Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Boy in a bubble

Being blind surprised Tommy as not being as bad as he had thought, he had honestly expected to be completely helpless and unable to survive more than a few days. Being left all alone in exile only made that thought more believable. 

He had been left there, alone, in complete darkness. He had barely heard Dream’s footsteps walk away over the ringing in his ears, but he knew he was alone. Even in the darkness, he knew. 

Tommy wasn’t a stranger to the dark, he had looked at many explosions and gotten momentarily blind more times than he cared to count. But this time it was different, the TNT had been closer, brighter, and the darkness hadn’t gone away. 

The longest he had lost his sight from an explosion was five minutes, so after a full hour of waiting and the world still hadn’t returned, Tommy knew that it probably wouldn’t ever come back. 

Instead of feeling sadness or despair, the first feeling that Tommy felt after the realisation was relief. Relief of not having to ever see anything explode again. Relief of never having to see that horrible smiley mask or the sickly green that followed. Relief of not seeing disappointed or angry faces wherever he went.  

Carefully, Tommy lifted a hand up to his face, wanting to make an assessment of the damage done. With a deep breath, Tommy let his hand glide softly over his face. He froze up when his fingers met something wet, but soon realised that it were tears and not blood. 

After that heart-stopper, the rest of the examination went as fine as it could go. There were some small cuts that might scar, but nothing big that could potentially be life-threatening. 

The thing that really got him was that it felt like nothing big had hit his eyes, which meant that either it was small splinters inside his eyes or the bright light that had done the damage. As he didn’t feel any discomfort from his eyes he went with the latter option.  

With a new determination lit inside him, Tommy got up on his feet, with unsteady steps he made his way around what had once been his - prison- home. Dream had been thorough, everything was blown up, but the stray resources that could be savaged Tommy collected.  

The more he moved the more confident he got, especially after he found a stick of some sort (All he knew was that it was the right length). The stick helped navigate the holed area, and soon Tommy had a good idea of which was which. 

Once he was as sure as he could be that he had gathered everything that had any value left, Tommy started to prepare for a trek into the arctic. He had always been the crafty one, knowing how to sow and fix broken things (Ironically enough since it was often him that had broken them in the first place), so he quickly got both his clothes and shoes fixed up.   

He was actually surprised about how quickly he had adapted to the change, but he kind of knew why that was. When young, Tommy had been trained by both Techno and Phil, which meant that he had trained to fight with a blindfold. 

And if that hadn’t been enough, when he and Will lived in Pogtobia, Wilbur liked to keep everything dark when it was just them, only ever lighting torches when they had visitors. The ravine had been so far underground that no light from the surface shone down there, so most of the time they had lived there it had been in darkness. 

While these things had happened, Tommy had either felt annoyance or confusion, but now he felt a pang of gratefulness. He didn’t want to think what would have happened to him if he hadn’t gone through it all, because he would have likely been killed. 

Tommy got interrupted from his thoughts when he heard something move around to his left, his head quickly snapped to the side out of habit, even if it had no purpose. His body felt tense, scared that it was Dream that had come back to punish him more. 

He relaxed just a bit when determined that the sound couldn’t be a person moving around based on the lightness of the steps. Curiosity filled in where the fear had been, as Tommy slowly crouched down with a hand stretched out towards the sound. 

Tommy flinched back a bit when something soft suddenly pushed against his hand, his flinch seemed to have scared whatever creature that had touched him. But when Tommy didn’t move again, a cold snout started to sniff the teenager's hand. 

Soon, Tommy was full-on petting a wild wolf. He freed one hand to search through his pockets, remembering how Techno had once taught him how to tame wolves. Once his fingers closed around the smooth surface of the bones, he swiftly pulled them out and presented them to the wolf. 

Without any hesitation the wolf quickly devoured the bones, letting out a happy yelp once she had finished. 

“I’ll name you Clementine,” Tommy stated proudly. “Clementine Bitch Innit.”

Clementine barked, almost like she agreed, when Tommy said her full name. Tommy chuckled softly at the display, and gave Clem one last pad before starting to stand. It was still a bit disorientated getting up from sitting on the ground, but with the help from his stick (Which he had affectionately named Steve) and Clem it went fine.

“You will be my eyes, Clem, because mine are shit, can’t see anything with them no more,” Tommy said, starting to walk with a hand loosely on top of Clementine’s head and Steve in the other. 

Clem answered with an excited yelp, nuzzling her head against Tommy’s hand.

Using his ‘Your Tubbo’ compass, Tommy found North. Once he was sure of his course, Tommy was on his way, not wanting to stay any longer in Logstedshire nor did he want to be there when Dream decided to make an appearance.  

While walking, Tommy talked to Clem, getting small noises from the wolf as responses. He told stories about the wars, L’manberg, and his discs. He talked about Tubbo, Wilbur, and even Ranboo. 

It was weird, but Tommy felt like Clementine understood him, like she was genuinely interested. He hadn’t had Clem for a long time, but he had already become attached to her. 

At some point, late evening if Tommy had to guess, they reached a village. Clem was the first to notice, with her superior hearing and all, but Tommy wasn’t long after her. 

Deciding that it would be good to go to the village to sleep and maybe get an idea of where they had walked, Tommy steered the two of them in the village direction.

The villagers had been a bit apprehensive at first, seeing how war-tattered Tommy was and  the fact he had a wolf walking next to him, but once they realised that Clem was tamed they quickly warmed up to the duo.  

After sleeping at the end, Tommy spent the next morning asking the villagers where he was, and if they knew of some isolated cabin in the near proximity. At first he didn’t get much, just some cords that didn’t mean much to him. 

He was about to give up when a villager approached him. 

“I heard you're looking for an isolated cabin, but unfortunately there is only one in a somewhat near proximity and it’s already occupied by a big piglin hybrid,” The villager sounded genuinely apologetic, but in reality he had just given Tommy exactly what he needed. 

“Where is that cabin?” Tommy asked, trying to contain his excitement.

Soon he, Clem and Steve were on their way to what was most likely Techno’s cabin. 

“So, Clem, Techno is a fucking wrongun, but he’s the best we got. He fucking hates my guts though, but that’s why Dream won’t look for me there, at least not at first,” It felt freeing to talk to Clem, so Tommy just continued. 

“Normally I would suggest that we hid inside his house, maybe dug a cave in his basement. But with my shit eyes, I don’t think that would work out the best for me. I wouldn’t be able to tell if Techno found me or Dream, can’t risk that shit,” Tommy said, getting a bark in response. 

“Instead we will fucking scam that wrongun, and it will be the best scam ever, innit,” Tommy said, chuckling as Clem gave an excited yelp. 

The villagers had warned Tommy that the trek to the cabin was a bit long on foot, but Tommy had just brushed them off, talking about how he was the biggest man ever and a tinnie walk was nothing to him. Now, he kind of wished he had listened. 

Judging by the rapidly dropping temperatures it was nearing evening, and to make it even worse, it had started snowing. And while Tommy had winter proofed his clothes a bit, he was not equipped to walk around in a snowstorm. 

Just when he was about to call it a night, and build a shelter for the night, Steve hit something heart. Turned out that it was a fence, which could only mean that Tommy had reached his destination. 

Following along the fence, Tommy found a gate, which he swiftly walked through. He then followed Clem to stairs that would lead to the front door, the wolf knowing exactly what Tommy wanted. 

With careful steps, Tommy climbed up the stairs, which was surprisingly scary with the combination of ice and blindness. But he managed to make it to the top safely with the support from Clementine. 

Not wanting to expose himself or Clementine to any more cold, Tommy knocked on the wooden door before he could second guess his decision. 

Anxiously he listened as heavy steps moved around inside, definitely Technoblade. There was some shuffling around inside before the door opened, the warmth from the cabin assaulting Tommy’s cold face. 

Following the movement from Clem’s head, which he had learned in the village was the best way to look people in the eyes, and smiled. 

“Funny meeting you here, innit?” Tommy said casually, leaning slightly against Steve. 

His smile got even bigger when he heard Techno sigh loudly.

Chapter Text

Techno was not having a good day, well more like days. First, he had been rudely interrupted in his retirement by the so-called ‘Butcher army’ and he had won but then they used cheap tricks like taking Carl hostage. 

And Techno couldn’t just let them hurt Carl, so he went with them to what was supposed to be a fair trial. Instead of fair, it was just an execution. He had to use a totem, which by the way still hurt like hell, to survive. 

Technoblade never dies. His catchphrase held true, even if it was a close call. Maybe a bit too close. But all that didn’t matter, because he was fine and Carl was fine and he had even gotten some of the bloodlust out by putting a pickaxe through Quackity’s teeth. 

Well, the only thing bad was owing Dream a favour. Dream had gotten so creepy now, the voices also really disliked the guy, but hopefully the favour would just be gathering some wither skulls or diamonds. 

Techno shook his head, he didn’t want to think more about it tonight, now he just wanted to get home. He just wanted to feed Carl some well-deserved apples and douse off in front of the fireplace wrapped in a warm blanket. 

So that’s what he did, when he finally reached his house. First getting Carl into his nice and cosy stable, a warm blanket was put over the horse’s back and lastly he filled the trough with apples. 

Once he was sure Carl was taken care of, Techno made his way inside his house. He had never been happier that Carl’s stable was so close as he was when he walked through the rapid falling snow.

He threw the bloodied iron pickaxe in a corner and his cape soon followed. After getting a fire started in the fireplace, Techno sunk down into the couch, wrapped up in a blanket, just as he had wanted. 

Just as he closed his eyes, he heard steps outside. Techno gave an annoyed grunt, but made no move to get up. If someone else wanted to mess with him today, they would have to knock. 

Almost as if on cue, someone knocked on Techno’s door. Reluctantly, Techno pulled himself up from the couch. Before walking over to the door, he quickly rummaged through one of his chests to find some spare weapon, since L’manberg had stolen all his main weapons. 

Once he found an old diamond axe, he made his way to open the door, looking as intimidating as he could muster with how tired he was. 

“Funny meeting you here, innit?”

Techno froze up in the doorway, unsure how to process seeing Tommy standing in the doorway. 

With a loud sigh, Techno eventually stepped aside and let the younger in. He was a bit surprised to see a wolf walking in close besides Tommy, but decided not to mention it. 

“Can I set Steve here?” Tommy asked, snapping Techno out of his shock.

Confused as to who Steve was, Techno didn’t know how to answer the question. As it turned out Tommy just asked out of politeness as he put the stick, which was apparently Steve, he had been holding against one of the walls.

Once the stick, Steve, was leaning against the wall, Tommy and his wolf made their way to his couch. Techno didn’t remember Tommy having a dog, he had a cow at some point, but clearly the two had a bond with how in sync the two were. It was almost as if the wolf was guiding Tommy.

“What are you doing here, Theseus?” Techno asked once he had recovered somewhat from his shock, walking over to the couch. 

“Cutting right to it, Blade? Not even letting a man breathe, to get the feeling back in his fingers. You do know that it’s freezing balls out there,” Tommy said lightly with an easy smile on his lips, his hands stretched out in front of him to be warmed by the fire.

“I’m not really in the mood for this today,” Techno grunted with annoyance thick in his voice.

“And you think I am?” Tommy’s eyes didn’t move away from the fire, but Techno could see how his face changed to one that looked much older than he was.

Subconsciously, Techno noted how tired he looked, but he himself was just as tired so he chose to ignore it. 

“Well, it’s not my country that tried to execute you without a trial,” Techno said deadpanned. 

“L’manberg? Good for Tubbo,” Tommy said with a dry chuckle, no humour left in his voice. 

“You sound surprised. You didn’t know?” Techno asked confused, now he thought about it, it had been strange that Tommy hadn’t been there.

“It's a bit fucking hard to get news in exile,” Tommy said with a hint of bitterness in his voice. 

“You are still in exile, I thought that was only supposed to be like a week. And what are you even doing here if you are still exiled, don’t you have that Log place or something where you are supposed to be?” Techno felt genuinely confused, Tubbo didn’t seem like the type to leave his best friend in isolated exile for 4 months. 

“The exile wasn’t really on the L’manberg government’s terms, and I just left,” Tommy said with a shrug, but his whole manierisme made it clear that he didn’t want talk about it

“You look hungry, I’ll make us some dinner,” Techno said and turned around to walk into the kitchen.

Tommy made his way to the kitchen at some point while Techno was cooking, the only reason why Techno even noticed was because Tommy walked into the chair. The younger’s excuse was that he was tired, which felt like a lie but Techno honestly couldn’t care to call him out on it. 

“I hope potato soup is okay,” Techno muttered, setting a bowl down in front of Tommy. 

“Smells good,” Tommy offered awkwardly, sniffing the soup suspiciously. “Can Clementine get something to eat as well?”

Techno raised an eyebrow in surprise, but stood up either way. He did like dogs. Soon he came back to the table with a plate with a raw steak, and put it down next to the wolf, Clementine. 

Once Clementine was taken care of, Techno sat down in front of his own bowl and started to eat. He glanced at Tommy while they ate, something was off about him, but Techno couldn’t figure out what. 

A weird silence settled over the two, it was a bit tense but at the same time comfortable. Techno couldn’t even remember the last time the two had been just them, especially in a non hostile setting. Even in pogtopia they were rarely alone, and when they were, it was always very tense.

Techno would never admit it out loud, but he had missed being with the younger, but the past years had made him think that it was impossible for them to ever be civil with each other. Techno was happy to be proven wrong. 

“You can sleep on the couch. We will talk tomorrow,” Techno huffed tiredly, gathering the now finished plates. “Clementine as well, I guess.”

At the name the wolf gave a happy bark, which got Techno suppressing a smile. He loved animals. Techno was about to walk into his room but got interrupted by Tommy.

“Hey, Techno?” 

“Yeah?” Techno stopped walking, interested to hear what Tommy had to say. 

“I- Thank you,” Tommy’s voice was hesitant and quiet, so unlike the loud and confident voice Techno knew. 

“See you tomorrow, Gremlin,” Was all Techno could get himself to say before continuing to walk to his room.  

As he stood alone in the dark inside his room, Techno started to think through all the scenarios that would lead Tommy to come to him of all people. Coupled with how roughed up Tommy looked, it didn’t look pretty. 

Of course, Techno had no real way of knowing without Tommy telling him, which seemed unlikely. Tommy was stubborn, and insisted on carrying everything by himself. Normally, Techno didn’t mind that much as it was one of Tommy’s more mature character traits. But it did make emotional conversation that much harder. 

Techno’s mind slowly drifted off to sleep without him getting to think much more. At least he knew Tommy was safe in his house for the night, and he had tomorrow to figure out what was really going on.

Chapter Text

Tommy woke up by the smell of something cooking, which in turn made his stomach growl angrily for food. Reluctantly, Tommy sat up. 

It was still weird to open his eyes and see nothing, he wasn’t sure he would ever get used to it. His thoughts got interrupted by Clementine who tapped his leg with her snout.

“Alright, I’m up, Clem. Let’s go see what the big fucker has made,” Tommy said, petting Clementine who happily leaned into the touch. 

“You do know I can hear you, gremlin,” Techno called from the kitchen, though he didn’t sound angry which was a good sign. 

“That was fucking point,” Tommy yelled back, a ghost of a smile on his lips. 

Walking to the table, Tommy was happy that he decided to walk around the house last night. He had pretty much memorised the layout, and if Techno decided to change something he had Clementine, and as last resort he had Steve. 

Most people on the server liked to forget that Tommy had been a general and one of the biggest strategists next to Wilbur in the L’manberg wars. He had had to memorise lots of battle plans, so memorising the layout of Techno’s hut wasn’t that bad, especially compared to Pogtopia’s maze-like halls. 

“Not stumbling over the chair this time?” Techno noted in his usual dry humour, which made Tommy chuckle. 

“No, gotta keep you on your toes,” Tommy shot back, carefully to keep his head slightly down, so Techno wouldn’t notice his struggle with making eye contact.  

Tommy heard a plate get sat in front of him, as well as a plate getting sat next to his chair, probably for Clementine. As he sniffed the food, he quickly determined that it was eggs of some sort. 

“Didn’t know you cooked?” Tommy asked, subtly feeling his way to the cutlery. 

“Any idiot can make scrambled eggs and potato soup,” Techno sounded amused, so Tommy continued. 

“Well, not any idiot, Wilbur couldn’t cook for shit,” Tommy said, silently happy that Techno had revealed what the food was. 

The light banter continued through the meal, and Tommy couldn’t help the warm feeling that grew in his chest.

“So, Tubbo tried to execute you? What went wrong?” Tommy asked, unsure if it was the right thing to do but his curiosity. 

“Got an extra totem of undying,” Techno said, with what Tommy assumed to be a shrug. 

“Handy, too bad for Tubbo though,” Tommy said, patting Clementine gently. 

“What do you mean with that? He tried to execute me without a trial,” Techno’s voice was both annoyed and somewhat curious, which gave Tommy enough courage to continue. 

