grow heavy and she chuckled warmly. "Let me tell you a story then." She did, a lengthy one that he tried to stay awake for. Always loving to listen to her talk. But it was calming and it didn't take too long for him to drift away to sleep.

A promise when he woke up again, she'd be there.

Phil, it's okay...it's okay.

Tell them how much I love them.

Remind yourself, how much I love you.

It's okay, Phil...it's going to be okay...

Don't blame yourself...

"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!" Sapnap was yelling at him now. Clutching him by his shirt. Screaming in his face. Tears on the edges of his eyes but anger all over. "What the hell, Dream?! That was fucked up!"

Behind him, Bad clutched the limp body of Ant. Talking to him in a hurried low voice. Trying to get him to drink a potion the best he could when the cat wasn't moving. Of course he wasn't moving.

Phil made sure of that.

He smiled back at Sapnap and got a punch to the face for it. It didn't hurt but it was enough to knock him off his feet in this two legged form. Hitting the ground softly and looking up as his friends walk away from him.

Converge around Ant.

George glancing back to him briefly before scowling.

Phil gets back to his feet. Summons his weapon and George shouts as he darts forward.

"DREAM NO-!"

"Dream stop! THE GAME IS OVER!"

"DREAM!"

I miss mom...

I miss her too, buddy.

Chapter Text

It's demon nature, you know.

Rulers.

Fighters.

Predator.

Prey.

Nesters, that watch over the young.

Adventurers, that see the world.

Those, that bathe in blood and nothing but it.

Demons are at their core, black and white.

That's why I'm thankful, my boys...will never be full demon. So they can take the world as they want it. They can be their own person.

"Oh."

"Yeah, this little guy is different, isn't he?"

"...are those...are those pointed ears?"

"Looks like it! And...he has the tiniest little tail."

"Heh. Well aren't you special...Wilbur, come here. Come meet your baby brother."

"...Wil? Why won't you come closer sweetie? It's okay."

"...what if I scare him..."

"What? Oh no, you won't scare him. He's new to the world...he's probably super curious about you! He waited a long time to meet all of us!"

"Here little guy, how about...mommy holds him...and I hold you!"

"...mommy, how did you get him out?"

"...we'll tell you when you're older, Wilbur."

"...can I name him?"

"Ha, no!"

"...wait a minute, Phil."

"...you can't be serious. He named the stray dog L'Dog."

"Phil."

"...alright Wilbur, what would you name your baby brother?"

"..."

"...don't think too hard buddy, your nap is a few hours off."

"...Techno!"

"Techno? Oooh that's actually a very pretty name, Wilbur."

"...huh, I guess it could be worse."

"Like the music?"

"Like the music!"

"...are we seriously considering naming our second kid Techno?"

"hmm...maybe it's the pain medication wearing off but I like it a lot."

"You would."

"...let's add a bit to it, however. Something that takes from you. The great and powerful Philza Minecraft."

"....we're not giving him my middle name."

"Bad would never forgive us."

"...heh, okay let's just...go balls in I guess. Why not add Blade? Since I always carry one and you said demons are warriors."

"Techno...Blade...Minecraft."

"Technoblade!"

"Why not? He can hate us when he's sixteen!"

Phil's house was always loud and busy. Techno may have wound up the quieter of the two children but what he didn't do with his voice he made up for with his actions.

Which is why it didn't surprise him that when Wilbur turned seven and Techno turned four, the two were at war constantly.

And that's when Techno really started to show signs he wasn't fully human.

"DAAAAAD! MOOOOOM!!!" Wilbur burst into the house, tears rolling down his cheeks. Screaming his head off until he eventually found Phil and tackled his legs. Holding on for dear life as the man stumbled.

Letting out a startled chirp.

"Hey! Hey whoa! Easy! I need those to walk!" He managed to set his mug off on a flat surface safely before he dropped down and scooped the child up.

Grimacing a little because Wilbur seemed to be growing taller by the day. "What's wrong, Wil?"

He just barely managed to make out through the deep heavy sniffles that Techno had done something. Trying to soothe the kid to get an appropriate answer. That wasn't needed however.

As in the next second, the four year stumbled in. The entire front of his overalls and blue shirt caked in blood.

"TECHNO!" Phil yelped and his shout alongside Wilbur's screams had his wife rushing out of the laundry room to them.

She didn't hesitate to embrace their second child. Not a care in the world for the amount of blood she'd get on herself. Scooping him up and checking him over for wounds. Sighing with relief when she found none.

Pausing only to sniff him and frown. "...oh...oh baby..." She cooed as the poor little guy started to cry as well. When he opened his mouth, his teeth were stained with blood as well.

"Shhh, it's okay..." She bounced him gently, carrying him towards the bathroom. "It's okay, let's get you cleaned up."

Techno's first kill was a goat from the neighbor's farm.

Wilbur had nightmares for weeks on end.

And Techno refused to eat meat for two months.

"It's normal." She reassured them over dinner one night. Sitting down and smiling like the most gruesome act a four year could commit hadn't happened. "...my first kill was a griffin."

"She rolled in its blood for hours." Bad laughed, like this was funny.

"We should probably get a blood well."

"Oh! You can do what we did! Where mom and dad had us put our claws in the stone!"

"That would be so cute!"

Wilbur sat in his lap one night. Not really looking at him. Kicking his legs painfully against his own. He didn't complain however. Just brushing his son's hair gently as he listened to the ramblings of an eight year old who sounded like he had been to war and back.

"I don't want a baby sibling!" He said for the fourth time. "I don't! Techno's annoying enough! We don't need more!"

He threw his hands out wide. Dramatic in his actions. "The other day Techno took my blanket!"

Phil chuckled, shaking his head. "Do you know why he took it?"

"Because he's a shithead!"

"Wilbur!"

"He is!"

He clamped a hand over his son's mouth. To stop further mouthing off and smiled down at him as he leaned back. "...remember how Techno is scared of the dark?" Wilbur nodded. "Well, your blanket makes him feel safe."

Lifting the hand, he got a confused, "WHY!" Loud and almost giving him a headache right then and there.

"...because that's what family does." Phil sighed. "...you know how when you get a bad dream, you come running to mommy and I?" Another nod. "You're like that for Techno. You make him feel safe like mommy and daddy do for you."

"...oh." He huffed a pout. Crossed his arms. "...well he should still ask!"

"Well, maybe you should ask him politely to ask you from now on."

"And then we punch him!"

"You know for someone who doesn't like his little brother you sure do take his advice a lot."

"Tommy's a boring name!"

"Wilbur, let your father pick his name. I got to pick your's and you picked Techno's. Tommy is a great name!"

"Techno's name for him is cooler!" Wilbur huffed, resting his head on the table. Glancing over at Techno who somewhat mimicked his posture. The two almost twins for the moment. With brown hair, brown eyes. The only difference being the pointy ears and tail of Techno. "What was it again?"

"Feeseeush." Techno muttered against his arms. Still struggling with word pronunciation but Phil is pretty sure he saw that name in a book somewhere in his son's massive collection.

"That!"

"Well too bad!" Phil stuck his tongue out. "We're naming him Tommy!"

"Well, we probably should pick out a name more professional for when he's being a little monster." His wife chuckles, patting her round stomach. Rubbing a specific spot that he knew the newest hellion had been kicking constantly. "...like Thomas or something."

"...fine, Tomathy."

"That's not a real name!"

"It is now, Wilbur! Bite me!" He laughed at his son's face. Immediately having to dodge when that little hint of demonic nature came through and the eight year old actually did try and bite him. "Too slow!"

He bent down, scooping his son up back into his arms. Smiling and it's soon returned.

"How many more brothers am I going to get?"

"Well, your mom wants an army."

"How many is that?"

"Depends on fee enemy."

Techno's response had everyone looking to him with mild confusion. He gave a pout. Shrugging. "Whut?"

"We expected you to be a demon, little guy."

"He might still be! It may take a while for his features to come in."

"True, surprised he wasn't born with teeth though."

"He's still trying to bite you, at least."

"Yeaaaaah, Tommy no, we don't bite people without reason."

"Techno does!"

"Wilbur don't encourage your newborn brother."

"DAD! Tommy won't stop biting me!"

"Where's his teether??"

"Techno stole it!"

"...okay, I need to buy more teething toys apparently."

Techno sat in his bed, rubbing his cheeks as he whined softly. Looking up at Phil with tears in his eyes. Wilbur and Tommy sat nearby, taking turns making faces as he opened his mouth to show what's been bothering him.

Two holes where his bottom baby teeth once stood. Now bloody and the tips of sharper canines coming in.

"Looks like someone is getting some fangs." Phil chuckled, used to being covered in grime at this point as he smoothed pain relieving gel on the boy's gums. Not a care for what would happen to his fingers.

"I want fangs!" Tommy protested instantly and Wilbur shot him a look.

"You wanna be in pain?!"

"If it gets me fangs!"

"Boys, don't shout. Techno doesn't feel good." They both muttered apologies in unison. Wilbur not hesitating to move closer to his younger brother. Wrapping an arm around him in a loose hug.

"It hurt when my big teeth came in too!" He said in his best explanation. "It goes away!"

"How long...?"

"Long enough for the tooth fairy to make you rich!"

Phil chuckled, reaching to brush through that pinking hair of Techno's. Petting it and pausing to study his ears. Which were flopping over slightly with all the other changes. That tail that could once be considered a rat's now curling as well.

His son's hybrid features were coming in and they were hitting like a train.

"He'll be okay." He promised everyone. "And then we'll have an even cooler Techno on our hands!"

Smiles but silence followed his words, until Techno's face tinted green. "...dad I'm gonna throw up..."

OH! No, no, no Dream! Try to get it in the bucket or outside-!

...oh you poor thing.

It's okay, don't cry. Shhh, I'll clean you up.

It was an accident. I know. I know. You didn't mean to.

I can tell when you're sorry, Dream. It's okay.

Phil wakes up to explosions. Something that should've alarmed anyone with a normal life but he takes a moment to breathe in, breathe out. Listen for the screaming of his kids. When it all sounds calm, he doesn't exhaust himself by jumping to his feet.

He sits up carefully and brushes his hair out of his face.

In some makeshift sleigh that he knew Techno had fashioned ages ago for wounded carrying. He's alone but not entirely.

His kids are a few meters away.

His gaze falls on them and he can't look away.

Not with those memories still fresh in his mind.

Despite everything going on, they were brothers. That's something that was cemented into Tommy's mind as Techno leaned over him. Adjusted his posture. Adjusted his hands on the crossbow.

Even if he had failed his previous attempt to shoot this. Resulting in a painful arrow to his brother's ear, Techno was still willing to teach him. Still willing to give him a second chance. Which was what brothers did.

Something Tommy loved about his family.

"Now, obviously in combat you have to be faster than this but don't rush yourself now." Techno was saying, pointing in the direction Tommy was to shoot. Guiding his hands there too. "Deep breath."

Tommy listened, biting his lower lip and then fired when Techno told him.

Firing a firework was nothing like firing an arrow. It sizzled to life immediately. Crackling through the air as it was propelled by more than just the shot. Not interrupted by any wind even if there was none in the Nether.

It hit the ceiling far away from them and exploded into a myriad of colors. He couldn't help it, he cheered. Nearly flinging the crossbow but it was caught by Techno who let out an impressed hum.

"Good job. You barely noticed the kickback."

"Better than you?"

"Well, yeah but you had my guidance. I had to learn on my own." His brother rolled his eyes but there was a smirk under his mask. Proud but trying not to show it. Tommy loved that about his family.

That even in the middle of traversing hell itself and dealing with all they had to deal with right now, they still took time to do little things like this.

It meant the world to him.

"Can I try?" Tubbo asked eagerly, bouncing up to them with hands in front of him. Ready to beg and Techno glanced back at their youngest brother, Ranboo. Who was huddled close to Wilbur.

Sharing Wil's phone with earbuds in as his brother loudly distracted him from the loud noises. His anxiety had waned some but not entirely and they were treating it the best they could while still moving.

Wilbur glanced over and gave the thumbs up.

"Sure, we can do another round." Techno grabbed another firework. Going through the same motions and explanations he had with Tommy.

And Tommy not wanting to be a distraction turned to head back over to his remaining family.

The hybrid letting out little noises as he bobbed his head. Tail swishing happily behind him.

"What are we listening to?" Tommy asked and Wilbur showed him his phone.

"I introduced him to Camila Cabello."

"Isn't that the girl who is all sad and shit?"

"It speaks to my teenage soul." Ranboo replied to that, a little loud over the music but it was like that to deafen the explosions. Smiling as he sees Tommy laugh. "I will write six poems just from this one song."

"Do you actually write poetry or-"

"I will not answer that without a lawyer present."

They all flinched as an explosion rocked the area around them. Glancing back over to Tubbo and Techno. Where the two stood, watching the ceiling of netherrack crumble and descend into lava.

Then slowly Techno reached out, took the crossbow back, and patted Tubbo on the back. "No more explosives for you."

"Awww! But it was fun!"

"Wilbur, brother swap!"

"No, I keep the calm one, you keep the murderous one!"

"Hey, what about me?!"

"Tommy, your chaos is a shared punishment."

He bowed as if that was a compliment. Watching Wilbur relinquish his phone to Ranboo entirely. "Alright, alright, let's keep moving. We still need to find Dream and the bastion."

They all turned to collect their father and froze when they saw him awake.

The color drained from him, heavy bags under his eyes, looking like death warmed over. The faintest hint of a smile on his features that melted away when he made eye contact with them all.

Then he looked down and away.

Phil wasn't ready.

He thought he had more time.

He thought the fireworks would keep them distracted longer. That he could enjoy watching his family be a family for a little longer before he ruined it.

They stood frozen in time looking at him and it hurt deep in his soul to know his kids were in a way scared to approach him. But he was the cause of that and only had himself to blame.

The first one to break away from the group and approach him was Tommy.

He didn't expect the slap across his face but it was warranted.

Wilbur and Techno bursting into a laugh, Tubbo sputtering, Ranboo looking like he might teleport out of surprise. Phil reached up, rubbed his cheek, and snorted.

Seeing his young son smiling at him despite what he just did.

"I deserved that." He muttered and Tommy nodded.

"Sure as fuck did! What the hell big man?! You went full tantrum! Little baby tantrum! You know you're like three times our age right?!"

"I know."

"Then act like it!"

Phil chuckled, almost proud of his son for giving him this scolding. Tensing up however when the rest of his kids started to inch closer with bravery. Wilbur being the next to stand the closest.

Hands on his hips as he stared down at Phil.

His eyes looked so much like his mother's. "Philza Fucking Minecraft." His voice had her same bite too. "You owe us a lot."

"Yes sir."

"First and foremost however, I want to know how you enjoyed Dream's lovely little brain fuckery. What was your favorite part? The exhaustive running, the horror of your friends trying to kill you, or his true form scaring the piss out of you at the end?"

Phil's face must've shown his confusion because Wilbur groaned.

"Don't tell me you got special treatment!"

"I didn't get any of that, Wil. Sorry."

"Not even the jumpscare?!"

"No, I didn't see Dream at all." He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a little stiff from his sleep. Yawning when he couldn't help it. A moment to pause to think about it. Searching through what he could remember.

"...I think I met his mother, however." He muttered, trying to avoid the elephant in the room of how many of his own memories swarmed him. Of his kids and his beautiful wife.

"Mother?" Techno repeated, confused. "...he's a dreamon, he shouldn't have a mother in the conventional sense." He gestured out with his hands as he spoke, "Their titans basically chopped off limbs and then grew their own children."

"You sure he didn't have a girlfriend or something?"

"Tommy, trust me. No girlfriend looks at someone like she did. That was definitely a mother." He grunted, moving to stand, needing to stretch his limbs and his wings that were stiff from being laid on.

His sons stood back as he did. Their eyes wide with wonder as he fully extended them to spread out the feathers.

Catching sight of Techno studying them with a frown.

He folded them back as soon as he could. "...she was taking care of him when he was sick." He tried to distract them more with information about Dream's mother. "...actually that's the only memory of Dream's I think I saw...? Lots of sick memories."

Tubbo frowned, reaching out to Wilbur. Tugging on his shirt and the older looked down at him. "...didn't Dream give you messages in your dreams?" When Wilbur nodded, he gestured at Phil. "...uh...what if Dream is trying to tell Dad he's sick?"

There was a moment of quiet.

"...oh no." Ranboo concluded.

"Dream!"

"DREAM!"

"Dreaaaaam!"

"HEY, FUCKFACE!"

"Tommy!"

"Dream-ACK!" Tubbo dodged an arrow, just barely. Staring up at it as it embedded in the netherrack above his head. Clutching his heart before he looked down at the creature who had fired it.

A piglin, along with a few others, glaring up at them and aiming several more crossbows. A child in the front clutching a golden sword like he was leading the sounder.

Tubbo stood shakily and then shook his fist at them. "DON'T BE RUDE!" He yelled and it seemed to take back a few of the piglin.

Then one raised another crossbow and he yelped. Ducking around to hide behind Techno as he and his father stepped forward.

The piglins hesitated then. Staring at the crown and piglin features of the man. Then glancing at Phil's wings that puffed up impressively.

One grunted out a loud squealing noise.

Techno rolled his eyes, huffing. Clicking his tongue as he struggled with what little he knew of the language. Better at speaking it even if his father knew more of it. He squealed back, earning a harsh snort from Wilbur at the sound.

He reached over and smacked his brother before reaching into his bag and holding up a piece of gold to show the other piglin.

Weapons were lowered immediately and they all let out excited noises. The child of the group not even hesitating to race up to them. Little hooves grabbing at Techno in an attempt to get the gold first.

"Heh." Phil chuckled and crouched down, offering out a smaller nugget to the piglet. Who squealed in joy and ran off with it. Hissing at the adults who watched it curiously. "Cute kid."

The group surrounded them. Some sniffing at the more human of the family. Others admiring the crowns the hybrids wore. Phil trying his best to hold a conversation even if a few of them laughed at his pronunciation.

The one that had fired an arrow at Tubbo even seemed apologetic now that there was the promise of gold.

"Dad, can you ask them if they've seen Dream?" Tubbo asked as he dodged a harsh pat on the back. Squeaking and earning laughter from the piglin.

"Oh, good idea." The man turned to the one closest to him. Who wasn't in the process of inspecting the quality of gold Techno was offering. Squeaking, squealing, and grunting as he tried to explain who and what Dream was.

A few of the piglins exchanged looks before they nodded. One grabbing Phil by the arm roughly and tugging him towards a ridge overlooking a warped forest.

Tubbo followed, Ranboo soon joining them curiously. Hearing the enderman noises in the distance no doubt.

The piglin talked as he dragged Phil. Pointing towards a damaged wall of the nether. Where a few corpses lay. Some of hoglin, others of piglin. Grabbing his weapon as he stopped and grunted towards the lava pool below.

Phil made a face, cringing and nodding. Thanking the piglin before he started to walk down the forest towards the area.

The piglin grabbed him, grunting out a warning and Phil brushed him off with a smile. "Thanks Mate! But I'll be fine." He said it again in piglish before he continued on and his two sons followed.

"What did he say?" Ranboo asked once they were a bit away.

"They said they're a hunting party that were sent out to investigate a huge creature. It attacked a few of their own and they took it down but it fell towards the lava."

"They took it down?!" Tubbo hissed. "What the fuck does that mean?!"

"It means we're going to find Dream probably in a lot worse condition than we thought."

"We're going to talk to Dad as soon as we finish this, right?" Techno muttered to Wilbur.

Who nodded without looking away from the piglin who was handing over various things in offering for the piece of gold he was holding. No ender pearls from this one but she had a surplus of water bottles, which was more than reasonable to take.

"A proper sit down talk." Wilbur assured and glanced at Tommy.

Techno snorting as one of the piglin was trying to convince Tommy to take iron boots but the boy was practically shouting about ender pearls instead.

He had a few to his name so far. Not enough to really get them far but a decent amount for the gold he had traded. He held up one to look it over. Feeling still warm no doubt from a kill.

He'd have to make sure Ranboo didn't touch these yet.

A sudden shout drew him out of his thoughts and he and the others around him looked up to see Ranboo racing towards them. Out of breath, clearly not able to focus to teleport. Dropping the block in his hands which was even more of a warning sign.

Tommy broke away from his bartering to catch the tall kid before he fell over.

"Ranboo, what's wrong?!" Wilbur demanded and pulled away. A few of the piglin venturing closer with curiosity as well.

"It's D-dream!" He gasped out, "Dad needs help. Tubbo and him are trying to but-"

Techno quickly told the piglin he'd be interested in more bartering later. Gathering up his things and helping his brothers as they ran towards the direction Ranboo came from. A few piglin followed them, a few breaking away towards the bastion no doubt.

"Down here!"

"Dad?!"

"...oh shit, Dream looks awful!"

"We have eyes, Tommy!"

Dream hated breathing. It hurt more often than it did any good. He rather not do it but sometimes when he did it, it made others around him calmer. Which is why, while he laid here on the way too hot ground, staring up at the hazy image of the leader Philza-he tried.

He tried so hard to breathe so the leader wouldn't be upset.

But breathing hurt. A lot. It felt like there was something blocking it. Something that pulled and stretched painfully each time he took air in. The sounds he made didn't sound like breathing at all.

"Easy, easy..." Philza was telling him and he could vaguely feel a hand on his side. Patting his true form's middle. A few of his eyes closing where the hand rested. "Techno has all of the medical supplies, he's coming. I promise."

"That arrow looks like it's right in his...in his heart?!"

"Luckily I don't think his anatomy is anywhere close to ours." Philza chuckled but it wasn't happy. "It hopefully missed all the vital organs...if he has any." He looked over Dream, cringing. Apologizing softly under his breath as he started to pet where his hand rested.

It felt nice. Dream noted. Gurgling out an appreciative noise and both Philza and Tubbo smiled at him.

He was thankful the leader wasn't mad anymore.

"Down here!"

"Dad?!"

"...oh shit, Dream looks awful!"

"We have eyes, Tommy!"

The sudden influx of noise startled him. Jumping and being calmed once again by Philza. Tubbo reaching to pet his head where it rested and drew it into his lap. Brushing around the mask.

"What happened?!"

"Piglins shot him down. He attacked a few of theirs...plus, feel him. He's way too warm."

Another hand touched him, he flinched and they hissed. Whoever owned that hand quickly drew it away. "He's practically boiling! How are you touching him!?"

"The amount of times I've burned my hands cooking for you shits-"

"Family bickering later, Dream now." That was Techno, he thinks. But Techno started to speak another language. One he didn't know any of the words to. Talking to someone else.

"Should we take the arrows out or leave them in?! I don't remember which is better!"

"You should never take something out of a wound until you go to fix it. It could be preventing blood from spilling."

"...does Dream even have blood?"

"...what's on my pants if he doesn't?"

"...ew."

"Even if he doesn't have blood, it'll keep the spiders in."

"...Wil, can you please stop saying stuff like that?!"

The voices washed over Dream in a bigger haze. Slipping in and out of his focus so he just let himself rest. Keeping his head on Tubbo's lap as the young one continued to pet him. It hurt to move otherwise.

"We're going to need to move him."

"Should we?"

"There's too much lava and monsters around here. We can't safely treat anything here. Plus, if he does start to bleed, he'll attract more monsters. The piglins say we can come to the bastion as long as we still have gold to trade and as long as he doesn't eat them."

Philza snorted, patting Dream enough to focus up at the leader briefly. "Hear that, Dream? No eating." He was clearly trying to smile, trying to laugh but Dream couldn't return it. Only let out another ugly noise instead of breathing.

"...Dream?"

"...Dream?"

...Dream?

Duckling...?

Hold on, little duckling.

"That time you got it in the bucket, good job!" She smiled at him. One hand holding him up when he wanted to fall. The other was rubbing his back. His human form wanting to slip away but he kept it up just for her.

Something wet wiped at his mouth. Cleaning off the gross stuff that tasted wrong. It was tossed away in the bucket and he felt himself be moved. Closer in her arms. His head resting on her shoulder as she continued to rub his back.

"You're doing great." She told him.

What...what was her name?

He knew it.

He swore he knew it.

He could say it too, couldn't he? He whined softly and she adjusted her hold on him. Settling him back so he could look at her. So she could put that cold cloth against his forehead again. Dabbing it around softly.

He tried breathing for her, it sounded so bad.

"Dream, you know I know better. You don't have to do that around me. Why don't you leave that human form too?" She smiled, eased him back on the cot. "Come on, change for me. I'm not afraid of you."

He protested weakly, she laughed and tickled his sides until he was giving weak laughter too. "Come on duckling! You can do it! Won't it feel good to stretch out?"

Change. He could change.

"There we go." His form filled up her home but she didn't mind. Moving furniture out of the way for him. Laughing when he broke her cot. Moving the bucket closer to his real mouth even if the size now varied greatly. "Much better?"

It felt...nice.

Very nice.

All of this felt so nice. Safe. Happy.

Her hand stroked around his head. Scratching in that perfect little spot that made him want to kick his legs and purr. It came out gargled but she didn't seem to mind. "That's the spot huh?"

She knew that didn't she? She's done this a ton of times before.

"Oh I think he's pretty delirious."

"Yeah, definitely. He doesn't recognize me at all."

No, he knows her! He knows her! He...misses her.

Where did she go?

"It'll be okay, Dream." She said it with such confidence. "Trust me?"

Of course he trusted you, Puffy.

Puffy?

"What's a puffy?" Tubbo asked as he stared at Dream. The dreamon taking up an entire room in the bastion where he lay. A struggle to get him here even with the entire force of a piglin army.

Now he lay there, breathing roughly. Many eyes unfocused and blinking in and out. Looking around like he was watching someone move that wasn't there. The six or seven arrows had been removed.

The best bandaging they could do on his form when it constantly moved. His legs sprawled out and claws weakly gripped at the stone underneath him. The masked head lay in Philza's lap. A wing arched over the rest of him protectively.

"I'm...not sure." Phil mutters, shaking his head. Staring down at the dreamon who had weakly muttered the word in response to Phil telling him he'd be alright.

"I've...I've heard that word before." Wilbur notes and Techno nods his head beside him. Fiddling with potion ingredients and occasionally responding to piglins that poked their heads in. "Do you remember where from, Tech?"

"...not off the top of my head, no."

"Wow, you all are a bunch of idiots." Tommy growled from his spot. Perched above them on broken stone. Ranboo a little bit above him as well. A game they had made impromptu of seeing who could go the farthest.

Wilbur smirked, confident that his brother didn't know anything more than them. "Oh yeah? Then educate us, Tommy."

"She was a famous pirate captain."

When all of the family looked to him in shock, he shrugged and grinned. "Most exciting part of history class. Of course I was going to pay attention to the badass who single handedly made pirates scary."

Ranboo blinked down at him in shock. "...I didn't know Tommy could do that."

"Do what?!" Tommy demanded.

"Learn!"

"OH SHUT UP!"

Chapter Text

"We'll deal with the unveiling of Dream's continuous exploits of the historical kind in a bit." Wilbur announced then, standing up among his family. Shushing the mild most one-sided argument Tommy had started with Ranboo.

"For now." He gestured with his hands to Phil. Who immediately looked away again. Unable to escape however with the dreamon resting on his laps. "Dad." He said firmly and Phil flinched. "You owe us a talk."

"Can't it wait until-"

"No." All of his kids said in unison immediately. Some monotone, some emotional. All firm and steadfast. Wilbur smiled, proud of his siblings for that moment and he could see his father's feathers ruffle.

Wings arching up and coming close to his body. An attempt to hide from them even if he couldn't.

A part of the oldest son felt bad. He knew this was hard for his father. Knew that talking was difficult when you've been bottling it up for years but it had to be done. The band-aid had to be ripped off.

He sighed, lowering his posture however. Sitting on the opposite side facing his father. A Dream between them.

"We'll do this in parts." He compromised. Those blue eyes refusing to meet his. His father's hands focusing on petting Dream more and more. "Part one. What you did, was not okay."

Phil ducked his head down more. Letting out the softest of chirps. Wings now flaring out a little over his head to create a shield. Wilbur would've found it funny any other time. Hell, Tommy and Tubbo shared amused noises.

"Dad, I know you didn't mean to be that angry at us. I know this stuff is hard to talk about but...you can't...just push us away and yell at us when you can't face your problems."

No response.

"...and you can't hide either." Wilbur sighed, leaning on his hand.

"We're your kids, big man." Tommy grunted as he slid off his perch. Landing on his feet and moving to sit closer. "Like, we know you're not perfect or shit but...you gotta be less of an asshole than that."

"You made Tubbo cry." Ranboo points out.

"I mean, to be fair..." Techno cut in. "Tubbo cries a lot." Tubbo nodded beside him and Wilbur shot him a look. The second oldest sighed before he amended his statement. "...but not usually because of you."

"You gave Ranboo a near panic attack!"

"I'm...still shaking a little."

"You yelled at Dream! He can't even understand you!"

"...and you pushed Techno and I away again." Wilbur concluded, frowning. Sighing as he sees those wings shake. "...Dad, why won't you talk to us...?" He paused, bit his lower lip. "...is it because of what you told me in the cave?"

His brothers looked to him curiously. Tommy trying to clarify but then Phil suddenly shoved Dream off of his lap and stood. Several of them protesting as he moved to run. Spreading his wings and heading for the gap in the stonework of the bastion.

Techno jumped to his feet. "DAD-!" He snarled, just barely making it in time and grabbing one of the wings before an attempt could be made. Phil screeched, much like a bird, flapping aggressively but getting nowhere as Techno pulled him back. "Idiot are you trying to die?!"

"Tech, no need to threaten him-"

"His wings are clipped, Tommy!"

The flapping immediately stopped with those words. Phil staring up at Techno with wide eyes. As if just remembering that yeah, he didn't have flight feathers.

Wilbur jumped to his feet and raced over. Looking at the wing still held in Techno's grasp. Sure enough, clipped.

"What the hell?!" He demanded. "Who clipped your wings-..." His eyes widened in realization. "...Bad, Bad clipped your wings?!?!?" He practically snarled the words, his brothers jumping to their feet with similar protests.

"WHAT THE HELL, BIG D DID WHAT?!"

"OH MY GOD, DAD ARE YOU OKAY?!"

"WILL YOU BE ABLE TO FLY AGAIN?!?!"

"HEY!" Techno barked, getting them all back to an instant quiet. When they looked to him in confusion, he gestured down at their father. Who was shaking, trembling really. Flight instincts having taken over and the noise was too much.

They gave him a moment to breathe and Techno slowly soothed the feathers he had dislodged back into place. "Deep breath." He told the man and soon it came. Soon Phil relaxed. Still tense but not from the need to run away from a threat.

As he sat there, Wilbur and Techno looked over his wings.

"It's a proper clipping." Wil assured them. Sighing with relief. "He'll be able to fly in about a month."

A few of them let out relieved noises as well.

"I'll kill him." Techno snarled.

"Get in line!" Tubbo added.

"I'm seriously considering writing a very nasty letter-"

The most silent now was Tommy. Who crossed his arms over his chest as he stared down at Phil. Wilbur being the one to notice and nudged his little brother. "What's up Toms?"

"...I don't get it. Why would Uncle Bad do that?" He shook his head. Scowling a bit. "...I sat in a hole with the guy for hours! He'd...I didn't think he'd-...I don't-"

"...I let him..." The voice comes soft, hoarse, barely audible. Several sets of eyes look back to their father as Phil heaves a breath in. Trying to calm himself some more. "...it was a compromise."

"...for what?"

He doesn't answer. Just folds his wings close to himself again. Techno sighing above him. Running a hand through his long hair as Wilbur feels the annoyance for the silence rising up again.

He doesn't give in the budding anger however. Trying to keep calm, trying to do this just like he said. In parts. Therapy taught him a few things good. One is patience when you feel like screaming.

Sometimes it didn't work. Sometimes he needed it more than anything.

He reached forward and started fixing the feathers on the wing closest to him.

"...you know we love you right?"

"...of course."

"...you love us right?"

Phil's head shoots up at that. Looking around at his sons with mild bewilderment. Studying each of their faces before he reaches out to the closest one to him. Which happened to be Tommy. Drawing his son tight in his arms and then trying to grab the next.

Soon piling them somewhat into his lap and under his wings. Using one to drag Wilbur in.

"I love you all. So much." He said with firmness in his voice. "I'm sorry if I ever made you think otherwise."

"Well I wouldn't say we felt unloved...but..." Techno dragged out the last word. Humming a little. "Kind of hard not to think that way when your dad is saying to ration water."

"Okay, okay. Tommy slap me again."

"Ooh fuck yeah! Let me stretch!"

"I wanna do it!"

"Tubbo, he asked me. And we need a big strong man to do it."

"Then why isn't Techno doing it?"

"...shut up Tubbo."

"Boys, don't fight. You can all slap me. It's only fair." Phil let them go, raising his hands in prep to break up an argument.

Wilbur smiled to himself, going back to those feathers. Pausing as he saw one in particularly bad shape.

Without warning, he yanked it out.

"OW! WILBUR?!?!?"

"Oopsies." He feigned an accident. Humming as he tossed the feather aside. "Looks like I got my "slap" in. So the others can go now."

"Wilbur Soot Minecraft, I know damn well you did that on purpose."

"Techno quick, slap him. Make him forget."

"WAIT-!" Phil's shout was cut off by someone, who was very much not a piglin, entering the room.