“Well, you actually fucking executed him when he thought he could trust you, so now you’re somewhat even,” Tommy explained, keeping the growing fear inside himself. 

There was silence for some time after that, and the fear grew bigger. Maybe now was the time he would get kicked out, or beaten. Dream would have punished him for even talking in the first place with such a tone. Deep down he knew Techno wasn’t like Dream, but he couldn’t shake the fear.

“Bruh,” Techno sighed, almost making Tommy jump in surprise.

“What?”

“I was going to destroy L’manberg, get out of retirement and all, but now, now I can’t. I had completely forgotten about that,” Techno said, in what Tommy couldn’t determine if it was in real or fake despair.

“Are you going to destroy L’manberg?” Tommy asked cautiously, unsure what to feel about it. 

“Well not anymore, I was going for revenge. But like you said, we are even, it makes no sense now,” Techno explained, sounding pretty down about not getting to blow up a country. 

“I thought that you destroyed governments because you are an anarchist, how does being even with Tubbo change that?” Tommy felt beyond confused, but somewhat happy that he wasn’t forced to choose between a warm home or saving his beloved country.

“Yeah, but I’m retired. And revenge is a good enough reason to make an exception, but not just destroying a government for the fun of it. How fun it would be though,” Techno explained. “I guess that country can survive another day.”

“I’m glad,” Tommy said, sounding more relieved than he would have liked.

“Why? Didn’t they exile you?” Techno asked curiously and bit confused. 

“Yeah, but Dream was pressuring them, threatening them. I spent so long being angry and filled with resentment for Tubbo, because I know I would have done it differently, but I also can’t blame him for choosing the people. Tubbo tries so hard to be a good president, but he doesn’t have the leadership skills that Wilbur or even Schlatt had. And, lastly, I don’t think I could bear to watch my last good memory with Will crumble,” Tommy scratched his neck awkwardly when he finished. 

“Let’s just hope Dream doesn’t use his favour to make me destroy it then,” Techno said, clearly joking, but the mention of Dream’s name made Tommy freeze up. 

“What’s that supposed to mean? Why are you owing Dream?” Tommy asked, not caring how desperate he sounded. 

Tommy could almost feel Techno look at him weirdly, even though he couldn’t see it.

“Dream helped me escape L’manberg and he saved Carl,” Techno sounded hesitant and confused, but Tommy couldn’t be bothered to care. 

Tommy pushed the stool he was sitting on back so hard that it fell, startling both himself and Clementine. His heart was already racing, but it was almost like the loud sound was the last push off the edge, and he ran. 

It was weird, running. While he vaguely remembered how many steps the outside stairs had, he was still blind, and he had been exhausted and cold when he arrived. Of course Clementine was with him, but he was too stressed out to really focus on her cues. 

He couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t hear, he couldn’t SEE. 

It was cold, so cold. But Tommy was sweating. 

The sound of himself walking through the snow became too much, and he slammed his hands against his ears. The sound around him became muddled, distorted into half forgotten memories. 

It was weird and felt like he was underwater. Tears ran down his cheeks, some even freezing to his skin. He curled in on himself, feeling trapped, like in a bubble.

Something warm and soft pressed against him, but he was too distraught to focus on it.

His breath came in and out in a rapid pace, but it felt like no air reached his lungs. 

A gentle hand was placed on his shoulder, making him violently flinch away, scared that the hand would hurt him. 

“-Eseus…” 

Tommy recognised the voice, but he couldn't decipher who it was and what they were saying. 

“-Alm… -wn… -us…”

Tommy whimpered softly, curling even more into himself. 

“-Ommy…”

It was Techno. Techno was talking to him. But why was Techno in Logstedshire? Dream had said everyone hated him, and that they didn’t want to spent time with an annoying child.

“Toms…”

But he wasn’t in Logsted anymore, he was at Techno’s. Dream wasn’t here. He was safe. Ish. Safer than he had been for the past many months.

“Come on, Toms, it’s me, Techno,” Techno sounded both worried and desperate.

“Techie?” Tommy almost cringed at the sound of his voice, it sounded scratchy and like a small child.

“Yeah, Toms. It’s Techie. How about we get you inside and out of the cold?” The pure relief in Techno’s voice almost made Tommy think he had imagined it. 

He must have nodded, because soon two warm arms picked him up easily. And that’s the last thing he remembered before drifting off to a dreamless sleep.

Chapter Text

Techno had not signed up to this, and he definitely hadn’t slept enough these past days to deal with it. 

He wasn’t even sure what had happened. He and Tommy had been eating breakfast, joking with each other, and then Tommy had panicked. 

Techno had tried to talk to him, but his words fell on deaf ears and then Tommy had run out of the front door, despite Techno desperately calling his name. 

Of course, Techno had followed him, only to find the boy curled in on himself on the ground. Clementine had run out with Techno, but unlike him, she didn’t hesitate to run over to the boy and press herself against Tommy’s shaking body. 

After a moment, Techno followed the wolf, though he walked a bit slower so he wouldn’t scare the kid. 

Once he was close to Tommy he crouched down and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. But instead of bringing comfort as Techno had wanted, Tommy harshly flinched away from him, whimpering something about Dream. 

“Theseus?” Techno tried, but got nothing but some scared ‘don’t hurt me’ in return. 

“Calm down, Theseus,” Techno tried again but still all he got back was soft whimpers. 

“Tommy,” It felt weird to say Tommy’s name instead of the nickname Techno had given him, but he was desperate

It seemed to get a reaction out of Tommy, as the younger lifted his head slightly and his whimpers stilled a bit. 

“Toms,” After getting a reaction from Tommy’s name, Techno tried out his old nickname, while he slowly got closer to the boy but was careful to not touch him. 

This time Tommy lifted his head completely, though he still looked dazed and unsure where to focus.

“Come on, Tommy, it’s me, Techno,” Techno ignored how worried he sounded, he just wanted Tommy to respond.

“Techie?” Tommy sounded so small and it just broke Techno’s heart. 

“Yeah, Toms. It’s Techie. How about we get you inside and out of the cold?” Techno didn’t care about how relieved he sounded nor the old nickname, he just wanted to make sure Tommy was safe. 

Tommy gave a small nod and Techno didn’t hesitate to scroop him up in his arms. Once Tommy laid securely in his arm, Techno quickly walked to his front door. 

Clementine followed closely behind, looking just as concerned and worried as Techno did. Once they had all three made it inside, Techno walked straight to his own bedroom, he couldn’t just lay Tommy on the couch after what had just happened. 

As Techno gently placed the young boy, he noticed that he was already fast asleep, which was probably for the best. Clementine quickly jumped up in the bed and cuddled up to Tommy, normally Techno would object for an animal to jump in his bed but this was far from normal. 

He stood there, just staring at Tommy’s sleeping form, for a long time. Techno wanted to hug the younger, keep him close, warm and safe. But somehow it felt like it would cross a line, so he contented himself with just staring. 

Once Techno felt satisfied that Tommy would be safe, especially with Clementine guarding him, he left to make some tea for himself and process what had happened. 

With a warm cup of tea in his hands, Techno thought through all that had happened. Something had clearly triggered Tommy, and it must have been something they had talked about. That and the few words Techno had managed to make out between Tommy’s sobs pointed towards Dream being the trigger. 

But what had happened between Dream and Tommy for the latter to react so harshly as he did? Techno vaguely remembered how in Pogtopia Tommy would talk shit about Dream constantly, but he had never sensed a fear so great it would cause panic attacks. 

He had of course figured out that Dream had taken two of Tommy’s lives, but that was before Pogtopia, so it couldn’t really be that. 

That meant it had to have happened somewhere between Techno blowing up L’manberg and Tommy showing up on his doorstep. And the most likely place on that timeline would be exile, something Dream had apparently pressured L’manberg into.

That just left what had actually happened, and Techno was going to find out. But not now. Because he needed to help Tommy first, figure out why he acted so differently. 

And Techno knew that he probably wasn’t the right person to be that comfort Tommy needed, since he had never been good at emotions and feelings. Doubled with Tommy being stubbornly against getting help. This would be nearly impossible, and Techno needed help. 

So Techno did the only thing he could think of, he messaged Phil, asking for help. Phil was good at emotions, and people, and helping stubborn people. 

Phil answered quickly, as he always did, saying he would get there as soon as he could, though he needed to sort something out first so it would probably be a week or two before he actually arrived. 

That was fine. Techno could handle it for a week. He could definitely handle caring for an emotionally unstable child for a week. They would be fine. 

Techno quickly messaged Phil back that it better not take any longer than a week, that or Techno would kill the avian. 

His murderous thoughts, that chat happily joind in on, got interupted by a Tommy’s characistic scream followed by a loud thrump from his bedroom. Techno immediately ran in to check on Tommy and to make sure that he was alright, feeling the panic starting to rise. 

“Are you okay, Toms?” Techno asked, concerned as he walked to his bedroom. 

“I’m fucking fine, Pig face, I’m a big man, no I’m the only man ever,” Tommy responed, just as Techno walked into the room. 

Techno looked over the scene in front of him, suppressing a chuckle. Tommy was completely tangled in the blanket, laying on the floor after clearly falling out of the bed. Clementine was happily licking Tommy’s face while wagging her tail so much that her whole body was shaking, making it nearly impossible for Tommy to get up. 

“Are you just going to fucking stare at me or are you going to help me the fuck up?” Tommy asked, annoyed, though it was clearly fake annoyance. 

“I think I’m going to go with just staring,” Techno deadpanned, but made his way over to Tommy nonetheless. 

Techno couldn’t stop himself from laughing when Tommy walked straight into a wall, just mere moments after he had been detangled from the blanket. 

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, Blade,” Tommy scoffed as he got back up on his feet. 

“Bruhhh, you just walked face first into a wall, cringe,” Techno laughed, the image of Tommy’s incident replaying on loop in his head. 

“Suck it, pink bitch,” Tommy mumbled, stomping out of the bedroom, through the door this time. 

Techno continued to laugh but followed the younger, mocking him as they made their way back to his kitchen. 

“Hey, Theseus?” Techno asked once he had calmed down. 

Tommy froze up at the seriousness in his voice, but still answered. 

“Yeah?” The fear was so clear in Tommy’s voice it almost hurt Techno.

“The animals need to be cared for. And since I’m letting you live here for free, I only think it would be fair for you to help out with the chores,” Techno said monotonically, opting at that instead of asking Tommy what had happened a mere two hours ago.

At the request, Tommy perked up, almost buzzing with excitement. Techno felt a ghost of a smile on his lips, but quickly repressed it. 

“Clementine can come with, right?” Tommy asked, already making his way to the door. 

“Sure,” Techno said with a light shrug, seeing no reason for the clearly domesticated dog to not be able to come, he already let his whole hound army walk around as they wanted. 

With that Tommy excitedly excited the house, Clementine glued to his side. Techno followed quickly, grabbing his own cloak as well as an extra for Tommy. 

“Here. So you don’t get sick,” Techno said as emotionless as he could, dumping the cloak on Tommy’s head. 

Tommy just chuckled and followed Techno to the barn.

Chapter Text

One thing Tommy had learned in the short while he had been blind, was that waking up somewhere unfamiliar was terrifying. Of course, Techno had come and helped him, so it wasn’t that bad. 

Now, he was petting one of Techno’s cows. It was weirdly calming, even if he had no clue where Techno was and his only means of direction was Clementine.

If he closed his eyes he could almost imagine that he was back home, before everything, petting Henry. With his eyes closed he could ignore that he was blind, he could ignore how scared and stressed he was, he could be normal, if just for a moment. 

“I think we need to talk,” Techno said awkwardly, startling Tommy. 

Tommy snapped open his eyes, even though it had no effect. 

“About what?” Tommy asked as innocently as he could, even though he absolutely knew what Techno wanted to talk about. 

“Did you think you could have a panic attack and we just wouldn’t talk about it?” Techno asked rhetorically. 

“Maybe I did, Techno. People usually ignore my feelings, and my mental health. I rarely get asked whether I’m okay, unless it’s to benefit others. So just maybe, I didn’t expect you to care, because you haven’t cared before,” Tommy cried out, tears welling up in his eyes. 

Silence followed Tommy’s statement, and with no sight and no sound Tommy had no clue what Techno was thinking or doing. 

Strong arms pulled Tommy into a warm embrace with no warning, first he froze up but soon he melted into the hug and started to bawl his eyes out. Tommy couldn’t even remember the last time he had cried, and it felt like a weight got lifted off his shoulders. 

Sure, Tommy had shed some tears when he lost his discs, and when Wilbur died, but he hadn’t cried, hadn’t had the time. 

When the tears got rolling, it was like the dam broke. And Tommy just sobbed against Techno, letting all the anger, betrayal, fear and sadness out. 

Once Tommy’s sobs quieted down, Techno started to speak. 

“I’m sorry, Toms, I should have been there. I can’t change my past actions, but I promise that I’m here now and I’ll keep you safe,” Techno said softly, pulling Tommy even closer. 

“Thanks Techie,” Tommy mumbled against Techno’s chest.

“So, are you ready to talk about what happened this morning?” Techno asked cautiously.  

“I don’t know,” Tommy pressed his head harder against Techno, finding comfort in the warmth. 

“Okay, how about I ask some questions and if it’s too much or you don’t want to answer, you just say it and I won’t push?” Techno asked after a moment of thinking over what Tommy had said. 

“Promise?” Tommy hated how vulnerable he sounded, but he didn’t have the energy to mask it. 

“I promise,” Techno said sincerely. “What triggers your panic attack?”

Tommy felt his body move nervously, unsure if he wanted to talk about it, or if he trusted Techno enough to tell him. 

“It was that you owe a favour to Dream that triggered me,” It felt childish saying it out loud, but there was no way back now. 

“Why? I know you and Dream have some history but I don’t remember it being this bad,” Techno’s voice was serious and soft, taking Tommy completely seriously. 

“Dream was in charge of my exile, he liked to blow up stuff,” Tommy mumbled, knowing how vague that explanation was, but unsure if he was willing to elaborate more. 

“I’m sorry I laughed, I did see that you looked worse than usual, but I thought that the exile would only last like a week or two, though that is no excuse to mock you. I was still angry, and it came out in making fun of you,” Techno said, warming Tommy’s heart as he rarely got apologies.

“It’s okay, at least you visited,” Tommy tried to joke though it came out much more depressing than intended. 

“I’ve noticed that you have been acting a bit different, clumsier than normal, so do you want to tell me why?” Techno framed the question so it was entirely up to Tommy if he wanted to reveal something just how much he wanted to reveal. 

“I don’t know if I’m ready yet, but hopefully I’ll be one day. Until that day, be patient please,” Tommy chose his words carefully, because it was true, he wasn’t ready, but at the same time he wanted someone to help him carry the burden. 

“That’s okay, whenever you are ready,” Techno said and softly ruffled Tommy’s hair. 

Tommy leaned into the touch, having missed friendly touches after months alone with Dream and his harsh punishments. 

“Last question, then we will maybe go inside and take a nap. Do you want a room of your own, in my house?” Techno asked, making Tommy want to look up and see if he was telling the truth, but he didn’t because he knew that he would see nothing. 

“Are you sure?” Tommy asked unsurely, not because he didn’t want a room, but because he was scared that Techno would regret it. 

“I’m sure Toms, I want you in my life and in my house. And it’s not very practical for you to live on my couch,” Even though Techno ended on a half joke, Tommy could tell he was genuine.

“I want you in my life, too, Techie. I would really like my own room,” Tommy said after a moment of getting control over his voice.  

Their hug continued for a bit longer, before they finally went back to finishing the chores outside so they could get back inside. Luckily, they, mainly Techno, had almost finished with the outdoor chores before the hug and the only thing missing was feeding the cows. 

Once they got inside, into the warmth, Tommy felt exhausted. His panic attack in the morning coupled with his long crying session, all his energy was gone. As he slumped against Techno, he felt the older walk towards what Tommy could only guess was Techno’s room. 

Soon, Tommy was laying on the soft bed pressing his whole body against Techno’s, much like the hug before. He felt so safe and warm, and with those feelings he fell into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter Text

It almost scared Techno how attached he had become to Tommy in the short amount of time the younger had stayed with him. It reminded him of when they were younger, the time before the wars and the hatred and the anger. When they were just siblings. 

Techno had thought he could never have that again, but here Tommy was, proving it wrong. 

It was weird but comfortable, strange yet familiar. And Techno got used to it, he got used to talking to someone, sharing his thoughts with someone. And as much as he would never admit it, Techno wasn’t sure he could handle going back to live in his lonely retirement. 

A thing that surprised him as a side effect of having Tommy living with him was the constant fear, which Techno was not used to. He hadn’t felt fear in so long that it felt strange to suddenly feel it, even more towards a person. 

And it wasn’t even that Techno thought Tommy couldn’t handle himself, he had seen Tommy fight, and though he wouldn’t say it to his face (His ego was already way too big) Tommy was a really good fighter. 

Logically, it made no sense for Techno to feel this fear. But even if he knew this and got mocked by Chat, he couldn’t forget the imagine of Tommy standing outside his door in ripped clothes that were way too cold for the arctic and with too many bruises for it to be pure accidents. 

Not only that, but Techno had noticed that Tommy flinched from loud sounds and touches, was way more clumsy than usual, and definitely hiding something. 

Techno wanted to know what was wrong, but didn’t push Tommy to tell him anything, as much as it went against his instincts. And Tommy did open up a bit, telling Techno short stories from his exile.

Each story made Techno’s blood boil and made the voices chant for blood, but he kept it to himself, not wanting to scare Tommy off. 

So instead of taking off to kill Dream, Techno used the energy and anger to build Tommy’s room, to make it comfortable and soft and safe, nothing like Logstedshire. 

Soon, the two settled into a routine. They ate meals together, did chores together, and while Techno built the extension to the house Tommy would train or play with Clementine. It was nice and it made Techno completely forget that he had called Phil for help. 

Techno was just laying down the final touches on Tommy’s room when someone knocked on his door, which was weird, since Tommy knew the door wasn’t locked. Maybe the door had frozen or something.

He lightly shook his in amusement, and walked to the front door to open it. 

“Did the door freez- HEH?” Techno caught himself off when his eyes were met with the sight of Phil and a not-so-dead Wilbur. 

“So this was what you needed to sort out, necromancy?” Techno drawled unimpressed, but stepped aside to let the two men in. 

“You don’t sound very happy about me being alive, how you hurt me,” Wilbur said dramatically, falling on the couch clutching his chest. 

“I will make some tea, and Phil, you better explain that ,” Techno loosely gestured to Wilbur, ignoring the gasp as he walked into the kitchen. 

Once the tea was ready, Phil did explain what had happened. He had heard a rumour that Dream had a book called the revival book, and because he felt guilty for killing Wilbur, Phil decided to find a way to revive his son. 

After getting a totem of undying and grabbing Ghostbur, Dream revived Wilbur. The only payment he demanded was a favour from Phil, which the avian quickly agreed to. 

Once Wilbur got revived, he had to rest. Phil didn’t want to put any strain on Will, so he forced the younger into bed rest for the first few days of his revival. 

“So, from what I’ve understood, you paid Dream with a favour to revive your annoying son, seems like a scam,” Techno said sarcastically, not that he wasn’t happy that Wilbur was alive, but now both he and Phil owed Dream a favour. 

“Don’t worry Techno, Dream probably just wants our help to blow up L’manberg, something you already want,” Phil said casually, though his words only made Techno feel more worried. 

“I don’t want to blow up L’manberg,” Techno said awkwardly, making the two men look at him like he had gone insane. 

“Are you okay? Are you sick? Are you the real Techno?” Will said half joking and half concerned. 

“Broooo, L’manberg and I are even and I’m in retirement, no reason to start something,” Techno drawled, relising himself just how dumb it would have been for him to have been searching for revenge. 

“BUt, they tried to execute you, and-and you are an anarchist and they are a government,” Phil stuttered, taken back by Techno’s statement. 

“And I did execute Tubbo, as well as spawning Withers on their already destroyed land,” Techno countered and took a sip of his tea. 

Phil and Wilbur looked at each other stunned, both unsure how to proceed. Techno had never turned away an opportunity to destroy a government, ever. 

“What did you need my help for then?” Phil asked, feeling like his world had just been turned inside out. 

Techno didn’t get to answer as Tommy chose that moment to burst through the door. 

“I’M BACK, DICKHEAD” Tommy yelled loudly, not yet in sight for the trio. 

Phil and Wilbur looked at Techno like he had gone insane, and maybe he had. 

“Clem caught a rabbit today” Tommy continued, shuffling around near the front door, probably getting out of the warm winter clothes. 

“Theseus, we got guests,” Techno called back, awkwardly looking at the two sitting opposite him. 

“Guests?” Tommy’s voice sounded much more guarded than before, but he somehow managed to keep it light enough for it to not be too noticeable. 

“Yeah,” Techno answered, keeping eye contact with Phil as he talked. 

“Hi, Toms,” Wilbur said, the first to break the silence that followed.

“Wilby?” Tommy’s voice was filled with shock and soon Tommy stood in the kitchen holding a dead rabbit. 

“Yeah, Toms,” Wilbur said standing up, though he almost fell back down as Tommy charged at him. 

“You died,” Tommy sobbed against Wilbur’s chest, making Techno’s heart break by the raw emotions. 

“You fucking died, and left me, Will, you left me with so much. How could you, how could you leave me?” Tommy screamed at Wilbur. 

Wilbur mumbled something that Techno couldn’t hear, but he had to guess it was something of an apology. 

They all sat in silence as Tommy cried himself to sleep against Wilbur’s chest.

Chapter Text

Tommy heard voices talk around him, which was weird and unusual. He also realised that he was on the couch instead of in Techno’s bed. Slowly, memories from before he had fallen asleep came back in flashes as he woke up. 

Techno. Clem. Steve. Rabbit. Warmth. Guests. Wilbur. 

Wait, Wilbur was here. Alive. And Tommy was pretty sure it wasn’t a dream. His dreams with Wilbur never ended well, and they never ended with hugs and apologies. 

So Wilbur was here, but Techno has said guests. Plural. But Tommy couldn’t remember hearing someone else. And without his sight, he relied on his other senses. Like his hearing, but also his sense of smell.  

He did remember smelling something familiar; Ash mixed with metal and rain. Not Wilbur’s smell nor Techno’s. But someone he knew, someone he knew well. 

The voices became louder, loud enough for Tommy to identify one of them as Techno’s. He also noticed two other voices but his head felt too heavy for him to identify who they belonged to. 

“Techie?” Tommy called out, voice groggy and thick from the sleep. 

The voices stopped when Tommy spoke out, which left Tommy feeling a bit disconnected from the world. He felt Clementine’s wet snout brush against his arm which helped ground him a bit, but not enough. 

Heavy steps sounded like they walked closer, Techno. It was weird, but comforting and familiar. Tommy almost hated himself for getting so attached so quickly, it always ended with him being hurt.  

“You up, kid?” Techno asked in his gruff voice, sounding so close, that Tommy could almost imagine how he was towering over him. 

“Mm-hmm,” Tommy mumbled, stretching his body, hearing the satisfying cracks. 

Discreetly, Tommy sniffed curiously to see who was in the room. Techno’s fire and herb smell stood out strongest, probably because of how close he was. Clementine’s smell of pine and wildflower, almost as strong as Techno’s.

The sharp smell of gunpowder and death, oddly enough mixed with the smell of ink, could only belong to Wilbur. 

The last one, the one he had vaguely remembered smelling when he came home, The ash, metal and rain smell. It belonged to Philza. 

Tommy couldn’t smell anyone else, so the guest must only be Phil and Wilbur. Which both comfortated Tommy and made him even more nervous. 

At least it wasn’t Dream, and Techno hadn’t become fed up with him. But, Wilbur was alive, and Tommy had no clue of his mental status. Not to mention Phil, whom Tommy had not left on good terms with. 

While Tommy saw the older man as a father figure, Phil had made it very clear that he felt no attachment to Tommy, even if the boy had lived under his roof for almost a decade. It was a hurtful realisation, finding that out right after the man he had seen as a father killed his brother figure. 

Maybe that’s why he had become so attached to Techno, having already felt a brothership with the piglin hybrid for so many years and then the fear of it being one-sided. It was weird. Techno would never say anything about it out loud, but Tommy was pretty sure, Techno felt the same brotherly love for him as Tommy felt for Techno. 

It felt nice for once to be sure that relation to another person wasn’t something he imagined. Or was manipulated into. 

Tommy shook his head, clearing his mind. He didn’t want to think about exile or Dream today, especially with the two guests here. 

“How long are they staying?” Tommy asked into the air, breaking the tense silence. 

“The fuck that suppose to mean, mate” Phil was definitely talking to Techno. “You haven't explained why Tommy is here, or why he acts like it’s his house. I thought Tommy was in exile, how is he here?” 

It felt weird, sitting here and listening to Phil talk about him as if he wasn’t here. Tommy curled a bit in on himself, almost scared to hear Techno’s response. What if Phil reminded Techno of all the bad shit from their past?

“Tommy lives here,” Techno deadpanned as if it would explain everything, though it did succeed in making Tommy calm down a bit. 

“Have you lost your mind? The whole server knows that Tommy is a walking disaster waiting to happen, why in Prime would you want him to live with you?” Phil sounded almost outraged, and confused. 

Tommy’s thoughts lingered at his words. It wasn’t like he was wrong. That was the exact reason he had been exiled. That was why Dream had acted like he did in exile. To make Tommy behave. To make Tommy nicer. To make Tommy better, perfect, quiet. To stop Tommy from messing up. 

That’s why Tommy was blinded. 

Blood was rushing in his ears, it blocked out every other sound. He needed to get out. He needed to get away. Techno would soon realise how useless Tommy was, how much of a burden he was.

And then, Techno would kill him, or kick him out. Or worse, hand him over to Dream. Tommy stood up, his feet moving by themselves along the familiar path to the front door. Vaguely he felt Clementine brush against his leg, but he was too out of it to really register it. 

The door slammed shut behind him, making him flinch harshly out of his haze. Snow hit his bare arms, but Tommy welcomed the cold, letting it clear his mind and calm him down. 

He leaned against the railing of the stairs, taking deep breaths of the cold air. Slowly getting back to reality. He started to sense the world around him, like the smell of snow, animals and pine. 

He heard Clementine whine next to him, pressing herself against his leg. Tommy crouched down, scratching his dog’s head comfortingly. 

“I’m alright, Clem, just needed some air,” Tommy mumbled, pressing his face into Clementine’s fur. 

Tommy wasn’t sure how long he sat there, just holding Clem. It was long enough for his breathing to even out, and his mind to work. 

The sound of the door opening made Tommy flinch, but not move or lift his head as it would do him no good. The steps were heavy, much heavier than WIlbur and Phil’s, which only left Techno. 

“I’m sorry about Phil,” Techno said awkwardly, but Tommy knew it was sincere. “It wasn’t fair what he said.” 

“‘S fine, Tech, it’s true,” Tommy mumbled, still hiding his face in Clementine’s fur. 

“No it’s not Toms, you are just a kid who has been caught up in a lot of bad shit. You are not a walking disaster, you are just unlucky and the server scapegoat,” Techno said, his big hand landing on Tommy’s shoulder for some sign of comfort. 

“But, you said it yourself in Pogtopia, everywhere I go, shit blows up or a fucking disaster happens. If the only thing in common is me, then I must be the problem,” Tommy said, feeling tears well up in his eyes. 

“I was wrong, and an idiot. I forgot how young you were, and thought you knew all Wilbur was planning, and when shit didn’t out how you wanted you would wine. I didn’t get how much you were kept in the dark,” Techno pressed, making Tommy unsure what to believe. 

For so long everyone told him that he was responsible, that he was to blame, that it was his fault. It felt weird and strange to hear Techno say that it for once wasn’t, that someone else was in the wrong. 

“Thank you, Techie,” Tommy said softly, turning around to hug Techno. 

It felt nice, melting into Techno’s arms. It was something he had done a lot when he was younger and had started doing again now that he lived with Techno. 

“Alright kiddo, let’s get back inside so you don’t catch a cold,” Techno grumbled and started to pull away from Tommy. 

Tommy whined in protest but let Techno pull away and got up from his half-crouch half-sitting position. Tommy kept his grip on Techno’s arm and reluctantly followed him inside, he was cold after all. 

While the grip was supposed to be seen as Tommy seeking comfort and safety from Techno, it also was a way for Tommy to subtly get help to navigate. 

Tommy hadn’t realised just how cold he had been before he stepped back inside, it almost reminded him of how it had felt when he arrived at Techno’s. Even without his sight, Tommy could feel the two pairs of eyes that followed him as the two walked over to the table. 

Once seated, Tommy kept his head down, towards where his hands anxiously played with Techno’s sleeve, though he couldn’t be sure he was looking in the right place.

Nobody said anything, which only made Tommy more fidgety.  

“Phil, I understand that you feel anger towards me, as many on this server does, what I don’t get is why. So, Philza, Why do you hate me?” Tommy asked in a steady voice, tired of beating around the bush. 

He felt Techno tense next to him, but the older one didn't interfere either. 

“You were the reason Wilbur died, Tommy. You are the source for all the misery on this server,” Phil said, but his words felt empty like he didn’t believe them himself. 

“You know I’m not, Phil. Wilbur went insane and instead of getting help for him, you took his last life. And for who’s causing all this misery is people themselves, not me, I’m just the bad excuse that everyone uses. And Dream just takes advantage of it,” Tommy said sullenly, smiling softly when he felt Techno’s hand on his shoulder. 

“Dream? Dream is my hero, he saved me,” Wilbur suddenly said, making Tommy flinch. 

“What?” He asked confused, suddenly feeling all air leave his lungs. 

Wilbur could be serious, right? It had to be a joke, it had to. 

“Dream is the reason I’m alive now, and free from Limbo. Of course, he’s my hero,” Wilbur said with a dramatic flare like he had used to do, but his words made Tommy freeze up. 

“I’m- I think I’m going to go to your room and clear my mind,” Tommy stuttered numbly, carefully standing up.   

“I’ll be in in a minute,” Techno said, but Tommy could only give a small nod. 

His feet walked to the room without his mind being entirely present, not even the door closing behind him snapped him out of hít. 

As he laid on the bed with Clementine cuddled up next to him, he heard muffled voices. They were getting louder, but Tommy could still not catch a word of what they were saying. 

Soon the sound of the front door slamming shut rang throughout the house followed by silence. It didn’t take long for the door to the bedroom to open, and someone walked in. 

“Phil and Wilbur will be staying in Phil’s cottage, I’ll deal with them tomorrow if you don’t want to. I promise, Toms, I’ll keep you safe,” Techno said, still standing in the doorway from what Tommy could tell. 

“Thanks, Techie, you are a good brother,” Tommy mumbled, making room for Techno to lay next to him. 

“So are you, Toms,” Techno whispered softly, making Tommy smile.

Chapter Text

Techno felt conflicted, an unusual feeling that had come much more to play since Tommy moved in. He was so used to taking Phil’s side, he almost did it on instinct. Because Phil was like a father to him, a best friend, a mentor. Phil just knew what was best. 

But Phil was wrong on this, and he had stepped over a line. Which was what caused the internal conflict. 

Techno sighed, and slowly got up from the bed to not wake Tommy up. All his negative thoughts made it impossible to sleep anymore, so he might as well get up and do some chores so Tommy could sleep even longer. 

So that’s what Techno did, he fed the animals, gathered milk and eggs and honey. But, as if the gods hated him, just when he was about to go inside and make breakfast, the door to Phil’s cabin opened. 

Reluctantly, Techno turned around to look at Phil. 

“Morning,” Techno said gruffly, folding his arms. 

“Good morning, Techno,” Phil said hesitantly. 

The anger from yesterday bubbled up inside of Techno. While he had set both Phil and Wilbur straight and told them that they weren’t allowed in his house if they spoke to Tommy like that, it felt like he had barely scratched the surface of the rage. 

He took a deep breath, silencing the loudest voices that screamed for blood. 

“Wanna help get wood?” Techno asked, ignoring how Phil’s eyes lit up at the request. 

He needed to get wood, though he would have preferred to do it after making breakfast and waking Tommy. But maybe he could convince Phil that Tommy wasn’t as bad as he was thinking, which would make this trip worth it. 

That was how Techno found himself standing outside, in the cold snow, very hungry and tired. He was also starting to fantasise about hitting Phil with the blunt side of his axe, maybe then the old man would listen for once. 

It was getting on Techno’s nerves how dismissive Phil was every time he got presented with some of Tommy’s good traits. To say Techno was frustrated would be an understatement, and even Phil was starting to notice. 

“Why do you even care? Last time we spoke you were just as hateful towards Tommy,” Phil finally asked after yet another try from Techno to change the Avian’s mind. 

“Bruuuh, he’s a child,” Techno said with an annoyed huff. 

“He’s always been a child, that fact didn’t stop you before,” Phil countered, which was a fair point. 

“You didn’t see him when he turned up at my door,” Techno admitted, a bit of frustration and desperation seeping through his words. 

“Have you thought that it might be an act, to get revenge on you? L’manberg has already used Carl against you, so why not stoop to this?” Phil asked, and maybe if he had asked the very same question the moments before he opened the door for Tommy just over a week ago, Techno would have agreed. 

But now, he couldn’t shake the image of Tommy standing on his front door, shaking from the cold, ripped clothes, and covered in bruises. He thought back on how small he looked sitting on the couch, warming his hands. And last, Techno thought about that hunted look in Tommy’s eyes whenever Dream or his exile was mentioned.

“It’s not an act,” Techno said firmly. 