The man stood frozen in the archway, eyes wide as he stared at them. Clearly not expecting to walk into what was visibly a fight. Techno having gripped Phil by the shirt and was raising his hand. Tubbo and Tommy about to throw their own hands over who gets to slap the man next.

Ranboo and Wilbur froze on the edges of the group. Giving their best smiles despite the situation.

"...hi!" Ranboo eventually squeaked out. Waving to the guy. Who slowly reached up and removed his goggles that were protecting his eyes from the nether haze.

A simple smart accessory that clashed with the rest of his clothing. A long purple hooded trench coat with a pocket watch tucked on one side. Boots made for running or combat. His brown hair a mess like he had been running here the fastest he could.

"...h-hi." He managed to stutter out eventually. Eyes darting between each of them and then cringing when he looked at Dream.

"...don't mind the giant demon," Techno lied. "He's mostly harmless. Just a bit sick right now."

"...oh okay." The guy cleared his throat, rocking on his heels a little before he ventured closer. He looked so out of place. As though a neon steampunk movie extra just waltzed in. "...so uh...I heard the shouting." He gestured out of the bastion. "At my house...and uh..."

He paused, reaching into the backpack on his back. Pulling out a book to flip through the various pages and read something. Eyes widening and closing it loudly. "Do you guys need a place to stay? Ignore the book, it helps my memory."

"Oh mood." Ranboo said softly before anyone else could get a word in edgewise.

"A place to stay?"

"Yeah uh...you know, this isn't exactly a good place to set up camp and there's not much water and uh...I don't think the nether city is going to welcome a giant sick dre-demon?" He gave a nervous laugh, and anyone with eyes could tell he was somewhat lying through his teeth.

"Do we trust the creepy guy who just randomly showed up and offered us a house?"

"Better question," Phil countered. "Do we trust the random creepy guy or the piglin army that tried to kill Dream more? Especially when our gold is running low." He looked around at his sons. Watching them think it over.

"I for one, welcome our new creepy random guy who may be luring us into a trap to kill us."

"I'm not!" The guy protested, then seemed to realize how this looked. "Er...uh...I'm uh..." He checked his book again. "A friend of Sapnap's?" He tried, voice wavering a little as he said it. Tugging at the neck of his hoodie.

"Okay creepy dude, if you're trying to get us on your side, don't mention being a friend of the guy trying to hunt us down maybe?"

"No, no! I mean, I'm not-" He sputtered, confused, groaning as he put his face in his hands. "Look, I'm not going to sell you out or anything! I just want to help! I've been keeping up with what's going on and I'm on your side! I promise!"

Techno crossed his arms over his chest. "Prove it."

"...how?"

"That's up to you."

"Okay, okay...uh..." The man looked around, looking for something. Pausing when he looked at Dream again. Nervously stepping forward past everyone. Excusing himself politely as he stood over Dream.

Hesitated and then gently tapped the dreamon awake.

Those many eyes opened to look at him, some still dazed and confused. He gave a smile and a wave. "Uh...hey Dream! It's...uh...it's Karl."

Dream stared at him a moment longer. Lifted his head slowly and then two of his hands shot out. Grabbed hold of the man and dragged him under his body like a dog would with a toy. Laying his head down then and going back to sleep.

A purr rising up with his broken pitiful breaths.

Karl's muffled voice cried out from under the beast. "How was that?"

"...that'll do for now."

"You're not human."

"Techno, don't interrogate the guy offering us shelter."

"No, it's okay! As long as he doesn't use a weapon I'm fine with a tiny bit of interrogation."

"I'm not going to do it if you're into it, I'm not that kind of person."

"I've heard you mentioned in my dreams." Wilbur's comment has everyone pausing. Not that they were getting far with trying to get the dreamon to the house. Which was tucked away in the netherrack.

Almost invisible if not for a soul lantern guiding the way.

It had taken the majority of them to wrap ropes and leashes around the creature. Having to wake him up every now and then as he fell asleep while being pulled along. Techno occasionally having to push him with Phil's help.

At times he'd just flat out stop. Staring into the distance at nothing and they'd take that as their cue to rest momentarily.

Karl perked up at the mention of Wilbur's dreams. Smiling. "Oh! You're already getting dreams?" When everyone gave him varying levels of concerned looks, his face slightly tinted and he checked his book again. "...wow, cool, what kind of dreams?" He corrected himself shortly after.

"You're immortal."

"Not...not quite." Karl gave a nervous laugh. "Please do not kill me. I will not survive here."

"I'll keep that in the back of my mind."

"Techno!"

Tommy slows his walk somewhat. Falling beside Karl as the man points them towards a pathway. More soul lanterns starting to become visible and there's a moment where Phil had to grab the back of Techno's shirt to stop him from walking away.

"So." Tommy began and Karl looked to him with a nervous smile. "You're old as shit?"

"Kinda, yeah!"

"What do you know about Captain Puffy?"

"Oh damn, Tommy is being smart again."

"SHUT UP RANBOOB!"

"Captain...Puffy?" Karl repeats, hand going to his chin. "Ah...I might have some books about her? I don't...have the best memory." He waved the book in his hand as if that was obvious, chuckling when Ranboo commented 'mood' again. "Anything in particular you want to know about her?"

"Dream knows her."

Karl made a face. A mix between startled and confused. Checking his book immediately again and when that doesn't seem to provide any answers, he starts to jog towards his house. The others following in a slower pace. Still dragging Dream along.

Now with Techno having to be dragged as well.

"Come on you big baby, they're just lanterns."

"Wil, I will bite you if you don't let me go."

"Oh, never heard that one before. My baby brother biting me? That'll be a new scar for my collection-Techno I was your teething toy for half of your life!"

"Wilbur don't antagonize your brother, his fangs are bigger now!"

"He's scared of a light, dad!"

"It's not his fault his genes tell him to!"

"Am I missing something here?" Ranboo finally asked, stopping the fight. "Why is Techno afraid of a light?"

"I'm not afraid." Techno grumbled but it went mostly ignored when he stepped around a lantern in a wide berth.

"Piglins stay away from soul lights."

"...so we're walking into Techno repellent?"

"I'm not afraid!"

"Pretty much."

"Awww big man, we'll protect you." Tommy laughed, echoed by Tubbo as he jumped over a lantern sat on the ground. "Look! See? I'm untouchable!"

"I will push you into the lava you little-"

"Techno, don't push your baby brother into lava. He's not easy to-...have we had this conversation before?"

They shared laughter despite the morbid topic and Karl called from the doorway to the house. "FOUND SOMETHING!" Tommy jogged ahead to investigate, the other two younger brothers following suit.

Leaving Phil and Wilbur to drag Dream and Techno towards the door. A mild fight breaking out when Techno got his brother in a headlock briefly. Phil having to convince him to put him down.

It took the two of them combined to shove Techno through the door where no soul lights were inside.

Then they turned to look at Dream who was at least five times the size of the entrance.

After a moment of quiet staring, Phil called back into the house. "Karl! Do you have a garage or something?!"

"That's...a really impressive library." Ranboo whistled as he stared up at the large bookcases. Not as huge as the one in the temple but for someone's house, it was almost insane. Over two hundred books at the very least.

"Thanks!" Karl called from the top of one of the bookcases. He was sitting cross-legged on it, occasionally smacking his head against the ceiling with a grunt but otherwise fine. A few books piled next to him and one in his lap.

"Oh uh...please don't read any with a spiral on the cover."

"Memory books?"

"Yeah."

"Don't worry man, my family is really respectful about that." Ranboo smiled, his tail swishing and Karl smiled back. "Oh, do you mind if I write about you in my memory book?"

Karl paused, going to check another book really quick before he nodded. "It should be fine!"

"So what are you?" Tommy interjected then, staring up at him with hands on his hips. "Some kind of doctor who guy?"

When Karl grimaced, a definite sour look on his face, they were all briefly taken aback.

Sapnap laughed as he entered the room. Dressed down in pajamas and a piece of toast in his grasp. "Ignore it, he hates it when that show is brought up."

"Oh."

There was a pause.

Then slowly everyone looked at Sapnap.

Then all hell broke loose.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!"

"WHAT IS HE DOING HERE?!"

"YOU SAID YOU WEREN'T GOING TO SELL US OUT!"

"ALRIGHT, TRAITORS GET THROWN INTO LAVA-!"

Sapnap just stared at the chaos and bit into his toast. Munching away without a care in the world. Swallowing before he directed his gaze up at Karl. Pointing the leftover toast in his grasp like a weapon.

"Karl are you meddling again?"

"Noooooooooo, nooooooooooooo," The man so unconvincingly lied. "I would never interfere with your job of saving the world. Ever."

They stared at each other and then Sapnap shrugged. "Whatever." He walked past Dream, reaching to pat the beast on the mask. "Hey Dream." And then plopped down in an armchair.

Tubbo flung his hands up in the air. "...I am so confused right now!"

"Guys, this is my husband, Sapnap. You've met."

"...HUSBAND?!"

"Oh great, this was a trap and we walked right into the enemy base."

Sapnap snorted, putting his feet up. "Chill dude, Karl's house is neutral ground. Plus, I'm resting off being brutally murdered by enderman." He shot a few of them a look. Huffing when they at least had the decency to look sheepish. "I don't give enough fucks to fight you guys when all I wanna do is eat and sleep."

"...but don't you want to 'save the world'?" Tommy put that in air quotes.

"Heroes need breaks too!" Sapnap protested. "I can't count how many times I've saved this fucking world. Can't a guy eat some toast and relax with his husband?!"

He then gestured to Dream who was fast asleep again. Curled up around the cooling system that was on the floor. "Besides, I have eyes. That thing isn't going anywhere like that. He looks like shit."

"So what, you're just going to let us go?"

Sapnap shrugged.

Tommy stared at him. "...you guys are the worst heroes, you know that right? You're all levels of fucked up."

"No shit, kid. You try spending thousands of years dying, killing, and getting pats on the back for it." Said hero leaned forward, finishing off his toast and gesturing out. "It sounds glamorous and I might not remember much of it but you know what's not fun?"

"Waking up with new scars, seeing my friends and family crying over me, thinking right before I die 'is this the end or will I wake up', having to hide from society in the fucking nether because my face is plastered everywhere and people use apps to share photos of me without my consent!"

"Oh and being obligated to do stuff I don't want to do because I have a "Sir" in front of my name like it means anything. Hey, we know you just spent the night consoling your crying husband and didn't get any sleep but we need you to travel across the world right now and fight a monster annoying us because if you don't, we'll make sure you never live it down that you're human and not some god!"

Silence followed his words, his hand going up to his messy black hair. Where no bandana sat. A scar on his forehead that would normally be hidden briefly visible. "...I wanted to be a knight when I was a kid but I'm pretty sure I expected to die around age sixty and that's it. That's my life. Not repeat it for centuries on end with no breaks."

He glanced up, at Phil and the others. "...it's fun, when we get something different. Don't get me wrong. It's fun to chase you guys, really but...you know, it's just going to end like the rest of the bullshit. We hurt people we care about, we only get one day of a break if we're lucky, and then we're sent back to die for people we don't know."

"...and they'll just say thanks and move on, or treat me like I'm not a person at all."

Karl frowned, moving to jump down from the bookcase. Landing but almost not sticking it. Catching himself on the armchair and Sapnap blinked up at him. The two shared soft smiles, brief, and then wrapped each other into a tight hug.

"You're a person to me."

"I know. Thanks for always reminding me."

"Is that why you live in the nether?" Phil asked softly and Sapnap nodded.

"Gets me away from most people who want to either worship me or blame me for stuff I can't control." He pulls away from Karl but the man takes his lap instead. Sitting there like he had done it a million times before. "I don't know how Bad and Ant can stand living in a temple."

"They're too nice for their own good."

"Ain't that the truth."

Phil and Sapnap share a smile and a snort of amusement.

"Well hey, here's an easy solution." Techno growled from his spot, where he was rifling through some old novels. "Just let us take Dream to the End and leave us alone."

"You can't take him to the-" Karl suddenly smacked Sapnap. Earning a sharp yelp. "DUDE WHAT THE HELL?! Did you just hit me?!"

"Sap, I mean this in the nicest way possible...shut up."

"You are meddling!"

"Noooooooooo, nooooooooooooo!"

"You can really tell they're married." Ranboo muttered, earning a snicker from Tubbo beside him. Tommy rolled his eyes, gagging a little, before he turned his attention away. Looking back to the books.

Karl hadn't told them which book contained information about Puffy, whether it was memory or not. So he went searching himself. Fingers tapping the spines. Finding his attention slipping with some of the titles.

He paused when he stared at a strange bright orange book, the spine reading 'Philza Minecraft'. He couldn't resist grabbing that one. Knowing that his dad was famous, so was Technoblade. Their entire family had notoriety.

Not like the heroes but Phil was a man that people wouldn't hesitate to admire.

He opened it, thumbing through and looking at the summary. A mock biography of his father, the name of the author unfamiliar. Probably someone who didn't ask permission before writing this.

Amusingly enough as he flipped through the book, there was notes in the margins. Red ink that had words like "didn't actually happen" or correcting other false information. Karl was apparently a big fan of his dad.

In the back of the book there was artwork. Hand drawn by someone and then mass printed for the book. It looked like it had been done with pencil. Of his dad, with long hair, dressed more like a samurai than the person he was now.

Sword drawn and wings out. A woman by his side that Tommy didn't recognize at all.

Squinting at her until he realized her hair was white...and she had a ton of tails.

His mom.

He slammed the book closed immediately. Hand reaching up to brush against the accessory he still wore.

Jumping when suddenly Techno was at his side. Putting a book back that he had been reading. "Find anything worthwhile?" The older brother asked and Tommy huffed.

"Lies about dad."

"Heh." Techno cracked a smirk about that. Reaching over Tommy's head to grab something on a shelf just out of his reach. Thumbing through it after double checking the cover. "You're sure about Captain Puffy?"

"Hell yeah big man, it's one of the few things I learned!"

"I'd almost say I'm proud of you but the rest of your studies leave much to be desired."

Tommy elbowed the man in the gut and earned a chuckle when he had to rub his own arm to lessen the pain.

He reached for the next book to catch his eye. Laughing at the cover. Which proudly displayed 'How to date a Pyromaniac'. Techno glancing down at it and snorting as well. "That explains a lot."

"...why does the next one say 'how to date a duck'."

"...I don't want to know."

"What's the worst death you've experienced?" Tubbo asked Sapnap suddenly behind them.

"Well aren't you a charming little psychopath."

"Thanks!"

"T-Tubbo that's not a compliment."

Tommy quickly turned his attention back to the books. Even if he was a little curious over what the hero's answer would be. Perking up again when he finally spied a really old looking blue book.

Pulling it out and there on the cover was a etched in golden image of a pirate ship. It smelled musky, like it had actually been at sea at one point and even the dry nether couldn't fix it. The clasps on it were rusted and the pages were eaten away but most of it was still in tact.

He showed it to Techno and his brother took it gently. Far better with handling books than he'd ever be. Reading the unknown language on the cover easily. "Synesthesia."

"...what the fuck is that?"

"It's a term for a condition that causes multiple of your senses to activate when using one."

"...huh?"

"Like...tasting colors."

"What." Tommy felt more confused than ever in his life. Staring at his brother as if he had two heads. Techno sighed dramatically. Waving his free hand as he kept the book close.

"Okay, close your eyes."

"Are you going to hit me?"

"Not yet."

Tommy closed his eyes. "Alright, back in school, you had folders for different subjects right?" A pause. "I know you barely used them but Dad bought them for you every year." Tommy nodded.

"Tell me what color you used for math."

"Red?" Tommy tilted his head, confused. He didn't know why Techno asked him to close his eyes. Though now as he thought about it, the clear picture of the folder was in his mind.

"Science?"

"Blue."

"History."

"Yellow."

Techno made a soft noise. Like he was somewhat agreeing. "You answered that pretty quickly, why did you put them in those colors?" He tapped Tommy, letting him open his eyes again.

Tommy shrugged. "I don't know big man, it just felt right? Like...math felt red."

His brother snapped his fingers. "Bingo. Synesthesia is that but more. You can see sounds as colors, taste shapes, that sort of thing." He shrugged. "Like some people think of the number seven and instantly think "that's a green number" or they see a flower and they hear a bell."

It clicked and he looked down at the book. "So uh...why's it called that? It's got a pirate ship on it right?"

"Do you remember what Captain Puffy was depicted as?"

"Uh...she was a sheep hybrid? I think." Tommy tapped his chin as he tried to picture the portraits in his history books. "...like the sheep ears...I think she had horns? and uh...OH!" He clapped his hands together. "Rainbow hair!"

"Bingo."

"YEAH AY! I got it now! It's all connected!" He gestured at the book. "Her hair and the color shit!"

"Good job." Techno reached up to pet him. And Tommy hated that he wanted to nearly vibrate with the praise. Feeling his cheeks tint and looking away before his brother could tease him.

Techno didn't, thankfully. Instead turning his focus back to the book. He skimmed through the pages. Slowly and carefully turning them so they didn't tear. Pacing a little as he did because he couldn't stand still for long.

And when he found whatever he was looking for, he began to read aloud. Capturing the attention of everyone in the room save for the sleeping dreamon.

"Squire Ponk, Dr. Beam, and the rest of these gentlemen having asked me to write down the whole particulars about the great mist of Synesthesia, from the beginning to the end, keeping nothing back but the bearings of the chests she left, and that only because there is still treasure not yet lifted, I take up my pen in the year of-what the hell is that, what did you get in this book, gross-and go back to the time when my father kept the inn, and the brown old seaman, with the sabre cut, first took up his lodging under our roof."

"Oh I remember reading this in school! It was sooooo boring..." Tubbo whined, leaning forward regardless because Techno always had a way with stories once he got going.

Techno huffed a snort, choosing not to read the full thing then and skipped ahead a bit more.

"...and she with all her wit and majesty were a woman unlike any other, who stood with the air of royals from no noble background. She who tamed beasts no man dare look upon with a flick of her sabre and the word of her loyal men." He paused. "Most notable that of a twisted horror. That rose from the depths of the shadows at her feet when those who pursued her found themselves at their weakest. Driving back forces that sought to end her reign."

He gestured out, his voice becoming more dramatic. "Aye the nightmare that rose from the pits of hell and the untold cascade of the sea itself. Who answered in kind to her soft words and pleas for peace. A beast that blocked out the light of the world and screamed with the voices of a thousand dying men, a haunt in which every man that faces it would find themselves wet between their knees."

"Alongside Synesthesia, a dream but cold and angry."

Tommy cheered, nearly falling over as he jumped to his feet. "I WAS RIGHT! SUCK IT RANBOOB!"

Ranboo gave a noise from where he sat. "Hey! I was just impressed you paid attention!"

"What's up?" Sapnap leaned forward. Curiosity on his features. "That's Dream right?"

"He muttered something about Puffy when he was delirious." Phil explained, gesturing to the dreamon. Who was practically pressing his face against the cooling system and Karl made a face at that. Going to go get some water. "Tommy connected it to Captain Puffy."

"You were alive when she was a thing, right?" Wilbur asked and Sapnap shrugged.

"Probably. Can't remember shit about her though. My memory is probably the worst of the entire group, really. I've only got about fifty years still logged up in there. It deteriorates pretty badly every half a century or so."

Karl returned with the bowl of water. In a bowl designed to prevent the heat from overtaking it. Setting it down by Dream and setting a couple of washcloths nearby as well. Wilbur didn't hesitate to take up one and start trying to cool down the beast.

Karl doing so as well after a moment. "We still manage to find each other." He said in response to Sapnap's memory issues. "Living with someone for thousands of years can get a little tiring so I do take vacations but when I come back, we find each other again."

He smiled and Sapnap smiled back.

"How long have you two been together?"

"Since we were twenty something."

"...I would've killed you both ten years in." Tommy grumbled and Karl barked a laugh.

"It was hard to get used to at first! Once we realized we were both going to live much longer than the rest of the world."

"We date other people occasionally too."

"Quackity." Karl snorted and Sapnap rolled his eyes.

"If you all want proof of reincarnation, Quackity is it." He gestured out, like he was exhausted just thinking about it. "No matter how many times we escape him, we find a new one of him that's just as annoying."

"He's great!"

"Suuuuuure, we'll go with that lie for now."

"Sap!"

"Karl!"

They stared at each other for a moment, then cracked smiles again and laughed softly. Phil smiling as well though his feathers ruffled.

"You two are gross." Tommy noted and Sapnap gave him the finger immediately.

Phil frowned then, seeming to realize something and looked up at Techno. "...what did Captain Puffy look like?"

"Sheep, rainbow hair. Horns. A badass." Tommy answered for him and Phil's eyes widened. "Oh god what startling revelation did you have now, dad?"

"...that's...that's Dream's mother."

Several pairs of eyes stared at him. He drew away from the wall where he was resting. "...I saw her, in the dream. That was definitely what she looked like...and I guess...she was Captain Puffy."

"Wait, you mean to tell me something gave birth to that?" Sapnap pointed at Dream. Dumbfounded. "...that?!"

"No." Techno corrected, sighing as he closed the book. "It'd have to be an adoptive relationship." He held up the book then. "Judging by the age of this, Dream and you heroes would've been alive hundreds of years before Puffy was born."

Karl frowned but it went mostly unnoticed by anyone but Wilbur. Who stared at him but kept his hands busy as they kept cooling down the dreamon.

Tommy shrugged. "So let's find Dream's mom, tell her to knock some sense into him, get them both to the End and bam, world saved!"

Karl flinched and Wilbur eyed him warily.

"Oh good idea! Wonder where she lives!" Tubbo smiled, perking up. "I'd love to meet a Captain! Captain Sparklez was my favorite part of history."

"She could have a better way of communicating with Dream too." Ranboo notes and Phil nods along.

Techno frowning as he stared at the book. "...I don't think-" He began but was cut off when the dreamon suddenly stirred. Several eyes opening at once. Looking in several directions.

Breathing a harsh ugly breath before he slowly lifted his head. Black ooze dribbling down from his mask. Arms bracing to push himself up and he overtook the cramped room as he rose to as full of height as he could manage.

"Dream?" Wilbur asked and the dreamon's eyes tried to focus on the human beside him. He hesitated, then asked, "Dream hurt?"

Dream didn't respond. Those eyes drifting their gazes away. Looking around the area before settling on a window a bit of ways from him. He began to move, slow sluggish, clumsy movements that toppled over furniture.

Karl and Sapnap jumping up to catch some of the more breakable things.

He eventually made it to the window. Pushed against it, glass creaking against its frame. Body pressing to allow a few eyes to peer out. He was quiet, motionless for a moment and then that masked head swiveled around to look at them.

An eerie voice echoing in the room.

"...moon...?"

Chapter Text

"Karl."

"Sap."

"...Karl!"

"...Sap!"

The two husbands stared at each other. Sapnap ready to run towards the bedrooms and Karl blocking his path. Taking up the majority of the doorway. "Stop meddling Karl!"

"You know I can't!" Karl hissed through gritted teeth and Sapnap's eyes narrowed. Groaned before he darted forward and easily picked Karl up over his shoulder. Hefting him like a bag of potatoes.

He glanced back at everyone frozen in their home, scowled, and then ran towards the bedroom. Karl protesting and trying to get out of his hold the entire time. Sapnap yelling back at them, "DON'T SAY ANYTHING!"

Dream didn't pay the chaos any mind. Staring intently at the group even as his many eyes blinked occasionally. Pulling away from the window slowly. Form dragging across the floor. Until he stood directly over Wilbur.

"Moon?" He asked again, more confident but the creepy tone of his voice didn't change.

Wilbur swallowed down whatever fear was building up. Pushing to stand and face this beast head on. Smiling, even if it was a bit shaky. "Ah...um...we're in the Nether, Dream."

The dreamon didn't respond to that. Just waited for some other type of answer. Wilbur glanced back at his family before he cleared his throat.

Trying to sound braver.

Reaching out and tapping Dream's arm closest to him as he said, "Nether?"

That arm eventually reached out as well. Tapping him back. Indicating that Dream either didn't understand or wanted an explanation.

"Nether, no moon. No-" Wilbur hesitated, searching their library of words he had taught Dream. "No sky." He tried and waited.

The dreamon stared at him. The air of the house suddenly dropping several degrees. A chilly wind brushing past them and Wilbur stiffened. Techno hissing as he pushed past his family and grabbed Wilbur's shoulder.

"Get back, we know what that means-!"

"Moon." Dream hissed, not a question this time. The form of his starting to tremble. Vibrate really. And soon those wings were sprouting in just of a grotesque manner as anything else.

Forming slowly and expanding out in the limited space. Knocking over something that breaks and they hear Sapnap cuss loudly in another room.

The light overhead suddenly burst. Plunging them into partial darkness. Many more following until the only light came from anything digital and the light of the red Nether through the windows.

The smile on his mask seemed to stretch further. Curving upwards until it looked like something a clown in a horror film would wear. The red of the eyes showing through the usual black dots that sat overtop of it.

The mouth on his stomach mimicked the smile on his mask and drool seeped through the teeth.

The claws digging into the stone of the floor until it cracked.

Parts of his body seemed to ripple as though something was crawling under his skin, starting from his back arms to his head. Where it all centered under that mask and slowly the mask began to split around the smile.

Forming a second mouth that tore through it like flesh stretched too far. A long snake like tongue cutting through the front that remained and ooze dribbling past the largest of teeth.

Tendrils of smoke or something else started to waft off the mask and a deep heavy hard to breathe smell permeated the area.

That second mouth suddenly lunged for Wilbur. Techno bringing his sword up to block it but it never got close enough to connect.

As soon as it lunged, a gunshot rang out and a blaze rod was impaled through the one side of the face and out the other. Embedding in the wall and leaving a hole where it once was.

Dream froze the moment he was shot. As if the makeshift bullet had cut through all of his nerves at once. Frozen in time momentarily as the hole burned and slowly started to heal.

Sapnap growled from the doorway. Hastily thrown on proper clothes and weapons in his grasp. Two guns in either hand. One strapped to his back and one at his waist. Karl was hidden behind him.

Swallowing down his fear at the sight of the beast.

"RUN!" Sapnap yelled at the family and it snapped some of them out of their daze. Namely Phil who started gathering up his kids and pushing them towards the exit. "Karl, call the others!"

"Sapnap I can't-!"

"KARL, I'M NOT LETTING ANYONE DIE HERE!"

"I'm not either!" Protested his husband, tears almost in his eyes and Sapnap stared at him. Momentarily bewildered. Opening his mouth slowly to say something when suddenly one of the hands grabbed him.

Yanked him by the shirt towards the monster that had finally recovered and snarled over him. Emitting his signature roar that sounded like all of those dying children.

Sapnap didn't hesitate to fire another bullet. This one straight up through the jaw of that new mouth and through the skull. Putting a burning hole in their ceiling but not caring as he smirked when Dream froze again.

"Fucking bitch!" Sapnap laughed and then fired again, and again. Putting new holes wherever he could and slowing down the healing process that started anew.

That's...when the spiders came.

When Dream exploded into them.

Covering the walls and floors with millions of them that skittered across in a panic. That started to head for every nook and cranny. Every possible exit.

Dropping Sapnap into the hoard and he screeched as he was overrun.

"THAT'S WHAT WILBUR MEANT?!?!?" Tubbo screamed as the family burst through the front door and started running. Screeching in fear as a plethora of spiders followed them outside. "GROSS, GROSS, GROSS!"

"I TOLD YOU!" Wilbur shouted as he ran after his family. Techno taking up the rear. "I TOLD YOU, EVERYTHING IS BETTER THAN THE SPIDERS!!"

The cold wind followed the spiders. Followed them as they tried to get as far away from the house as they could in a short time. Techno overriding his natural fear of the lanterns as he tried to protect his family.

As the spiders started to crowd together. Started to stand on top of each other and reform into that monstrous blob, the house began to creak. Iron rusting, stone cracking, glass shattering. Lights burnt out and the warped forest plant life around it began to wither.

It was as if the entire house was being spend up through time. As if something was draining the life from it.

Sapnap and Karl burst through it at the last possible second. Karl desperately trying to get back inside as he screamed something about his books. Sapnap didn't hesitate to grab him. Carry him towards safety.

Telling him over and over again that they can be replaced but he can't.

The house collapsed behind them. Destroying every memory that was once inside.

Karl burst into tears as Sapnap set him down safely on a patch of netherrack. Going for the gun at his waist as he whirled around.
Taking it off as Dream was almost fully formed again and pointing it not at the dreamon but towards the ceiling of the nether.

It wasn't a regular gun.

It was a flare gun of sorts.

And when he fired it, a strange noise whistled from it as it sailed through the air and hit the ceiling. Exploded much like a firework but that whistling just grew louder and louder. Echoing around them in almost a deafening way.

Ranboo and Techno stopped dead in their tracks. Both stopping to cover their ears as they yelled in pain. Their family skidding to a stop to help them. Even if they couldn't do much.

Tommy yanked Ranboo down to a crouch and Tubbo clasped his hands over his to try and help. Phil grabbing Techno as he tried to shield him from the noise with his wings and such.

It eased some of their pain but was ultimately useless until the whistling finally died away and Dream had fully reformed.

Now bigger in the expanse he had room to grow in. Roaring at Sapnap who stood his ground between him and the rest of everyone.
Aiming a gun straight at the beast.

"Home field advantage, try me!" Sapnap snarled back at that roar. Grinning before he ducked down and a fireball collided into Dream's chest.

Followed by another and another. The screeches of ghasts and the ethereal noises of blazes rising up from the distance. The monsters slowly appearing they headed straight towards the scene.

They all wore bands of gold on them. Glinting in the dull lighting and it was the mark of ownership.

Tamed by the hero who cackled victoriously and started firing his gun again. Adding to the fire that Dream was quickly becoming overwhelmed by.

Karl seemed to want to protest. To interrupt. But he glanced back at the family, swallowed down whatever he wanted to say and jumped to his feet. Darting towards them.

"Go!" He yelled at them and they didn't need to be told twice. Helping push those still dazed by the noise along. "You need to get out of the nether!"

"But-" Tommy tried to argue, just to met with a tear filled gaze.

"Trust me!"

"Why!?"

"Because I might've been wrong!"

"What?!"

A magma cube sprung up out of the lava in front of them. Causing some of them to yell but Karl didn't look at it twice. The gold band around it signaling it was part of the army advancing on Dream and many more followed. Smaller in size.

Striders met them at the edge of the lava. Letting loose deep noises as they bared their saddles for those around them. Willing to be ridden without treats.

Karl and Phil helped them one by one onto the backs of the beasts and Karl ordered them towards the nearest portal.

They took off speedily in the lava and put the fighting behind them with impressive distance.

As they passed by skeletons and enderman, arrows were raised towards them and warbles yelled in their direction. Karl waved them off towards the direction they were supposed to go. Standing on the strider with ease.

"No, no! These are friends!" He yelled at the skeletons who lowered their arrows. Turning where he pointed and a few wither ones began to follow the group. "TELL HIM NOT TO DIE!" He called after them and an enderman paused to look at him.

Seemingly huffing before it teleported.

Karl flopped back on the strider with exhausted sigh. Putting his head in his hands.

"...dude." Tommy finally said, staring at him. "What the hell?!"

"I am so tired of people withholding information." Techno growled almost in the same pose as Karl. "...what is going on. I know you and Sapnap know more than you are telling us."

Karl lifted his head. Cringed when he noticed everyone looking at him. Sighing and then gesturing out. "I can't tell you!"

"DUDE!" Tommy yelled this time.

"Dream attacked us!"

"The spiders!"

"I am nearly deaf right now!"

"You know about the moon!" Wilbur spat and Karl flinched with that one. "You know why he wants to eat it, don't you?!"

The most quiet was Phil. Staring at Karl while the yelling became louder and louder. A few of the strider protesting at the noise but continuing their walk towards the area they were directed.

He fluttered his wings and studied Karl's expression. Watching the emotions that the man traveled through.

Then, among the yelling, he asked, "...you're a time traveler?"

That cut off everyone in one second. All quieting down to look between their father and Karl. Who gave a sheepish smile. As if he was seriously debating playing off what Phil just said. Then gave a defeated sigh and nodded.

"THOSE EXIST?!"

"Oh so that's why he's mad about Doctor Who." Ranboo shrugged. "Makes sense. Wait, what am I saying-what the hell is going on?! Oh my life is so weird. My life is so so weird." He put his head in his hands, groaning. "Normal teenagers don't do this sort of stuff! Am I the main character of an anime?!"

"Don't say that Ranboo, dad and Techno have ponytails, if they put it to the side they'll die!"

"Oh god I've cursed my family!"

"...you guys are weirdly calm." Karl notes.

"It's a coping mechanism." Several of them said at once and Karl gave a little nod with that.

He clasped his hands together. Sighing as he looks to Phil. "Look, I can't...say much more than I already have." He admitted. "...trust me."

"Why should we?" Techno growled and Karl glanced over at him.

"...because I've seen how this is supposed to end." He muttered, "I've seen the future for this."

"...and?" Phil prods and Karl shakes his head. "...you can't tell us if it ends good or bad, huh?"

"You need to get to the End." Karl just told them. "That's all I can tell you."

"...but..." Tommy looked back to where they came from. Turning on his strider and ignoring the protest noises it made. Not afraid of the lava below him as he wildly gestured. "That! That just happened! Dream attacked us right?! Because he didn't see the moon!?"

He looked around at his family. "I mean, that's what happened?! He clearly wanted the moon! Didn't get it, went ballistic! Went mad! He made a new mouth! Am I the only one who saw that?!?!"

"Spiders." Tubbo added and they all collectively shuddered.

"...you can't just leave us with 'get to the End', not after that." Wilbur held up his hand. "I know you can't tell us more about that...but...isn't there something. Something small that might help that won't ruin everything?"

Karl hesitated. Scratching at his own face awkwardly. Thinking before he reached for one of the few books he managed to bring with him. Thumbing through it quietly while the family exchanged looks.

"...words." He eventually said. Lifting his head and leveling Wilbur with a serious look. "Teach him more words."

"If we ever see him again? Pretty sure Sir Sapnap is going to shoot him to nothing."

"Oh, Sapnap can't defeat Dream." Karl closed his book. Putting it away with a sigh. "Only all four of them combined even stand a chance." He said it so casually. As if he was sure that Sapnap would live through whatever Dream did.

Technoblade almost huffed at that. Lifting his head with a hint of pride. "That doesn't say much about the heroes. I could take Dream in a fight."

"Oh good, because here he comes!" Tubbo pointed behind them. In the sea of lava that now stood between them and the house.

Where a black swirling mass started to fly over it. Several wings stretched to their fullest extent. The mouths open and drooling heavily. Each splatter to the lava turning it into a solid obsidian.

The striders they were on let out alarmed noises. Speeding up the best they could as they ran from Dream. Technoblade scowling as he went for the sword at his side.

Karl cringed, looking back and then pointing ahead. "Just get to the portal! Once you're out, he'll stop!"

Said portal was gradually coming into view. Nestled at a gate of quartz where people were being filed through by attendants. Where travel information was listed on signs and technology showed the modern society.

Phil cringed at the sight of people. "We can't lead Dream into that!"

"Just trust me!"

"Karl!"

Dream roared in that moment. The sound echoing through the nether and several people looked up. Some screaming and starting to run. Others going for weapons as security guards yelled for backup.

It was a panic in an instant. A mixture of some trying to get through the portal, some running deeper into the nether, and some ready to fight.

At least until there was a blur racing past them in the lava. Skidding to a stop in front of the portal. Raising hand with a familiar gun and firing off another shot. The sound of which made everyone flinch.

"BY ORDER OF SIR SAPNAP, EVERYONE EVACUATE TO SECTION C!" The man shouted over the following silence. The hero barely standing on his feet. Clothes torn by claws, blood across his features.

But he stood regardless, panting. Exhausted. Keeping a confident face and posture that garnered attention.

People listened, a miracle in itself, putting their full trust in the hero and it was only slightly a scramble as they started to run the opposite way. Those who had been prepared to fight now backing up. Helping the guards to escort them out.

Karl smiled, a relieved sigh escaping him. Jumping off his strider as it got close enough and racing to the hero's side.

"You didn't die yet!"

"Oh hey Karl, I'm happy to see you too." Sapnap muttered dryly, lowering the gun just to point it towards Dream. As the family started to jump off the striders. Ranboo teleporting to the edge and just barely making it.

Wilbur catching him before he fell in the lava.

"Move!" Phil yelled as the approaching darkness just seemed to grow larger. They didn't have to be told twice. Several of them scrambling for the portal and jumping through.

Met on the other side by a few confused guards. With their weapons aimed at them. Just to grab each one and yank them further away.
Tommy screeching at the guys not to grab him when the portal started to rumble.

Phil burst through last. Stumbling pretty much and then diving down against the stone floor.

Narrowly being missed by the sheer chaos that followed.

Swarms of spiders, clawed hands, shadows, screams. All shooting through the purple haze and overwhelming the small building that had held the portal.

Reforming into Dream that started to break through the ceiling.

"Dad!" Tubbo yelled and a hand suddenly grabbed his shoulder. Yanking him back out of the area.

"Move." A firm voice growled.

And Tubbo watched as Sir George stalked past him. The bruise of a broken nose still on his features. Hand that was once on his shoulder now curling into a fist that crackled with that admin magic.

George didn't shiver with fear as he got closer and closer. Even as that second mouth roared at him.

He took one look at Phil on the ground cowering with hands on his hat and scoffed.

Drew his fist back and punched Dream right in the mouth.

The teeth sliced through his arm, black ooze dribbled down along it, but it delivered a message as Dream screeched in pain. As his jaw twisted like it was broken. The added magic sending him flying through the wall of the portal room and outside.

Slamming through the dirt and road, people screaming around them.

Phil slowly lifted his head. Giving a sheepish smile to George who glared down at him. "...heeeey, George...how's the nose?"

George rolled his eyes and drew his sword, stepping over the man and heading towards the fallen dreamon.

Ignoring the shouts of the family behind them as they recovered from the chase. The sound of the portal activating again and Karl's shout at him to stop. Dream let out a pained groan as he lifted his head.

And then slowly shifted back to his human form. His skin still flushed from a fever. Eyes unfocused. Breathing heavy and wrong. Made worse now as his jaw clicked where it was broken. Almost loose.

He looked up at the night sky, at the moon, breathed a sigh, and collapsed against the ground.

George put the sword to his throat.

"Don't!" Tubbo screamed after him, George shooting a look over his shoulder.

"This thing just attacked you!"

"But the spiders-!"

George paused at that. Grimacing. "...spiders?"

"Trust us," Ranboo wheezed out from where he was collapsed on the ground. Exhaustion written all over him. "...just...trust us. Do NOT cut him open."

The threat of spiders seemed to work for now. George not moving to further do anything but keeping that sword there. Just in case. Glancing at Sapnap and Karl in the doorway of the portal. Silently asking for an explanation.

"...Karl was meddling." Sapnap sighed and George sighed as well.

"Karl!"

"I had to!" Both heroes shot the man a look and he groaned dramatically. Glancing down at Sapnap's hands before snatching the gun out of his grasp. Sapnap letting out a startled shout and backing up.

Hands held up as Karl pointed it at both him and George.

"Kaaaaarrl..." Sapnap began, warily. "Put the gun down."

Karl looked very unsure of himself in that moment. Shaking a little as he stood there. Glancing between everyone. "...I have to." He muttered and then motioned at George. "Please put the sword down!"

"...your husband is threatening me." George muttered in almost an impressed tone.

"Yeah he does that occasionally."

"Please!" Karl repeated and George sighed before he put the sword back in the sheath. Holding up both hands like he was almost bored. "...thank you!" Karl glanced back at the family behind him. "Uh...can you guys hurry up and take Dream and leave? I...really don't want to shoot them."

Phil stood, holding up his hands much like George. Giving a nervous laugh. "Yeah sure, don't shoot us either okay?"

He glanced at his sons. Techno inching his way around the heroes to gather up Dream. Wilbur hesitating as he moved closer.

"Words, right?" He asked and Karl nodded. "Okay...words." He repeated it more to himself. Nodding.

"You can find more ender pearls and blaze rods in my bag." Karl took it off his shoulder, casting it aside for them to grab. "Take them, I know the piglins didn't give you enough." Tommy reached in, taking an arm full and Tubbo caught what he dropped. "Okay go, George is going to punch me."

Sapnap shot his friend a look. "George!"

"I'm thinking about it." Growled the hero.

The family ran, Phil pointing towards the direction of a road. Guards watching them confused and a few people scattering when they saw them. A gunshot startled them momentarily but they heard Sapnap laughing and assumed it was okay.

"We're not going to get far enough for them not to chase us!" Ranboo hissed, glancing at the ender pearls in Tommy and Tubbo's hands. "Do we have enough pearls to spare?"

"No, don't waste any. We don't know how long it'll take to locate an End portal." Techno growled and then glanced around. Spotting a truck in the parking lot and racing towards it. His family letting out confused noises but following.

He dumped Dream in the back, broke the window and opened the door. Reaching under the steering wheel and starting to fiddle with wires.

"Techno!" Phil chided. "Are you stealing a car?!"

"A truck." Techno replied gruffly and his father groaned. "Look we already have a list of crimes under our belt, what's one more?"

"He has a point dad."

The truck roared to life and Techno ordered them into the back. Ranboo and Phil jumping in as Wilbur took the seat next to his brother. Tommy and Tubbo dumping their items in with them before climbing into the back with the others.

Techno slammed the door, punched the gas and didn't even bother with backing up. Instead going over the small wheelstop.

His family yelled with the rocky start but he ignored them in favor of speeding onto the road.

"You call this driving?!" Tommy demanded, smacking his hand against the glass that separated them and Wilbur stuck his tongue out at him in response. The teen groaning before he sank back in the bed of the truck.

He glanced down at Dream, who never looked worse and Phil was already trying to tend to him again. Looking over his broken jaw with a phone for a flashlight.

"...what do we do now?"

They drove until the early morning. When the sun was starting to shimmer over the horizon and they found themselves surrounded by abandoned farmland. Techno pulling off the road to tuck them under the shelter of some trees.

It gave them time to rest, relax, and think about what to do next. No cars drove past as they sat there, just the sounds of birds waking up and the brush of the wind around them.

He climbed on top of the cab while Wilbur opened the back window and leaned out of it. Various states of exhaustion overtaking them with few able to sleep. Tommy snoring away in the back as if the bumpiness of the drive didn't bother him at all.

Phil busied himself the entire time with making Eyes of Ender when he determined he couldn't do anything for Dream at the moment.

The first one he had finished now sat in his cupped hands. Glowing in the dim lighting and emitting purple particles much like his one son. Who scooted closer. A little noise of awe escaping him.

"They look just like Dream's eyes." Tubbo whispered and without much care for his own self-preservation immediately went to poke it. It hummed and vibrated in Phil's grasp.

"Don't." His father chided softly. "They're fragile. If they get too stressed, they explode."

"...they what."

"They can get stressed?" Ranboo questioned in confusion. "...they're...alive?"

"Sort of." Phil shrugged off any further questions and gently sat that down to start working on another. His sons exchanging looks before they glanced at Techno.

"So what now? It'll be a while before dad finishes all of these."

"Let's find Puffy!" Tubbo perked up. "Like we said at Karl's house! She's gotta be famous right? We could easily find her on Google!"

Techno frowned, sighing and shaking his head. "...we won't find her." He said firmly and Tubbo frowned up at him.

"Why not...?"

"I know you've gotten a bit used to the heroes, Tubbo, but...here's a reminder, death is a thing."

Tubbo's face went from curious and pouty to devastated in seconds. Looking down at his hands then curling his arms around his knees. "...oh." He muttered, burying his face against his legs. "...right."

"She's dead?" Ranboo asked quietly.

It's Wilbur who answers, looking at his phone. "Yeah, she has a grave and monument to her in the Hall of Champions." He sighs, leaning on his arm. Pocketing his phone then. "...that's to be expected, I guess. It has been hundreds of years."

"That must suck to have your mom die and you keep living."

Silence followed Tubbo's words and he suddenly looked up. Yelping as he looked around at his siblings and father. "Wait! SHIT! Sorry!"

Wilbur laughs despite the heavy atmosphere and Techno follows it with a dry chuckle. Phil looking away from them again and keeping his focus entirely on what he was doing.

"It's okay, Tubbo." Wilbur reached out to ruffle the boy's hair. "It's okay."

He drew his arm back, resting it once more under his chin and stared down at Dream with a sigh. "It does suck..." He muttered. "...but it helps to have other family there for you." He hums. "...wonder who was there for Dream?"

"Probably the heroes?" Ranboo offered.

"Yeah, probably."

"Dad saw her in his dreams, did you?"

"...I don't...think I did?" Wilbur tries to remember. To recall any specific details. Hand brushing through his own hair. "...I know there was other people besides the heroes Dream told me about but...I don't think he ever gave me any concrete information."

He closed his eyes, smiling for a moment. "...I heard mom though and-"

Phil suddenly stood, drawing his arm back with the finished eye in his grasp. With all the force he could muster he threw it. Making the truck rock a bit and causing his kids to yell in surprise.

Waking up Tommy in the process.

They all watched the eye sail over the farmland. Just to suddenly freeze, hover in one spot and make an abrupt turn. Towards the Northwest. Phil jumped off the back of the truck as it stopped a bit of ways away.

Darting under it to catch it when it fell from the sky.

"We gotta go this way!" Phil pointed and yelled back at them.

Techno scowling and sending Wilbur a look. His older brother wearing the same annoyed yet defeated expression.

"W'as goin' on?" Tommy asked, not awake yet. Rubbing at his eyes.

"...we're running again."

The drive wound up being awkwardly quiet after that. Phil not even trying to entertain his sons in the back of the truck and the only occasionally noise would be when Tommy and Tubbo started an argument and Ranboo tried to intervene.

It was muffled by the car engine, the glass between them, and the whistle of air brushing past the broken driver side window.

Techno glared ahead at the road and Wilbur glared out the window he was leaning on.

It was just a matter of time before the silence got to one of them and-

"He can't keep doing this!" Wilbur snapped suddenly. Sitting upright and flinging his hands up. "We just had a talk!"

"Barely." Techno corrected and ignored the glare he got sent his way. "Come on, Wilbur. That nether talk barely scratched the surface of what's going on."

"I know but I clearly said-did I not say-Techno you heard me-I clearly said he can't push us away and yell at us when he can't face his problems!"

"I heard you, he heard you. And he didn't yell this time."

"But he still pushed us away!"

"He's going to keep doing that, Wil." Techno sighed. Hating knowing that he was right. "...you can't just fix that kind of stuff in a day." He barely heard the grumble of his brother but saw the pout out of the corner of his eye.

Techno let him have a moment before he asked, "...in the nether, you mentioned he told you something in the cave. And he tried to jump out of a building because of it." He paused. "...what did he say to you?"

Wilbur was quiet for a long moment. Seemingly either debating Techno or how to tell him. Eventually releasing a long drawn out sigh before he did. "...he told me he killed her."

"Who...?"

"Mom."

Techno hadn't meant to slam on the brakes. He really hadn't. It was either that or swerve off the road because that was a slap in the face he hadn't been expecting. Hand launching out to stop Wilbur from slamming into the dash board.

Eyes darting to the rearview mirror to make sure the rest of his family hadn't flown out of the truck. Breathing a soft sigh of relief when they recovered with various cuss words leaving their lips.

"You alright?!" Phil yelled through the back window and Techno was frozen in the driver's seat. Heart hammering in his chest. Unable to respond.

Luckily, Wilbur lied for him.

"Deer!" He called back and Tubbo let out a noise as he immediately went to look for it. Jumping out of the back of the truck despite any protests.

Ranboo and Tommy chasing after him and Phil groaning as he tried to order them to come back.

Bless Tubbo, Techno wanted to scream. Bless him for giving him time to process that.

"You're lying!" He snapped at Wilbur through gritted teeth. Yet those eyes looked to him with as much pain and confusion as he felt. Knowing instantly that his brother wasn't. "He...he...he couldn't have, Wil!"

His grip tightened against the steering wheel. "He couldn't have! We were there at the hospital when she-...!" He scowled, snarled, feeling the itch to shift forms again growing under his skin.

He didn't know what to say. What to do.

"He wouldn't have taken her away from us!"

"Deep breath, Techie."

"WHY ARE YOU SO CALM?!?!" He screamed and his brother didn't even flinch at it. Just reached out and slowly but gently took his one hand. Clutching it in a grounding strong grip.

"...because I already screamed and cried about it, your turn."

Your turn.

Something he's heard multiple times from his brother. For years upon years since their mother had left them. Whenever one of them needed to break, the other would stand strong. Patient and waiting.

There to hold them as they collapsed and pick them back up again.

The words were like a switch he couldn't control. The tears starting to flow from behind his mask. He reached up, yanked it off, tossed it aside and slammed his palm against his face. Trying to stop them.

"He wouldn't!" He said again. "He wouldn't do that to us!"

Wilbur doesn't say anything. Just holds his hand and watches him. And it feels like the best and worst option at the moment. Techno wants Wilbur to agree with him. Wants him to reassure him that their father must've been mistaken.

That this was all some cruel prank.

Yet he doesn't want his brother to lie to him. To push down the truth that he doesn't know if Phil would or wouldn't do that to them. That with how the man runs and never talks. How he buries everything that they needed to hear...

...he can't honestly say he believes what he's trying to insist.

The tears come harder, he squeezes that hand back and hears Wilbur start to whisper to him. That it was okay. It was okay to cry and be upset. To be angry and confused. He rests his head against the steering wheel.

He sobs.

"...w-would he...?"

"I don't know, Techie."

It hurts in his chest.

"...I honestly don't know what to believe."

Techno lets go of that hand, kicks open the truck door and scrambles out of the cab. He needs air. It feels stifling. The urge to shift taking over and he just barely manages to save this shirt. It's practically his last one.

Wilbur follows him but doesn't chase. Just leaning on the truck and being there in case he needs him.

He paces, he snarls, he cries. He picks up the nearest object and throws it into the field they're near. It turned out to be a tree.

He just flung a tree.

When Phil manages to drag his brothers back, he's calmer but not enough to shift back. Not enough to look his father in the eye. Baring his fangs at Tommy who approaches him with intent to climb all over him.

He doesn't mean to hurt his little brother but he does and he instantly regrets it.

"Wilbur!" Tommy called back. "Why's Techno being such a bitch?!"

"He needs space, Tommy!"

"Oh...he having one of his freakout things? That uh...sensory overload shit or whatever?"

"Yep." Wilbur lies for him again and Tommy backs off. Giving a muted apology that wouldn't sound sincere to anyone but their family.

Tommy rests next to Wilbur and they wait. His family waits for him. Not pushing him to move faster even if he can see the way Phil doesn't sit for long. See the way those wings twitch, his leg jiggles.

His hands keep moving with the need to do something, anything.

It boils in his gut like hot angry fire because now he sees a ghost of a man he thought he knew.

He goes to find another tree.

"Nice distance." Ranboo mutters as they watch the tree go sailing over their heads. Crashing into the forest and scattering birds and the like.

"...should...we do something?"

"Just...give him a moment." Wilbur assures his brothers. Watching as Techno slams his head rather roughly on another tree. Wincing at the sound it makes. "...he's not good with the whole...emotion thing."

"I thought he was having that sensory shit."

"That too." Wilbur keeps up his lie. Sighing and glancing at their father. Who was back to working on the eyes. Not trying to comfort his own son. Casting glances every now and then over at the hybrid however.

"...tell you what, let's switch seats for a bit." He says then, pulling off from where he stood. "Dad, come sit up with me while I drive. You guys get Techno in the back."

"It's already cramped back there with Ranboo's legs!"

"Hey!"

"Tommy, don't be a bitch, just do it." Whatever complaint Tommy had next was cut off with a huff and a grumble. Wilbur starting to head over to Techno. To tell him of the switch.

Phil hesitates on complying but with a glare from his oldest he does wind up in the passenger seat. The truck shaking as Techno climbed into the back.

When they start up the drive anew, Tommy immediately starts up a conversation about one of Techno's favorite books and it distracts the back for now.

Leaving Wilbur with the elephant in the room.

The man who sat tense beside him.

"So, Philza Minecraft." Wilbur began and he saw his father flinch. "I have some questions."

For good measure, he hit the locks from the parental controls on his side.

Chapter Text

"You're too old! Too old, Philza Minecraft!"

"What?! I'm not that old, Wilbur Soot! I am only forty hundred and fifty-three!"

"HA! That's not young!"

"Well it's not old!"

"You're so old that Jurassic Park brought back fond memories!"

"Oh god, we're doing this? Okay uh...you're so tall the zoo has mistaken you for a giraffe, twice!"

"Are you guys seriously-"

"You're so old, your birth certificate expired!"

"You're so tall, you can still see our house from here!"

"You're so old, history class starts off with an introduction to you!"

Ranboo burst out laughing at that one. Trying to hide behind his hand but it was no use. Tubbo across from him letting loose high pitched giggles. Both lowering their hands from where they had been mimicking the mouth movements of Phil and Wil inside the truck cab.

The two's argument ongoing without their adlibbing.

Tommy, who had been fighting back laughter the entire time, rolled his eyes from his seat beside Techno. The two of them leaned against the tailgate. Techno had managed to finally calm down enough that he shifted back.

Ranboo's suit jacket with sleeves tied thrown over his broad shoulders for some form of decency.

"Can you believe these two idiots?" Tommy asked his brother, still pretending to be the mature one.

Techno eyed him for a moment. Exhaustion evident on his features but there cracked the faintest smile. Heaving a sigh before he said loud enough for the others to hear, "Philza Minecraft is so old when he was a child rainbows were only in black and white."

It breaks Tommy's exterior. Sending him laughing alongside his other two siblings that start anew.

"T-Techno, my man! You're supposed to be the mature one!"

"I find that's a common misconception. My maturity level is only equal to that of my surrounding influence."

"...er...English?"

"If it wasn't for Ranboo being an ounce of maturity I would be cracking fart jokes."

It breaks his brothers again. Just the image of him making a fart joke seeming to send them through another wave of laughter and he lets loose a soft chuckle under his breath. Looking back up at the glass that separated them from the two oldest of the group.

Where Wilbur was clearly still yelling and he could see Phil occasionally yell back. Their father mostly silently however. Head hung down like he was ashamed. Scared. That same man they had witnessed in the Nether.

Who wanted to run but had no escape.

His grip tightened on his pants where his hands rested. Nails wanting to cut into the skin for just a brief moment of pain. A grounding technique.

Tommy startled him out of those thoughts when he simply reached out. Took hold of one of his hands and drew it off of his lap. Holding it casually like this wasn't the least bit out of place.

It wasn't long before his other was taken too. Tubbo curling up on the opposite side and holding firm to his prize.

Ranboo smiled at all three of them. Scooting closer and though there was no more hands to give, he intertwined his legs with Techno.

"You alright?" Tommy asked eventually. Breaking the somewhat awkward silence that followed. "Still feeling all weird and shit?"

"...yeah." It was half of a lie and half of a truth.

"This entire thing is stressing all of us out." Ranboo nodded. Sighing as he curled himself around his knees. "It'll be so nice when we can just...relax again."

"I miss my room." Tubbo muttered.

"I miss our kitchen."

"Of course you miss the food." Techno snorted at Tommy. Who pouted up at him.

"More than the food! Just...sitting down to eat or listen to you shits cook or whatever!"

There was a collective hum, barely audible over the drive but it was all over their faces. How they all agreed and missed it the same.

Dream started to stir and Ranboo pulled away, going to knock at the glass of the cab and cut off whatever Wilbur was saying. Phil hesitating before he opened the little door. "Hey, can you guys pass us Techno's mask?...and his shirt."

Techno had never been more thankful for how attentive his family could be. Mask and shirt passed over him and he was careful to put both on. So they didn't lose them to a bump in the road or otherwise.

They were closed off from the two once more and Techno was hidden behind that mask when Dream fully woke up.

Groaning in pain and trying to steady himself on the moving platform. Reaching up and rubbing at his jaw that was now mostly healed but still heavily bruised. Techno wanted to growl at the dreamon.

Threaten it away from his family.

But Tubbo scooted closer like that thing hadn't tried to kill them. Reaching out to grab hold of his face. Inspect it despite Dream's protests.

"Oh shush you big baby, it's fine!" He let go, stuck out his tongue and Dream stared at him in confusion. "You're still warm as hell though. That fever hasn't gone away."

"...I wonder if he's sick, are all of the spiders sick too?"

"Ranboo, gross! Don't remind me of the-that's a really good question."

"Hey!" Tommy snapped his fingers. "Let's focus on the important stuff first. Are they all separate spiders or do they all share Dream's brain?"

Techno sighed heavily. "I take back what I said earlier." When his brothers looked to him at that, "My maturity level skyrockets the more you're idiots."

"Hey!"

Eventually they pulled over. To a gas station that was in the middle of nowhere. Farmland on either side and no sign of life save for the asleep man at the counter. Who looked to be part slime.

A nametag that read "Charlie" on the front.

Wilbur was filling the truck with gas, Phil had gone to throw the eye, the kids and Techno went in to pay and gather whatever they wanted. Leaving Dream to sit in the back of the truck and talk to Wilbur.

"Should we wake him up?"

"Nah, let's just steal the shit."

"Tommy, we're not robbing the place."

"Yet."

Techno huffed a laugh, going for the medication section. Most expired but he did find one that could reduce a fever. Adding that to the growing pile in Ranboo's arms. Which he noted had gummy worms and a pack of donuts.

"...guys, essentials only."

"Comfort foods!" Tubbo argued.

"What?"

"For Ranboo and Dream!"

Techno looked at the enderman hybrid. Who was two seconds away from busting out the puppy dog eyes. He relented, annoyed but figured he wouldn't win a battle against those. "...fine."

Wilbur walked in with Dream leaning on him. Heading for the ice. Not a care in the world as he yanked one of the smaller bags out and shoved it at the dreamon. Who sighed happily once the cold touched his face.

Soon burying against it like he would fall asleep standing up.

"Ice." Wilbur said, tapping Dream's arm and got a muffled 'ice' back in response.

Just to pause then when he came face to face with Techno. The two oldest staring at each other for a long moment.

"...well?" Techno eventually prompted.

Wilbur sighed and shook his head. "Dream talks more."

"Figures."

"What's going on with you two?" Tommy poked his head over a shelf. Leaning on it despite any dangers.

"We'll tell you when you're older."

"HEY FUCK YOU I'M BIG-THE BIGGEST-!"

Tommy's shout managed to wake up the man at the counter. Who yelled something about 'black holes' when he did. Blinking and looking around as he adjusted his glasses, perking up.

"Oh! People! Hi people! ...we don't get many people out here."

"We figured since you were fucking asleep."

"Sorry about that, just some beauty sleep."

"Oh, go back to sleep then, you need it." The guy barked a laugh at Tommy's harsh remark. Smiling despite it all. Leaning on the counter to strike up a casual conversation then like nothing had happened.

Wilbur eventually joining as well.

And he started to ring up the plethora of items too, chuckling a bit as he read them off.

"Alright let's see," Charlie hummed. "We've got...an extra large bag of gummy worms, a bag of donuts, twelve bottles of water, a lighter-you guys are over eighteen right?" He paused and Wilbur flashed his ID real quick. "Cool, cool. Okay uh...some meds, three packs of band-aids, a traveling sewing kit, sixteen things of jerky, a package of paper masks, a pair of sunglasses, and..."

He glanced up at Dream.

"...a small bag of ice?" He snorted. "Hey buddy, can I borrow that real quick?"

Wilbur reached out to gently pry it out of Dream's grip. Letting Charlie scan it before he handed it back. The man eyed the bruise and feverish state, glancing back at the stuff in the bags, before he got the total.

"Sooooooo family road trip?"

"Sort of." Wilbur sighed. "Trying to find...someplace."

"Oh hey, I know this area like the back of my hand!" Charlie held up his hand for emphasis, grinning. Just to pause and look at it. "Shit, that's new." He quickly hid his hand, smiling still like nothing went wrong.

"Unless you know where to find an unused End portal you can't help us."

All the other brothers shot Tubbo a look. Who blinked up at them, cringing as he realized his mistake. "...were we supposed to keep that a secret?"

"Yes, Tubbo!" Techno growled. "You know, so random people don't sell out our location to the heroes!" His words were followed by a soft 'oops' and they all gave Charlie their best innocent smiles.

With varying levels of success.

Charlie just stared at them. Finishing getting their change and handing it over with the receipt before he leaned on his hand on the counter. "So! You're the guys the heroes are hunting down!"

"...how do you know that?"

"You're all over the news!"

"We're what?!"

Charlie laughed, reaching for a remote nearby and turning on the tiny TV in the corner of the room. Everyone looking up to see the news in the middle of a repeated broadcast. A family photo of them on screen.

Clearly from dad's collection because it had been taken by the man himself and there was a separate photo for him. Labeling them as the Minecraft family with details on their species and where they were traveling.

Notes about them being armed and dangerous and for citizens not to interact. Just call the tip line immediately.

Ranboo groaned. "I'm wanted! At sixteen!"

"That's a good thing," Techno huffed. "You have a chance to be charged as a minor. Wilbur and I are screwed. Dad will probably be locked away for life."

Charlie shut off the TV then, going for their bags. "I guess I can remove this then." He yanked a pamphlet out of one of the bags. A brief flash of the title telling them that it was for domestic abuse help.

He handed them over and Wilbur eyed him suspiciously.

"...you're not going to call the tip line?"

"Nah, they're not offering a reward or anything. Besides, even if I wanted to waste that effort and have my store ransacked, I'd wait until you guys leave so you don't hold me hostage to stop me."

They ignored Techno's mutter of 'he's got a point' and instead grabbed their bags. Wilbur sighing softly. "Well, thank you. For not calling."

"No problem man!" Charlie laughed and then paused, printing out some extra receipt paper and going to write down a note. "Look I can't say I know where any unused End portals are but I do know of an old abandoned stronghold in the back country. Used to play in it with my buddies when we were kids."

He wrote down directions, humming. "Never saw a hint of a portal though." He offered the paper out and Wilbur took that too. Looking it over. "Oh and take this!" He grabbed a fidget toy off the counter near the front.

Tossing it over at them and Tommy barely caught it.

"What, why?"

"To keep your dreamon distracted."

"Oh neat-wait what."

Everyone froze at that, staring at Charlie bewildered.

"...what?" Charlie asked back, oblivious.

"...you...you know he's a dreamon?"

"I mean yeah, the eyes are a dead giveaway."

"...what?" Tommy repeated back in the same tone.

Charlie glanced between them and then shrugged. Awkwardly laughing. "Okay, right, I guess the average person wouldn't know this stuff. Uh..." He clapped his hands together. "Y'see, I have a doctorate-"

"You work at a gas station!"

"College doesn't pay for itself okay!"

"Fair enough."

"Anyways, my thesis was on dreamons!" He gestured to Dream, who still hadn't looked up from the ice. "Well, whatever I could dig up on them!"

"...you proposed your thesis on a creature almost no one knows about?"

"...I never said I was a smart doctor." Charlie sighed before he perked up again. "So! Where'd you find this one?! I could've sworn they were all almost extinct except for one locked up in a prison for-..." He froze, eyes widening.

Silence edged into the gas station and Wilbur looked between the cashier and the door.

"WELL!" He said loudly, his voice almost squeaking. "We really should be going! Thanks for the advice! I hope you have a lovely day!" He turned to his siblings, pushing them towards the door. "Go, go, go, go!"

They all scrambled out for the truck where Phil was just now returning. About to tell them where the eye was leading them next but Wilbur practically threw the bag at him and jumped into the driver's seat.

Everyone else scrambled into the back and dragged Dream with them.

"What's going on!?" Phil asked as the engine roared to life.

"Good news! We're really really popular!" Wilbur laughed before he stepped on the gas and tore out of the parking lot. His brothers screaming in the back as they latched onto the bed. "Oh god I hope he doesn't call the tip line!"

"Tip line?!" Phil demanded but got no answer.

Wilbur reached into his pocket and grabbed the paper Charlie had written info on. Shoving it at his father with his phone. "Put that into the GPS! Hopefully he won't rat us out and there will be a portal there."

"What's this for?"

"Abandoned stronghold."

"What?! Where did you get this info?!"

"You meet the most interesting people at gas stations."

Phil stared at him for a moment longer before sighing and shaking his head. Going to punch in the address on the GPS, hesitating and glancing between the phone and the paper. Squinting as he tried to read the handwriting.

Just to suddenly jump out of his skin when someone quickly knocked against the back glass.

He turned in his seat and reached to open it. Ranboo poking his head in.

"Hey uh Techno wanted me to tell you we have a tail."

"...I'm aware you two do?"

"No, he means like a car following us."

Wilbur cussed under his breath and shot a look to the rearview mirror. A black sports car with red trim a good distance behind them but gaining. "Is he sure it's following us?!"

Ranboo ducked his head out and then back in. "He says it's a Porsche 911."

"...RANBOO THAT TELLS ME NOTHING!"

"Sorry, I might've forgotten what else he said."

"...wait, did you say a Porsche 911?" Phil repeated and Ranboo nodded, tilting his head. Watching his father's face pale. "...Wil, switch seats with me! Now!"

"I'm driving, Philza! I can't exactly just let go of the wheel and-" His father reached over, grabbing hold of it. Steadying it and Wilbur reluctantly let go, scrambling past Phil and letting the man squeeze past him into the front seat.

Phil didn't hesitate to keep his foot on the gas and put on his seatbelt. Calling to Ranboo as he did, "Tell all your brothers to buckle down!"

"With what?!"

"Hold onto Techno or something!"

"Dad what are you-"

"Seatbelt, Wilbur."

It didn't leave room for argument. Wilbur quickly buckled his seatbelt. Phil taking off his hat and heaving a deep breath. "Not the best car for this but here we go..." He muttered to himself and glanced back at the rest of his sons to make sure they were all settled in.

Several hands clutching Techno and Dream at the same time.

And that black car was now barely a few meters behind them. Dirt kicking up as the old road started to give in to a more rustic environment. Bonus point for them, he thought before he yanked the steering wheel hard to the right.

Careening off the dirt road and into a field. A place the truck would fair far better. Even if the car didn't hesitate to follow. Tearing up loose dirt and scattering birds that had been calmly eating.

The GPS suddenly yelling 'recalculating' in the midst of all of this.

"Tubbo, in my bag, get the crossbow." Techno barked the order at his younger brother. Who was closer to his supplies. The boy glanced over and began to rummage through it. Needing to be held by the piglin while they hit a rather nasty bump in the field.

Techno was the most stable one. With his sheer size more weighted and letting him push his legs against the walls of the truckbed. Ranboo too light but mimicking his posture for more safety.