Phil gave an exasperated sigh, but didn’t say anything else. The two started the trek back to the cabins, the silence hanging heavily between them, making Techno slightly jumpy. It had never been like this before between them, but Techno could somehow not find it inside himself to care. 

“I can’t believe I asked for your help with him,” Techno mumbled bitterly, not noticing that he was speaking out loud. 

“What do you mean, mate, why would Tommy need my help?” Phil asked curiously, letting Techno know he heard him. 

“Bruh, I’m not telling you anymore,” Techno deadpanned with a huff of disbelief. 

“What? Why?” Phil yelped confused, his voice pitched high. 

“Because since you and Will showed up, it’s only gone downhill for Tommy. I thought you would be the best to help since we used to be a family, but I was wrong,” Techno sneered, turning around to look straight at Philza. 

“Family? Maybe me, you and Wilbur, but Tommy was never a part of my family,” Phil stated bluntly. 

“Bruuuh, you took him in when he was 4, and he lived in that house under your care, as neglecting as it was, until he was 14. He has never known another parent than you. So while he may not be a part of your family, you were a part of his, we all were,” Techno yelled annoyed, he just wanted to go back and hug Tommy. 

“I never asked for him to see me as his father, I just didn’t want him to die on the streets,” Phil defended weakly. 

“You took that responsibility when you took him inside your home, even if he wasn’t yours biologically like Will, or officially adopted like me. He adored you, Phil, and all you did was push him aside,” Techno was basically seething at this point. 

As to not accidentally kill Phil from the rage, Techno swiftly turned around and walked off. Somewhere behind him, he could hear Phil’s steps follow him, but neither spoke a word. 

Silently, Techno decided to make pancakes for Tommy this morning. He felt a deep need to spoil the boy after his talk with Phil, and Tommy loved pancakes. An added bonus was that Techno needed to fatten Tommy up a bit, because whatever Exile had been, the young boy had not been fed enough, and he was sure Tommy would eat lots of pancakes. 

As his thoughts turned to breakfast, and maybe even showing Tommy the room, the anger slowly left Techno’s body, clearing up his mind. 

He started to notice just how far into the forest Phil had led the two. While it wasn’t enough to cause any concern or even near of getting them lost, it was much further than Techno usually went for wood, especially this early in the morning. Of course, they had both been distracted by arguing with each other to really register where they were going, Techno was still surprised he first noticed now. 

Did Phil lead them this far out on purpose? So neither Tommy or Wilbur would hear them? The distrust was also a new feeling Techno had never felt for Phil before, Phil had often been the only person who held his trust. 

Techno couldn’t help the overwhelming feeling of relief when he got the fence that ran around his property, feeling himself move just slightly faster. 

He now had plenty of wood, and a plan for breakfast. But all that got put on pause, when he noticed the door to his cabin stood slightly agape. Techno would swear that he not only closed the door, but had locked it as well. 

A cold chill ran down his spine, as he dropped the wood and ran inside. He searched throughout the whole house, yelling Tommy’s name as loud as he could, but no luck. 

Tommy wasn’t there, but he hadn’t left willingly either. Steve was still leaning against his designated spot of wall, Tommy never left the house without Steve. The coat Techno had gifted Tommy was also still hanging next to the door, though his boots were missing. 

And lastly, Clementine was locked inside the bathroom, looking just as distressed as Techno. 

Someone had come into his house and stolen Tommy, kidnapped him without even considering what Tommy wanted. 

Fear and anger mixed inside of Techno, anger winning dominance. 

He stomped out of his door, looking at Phil and Wilbur, who both stood outside Phil’s cabin, having heard the yelling. 

“What did you do?” Techno asked in a calm voice, the anger ringing clearly through. 

“You didn’t tell him?” Wilbur asked Phil, though it sounded more rhetorical than an actual question. 

“Tell me what?” Techno asked through gritted teeth, Clementine growling next to him. 

“Dream messaged me, asking if I knew Tommy’s location. He cashed in the favour I owed him for me to get you out of the house,” Phil answered, his voice slightly unsure and nervous. 

Phil had probably picked up on Techno’s anger, or maybe he had started to question if what he did was right. 

“I’ll deal with you two later,” Techno sneered, before turning to Clementine. 

“Find Tommy,” He whispered to her. 

Without hesitation Clementine took off in a direction, only waiting long enough for Techno to get geared up and Carl before running full speed towards Tommy.

Chapter Text

So Tommy was not having a very pogchamp day, not at all. Actually he was having the opposite of pogchamp day. A… shitlooser day? Either way that wasn’t the important part. 

He had been woken up by that creepy feeling of someone watching him, sticking to his skin and crawling around like ants. 

At first, he had thought it was just Techno, but it still fell off so he called out his name.

“Techie?” 

But he got no response, just more silence and the uneasy feeling grew. Deep down he knew Techno would have responded, he always responded. 

Whoever was in this room was definitely not his brother.  

Tommy took a trying sniff. Not Wilbur or Phil either. 

“Not Techie,” Tommy mumbled before taking another sniff. 

The smell of blood, wool, and TNT brought Tommy right back to Logsted shire. Dream.

Just as he figured out who was towering over him, the person spoke. 

“You’re right, I’m not Techno,” Dream’s voice sent chills down Tommy’s spine, and even without looking Tommy could tell he was smirking. 

“Dream, what are you doing here?” Tommy asked, his body tense and ready to fight.

“Oh, I’m just to get my pet back. He ran off without my permission, he even made me think he was dead,” Dream said with a sickly sweet voice, the one that was concealing anger. 

Hesitantly, Tommy got up from the bed, and let his back stay turned towards Dream even if his instincts yelled at him for doing so. 

“I’m not your pet,” Tommy said with much more confidence than he felt, but all could think was that he didn’t want Dream to find out he was blind. 

“Oh, Tommy,” Dream cooed patronisingly before his voice became ice cold. “Now, you can either follow me on your own accord or we can do it the hard way.”

Techno will save me, Tommy thought silently as he slowly walked towards Dream. This was the best way for him to be okay, Tommy reassured himself despite how hard his body was shaking. He just had to survive until Techno came to save him.

“Good,” Dream mumbled, his nails digging into Tommy’s shoulder. 

Tommy choked back a whimper and just let Dream lead him through the house. Techno’s smell was faint, he wasn’t in the house. That revelation spawned both relief and devastation inside of Tommy. 

Relief, because Techno wasn’t the one who had led Dream here, and his brother hadn’t been tired of him. Devastation, because no one was here to save him, he was alone with Dream. 

“Shoes,” Dream sneered, harshly letting go of Tommy’s shoulder, making the younger one stumble.

Tommy did of course have an idea where in the house they stood, but Dream had been guiding and pushing him and over all making it hard to keep track. Therefore, he was a bit unsure where his shoes were exactly. 

He crouched down, trying to look like he knew where his shoes were. As he crouched he leaned a hand forward, hoping to hit a wall since he knew he had placed his shoes up against the wall. 

Luckily he did, and as he placed his other hand on the floor he was lucky enough to place it on one of his shoes. He did however fuck up and put the wrong shoes on his feet (left on right foot and right on left foot), and since he was scared of making Dream mad for taking so long he decided to just go with it, even if it was uncomfortable. 

Tommy slowly got up on his feet, but as soon as Dream noticed he was ready he got pulled up the rest of the way. 

“Get moving, brat, you are wasting my time,” Dream said harshly, pushing Tommy out of the door before he could even grab a coat. 

Tommy was about to ask Dream if he could take Steve, but chose to bite his tongue, not wanting to let Dream know any more of his attachments. He just had to hope Dream would drag him all the way or that Techno would save him before it came to that. 

The cold hit him straight in the face, making him flinch back, but Dream just pulled him along.  As Tommy stumbled down the stairs he heard a confused neigh, Carl was calling to him. And as much as Tommy wanted to answer or explain, he didn’t want Dream to hurt Carl so he said nothing. 

Once they got on the other side of Techno’s fence, Tommy heard a new neigh, a different horse, Dream’s horse. Spirit? No, Spirit died, for a long time ago. So a new horse. 

Tommy didn’t get to think more about the horse as Dream all but threw him up on it, which was a very disorientating experience. 

“Don’t fall off,” Was all Dream said before he got the horse moving. 

The ride was the most uncomfortable experience in Tommy’s life, and he had been killed twice and blinded. He was freezing, he was hungry, he had no clue where he was, he had been kidnapped by Dream, and lastly he had no clue how long the ride was taking. 

So when the horse stopped, Tommy felt relief, though it was quickly overshadowed by fear. 

Tommy didn’t know what Dream wanted from him, but he clearly remembered how exile had been, and now that he had pissed the man off it was unlikely that this stay would be more pleasant.  

“Keep moving, you useless brat,” Dream said impatiently, annoyance clear in his voice. 

Not wanting to anger Dream anymore, Tommy let himself be pushed forward. He felt vulnerable and uncomfortable because of the lack of sight, and he depended on Dream to lead him, a man he didn’t trust at all. 

Tommy had gotten used to knowing where he was and where he was going, something he had taken for granted, but now he just wanted back. He remembered the layout of Techno’s cabin as well as he remembered Wilbur’s songs (Which was very well), and bloody hell he missed it. 

“In here, pet,” Dream commanded and pushed Tommy into what he could only assume was a cage of some sort. 

The loud sound of a metal gate or door closing only confirmed Tommy’s suspicion. Soon, the sound of Dream walking away fated, letting Tommy know he was alone, or at least alone from Dream. 

The first thing Tommy did was walk around his cell, both to get an idea of how large it was but also get his bearings a bit. 

He learned the cell was a bit smaller than the dirt shag Dream had built in exile, but not by much. There was a bed in one of the corners, which was fine, much like the bed Dream had ‘gifted’ him in exile. He also learned that one of the four walls was made of metal bars and had a metal door. The other three walls were made of regular and crying obsidian. 

Walking around his cell distracted Tommy a bit, letting him focus on something other than the fact that he was trapped by Dream. But the anxiety was eating away at him, making him fidgety and alert of every noise. 

When he heard the steps of someone getting closer, he couldn’t stop his body from tensing up and shaking slightly. From the steps and the smell, Tommy could tell it was Dream before the man even spoke. 

“Since you came willingly, I’ll take it easy on you. But you still need to be punished for running and wasting my time. Remember, Tommy, I’m doing this for your own best,” Dream said in a sugary voice that made Tommy want to throw up. 

Frozen in place, Tommy barely moved at the sound of the metal open and close.

“This is your own fault ,Tommy, you got no one to blame but yourself,” Dream whispered softly and Tommy could almost imagine the malicious smile peeking underneath Dream's smiling mask, having seen it too many times before.  

Without any other warnings, Dream’s fist connected with Tommy’s cheek, making him wobble on his feet. 

“You should thank me, Tommyinnit, I’m fixing you,” Dream laughed as another one of his fists connected with Tommy’s body. 

“Suck… it… Greenboy,” Tommy said through gritted teeth, in a last effort to stand against Dream. 

But Dream only laughed and punched harder. 

Tommy woke up with his whole body in pain, laying on the cold obsidian floor. He must have passed out at some point doing Dream’s punishment, as he didn’t remember it stopping. Tommy tried to get up, just to immediately let himself flop back down while wheezing in pain. 

As he laid on the floor, gathering his breath once more, he took count of his injuries. He had at least one broken rib as well as a few bent ones. Two fingers on his left hand were broken, but luckily it only seemed like a hair fracture for them both. His right wrist was either badly bruised or slightly sprained. And Tommy was pretty sure his right leg was broken. He could also taste blood, so he probably had a split lip since he could still feel all his teeth. 

With two more deep breaths, Tommy pushed himself up from the floor despite the pain. Somehow luck seemed to be in his favour as he felt the bed next to him, and with some painful effort, he got himself hoisted up into it. 

As he lay on the bed, Tommy silently prayed for Prime to lead Techno to him, of saving him from this hellhole. 

Just as tears started to flow down Tommy’s cheeks, he picked up on a new smell. Grass, allium, potions, and books. With the smell followed soft steps, too soft to be Dream. And just as they neared Tommy’s cell, Tommy realised who this person was. 

“Ranboo…?” Tommy asked, confused, relieved and scared. 

The steps stopped suddenly and an unsure voice answered. 

“Tom…my…?”

Chapter Text

Ranboo was having blackouts. He knew this. He wasn’t sure how, but he knew. Ranboo had always had a bad memory and he forgot stuff, but lately he would sometimes wake up in strange places with no clue how he got there or why. 

This hadn’t happened before, according to his memory book. His problem was long term memory, not short term. And it was beginning to freak Ranboo out. He was beginning to lose multiple days of memory, waking up in strange places and no diary entries to help clue him in. 

Of course, he hadn’t told anyone. Mostly because he wasn’t sure what was happening and didn’t want to get others wrapped up in something that could be nothing. But also because Ranboo felt this uneasy feeling of something being off, like there was something more to it than black outs and memory loss, and he didn’t want to put anyone in danger. 

“Hey, memory boy,” Tubbo’s calling pulled Ranboo out of his thoughts. 

“Hi, Tubbo,” Ranboo said, giving a small wave to Tubbo. 

The boy looked exhausted, and Ranboo couldn’t blame him. Tubbo barely slept and had everyone come day and night with problems he couldn’t hope to help with. Ranboo had tried to help, but there wasn’t much he could do. 

It didn’t help that Ranboo had finally gotten Tubbo to visit Tommy in Logstedshire, only to find a deserted hole in the ground where the small camp had once been. Everything was destroyed and the smell of blood and gunpowder still hung in the air. 

Tommy wasn’t there. Actually, there was no sight Tommy had ever been there… or had left the place. 

Ranboo shook his head, he had to be strong for Tubbo. The shorter man was already dealing with way too much on top of the death of his best friend. 

“I thought we had a meeting yesterday, but you never showed up,” Tubbo asked, bringing Ranboo back to the present. 

That was true, Ranboo had offered to help Tubbo with some paperwork and talk through some protection strategies. But this morning he had found himself standing in a forest having no memory of the last two days. 

“I must have forgotten to write it down, sorry about that,” Ranboo mumbled, fidgeting nervously with his fingers. 

“Don’t sweat it, EnderBoo, you can just help me out today,” Tubbo grinned, clapping Ranboo reassuringly on the back before dragging him along. 

Ranboo still felt guilty for lying, but pushed away and tried to just live in the moment. Like he had said, Tubbo really needed him right now, and that meant Ranboo needed to be stable enough for Tubbo to lean on him for support. 

So that’s what he did, he stayed by Tubbo’s side, helping him with all he could. He forced Tubbo to eat and drink, and take well-needed breaks. 

“Tommy would have made a better principal than me,” Tubbo whispered softly after hours of work. 

“What makes you say that?” Ranboo asked, putting his pen down. 

“Tommy never cared about what other people thought, he just did what he thought was best. And sure he was loud and all, but he did have some good people skills and was pretty good at bargaining. He would also never let Dream walk over, he would stand up. He would never have exiled me,” Tubbo choked out, tears welling up in his eyes. 

Ranboo froze up at the sudden display of emotions, he had never seen Tubbo cry. Tubbo had a bad habit of shoving his emotions deep down inside of himself and bottle them up, but something had clearly given in if he was sitting like this. 

“Hey, I’m sure Tommy would understand,” Ranboo said, though he immediately cringed as he remembered Tubbo and Tommy’s last conversation. 

“But he didn’t, Ranboo, he didn’t understand. I betrayed him, he thought I had his back, but I just shoved him into Dream’s arms. And the worst part of it is that I can never get to apologise for it, I can never say sorry, because he died. He died because of me,” Tubbo cried out, his voice breaking several times. 

Ranboo wasn’t sure what to say, so instead he stood up and walked over to Tubbo and pulled him into a hug. Tubbo’s tears quickly soaked through his shirt, slightly burning his skin, but Ranboo ignored it. 

He wasn’t sure how long the two sat like that, all he knew was that Tubbo fell asleep at some point. Once Ranboo was sure Tubbo was sleeping, he carried the tired president over to the couch and laid a blanket over him. 

And then… nothing. 

“Ranboo…?” 

Someone was calling his name, and they sounded scared. Ranboo hated when people were scared. But why was someone calling his name, where even was he?

Almost as if waking up from a deep dream, Ranboo suddenly felt like fog lifted and his surroundings came into sight. 

Ranboo didn’t recognise a single thing around him, except for the blond mop of hair in the corner of his eye. 

“Tom…my…?” Ranboo asked unsurely, still disoriented from whatever he had just been woken up to. 

Was this a dream?

Ranboo blinked a few times, but the world around him only became clearer. Once he was certain that this wasn’t a dream but actually real, Ranboo turned to check if it really was Tommy or just his imagination. 

What he wasn’t prepared to see was a cell, built into the wall. To his horror, Ranboo noticed a bed in the far corner of the cell with a bloodied body on top. 

It was Tommy. 

He was alive? Who had locked him up? Were all these injuries from the explosion? No, they couldn’t be, they looked too fresh. But that left the question, how had he gotten like this?