Tommy was clutching onto him for dear life and Dream looked almost none the wiser to the chaos. Still buried in his now almost melted ice.

"Do you want arrows or fireworks?!" Tubbo asked and Techno glanced at the car still chasing them.

"Fireworks."

Tubbo loaded one, going to hand the weapon over to his older brother but Techno shook his head. Too busy keeping hold of all of them and the truck to fire it properly. Instead he slid Tubbo forward. To rest in his lap and with the car right in his eyesight.

The gleeful cheer for the destruction he was about to cause rang over the two engines working overtime.

The first firework was just barely dodged by the car. That swerved and lost some momentum but not much. The second hit the windshield perfectly, cracking it but the driver didn't even try to stop. Pushing through the bright array of colors and sparks.

"What the hell?!" Tubbo demanded out of the car. Readying to fire another one.

Distracted only momentarily when a fist punched through the crack glass. Shattering it completely and leaving it wide open.

The two occupants now visible.

Bad behind the wheel and Ant now crawling out of the passenger seat. Onto the hood, using his claws to keep himself on it at the speeds they were going. Techno could only cringe as the paint was further ruined.

"Do I shoot Ant?!"

"Might as well!"

That firework took too long to load. It gave enough time for the feline hero to use the closing distance between them to his advantage. Jumping when Bad drove them almost bumper to bumper.

He landed in the bed of the truck with them and Techno just barely managed to stop Tubbo from blowing all of them up.

The cat stood, tails swishing. Eyes narrowed down at them as his hind claws kept him grounded from falling out. Then he looked at Dream and that's when the dreamon finally lifted his head to tune back into the world around him.

"DREAM!" Techno snarled, trying to alert him to the danger as one of those claws went for him.

The dreamon didn't react in time. Earning a harsh swipe across the face. That drew black blood and knocked Dream back hard against the truck. Momentarily dazing him further as he just lay there with eyes scrunched in pain.

Ant raised his claws up again, ready to fight more. Prepared for the worst reaction and got none. Dream just laid there as the cars still battled for control of the field.

"Get up!" Ant yelled over the wind and other noise.

"Dream get up!" Tommy echoed.

"DO SOMETHING!" Techno demanded.

And then chaos erupted.

Techno remembers yelling. Demanding that Dream do something other than just lay there. He couldn't help so long as he had his brothers to protect. Hold them down from flying out of the truck.

But then suddenly he felt calmer than ever. As though his brain was checking out.

Dissociating. Taking a backseat to whatever took control over him. His vision fogged around the edges.

A white haze that made everything seem further away than it was.

The voices that edged at the corner of his mind got incredibly loud and then quiet. The dead silence would've rang alarm bells normally. Struck him as wrong. Something he wasn't used to.

But whatever drug was coursing through his veins said otherwise.

He knew he let go of his brothers. Because all it took was one rough bump through the fields and Tubbo was gone. Ranboo screaming for him and teleporting out to catch him. Tommy looking between them and Techno as though terrified.

Maybe he was.

Because Techno stood up with ease despite the rocking truck. Despite the chaos.

Drew a sword and snarled.

He smelled blood in the air.

And part of him wanted it on his tongue.

Kill!

Was the only voice he heard this time.

"Oh goodness! Are you okay?!" Bad jumped out of his car, having skidded to a halt to avoid hitting the kids in the field. Just barely missing them as he swerved off to the side. He scrambled over to them, apologizing when they both instinctively flinched.

Tubbo looked fine, scared but fine. Ranboo winced with pain and didn't open his eyes. Refused to let go of his brother. Clutching to him like if he let go they'd keep falling.

He crouched down beside them. Making himself small the best he could but keeping his form true. Easing Ranboo's arms off of Tubbo to make him stop cutting off the blood circulation. "Deep breath." He said, "In," A pause. "Out."

Ranboo did listen. Eventually pulling himself out of his panic and letting the demon take control.

"That was a nasty fall, okay okay. Come on kids, let's get you out of the way."

"Can you walk?" Bad asked and he tried to stand. He really did. Legs shaking as he pushed himself up and his heart started racing again. Instincts taking over.

This was a dangerous place. His family was in danger. He should teleport them out. He should teleport.

Staring. Someone is staring at him.

He hates staring.

"Boo...?" Who was that? Who was talking to him? They were staring.

"Tubbo, what's wrong?"

"He...he has bad panic attacks, he just...he does these weird walk things! Ranboo, I'm fine! We're fine! We just need to get somewhere safe!"

Pain, pain, noise, pain.

Something roared in the distance.

Something loud crashed.

So much noise.

"WHAT-PHILZA!!! KIDS!!!"

"NOOOOOOO!!!"

"OH GOD, I NEED TO CALL AN AMBULANCE!"

Ranboo let out a wail. An eerie sound that echoed across this land. Feeling his limbs twitch with the urge to teleport. He wanted to go so far away. So far away.

"GEORGE! WE NEED HELP!"

"TOMMY!"

"GET HERE AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!!...OH GOD, ANT!!!"

Silence washed over him. A white haze edging his vision.

He smelled blood in the air.

And part of him wanted it on his hands.

Kill!

A voice screamed at him. Stared down at him with a smile. He hated being stared at.

He hated it so much.

The truck had crashed. Tommy barely remembers it. It happened so fast, was such a blur. One second he was watching his brother stand and the next second, he was on the ground. Sprawled across the dry grass of the field.

Hearing sounds that sounded so far away.

A pain registered dimly in his arm. In his side. He knew something was broken but he thought it would hurt worse than this. Something wet and warm trickled down his head as he lay there.

"TOMMY!" Wilbur's voice started coming closer to him.

"W-wilby..." He tried to call back. He didn't hear it despite saying it. A hand touched his head and it was like all of his senses rushed back into working at that.

He could smell Wilbur. Close as he was. Those stupid sweaters he loved to wear always smelled like they were dryer fresh even if he'd worn them several days in a row.

He could feel that warmth in that hand. That always did the same movements when he had a nightmare. Brushing through his messy bangs.

He could see that face, looming over him. Tears in his brother's eyes as he was saying something.

His voice was so loud. It was all he could hear.

"Toms, Toms, Tommy, it's okay. It's going to be okay. I'm not going to let you die. I'll drag you back from hell if I have to!"

He was dying?

That sucked.

"WILBUR?!"

"Dad! Over here!"

"Shit! Wilbur is Tommy okay?!"

"He's hurt!!" A pause, a shaky breath. "I don't know how bad! His arm is broken! His...head is bleeding! Phil he's barely looking at me?!?!"

A shadow filled the corner of his eyes. Another hand touched his head. "Wilbur, come on take a deep breath."

"DAD!"

"We can't help him if we panic! I know it's hard but just...breathe with me okay?!"

"I can't calm down until I know he's alright!!"

"I KNOW!" Why were they shouting? Arguing. "BUT YOU HAVE TO! SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO FACE OUR FEARS HEAD ON TO FIX THEM!"

He hated it when his family argued.

Something roared in the distance.

He flinched as did the shadow at his side.

"...Wilbur."

Wilbur looked away from him. His eyes widened and fear filled him. Tommy hated it when his brother looked scared.

"D-dad I have to get Techno..."

"Wilbur, no!"

"You're better at first aid!" Wilbur left his vision. Scrambled away and Tommy missed the touch already.

"WILBUR!"

"Phil!"

"TOMMY!!!" Tubbo?

"Bad, help!"

"I'm coming!"

Techno found himself laughing. Out of his control. A manic bubbling in his throat as he got a hold on the cat. By the scruff. Ant hissed and yowled. Clawed at him. Fear in his gaze as he looked up at him.

Techno just laughed.

The sword he had been fighting with had long been cast aside. Knocked out of his hands by an expert blow. Ant was a worthy opponent one on one when he fought for his life. Not just to pin Techno down.

And Techno might have been defeated when he was disarmed had it not been for his help that arrived in the nick of time. His little brother, Ranboo, teleporting in front of the next blow aimed towards his face.

Blocking it with a well timed use of his arm. That now bore scratches and blood dripped to the ground. Techno was mad about that.

How dare this beast, this wannabe hero, harm his little brother. He wanted blood, he didn't want it to be Ranboo's.

And he should've been just as upset on the outside as he was inside but instead he was laughing. Holding up his prey in victory. His brother screeching as enderman do when upset.

"By order of the-" Ant never got his words out. Techno threw him as hard as he could. Ranboo teleported after him.

They treated it like a fun little game. He threw the hero and Ranboo raced to the other side of the field to hit him. Like baseball. Using the blunt end of the sword he had retrieved from the ground.

Cackling just like Techno as he heard the ribs of the cat break.

Ant wheezed a painful cry. Crumbled to the ground and clutched his side. Hissing as Ranboo started approaching him with sword raised.

Techno walked over too. Grinning wide with wild eyes and snarling when the cat tried to scramble away. Stepping on the leg closest to him with enough force to break it.

"Kill." Ranboo said softly.

"Kill!" Techno echoed, joyfully.

"Wait-!" Ant pleaded and it fell on deaf ears.

Kill!

KILL!

WHY DO YOU HURT ME! WHY WON'T THE PAIN STOP?! WHY DOES NOTHING MAKE IT GO AWAY?!

KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL!

WHY DO YOU GET TO COME BACK AND SHE DOESN'T?!

WHAT MAKES YOU SO SPECIAL?!

KILL.

Ranboo handed Techno his sword. The piglin hybrid twisted it in his grip so the blade was facing downward. Over the cat's head.

"Heroes like you..." He growled, "...are meant to die."

He slammed it down straight through the soft parts of the skull and the dying scream went with it. Silence followed.

He waited until the body stopped twitching before he drew it out. Bringing the bloody weapon up to his lips. Licked it like a treat and hummed in satisfaction. One urge down.

But there was so much more he could have.

He could be greedy. Like his kind was. Like piglins were. Like demons were.

There was so much bloodshed to be had.

He slowly turned his head towards the other prey in the area. Lifted his foot off the fallen hero.

"Kill." He said and Ranboo beside him turned in the same direction. Eyes wide and blank as they stared at their prey. Taking a moment before he echoed the word as well.

"TECHNO!"

One of the foolish prey approached them. Afraid. They could smell that. Such a beautiful smell.

It was nice to smell it on someone else for a change.

Instead of himself.

"TECHNO! STOP!"

Tiny human. Tiny miserable human. With a spark. He hated that spark. He hated it so much. Sparks meant nothing. They could do so much but they couldn't bring her back. What was the point of a spark?!

What was the point of anything anymore?!

"Techie..."

Hands reached for his face. Drawing it towards the pitiful human. And he knows he should kill his prey. Be done with it. But this...this one smelled like something else.

Not just fear.

This one smelled like...

Him.

"Come on Techie. It's okay. You protected us. You protected all of us. We need our normal Techno now though. We need our big brother Techno. Tommy and Tubbo need him. Ranboo needs him!"

Ranboo brushed past the prey. Heading towards the rest with slow lumbering steps. A diamond axe appearing in his grasp as he did.

"Tech! Please! Please! I know you're upset, I know you're scared! I know it's hard to think! But please...please, listen to me! Take a break big guy! We...we need to take a break! We're almost there. We're almost to the End! We won't have to fight anymore! We won't have to run anymore!"

The End?

What's left at the End?

He...wanted it to end.

He wanted it all to end.

Was that what this prey was promising him?

When all the others stood in his way?

"...moon." He says and the hands on him flinch away. Briefly. Those human eyes staring at him in shock before narrowing in determination. Scowling really.

"Dream!" The prey snaps. "LET MY BROTHERS GO!" A hesitant follow through. "P-please."

He reached out and tapped the human's arm.

"...please...please..." It repeated. Not answering his question. "Please, please, please." Tears rolled down its cheeks. "...please, gift! For! FOR WILBUR!"

Ranboo stopped moving. Techno stopped moving. Both frozen in time. Wilbur clutched at Techno's shirt. "Please Dream, please. Stop. No more. For Wilbur."

Techno relaxed.

"For Wilbur." He repeated.

And the voice stopped. The haze melted away. Pain shot through his head and he clutched at it with a yell. Crumbling down to his knees. Wilbur falling with him. Ranboo collapsing against the ground a bit of ways away from them.

Wilbur pulls him into a tight hug. Buries his face against his hair. "Techno, Techno-oh god, please, Techno!"

"...c-can't breathe, W-wil."

"Shit, sorry!"

"Touch my sons with that and I'll be the one you need to use it on next." Phil growled at the paramedic. Who was holding a needle in his grasp. A sedative to be exact.

It was reasonable to expect in a way. The police, the ambulance, George, all arrived on scene to a blood bath. To a piglin hybrid covered in the substance. To an enderman who was still lost in a feral mindset.

To a broken little kid who was rushed away the moment they assessed his damage. His brother torn between riding with him and staying with the rest. Ultimately Tubbo did go.

And then of course, heroes. One dead, one alive and trying his best to explain what was going on. To a crowd that only saw the news and knew these people were wanted.

And Dream. Who sat the furthest away from all of the commotion. By the broken crashed truck. Sat there with a bandage on his slowly healing cheek and his knees close to his body. Watching them with emotionless red eyes.

It was unnerving and the sedative would be understandable if Phil hadn't gone through hell and back just now and wanted nothing to do with it.

"Dad, it's okay..." Techno managed in a rough voice. Scratchy from all of the laughing and roaring. "If it makes them feel safe, I don't mind."

"No, Techno, you're not an animal!"

"I kinda am." His son snorts and the paramedic looks between them as though waiting for a verdict. "...at least let them use it on Ranboo." He sighed. "...he's been screaming at everyone who looks at him the entire time."

True, the boy was on top of the second ambulance to arrive now. Standing there to avoid anyone coming close to him. Several of them trying to coax him down off of it. George offering him blocks to no avail.

He'd scream the moment eyes came close to him. Vibrating with all of the anxiousness of an enderman who didn't trust anyone.

"If they can catch him, maybe."

Bad broke away from the police. Headache clear on his features. Walking over to them with tail swishing and he reached out towards Phil as he drew closer. Touching a wing and ignoring the flinch that came with it.

"...nothing broken?" He asked softly.

"Aside from Tommy, no."

"I'll make sure the hospital spoils him."

"Bad, you-"

"Don't...don't start Phil. Not right now." Phil eyed him, seeing those tears edging his eyes. Realization that Bad was mourning in some way eventually hitting him and he just nodded silently.

"Is...Ant okay?"

"He's back home, recovering."

"Good."

Several of them jumped as George yelled 'aha!' in victory. Having successfully found a block that enticed Ranboo enough off of the ambulance. It happened to be a solid chunk of coral.

Ranboo was practically burying his face into it as the workers around him looked on in mild amusement.

"...let's get all of you a hotel for the night, near the hospital." Bad muttered, watching the exchange.

Phil scoffed. "What...? No dragging us back home?"

"...no." Bad said it so solemnly that the man twitched in confusion. Watching his brother-in-law's face for any sign of revealing what secret may come from it. Nothing.

Silence follows him and then as the awkwardness seemed to grow, Techno muttered, "...when you get your car fixed, can I drive it?"

"...huh?!"

"Oh right, Bad you wouldn't know. Techno is one of those kids-"

The hotel room was...nice. Paid for by the heroes. Large enough of a penthouse for all of them to sleep comfortably. Including the demon and George who decided to stay with them for the time being. Saying they'd talk tomorrow.

Everyone kind of went their separate ways after that.

Exhausted but too awake to sleep. Phil going to visit Tommy and Tubbo in the hospital. Ranboo had somehow managed to turn a bathroom closet into a makeshift panic room.

Handed a cup of cocoa and otherwise ignored as no one forced him out of it.

Wilbur made dinner for no one. Just to keep his hands busy. Didn't feel like eating it afterwards. Techno found himself counting the number of useless decorations.

Dream sat in the room they had given him. In the center of the bed. Just like he had been at the wreck. Legs curled close and staring directly ahead.

When the heroes fell asleep finally, used to chaos, and Phil texted that he'd be a while, Wilbur gathered up his brother and headed to Dream's room.

Sat down on one side of the dreamon while Techno took the other. Those red eyes following them with slight curiosity.

"We're not going to play therapist just yet." Techno said with a shrug. "Though you did piss me off and I want to punch you, I think I'll wait until your cheek heals." Instead, he went for a book in his grasp.

"We'll talk about what Techno heard later."

The book was placed in Dream's lap as the dreamon unfurled his tense posture. Wilbur opening it with a smile and pointing to the new word on the page. With a photo of a little girl exiting a house.

"Leave." He said.

Dream repeated it.

Chapter Text

Phil came back to the penthouse without the kids. Tommy was alright, mouthy as ever, Tubbo at his side stealing his hospital food occasionally. Mostly the sweets. They were a menace to society together and it warmed his heart in a way to see despite the accident, they were the same.

It was too early in the morning. No one in their right mind would be awake. Just shy of four and the sun was peeking through the clouds in the distance. He was exhausted. His wings hurt from how strong the urge was to fly.

He expected to collapse on the couch in the living area and force himself to drink down two cups of coffee when Bad and George finally decided to have this talk they insisted on having.

What he did not expect, was to walk in on chaos.

Not his usual family chaos.

No, that would've been a welcome sight.

Instead, the table of the kitchenette was upturned. The couch as well. Three bodies strewn about on the floor between them in various disarray.

Wilbur was on his back. Arm over his eyes. Sleep clothes too big for his body and it took Phil a realize the reason was because they actually belonged to Techno.

Techno was face down on the kitchen tile. Hair a mess and splayed out everywhere. Glasses in one hand.

Dream was in the middle of them. With features a confusing mix of human and his true form. Multiple eyes on his face and arms. Teeth sharp and mask seemingly part of his skin. But he was grinning.

"...what happened?" Phil asked.

It seemed to snap everyone out of their relaxation. Wilbur sitting up with a laugh. Spreading his arms out. "PHILZA FUCKING MINECRAFT!" He greeted in such a loud voice and Phil flinched.

Noticing the flush on his son's cheeks and the slur in his voice.

He glanced to the kitchen counter and saw three empty bottles of wine.

That explained a lot.

"...oooooooooh boy." He could only whisper, shutting the door behind him as his oldest stumbled to his feet. Grabbed his arm and leaned on him. Nearly taking them both to the floor but he managed to hold them steady. "...how many glasses of wine did you have?!"

"...glasses?" Techno asked from the floor. Voice just as slurred. Slowly sitting up and looking around. "...were we supposed to use glasses?" He had a slight accent. As if he was mimicking the one some of the family members had.

Picked up from Phil and their mother. Though Techno hadn't adapted to it easily thanks to his tusks and such.

"No!" Wilbur said adamantly. Pointing at his brother. "What did I say about glasses?!" A pause. "Dream! What did I say about glasses?!"

Dream giggled. "Pussies!" He said and that got a laugh out of Techno and a smile from Wilbur.

"That's right! Glasses are for pussies! We drink straight out of the bottle! LIKE MEN!"

"Please tell me Dream drank most of this..." Phil eyed the number of bottles. Cringing. "...you boys, please tell me you didn't down a bottle each."

"Don't be ridiculous Phil." Wilbur huffed. Leaning a bit more on him. "...I had...uh...what's less than one but more than zero?"

"Fractions."

"Techie, Techno, Mister Blade, I appreciate your help but don't you bring your English majoring into this house of God!"

Phil took a moment to sniff his son. The smell of alcohol not so strong on him. Good, Wilbur was a bit of a lightweight. For many reasons. Too scrawny to drink like his brother or father.

He eased Wilbur into a chair and then went to go check Techno. Techno reeked. As though some of the alcohol had been dumped on him at some point. In fact, his sleep shirt was a little bit stained.

And Dream smelled the worst. So he was confident that the two who could handle most of it had indeed drank the most.

He sighed, drew away and offered his hand to help Techno up. Grabbing the pair of glasses before they could hit the floor and trying to put them on his son's face. Met with protests. Little childish grumbles about how looking at things hurt.

So he just tucked them in his own shirt and guided Techno to a seat as well.

Then went back for Dream. Who looked at him through that mask with a lopsided smile. "Philza..." He chirped and Phil gave a half-smile back at him. "Welcome...home."

That...was unexpected.

"...you know more words." Phil observed and Dream nodded, as if he understood. Giggling as he was pulled up onto his feet. "...is that what you all have been doing while getting shitfaced?!"

"Wilbur tell! Dream words!"

Dream went towards the remaining chair on his own. Though he did accept Phil's help to steady him towards it. Slipping down in the seat and running a hand over his mask. Pulling it off with a slow sickening sound.

Leaving behind an irritated drunken dazed face.

"We figured the alcohol would help!"

"How does alcohol help word learning Wilbur Soot?!"

His son leveled him with a look. Huffing. "Made me forget being angry at you for a bit!" Techno burst into a laugh. High pitched and silly. Reaching to high-five Wilbur and earning a laugh back.

Brothers leaning on each other as they died down their giggling. Phil stared at them with a sigh.

Before he pushed in between them. Rested a hand on each shoulder and made sure they were looking at him. "Wil, Tech. I never ever want to be the cause of you two getting drunk. Look at you...you're a mess!"

"No shit." Techno snorted, a true pig like sound. Hand rubbing under his eye. "...your fault. Stupid old man..."

"Stupid old man." Wilbur echoed and leaned back into his seat. Almost tipping the chair over. "Too drunk to be mad right now though! I'll make sure to scream at you later!"

"Boys!"

"Fuck off!" Wilbur said suddenly with a growl.

"Fuck off." Techno echoed, waving his hand dramatically before it rested on his forehead.

"Fuck off." Dream agreed and buried his head in his arms. Sighing as though he was ready to sleep.

Phil didn't know what to say or do. So he just turned towards the kitchen and started cooking. The surefire hangover cure he knew how to make. Figuring his boys would definitely need it.

They didn't move from the table. Though they were silent for a while. Then Wilbur drummed his hands against it to catch Dream's attention again.

"Dream, dream, dreamie! Dream-dream! Ask me for a word!"

Dream opened one eye on his arm to look at the man. Before it scanned the room and looked around and then he pointed at the ceiling fan. Then tapped Wilbur's arm.

It earned a delighted noise.

"Fan." Techno answered however, catching Wilbur off-guard.

"Techie! It was my turn!!"

"Too slow."

"You're such a brute!" He pouted and looked back at Dream. "New word! New word, Dream! Just for me!"

When Dream looked a bit confused what to ask about, Wilbur pointed over his shoulder at Phil. "Oh! I know! Do you know what that is?!"

"Philza?" Dream supplied and Wilbur laughed.

"And an arsehole!"

"Absolute arse!" Techno laughed.

Phil twitched. Frowned but kept his focus on the food. His wings puffing up.

"Arse?" Dream repeated and Wilbur nodded. "Arse!"

"There ya go! Good on you, boy!"

"Philza Arse!"

It was making the boys laugh harder. Every time Dream said some form of his name with arse thrown in. He was gripping the spatula too hard now. Shaking as he did. Trying to do his best to ignore it.

Then Dream said the thing that made him thrown down the utensil altogether.

"Philza Bad Father Arse Minecraft!"

"ENOUGH!" He snarled, whirling around to face his boys. Where Wilbur and Techno flinched as though they had been caught red handed. Dream shrunk back with all eyes wide. Just like the Nether.

He pushed away from the table and backed up.

"I'm not letting you use Dream against me, Wilbur!"

"Oh aren't we a bit egotistical now?" Wilbur scoffed. "As if I'd go to that length. He's just parroting us!"

"You told him I was a bad father?!"

"Well you're certainly shit at it!"

"You're not that great of a son either!"

Wilbur's face contorted in pain and Phil wanted to take it back. But the fire burned in his veins and his heart hammered and they were yelling now. This was a fight. He said it and he can't take it back.

Techno beside them looked to have sobered up a bit. Just a bit. Looking between them with wide eyes. "...Dad..." He started and Phil held up his hand to silence him.

Wilbur pushed out of his chair. Nearly fell because of his own two feet but towered over Phil. Causing the man's wings to splay a little out of instinct. To look bigger and more threatening.

"Is that how you really feel Phil?! Has that been on the back of your fucked up little mind all this time?! Ever since mom died I bet?! Oh wait, ever since you killed her!"

Phil hissed through gritted teeth. Just as low of a blow as he dealt to his son. Feeling the urge to cry build up. To run. To fly away.

Wilbur read him like a book.

"Go on! Get out of here! You never want to face your problems! Why start now when we don't want you here?!"

"Wilbur..." Techno tried and now Wilbur snapped his fingers at him to shut him up.

"Been knew, Wil!" Phil snarled back. Hands splayed out. "Been real obvious you've wanted your dad out of the picture for a while!"

"WELL IT'S NOT LIKE YOU'VE BEEN MY DAD IN A LONG WHILE!"

"OH COME OFF IT! I'VE ALWAYS BEEN YOUR DAD!"

"YOU GAVE UP ON US THE MINUTE MUM WAS GONE!!"

"I DIDN'T WANT TO!"

"BUT YOU FUCKING DID!"

"GROW UP WILBUR!"

"I'VE TRIED TO AND THERE'S THIS GIANT ROADBLOCK IN MY WAY! THE MAN WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO HELP ME!" Wilbur screeched his words, voice hoarse. Tears rolling down his face and he advanced a step. Pushing his father back towards the counter. "HOW ABOUT IT?! WHERE'S THE MAN WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO TEACH ME HOW TO SHAVE?! OR HAVE THE TALK WITH ME?! WHERE'S THE MAN WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO TEACH ME HOW TO DRIVE?!"

Phil pressed against the counter, hands gripping it as he stared up at Wilbur. "BECAUSE I HAD TO LEARN MOST OF THAT ON MY OWN, PHILZA! I HAD TO ASK THE INTERNET OR STRANGERS! BECAUSE DEAR OLD DAD RATHER BE OFF EXPLORING A FIELD IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE THAN COMFORTING HIS SONS!"

He raised his hands up, almost like he'd hit Phil and Phil flinched. Looking away. "WHERE'S YOUR EXCUSE THIS TIME PHIL?! WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST KILL ME NEXT?!"

"I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO!" Phil shouted back and Wilbur was the one to flinch now.

Silence fell between them aside from their panting breaths. Staring at each other. Wide-eyed and teary. And the voice to break the silence wasn't Techno's or Dream's.

It was Bad's.

"...Phil." The single name cut through the air like a knife. Blue eyes looked anywhere but at the demon. "...what...what does Wilbur mean by 'kill me next'...?"

Anyone with eyes could see Phil wanted to run. His wings twitched. His posture was coiled ready to spring. But his exits were blocked. Wilbur having pushed him into a corner and Bad now taking up the only space that was free.

The demon had come out of the bedroom when he heard the shouting. To make sure everyone was okay. Now he stood there, having just turned the oven off to keep it from burning down the hotel.

Wilbur's offensive posture fell into one resigned. Staring down at his father. Glancing briefly to his uncle before looking back. "...tell him, Phil. Tell him what you told me."

"...I can't." Phil whispered.

"...you have to."

"Tell me what." Bad demanded, his voice more firm now. Inching closer until he was the one now pushing Phil into a corner. Putting hands on both sides of the counter. Boxing him in. Leveling him with a look more serious than any other during this entire hunt.

"Tell. Me. What." He growled when Phil still refused.

"Tell him!" Wilbur shouted and Techno was pushing to his feet. "Tell him, Phil!"

"...dad, tell him." Techno urged and Phil braced himself to be hit. To be killed on the spot. Taking a deep breath before he choked out between broken sobs.

"...I killed her."

Bad knew who he meant instantly. Judging by how his expression twisted from frustrated and serious to devastation. Eyes widening and he pulled his hands back. To his mouth. Covering it as he took a step back.

"...what?"

"...I k-killed her..."

"Y-...you wouldn't!" The demon shook his head. "You couldn't have! What are you even saying?! What do you mean you killed her?!" Hands grabbed Phil's shoulders. Shook them and the avian curled somewhat in on himself. "Phil! Phil, what do you mean?!"

He looked over his shoulder at Wilbur and Techno. Whose expressions said it all. That what Phil was saying wasn't some twisted sick prank.

He looked back at the man who was nearly broken. Weak and sobbing against the hands being the only thing to hold him up. "Philza Minecraft! ANSWER ME!"

"CAN OUR FAMILY GO ONE DAY WITHOUT SCREAMING OUT OUR PROBLEMS?!" Everyone jumped at the new voice. Looking to Ranboo who had walked into the room. Disheveled, clearly tired, hair a mess from where he had been buried in his panic closet.

When everyone looked at him, he screeched an enderman noise and they all quickly looked away. Only once they did did he breathe a sigh. "...sorry, didn't mean to scream either." He muttered and then took a deep breath.

Calming himself by counting as he did.

When he released his third or fourth breath, he marched over to the table. Pulling out chairs and pointing at them. "Techno." Techno sat in that one. "Bad." The demon slowly straightened. "Wilbur." Wilbur inched his way over warily. "Dream." Dream chirped in confusion but did obey. "Dad." He left the last one for the man at the center of this all.

Far enough away from anyone who could reach him.

They all took their seats in silence and Ranboo placed his hands on Phil's shoulders. Keeping him sitting when he clearly wanted to run again. "Okay, good. This is good. This is called group therapy and we're going to practice it and no one is allowed to yell or cuss or say mean things okay?"

When no one responded, his eyes narrowed and he hissed. "OKAY?!"

"Yes." Everyone said at once. Even Dream. Who scooted a bit further away from him.

"Good, good."

The hybrid looked around at them. Judging them with their reactions to his brief glance. Then settled on Dream.

"Dream, you're the most calm one here. You can go first."

The dreamon looked understandably confused. Repeating the one word, "First?"

"Talk." Ranboo supplied.

Dream made a noise of acknowledgment. Seeming to understand. Fingers tapping at the table. He looked around before he tried his best with his still stilted vocabulary. "...Philza mad, Philza yell, Philza hurt. Dream...scared. Dream fear. Dream want Philza stop. Wilbur, Techno yell, Philza hurt. Dream want Wilbur, Techno stop."

He looked to Ranboo for approval and Ranboo smiled, nodding. "Good job, Dream!"

"We're only yelling because-" Wilbur began but was cut off with a harsh glare from his little brother.

"Not your turn, Wilbur!"

"But-!"

"Not. Your. Turn."

Wilbur grew quiet, staring down at the table.

"Techno, your turn."

"Bruh." Techno began so eloquently.

"Don't make me put a time limit on it."

Techno huffed, before sighing. "Okay look, I'm angry because I don't understand. I feel like I've been left out of the loop. I'm getting information secondhand from Wilbur! And I have to do all this fighting and I don't have time to relax and I miss when Dad and I did stuff together, not Dad does something, Wil hears about it, Wil tells me and I try to keep the family from imploding!"

"Is it my turn yet?!" Wilbur demanded and Ranboo pointedly looked at Bad.

"Your turn, Bad!"

The demon looked and felt out of place. Glancing around at the family because he really only had questions. Not much to say. His tail swishing anxiously. "...I...I guess I'm with Techno on this one. I feel like...no one is talking to me. I get it, we're on opposite sides but...we're family right?"

He looked at Phil as he said that, the man never looked back at him.

Wilbur looked ready to begin talking and Ranboo looked at Phil. "Dad, your turn."

"OH COME ON!"

"...Wilbur can go." Phil muttered and Ranboo shook his head.

"Nope! Your turn! What do you want to say?"

"I...I don't know what to say."

"Okay, that's a start." The enderman hummed. "Why don't you?"

"...because whatever I say is going to sound wrong."

"Why?"

"Because that's all I've been doing...?"

"Why?"

"...because I don't know how to talk to my family." Phil concluded, groaning as he put his face into his hands.

"There we go! Alright, Wilbur, your turn."

There was silence. Awkward silence. And when everyone looked at Wilbur they could see him with a confused expression. Staring at his father as if he had never met the man before this moment.

"Wilbur?" Ranboo prompted again.

"...what the fuck do you mean, you don't know how to talk to us?!"

"I don't!"

"We're your kids!"

"I know! How fucked up is that?!" Phil yelled, exasperated. Earning a tap on his shoulder from his youngest who reminded him to keep his voice down. "Do you think I'm proud of that flaw?! That I have five sons and I don't know what to say to them?! That I'm scared to talk to my own kids?!"

"You're scared of us?!" Techno asked, now just as confused.

"Yes! I'm terrified!"

"What?!" Both older boys said in unison. "Why?!"

Phil reached across the table. Ignoring the way his kids flinched. Grabbed Wilbur's arm and drew it forward. Gesturing to the scars. "That's why!" Wilbur stared down at it. Feeling nervous with eyes on the marks.

Bad letting out a concerned whine.

Dream looked between Phil and Wilbur. Then down at the scars. Before he connected the dots. "...Philza hurt Wilbur. Philza make scar."

Wilbur shook his head. "No Dream, Wilbur made those! I made those!" he yanked his arm back. Huffing at his father. "I did that all by myself."

"Because of me!"

"Because mom died and I was confused and scared and-"

"AND YOUR FATHER DITCHED YOU AND DIDN'T THINK TWICE ABOUT IT!"

"BUT-" Wilbur cut off, frowning. Looking down at his arm again. As though putting together that yeah...part of his reason for his depression, was in fact, his father. That's why after a long discussion in therapy and a family get together, Phil started checking in more.

Phil started doing things like talking to his sons more. Asking them questions. Getting them to talk and comfort each other when upset. He was middle manning but it was a way to show he cared.

They all knew he was trying to make up for not being there when Wilbur needed him the most.

"Oh." Wilbur said, running his fingers over the scars. "...Oh."

Phil took a deep breath. Wings drooping. "...I never want to make you do that again."

"...you keep pushing us away because...you're scared if you let us in, it'll hurt worse...?"

Phil just remained silent. His sons staring at him.

Then Wilbur let out a long agitated sigh. "...why are those the only scars you focus on?!" He demanded and then wrenched his shirt sleeve up a bit. Showing the upper part of his arm. Gesturing to faded dark brown spots.

"Dad, do you recognize this scar?" He asked and his father studied it before shaking his head no. "...this is from when I was twelve!" Wilbur huffed. "I won't name names but a little piglet in our family ran into my room all scared, climbed into bed with me and demanded I let him stay so he could protect me from the monster in the house!"

Techno's cheeks flushed a deep red as Ranboo snorted. As Bad cracked a soft smile and Phil tilted his head.

"And that monster, mind you, was under his bed but I let him stay and he fell asleep in seconds beside me! ...but then halfway through the night, he bit me! In his sleep!"

"I did not!"

"You did! I was bleeding and trying not to wake you up and I ran into dad's room and scared the piss out of him and he nearly flew me to a hospital until I reminded him we have band-aids!"

Phil chuckled at the memory. "...you try being woken up at two in the morning by a bloody kid."

Wilbur huffed. Shaking his head and then gestured to the scar again. "...yeah, well you should focus on these scars more! Because, it hurt like hell. It scared me! but when I went back to bed, Techno was there. Sound asleep! Drooling on my pillow like nothing happened!" He sighed.

"...it wasn't the happiest memory. But it made me think, 'next time Techno comes in here, I'll put a pillow between us' and I did! Because I remembered he bites in his sleep! And I knew he'd come back!"

He taps the mark. "...so I don't...I don't hate this scar! It's a part of me and Techno's life!" He let the shirt drop. "...do you remember when Tommy tried to fly?!"

"He broke his baby teeth."

"He did! And you know what? He loves to tell the story! He hurt a lot, he was scared, he cried a lot, but he looks back on it and he tells everyone about how his dad came running to him lightning fast. Scooped him up like a superhero. Told him this cool story about how the tooth fairy pays extra for broken teeth because they're rare!"

"And Tubbo! He once got attacked by a bunch of bees and you taught him all about them while you cleaned up his stings!"

"Remember my first time cooking pancakes?" Techno asked, seeming to catch onto what Wilbur was saying. "I burnt my hand so bad and ruined everything."

"Hey, not everything was ruined!" Phil protested. "You didn't burn down the house and one of the pancakes could be saved! Best pancake I ever had!"

"See?!" Wilbur laughed. "Dad, see?!?!"

Phil looked confused and Ranboo took the lead now. Drumming fingers against the man's shoulders. Leaning over him to look down but avoid eye contact. His father respecting it and averting his eyes as well. "...I think what Wilbur is trying to say is...sometimes life sucks...but we can't control that...and if we have to deal with it, at least we can deal with it together?"

Wilbur and Techno nodded in unison and Phil looked back to them. Frowning. "...but-"

"Dad, I'm not saying we're not upset with you. I'm not saying you being there would've solved everything! I'm not saying that it's a miracle if you just listen but-" Wilbur looked down at the table. Sighed and reached out.

Grabbing one of Phil's hands and offering Techno the other. "...remember what I said to you in the cave?" A deep breath. "Pushing us away from the bad stuff doesn't protect us. It just makes it harder to face. We want to share the bad with you. And the good. And make the bad good with you."

Silence followed his words.

All of them seeming to think it over.

"...we want to share mom with you, Dad...even if it hurts."

"The good, the bad, us." Techno added in a quiet voice.

"...you know, this conversation is really awkward with my name."

"Bad, you're ruining the moment."

"Sorry!"

"...what...uh...what's going on?" George asked as he finally woke up. Walking into the living room to find an amusing scene. The table had been righted, the couch as well. But now Phil was sprawled across the floor face down. Wings spread out.

Bad was draped along the back of the couch like a cat. Tail swishing slowly. Wearing Phil's hat between his horns.

Wilbur and Techno were in the actual seats of the couch. Nursing water, medication, and whatever that hangover cure Phil had been making was. It looked like a strange toast.

Dream was sat calmly among the group. Back to his human form. Occasionally softly burping but otherwise showing no sign of alcohol having ever been in his system.

And Ranboo was walking among them, refilling water at the moment. He looked up at George, tail swishing. "uh...emotional breakdowns, alcohol, naps, and uh...everyone needed a break."

"We need more wine." Bad muttered, his voice a little slurred. Phil hummed an agreement from the floor.

"...is Bad drunk?"

"Tipsy." Ranboo noted and Bad nodded. "He just had a few sips."

"...and Phil?"

"...he downed half a bottle."

Phil raised a hand from the floor. "I earned it!" He said, muffled but loud enough to be heard. Wilbur reached from the couch to pat his father on the head.

"Yes you did, Dad. Yes you did."

Dream mimicked his movement. "Good Philza!"

The wings fluttered happily.

"And after everyone is sober and Tommy and Tubbo get here, we're going to talk about dad apparently murdering our mother." Ranboo said in way too calm of a voice. As everyone but Dream winced and George looked at him as though he had a second head.

"...we need more wine." Bad said again.

Phil hummed another agreement.

"We also need to talk about the elephant in the room." George pointed out. Looking at Dream.

"We're working on that too." Wilbur muttered from where he was shielding his eyes from any light. "We taught him a whole bunch of words last night." He nudged Dream to prompt him to talk and the dreamon perked up. "Tell em what you learned, Dream."

George looked at Dream with narrowed eyes but was expecting something profound.

"George, pussy."

And a tipsy Bad didn't even bother to reprimand Dream for his language. Bursting into laughter alongside everyone else. Falling off the back of the couch as he did.

"No more alcohol." Ranboo locked the cabinet with the remaining wine in it. Not enough to get anyone drunk but he was putting his foot down either way. Ignoring the little whines that followed.

He had even picked a cabinet only he and Bad would be able to get to. Trusting the demon who was sober again now to follow his rules.

"What the fuck did we miss that you gotta lock up the drinks?!" Tommy demanded, eyeing his little brother who just gave a sheepish smile.

"Judging by how bad Dream smells? A lot." Tubbo muttered, scooting further away from the dreamon on his spot on the floor and closer to the freshly showered Techno. Who didn't hesitate to pull the teen into his lap.

Rest his chin on his forehead and they shared small smiles.

"Broken Tommy gets the big fluffy armchair!"

"FUCK YEAH!"

Tommy collapsed into with a happy sigh. Not a care in the world for his cast. "Ranboob, can you get me a soda? The hospital wouldn't let me have any. They said it would aggravate my ADHD or something."

"...and you want me to do that?"

"Ranboo I'm dying from lack of sugar. Do you want my life on your conscience?"

"Fine, fine." A coke was passed to the teen, cracked open with one hand and the boy chugged down half of it before he turned his attention to his family. And George and Dream. Who all sat in a weird circle.

Like this was an AA meeting and that's why Ranboo had closed up the alcohol.

And now Ranboo and Wilbur were locking windows and doors to the penthouse. Checking any exits. They could see how much it made Phil twitch and his feathers ruffle.

"Whenever you're ready, Phil." Bad muttered, leaning forward on his knees.

"...I'm never going to be ready." Phil admitted.

Silence followed his words. Save for the occasional crinkle of the hand in Tommy's grasp. The remaining kids joining the circle and Dream picking up the fidget toy they had rescued from the wreck.

He began to play with it while he looked around at them.

Hummed a little and chirped.

His hands slowed however when someone started talking. Bad started talking.

"...she was rushed to the hospital because of an injury right?" The demon's tail swished. "...I never...I never got to see it but...it was on her right side?"

Phil nodded.

"...it was huge." Bad continued. "She couldn't even lay on that side. They had her covered, bandaged, wouldn't let the kids go near it. Wouldn't let any of us!" He touched his side where he was talking about. Frowning. "...it was so big, Phil. How was that your fault? ...what happened."

No response. So Bad continued. "...you and her had gone out. You both needed a little break." He chuckled awkwardly. "...I volunteered to watch the kids! ...Wilbur and Techno didn't...really understand you can't shout around the baby." He smiled. "...you two looked like you were three more Tommy tantrums away from burning down an entire city."

"HEY!" Tommy protested.

"You were a baby, it's alright! Babies are supposed to cry!"

"And we weren't helping, apparently." Wilbur added. Huffing.

"You really weren't." Phil sighed, rubbing his temples. "We'd finally get Tommy down for a nap and you'd play music too loud or Techno would break something or you both wanted to play with Tommy...or you started fighting." He looked tired just talking about it.

"You nearly kissed me when I offered to watch them."

"I would've if my wife hadn't been there."

"Gross, dad."

"Shush."

"It was just for the night." Bad continued, frowning. "Just one night. You two were going to go out. Get dinner. Walk in a park. Maybe explore a bit. Stretch your wings and her paws. And I got the gremlin trio."

"...and then I got the call."

"...Bad, bring the kids here quick. Come to the hospital. It's Vici."

The demon sighed. "...I think that's the fastest I've ever driven my car. In all those years."

Wilbur nods. "...I remember. I told you I was going to tell Dad you were speeding. You told me if I kept it a secret you'd give me a cookie."

"Bad!"

"I don't normally bribe kids! It was an emergency and you had enough on your plate!" The demon held his hands up. "Besides! Your little precious gift from above negotiated it into three cookies and he got to stay up and watch a movie past bedtime!"

Phil couldn't help it. He barked a laugh. Shook his head and put it in his hands. "...yeah that was Vici's fault. She always told him to get the best out of any bribes he could."

"Of course it was her! I should've known!"

"I should've held out for more cookies." Wilbur muttered.

"You could've gotten me some cookies."

"Tech, with all due respect, argue for your own bribes."

"I was six years old, Wilbur!"

Chapter Text

"Foxes don't howl!" Phil laughed as he chased after his wife. The kitsune pausing her noise as she crested a hill. Stopping in her tracks and grinning back at him. Tails swishing happily behind her.

"And birds don't run!"

He snorted, spreading his wings with that. Taking off like a shot in the air and she watched him. Smiling. Ears perked as if that's what she wanted all along. He glided over her and she ran under him.

The grass grew tall, the field seemed to stretch on forever but they kept going. Gaining distance like they were running from something.

In a way, they were.

Responsibility.

Don't get them wrong, they love their kids. It's just been so long since they got to do this. Since they got to relive the entire reason they fell in love.

An adventurer, a hero, a renown fighter and the woman who defined 'exotic'. With her demonic traits and her powers. Her cunning words and her bell like laugh.

She jumped into the air as he swooped down lower. Her snout touching his hand briefly and she managed to grab hold of his sleeve.

Pulling him down with her.

They rolled down the hill and he had the forethought to tuck his wings close so they didn't get damaged by the ground. She pounced on him at the bottom, shifted back to a person and let her single tail wag behind her.

Smiling as she crossed her arms on his chest. Leaning forward to kiss his lips.

He returned it with all of the passion that hasn't left them yet. Bursting into giddy little noises when they pulled apart.

"Where to?" Vici asked and Phil hummed.

"...you know what we haven't done in forever?"

"Dungeon crawl?"

"Stronghold!"

"Ha! Of course! You love the End more than me, Philza."

"I do not! I don't even want to go to the End." The man chuckled, shaking his head. Stretching his arms up and then bringing his hands to cup her face. Blue eyes gazing into brown. "...I just miss discovering everything new with you."

"Oh? Three kids isn't new enough for you?"

"Vici, I had to stop Wilbur from eating the sand in the sandbox."

"What's more adventurous than that?"

"Swordfights!" Phil pushed himself to sit up. Laughing. Fixing his hat. "Finding abandoned towns! Discovering new species! Living up to my name!"

The fox smiled, sitting back on the grass. Curling her tail around her lap. "Not enough titles for you yet?" At his sheepish look she reached out to pat his leg. "I'm just teasing. I get it. I'm missing the Nether too."

She looked back towards the direction of their home. "...I love our kids but I can't wait until Tommy is old enough to take on trips. Imagine how excited he'll be to see the End!"

"He'll love our house there."

"He'll love everything." She sighed. "He'll be unstoppable. Just like you."

Phil placed a hand against his own cheek. Feigning being bashful and she laughed at him. Reaching out with both hands to shove him back against the grass. Jumping over him as she shifted back to her kitsune form.

"Come on! That stronghold won't find itself!" She called back, already starting to run. "Run, Birdboy! Run!"

"You just said birds don't run!"

"Run!" Dream laughed, gently pushing the woman towards the front door. Puffy catching the frame with her hands and shooting him a look over her shoulder. "Puffy, run!"

"Haven't I taught you please?!" She demanded and he pouted at her. Huffing before he muttered a 'please'. It must of shocked her, because she let go of the door and he had the ability to shove her out into the snow.

She bleated in alarm, falling face forward. Creating a fluffy shape in the once untouched section of white powder. Lifting her head up after a moment to sigh. Then laugh.

He jumped over her easily. Landing quite a bit of ways away. Grunting at the strange feeling of the cold against his skin. Whirling around to face her and mimic a dog. Barking at her to hurry up.

"Oh you little-I'm coming!" She pushed up to stand, dusting off some of the snow and then launched forward. Trying to grab him.

He dodged easily, kicked up a bit of snow at her, and started to run around her in circles.

"I thought you wanted to race! Not chase!"

"Manhunt! Run!"

"I don't know how to play Manhunt!" Puffy stopped after a moment. Out of breath. Something Dream was learning swiftly. That she needed air unlike him. That it was easy to exhaust her.

He crept closer to check on her. Peeking under her mess of rainbow hair. Chirping to ask if she was alright.

She used his curious nature to her advantage. Suddenly smirking and grabbing him. Yanking him down into the snow and he yelped.

Made all the worse when she grabbed a handful of the stuff and shoved it into his shirt.

He screeched and she laughed so hard she had tears in her eyes.

Dream practically yanked the shirt off to get rid of the offending coldness. Pouting at her as he shook it out and she smiled up at him. Not at all bothered as she lay there in the stuff. "What do you want to do, Dream?"

She sat up, reaching out to help him. Pulling it back over his head when it was clean. He was close to her face then. Found himself staring at her. His cheeks flushing with warmth that apparently meant embarrassment.

"Awww, am I too pretty?" She teased and he huffed and looked away.

"Dream pretty more."

"Hey! Rude! I'm a lady! Ladies are always prettier than boys!"

"No! Dream pretty more!"

"That's it, this 'pretty' Dream is about to get more snow!" She grabbed another handful and he yelped. Bolting away from her. Perching on top of her yard's fence and giving a low hiss.

She didn't seem fazed by it. Smirking as she began to roll the snow in her hands. Once it was a ball, she flung it at him. Nailing him square in the face.

He fell over backwards, back in the snow and flailed about. Eventually jumping up when Puffy laughed at him again. "I win!"

"NO!" Dream protested. Looking down at the snow and then frowning. Looking back at her with a whine. "...how?"

"Oh, you never made a snowball before?" She smiled. Walking forward and reaching out for him. He warily surrendered his hands and she placed some snow in them.

Grabbing some for her own and going to show him how to do it. He mimicked her actions, softly chirping as it began to look like a ball. "...and you know how to throw stuff right?" He nodded.

...and promptly threw it point blank at her before he even finished making it.

"OH YOU LITTLE CHEAT!"

"Dream win!"

Vici summoned her sword, peeking around the corner of the stronghold. Sniffing briefly and looking back to her husband. Who was perched at the other end of the hallway. Looking in that direction.

"I definitely smell two zombies and a skeleton. Maybe a creeper but it's a bit far away."

"It might be on my end." He hummed. "I heard a hiss echo that way."

"Did you bring a bow and arrow?"

"No, did you?"

"Nope! Guess we're doing this the old fashioned way!" She chuckled, cracking her knuckles on her free hand. "Definitely no portal in here but maybe we'll find an old treasure chest."

"Maybe I want a portal."

"You should've thought of that before we picked the closest stronghold." She stuck out her tongue and he fake pouted back at her. It broke her resolve almost instantly. "Fiiiiiiiiine, I'll get you a portal for your birthday how about that?" She held up a finger. "ONE portal to another dimension, that's it."

Phil laughed, drawing his own sword. Pushing past her gently with a gentle touch to her shoulder and a quick kiss to her cheek. Leaving behind a light blushing. She smacked at him and he dodged.

Using his cellphone to guide them as they crept down deeper into the tunnels.

"Remember when we used to have to use actual torches?" He muttered, staring at the phone.

"Ha! Don't start! In my day we had to invent fire!"

"You're not that old!"

"Imagine waiting all day in a storm for lightning to hit a tree branch just so you could cook dinner!"

"You lived in the Nether!"

"I'm just saying, Phil. Be a little bit thankful for the technology!" Vici snorted, gesturing to the phone. "That makeshift torch you're holding there can also call for emergency services and tell us our location!"

The phone dinged. Echoing in the stronghold.

He paused to check it and snorted. Holding up the message to show her. A photo Bad had taken of Tommy. Fast asleep and drooling on his favorite stuffed cow. The caption beneath it stating 'mission accomplished'.

"Oh of course he rubs it in."

"Think I should call him and wake Tommy up just to spite him?"

"No, no, I'm sure Wilbur will do it soon enough."

They shared a laugh. Sighing as they remembered it would only be a few more hours before they were back home enduring that themselves.

"Are we sure Wilbur isn't a late blooming demon...?"

"He might be!" Vici perked up at that idea. Tail swishing happily behind her. "Oh! I'd love for him to be one!" Hand falling over her heart. "He'd definitely be a pyromaniac."

"I take it back, I am praying he isn't one."

"Phil!"

"He'll burn down the house!"

"Yes but it'll be cute!" She sighed. "Bad used to burn down houses all the time! Mom had so many stories of it! He used to get all flustered."

"You've got a really interesting concept of 'cute' y'know?"

"Well, I did marry you."

"HEY!"

"G'morning Puffy! I see ya got your duckling wit ya!" The man at the docks laughed, waving to them and Puffy waved back. Glancing over her shoulder at Dream who trailed behind her.

"Yep! Today's a mother and son day today I guess!"

She reached out, offering her hand then and Dream took it. Waving back at the man as they headed further into the village. The snow on the roofs catching his eye. A few decorations here or there.

People greeted them, used to seeing them every now and then. Puffy making her way towards a pub and pulling Dream inside. Blocking the cold air outside.

"Food?" Dream asked, sure that Puffy had already gone shopping and had plenty of stuff back home. She smiled at him, letting go of his hand then and went to ask the lady behind the counter something.

It wasn't long before he was holding a large cup. Warmth tingling his fingers. A smell wafting off of it. He purred as he leaned towards it. Sniffed and looked to her for approval.

"Drink!" She said and he did. Purring all the more louder as he drank down nearly half of it in an instant. "Good?"

"Good!"

"Good." She smiled, guiding him to a seat towards a window. Taking the spot beside him with her own cup. "This is my favorite cider. I've been waiting all year for you to try this!" She tapped the cup. "Cider!"

"Cider." He repeated and took a bit of a smaller sip.

"I've also got them making my favorite beef pie!" She added with a hum. Looking back towards the kitchens before focusing on Dream. "...Dream, Christmas is coming up soon."

"Christmas?" He paused, seeming to realize what that word meant. "Gift! Friends Christmas!"

"Oh? Your friends celebrate it? Then you know all about it don't you?"

"Gift for Puffy!" Dream smiled. He definitely wanted to get her one. Already thinking of many things she would want. She smiled back at him. Chuckling.

"Awww, you don't have to get me anything."

"No gift...?" Dream was confused. His friends loved gifts. He loved gifts too.

"No, I..." She hesitated. Glanced down at her hands. Hummed and she nudged him gently with her shoulder. "...Dream, Puffy has a question for you."

He set down his drink. Normally when she said things like this he had to give her all of his focus. Focusing was hard. But he tried, for her!

"...Dream, do you know what adoption is?"

He shook his head.

"...do you know what a mother is?"

He paused. The word familiar. He glanced around the bar before pointing at a woman working at the counter. Her belly round and he knew deep down what that meant. That she was making another human.

Sapnap called it 'baking'.

Bad called it 'pregnancy'.

George called it 'gross'.

Ant called it 'complicated'.

But one day she would be smaller and she would be the thing called a mother. Puffy nodded. "Good job! That's one type of mother!"

She tapped the table. Drawing his attention back. "There's another type of mother too."

He looked around. Trying to see if he could find another kind. She tapped again, he looked back at her. She tried to explain. "Sometimes a mother can't make their own child." She pointed at the round mother.

"Some mothers can't do that." He tilted his head, somewhat understanding. "Some mothers don't want to." She hummed. "Some mothers find their children instead!"

"...manhunt?"

Puffy had just been about to take a sip. Choking on her drink and she laughed. Pulling it away. Shaking her head. "No! Not like that!" She recovered slowly. Sighing softly. "...Puffy found you."

She reached up to tap his nose. He blinked at the touch. Looking between Puffy and the mother at the counter. Chirping a low noise. Pointing at Puffy and then at himself. "...Puffy find Dream...? Puffy...mother?"

"That's what I want to ask you, Dream." Puffy smiled. "...I want to officially become your mother. If you want me as one."

"At least two more kids!"

"That's far less than thirty, I'm impressed." Phil paused to take a sip of water from a water bottle. Looking at his wife who sat on the floor a bit of ways away. Taking a small break.

Having just broken through a few iron doors. Easier when they had long since been broken down by rust.

"Well, I've been thinking." Vici continued, Phil letting out a soft 'uh oh'. Earning a pebble tossed at him. "The kids are a bit exhausting now...maybe an army is a bit unrealistic."

"She can be taught!"

Another pebble. This one knocked his hat off. He laughed as he retrieved it off the floor. "Alright, alright." He said, "two more kids. I can live with that number. Maybe a daughter?"

"Awww, is the testosterone getting to you too?"

"I just like to hold hope that one of the kids will be an angel."

"Knowing your luck, the daughter would be the worst one of them all."

Phil shuddered at the thought. The mental images of a blond haired little girl with sharp teeth and red eyes. Screeching as she burned down cities. Vici would love it. Phil would need so much therapy.

"...let's hold off on the last two for a bit."

She laughed, patting his arm. "Just for you." Her ears perked and she looked in the direction of a far off noise. "Oh! I heard lava! There might actually be a portal here!" Phil perked up as well.

Chirping excitedly and going to head in that direction.

"Hey! Don't run off alone!" She jumped to her feet, racing after him. "Philza, you're going to get yourself killed like that!"

"Haven't yet!"

Dream stared at his friends from where he was perched up on the nearby roof. The four of them below him. Chatting away with warm drinks, warm coats. Laughing and celebrating this time of year.

There would be no games around this time but they'd often drag him along places either way. Introducing him to new things or finding something to entertain him.

He sat there, watching them, until suddenly Ant jumped up beside him.

"Dream? Are you okay?" He asked.

"Yeah! Come down here, Dream! Come drink with us!" Sapnap called and the cat gave a little smile.

"We'd like it if you'd join." He added, far more polite.

Dream frowned, hesitating and now the rest of the group was staring at him. Frowns on their faces. Slowly pulling themselves up onto the roof to sit beside him. "Awww, Dream, what's wrong?"

Bad put an arm around him. Rubbing his shoulder and George practically draped across his lap.

"...Dream think."

"Oh, no wonder you look so frustrated."

George smacked Sapnap for that comment.

"What are you thinking about?" Ant patted his hand. "Do you need help?"

"...family." Dream said and they all exchanged looks. Some cringing. Others concerned. Bad's tail swishing anxiously.

"Oh...um...do...do you miss your family, Dream?" Dream looked up at the demon. Confused. Dream didn't have a family. Not yet. Puffy wanted to be family. "It's okay if you do. We...we might be able to find them?"

"I think the nearby village had a dreamon pass by recently?"

"Yeah! I heard it was still there, they have decorations up so it must be distracted!"

He watched them discuss it. Smiling a little the more enthusiastic they got. Eventually planning some big journey like it was nothing. He sighed, drew their attention and held up his hands in a manner he saw them often do.

"Dream no family!"

"What?" George sat up with that. Looking at him startled. "...you're...I thought all dreamons were related!"

Dream didn't understand that. He tried again. "Dream no family. Dream think want family." He lowered his hands to his lap. His feet kicking against the roof. "...Dream want family." He concluded.

"Awww, Dream! We're your family!" The demon hugged him tightly. Soon followed by the others. All saying various similar things. Calling him their brother. He smiled, purred, looking around at them.

So...he could easily get family? This wasn't as complicated of a thing as he thought.

He had so much family now!

He could let Puffy be family! What is one more?

"Dream no think!" He shouted over their voices. Laughing as they let him go and looked to him confused. "Dream yes!"

"You found your answer then!"

"Dream answer yes!"

"PHIL! ZOMBIE!" He flinched at the shout. Whirling around just in time to see the little beast burst from the cave system across from the stronghold. Bringing his sword up to knock it back.

At the same time however, a spider drops down from the ceiling. Where he had been originally focusing. Long legs and fangs going straight for his face.

He has to turn his weapon on it to prevent those teeth from sinking into his skin. Little bits of venom dripping down too close for comfort.

The force of the beast falling on him makes him fall back. Hit the stone hard and there's the pattering of soft little feet. The zombie having turned back to continue the job. He flares his wings out as Vici dives for it.

Hears her shout in pain.

He kicks the spider off, raises his sword, slices it clean in two and then turns around for the baby zombie.

It's got her in its grasp. Teeth sunk into her side. Her hands clawing at it to pull it off and he doesn't hesitate to cut at its arms. Getting it to let go. Leaving only the head that stayed put.

"Don't move!" He shouts to her and he stabs straight through the skull. Through the brain. Rendering the zombie useless.

It falls to the floor. He kicks it away and grabs her before she can fall too. "Vici! Are you okay?!"

"Just a bite!" She promises, laughing a little with the hysteria of it. "It's okay, it's okay." They both sink down onto the floor and she lifts her coat. Showing him the wound properly.

It's just a simple bite. A slight scratch from Phil's sword. Nothing too bad. They'd be able to patch it up and walk home just fine. He sighs with relief and she smiles at him. "Sorry for worrying you but that little guy was fast!"

"Hey, I'm just glad you're alright."

"Puffy!" Dream called as he ran back towards her home. To the edge of the dock and by her boat. Glancing over the partially frozen waterway. Hands nervously clutching a box he had prepared.

Her home was dark. No lights lit. The path to her doorway only had the scent and footprints of when they had left.

She wasn't home yet.

"Puffy?" He chirped, looking around. Pausing to lean on the fence. "Puffy!" He tried louder and when after a bit she didn't respond, he went closer to the house. To test the door. It was closed.

He wasn't supposed to go in when it was closed like this.

He'll wait, he decides. Climbing up onto the roof instead and clutching the box close to himself. Keeping it somewhat warm even if the contents didn't need it. A little bit excited to show her and tell her yes.

Yes, he wanted her to be family.

Yes, he did.

"Slow down, Phil."

"Are you sure you're okay?" The man asked, stopping dead in his tracks. Arm around her as she leaned on him. Her ears fallen to their sides. Her eyes half-lidded. Sweat beading on her forehead. "...Vici, I'm calling an ambulance."

"Hey, I'm fine. I'm just...I'm just tired." She muttered. "Probably just...probably just taking a bit to heal. Haven't had to do that in a long while." Patting his arm, she slumped to sit in the grass again.

Phil sinking down beside her. Pulling her close to him with a soft sigh. "Are you sure? We're not strapped for money, Vici. We can afford quite a few hospital visits. Even in the places without insurance."

She snorted, leaning her head on his shoulder. "I know, I know. It's just a bite though. Not much fuss." Slowly she pushed back, to check the wound again. Lifting up her coat and Phil glanced down at it.

Both of their eyes widening as they looked at raised skin, turning black and purple around the slice. Not the bite. "...that's..." Phil swallowed down the rising bile in his throat. "Vici, that's...that's not the bite."

"...I'm not allergic to any metals." She muttered, confused.

Phil reached for his sword. Pulling it out of the sheath once more. Looking it over as Vici prodded gently at the slice. The remains of bubbling venom on the blade.

"Vici!" He shouted and tossed his sword aside. Scrambling for his phone. Struggling to type in the emergency number as his wife looked at him confused. "I need an ambulance!" He would've felt bad for yelling at an operator any other time.

"PLEASE HURRY!"

"Bad, bring the kids here quick. Come to the hospital. It's...it's Vici."

"Phil! Phil, I'm here!" Bad skirted through the halls. Ignoring the cries of nurses and staff that tried to stop him from running. Wilbur and Techno at his heels. Tommy sound asleep in his arms.

Phil looked up from the chair outside of the room. Quickly wiping his tears as his brother slid to a stop in front of him. Wilbur didn't hesitate to run into his legs. To grab him by the waist and ask why they were in a hospital.

He didn't answer. He couldn't answer. As much as he wanted to, if he said it, it'd be real.

Instead, he reached out for Tommy. Took the baby from the demon's arms and gestured towards the room. Bad looking at him as if the world was falling out from under them.

Then he pushed past, not giving any of them a second thought.

Phil sank back down into the chair and let Tommy yawn against his chest. Looking at his two other boys who stood there confused. Eyes wide, trying to piece together this puzzle.

Hand in hand, ready to face the world together.

"Where's mom? Is she okay?"

He smiled, reached to ruffle their hair. "She'll be alright." He promises and it feels like acid on his tongue.

"Phil, let...let me take Tommy. You take the kids and...and you go sit with her until they come."

"No!" Phil clutches his youngest tighter, shaking his head. Barely catching the whimper the boy made from being squeezed too tight. "No, Bad...no, you...you go sit with her."

"Phil...you need to go-"

"I'm not!"

"Philza! Listen to me, the kids need you and you need to do this! I know it hurts now but-"

"I can't!" Phil snapped, Tommy wailing in his arms from the shout. He stands immediately, turning his back to the demon. Patting his son's back as he paces back and forth. Bouncing him, trying to get him to calm down. "It's okay, it's okay Toms. It's okay my little demon. It's okay."

Bad stared at him. He avoided his eyes.

Wilbur was nearby. Fast asleep curled up in a chair and Techno took whatever space was left. Watching them. Listening in to a conversation he didn't understand.

"Phil, let me take Tommy-"

"Don't...don't take him away."

"...okay."

"Dad, where's...where's mom? Why didn't she come home with us? Where's Uncle Darryl going?"

"Wilbur, uh...you and Techno...you guys go sit on the couch. I'm going to put Tommy in his crib and then...then we'll talk about mom, okay?"

"YOU'RE LYING!"

"Wilbur-"

"YOU'RE LYING AND THIS ISN'T FUNNY, DAD! WHERE'S MOM?! WHERE IS SHE?!"

"Wilbur, please!"

"MOM! MOOOOOOOM!!"

"MOMMY?!?!"

"MOM!!!!"

"...come back, mom..."

"Puffy, come home." Dream whispered to the sky as the snow started to fall again. "...Dream miss Puffy."

Techno stood up from the group circle the second Phil started sobbing. Ignoring the concerned looks of his family and excused himself to the kitchen. Needing something, anything to keep his hands busy.

A mixture of emotions screamed through his head.

Equal parts devastated, confused, angry, and...he didn't know what else. But it was there. He leaned on the counter. Over the sink. Gathered up some cold water and splashed his face. Imagining just how pale he really looked right now.

A pastel nightmare.

Wilbur's face was much the same. Tommy looking like he was reading a book that wasn't there. Tubbo and Ranboo sat together, processing. Both having not known this woman. Having barely seen her.

Yet anyone who listened to Phil's story could feel the pain he felt in every word.

Bad was bleeding tears. Staining his shirt as he sobbed alongside Phil. As George pushed close to him in comfort. Rubbing his back and not knowing what to say.

And Dream looked at them all confused.

Pushing away then when it seemed like he'd get no answers there.

Following Techno.

His arms huddled close to his body as he glanced back at the remaining circle. Chirping a low noise. Looking back up at the hybrid who stared back at him. Mask off for the first time ever around him. Dream didn't seem to care.

Neither did Techno, right now.

Dream reached out. Tapped Techno's arm. Hesitated on the word he wanted to ask about and when he did speak it, he spoke with a whisper. As if he thought the word was bad. In a way, it was.

Dream asked him what 'death' meant.

Techno didn't know how to answer that.

He just stared at Dream for a long moment. Then reached for the freezer door. Shuffling through to find an ice cube tray.

The best example he could do on short notice really.

He pulled one out. Held it in his hand that ran hotter than anyone else's here. Let Dream watch as it melted away into nothing. The water drying up slowly after. Dream stared.

Dream backed away.

Shaking his head slowly.

"...Philza." He said softly, then repeated the name he had given Phil long ago. They still had yet to make sense of any of their names but Wil's. Yet now, Techno had an idea of what it may mean.

"...you know death." Techno muttered, voice quiet as he heard people talking again in the living area. Pushing their voices to the back of his mind. "...you know what dying is." He gestured to the heroes. "You've killed them, you've seen them die."

"...come back." Dream mutters. Shaking his head again. "...come back!"

"...no."

Dream looks at him startled.

"...you're not supposed to come back. No one is. No one comes back. The heroes...the heroes are different."

Immortals were a class all on their own.