“Hey, Tom, it’s me, Ranboo. Are you okay?” Ranbo whisper-yelled concerned, full on panicking. 

What was going on?

“Ranboob? What are you doing here?” Tommy weezed out, clearly in pain. 

“I- I don’t know, what about you?” Ranboo answered unsurely, feeling conflicted inside, why was he here?

“Oh, you know, Dream fucking kidnapped me, and then he beat me up for some pussy excuse,” Tommy said with a humorless chuckle that quickly turned into painful coughing fit.

“What?” Ranboo asked horrified, Dream had done that to Tommy?

“Yeah, he’s a real bitch. Even locked me inside this weird obsidian cell without any food,” Tommy complained, though it felt more like he was trying to lighten the mood than actually complaining. 

“I- I thought you were dead,” Ranboo stuttered, feeling a lot of emotions welling up inside of him. “Tubbo too.”

“Tubbo? He tried to execute Techno, did it bring him any closure?” Tommy asked casually, not even reacting to what Ranboo had said. 

“A bit, wait, how did you even know about that?” Ranboo asked, confused. 

“Oh, I’m currently living with Techno, and he was all pissed off about L’manberg trying to execute him without a trial. And I had to explain that I was actually exiled and didn’t know shit about his execution. He then started to ramble about revenge and retaliation, and destroying L’manberg. Such a drama queen,” Tommy explained, and if Ranboo wasn’t mistaken he could see a genuine smile form on Tommy’s lips. 

“Are you… are you going to help him?” Ranboo asked carefully, though he couldn’t find it in himself to blame Tommy for wanting L’manberg to be destroyed. 

“Relax, Boob boy, no one is going to blow L’manberg up. I got Techno to realise that he and Tubbo are even,” Tommy laughed. 

Ranboo was unsure if he had heard correctly. Tommy, of people, had convinced Technoblade to not overthrow a government, specifically a government that had wronged him. Ranboo was speechless. 

“So are you gonna help me get out of here or are you working for Dream?” Tommy asked, and Ranboo detected a slight bit of hesitance and desperation in Tommy’s voice hidden underneath the bravado. 

“Of course I’m going to help you, I have no clue why I’m here but I’m not working for Dream,” Ranboo said, happy to see Tommy’s body becoming just a tiny bit less tense. 

With a goal in mind, Ranboo walked the few steps to the door to Tommy’s cell, looking for a way to open it from the outside. While he looked, Tommy somehow got up from the bed and started to rip apart the bedlinen. 

“What are you doing?” Ranboo asked curiously, feeling along the wall in a hope to find some sort of button or something. 

“We need me to walk if we want to escape, and since the green bitch broke my fucking leg, I need to make splint,” Tommy explained through gritted teeth. 

“Right,” Ranboo said, feeling anger well up in him.

Anger wasn’t an emotion Ranboo was very familiar with, but that’s what he felt, deep anger towards Dream. Dream had hurt his friend badly, his very first friend.

“Hey, Tommy,” Ranboo waited until he got a sound of acknowledgement before he continued. “I never got to thank you for taking the fall for me, for George’s house. I should have stood up for you too, maybe if I did we wouldn’t be here.”

“Ranboo, you were new to the server, of course I took the fall, it was my fault after all. And even if you had tried to stand up for me, Dream would have found a way to get me exiled. He planned it and just waited for an opportunity,” Tommy said softly, his voice was gentle and reassuring. 

“You are a good friend, Tommy, you know. I’m glad you were my first friend,” Ranboo said softly, just as his hand found a spot on the wall that sunk in and opened the door. 

Ranboo quickly stepped into the door opening, making sure it wouldn’t close until Tommy was out. But when Tommy didn’t make a move to get out, Ranboo grew concerned but also a bit antsy in the fear of Dream finding out what they were doing.

“Tommy, what are you doing? Get out here,” Ranboo called, looking anxiously around. 

“You got it open?” Tommy mumbled confused, but hobbled over to Ranboo without any protest. 

Ranboo looked in confusion at Tommy, having seen him look up when the door was opened. 

“What do you mean by that?” Ranboo asked, just as a realisation hit him. “Tommy, can’t you… are you blind?”

Tommy stopped just in front of Ranboo, frozen in place by the words. 

“I guess I can’t hide it forever,” Tommy said in a bittersweet voice, before walking past Ranboo out of the cell. 

“Does Dream know?” Ranboo asked, stepping away from the cell as well. 

“No, and hopefully he will never find out,” Tommy stated stubbornly, leaning his arm out until he felt Ranboo and then locked his arms around the enderman hybrid’s arm. 

“Does Techno know?” Ranboo sounded slightly curious this time, leading the two down the dark obsidian. 

“Nah, but I’m sure he’s noticed something's off,” Tommy said with a grin. 

“Okay, does anyone besides me know?” Ranboo asked slightly amused despite their situation. 

“Besides you, only Steve and Clementine,” Tommy said mysteriously. 

“Who are Steve and Clementine?” Ranboo asked, trying to think of someone on the server with those names. 

“Steve is my guide stick and Clementine is my dog whom I use as my eyes,” Tommy explained easily. 

“Oh, well, I can’t wait to meet them,” Ranboo said after a moment of processing, getting one of his arms around Tommy for better support and guidance. 

Tommy remembered some of the way Dream had taken him, again he had been pushed so it had been much harder to truly say if they were going the right way, which was great because Ranboo didn’t even remember anything from before Tommy called out his name.

“I can see it, Tommy, the exit is straight ahead,” Ranboo said excitedly.

But just as the words left Ranboo’s mouth, slow clapping echoed through the hall. 

“I see my pet is trying to escape again, with the help from my puppet this time, how cute,” Dream’s all too sweet voice felt like it came from all around them, making Ranboo tighten his grip on Tommy. 

“Now, Thomas, if you just come here, nice and easy, I promise to not lay a hand on Ranboo,” Dream emerged from a secret door behind them as he spoke, his voice still sweet and casual but this time it had a clear edge. 

Ranboo felt Tommy loosen his grip, as well as slightly pulling away. 

“Hey, no, Tommy, don’t listen to him,” Ranboo pleaded, keeping his own grip on Tommy. 

“I can’t let him hurt you, Ran, Tubbo would be devastated,” Tommy countered, stunning Ranboo enough for him to weasel himself out of his grip. 

“But if you go to him, he will hurt you,” Ranboo tried again, he had just gotten Tommy back and he didn’t want to lose him again. 

“Well, he would have to go through me,” A new voice added, making Ranboo quickly turn his head to see who had come to their rescue. 

And at the entrance to whatever this place was, stood Technoblade.

Chapter Text

Techno was going to murder Dream, take all of his three lives with no hesitation. And once he did that and got Tommy back home, he was going to beat Wilbur and Phil up so badly they would regret everything they had done up to that point. 

Clementine had followed the smell of Tommy to a nether portal, but it turned out to be near impossible to follow a smell in the nether and Clem quickly got to a dead end. After searching for the smell again for what seemed way too long, Techno made the decision to build a new nether portal. 

Once back in the overworld, Techno felt lost. He had no clue of where Dream would be taking Tommy and he had even lost the trail of his brother. 

Clementine looked exhausted as well as anxious, she kept going back and forth nervously, sniffing the air all around her and whining sadly. Carl looked tired as well. Not wanting to overload the animals, Techno decided they should take a rest, he needed a plan either way. 

Techno also needed the animals to be able to get Tommy away from whatever place Dream had taken him. 

It was also getting dark, and Techno noticed how his stomach growled at him. Once he had fed Carl, Clementine and himself, Techno got a fire started. And then he just sat there staring into the flames while hugging Tommy’s coat, murderous thoughts running through his head. 

Techno woke up just before dawn, his body stiff and cold, the fire had gone out several hours ago. He still held Tommy’s cloak tightly in his hands, reminding him of how he had failed. 

Once he geared up to get going, an idea came to Techno’s mind (Maybe from one of the voices). Maybe Clementine could find Tommy with the smell of his cloak, having an object usually helped dogs to focus on one smell. 

Techno also vaguely remembered Phil telling him when he was younger about how wolves when they had bonded with a human could always find them again if they had the smell of their human. Techno was out of ideas, so he might as well try out this myth. 

“Hey, Clementine, come here,” Techno called, waking up the dog. 

Clem looked at him confused for a moment but walked over to him nonetheless. Techno carefully held out Tommy’s cloak, letting Clementine sniff it. 

The dog curiously sniffed the fabric for a bit, before she suddenly looked like she picked up on something else. Clementine walked around a bit sniffing before barking at Techno, tripping impatiently around one spot. 

Techno grinned happily and quickly gathered all his things before jumping up on Carl. Once Clementine was sure Techno was ready she speeded off into the direction she had found, closely followed by Carl and Techno. 

She moved much quicker than she did when she had just followed the trail of Tommy and Dream, like she was more sure where she was going this time. Every so often, Clementine stopped up sniffing around intensely, but she quickly moved on once she got another sniff from Tommy’s cloak. 

Once they got to a mountain biome, Techno noticed Clementine got more erratic, sniffing more around her and clawing at the ground. They had to be close. 

Techno started to hear a low mumble getting carried by the wind, making him push Carl to go faster.

He was now close enough to tell who was talking, and one was definitely Tommy. Clementine seemed to recognise the voice of her owner as well as she started to run even faster, though Techno had been sure she couldn’t go any faster.

An opening in the mountain came into view, the inside made of obsidian. It looked unnatural. Techno got the feeling that something was wrong whenever he looked at it, but he didn’t have time to think more about it. 

Techno dismounted Carl just a few blocks from the entrance, gripping his shield and axe tighter. He carefully sneaked closer to the entrance, listening intensely to the voices from inside the mountain. 

“Now, Thomas, if you just come here, nice and easy, I promise to not lay a hand on Ranboo.”

Techno felt anger boil inside of him when he recognised Dream’s voice. He was talking to Tommy as if the younger one wasn't even human. Techno also silently noted to himself that Ranboo was also in there, and in danger.  

“Hey, no, Tommy, don’t listen to him.”  

Ranboo. Techno noted. And he was pleading. Techno was going to save him as well, he was trying to protect Tommy after all. 

“I can’t let him hurt you, Ran, Tubbo would be devastated.” 

Techno felt a strange sense of pride hearing Tommy say this, he really had grown into a great person. Though the pride quickly dwindled back to fear, because it sounded like Tommy was trying to sacrifice himself.

Techno wouldn’t let him do that. 

“But if you go to him, he will hurt you.”  

Using Ranboo’s words as his cue, Techno stepped out from around his corner, now in plain view of the three inside the tunnel.

“Well, he would have to go through me,” Techno stated with a bored expression, keeping his emotions hidden for the moment, not wanting Dream to know of his anger just yet. 

He looked over the scene in front of him, Dream was the longest away looking menacing as ever. Closest to Techno was Ranboo, looking at the piglin hybrid with wide eyes, relief washing over his features as he recognised who was speaking.

Lastly, Techno’s eyes landed on Tommy, and the anger and bloodlust he had felt tenfolded. Tommy had dried blood around his nose and mouth, blue bruises blooming on his cheeks, some on his left hand as well as his right leg seemed to be in some makeshift splints, and his right wrist was wrapped tightly in some fabric. 

“Oh, Technoblade, how nice of you to join the party,” Dream mused, bringing Techno’s attention away from Tommy. 

“Dream,” Techno acknowledged coldly. “I would back off if I were you.”

Techno walked further into the tunnel, getting to the teenagers quickly despite his slow pace. 

“Get behind me,” Techno whispered, giving an extra shield to Ranboo. “If I say run, you run.”

“Now, now, Techno, let’s keep it civil,” Dream said, his voice making it clear that he was smirking underneath his mask. 

“I think you know that’s not possible since you hurt my brother,” Techno shut back, still managing to keep his voice even and emotionless. 

“When did all this familiarity happen? As I recall, only a few months ago you would have been fine with you being the one to take his last life, what changed, Techie?” Dream mocked, drawing out Techno’s nickname. 

Techno suppressed an angry growl, taking a second to regain his senses. 

“The thing that changed was me realising how wrong I was, and I realised just how much you lie and manipulate, using Tom as your scapegoat,” Techno snarled, taking a fighting stand, he wanted blood. 

Dream was going to pay for the pain he had caused Tommy.

“Is that what my pet has told you?” Dream asked with an unimpressed expression. “Everyone knows to not trust a word from the mouth of that brat.”

Techno stormed forward before Dream could say another word. His axe connects with the edge of Dream’s mask, cutting a small flake off. He had aimed for Dream’s face. 

Dream had moved out of the way, summoning his own axe and shield. Their axes clashed, locked in a strength match. Techno was winning, but Dream stepped back in an attempt to throw Techno off balance. It worked partially. 

Techno did find his balance quickly by letting himself fall to one knee. He lifted his shield above himself just in time to block Dream’s attack. With a smirk, Techno swept Dream’s legs.

Dream yelped in surprise but managed to roll away before Techno could hit him. Techno still got to hit Dream with his shield, pushing him further away from the teenagers. 

They were in a still stand for a bit, Dream trying to make it past Techno, and Techno blocking the way. 

“Remember you owe me a favour,” Dream yelled frustrated after yet another failed attempt to make it past Techno. 

“Yeah, wanna cash it in?” Techno snarled back, tired of Dream’s games already. 

Dream hesitated by the surprise question, which Techno quickly took advantage of by storming forward and decapitating Dream. 

Dream’s body disintegrated seconds later, letting him respawn wherever his bed was. Techno growled annoyed, he would have to hunt the green-clad man another day, right now he needed to get Tommy, and Ranboo, back home. 

“Techie?” Tommy called from behind him, his voice careful and filled with fear. 

“It’s okay, Toms, I’ll never let him hurt you again,” Techno said after taking a deep breath to calm down. 

He turned around to see Ranboo basically carrying Tommy towards him, tears running down both of their cheeks. 

Once close enough Tommy stumbled out of Ranboo’s grip, limping towards Techno. Techno quickly scooped his little brother into a hug, holding him close. Reminding himself that Tommy was safe. 

As much as Techno would never say it out loud, Tommy had become his entire world, and he couldn’t imagine going back to live in solitude.  He would do whatever it took to make sure his brother was safe, even burn down the world. 

Tommy was worth it all.

Chapter Text

Tommy felt overwhelmed, the fear and pain mixing together making him nauseous. He had no clue who was winning, which only made him more anxious. So when silence fell, Tommy called out to Techno, desperate for his brother to be the winner. 

He was. 

For the first time since Dream had taken him, Tommy relaxed, letting himself get scooped up by Techno. He felt safe, and loved, and warm. He hadn’t realised before now just how much he had missed Techno, especially getting hugs from his brother. 

“I’m gonna rest my eyes for a bit,” Tommy mumbled half asleep against Techno’s chest. 

He did get to hear Techno’s answer as he fell asleep the moment the words left his mind. His exhausted body knew it was safe, his brother was here now. 

When Tommy woke up, he was laying on something soft. At first he panicked, not knowing where he was, scared that Dream still had him. Though he managed to calm his mind by reminding himself that Dream would never let him sleep on something this soft. 

Once he was calmed down enough, Tommy listened to his senses and took a deep breath. He could now recognise the faint smell of Techno everywhere, as well as pine wood, aka the homey smell of the cabin. 

Tommy winced hashly when he tried to get up, having momentarially forgotten about his injuries. 

The injuries themselves had been re-bandaged with proper materials and the smell of blood no longer lingered in Tommy’s nose. It felt nice, the makeshift bandages had worked their purpose but they weren’t nearly as comfortable or as secure as these. 

After a moment of recovery, Tommy tried getting up again, this time much more careful. He felt his way to the edge of the bed, finding Clementine sleeping on his bed as well. With some help from Clem, Tommy slowly made his way out of the room, careful not to put too much weight on his broken leg. 

The smell of food led Tommy through the house, his stomach reminding him just how hungry he was. 

“Tommy! What are you doing? You shouldn’t be walking,” Tommy almost jumped in surprise when Ranboo broke the silence. 

“I was hungry,” Tommy shrugged, continuing to limp towards food.

“Nope, no walking for you,” Ranboo scolded, lifting Tommy without another walk. “You will sit on the couch and wait for me to get you food.”

Tommy protested weakly, but let himself get carried to the couch. Once Tommy was placed securely on the couch, Ranboo went to fetch a plate of some food. 

“Where’s Techno?” Tommy asked when Ranboo handed him a bowl with, from what Tommy could smell and feel, a chicken soup of some sort.

“He’s just in the basement, organising chests or something,” Ranboo explained, taking a seat next to Tommy. 

“When are you planning to tell him?” Ranboo asked after a moment, taking a sip of his own soup before talking. 

“I don’t know, Ranboob, when he needs to know,” Tommy said dismissively, ignoring how Ranboo just made a sound like he knew what Tommy was thinking about. 

The two just sat in a comfortable silence as they ate, enjoying the rare calm moment. 