"...Techno...die, no...no come back?" Techno nodded. Dream looked over his shoulder at the other family. Glanced back at the piglin in silent question. He nodded again. "...Techno...techno mother die? No come back?"

"...no come back."

"...Techno hurt." It's not a question, it's a statement and he nodded again. "...die hurt...people."

"Yeah. Die hurt so many people."

Dream stared at the floor. Shuddered and clutched himself tighter. Breathing in and out deeply before he walked away. Ignoring Techno's words as he reached out and soon found himself lclosed up in the room for him.

Only him.

Sitting back on the bed and grabbing one of the word books Wilbur taught him with.

Techno breathed a sigh. Watching him go and looked back to his family. Walking closer to listen.

As Bad grabbed Phil's shoulders. Said firmly without an ounce of doubt in his voice, "Philza! It's not your fault! It was never your fault!"

"Yes it is! It is! Did you not hear a word I just said?! Bad if I had been more careful! If I hadn't been so stupid! The venom, my sword, the attack-!"

"It was a freak accident!"

"It was my stupidity!"

"Phil! Have you seriously been living with this on your mind for over a decade?!? This false guilt?! It's not your fault, Phil! And you know-" Bad paused, took a deep breath. "Phil you know DAMN well she would've never once blamed you! And I sure as HELL don't either."

The demon might as just as well slapped Phil across the face. From how the winged man looked to his brother. Eyes wide with tears. Stunned and Bad hiccuped through another sob. Before they crashed together in a hug.

Something that had clearly been a long time coming. "Phil...Phil for crying out loud, I wish you had told me...I wish you had talked to me...you would have never had to go through this alone..."

A hand pushed between them. Pushing them apart and they both looked to Wilbur. Who was teary just like them. Reaching for his father who drew him close. Wrapped wings around him. Nuzzled into his messy hair.

"...dad, it's not your fault." The young man whispered. Hearing his father choke on another sob. "Dad, I would've helped too."

"No, you needed to...you needed to-"

"What?" Wilbur asked, lifting his head. "Grieve on my own? ....dad, we could've all grieved together. We could've all supported and helped each other. We could've talked about her. We could've..." He took a deep breath. "We could've told you, we didn't hate you."

"We don't hate you." Techno corrected the tense. Bracing himself for the emotions he wasn't quite ready for. Beckoned over by Wilbur and crushed into that same hug. "We don't hate you, dad."

"You should...I took her away from you...and I didn't even let you say goodbye."

"...I'm kind of glad, actually." Techno muttered. When his father looked to him in shock, he gave his best smile he could. "...my last memory of mom was her kissing me on the forehead and telling me not to bite Wilbur."

It earns a broken but bubbly laugh from his family.

"...my last memory was her telling me if you bit me, to bite back."

"...yeah that sounds like her."

The brothers smiled at each other. Then glanced back. At Tommy. Who sat there, staring at the floor. Legs cradled close to his body.

"...Toms?" Phil tried.

The teen shook his head. "What's it matter how I feel? I don't even remember her." Phil flinched at that. Feathers ruffling and Bad frowned. Tail swishing. Looking between the family as though he wasn't sure who should talk first.

It wasn't any of them. It was Tubbo and Ranboo. Who each took a side of Tommy's. Wrapping their arms in his. Ranboo patting his cast.

"Tommy." Ranboo began. "You know that's not true." When those blue eyes looked to him, he smiled. Tail swishing. "She's as much your mom as Wil and Techno's...and she's as much our mom as yours."

Tubbo nodded, leaning on his shoulder. "I never got to meet her." He muttered, "...but...I know how much she would've loved me and Boo."

"...how?" Tommy asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"...because dad, Wilbur, and Techno love us so much."

"And they're the ones who know her love best." Ranboo concluded. Patting Tommy's arm. "...we might never get to meet her, see her, live with her...unless some miracle happens but we still get her love."

"Just...secondhand." Tubbo shrugged. Smiled and nuzzled into Tommy's cheek. "So yeah big man, your feelings matter. A whole bunch. So get the fuck in there and get a hug!" They both pushed Tommy forward. Nearly causing him to land flat on his face.

Caught by the demon's tail that drew him close into that embrace. Into that group hug that snuggled him tightly. Soon pulling the last two in and they all breathed a collective sigh. The emotions finally on the surface and being faced.

It hurt...but it was a good hurt.

A bittersweet burning.

"And Techno is out like a light." Phil chuckled, looking over at his son who was curled on his side. Sound asleep like he wasn't on the floor. The demon above him chuckling as he went to pull a blanket over him.

"Too much emotion." Wilbur concluded. Smiling at his brother. "He hates emotion."

"I wish I could black out when emotions come knocking." Ranboo sighed wistfully. Staring into nothing. Earning concerned looks from his family but they brushed it off as another Ranbooism.

"Sorry for intruding," George muttered and Phil patted him on the shoulder.

"Hey, we've done far more awkward things in front of you and strangers. At least you're estranged family."

"Speaking of estranged family..." Bad segued the best he could. Gesturing towards where Dream was still alone. In a room shut behind a door. Frowning as he sighed. "...we should...probably address the whole reason we needed to talk."

"Karl said-"

"We know." George interrupted, holding his hand up. "Karl talked to us. Explained what he could." He crossed his arms over his chest with a sigh. "...and we trust Karl with our lives."

Phil gave him a look. Huffing. "Oh I see how it is."

"Hey! Maybe if someone had called me, I would be more inclined to trust him!" Bad scoffed, earning a guilty look from Phil. "...besides, even if I had trusted you at the beginning, you probably wouldn't be going to the End." A pause. "Which Karl says you need to."

"Fair enough."

George clapped his hands together. "So here's the deal. We're going to escort you guys to the End." Phil looked at him bewildered and several of the kids did too. "We're taking an army, just in case this goes south. Karl gave us no guarantee it would go well, just that it had to happen."

"Sapnap and Ant are assembling the army now." Bad added with a nod. "We'll escort you to the End, if it does...go south...that's Dream's last chance. We can't let him go on a rampage again."

"...I still, I still think there's more to this than just Dream wanting to end the world." Wilbur noted and the heroes looked to him. "...something big you missed, Bad. Something that, might be solved if we do go to the End."

"Well, I would love for you to prove me wrong. I just wish it didn't involve hurting people to do it." The demon sighed. "...Dream does kill people. I'm not lying about that."

"...we know." Wilbur sighed, nodding. "...he's told me himself. In dreams." He shrugged. "...but the question is...why?"

"We can all tell he's more than just a monster. Sure, he struggles with understanding us and the world but..." He trailed off. Huffing a breath and going to grab more word books from his pile on the coffee table. "...I should go teach him more things."

He paused on his walk towards the room. Looked back and eyed his father and uncle. "...you two should come help."

"What?" Phil chirped.

"...us?" Bad clarified and Wilbur nodded.

"He's practically family at this point and you," He pointed at Bad. "Need to start repairing your relationship with him. Even if you have to lock him up again one day...are you seriously just...going to leave him there forever again? Without any visitors?"

Bad looked down and away. Frowning with his tail swishing. Looking much like a scolded puppy.

"...come on, we're working on directions and emotions."

Dream wasn't very responsive. Not really looking at the images and unfocused as Wilbur tried to keep his attention. Staring at the wall across from them. Head resting on one hand and other hand tapping away at his own leg.

Phil sat at Wilbur's side. Wing outstretched lazily to encompass them all. Bad on the corner of the bed and currently working on trying not to break the bed. Shifting to human form occasionally but back to demon anxiously when Dream would look at him briefly.

"...this isn't how this usually goes." Phil notes and Wilbur sighs.

Closing the book and looking at Dream. Who still didn't look at him.

"Well, he is a dreamon. Even if he's Dream." Bad hummed. "They get bored really easily."

"Dream loves learning words, though."

"Repetition makes things boring?" Shrugged the demon. Then seemed to think on it and reached into his pocket. Pulling out a fidget toy he had on his person. Offering it to Dream.

Who took one look at it and then tossed it to the side.

They all watched it bounce off the wall and then looked back at Dream. Who continued to stare at nothing.

Wilbur let out a soft sigh again. Set the book aside and crouched in front of Dream. Putting himself directly in his line of sight. Dream looked away. Though his face flushed slightly with a tint of embarrassment.

"Dream. Did we upset you?" Wilbur asked. "Dream sad? Dream mad?"

Dream frowned, looking like he was trying to resist the urge to talk. Shaking his head no when his body language clearly read that yes, something upset him. Wilbur tried again.

"...Dream scared?"

Another shake of his head no.

"What's wrong?" Wilbur reached for the arm closest to him. To rest his hands on in comfort and Dream yanked his arm back fast. Hissing a threat at all of them. It made them flinch and Bad stood, ready to fight.

Just to be glared at by Dream who turned his back to him. Flopped down on the bed and grabbed a pillow. Pulling it over his head to block out any noise. Another low hiss escaping him when they lingered there, confused.

"...maybe he just needs space." Phil muttered and Wilbur gave him a look. "...er, not my kind of space. Techno got overwhelmed earlier...why not Dream? Dream has a harder time understanding emotions than Techno too."

Bad watched them. Sighed and relaxed his stance. "...maybe he needs a distraction from being overwhelmed? Like...a movie?"

"...we haven't watched a movie with him yet, Bad has a point."

"Well come on then." Wilbur reached forward. Grabbing Dream by the ankle. Ignoring the loud hisses and flailing the dreamon did as he pulled him off the bed and onto the floor. Bad chuckling and going to pick up Dream in his entirety.

Carrying him back towards the living area and he slumped like a grumpy cat the entire way.

"Movie night!" Wilbur called to his brothers and they all perked up from where they had been drawing on Techno's face. "...he's going to kick your asses for that."

"We'll die with honor." Tommy smirked.

"And we'll die laughing because I drew a dick on his forehead!"

"TUBBO!"

"Are we sure Tubbo isn't the demon of the family?"

"No, we're not sure. He can still show traits any time now."

The kids get to work despite the conversation. Dragging blankets and pillows together. Pulling cushions off the couch. Making a makeshift fort just like they would at home when one of them got sick.

Bad easily deposits Dream in the center. The dreamon looking around confused and then looking to Ranboo expectantly. As if guessing the hybrid was sick. Ranboo waved at him, smiling.

Trying to assure him that he was alright.

By the time they had it all set up and popcorn had finished popping, Wilbur had gotten the tv working and now it held on the stand-by screen. Waiting for them to choose their movie. Dream stared at it in mild awe.

Watching as Wilbur slowly went through the list and the brothers chimed in their opinions.

"Up!"

"Moana!"

"Would it be totally fucked up if we put on Onward?"

"Language-...yes, yes it would."

"...I don't know." Wilbur hesitated on the selection of Onward. Glancing around at his family. Giving a soft smile. "...I think we could all use a little wholesome brothers getting closure after today."

"If we watch it, we have to wake up Techno."

"No one tell him about the dick!"

Wilbur laughed and Phil leaned over. Shaking his one son awake gently and the piglin snorted at him. Grunting and squealing as he tried to fall back asleep. Eventually wrestled into his father's lap and glaring at them tiredly.

"Techno, we're watching Onward!"

"...really." Techno deadpanned and they all laughed. Mostly trying to cover their giggles over the cat whiskers and dick on his face. "That's...a bit messed up isn't it?"

"Hey, at least today didn't end with us fighting a dragon."

"Yet." George mumbled, half asleep on the chair nearby.

"Onward!" Ranboo cheered and Wilbur pressed play. Laughing as the movie started up. Nestling back amongst his brothers and feeling a demon tail slide around them much like a wing. Smiling briefly at his uncle who snuggled beside them.

Dream staring at the TV as the pictures came about. As the fake people caught his attention. Head tilted much like a dog hearing a new sound. Inching closer and closer until Phil cautioned him not to ruin his eyesight.

Techno didn't fall back asleep. George did. Bad wound up with Tommy in his lap. Ranboo and Tubbo soon curled up against Wilbur. Techno watched on, his dad braiding his hair throughout most of it.

And Dream soaked in every word he understood.

He laughed at silly slapstick. Perked up with the magical creatures. Mimicking noises various things made and tilted his head at the maps and traps. As if he knew them firsthand.

The end came too fast, it felt like. Rushing back to those emotions that they had already faced. Tommy's eyes transfixed on Ian as he checked off his list and they glistened lightly with tears.

Looking away when Ian started to run back. Burying his face against Bad's chest.

"He also said he's very proud of the person you grew up to be."

"Well, I owe an awful lot of that to you."

The movie ended not long after that. Leaving them all in varying degrees of silence. Of muted sniffles and smiles. Hugging tight to each other. As the screen turned black, Dream reached out. Touching it.

Leaving a gross handprint against it as he then looked back at them. Confused.

"Story." Wilbur explained, hoping that he understood and Dream tilted his head. Looking back and forth from the TV. Nodding then and sitting back. Frowning however as he continued to stare. "...uh oh, did you not like the story Dream?"

A pause.

"Dream confused?" Wilbur tried again and Dream slowly nodded.

The dreamon looked back again. Chirping. "...leader...father...come back?" He asked and Techno sat up slowly. Fixing his braids so they didn't go everywhere.

"Yeah...the father came back." He explained. "For a little bit. Er..." He glanced at Wilbur and Wilbur hummed.

"Small time." He tried. And Dream blinked. Gesturing at Bad.

"Oh...uh, the father wasn't like Bad. Uh...Bad immortal. Father like us. Father no immortal."

"Come back!" He pointed out. Protesting pretty much. Almost looking at them like they were lying.

Tubbo pulled off of Wilbur with a yawn. "...but he had to leave again! Uh...Bad can stay! The father couldn't! He had to go back and leave! And not come back!"

Dream frowned. Sighed, drew his legs close to himself again. "...Puffy leave." He muttered, his voice soft and Phil's wings twitched. "No...come back."

"...oh." Wilbur scooted closer. "...that's right, Puffy left. You miss Puffy don't you?" He reached out, to put his hand on Dream's shoulder. "...Dream, I'm sorry for your loss."

"...sorry..." Dream repeated. "...Wilbur hurt for...Dream."

"Yes."

"...Dream hurt." Dream pulled away from the touch. Moving to stand. Looking at them with tears anew in his eyes. Hands balling into fists. "Dream hurt!" He said louder and caught the attention of those who were close to sleeping. Waking George up as well.

He looked around at them. Brought his hand up to his chest. Squeezed the fabric of his hoodie and he growled. "Dream hurt for Dream!" He yelled, stomping his foot. "No people hurt for Dream! No people hurt for Puffy! Dream! Dream hurt for Dream, Dream hurt for Puffy!"

"What, no-Dream, we hurt for you too!" Wilbur stood, reaching out. Trying to calm the dreamon down.

Dream flinched away. Snarling. Baring his teeth. "WILBUR NO-!" He struggled for words, for what he wanted to say. Shouting in his own language for a moment and he took a few steps back. "...Dream...no words...!"

"We can teach you and you can talk to us with what words you have!"

"WILBUR STOP!" Dream snapped again, throwing his hands up. Almost as if he made to push Wilbur away. "...Dream want...Wilbur stop! Dream want...stop! Dream want stop hurt! Dream want stop scared!!! TALK, WORDS, HURT!"

He took a deep breath. It came out like a broken sob. So much like the ones they had made when they talked about their mother. "...Dream hurt. Dream hurt...many. Puffy leave, Dream hurt-" He paused.

Eyes widened.

"...Puffy death." He corrected. His shoulders slumping. Hiccuping as he wiped uselessly at his eyes. "...no...no Puffy..." He gave a soft wail. "...mother death..."
He dropped to his knees. Starting to full on cry. Just like the prison escape. Just like in Wilbur's arms. "...mother death...no come back...Dream hurt..."

"...D-dream..." Wilbur dropped beside him. Offering his arms. Drawing him back into a hug as the dreamon sobbed against him. They weren't alone for long however. One by one the family joining them.

Cradling him in arms, feathers, a tail. George hesitating on the outside of it all. Until he too was dragged in and dropping down beside them.

"...Dream hurt..." Dream whispered against Wilbur. "Dream scar...Dream want...stop..." He shook his head no to nothing.

"...Dream want death..."

Chapter Text

"We can't just ignore what he said!"

"He can barely understand us! How are we supposed to give therapy to someone who just learned what death is today!"

"We can help him...but we need time. We need to help him understand."

"We need to help him understand what Goodbye is."

George breathed in a deep sigh. Hand reaching up to the sunglasses on his head. Tilting them down over his eyes as he gazed at his opponents across the field. Where Techno stood flanked by Tommy and Tubbo.

Tommy's arm newly healed thanks to potions.

They were armed to the teeth.

Techno's sword gleamed with new enchants. That crossbow of his strapped to his back. Comical in comparison to his brothers. Where one sported an axe, enchanted as well but a bag full of cobblestone blocks and the other had a pickaxe of diamond and a fishing rod strapped to his back.

"Last chance to back down." George said, raising his own sword. Glinting in the dull sunlight of a new morning.

"Same goes for you, bitch!" Tommy called back and Techno huffed.

"Tommy, don't get cocky. That's how you lose fights."

"But it's us! We can take him!"

"Do I have to be the one to remind you that it took almost all of you combined just to piss me off with spiders?"

"SHUT UP!"

"Three." Techno began, having been given the right to count it down. The other three tensed. Techno remaining as calm as ever. "Two." He reached his hand up for his crown. Tossing it aside to Ranboo on the sidelines. Who caught it and simply put it on once more.

"One." He growled and launched forward.

Sword clashing against George's. The sound echoing out over the field and some of those watching cringing.

Pressing together close, Techno about to raise a fist to challenge the man further but a hook came flying in. Wrapping around George's arm holding the sword. Yanking hard as Tubbo reeled him back with the fishing rod.

George was quick to swap his equipment. Sword flung upward as he put his shield in place. Techno's own sword cracking the wood as he tried to take advantage of the moment. He caught the sword with his free hand and brought it forward to cut through the fishing wire.

Tubbo recovered quickly, catching his footing and drawing the item back. Hastily tying a new hook to it as he started to run around the makeshift fighting ring.

A cry echoed overhead and George and Techno looked up in time to dodge Tommy. Who seemingly came flying down from the air. Axe crashing into the ground between them.
Momentarily stuck with the force of which it hit. George grinning as he jumped forward again. Sword raised to strike the teen.

Blocked then only by Techno who whirled between them. Cape used to block his vision temporarily. Making him miss. A foot kicked at his chest and he scrambled back. Regaining his balance.

Hands crackling with the urge to use magic but this was supposed to be a melee only fight.

Techno grabbed the axe by the handle. Easily pulling it free and handing it to Tommy. Casting a brief glance behind himself before he jumped. Doing a graceful flip and landing on a quickly made stone tower.

That explained the cobblestone. A height advantage. A perch that the piglin quickly switched weapons on. Drawing the crossbow out with regular arrows.

Tommy charged in again for another swing of the axe, speedier. More nimble than his flying attack. Clearly trained to use it similar to a sword. Blade held sideways rather than upright to do more damage.

He didn't need to dodge the arrows that started to rain down on them. Each one missed him but came too close to where George was about to step.

The hero was forced back until he suddenly felt a wall between him and his escape. Jolting in surprise and glancing over his shoulder at the small stone barrier. Tubbo grinning from on top of it. Pickaxe in hands.

Silk touch.

So he could borrow his brother's blocks.

George hated to admit it was clever.

An arrow whizzed by his cheek. Grazing the skin as he just barely dodged it. Ducking down when the axe came for his head. He pushed forward, grabbing Tommy by the waist. Football tackling him.

Once the boy was on the ground and disarmed, he raised his sword.

Another arrow fired. Struck his hand but he gritted through the pain. Not letting it slow him down. Just as he was about to slam the blunt end of the blade down, that fishing rod was back. Catching the arrow imbedded in his hand.

It pulled and sharp pain did make him falter this time. Used to only that feeling during first-aid.

"Suck it!" Tommy yelled, taking advantage of his distraction to kick him in the stomach. Then darting away from him as something large and pink charged forward.

His brain screamed HOGLIN and it took him a few seconds to realize that no, that was just a giant piglin hybrid in boar form.

"Shit!" He squawked and Techno's larger tusks hit him. Head whipping to send him flying off of his feet. The fishing rod hadn't let go, so the arrow ripped out of his hand, causing him to drop his sword.

It clanged on the ground beneath him and he was left with just a shield as he skidded across the grass on the other side of the ring.

Techno picked up the sword and tossed it to Tubbo. Who eagerly caught it. Giggling like a little madman now that he had a proper weapon. The younger brothers regrouping by the hybrid's side.

"Y'know, I kinda wanna beat his skull in with the diamond pickaxe still."

"Tubbo, we're not killing him!" Techno huffed at his little brother. Who pouted up at him as if scolded.

"Please don't! Had enough of the whole dying thing!" George remarked, sighing. Looking at his shield and humming in thought. "Not that I plan on losing."

"You're unarmed and outnumbered bitch!"

"Tommy what did I say about being cocky?"

Tommy sputtered, gesturing to George as if that was reasonable enough explanation.

"You guys don't worship XD right?" George suddenly asked and the brothers looked between each other confused.

"Uh...no?" Tubbo answered and George smiled, letting out a feigned sigh of relief.

"Oh good, I'd hate for your prayers to go unanswered." His words seemed to confuse them more, which he quickly took advantage of. Bringing the shield up as he charged at them.

Techno raised a fist, punching at the wooden object. The split his sword had made before causing it to break firmly in two. He smirked but found George smiling on the other side.

The pieces flew out and the hero caught them. Curling his knuckles into the metal circles on the other side. That he would've had his arm through. Now one shield became two wooden large knuckledusters.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Tommy yelled and George fired a punch right back at Techno. Who barely dodged. Close combat clearly not his forte in this form. Just overpowering and brute muscle.

The wood scratched his cheek, a slice mimicking the one he gave George.

The hero laughed and kicked. Sending Techno back and turning to face the two kids. Who both squeaked in alarm.

He raised his fists up, the bits of shield glinting in the light. "Come on then!" He yelled and tore forward. Starting a rather comical chase as the boys ran from him.

"Tommy, build build build!"

"I'm kind of running, Tubbo!"

They hastily climbed the stone tower they had already made. Tommy putting up more blocks as they reached the top to stop George from advancing. The hero smirking to himself as he took a running leap and caught the edge of one.

Heaving himself up over the makeshift wall.

"That's cheating!" Tommy protested and George launched forward.

An arrow flew between them and the hero shot Techno a look where the hybrid stood. Back in his regular form. For better pprecisionwith his crossbow.

George ducked under the next fire. Going for Tubbo who was closer. The boy raised his sword up, prepared to swing it more like a bat than an actual weapon. But he wasn't going in for an attack.

Instead he grabbed the pickaxe at Tubbo's side. Yanking it free of the belt loop and startling the boy.

Jumping back and quickly mining up one of the blocks for himself.

"Hey, that's mine!"

"I'll give it back!" George promised as he started digging faster and faster. The blocks disappearing in his grasp until he was back on the ground. Leaving Tommy and Tubbo up in the air.

He turned his attention back to Techno.

The hybrid narrowed his eyes at him and drew his sword anew.

They clashed once more. A shield part barely blocking the sword. Suddenly stone placed in front of him on the ground and Techno had to step around it to swing again.

Every swing was met with a new block in his path. Forcing him to jump, weave, and climb. Until suddenly George stood above him, a few blocks off the ground. Grinning down at him with the final one clutched in his grasp.

Techno realized his mistake too late.

The tunnel he was built into was sealed.

George dusted off his hands. Smirking and knowing it'd take Techno a bit to get out of that without a pickaxe. And it'd reduce some blocks on the field to just rubble. He grabbed the pickaxe back from his side.

Twirled it in his grasp as he jumped off the tunnel.

Waltzing up under the two boys who looked dumbfounded that he had blocked in their brother.

And he simply mined out the floor beneath them.

Sending them screaming and crashing into a crumpled heap on the ground. Luckily no weapons stabbing them in the process.

George put one foot on Tubbo's back. Pinning both him and Tommy down. Glanced over his shoulder at Ranboo.

The young hybrid perked up out of his stupor. "Oh wow. Uh guys I think that's a win for George. Sorry."

"FUCK YOU! ROUND TWO BITCH!"

"Please no," George sighed, taking his foot off the boys now that he had won. Offering a hand to help Tubbo up and they exchanged a sword for a pickaxe. "I'm way too tired to go all day at this."

"Is someone going to get me out?"

"Coming Techno!"

"Why are you so lazy?" Tommy asked then as George helped him to his feet too. "If you can do this kind of shit?"

George stuck his sword into the ground. Resting on it and pushing his glasses back up on his head. Yawning a little. "Because I've been doing it for thousands of years." He huffed, rolling his eyes. "It gets really boring."

Techno was freed from his prison and Tubbo collected the rest of the stone. Gathering up any left by Tommy to take back to Ranboo. Who joined them in the semi-circle they were creating in the middle of the field.

All soon sitting down in the grass and drinking from water bottles.

"It was really intelligent to use a variety of tools and weapons." George was saying, actually sounding impressed. "Fishing rods are very underused."

"Techno taught me how to use it!"

"It's great for turned ranged combat into close combat."

The hero chuckled. "And the cobblestone?"

"Best material!" Tommy shouted, flinging arms up. "More underused than fishing rods!" The boy flopped back down against the grass. Stretching out. "Now we need to challenge Uncle Bad."

"He'll never fight you, Tommy. He would rather do anything else than hurt you kids."

"But I wanna fight a demon!"

"Yes because that's clearly the next step up from a super powered nearly god like human." Techno snorted, rolling his eyes. Readjusting his mask back in place after a few more sips of water.

A horn sounded in the distance and they all jumped. George lifting his head from where it rested on his hand and he stood. Facing towards the sound. Techno's ears twitched.

"Horses," He muttered and sure enough, two large draft horses crested the hill. Clad in diamond armor, banners of two different nations on their sides. One for the Badlands, one for the Nether colony of Blazeborn.

And on their backs, Sapnap and Antfrost.

"Ooooh! Horses!" Tubbo cheered and jumped up from his spot. Already running forward as the two heroes made their way towards them.

The one Sapnap rode was pure black. Eyes almost red in tint. Clearly born and raised in the Nether. When Tubbo approached it, it huffed a hot breath at the boy and stepped around him. Head held up high like it was too proud to be touched.

Antfrost's on the other hand, stopped dead in front of the kid. Bowed its white head and nudged Tubbo happily. Kicking up its dark gray legs a little and almost throwing the cat off.

Ant sighed, rolling his eyes. "Lyddy, why are you like this." He jumped off the beast, patting her side and let her continue to play and nuzzle Tubbo. Smiling a bit awkwardly as the rest of the group came forward.

Ranboo bypassed him to join at Tubbo's side and Tommy stubbornly went to see the horse that clearly didn't give a damn about any of them. Sapnap introducing it as 'Joffrey'.

"He hates me." The man explained and the horse quickly bit him just to prove him right.

"Why?"

"I've killed his loved ones."

Tommy stared at Sapnap. Sapnap stared back. Then dared to look sheepish and look away.

"...it's a long story."

"That's fucked up, man."

"Yeah, I'm not allowed many overworld pets."

More hooves were heard and Techno gave Antfrost a look. "More horses?" He questioned and the cat shook his head.

"Not exactly, no."

"SAM!?" Tommy screamed, pushing past the heroes and horses as soon as he spotted the creeper. Who skidded to a stop and greeted him warmly. Smiling despite the armor he wore and the weapon he carried.

And soon he was flanked by others. A woman with flowing pink hair not unlike Techno's. Tied up in a white ribbon that almost resembled cat ears. Despite that addition, she had more aquatic like features.

An androgynous man? that wore a pristine white hoodie. Dressed more like they were grabbed off the street of a city instead of rrecruitedfor war. They looked at them with blue eyes that felt hardened by many battles regardless.

"Allow me to properly introduce them." Antfrost stepped forward. Gesturing out. "I assume you have met Sam. He is of chosen guardian lineage and has agreed to assist us for this possible battle."

The creeper waved.

"This is Nihachu, a retired double agent from her home country. Renown for her archery." The woman blushed slightly. Asking them to call her Niki instead. Her accent strong but not unreadable.

"And this is Punz. The world's best mercenary as far as we can tell. I recommend not offering him money unless you want to go broke." The androgynous person waved. A little smirk on his features at the mention of money.

"A creeper, a mermaid, and a human." Techno huffed. Snorting a little. "What an amazing choice for an army. To go against someone who can go toe to toe with the heroes." He arched an eyebrow at George. "Is this all?"

"No." The hero huffed back. "We have recruited an army of a thousand soldiers and these three are part of the five people we specifically sought out to fight at our sides should it come to that."

"One thousand and fifteen people!" The piglin snorted again. "We just might last five minutes against a titan."

The penthouse was just as busy as the yard. As more people arrived than Wilbur expected. Feeling his anxiety kicking up as strangers looked to him like they were studying him.

Dream was no better.

So they hid away in Dream's room. Trying to ignore the loud voices of the people outside. Of Bad greeting some that were clearly friends. Introducing them to Phil. Trying to explain everything in a hurry.

He almost wished he had volunteered to fight alongside Techno in the practice match.

Still, there were words that needed to be taught.

They were halfway through Wilbur's list of things he wanted done as soon as possible when someone knocked on the door of the room.

He hesitantly called out that they could come in.

And nearly dropped his book when he recognized them instantly.

King Eret.

A literal king stood in the doorway looking at him with a smile.

Eret was one of the most royalties currently in their time. Hailing from a large nation, known for their activism and willingness to get down and dirty should the need come for. Most notable however was their gender and their lineage

Eret had no singular gender. Letting people call them whatever. He, She, They-the works. Evident in how they dressed now.

Regal in a gown that made them stand out against the commoners. That draped along the floor and their boots. Red carpet ready. The crown on their head encrusted with the rainbow colors of a pride flag.

Their lineage? One of the most infamous warlords of the past. Who held his own against all four heroes and many armies. Who reigned for a century or more on just fear alone.

Herobrine.

And their eyes showed his bloodline perfectly. Pure white and glowing with no pupils.

Hidden behind sunglasses so the average kid told horror stories of the past wouldn't scream upon seeing them.

"Your majesty-!" Wilbur jumped to his feet, stuttering out his words and Eret chuckled. Waving their hand to let him know he could relax. Stepping in and closing the door behind them.

"Please, just call me Eret. I hear enough of the 'your majesty' from everyone else." They crossed over to the bed. Taking the spot beside Dream. Crossing their legs calmly as they sat there.

The dreamon looking at them with a hint of confusion on his features. As if he recognized Eret but didn't know anything about them. And surely didn't know why Wilbur reacted as such.

"I'm a friend of the heroes." Eret began, hands resting on their lap. "And I've been told you need help teaching a dreamon language."

"Er...yes?"

Eret smiled. A smirk really. Reaching up to take off their sunglasses and Wilbur hated to admit that he jumped at the sight of those eyes. If the king minded, they didn't pay it any mind.

Instead looking at Dream whose eyes widened in realization. Connecting dots that weren't there before.

Dream chirped, perking up before he suddenly said something in his language. Eret laughing and replying as if just as fluent.

Wilbur sat there, dumbfounded.

"YOU...YOU SPEAK DREAMON?!"

"No, I don't. I don't speak it or understand it...but I know it." The king explained and when the young man looked even more confused they tapped their temple. "My ancestor spoke many languages fluently. It's complicated but...I have his knowledge."

"This is going to make this so much easier!"

At least that's what Wilbur thought.

But it seemed there was still a bit of a language barrier between them.

Words could be connected to other words for sure. But Dreamon language was far more complicated than just that. Like many other languages, words had multiple meanings.

Wilbur had learned the hard way that the word 'moon' or what was close to it in Dream's language had over sixteen different meanings alone. All seemingly having no ties to each other.

The difference in which one you meant was giving by emotional cues and eye contact. Which Dream often hid behind his mask so even if they tried to sort them out it would be useless half the time.

Emotions were another hard thing.

Dreamons apparently didn't have concepts of too many emotions. Their primary focus being on happiness, excitement, positive ones. Words simply didn't exist for them for the negative ones.

Dream himself had noises for those emotions however. Not words. Well, words he made up for himself. To explain to himself what was going on.

Since he was the one and only dreamon to survive.

It felt like they had made no progress at all. Wilbur and Eret laid back against the bed. The king rubbing at their eyes with a blossoming headache and Wilbur laying the children's book against his own face.

To hide away from the world.

Dream stared at them. None the wiser to their frustrations.

"I feel betrayed, Eret." Wilbur muttered. "You could've been my saving grace."

"Perhaps it was never meant to be." The royal sighed.

"YOU WERE NEVER MEANT TO BE! YOU'RE A FLAW! A GLITCH!"

"LOOK AROUND YOU AT WHAT YOU'VE DONE, WHAT YOU CAUSED. YOU WANT TO HAVE EMPATHY?! YOU WANT TO SYMPATHIZE WITH THESE CREATURES?! THEN YOU WILL NO KNOW END TO SUFFERING."

"You will live an eternal life, a monster. All because you chose to care."

"You will long to be erased. Like every other glitch. Like every other flaw."

"What happens next?" Tubbo asked, taking a plate from his father. As the man passed out dinner for that evening. "This...this feels so weird. It feels like we've been doing this for so much longer and now it's just...ending?" He looked around at his siblings.

"The story is coming to an end." Techno muttered, taking a bite of his food. "Is there an epilogue? A sequel?"

"Alright English Major."