Tommy perked up at the sound of steps, but Ranboo quickly reassured him that it was just Techno. With that information, Tommy couldn’t suppress the happy smile that formed on his lips. And Tommy really tried to, he didn’t want Techno to get tired of him for being too clingy. 

Dream had always hated how clingy he was… 

“So, how’s the racoon doing?” Techno asked from somewhere behind Tommy, his voice pulling Tommy back to reality. 

“Oi, pig-bitch, I’m not a racoon, I’m a big man, in fact I’m the biggest man ever,” Tommy raved, but it only resulted in Techno laughing, a completely different response than what Dream would have had. 

“Bruh, you are the most raccoon-like person,” Techno joked, ruffling Tommy’s hair. 

Tommy opted to not argue back and settled for mumbling disgruntledly. Which only made Techno laugh harder. 

“But, Toms, seriously, how are you?” Techno asked once he was done laughing.

“Better,” Tommy answered honestly. “It’s nice to be home.”

“You are going to turn me soft, kid,” Techno groaned, but Tommy could hear the soft edge to his voice. 

Tommy could practically feel Ranboo smile on his skin even though he couldn’t actually see it, he opted to give Ranboo a friendly shove, but didn’t say anything else. 

“I gotta ask, Tech,” Tommy started once Techno sat down as well. “Was it Phil and Wilbur who ratted me out to Dream?”

The silence after the question felt tense, and made Tommy anxious. Had he said something wrong? He was about to backtrack when Techno broke the silence. 

“Yeah, they were. But I’m going to have a talk with them about their behaviour and punish them accordingly. They had no right to tell Dream anything, especially not since he’s your abuser. I just wanted to be sure you were okay before I went over there since I don’t know how long it will take,” Techno’s voice was calm and steady, and most of all reassuring, Tommy couldn’t help believing every word he said.  

“I’m coming with you,” The words left Tommy’s mouth before he even had a chance to think about it. 

“Absolutely not. I’m not letting you get anywhere near them,” Techno responded outraged, but Tommy could hear the deep concern in his voice. 

“Techie,” Tommy levelled. “I need to be there, make them understand what Dream did. I need this.”

Tommy could practically hear the wheels turn inside Techno’s brain, he had always been such a strategist after all. 

“Fine, but on one condition, if I at any moment feel like you are in danger, you will listen to me and go back inside the house. Understood?” Techno caved, his voice stern, but Tommy kind of liked having someone be protective of him, it was a nice change. 

“Oki, doki, Mr Blade,” Tommy said and made a joke salute in the direction Techno was. 

Techno sighed deeply, but didn’t protest more. Ranboo was fidgeting next to Tommy, clearly nervous as his tail hit Tommy’s neck a few times (Not hard, just a light slap from it swinging back and forth).

Once they all had finished their bowls, they got ready to go outside. Both Ranboo and Techno kept giving more clothes so he would freeze, which was very sweet but also a bit overbearing. 

“Guys, I’m good, I don’t need more clothes,” Tommy said politely when Ranboo tried to give him yet another scarf. 

“But what if you get cold?” Ranboo whined, making Tommy chuckle softly. 

“Stop fussing over me, I’ve been through a lot, I’ll be fine being outside for a bit,” Tommy reassured, walking out of the door before either of them could protest.

Tommy heard a sigh from Techno which only made his smile widen. Since the door didn’t click shut behind him, he could assume the two others had followed him out. 

Getting outside, the realisation of what he was about to face hit him, nervousness taking over the warm and fuzzy feeling his interactions with Ranboo and Techno had brought him. 

While he had seen Phil and Will as family, they had betrayed him and thrown him to Dream without a second thought. They had been the reason for a lot of pain and hurt and suffering, and for once, Tommy wasn’t ready to forgive. 

Someone knocked on Will and Phil’s door, Tommy wasn't sure if it was Ranboo or Techno, and soon the sound of the door opening reached Tommy’s ears. 

“Techno,” Phil acknowledged, his voice emotionless but it felt like it was concealing something.

“As you can see, I got Tom back, not completely okay but alive,” Techno growled, he was further away so Tommy could assume he was the one who knocked. 

“Yeah?” Phil sounded more unsure now. 

“Well, Phil, you let Dream, Tommy’s abuser, get him back, throw him in a prison cell and beat him to unconsciousness. How can you possibly justifice that?” Techno sounded so angry, and it wasn’t even directed towards Tommy. 

“He probably did something to warrant it,” Phil shot back, though even he sounded doubtful. 

“Yeah, Dream revived me, he’s a hero,” Wilbur chimed in, from somewhere behind Phil. 

“Oh, really, Philza? I deserved to be isolated, abused and emotionally manipulated for fucking months? For what? Accidently burning down a house? Stealing fucking useless items that had no significant meaning?” Tommy couldn’t hold back the anger, it bloomed up inside of him, more fierce and intense after being suppressed. 

“Maybe if that was the fucking rules of the SMP, but maybe you can turn your memory to how all these things have happened to me, for no escuse other than people wanted to. My house got exploded, griefed, destroyed and burned down more times than I can even fucking count. I’ve had my most precious things stolen, used as chess pieces for multiple power hungry tyrants. I’ve lost my home. I’ve lost my friends. I’ve tried and tried to be what people wanted, but all they want from me, Phil, is a fucking scapegoat,” Tommy was out of breath and his voice felt hoarse after yelling.

He could feel tears run down his cheeks, but he couldn’t care less. 

“Yeah, Tommy, all that happened to you. But most of it fucking happened to me aswell. I got exiled, my home got destroyed, and I lost precious friends who betrayed me. But I died. I died and had to live in limbo, literally my own personal hell, for what felt like forever. And then Dream revived me, he freed me and gave me a second chance. That must redeem him, Tommy, it must,” Wilbur stepped in, his arrogant voice ringing in Tommy’s ears. “Sucks what he did to you, kid, but the guy let me out of hell, so I’m going to side with him.”

“Well, Wilbur, while you were in what? Personal hell? I was here, dealing with all the crap you left behind. I rebuilt L’manberg after you blew it up. I took the blame for your death, your mistakes, you arrogant bitch. I was nice to your fucking ghost, help him be happy, even if he reminded me of your deranged ass that I lived with in a small cave for months. I got kicked, punched and back talked, but I never rebuttal because I had to stay strong, it would be over at some point, right? And then I got exiled a second time, for something fucking unreasonable, before I was even an adult. I lost my country and my best friend that day. What have you lost that was so precious?” Tommy spat, feeling Clementine press against his leg in a sign of comfort. 

“Loss? What do you even know of loss? I lost my country, my son and other loyal subjects betrayed me. I lost my mind in Pogtopia. And guess what Tommy, I lost my fucking life” Wilbur yelled back, rage clear in his voice as well, but Tommy didn’t back down.

“First of all, I lost my country as well, twice actually, because of you, and two of my own hearts. None of your ‘subjects’ betrayed you, they fought on your side and were spies for you. Even Fundy wrote a whole ass report book for you, even though you barely cared. I was by your side when you lost your mind, feeling your insanity in a way no one else will ever understand. And while you lost your life, I lost a brother and then got blamed for it even though I didn’t wield the sword nor drove you to the edge. I know more about loss than you will ever understand, Will,” Tommy sneered, too angry to actually think about what he was saying. 

“Oh, really, Tom, you know more about loss than me?” Will asked patronisingly. “You are nothing but a whiny child who will do whatever he can for attention.”

“Shut UP, Will, you have no clue what you are talking about,” Tommy screamed, but Wilbur ignored him. 

“WHy would I, Toms? You deserve everything Dream has done to you, stop pretending otherwise for petty,” Wilbur growled, anger lingering off each word. 

“Oh, I deserve what Dream has done to me? I deserved to get thrown in a prison cell for just living my mind peacefully out here with no one around to bother. I deserved to have my bones broken for walking away? I deserve to have all of my things, even food, exploded every day for four months? I deserve to get punished for anything Dream deemed wrong? Which, by the way, is just about anything. I deserve to have every sliver of happiness deprived of me and get punished when I try to stand up for myself? I know loss, Will, I know loss better than anyone should. While you lost your life, you are still standing here, everything intact and no lasting damage. I stand here, with one heart left, without the ability to see. Did I deserve that? Did I deserve to get my sight taken from me? Did I deserve to be left, blind and terrified, in a crater of my prison far away from any help and not a single thing to my name?” Tommy breathed heavily, his whole body shaking from exhaustion. 

Tommy didn’t want to hear anymore, he was done, he had explained his side, Techno could do what he wanted. Tommy wanted to take a nap and forget this whole conversation.

Chapter Text

Techno wasn’t exactly proud of the sense of joy he felt when he punched Wilbur in the nose and felt something break. He would have to find a way to punish both him and Phil further, but he needed to go check on Tommy. 

“I’ll be back,” Techno mumbled through gritted teeth before turning around and following Tommy. 

It felt weird leaving Ranboo with the two, but honestly, Ranboo looked just as pissed, so maybe he would tear into them a bit. And though the enderman hybrid was shy and nervous, Techno could see that he could stand up for himself.

With that in mind, Techno walked inside without feeling guilt. 

He had half expected to have to turn the house inside out before he would find Tommy, but much to his surprise, Tommy was sitting at the dinner table. 

Now, If Techno didn’t know Tommy was blind, he would have assumed Tommy was just sitting there, waiting for him. Now, he paid more attention, like how Tommy tensed when the door closed, but relaxed after sniffing the air. He also noticed that Tommy had a hand firmly placed on Clementine’s head, following the dog's head in near perfect sync.

All those small gestures that he hadn’t noticed before suddenly made everything add up. The way Tommy clung to him or barely turned his head when talked to, the clumsiness, and over all his reaction to loud noises. It all made sense. 

“Tom?” Techno asked carefully. 

“It’s fine, Techie, I know it’s you,” Tommy answered calmly, shooting Techno a smile that was surprisingly accurately directed. 

“I think we need to talk, Toms, about what you said to Wilbur,” Techno was careful with his wording, not wanting Tommy to feel like he was in the wrong.

Techno walked to the table and sat down while he spoke. 

“Yes, we do,” Tommy said with a sigh. “Ask away.”

“When… When did it happen?” Techno asked, unsure if the question was appropriate, but he needed to know. 

“Two days before I showed up at your house,” Tommy said after a moment. 

That was just over a week ago. Tommy had only been back in his life for under two weeks.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Techno asked, putting his hand on top of Tommy both to comfort his brother but also to let him know that he was there. 

“I don’t know, Tech. At first it was because I was unsure if I could trust you, and then it just got hard, you know. It was never the right time. I planned on telling you the day Will and Phil turned up, I swear, but we both know how that ended,” Tommy’s voice was shaking, Techno noted the fear in Tommy’s voice as well. 

“I’m not mad at you, Tom, I just wished I could have been there to help you,” Techno reassured softly, squeezing Tommy’s hand. 

“Yeah… me too,” Tommy mumbled, his hand fidgeting nervously with Techno’s hand. 

Techno had never been good at emotions, never knowing what to say. When he needed to deal with emotions he usually used Phil or even Wilbur, but they were not an option here. It didn’t help that Tommy would mask his emotions as if his life depended on it, which it probably had now Techno was thinking about it

But Techno wasn’t the type to give up either, he was the unkillable blood god after all. He would be damned if he let himself get defeated by something as dumb as emotions. And the one thing Techno knew how to do was letting Tommy get a break from his thoughts. 

“Bruuuuuhhhh,” Techno groaned, a tad bit more dramatic than normal. 

“What?” Tommy asked, both confused and relieved. 

“I just realised that I need to change up your room, it needs to accommodate your handicap and all,” Techno complained, putting a bit of extra emotion in it. 

“Oh, right. My room. You don’t have to do shit about it, I’m sure I’ll be fine,” Tommy muttered, his voice breaking Techno’s heart. 

“Nope, we will fix it. If we do it together we will probably get done today,” Techno said with a smirk, already dragging Tommy out of the chair. 

Tommy made a few weak protests, but Techno could see the small smile on his lips. Mission accomplished.  

In reality it wasn’t much that needed to be changed. The room needed to be easier to move in, and the bed needed to be lowered a bit. And of course a few other things, like making sure both Clementine and Steve needed a place since they were Tommy’s support tools. 

There were also some things that were a bit hard to do right away, like labelling things. Since Tommy would be able to see his clothes or what was in the closet, Techno had suggested getting drawers and somehow making them easy to understand which was for the different kinds of clothes. 

That whole thing got Tommy and Techno to agree on learning braille. Mostly so Tommy would have an easier time navigating the kitchen or his closet, but also so he would have something to do when it was a slow day. And Techno would learn it to support Tommy and help label the things right. 

Techno made a mental note to go to the village to get some starter braille books and maybe some guide books for living with a blind person. 

“I think a thing that scared me about telling you about me being blind was that I was scared you would treat me differently. Thank you for still being you,” Tommy said softly once the small adjustments were done. 

“I will always be your big brother, Toms, nothing can change that, not even blindness or misunderstandings,” Techno chuckled, ruffling his brother’s hair. 

After that heartfelt conversation, Techno and Tommy used the next hour to walk throughout the entire house. Because while Tommy pretty much knew the layout of the first floor, he didn't know the layout for the basement, second basement nor the second floor. He also needed to get the layout of his own room. 

Once they were done, Tommy suggested they should play a game of chess. As long as Techno would announce where he would be moving his own pieces, Tommy claimed he would be able to play without having to see the board. 

That’s how they sat when Ranboo walked inside. Tommy announced where he wanted his chess pieces and Techno moving them, then Techno announced where he moved his pieces and then the process repeated.  

It was fascinating and fun. Every once in a while Tommy would ask for the board placement and Techno would happily comply. 

Though the game got paused the moment Ranboo opened the door. 

“What took so long, Boob boy?” Tommy asked, still deep in thought over the game. 

“Oh, you know, yelling a bit at Phil and Wilbur before sending them to the nether to get netherite armour for us all. Said they weren't allowed back before they had the three completed sets,” Ranboo said with a shrug, looking curiously at the chessboard. 

“Uuu, great punishment, Ranboob, they both fucking hate going to the nether,” Tommy crackled. 

“After I made sure they actually left, I called Tubbo, explaining that I probably would be away for a few days. I didn’t exactly tell him where I was, since you know, I’m not sure how either of you would feel about Tubbo knowing,” Ranboo said after studying the chessboard for a moment. 

“You can tell him if you want, I don’t mind either way,” Techno said after a moment, announcing a chess piece move right after. 

“Yeah, I probably need to talk with him sooner or later,” Tommy said with a light shrug. 

Ranboo made eye contact with Techno for a moment, wanting to be completely sure it was okay. Techno gave Ranboo a small nod, a clear go ahead symbol, which managed to get the ender boy’s smile to widen even more. 

He turned around and started texting furiously in his communicator. 

“How do you even play while being blind?” Ranboo asked curiously once he put his communicator away. 

“Memory, mostly. Wil, Techno and I played a lot of chess when we were younger, so the chessboard is edged into my head. Then all there is left is to plot the pieces in. Checkmate in three, Bitch,” Tommy explained easily with a shit eating smirk on his lips. 

“I surrender,” Techno said after a moment, realising that he couldn’t do anything. 

After everything, maybe things hadn’t changed as much as Techno had once thought.

Chapter Text

The next four days of Tommy’s life flew by fast. Much faster than Tommy could process it all. 

Techno and Tommy had gone to the village Tommy had walked through on his way to Techno’s house. Here they shopped for some new clothes for Tommy, since his old ones were near ruined and he couldn’t loan Techno’s clothes forever. 

Once that was done with that, they went to the book shop, getting both braille learning tools and some books they both thought could be interesting. Tommy even found a set of cards that had braille markings on them, which meant he could play cards and solitaire. 

They also went to the local wood carver so Steve could become a real blind cane, which would also make it more comfortable and easier to get around. 

The last place they went before going back home was a pet shop, finally getting stuff for Clementine. They got some toys, a bed, a collar (an orange bandana), dog treats, and lastly a leash (mostly so they could take her to a bigger city). The clerk in the store said that what Clem had been eating was completely fine but recommended that they got some dog food for back up. 

It was nice. It felt like they were just normal brothers, going on a shopping trip. 

They had also both been surprised to find the large collection the village had of braille books. Turns out that village in particular had a few blind people, so of course the book shop had a big collection. 

The day after their shopping spree, Tommy mostly relaxed. Being in town had taken more energy than he had expected, and he just wanted to sleep.

Techno did go back into town, this time without Tommy, to get the new and improved Steve.

Tommy used the time to start learning braille, focusing on his card game. He even roped Ranboo, who was using most of his time to build his own cabin, into a game of cards with him. 

The third day was spent on some intensive learning of braille, as well as blind-proofing the house. They established some rules for organisation, as stuff couldn’t exactly be thrown on the floor as it could be a danger for Tommy. 