Techno gently shoved Wilbur.

"Well, let's say...let's say everything goes well. That Karl is right." Bad didn't look up from his plate. Even as Karl, who now sat next to Sapnap, perked up at being mentioned. "That this is something that can and will be solved by going to the End."

The demon sighed. Clearly still in disbelief even if he trusted Karl. Exhaustion on his features. Dread in his bones. A longing in his eyes. "Dream will have surely served his time then, I think. No reason to lock up an apocalypse if he really isn't the apocalypse."

George swallowed down his mouthful. "From there on, it's partially Dream's choice. He'll have limited freedom. We can't just...rerelease an extinct species on the planet. We can give him choices of where to go, who to be with, what to do. But, they're choices we have to make for him."

"Not to mention he'd have to adapt to our society." Ant noted.

"You guys have been doing a great job, don't get us wrong-!" Bad cut in.

"But Dream is currently eating the remote to the TV." The cat finished and everyone looked over at Dream. Who indeed had the remote in his mouth. Halfway chewed through. No one having noticed that the TV was going haywire because it was muted.

Phil groaned, setting down the next plate he was fixing. "Dream no! Spit it out! OUT!"

"...can he live with us?" Ranboo asked and everyone looked to him save for Phil and Dream. "I know...that sounds really weird. He's kind of been making our lives a living hell...but...that's...kind of our family's thing?" He looked sheepish. "Plus, it'll feel weird if he just...leaves."

"Awww Ranboo adopted his first little brother!" Wilbur cooed and the enderman blushed. Hiding somewhat behind Techno. "Ranboo this is the gateway drug, I tell you. First you see a little brother you want and then you're adopting kids you find in boxes or roaming around with grass blocks-"

"HEY!"

"We love Tubbo and Ranboo, Dad! It's alright!"

Bad smiled at the family, his tail wagging. "Well, once everything gets settled. Maybe." He nodded, seeing a few of them brighten at the idea. "Maybe." He said firmer. "We still don't even know if this will end well. And we'd have to make accommodations for him."

A pause and he sighs. "But there are worst choices, I suppose."

Tommy raised his hands, cheering. "Fuck yeah we're not the worst choice for once!"

"Language!"

"Hello Dream."

Eret smiled as they approached the dreamon. Who sat on the balcony of the penthouse. Perched much like a dog would be on a bench surrounded by flowers. He scooted over a bit for them and they gladly took the seat.

Gazing up at the approaching night sky.

"Thank you." They said and then waited. Listening to the muted hustle and bustle of the family behind the glass doors. Closing their eyes briefly before opening them again. Feeling Dream staring at them.

Would you like to talk, Dream? They asked in his language. Watching the dreamon blink back at them. Doing their best with what they knew.

Would you like to finally be able to say what's on your mind?

It didn't take long for them to retreat back inside. Eret clapping their hands to gain attention. Everyone in the room automatically looking to them. Their regal posture commanding it. Even if they were now dressed down in what could best be described as 'casual' for them.

The crown never left their head however.

Techno and Ranboo could relate.

Dream stood beside them. Looking almost nervous. Posture timid and hands fidgeting.

"Dream has something he would like to say."

Eret gestured to Dream. Telling him silently it was his turn to speak. And Dream did, with the best translator they could get at the moment.

He took a deep breath.

I am not human.

I have never been and will never understand you humans. You hybrids. You...people. I am not people.

You have tried to tell me otherwise and I appreciate that you want to include me...but I will never be people.

I am a nightmare.

He looked around at them. Slowly reached up to his face. Where his mask would've been sitting had he not taken it off for this. Tracing his fingers along the invisible scar that Wilbur knew of. That George knew of.

A wound alongside many that never properly healed.

It was not my original purpose.

I was not meant to be a nightmare. But I became one. And I will forever be a nightmare. I will never be a dreamon again.

His form shifted. Starting to change. Minute small little changes. Where his skin started to become covered in eyes. One by one appearing. Gesturing out as his fingers elongated. As his wings expanded from his back.

I was never meant to exist.

Another pause. Hands curling into fists. Dropping back to his sides.

I do not want to exist.

"Dream-" Wilbur began, moving to stand but Dream held his hand up to stop him. An action he did in sync with Eret.

Nightmares...care.

Nightmares are wants, desires, love, family, caring, kindness.

Dream looked around at them, seeming to read their confusion.

Nightmares are what is left, when you fear losing all of that.

I fear. I am very scared.

He trembled where he stood.

Dreamons are not meant to be afraid. We were untouchable. They were untouchable. They were joy, kindness, excitement. They were new. Ideas. Wonder. Enchantment.

We were meant to give the world something it did not have yet. We were meant to bring the world forward. Help it run when it walked.

I am a flaw.

A deep breath. He looked down at his hands. Shaking and tears started to form on his human eyes. He shuddered, shook his head. Tried to regain composure.

I cared, when I should've laughed. I walked, when I should've run. I found...things that captured my attention far more than anything else. I never grew bored of them. I never grew bored of the small things.

He looked over at the heroes as he said this. Giving a broken smile.

I wanted to see where one path went. Instead of constantly moving on to new ones.

A hand closed over his heart. Gripped at his own shirt. The tears coming now. Rolling down his cheeks.

BUT WHEN YOU STAY ON ONE PATH, YOU SEE EVERYTHING WRONG WITH IT!

Eret didn't shout his words but Dream did. The pain felt through them around the room.

I DID NOT KNOW THAT PATHS ENDED. I DID NOT KNOW THESE CREATURES ENDED. THESE PEOPLE...THEY ENDED. THEY...THEY DIED!

I DID NOT KNOW THERE ARE CRACKS IN THE PATH. I DID NOT KNOW THAT THE PATH TWISTS AND TURNS.

He chokes on his words. On his sobs.

I did not know...

He says that quietly. Clutching himself as if he'll fall apart if he doesn't.

I thought I knew everything with these people I chose to stay with. I thought I knew and understood. I thought George, Sapnap, Bad, Ant, I thought...I thought I learned through them.

Dreamons are not supposed to love. Nightmares do.

I loved them. I loved...I loved her.

"Dream...love Puffy." He says in common. In their language. Struggling with it but he says it, firm.

And Nightmares are what is left...when that love is gone.

He reached up, wiping fruitlessly at his eyes. The heartbroken noises flowing out again. The wails building up but he just barely manages to supress them.

I am what is left. It's all gone. Everything...everything I loved is gone.

And I see, I see you humans. You people. You lose, things leave you. You still keep walking. Keep running. You continue on even if paths have ended.

I am not human.

I am not people.

I am stopped at the end of the path.

I do not know how to keep moving.

He dropped to his knees. Staring at them. Looking Wilbur dead in the eyes.

I am jealous. Dreamons are not meant to be jealous. Nightmares are.

I will never be people. I will never be people. I WILL NEVER BE PEOPLE!

...how do I keep moving?

How do...you be happy when...it hurts so much...to have them leave?

How do you look at those you once loved...and not hurt them because the pain is too much?

He collapses on his hands. Crouched down. Almost in a begging position. Tears hitting the floor beneath him. Eyes on his skin now closed. All of them closed. Wings huddled close to his body and a few feathers fall. Bursting into the water like substance that was his real body.

I am grateful for freedom. To know you. To be a part of this, whatever this is. But if I am to stay. If I am to be here. With you. I need to know how to move on.

Because I will live on without you.

You will die. Just like her.

And I will hurt all over again.

Because I love you.

And Dreamons do not do that.

Nightmares do that.

Nightmares destroy what they love.

I am a Nightmare.

There's silence save for his sobs.

Everyone staring at him. A few with tears in their eyes.

Frozen in their seats as they let the words sink in.

And then suddenly someone darts forward. Grasping Dream into a tight hug. Holding him as he sobs and wails.

George.

He's followed by Bad. By Sapnap. By Ant. All of them dropping down to the floor and crawling to him. Wrapping him into tight embraces. He melts into their arms.

"We didn't know." Bad whispers, tail wrapping around his friends. His fellow heroes. "We didn't know..."

"We were so stupid." Ant hisses through gritted teeth. "Of course you didn't understand! We were so blinded by our own power! Our own immortality! We didn't think twice! Your immortality is nothing like ours!"

"We hurt you." Sapnap snarled, frustrated with himself. "Shit, we hurt so much and we didn't even notice."

It's George who grabs Dream by the face. Who holds him up so he looks at him. Sunglasses thrown to the side. So Dream can look him right in the eyes. Those tear filled eyes.
"Dream." He says firmly. "...we're sorry." Dream hiccups through his next sob and George nods to his own words. "We're sorry and we love you."

"Dream hurt..." Dream whimpered.

"We know! We know now! We're so sorry! We were so stupid!" The demon reached to pet through his hair. "I got so much on Phil about grieving...how did I not...how did I not even notice?! All this time!"

Ant groaned. "He was right! We kept running!" He gestured out. "We kept running and we never noticed that he was trapped behind us!"

"We ran...and we never looked back."

Wilbur took a step forward. Inviting himself into the group. Letting George scoot aside to allow him a space. Smiling softly as he looked to Dream. Who looked back at him confused.

He reached out. Offered his arms. Where the scars were visible and Dream stared down at them. Before reaching out and touching them.

"Hurt..." Dream muttered.

"Heal." Wilbur told him. "Hurt. Change. Scar." He tapped the scars, then drew back and tapped his chest. Over his heart. "Hurt, inside. Scar, inside. Change....heal."

Dream tapped his arm. Silently asking the question they all knew by heart now.

What did Heal mean?

Heal meant hugs.

Heal meant hugs, petting, good words. Food. It meant movies. Blankets. Games. Laughter. It meant that no one left him alone in a room for the rest of the night.

It meant he was listened to whenever he spoke. Focused on instead of dismissed because of the language barrier.

It meant talking.

It meant being heard.

It meant talking about her. What he remembered. What he felt.

It meant crying. So much crying. He was getting sick and tired of crying but it felt good to do it.

It meant...

Family.

Healing is a prison you need help to escape from.

Chapter Text

"Tomorrow is it." Wilbur sighed, closing the book he had in his hands. Looking around at his family which was in various stages of exhaustion. The heroes and their guests already fast asleep. And them, crammed into one room because every penthouse bedroom was filled.

They didn't mind. It felt...right, in a way.

He smiled at Dream. A shaky smile. The dreamon sitting in the middle of the pile on the bed in front of Wilbur.

Techno was sprawled out first on the left side. Tommy and Tubbo using him as a large pillow. Ranboo with his legs crossed up at the head of the bed and braiding the long pink hair with careful hands.

Phil had the right side mostly to himself. To accommodate for the wings. Which were now being stretched in preparation for sleeping. Fingers smoothing through the feathers to ease the stress of what the day had so far given them.

"I've taught you all that I can for now, my pupil."

"You've taught him like...one hundred words at most, Wil."

"Nobody asked you, Tech."

Wilbur sighed, flopping back against the bed. Reaching out blindly for one of his brothers and winding up with Tubbo. Who gladly switched from Techno to him. Snuggling against the sleep shirt he was in.

Dream watched them with a muted smile. He was probably the most tired of them all. Just from the sheer emotional baggage he was going through.

No one really wanted to bring up the elephant in the room much more. Tired of talking about it. Ready to just face it and be done with it.

Phil finished preening and sighed. Looking to Dream. "Is there anything you want to learn before we call it a night?" A pause and he remembered to reword that so Dream could understand it. "Learn new word?"

Everyone looked to him and waited. Dream seeming to think on it. Looking around the room silently and then an idea came to him. He crawled off the bed. Slipped onto stumbling feet. Making a startled noise because apparently his legs fell asleep.

Tommy pushed him over for good measure and he went tumbling across the floor.

"Toms."

"What? We already said he's family. Might as well give him the normal treatment."

Techno gladly pushed him off the bed as well. Earning cusses and yells. Dream caught on that it was a joke then. Snorting a little and eventually getting back to his feet. Searching around the room. Poking at their various bags.
Sniffing until he found the one he was looking for. Wilbur's.

Everyone watched as he started to dig through it. Pulling things out and tossing them aside. Wilbur sitting up and giving a low protest. "Hey! Don't make a mess of my stuff!"

Ignored until Dream suddenly found what he was looking for. Holding up the folded pocket knife at the very bottom tucked under everything else.

Everyone sucks in a harsh breath. The noise that escapes Wilbur is the loudest. A desperate whine. Dream brings the item over. To show them, reaching out to tap Wilbur's arm to ask about the word but the man flinched away.

Drawing his arms and body close.

Dream looked confused. Chirping. "Word?" He tried instead, since Wilbur wouldn't let him touch him.

"...D-dream." Phil spoke instead, holding out his hand. "Can I see that please?"

"NO!" Wilbur shouted, diving forward but he was too late. The knife was in Phil's hand before he could reach it. His father dodging his attempt to grab it back. Slowly slipping off the bed to stand to his full height.

As Tubbo put his weight on Wilbur and kept him from following. From trying to wrestle it out of his father's grasp.

"...Wilbur." Tommy said, hushed. Staring at the knife as Phil examined it. "...why do you have that?"

"For protection!" It was clearly a lie. Everyone could tell it was a lie. "That's all! Just protection! I mean, Techno carries a sword! A crossbow!"

Phil takes a deep breath. Opens the knife. Staring at the blade of it that was slightly dirty. A rusty brown color on the edge. His hand comes up to his mouth. Covering it before he could yell or scream or cry.

The flurry of emotions on his face evident.

"...Wilbur."

"...it's...it's from the rabbits. I haven't cleaned it since."

"...that's not the knife you used." Techno muttered, now sat up and hair slightly coming undone from the braid unfinished. He pushed off the bed. Walking swiftly to his father. Gently taking the knife out of his hands to study it.

His eyes glance over at Wilbur's wrists. Which his brother quickly hides. "Wil."

"I swear I'm not-"

"Don't lie to us, Wilbur." Techno scowled and Wilbur just slowly closed his mouth. Sitting there staring at the bed.

Tubbo reached for his one arm and Ranboo the other. They lifted them both and pulled the sleeves down. No fresh cuts could be seen. There was a moment of confusion but relief and then Wilbur sighed.

"...they're on my legs." He admitted, voice just barely above a whisper.

"Wilbur!" Phil put his hand on Techno's shoulder before he could march over there. The hiss through his teeth angry. He pushed down and forced his son to sit on the floor. Shaking his head slowly.

Now wasn't the time to get mad.

The next one to speak was Tommy. Who sputtered as he crawled across the bed to his brother. Holding his hands out. "What-..why?! Wilbur I thought you stopped years ago! How long...how long have you had that knife?! What-"

"Look, okay!" Wilbur yanked his arms out of his younger brother's holds. Scowling at them briefly before he gave an apologetic look. "Look, it's...it's not suicidal. I swear." When they looked at him in disbelief, he groaned. "I swear on my stuffed sheep, Friend, it's not."

A few of them relaxed with that.

"...it's just..." He hesitated, unsure of how to explain. Suddenly feeling trapped where he sat with his brothers so he crawled off the bed to stand. To pace. Crossing his arms over his chest. "It's...just..."

"Take your time, Wilbur." Phil assured him.

"...I don't know how to explain it!" The young man admitted. "I don't know what to say that will make sense to you guys! It makes sense to me!" He patted his own chest. "It does! It makes perfect sense! But...I know that once I say it, you'll all think I'm crazy!"

Ranboo flicked his claws. Making a little clicking sound in the awkward silence. "Give it a shot? I mean, we can't know until you try and if we don't understand we can try and reason it out?"

Wilbur stared at him for a moment. Sighed and plopped down on the floor. "It feels like an escape." He began. "Like for a moment, I'm not...I'm not here! I'm not in that stressful place, I'm not facing all of my problems! I zone out for a bit and I just get lost in this place..." He bit his lower lip.

"I feel weird. But a good kind of weird. I noticed it way back when I first started. After a few cuts, I'd just lose myself for a bit. And I'd feel this strange airy emotion afterwards. I assume it's what getting high feels like, I don't know!" He flung his hands up. "I don't do drugs, I just stab myself!"

"Wilbur." Phil chided softly.

"...papercuts really." He corrected, groaning. "I promise they're not deep. They're not, I'm not trying to bleed out. I clean them pretty well afterwards and bandage them and I make sure they heal up but..." He glanced at the knife in Techno's hands still. "...I just forgot to clean the knife the other night."

"How long ago?"

"...it was after we sobered up." Wilbur admitted. Sighing and rubbing at his face. "While Tommy was still in the hospital."

Tommy flinched at that, not going unnoticed by his older brother. Who immediately jumped to his feet and raced over. Drawing him into his arms. "Toms, Tommy, no, it's not your fault. Don't fucking think like that okay? I wasn't doing it because of you."

"But-"

"No." Wilbur said firmer, sighing. Nuzzling the blond hair. "Toms. I did it because everything was overloading me. It wasn't you that set me off. I had been doing it for a while and then everything just hit me again and I couldn't take it. I just wanted a break and I couldn't keep drinking."

"Why didn't you talk to us?! We could've found an alternative!"

Wilbur slowly let go of Tommy. Turning to face Techno with a slight scowl. "Yeah Tech?! When would we have had time for that? Huh?! When would we have been able to stop running from the heroes, stop facing the fact our family was falling apart, stopped having fun and dealt with my shitty problems?!"

He splayed his hands out. "The few times we weren't worrying about something else, we were having fun and being happy! I wasn't going to ruin that by bringing this up! I wanted to talk to you guys but-" He paused. Sighed. Sat down on the edge of the bed. "But you matter more to me than I do to myself."

Another sigh. "...I promised I'd protect you. Can't do that if I fall apart at the seams."

"Willllllll, we're supposed to protect you too. You fucking idiot." Tommy pushed into his lap. Draping across it dramatically. Grinning when he saw Wilbur crack a little smile at that. "Come on big man, you can't protect all of us at once. Even Techno can't do that and he's THE BLADE!"

Techno huffed. Nodding slightly in agreement.

"And if you're going to get on my case about sharing the good and the bad..." Phil stepped forward. Coming to sit beside Wilbur. Reaching out to take his hand. "You have to practice what you preach, Wil. I would move heaven and earth for you to be okay. For you to be happy and safe. And able to grow up."

"You had your own shit to deal with."

"Newsflash!" Phil gestured out at his family. Dream included. "THIS IS THE SHIT I HAVE TO DEAL WITH!"

It gets a few laughs. A feather being fixed suddenly in his wings by Tubbo, causing him to squeak loudly. Making more laughter ring out. The man shook his head at his sons. Reaching up to run his hand through his hair.

Unkempt and ready for bed.

"...Wil, listen. Next time you feel like you need this, just...come get one of us. We'll use a password or something. We'll let you zone out or something, get you away from the stress, we'll stick by you and protect you. You don't have to protect us twenty-four seven. Let us return the favor okay?"

"...I think the password should be 'Tommy is the best'."

"Good idea, Tommy. It's something none of us say so it'll be obvious we need help."

"FUCK YOU TECHNO!"

Phil wrapped his arm around Wilbur's shoulders. Tucking him into a wing. Nuzzling against his son's head and letting out a low chirp. "...I'm sorry we put you through this. I'm sorry we made you feel like you need to escape. I'm sorry we didn't notice. I'm sorry we got mad at first and upset and I'm sorry for so much more."

He kissed Wilbur's head. Seeing a few tears there in those eyes scrunched from trying not to cry. "...and we love you, so much Wilbur."

"...I know."

"...Can I destroy this?"

"Tech, it's still a perfectly good knife."

"I'm destroying it." Techno huffed, moving to stand. Crunching the metal easily in his grasp and he could be heard further destroying it as he went to the kitchen for the trashcan.

And Dream watched him leave before turning back to the scene. Watching the brothers slowly climb all over Wilbur and Phil. Giving him plenty of affection. Smiling a little to himself.

"Heal?" He asked Wilbur.

"Yes, yes, heal." Wilbur chuckled. "...wait, you wanted to know what that was called. Uh..." He looked around, no longer having a visual. Looking to Phil for help before the man got to his feet and retrieved his own pocket knife.

"Knife." Phil explained and Dream tilted his head.

He said the word in his language first and then repeated it. "Knife."

"Good job-...did he just say moon before that?"

"Ah, yeah. So get this." Wilbur pushed some of his siblings off. Sighing as he held up his hands. "Moon means so many things in Dream's language. I can't even list them all! It means harmony, water, life, death, music, words, god, flying, weapon..." He scowled. "Depending on how you say it and with what emotion, it could be almost anything!"

Techno ruined. Dusting off his hands and closing the door behind him. "So the symbolism theory wasn't far off was it?"

"Ooooh boy," Phil groaned. "That's...a lot of guesswork left if it's still relevant."

"If Moon means all of that, why would he want to eat it?! None of that stuff sounds edible!" Tubbo exclaimed.

"We're just going to ignore water then, huh Tubs?"

"...I can't drink water," Ranboo pointed out.

"Shut up, Ranboo."

"Shutting up."

"Did Eret ask him?" Phil asked Wilbur and Wilbur nodded.

"Dream didn't have an answer...or he did and just wouldn't tell us."

Phil crossed his arms, smirking a little. "Guess it runs in the family."

"Oooooh self-burn and taking Wilbur down with you." Ranboo muttered in awe. Hands flying to his cheeks. "Wow, never thought I'd witness such a travesty."

"Get to bed you brat." A wing gently nudged Ranboo and he dropped back. Pretending to have been injured. He wasn't alone for long. One by one the kids gathered back up on the bed.

Pulling Dream along with them. Falling back into place save for Techno dragging Wilbur against him. Wrapping arms around him protectively. Dream eventually getting situated in the middle.

Blanket pulled up around them.

Phil slowly pushed himself underneath it. Wings fluttering before draping one over his family.

Dream chirped, hands slightly playing with the feathers as the lights were turned off. Murmurs of goodnights and shuffling to get comfortable. Tommy kicking Tubbo and getting body slammed as a result.

"First one to sleep gets to pick breakfast." Phil muttered.

"Ranboo is already out cold."

"Ranboo wins."

"No fair!"

"You're sure we need to do this, Karl?"

"It's the only thing I'm sure of, really." The man replied, staring down at the starry blackness of the portal.

The portal that was far away from any other portal in the world. That George had put so much magic into constructing. That he tested and proved would put them somewhere in the End where they would be unbothered.

Where no one lived, where people wouldn't go. Where the army could expand outward and prepare itself for the war that may happen.

Where those trained to fight could slip in one by one. Armed to the teeth and take up posts.

Phil's sons had already gone through. So had the heroes. That left Karl, Phil, and Dream standing at the lip of it. Waiting for the dreamon to gather his strength and resolve and go through.

Dream remained frozen. Staring down at it. Hands trembling just slightly.

"...I'm going to head in." Karl muttered and jumped through. The portal whooshing with the movement. Churning briefly before relaxing again.

Phil sighed, glancing back at Dream. Who still hadn't shown any sign of moving. He could've so easily pushed the boy in. He wasn't that cruel however.

Instead he just moved to sit on the stone end leading up to the portal. Crossing his legs so he didn't have a chance of dipping his feet in before they were ready. Wings stretching out and then folding again.

Dream eyed him for a moment, then mimicked the posture. Sighing in a similar fashion.

It made the man chuckle.

"I know. This is big." Phil muttered, reaching to pat Dream on the shoulder. "But you're not alone. Take your time but...don't take all day. They'll be pissed if they have to wait hours for it."

Dream frowned. Groaned and put his face in his hands.

Phil gave him a moment. Then gripped that shoulder. Pulling him close into a one-armed hug. Draping his wing around him for extra comfort. Feeling the chirp as Dream let one out. "I know." He said again.

Brushed his fingers through that hair. "...it's scary to face things you're not ready for."

"...I told you before, that I wanted to talk about her...but I couldn't?" He didn't wait for a response. Not knowing if his words were getting through but hoping his emotions were. "Ripping the band-aid off hasn't made the wound any better, I'd say."

"It still hurts to talk about her. I still feel guilty. I still feel like I failed my family. Stole something from my kids. Ruined our lives and...I feel like I killed her, still. The love of my life."

He shook his head.

"And I don't feel any amount of my family telling me otherwise will convince me any different."

"But..." He tried to sound hopeful. Knowing that Dream was giving him a look. "Wounds take time to heal. Even with all of our fancy medical advancements and potions. Wounds take time. Tommy's broken arm may be healed but he's still sore. He still sees the crash when he closes his eyes."

"It'll take a long time before he stops."

"...it always seems to take forever." He sighed. "...and it's hard to go through that. It's hard to wait. One day you feel like you're on top of the world and everything is going great but the next day you're back at the bottom. Looking up, wondering how you'll ever get there again."

"I'm scared too." Phil admits and Dream sits back, pulling out of his hug to look at him. "I'm very scared. I'm scared of doing things wrong, hurting more people. I'm scared of being hurt again. But I also feel like...I deserve to be hurt. That I deserve punishment."

"...it still hurts and it'll hurt for a very long time."

Dream chirped again.

"...but you can't start healing properly until you put a new bandage on the wound. Until you clean it. Until you take care of it. If you just ignore it, it'll get infected or it'll get worse and it...it could kill you."

He choked on those words. Feathers ruffling.

"So, this won't be an instant fix. This won't solve all of the problems, Dream." He reached out, offering his hand. Feeling the other's slip into his grasp and he pushed to stand. To help Dream to his feet.

"...but you need to rip this band-aid off. And we're going to help you clean the wound. We're going to put a new one on you. You're not alone."

Dream reached up. To stop more tears. Phil chuckling as he reached out with his free hand. Gently cupping Dream's cheek. "You can cry, mate. We're not judging."

Dream cracked a little smile. Recognizing those words.

He pushed into Phil's arms. Hugging him and the man hugged him back. Patting his back. "Ready?"

Dream nodded.

Phil didn't let go of his hand as they jumped through the portal.

Dream heard Tommy shout the moment his feet touched solid ground. Something like "ABOUT FUCKING TIME!" and Philza shouted back. He looked around at the world they were in.

A void with barely any land to it. Sparkling purple sky. Yellowing stone and strange trees. A dull feeling to it that he was in the wrong place. A static bubbling up under his skin.

People surrounded them. Cascading over the small hills and in the trees. Weapons trained and ready for whatever was about to happen.

Phil let go of his hand slowly. With a promise that he's not alone. Moving back towards his family. Which stood alongside his old friends. The heroes.

He let himself take in the sights a bit longer. Not looking up. Not yet. Knowing what was about to happen. Took a deep breath despite not needing to.

Looked Bad in the eyes and the demon nodded to him.

Slowly, he looked up.

No moon.

Just like they had said.

No moon.

No moon.

No life.

No weapon.

Still here.

Flaw.

Still here. Why, why was he still here?!

Glitch.

Flaw.

Wrong.

Broken.

He clutched at his head. Claws digging in. Something bubbling under his skin. Feeling his bones forced to break and warp.

His vision faded in and out. Confused from where to look. What to look at. He felt suddenly alone and yet bombarded. Surrounded by people with no escape routes.

The feelings, the emotions, all swarming him at once.

He wanted to stay calm. He wanted to talk, like he had been. He wanted to heal with them at his side. Talk and be listened to.

When he opened his mouth all that came out was a guttural scream.

They couldn't see what he could. The tendrils of darkness wafting off his form. Breaching the ground beneath his feet and searching. Wrapping around trees at their roots and draining the life from them.

They crumbled and the people on top of them shouted in alarm. He felt their fear more than he saw it. Smelled it really.

The smell was delicious.

It forced his teeth to grow. His mouth to split open. The horns to pulse out of his skull and twist. He fell forward, spine cracking as it melted into the liquid form of his body.

The wings burst forth again. Stretching out. Flapping once or twice to get the excess blood off of them.

GLITCH.

FLAW.

WRONG.

BROKEN.

GLITCH.

FLAW.

WRONG.

BROKEN.

There was no walls here. Nothing to stop him from growing. His form cascading over the stone and several people around him screamed and jumped back. Dodging his limbs as they grew and reached out.

As his true mouth formed and roared again.

Hatred.

Fear.

Loneliness.

All of it that simmered beneath the surface rose to the top once more. Exploded from him as he stared down at his prey.

No, friends.

Family.

PREY.

Drooling as he wanted to eat them. Devour them. Soak in their fear.

A nightmare only grew with the fear.

There's so much of it. Overwhelming him. Swallowing him. Drawing him away from the surface and down into the dark water. Sinking into himself until he no longer feels in control.

When he reaches out, his hand grasps nothing but air. A pressure in his temples and a chanting in his ears about how he was a monster. A flaw. A glitch.

Meant to be destroyed.

His body reacts physically to the words. More cracking, more wounds. Tearing him apart and reforming him back together so it can be a weapon. To take down as much of it with him as it goes.

Because if he can't be happy, why should anyone else be? Why do they get the right?

Nails claw against his face as he tries to ask the question. As he wanted to be listened to. Heard.

Hear their responses.

Be hugged.

Told he wasn't alone.

The voices whisper otherwise. They laugh at his misery. They sound so much like his friends.

Twisting everything good he has been told and using it to stab him over and over again. A sword he once held in his own grasp. Now in George's hand. In his face.

Leaving behind a wound that would never heal.

Any resolve and determination he had is slipping away. Falling deeper than he was. Sinking to the bottom of the water just out of his reach. He feels tired. So tired.

Exhausted with trying to resist.

His vision fogs with tears. With red around the edges. A blur that shifts the faces of those he once knew into monsters. All laughing at him. All sneering at his pain.

He stops trying to fight it.

He gives up.

And the last thought on his mind is how sorry he is that he didn't try harder.

Dream's roar echoes through the void of the End. Making the ground tremble as the tree like structures crumble. The endstone seems to start to rot away. Crumbling if you weren't careful where you stepped.

The heroes are already barking orders. Trying to get everyone to calm down and take formation. Plans they had been working on for several days now coming to fruition.

The first to charge the monster is Punz. Who leaps from his perch with no armor on his body. A glimmering sword in his grasp. Thin but sharp. Perfect for high speed attacks.

It hits Dream's mask, slicing a decent cut through it and liquid seeps through it. Forming into arms that try and grab the mercenary. He's caught by a hook of a fishing rod however. Yanked back into the crowd before they can grab him.

And that's the cue for everyone else.

The army rushes Dream. Weapons out, shields raised. Voices crying in victory. Their primary goal is to subdue but they're all waiting for the first death.

The first death was the signal that the goal switched from subduing to destroying.

Sam and Karl push the family back as the heroes run in. Bad giving them a quick glance of worry but his expression changed when he saw they were out of the battle. Save for Techno who had been more than willing to jump in.

Phil drew his sword, prepared to do so as well but Karl pushed him back. Telling him quickly to put it away.

"You said, words!" Wilbur shouted over the noise to the man and Karl nodded. "What words?!"

"I don't know!"

"He's going to kill someone at this rate!"

"I wish I had all the answers but I don't! I never do!"

There's the loud crackle of admin magic behind them. Shouts raising higher in volume and they can hear someone scream for Sapnap. Karl hesitates, clearly wanting to run back but he keeps his focus on the family.

Sam scooping Tommy and Tubbo up as he started to climb an area to get out of the way. Ranboo teleporting nervously after them.

"Well we need to figure it out fast." Phil concluded, scowling as he saw a soldier get thrown across the End. "What do we know?"

"Moon!" Eret piped up, running to catch up with them. "Why does the moon not being here have significance?!"

"We never found out!" Wilbur growled, stumbling on the end stone. Caught by the hand of his father who drew him back upright. "Ow..."

"Wil, you okay?"

"Yeah, just...legs sting." He admitted in a soft voice. Somewhat embarrassed because of course it was his own fault that he hurt. As he said this, he froze. Eyes widening. Looking up at Phil who looked back at him.

Both realizing it at the same time.

Phil frowned. "...moon means weapon. Knife."

"...he's...he's self-harming." Wilbur turned towards the dreamon. The nightmare that was trying to grab a victim. "...shit." He pushed away from Phil. Starting to run back towards Dream.

"WILBUR! WAIT-!"

"NO TIME!"

"WILBUR!!!"

"Come on, come on, come on," Wilbur muttered to himself. Pushing himself through the pain on his legs. Dodging the crowd of the army. Jumping over the stone in the way. "TECH!"

Techno's gaze snapped to his. Sword blocking a claw from hitting him at the last second. Wilbur knew if he took time to explain, his brother would hesitate. So he just let his eyes dart between the piglin and Dream. Hoping to get the message across.

When he jumped towards Techno, his brother grabbed him. Holding him for just a second or so before he flung him into the air.

Towards that giant mouth.

That swallowed him in seconds.

And suddenly Wilbur was in darkness. The last sounds he heard was his family screaming.

A hand brushed through Dream's hair. Drawing him slowly out of wherever he had been before. Lifting his head and finding himself in someone's lap.

On the wood of a pier overlooking a vast dark sea. Waves gently lapping against the wood and the wind whistling softly against their ears. He opened his eyes and looked into her smile.

Warmth filling him where he had been empty before.

"...Puffy." He purred and she chuckled, curling her finger in one strand and letting it fall in his face. Remaining slightly curled. "Puffy come back!"

She shook her head. "...no, you found me." Her voice sounded slightly distorted. As though he was listening to her from far away. She sighed, let her hands fall to her sides and leaned back. Closing her eyes. Enjoying the sea like she always did.

"...you came a long way to find me, Dream."

He did. He really did.

He's been waiting so long.

"...but you have to go back. You can't stay here."

He frowned.