Techno built a small shoe rack with just enough space for their shoes. The idea behind the shoe rack was to have a designated place for shoes, as well make it easier for Tommy to find his shoes and choose the ones he wanted. 

They also got labelled most of the things in the kitchen with braille, as well as Tommy’s clothes. 

The fourth day was spent on helping Ranboo finishing his cabin, and let the ender man move in. And while Tommy was curious as to why Ranboo decided to move out of L’manberg, he decided to ignore it. 

Tommy woke up on the morning of the fifth day, he was in his own bed. It felt homey, it was his. It had been a long time since he had had something that was truly his. 

It felt early, though his only way to tell that was by the lack of sound coming from the kitchen. Usually Techno was up way before Tommy, cooking breakfast. The soft snores coming from the spot next to his bed where Clementine’s bed was placed was also a good indicator.

As he got up, tiptoeing out of his room to not disturb the wolf, all that he could think was that he needed to make a watch that he could actually tell time with. Once he was in the kitchen, his suspicions were confirmed, no one was up besides him.  

Silently, he put his shoes on and grabbed his cloak off the wall. Once he was ready for the arctic cold, Tommy walked outside. He knew the way for where he was going and hadn’t taken Steve with him for that reason. He just wanted to sit for a bit on the small bench outside of Techno’s cabin. 

It was quiet, only a few bird songs could be heard in the distance. It felt like the time before L’manberg. Tommy could almost fool himself to think that he was back on his own bench, early in the morning, the soft hum of Cat or Mellohi in the background. 

He missed his discs. They had been with him for as long as he could remember. They were the only things he still had from his life on the street. They were unique, because they were old, they had small cracks that made the songs sound a very distinct way. 

Tommy had tried to recreate it, he had, but no matter what disc he found, none sounded the way he wanted. The way he needed it to sound.

It was also colder here. Even in the early mornings, he would be able to sit with just a t-shirt on the bench at his old house. 

That’s not to say Tommy disliked the cold, he had found himself liking it way more than he had expected to. But maybe it wasn't really the cold, but the warmth he had found with Techno. 

He still missed his best friend. He hadn’t seen Tubbo in so long, and the last time he had he had been exiled. The worst of all was that he would never see Tubbo smile again. 

The sound of steps walking through the snow snapped Tommy out of his fantasy, making his body tense up as he realised they came from a way that was not from any of the cabins. 

The steps were slow, dragging almost. And while they were getting closer, they weren’t going directly towards Tommy. 

Curious as to who it was, Tommy got up for the bench. He could already eliminate Phil and Wilbur as it was only one person Tommy could hear. He was also pretty sure it wasn’t Dream, as the steps didn’t sound like him, they lacked confidence. 

“Where the fuck do you think you are going?” Tommy called out, channelling his inner Technoblade. 

The sound of steps stopped, making Tommy grin inwardly. He needed whoever was walking to say anything, he needed to know who was trespassing. 

“Tommy?”

Now it was Tommy’s turn to freeze up. That voice belonged to Tubbo. No doubt about it. 

What was he doing here? Was he here to take Tommy back to exile? But he sounded surprised, why would he be surprised if he was here for Tommy? 

Hadn’t Ranboo asked to tell Tubbo what was going on? But he wouldn’t blindside Tommy like this. How much did Tubbo know?

“You… You are alive,” Tubbo’s voice was shaking, and if Tommy didn’t know better he would say the other was crying. 

Tommy didn’t even get to process anything else as a force came hurtling towards him, knocking him off his feet. Strong arms wrapped around his torso, holding him in a tight iron grip. 

Tommy let out a helpless yelp, half in surprise and half in pain. His injuries from Dream were not completely healed, even with the speed-up process with healing and regen potions broken bones took a while to heal. 

Tubbo didn’t seem to have heard Tommy as he just sobbed against the taller's chest. And much against his own will, Tommy felt his own arms hug Tubbo back. Sure, his ribs hurt a bit and his broken leg was pulsing, but he had missed hugging his best friend. 

“TOMMY; WHAT… Oh,” Techno yelled out before interrupting himself, making Tommy get back into reality.

Chapter Text

Techno had had a hard time falling asleep, tossing and turning for hours before he finally fell asleep. He knew why, of course. This was the first time in the almost two weeks Tommy had stayed with him that Tommy was sleeping next to him. It was a big step, and Techno was really proud of Tommy to take it, but his instincts wanted to be there to protect his little brother. 

So when Techno heard Tommy’s yell of pain, he woke up from a very deep sleep. He was disoriented and dazed but still managed to grab an axe, and make his way to the front door. 

He didn’t waste time getting shoes on, instead just storming outside, ready to kill whoever was hurting Tommy. 

“TOMMY, WHAT… Oh,” Techno stopped up once he realised what was happening. 

Tommy was sitting on the snow-covered ground with Tubbo, the smaller one had Tommy held in a tight hug.

It was nice, seeing them both so carefree. At the same time, Techno wasn’t sure if he could trust Tubbo, he had tried to execute Techno. 

While Tubbo still seemed oblivious to Techno’s presence, Tommy did lift his head when Techno yelled. 

Techno sighed, walking over to the two teens. He couldn’t let them stay on the cold ground, they could get sick or something. 

“Sorry to interrupt, but I don’t want to deal with a sick and injured Tommy,” Techno said gruffly, though he was pretty sure Tommy could sense the fondness as a smile spread on the younger’s lips. 

Tubbo on the other hand nearly jumped when Techno spoke, pulling away from Tommy. Techno almost felt bad when he saw the terrified look in Tubbo’s eyes, but he still felt a bit bitter about the whole ‘butcher army’ business. 

At times like this, Techno almost couldn’t believe Tommy was blind, because the boy gave Tubbo a comforting pat on the back as he got up. 

“He’s not really mad, Tubs, he’s just trying to cover the fact that he’s soft,” Tommy joked, while at the same time as he was making sure Tubbo wouldn’t be scared as well as signalling to Techno to dial the tough guy act down. 

“HEH,” Techno exclaimed with a fake gasp. “The betrayal, my own brother, spreading lies about me.”

Tommy chuckled lightly, elbowing Techno with no real heat behind it. With that Techno helped Tommy walking back inside, Tubbo trailing close behind them. 

Techno could feel Tubbo staring at him, but decided to ignore it in favour of making sure Tommy was okay and getting his brother inside. 

Once Tommy was sitting down, Techno turned to look at Tubbo. 

“You shouldn’t tackle injured people,” Techno scolded.

“I, uh, I wasn’t aware Tommy was injured, Technoblade, sir,” Tubbo stuttered, fidgeting nervously under Techno’s hash stare. 

“Back off Techno, no need to be cruel,” Tommy interrupted, lightly slapping Techno on the arm. 

“You are taking out all the fun of it,” Techno sighed, but sat down nonetheless. 

Tubbo was looking extremely confused, his eyes bouncing back and forth between the two brothers. 

“I have a few questions, maybe more,” Tubbo said after a moment, hesitantly taking a seat at the table as well. 

“Go ahead,” Tommy said easily, softly clapping Clementine under the table, she had walked into the kitchen when they walked inside.

“What happened in exile? I went to visit and… I, I thought you were dead,” Tubbo was talking carefully, his eyes kept shifting nervously to Techno. 

“Yeah, I did not leave Logstedshire in a good condition, well more like Dream left it in a bad condition and I just happened to leave last,” Tommy said with dry chuckle. 

“I’m glad you are not dead,” Tubbo offered, an unsure smile on his lips.  

“I’m just glad you visited at last,” Tommy said with a teasing smile on his lips. 

“Yeah, I should have visited you before, but Dream told me that you didn’t want to see me. And after what I had done, I believed him,” Tubbo explained, his voice catching on the words as he tried to hold back tears. 

“I don’t blame you, Tubs. I did at first, and I felt so angry and sad and betrayed. But when I left, I realised that you did what you did because you care, and that it honestly didn’t matter that much to me anymore, I just wanted to hug you,” Tommy said softly.  

“You should blame me Tommy, you should be yelling at me, telling me how much you hate me. I don’t deserve forgiveness from you or-or anyone. I exiled my best friend and still failed my country,” Tubbo was sobbing, choking on his tears. 

“No, Tubbo. We will never know what would have happened if we had stood our ground against Dream. Maybe it would have ended better, but it could just as well have ended with us both losing our last lives and many more people getting hurt. I’m fine with this outcome, I’m fine with taking this one for the team,” Tommy was also crying now, tears flowing freely down his cheeks. 

Tommy’s words seemed to be the last push for Tubbo, as he stood up and walked over to Tommy and hugged him. This time he was considerably more careful, which made Techno relax a bit. 

As he watched the two friends hug each other Techno couldn’t help but feel happy that he let Tommy convince him to not get revenge on Tubbo. The boy had already paid way more for his mistakes than he deserved. 

Techno stood up and made some tea while the two teens hugged more. Once the tea was ready, the two detangled themselves, though Tubbo had now moved to sit next to Tommy. 

It was peaceful like that, just drinking tea together. Ranboo soon joined them, hugging Tubbo and Tommy as well. 

“Hey, eh, Technoblade, I…” Ranboo started, his voice trailing off nervously. 

“Just call me Techno, Technoblade is a bit formal,” Techno said gruffly but still reassuringly.  

“Yeah, okay, em, I found your armour in my enderchest. From the whole… Butcher army thing, and I just, I wanted to give it back to you,” Ranboo was stuttering over his words, fidgeting nervously. 

“Oh… thank you. I had kind of forgotten that was where my armour had disappeared off to,” Techno said after a moment, no anger or malice in his voice. 

“So… you are not mad?” Tubbo questioned unsurely, having looked terrified when Ranboo had started talking. 

“Eh, bitter and annoyed maybe, but not mad. I still don’t think it was cool of you to try and execute me without a trial, but like I had done some things to deserve it. If I get my stuff back let’s just call it even,” Techno stated with a light shrug, suppressing the smile on his lips at the excitement in both Ranboo and Tubbo’s eyes. 

“Look at you, being emotionally mature and shit,” Tommy mocked with a smile. 

Techno slapped Tommy lightly on the back of his head, which only earned him a flash of Tommy’s middle finger and the teen’s signature wezy laughter.

Chapter Text

Tommy was tired, but happy, when Tubbo left with Ranboo. The enderman hybrid wanted to show his cabin to his friend, and could possibly see the tiredness creeping in on Tommy.  

Tommy’s throat felt dry after talking for many many hours, but it was worth it. He and Tubbo hadn’t had a conversation like that since before L’manberg, and Tommy had missed it. 

For the first time in a long time, Tommy felt like everything was going to work out. He had Techno, Ranboo, Tubbo and Clementine. Sure he was blind, beaten up and had some broken bones, but he was safe, warm and loved. 

“You didn’t tell him,” Techno said, dragging Tommy back to reality. 

“What?” Tommy asked, slightly confused as he had just zoned out. 

“You didn’t tell Tubbo that you are blind,” Techno’s voice wasn’t pushy or accusatory, just slightly curious and matter of factly. 

And Tommy had to think about it. It hadn’t even occurred to him to tell Tubbo he was blind, completely forgetting the other didn’t know. Which left Tommy with the dilemma of how he should tell Tubbo. 

“How can you forget to tell someone that you are blind?” Techno asked with a chuckle, clearly knowing why Tommy didn’t tell Tubbo. 

“Shut it, shitface,” Tommy grumbled with no real fire behind it. “I just forgot he didn’t know.”

Techno just laughed harder at that, Tommy couldn’t suppress his smile either. The two continued the quiet banter while they cleaned dishes, when an idea formed inside Tommy’s head. 

“I want to have a dual with Tubbo,” Tommy blurted out, interrupting Techno’s soft humming. 

“Heh? Why?” Techno exclaimed confused, Tommy could almost imagine the look the older would give him, furrowed eyebrows and head slightly tilted. 

“I’m not entirely sure, but I just think it could be fun,” Tommy said with a shrug before adding with a smirk. “Whether I lose or win, I get to reveal I’m blind with a fun way.”

“Alight. I’m saying no, but would it be safe,” Techno asked seriously, which almost made Tommy laugh, no one would believe that THE Blade would be concerned about the safety of anything. 

“Come on, Techie, you were the one that forced me to train with a fucking blindfold when you learned me swordmanship. I know how to handle a fight even without my sight. And it’s not like it will be a serious duel or anything, I’m just curious to see how I would do, as well as Tubbo’s improvement,” Tommy explained. 

Techno sighed defeatedly, making Tommy smirk in triumph. 

“Fine, have the duel. But don’t overdo it, you are still hurt, and I don’t want you to make it harder for the healing potions,” Techno said after a moment. 

“POG,” Tommy explained happily before turning around and yelled out in the room. “Clem, you heard that? Mama bear Techie will let me play with swords.”

“You do know that she’s over here, right?” Techno said triumphantly, Tommy could even hear the smirk on his voice. 

“Well, eh, of course I do, I’m the biggest man EVER, no, the only man ever, Tech. I know everything, your small pig brain just can’t comprehend the genius that is me, Tommy Danger Kraken Innit,” Tommy huffed, though both he and Techno knew it was a complete lie so they both broke down laughing after a few moments of silence. 

“Alright, firecracker, I think it’s bedtime for us,” Techno said once their laughter had stilled, his hand calmly combing through Tommy’s hair. 

“Can I sleep with you tonight,” Tommy asked quietly after they sat there for a bit. 

He felt the anxiety well up inside and was about to back out of his question when Techno answered. 

“Sure, Toms. You have your own room and bed for when you want to use them, to prove that I want you here. You don’t have to use it every night,”  Techno reassured calmly, stopping Tommy’s anxiety right in its tracks. 

With that the two of them got ready for bed, brushing their teeth and got under the covers in Techno’s bed, Tommy actually bringing his own this time. As soon as they had gotten comfortable, Clementine jumped up and laid all stretched out over them both. 

“Good thing I didn’t get that polar bear before you showed up,” Techno joked as he moved a bit to get comfortable once again. 

“Why? A polar bear would be pog,” Tommy asked curiously, shuffling around as well. 

“There wouldn’t be space for it on the bed,” Techno said matter of factly, making Tommy snort. “I would also have called it Steve, which can’t happen because of Steve the stick.”

“You could call it Steven or Stephe with p-h instead of v,” Tommy said after a moment. 

“I don’t think Stephe with p-h instead of v is an actual spelling,” Techno countered with a chuckle. 

“If you can spell Steven with a p-h why not Steve?” Tommy asked, confused, chuckling as well.

“I see your point, Racoon boy, I’ll have to sleep on it,” Techno said fondly, turning off the light. 

“Night Techie,” Tommy mumbled before his eyes fell close.  

Tommy wasn’t sure if Techno responded as the next thing he remembered was waking up to Techno getting out of bed. 

“Oh are you up already, Tom,” Techno asked, and for once Tommy was happy to be blind so he wouldn’t have to look at the smug face of his brother. 

“Fuck off,” Tommy grumpled, throughing a pillow in the direction Techno had spoken.

Before Tommy could even register what was happening, Techno yanked him up by his ankles, dancing around with Tommy dangling from his back. Tommy was yelling half-hearted curses about Techno setting him down, but he had to admit that he was having a great time. 

It became a slightly less great time once Techno sat him down again as the whole spun, which was so much worse blind than with his eyesight. Luckily Techno had sat him on his chair at the table so he didn’t have to get up or move around, and soon the spinning and dizziness subsided.

Once they had eaten breakfast, Tommy quickly changed clothes while Techno cleaned up. 

“No running, you are still getting used to being blind,” Techno yelled after Tommy as the younger ran past him.

Tommy swore under his breath but complied nonetheless, knowing Techno was right. He made his way with Clementine beside him to Ranboo’s cottage, knocking on the door loudly. 

“Hi Tom, bit early for you isn’t it,” Ranboo chuckled as he opened the door. 

“I want to duel Tubbo,” Tommy said, completely ignoring Ranboo’s comment. 

“Are you sure it’s a good idea?” Ranboo asked, his voice laced with concern, and the overall nervousness Ranboo had in his voice. 

“Yep, not like it will be with real swords, just wooden ones,” Tommy said casually, smiling innocently. 

“I’ll get Tubbo,” Ranboo said with a defeated sigh, he knew as well as any how stubborn Tommy was. 

Techno had also emerged from the house, calling Tommy over. He did not surprise Tommy, not at all. 

The two brothers found a free space spot, well Techno did, Tommy just followed. And once they found a suitable place Techno handed Tommy a wooden sword, which he had apparently already bought from the house. 

Before long Tubbo and Ramboo joined them, Tubbo sounding just as excited for the duel as Tommy felt. 

“Alright, the duel is finished if one of you tab out or if Ranboo and I think one of you lands a ‘fatal’ hit,” Techno explained, fairly standard rules which meant Tommy and Tubbo were both familiar with them.  

Tommy took a deep breath, calming both his excitement and nervousness. This would be his first fight blind, even if he had been trained blindfolded at times it was still different. His usual method of attack quick, fast and first wasn’t going to work blind, he needed to know where Tubbo was, which meant it was easier to let his target come to him than him trying to come at it. 