She looked to him and reached out an arm. Drawing him into a hug much like Philza would. "I know that feels like a really mean thing for me to say. But you have a home and a world left to enjoy. It'll be a long time before you can come stay with me."

"Puffy...puffy mother!" He grabbed her, perhaps a bit too roughly. Hugging her close to his chest. Hissing at the thought of leaving her again. "Puffy stay, Dream protect. Dream keep. Dream live with Puffy."

Puffy pulled back, hands coming up to cup his face. Shaking her head as she looked into his eyes. "Dream, be honest with me."

"...okay."

"Would you rather go back with Puffy...or go back with Philza and his family?"

Dream opened his mouth. To immediately respond with 'Puffy!'. Yet when he tried to say it, he hesitated. He paused and his words failed him. Tilting his head in confusion as he thought it over some more.

Puffy just smiled at him. As if already knowing he would do this. "Be honest!"

"...Dream...Dream want Puffy...and family..." He whined, looking down at his hands. Digging soft grooves into the pier. "Dream want...together."

"I know. I know and I would love to give you that, Dream. But right now, you have to choose. Just Puffy...or Phil, Wilbur, Techno, Tommy, Tubbo, Ranboo, Bad, George, Sapnap, Ant...all of them!"

He whined louder.

"It's a trolley problem, it sucks." She chuckled and he didn't understand what she meant but he nodded along either way. "...but this isn't...it's not death." She sighed. "...it's life."

"Moon." He repeated and she nodded.

"You got to make so many happy memories with me Dream. You made me very happy-"

"Puffy make Dream happy!"

"Good! I'm glad I did! but...there's so many more memories to make with your new family!" She gestured out at the ocean. "Do you remember what this is called?"

"Sea!"

"That's right! Do you remember what Puffy loved most about the sea?"

He frowned, thinking back. Trying to remember. Piecing together slowly those little puzzles that faded back into existance over time. He remembered Puffy showing him...a boat. A ship. With a crew that waved her goodbye.

Treasures and stories galore. Never telling the same one twice. She was a dreamon in herself. Always on the lookout for new excitement. For new fun. Knowledge and gifts.

And like Dream...she stopped one day.

She stopped traveling. Stood by his side. Settled in a home and took him to various places instead.

Puffy...was a glitch?

He looked to her confused and she smiled wider. Giggling as she grabbed his hands. Brought them up between them and shook them gently. "That's right Dream! Puffy had so much to do and so much to see but Puffy's most fun adventure, Puffy's greatest time was spent with you! She wanted to stay with you instead of seeing other paths in life!"

She kissed his hands gently. "...and she was more than happy to end her path with you." A pause and a frown. "I wish we could've done so much more together. I wish it hadn't ended so soon...but..."

"They want to share their path with you...and I know you want to share yours with them. I know they make you happy. I know you can have fun and live a good life and be you with them."

"...you can't have us both, not yet." She shook her head with a sigh. "But I'll be waiting here when it's time for you to join me. Just like now. I'll be here to pick you up and you can introduce me to all of your family. Every single one of them!"

"...and you can share that happiness with me okay?"

He stared at her, watching the clouds roll in behind her. The waves pick up with a storm. Her hair dulling from its rainbow and her face twitching slightly. Occasionally becoming more masculine.

For a split second she'd become taller. Her clothes would change. Her smile morphed into a look of concern.

And he recognized the scent on her. That hadn't been there before.

Fear...but love.

"...Dream see Puffy again?"

"One day, yes."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

He took a deep breath. Looked at her hands and turned his own to hold hers instead. He smiled at her and she beamed back at him. "Trust."

"...Dream stay...Dream love Puffy...Dream love mother."

"I love you too, Dream. And I'll watch over you and wait for you, okay? Have fun. Be yourself. Live for me. Dream."

"Dream."

"DREAM!"

"LIVE FOR US, DREAM!"

Thunder boomed, lightning struck. Puffy was gone and in her place was Wilbur. Clutching his hands and trying to pull him out of the black water. Struggling to get an edge in his footing. His hands sparking with blue energy.

The only light in the darkness.

"COME ON DREAM!" Wilbur shouted again, his voice almost hoarse. Like he had been yelling the entire time. Dream blinked. Grabbed those hands back. Smiling a little as Wilbur smiled. As he was finally pulled from the darkness.

"Come home!"

"...home." Dream repeated.

Family.

The monster suddenly heaved, backing away from the army. Who lowered their weapons just slightly. Bracing for whatever may come. Its body rippled like something had hit it and that giant mouth split open wide.

Heaved again and vomited black sludge onto the stone.

The ink like substance quickly began to seep through the cracks and slide off into the void. As the nightmare reared back with a dying scream. Toppling too far off the edge and following the droplets.

Down, down, deep into the void.

Disappearing along with its cries.

"NO!" Phil screamed and prepared to dive after the body. Prepared to sacrifice himself but Bad caught him. Stopping him from pulling another stupid stunt with downed wings.

He protested at first and then his brother pointed to the remaining sludge. Where two forms lay. Coughing and spitting out the gunk in her throats.

Wilbur...and Dream.

Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Silence following. Exhaustion following.

Until Tommy broke away from his family and marched right up to Wilbur. Grabbing him by his shirt as he screamed,
"WHAT THE FUCK, WILBUR?! WHY DID YOU HAVE TECHNO THROW YOU INTO HIS MOUTH?! I THOUGHT YOU WERE A GONER! A GONER! IF YOU EVER GET SWALLOWED BY A MONSTER AGAIN, I WILL DIG YOU OUT BY OWN HANDS AND STRANGLE YOU!!!"

"TECH, TOMS IS SCARING ME!!!"

Techno scoffed, rolling his eyes. Tossing his sword aside before he made his way over. Dropping beside his brothers and drawing them into a tight embrace. One by one the rest of the family following.

Dream staring at them with a soft smile. Until Wilbur reached out and grabbed him by the back of his shirt.

Dragging him into the center.

"No run?" Wilbur asked.

Dream snorted a soft laugh.

"No run. Dream stay."

Chapter Text

Phil sighed loudly as he heard a crash and screaming ring out through his house. Pausing in the middle of stirring and taking a deep breath before he yelled.

"THAT BETTER BE THE SOUND OF YOU CLEANING YOUR ROOMS OR I'M CRAFTING A BELT!"

More screaming. More crashes. He didn't expect anything less.

"Oh dear, is it...is it normally this hectic?" Bad asked, ducking into the kitchen and then ultimately thinking better of it and shifting to human form. Just to yelp as he was holding a hot dish.

He ran over to the counter to set it down and let out a sigh of relief. Taking the damp dishrag Phil offered him to cool his hands down with a grateful smile.

"Mate, this is calm."

"THIS?!"

"Yeah, wait until Wil and Techno get home." The sound of a car pulling up had both of them looking up. To the window. Seeing the two brothers now attempting to corral the groceries out of the backseats. "Watch this."

Phil counted down as they approached the door. Wilbur got it open and Techno stepped to the side immediately. A smart move because a neon green blur came rushing down the stairs. Barking loudly.

Full on tackling Wilbur without hesitation.

Wilbur's scream alerted everyone that he was home.

Techno quickly pushed past him. Not bothering to try and save his brother and walked into the kitchen. Five bags on each arm. "Hullo." He greeted, tired.

Bad immediately went to help him. Phil snorting as he heard the yells from outside. "Dream! DREAM NO! Stop! Let me inside!"

"WILBY! BROTHER!"

"WHA-OH, THAT IS CHEATING. TOMMY! TOMMY DID YOU TEACH HIM THAT?! I WILL CRY, TOMMY!" There was a pause. Something fell, most likely Wilbur again, and then he heard his son compromise. Asking Dream to take in a few of the bags he was holding.

Of course it freed him just long enough to escape into the kitchen. Dream at his heels with two of the bags in his mouth. Jumping up onto the counter to spit them out onto it.

"Hey, no! Down!" Phil chided softly and Dream whined but dropped down. "Remember dude, counters are off limits. We need those to be clean."

He watched Dream pout. Puff out his cheeks in almost a stubborn childish way, before he darted over to the wall and climbed up onto a perch they had made for him there. Watching them put away the food.

"Ooooh!" Wilbur made a beeline for Bad's dish. Lifting off the top and being enveloped by steam. "Enchiladas?!"

"Vici's recipe!"

"What?! I thought that recipe was lost forever! Bad, Bad you're my favorite uncle." The demon beamed under the praise and Techno snorted, putting the fourth or so packet of hot dogs away.

"He's our only uncle."

"Techno don't ruin the moment!"

Phil smacked Wilbur with a towel. "Hey! If you're not helping cook, get out of the kitchen!"

"My room's clean!"

"Go see if Dream's room is clean."

Dream lifted his head, chirping. "Clean!" He insisted and Phil shot him a look. Knowing better.

"Are you lying to me?"

"Yes!"

Bad choked on his drink. Fighting back giggles as Phil sighed loudly. Wilbur reaching over to pat the dreamon.

"Dream, you're really not grasping how this lying thing works." He reached for the young man's arms. Pulling him gently off his perch and towards his room. "Come on, come on. Let's go clean your room before Dadza has a cow."

Dream looked back over his shoulder at Phil. Dumbfounded and confused by the figure of speech but no one bothered correcting it for now.

Bad smiled after them, falling into the spot beside Phil as they continued working on dinner. Going to start cutting up some of the fruit.

"...how's...how's he doing?" He asked quietly. Techno pausing putting away groceries with a curious head tilt.

Phil smiled. "Dream?"

"Yeah. I mean, I...uh...I...him...with the family and-"

"Bad, I get it. He's been doing pretty alright. Considering he's still a wreck that therapy will take years to figure out let alone have any hope of solving." The man chuckled, his wings fluttering. "...but he's trying and that's all that matters to us."

"And his therapist?"

"I have never prayed for anyone before but I am now."

"Philza!"

He cackled, grinning wide. "Bad, this poor woman has to deal with a creature with cosmic powers who barely understands what therapy is!" He shook his head. "I'm at least glad she's not too much of a stranger and she specializes in non-verbal therapy but...still."

"Where'd you find her? Was she a recommendation from Eret?"

"No, actually believe it or not Dream found her in a way." He reached for the fridge. Techno ducking under his hand. Grabbing a business card off of it to show to the demon. "This is his little friend's mother. Imagine my surprise when I saw what her card read! It was like luck finally fell in my lap!"

There was a high pitched scream from upstairs. Both men pausing to look over their shoulders. Waiting for any further sign of injury. Techno sighed loudly, closing the fridge.

"I'll go make sure the house won't burn down."

"Thank you Techno!"

Once his son was out of the room, Phil took a deep breath. Held it for a moment to make sure he was out of earshot. Let it out and leaned on the counter. "...Bad, I'm exhausted."

"I can tell. Your feathers always did look shabbier when you were tired." The demon smiled at him softly. "...anything I can help with? Or is Philza Minecraft still too good to lean on his brother?"

Phil nudged him hard in the shoulder. Nearly toppling the hero who wasn't ready for it. Laughing at his surprise.

"Hey, I'm doing better!"

"You are, I'm proud."

And if Phil's face tinted with the acknowledgement, well no one had to know but him and Bad.

"...it's just...it's overwhelming still I guess. So much I have to work on. So much I have to fix. Wilbur and Dream in therapy. Tommy's been talking like he might want to go too. Ranboo has been going to more doctors ever since...you know."

He sighed. "...and don't get me started on Techno's bloodlust. It's just gotten stronger and I think it's starting to rub off on Tubbo."

"One step at a time, Phil."

"I know! but...it's hard to think like that with a house of six energized boys. Who all move at different paces. Who need me to be their dad finally and I'm just..." He splayed his hands out. Groaned. "I feel like I'm rewriting a book I finished ages ago."

"You're not alone. If anything troubles you, you can ask for me or one of the boys to sit down with you."

"I don't want to burden-"

"Phil. It's not a burden when you're family. It's us helping each other because we love and care for each other."

A hand reached for his. Just holding it. "Deep breath. Remember what Wilbur taught you." Phil does as he's told. Deep breath in, deep breath out. "There you go."

"First your sister now you, man works fast." Bad let go of the hand. Whirling around to glare at Sapnap who stood in the kitchen. Holding a pan and Karl beside him, fighting back laughter.

Phil rolled his eyes. "...I see you're really enjoying teleporting to my house freely aren't you?"

"Like I'm going to waste gas money coming here?"

"Where's George?"

"He teleported us first. He said he had to grab something."

"You better have brought good food."

"It's Karl's chicken wings!" Sapnap sat the pan down and Bad perked up, purring loudly despite the human form. "Yes, the spicy kind. Just for you, Bad."

"Karl, you're my favorite spouse Sapnap ever had."

"Awww, thank you!"

And George popped into the room suddenly, a barely there hint of blue energy over him. He was holding a Tupperware box as well as two books flopped on top of it. Opening his mouth to say something but Phil quickly reached out.

"Shush!" He barked and George looked taken aback. "Give me the food first." Slowly the man handed it over, along with the books and Phil smiled. "Okay, now you can talk."

"...what?"

As soon as George spoke, there was a clatter from upstairs. Something crashing. A door slamming open. Wilbur shouting about how they weren't done.

But that green blur was back, shooting across the kitchen to tackle George back against the floor. "GEORGE!!!"

"Anyone else teleporting into my kitchen?!"

"Ant said he was going to run here."

"Thank fuck."

"Language!"

Wilbur crashed into the doorway, disheveled. Pointing dramatically at Dream who looked up from where he was sat on George. The poor hero winded. "You! You are not done cleaning your room!"

"Yes!"

The young man threw his hands up. Splaying them out in exasperation. "No! You can't lie to me! I was there! I was helping you! That's not how lying works!"

"Oh god, he's learning lying?" Sapnap muttered, horror on his face. Glancing back to Phil who felt the exhaustion on his bones. "...how's that working out for you?"

"Well so far he sucks at it so at least I have one honest kid."

"Can't manipulate you yet right?" Karl piped up, clearly deeming that a plus and Phil laughed.

"Oh no, he found another way. The little shit teamed up with Techno and now I can barely say no to anything he wants."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh! That's right! Dream! Show everyone your new trick!" Wilbur laughed, clapping his hands together instead of trying to rescue George like he had been. Dream perked up, nodding furiously and then jumped off the hero.

Shifting his form mid-air to that of a golden retriever puppy. Barking and tail wagging furiously. Puppy eyes immediately going to Phil then. A whine bubbling up.

"WE ARE LITERALLY MAKING DINNER RIGHT NOW!" The man protested but the puppy ran up to him, putting paws on his legs. Staring up at him with this sad pitiful expression. Phil sighed, gesturing to Dream as if to say 'this is what I have to live with now' and turned for the freezer.

Retrieving an ice pop from it and offering it to the dog. Who quickly returned to the human form. Squealing in delight. Biting through the plastic instead of unwrapping it and happily eating his new treat.

Then running outside. Wilbur sighing loudly as he gave chase. "Dream! Your room isn't clean!"

"YES!"

"...THAT'S STILL NOT HOW LYING WORKS!" Laughter followed his yell. Dying down into low amused chuckles.

"Hey Sap, sorry we missed your funeral." Phil told the man as he returned to his duties. Sapnap bursting into a laugh at the apology.

"Dude! No worries, Karl cried enough for everyone."

"It was a beautiful ceremony!" His husband yelled in protest. Going to help George up to his feet once more.

"I wasn't really dead, Karl!"

"When am I ever going to get to do a proper funeral experience, Sap?!" Karl demanded, throwing his hands out. "You'll live longer than me! Let me have this! My beloved husband's casket! In the ground!"

"This is such a weird conversation." Phil sighed and the immortals shared laughter around him.

"You get used to it," Bad patted his shoulder. "Here, let's you and I take a break. Make these hooligans do some work. Why don't you show me around to the supposedly clean rooms?"

"Alright, alright. George, can you get the placements? Uh, Karl-"

"Cook?"

"Yes please. And Sapnap...listen to Karl and George please."

The two of them pulled away from the group as they scrambled around the kitchen. Karl already dishing out commands for his husband and George fumbling to find things he needed to.

The second floor was messy, a bit less than usual but still not clean. Things thrown haphazardly in the halls as though they were trying to escape the bedrooms. Dirty clothes that should've been thrown in hampers.

Phil collected some of it as they walked, Bad amused and taking a handful or two as well.

"This is Wilbur's." Phil explained, gesturing to a somewhat open door. A cleaner room than most probably were. His guitar was up on the ceiling, keyboard sat out and a few papers next to it.

Lyrics to a song he had been writing scribbled on them in haste under notes and the like. His computer had the screensaver up and bouncing around but his microphone was ready for recording.

Phil had walked in this morning to find him hard at work when he had asked his boys to get groceries.

The newest addition to his room however was brewing stand. Now normally Phil wouldn't dare let his sons be trusted with something so dangerous but Wilbur had begged and pleaded for it.

Something so simple so he could practice his new magic.

Phil gave in rather quickly and so far the house hadn't blown up. Caught fire twice but Dream was there to eat the flames like a snack. The perks of having such a creature in your family now.

"How's admin magic training going? I saw George brought some books with him about it." Bad asked, smiling at the room.

"It's...been something." Phil sighed, leaning in the doorway. "Honestly, never expected to have an admin in the family. Never expected to see another admin aside from George really. So...it's a lot to get used to."

He pulled off, heading for Techno's room. Dropping off some laundry in the hampers on the way. "He's gotten pretty good at teleporting items and giving potion effects to people but other than that? It's still a work in progress."

He pointed to the next room, door closed with a sign that said 'keep out! This means dream and tommy especially'. "Techno's. As if that wasn't obvious." He opened the door regardless of the keep out sign.

Techno's room still had the fresh scent of incense from earlier. His bed a mess but every other part of his room neat and tidy. The fluffy blankets strewn about like a nest for a hibernating creature.

His son often took naps throughout the day and night now that he could relax again. Making up for all of the insomnia that had overtaken him before.

A punching bag hung in one corner, his collection of swords on the wall, pictures here or there of the family or cool wildlife he had taken on his phone.

Most notable however was the large trophy smack dab in the center of his bookshelf. Among a sea of literature and newly polished. A championship honor won only by the strongest in the world.

Techno was incredibly proud of it.

"The sign means you two, too." Techno grunted, slipping past his dad and uncle to get into his room.

"Oh, sorry Techno!" Bad quickly apologized but Phil just laughed.

"Showing him the house, it's fine. We're not rooting through your diary or anything."

Techno rolled his eyes. "Unlike the brats, I don't have anything to hide. I just don't want your stink on my stuff."

"Your room smells like roses!"

"And you smell like birdseed." His son countered before reaching out and shutting the door in their faces. Bad looked a little guilty.

"Oh I didn't mean to make him uncomfortable-"

"Bad, it's alright. He doesn't really mind. I sometimes go in there and sit with him. Just a lot of noise today. So he wants his space. Come on. You'll get a kick out of the next one."

Not even two steps close to it and Bad cringed. "Tommy's?"

"You can smell it?"

"Oh yes, definitely smells like a chaotic teenage boy's room."

They pushed open the cracked door and found Tommy currently in a fight with Tubbo. The two of them arguing loudly. Pulling at each other like they were trying to get the upper hand and send one of them to the floor.

They froze the instant the two adults peered in. Giving sheepish smiles like they were expertly hiding that they were fighting.

"Everything alright?" Bad asked.

"Oh yeah, sure!"

"Definitely!"

"We're totally not trying to kill each other!"

"Nope, I'd never kill Tommy with my fists."

A pause.

Phil narrowed his eyes.

Tubbo cleared his throat. "Or at all." He corrected. Then quickly pushed his brother off, sending Tommy crashing to the floor. Bursting into a laugh as he ran out of the room and down the hall.

Tommy cursed loudly, ignored the 'language' warning from Bad and tore after the other teen. There was some banging and more cursing as they went down the stairs. Phil just sighed.

The demon looking to him almost apologetically. "So you weren't kidding about Tubbo's bloodlust huh?" He crossed his arms over his chest. "That was definitely some murder vibes."

"I don't know the first thing about addressing it, Bad. I don't think you send them to therapy for that right?"

"No, no. Not yet. See if he manifests any demonic traits, then talk about therapy." Bad hummed. "I could talk to him about it? See where he's at? If he's getting to the point where he wants to rip people's throats out, we may be seeing horns on him soon."

"That'd be a big help."

They turned their gaze back to Tommy's room.

A mess. Literally, a mess. It looked like the teen had barely gotten anything done cleaning wise. Trash and clothes thrown about. Some furniture upside down. His computer was currently repeatedly typing 'E' because something had fallen on it.

The cleanest spot in the entire room was a little jewelry box however. Sat neatly on his nightstand. Everything cleaned off around and Bad found himself moving towards it. Knowing deep down what was inside.

He reached out regardless to make sure. Smiling when he saw the ear cuff sat on velvet.

"...I should bring more of Vici's stuff over." He said out loud. Not really to Phil but the man behind him let out a happy little bird noise. A chirp or a coo, it was hard to tell. The demon sighed, turned back. "It's just gathering dust otherwise."

"They'd love that." Phil smiled, took a deep breath. "...and need that."

"I know."

They shared a smile. Then moved on. Tubbo's room, which looks a lot like Techno's in a way. Weapons mounted on the wall. A nest of blankets. Mostly clean, almost spotless but there was stuff stolen from his brothers scattered throughout.

The enchanted book by his bedside. Glimmering with pages slightly bent showing that he had been reading it non-stop since he got home. Taking his time getting through it but getting there regardless.

Bad's nose twitched.

"...blood?" Phil asked.

"A little bit, yeah."

"...hm."

"I'll talk to him about it. Promise. Ranboo's?"

"This way." Phil leads him down the hall a bit more. Where Ranboo's room has a cracked open door. The sound of shuffling inside. He's just about to knock when there's a loud scream from outside. Followed by multiple voices.

"DREAM NO, SPIT IT OUT!"

"IT CAN'T BREATHE MAN WHAT THE HELL SPIT IT OUT!"

"WE DO NOT EAT THAT DREAM!"

Phil pauses, sighs heavily. Turning to head back downstairs.

"Need help?" Bad called after him.

"Nah, I got it. The pliers are in the kitchen." Phil disappears from view and Bad chuckles. Looking back to the room and gently knocking.

Ranboo is there in a blink of an eye. About to answer his father despite the commotion. Just to freeze when he sees Bad on the other side. "Oh...hi...uh...?"

"You can call me whatever you want, Ranboo."

"...is Sir Halo still okay?"

"Sure! It's not like I haven't heard it before." The demon smiles. "Though you do know you don't have to be so formal with me right?"

"I do, it's...it's just easier I think." Ranboo shrugs, seeming a little uncomfortable. "You were Sir Halo before my Uncle after all."

"Understandable. Your father is giving me a house tour. May I see your room?"

"Oh! Sure." Ranboo pushes the door open further. Letting Bad walk in and observe. Nervous in posture and hovering near the door. Arms folded in front of him as if he was waiting to be judged.

But Bad smiled brightly as he took in the room. Noticing just how much detail was put into it. It looked freshly painted, a dark purple. A color resembling the End Sky definitely. It had been scattered with flecks of what he could only assume are glow in the dark paint.

To make stars.

An end crystal lamp sat on the bedside table. Fake, thankfully. So nothing would explode. And trinkets scattered the room in organized chaos. Seemingly in places that didn't make sense but were clearly put there on purpose.

Blocks, a surplus of blocks. Some clearly gifts from George and others taken from places he must've been. "Oh wow! Your room is so cool Ranboo!"

He could feel the blush radiating off the boy behind him. Turning around to smile at him and Ranboo squeaked. Literally squeaked as his tail wagged. "Y-you think so?"

"It suits your personality and I love that you collect so many things!"

Bad pointed to a block of sand. Neatly tucked in a glass case just to make sure it didn't get everywhere if it fell apart. "Where did this one come from?"

"Oh! That was from my first trip to the beach with everyone!"

"And this one?"

"Tommy found it and dragged me across the forest to see it."

"You have an entire block of emerald?!"

"Oh...that was an accident. Heh, when I was younger I found Phil's stash and accidentally combined all of them. He let me keep the block."

Phil returns up the stairs. About to enter the room when he stops to listen. Smiling as he hears Bad and Ranboo talking. Laughing. Able to hear the smiles in their voices.

He doesn't want to interrupt that.

So he doesn't.

He leans on the wall just outside the room and waits. Listening as they go through nearly every block in the room. Some other trinkets. Ranboo's stories never ending with how precious each and every item is to him.

"I'm actually...since my room was already clean, I was making a new spot for this..."

Phil doesn't even need to see it to know what it is.

"Where did you get THAT?!"

"It was a gift from Dream. I...I don't know how he did it but...it's definitely the most valuable part of my collection now. Heh."

"Wow, I don't even think George is able to get a void block..."

And it's at this point Phil steps in. Acting like he hasn't been standing there for a while. Sighing as though he just now wrestled the squirrel out of Dream's mouth. "Phew, glad that's over."

"No injuries?" Bad asks, looking up from where Ranboo holds the block. Smiling and Phil smiles back.

"None at all, the squirrel was fine."

"...squirrel?!"

"Yeah Dream's been on pest control duty for a while now and we're trying to get him to stop."

Ranboo snorts, then going to place the block carefully back in its protective casing. The best they could manage when it was a seemingly unknown block. "At least he stopped eating the neighbor's cat."

"...oh dear." Bad's hand flew to his mouth. Looking alarmed but resigned. "...do I even want to see Dream's room then?"

"Oh you gotta." Ranboo insisted, grinning. "Trust me. You have to see it."

Phil grins as well and beckons Bad to follow him. Taking the stairs up to the final floor. Where his room and most of the rooms dedicated to their more complicated hobbies was held. Now with a new addition, visible from the outside.

It stuck out, supported by heavy beams and the like. But wrapped around slightly and curved over the house. To a platform where Phil normally roosted on nights spent flying. He gestured to it dramatically before he opened the door.

And frankly, Dream's room was a mess. Far messier than any of his other boys but they were still battling the concept of chores with the dreamon.

Things that drew his attention for even a second lay scattered about. A large bed was tucked up against a corner covered in various blankets. Looking stolen from other rooms.

Platforms scaled the walls all the way up to the top and the roost, perfect for a cat or a Dream to scale and climb. Keep active. Hammocks nestled between them at certain points. The dome was made of glass to view the sky.

It was perfect for someone who spent their life in prison.

Open and plenty of things to do. Plenty of places to escape too.

But some place to always return home.

"...you weren't kidding about him being bad at lying." Bad chuckled, stepping over a pile of things on the floor carefully. "...this is definitely not clean."

He shifted back to his true form then. Letting some of his height take hold in the much large space. Stretching and letting a few bones crack with the movement.

"No, wait. I think he picked up some of his clothes. There's definitely less clothes on the floor than there was this morning." Phil gestured to a moderately clean spot on the floor. Looking like something had been grabbed in a hurry.

A sigh escaped him. "Though that doesn't mean anything since he still doesn't really even grasp the concept of clothes. They could've been clean or dirty, I have no clue."

"...he still hasn't mastered clothes?"

"We've managed underwear and socks so far." Phil stepped over more stuff. Using his foot to push it to the side and make a decent path. "But he still defaults to just wearing that...can I even really call them clothes?"

He gestured to himself. Trying to convey he meant Dream's hoodie. Which covered his lack of features and was made by himself. He hated to think it was some type of skin but it clearly wasn't wool or cotton.

"At least you've managed underwear?" Bad offered. Trying to look at the bright side. "...why socks though?"

"Tommy showed him how to slide down the hallway wearing them so he wears them solely for that."

"Ah."

Bad looks around the room some more. Taking in the things he hadn't noticed at first glance. Smiling when he sees a photo on the wall alongside the printed out poster from a history book.

The poster, looks very out of place in this modern room.

A painting from ancient times of them. Bad leading the charge atop of his old steed who he raised by hand. Followed by his friends on their own horses. Back when they were young and still traveling.

Dream racing alongside them in his dreamon form.

There was a smudge on the poster from a hand that constantly seemed to touch it.

And beside it sat the photo.

The last time they had all gotten together as a group before today. Leaving the End various levels of exhausted.

The heroes, the family, kings, mercenaries, the like. All huddled and posing with a tear stained Dream who smiled at the camera.

He reached out to gently run his finger along the wood frame. Sighing.

"...you know, as long as you guys remove the death and murder...I think it might be pretty cool if you start up your old games again." Phil stepped over, reaching out to nudge Bad's arm.

"...oh? You mean 'Manhunt'?" Bad tilted his head.

"Dream seemed to really love that."

"Well, he never lost." The demon sighed, shaking his head. "Can't hate a game you never lose."

"...but he did lose."

"Huh?"

Phil gently poked his own forehead. In a specific spot that made Bad cringe. "He lost pretty badly, remember? Yet he seems to still talk about that game fondly."

"...wouldn't it be awful of us to play a game where we betrayed and hurt him over a misunderstanding?"

"I'll call his therapist and ask? But...well, like Wilbur says. Sharing the bad memories is still bonding I guess." Phil heaved a sigh. Stretching out his wings briefly in the room and then folding them back. "Trust me, I get it. Sucks major ass."

"Phil! Language!"

There was another shout from outside and they both braced themselves. Readying for screaming and the like. Phil already reaching for the pliers he stuck in his pocket.

Luckily however, as they could see through the window, it was just Ant arriving. The giant cat skidding to a halt in the yard. Kicking up a bit of dirt and earning impressed cheers from the kids.

He set down a bag and shifted back to his two legged form. Comically dressed in a hawaiian shirt and shorts. Looking like he had just gotten back from vacation.

"...you heroes don't do casual well huh?"

"Shut. I don't want criticism from the guy who has never worn a regular pair of pants."

The two share a smirk before Bad perks up. Pointing at the avian. "And don't think you're getting out of showing me your room, mister! Let's go so I can embarrass you about it and we can get back to dinner!"

Setting up a picnic table is hard when you have your siblings helping, Techno noted. Sighing loudly as Tommy read the instructions wrong for the fourth or fifth time. Tubbo arguing beside him. Ranboo trying to cut in but told to shut up when he does.

And Dream is digging into the bag of screws and nuts. Looking for treats that don't exist. Occasionally handing one to Techno that he doesn't need yet.

This should've been set up yesterday or the day they got it but his family was always perfect at procrastination. Now he had to shoulder the responsibility while everyone was loud and chaotic around him.

Technically this should've been Wilbur's job. But Wilbur was off chasing down Dream. Given Dream was right here, he was doing a horrible job.

He hears a crunch and figures that he just lost a screw to the pits of Dream's stomach. Sighing heavily and banging his head gently against the one leg he had been working on.

"Hey! One or more of you, distract Dream or something so I can get this done!"

His slightly raised voiced gets them to stop bickering. Tubbo launching himself over Techno's shoulder. Grabbing Dream's arm and dragging him further into the yard. Soon followed by the other two.

Suggestions of what to do rising up.

"Techno, I can get that." George offers then as he exits outside. Holding more of the stuff that should be on this picnic table. "It'll only take a second."

"Well, I'm not one to refuse the simplicity of magic." Techno grunted, pushing himself to stand. "Can you also magic in a new screw or something? I think Dream ate one or two."

"Yeah, no problem."

The younger man cracks his back. Straightening up the best he could. Feeling exhaustion deep in his bones from all the socializing. Telling himself that it was just one day and then dad will let him sleep all of tomorrow away.

"Manhunt!" Dream barked, echoed by Tommy's groan.

"We don't know how to play that! You fucking suck at teaching us! All you do is chase us!"

"Run! Dream run! Find! Take! Win!"

He watches Dream run around them in circles. Trying to goad them into playing. Bumping into Ranboo and nearly sending him sprawling across the grass with the force.

Techno huffs and looks back at George. "...how is 'Manhunt' played anyways?"

"Oh it's...basically just a violent form of tag." George shrugs, hands glowing blue as the table assembles itself midair. Landing with a gentle thump on the grass when done and he starts moving stuff to the new surface. "Whoever is 'it' has to get to a certain location and everyone else has to stop them by any means necessary."

"...any means?"

"Lots of swordfighting, traps, and explosions." George snorted. "I may not remember much about it but I've had dreams about it. And Bad filled us in some of the incidents. We were reckless immortals without much to lose."

His eyes glance over at Dream, who had now climbed a tree like a cat and was swatting playfully at Tommy and Tubbo trying to follow him. "...and playing it against a dreamon? Way more interesting."

"Hm."

Techno watches the kids a bit longer then asks, "How long till dinner?"

"Karl said at least half an hour to an hour."

"That should be long enough."

"...for what?"

Techno strode forward and called out, "Hey Dream! Let's play Manhunt!"

Almost instantly the dreamon perked up. Chirping like an excited bird. Diving down onto the grass on all fours and racing around Techno with various animal noises. Barks, purrs, the works.

"Wait what? Do you know how to play?!" Tubbo asked, sliding back down the trunk as Tommy followed. "Oh! I want to play!"

"We're all going to play while they do all the work." The second oldest brother gestured back to the house to indicate who was working. "So here's the rules." He held up his hand, stopping Dream from climbing up onto his shoulders. "Dream, listen."

Dream sat with a whine but did pay attention.

"Dream will be it. Dream, your goal is to find Wilbur and tag him." Dream nodded furiously, muscles tensing. Ready for the go ahead. Bouncing slightly in place. "We-" Techno gestured between him and his siblings. "Are to try and stop him from getting there."

Tubbo immediately raised his hand in question.