Somewhere to his side Tommy heard Techno count down and yell start. The duel began. Tommy focused on listening, trying to get a direction of Tubbo. Since it was a normal duel, Tubbo was likely straight across, but he could be moving or readying himself. 

The familiar weight of the wood sword in Tommy’s hands brought back old memories of training with Techno. The wood was much lighter than diamond or netherite swords, Tommy could hardly remember when he had last held a wood sword. 

The sound of crunching snow interrupted Tommy’s thoughts, Tubbo was on the move, and he was moving fast. Tommy parried a hit from his right last minute, having to take a step back due to the force. 

His right wrist ached slightly, but only on the initial impact and it didn’t last. Tommy felt a smile creep up on his lips just as he ducked and moved to the side. The squeal coming from Tubbo confirmed that his plan was working. He swung his sword to where Tubbo should be, only to be met with a sword. 

“You don’t think I’m that easy to take down?” Tubbo asked innocently, making Tommy’s smile spread even further. 

The two went a bit back and forth, it almost felt like a dance more than a duel. Tommy’s body acted out of routine, even without his eyes. He could almost see Tubbo’s moves in his head, with every step he took, sound he made and their clashing swords. 

Soon they were both breathing heavily, still locked in battle. Tommy was about to ask if they should call it a tie when he got caught off guard and suddenly he was on the ground with his sword out of his hands. He felt the blunt tip of the wood sword pressed against throat. 

“Ready to surrender?” Tubbo asked with a breathy laugh. 

Tommy opened his mouth to agree when the tip of the sword lifted a tiny bit, and Tommy felt the opportunity rise to overpower Tubbo. In a quick movement, before Tubbo could adjust his grip or anything, Tommy grabbed Tubbo’s arm and rolled them both over and pinned Tubbo with the boy's own sword. 

“Are you?” Tommy asked, grinning when Tubbo let out a defeated sigh before saying yes. 

Tommy rolled off Tubbo laying flat on his back next to his best friend. 

“That was fun,” Tubbo said in between breaths. 

“Yeah, you have gotten new moves,” Tommy complimented after getting some deep breaths. 

“I was so close to win as well,” Tubbo whined, though he chuckled right after. 

“Yeah, but you still lost to a blind guy, CRINGE,” Tommy laughed, almost choking while he was. 

“Yeah, yeah… wait,” Tubbo’s brain seemed to take a moment before he registered what Tommy had said. “What do you mean with blind guy?” 

Tommy groaned as he got up to a seated position, turning his head in Tubbo’s direction. 

“Well, I mean what I said, Tubs. I’m blind,” Tommy clarified with an awkward laugh. 

Tubbo didn’t say anything, making Tommy shift nervously. Was Tubbo going to leave him now he knew how useless he was? 

Tommy’s dark thoughts didn’t get to spiral further as Tubbo tackled him into yet another hug. 

“You fucking dumbass,” Tubbo whispered, making Tommy chuckle releaved. 

“Well, I’m your dumbass,” Tommy answered, hugging Tubbo back.

Chapter Text

Techno was just sitting and relaxing in the kitchen, drinking a warm cup of herb tea. Tommy had just gone to bed, Clementine following him. Tubbo and Ranboo had left for Ranboo’s cabin a little over an hour ago. Techno was alone. He was alone for the first time since Tommy had showed up on his doorstep. 

Well, not exactly, but it was the first time where he could just sit and relax alone since Tommy showed up. And he truly did love having Tommy around but his introverted self was very happy for the quiet time. 

Taking in a deep breath and letting out a sigh of contentment, Techno finished his cup of tea. But as he was getting ready to clean it and get to bed, someone knocked on his door. 

He tensed up, no one should be knocking now. No one. It could be Dream, trying to get his filthy hands on his brother once more. Or maybe another person who felt like Tommy had wronged them. 

With a tired sigh, Techno grabbed his axe (which he had gotten back from Ranboo) and walked to the door. Putting on his most scary face and piercing look, Techno opened the door. 

Getting greeted by Dream would have been something Techno was prepared for, but not Wilbur and Phil. Especially not Wil and Phil covered in soot and smelling of smoke, fire and dust.  

Techno debated with himself whether to invite the two in or shut the door in their face. As much as he would like to just shut the door, they were still family, even if they were idiots. So Techno stepped aside, silently inviting the two in. 

Phil looked at Techno in surprise, which Techno pretended not to notice, while Wil kept his eyes away from Techno, looking guiltily at the ground. 

Techno sent a silent prayer to Prime that Tommy wouldn’t get woken up by the noise, only the gods knew how much that boy needed to sleep, as he started to boil more water. He had a feeling that he was going to need tea to get through this conversation. 

“Ranboo told me he sent you to get three full sets of netherite armour, do you have them?” Techno asked coldly, setting the pot with tea on the table as well as three cups. 

“Yes… eh… yes we do,” Phil said awkwardly, seeming like he wanted to say something else but backtracked at the last second. 

After examining the three sets, Techno nodded approvingly before looking up expectantly at Phil and Wilbur. The two looked very uncomfortable under his stare, but neither said anything else. 

Finally, after what felt like forever, Wilbur broke the silence. 

“When we were in the Nether, I realised that I was in the wrong. I shouldn’t have sold out Tommy to Dream or yelled at him. I started to get some of Ghostbur’s memories while I was away… It helped knock some sense into me,” Wilbur explained slowly, looking down with a guilt-filled face. 

Techno looked at Wil, really looked at him. He looked different from how he looked when he first got here with Phil. Maybe it was his posture or expressions, but Techno wasn’t sure, all he knew was that it was different. 

Tommy had mentioned Ghostbur being there for most of his exile, but he had disappeared a few days before the big explosion. Maybe Ghostbur had witnessed something that Wil was now remembering, or maybe the part of him that was in Ghostbur took some time to get back. 

“I’m… I’m glad you have realised what you did was wrong, but you still have a long way to go before I or Tommy forgive you. I really hope you are willing to go that length,” Techno said sincerely, unsure how to really take Wilbur’s words. 

“Yeah, I know it will take a lot, and even then you might choose to not forgive me, but you are both my brothers and I want to do everything I can to make sure neither of you get hurt. I didn’t realise it, I didn’t realise how much you guys were hurting or that I was the reason behind some of it. I was just so caught up in this bitterness and resentment, and my hero worshipping of Dream was blinding me, and-” Techno caught Wilbur off by gently placing a hand on his brother’s arm. 

“I’m sorry for what you have been through, I’m just happy to have you back,” Techno said with a soft voice. “This of course doesn’t mean I forgive you.”

Wil laughed at the last comment, letting it lighten the mood a bit. Techno turned his attention back to Phil, narrowing his eyes at his father. 

The man didn’t shrink under the glare like Techno had expected. Instead he actually seemed to straighten his posture if anything. 

“I… I also had some time to think about what you and Ranboo said. I wasn’t fair to Tommy, I used him as a scapegoat, and I led Dream to him. I couldn’t see past my own nose and just blamed it all on Tommy when it didn’t work out. Tommy wasn’t at fault for Wil’s death… I was,” Phil spoke slowly, his words genuine and laced with guilt. 

Techno was stunned, he had expected them to feel remorse, but somehow he hadn’t actually dared to hope. He was still angry, and was somewhat happy to see Wilbur had still had a black eye after Techno broke his nose. But he could also feel a sort of warmth for the possibility of getting his family back, a hope that the two would follow through and win the forgiveness and trust from not only himself but Tommy as well. 

“We… eh… We got something for Tommy, while we were in the nether,” Phil muttered unsurely, pulling Techno back to reality.

Wilbur pulled out something from his bag before Techno could ask any questions. It was a mask, very close resembling Techno’s in the way it was made but instead of a hog-motive it had been made to look like a raccoon. Looking closer, Techno noticed how small glints of gold, like it had been woven into the mask, made the raccoon look lighter in colour and closer to Tommy. 

It was beautiful. 

“You know how blind people often wear sunglasses, we thought maybe this mask would be more Tommy’s style,” Wil said with a nervous smile, handing the mask to Techno. 

“I think, I think Tommy is going to like this,” Techno said, unable to hide the fond smile on his lips. 

Techno had been considering getting Tommy some glasses so he wouldn’t have to feel awkward about not looking people in the eyes, but this was so much better. Techno liked the idea of them matching, like a mark of them being brothers. 

“I will come and talk with you tomorrow about apologising to Tommy, for now, we should all sleep,” Techno said after taking some deep breaths. 

Wilbur and Phil still looked guilty and maybe even more tired, but Techno noticed how they both seemed lighter than when he opened the door. 

Maybe everything would be okay, one day.

Chapter Text

Tommy woke up screaming, he wasn’t entirely sure why but he did remember the absolute terror he felt. At some point the scream turned into sobs, making him gulp in air whenever he had the chance. 

It took some time before Tommy started to notice the soft mumbles coming from the dark (it was always dark now), they grounded him, reminding him that whatever happened wasn’t real and only a dream. 

Slowly his sobs died down, and his mind cleared up a bit. He now recognised the voice he was hearing as Techno’s as well as noticed his brother’s warm hand on his back, moving in a slow circular motion. He also notices Clementine’s head resting on his leg. 

He focused on this while he took deep breaths, letting it ground him.

“‘M sorry,” Tommy mumbled, his voice shaking with each word.

“It’s okay, I was just scared that you were getting taken again,” Techno said softly, his voice still heavy from sleep. 

Tommy imagined how Techno was looking: pink hair all messy with loose strands everywhere. A loose shirt paired with some loose pants, probably a matching pink to his hair or small crown patterns. But as much as Tommy tried to remember Techno’s face, it came out blurry and just not quite right. 

“Tech?” Tommy asked unsurely, feeling silly even before he had asked his question. 

“Yeah, Toms?” Techno encouraged, clearly sensing the anxiety radiating off Tommy. 

“I… can I… eh… this is fucking weird and silly but could I maybe… feel your face?” Tommy stuttered, fidgeting nervously with his hands. 

As the silence spread out, Tommy was about to back out, feeling embarrassed enough as it was. 

“Yeah, of course, Tom,” Techno said softly. 

Tommy felt tears prick in his eyes again but held them back and instead lifted his hands up. With a little help from Techno, Tommy placed his hands on his brother’s cheeks, letting them glide over his features softly. It sparked a memory from when he was young, actually one of the first things he remembered ever.

It had to be soon after Phil had brought him in, as he remembered the cautious curiosity he felt. Techno had been reading, which interested Tommy so he crawled up next to him. But seeing as he couldn’t read it soon got boring and he had to look around to find something more interesting. Which ended up being Techno’s tusks. So with the complete total lack of self-control, Tommy had at that age he grabbed them, without much more thought. Techno didn’t say anything, just slowly turned his head to look at Tommy, confused but not bothered. 

Tommy smiled at that memory, it had been the time he and Techno had first bonded. Sometimes he missed those simpler times, before all this war and discourse. 

Techno’s face slowly became less blurry in his mind as his hands wandered over his features. The only thing missing was a smile, as Techno had a neutral expression, and Tommy really wanted to remember his smile, which was a rare occurrence. 

“Techie? One last thing, could you smile, I want to remember your face smiling,” Tommy asked quietly. 

Techno sighed, but Tommy could feel the smile forming on his lips. It was like the smile was the last puzzle piece his head needed to complete the image of Techno, as it was suddenly much clearer. 

“Thank you, Tech, seriously. I have been starting to forget faces and I just didn’t want to lose yours,” Tommy explained, moving his hands away from Techno's face. 

“So… Are you feeling better?” Techno asked awkwardly, still not completely comfortable being the comforting older brother. 

“Yeah, but maybe I could sleep with you for the rest of the night?” Tommy asked with a hopeful tone, before quickly adding. “To keep you safe… not the other way around. I’m a big man, no, THE biggest man, I can protect you oh mighty Blade.”

Techno just chuckled softly at Tommy’s shenanigans before agreeing and letting Tommy follow him back to his own bedroom. 

Once tucked in and curled up against his brother, Tommy felt at ease. He had felt somewhat scared that Techno would laugh at him or get annoyed, but as always, Techno proved the anxiety wrong. Tommy nuzzled closer to Techno, letting himself drift off into a deep, dreamless sleep. 

When Tommy woke up he could feel the sun on his face and arms, meaning it was morning. He still couldn’t remember what had scared him so much before he woke up, and maybe that was a good thing. He honestly didn’t want to know what caused that kind of fear inside of him. 

“Food is ready, racoon-boy,” Techno said, poking Tommy on the arm. 

Tommy hadn’t even noticed Techno coming inside of the room, so when he got poked he rolled away out of pure instinct but ended up falling off the bed. He was getting tired of falling off of Techno’s bed, it was getting more embarrassing each time. It also didn’t help that Techno was laughing his ass off every time it happened. 

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, asshole,” Tommy grumbled as he got up from the floor. 

“You falling off my bed will never get old,” Techno wheezed out between laughs. 

Tommy cursed under his breath annoyed, as he walked out to the kitchen, following a still laughing Techno. 

“Stop being so grumpy, Theseus, we both know if the roles were reversed you would be laughing as well,” Techno chuckled, ruffling Tommy’s hair affectionately. 

Tommy did indeed know that, so instead of trying to come up with some smart comeback he just flipped the bird at Techno, or he hoped it was Techno and not just some random wall.

“Fuck off,” Tommy muttered half-heartedly, knowing full well he was losing this argument. 

Their bickering continued through the breakfast and the dish-washing. It was familiar, almost routine. It was safe. Tommy loved every moment of it. 

“Hey, Tom, I’ve got to tell you something,” Techno said in a serious voice just as they finished the cleaning. 

Tommy made a curious sound, suppressing the small voice inside of his head saying that Techno was going to kick him out, that he was tired of him. Tommy trusted Techno, he trusted him to not just cast him aside. 

“Phil and Wilbur got back from the Nether last night when you had already gone to bed. They had a lot of things to say, but most were apologies. Or maybe more of an admission of them being in the wrong since it’s you they have to apologise to. I’m going to talk with them a bit, just me. And then, if you are up for it, we could hear them out together. But I know tonight was really hard, so if you want to wait we can, everything about this will be on your terms,” Techno explained calmly. 

Tommy wasn’t sure what to feel, he didn’t feel prepared to face Wilbur or Phil, but at the same time, he had to face them at some point. And he wasn’t alone, he had Techno, Techno who seemed ready to shield him and stand beside him. So maybe, Tommy could be ready to talk, just maybe. 

“Okay,” Tommy mumbled unsurely, a small smile on his lips.

Chapter Text

Techno probably hadn’t been in Phil’s cabin since he built it, maybe one other time but he couldn't remember it. As far as Techno could recall, Phil had lived with him for a few weeks, maybe a month, when the two of them decided that Phil should build a cabin. And they did that, and Phil stayed for a few days before leaving for L’manberg. He said that he was getting his stuff from his house, but he never came back.

Of course, Techno knew it was because Phil had gotten on house arrest. Well, now he knew. Phil had never been all that reliable when it came to getting back, so while Techno had been annoyed at the time, he hadn’t been particularly worried. 

Then Ghostbur showed up, the butcher army not far behind. And Techno had been taken to L’manberg where he saw Phil, which explained a lot. That had also been the last time he had seen Ghostbur, now that he was thinking about it. 

“Maybe we should… Do you… uh… Tea?” Phil's stuttering pulled Techno back into reality. 

“Sure,” Techno said after a light, awkward cough. 

With that Phil left the room, heading to the kitchen instead. This left Wilbur and Techno alone in the living room, making an awkward silence linger.  If Techno was honest, he wasn’t sure it would be much better if Phil was there as well. 

A small part of Techno missed the comfortable silences he used to share with Phil or even Wilbur. He missed it a lot. But he was starting to find those moments with Tommy as well, and that was enough for Techno. 

Everything about Tommy was loud, or that was what Techno used to think. While Tommy was still loud, it was as stark as it used to be. It was more of an aura surrounding Tommy, assuring Techno his younger brother was okay. It was more like how nature was never quiet than a disturbance. Tommy’s natural noise complemented the creaking of the wooden walls, the soft murmur of animals and the arctic wind. 

“Is Tommy joining us?” Wil asked, breaking the almost unbearable silence. 

“Not today,” Techno answered gruffly, crossing his arms defensively. 

“O-kay,” Wil said awkwardly, letting the conversation drop back to silence. 

Techno took this as an opportunity to look around the room a bit, seeing how Phil decorated it. 

There were some furniture Techno vaguely remembered but most were new. He wasn’t sure why, but Techno felt slightly disappointed by that. Phil’s house now felt the furthest thing from home.

“Tea is ready,” Phil yelled from the kitchen, making both Wil and Techno sigh in relief, the silence had started to become suffocating. 

Once Techno had a warm cup of tea in his hands he put on his most neutral expression, deciding to treat this like a business deal. 

“I need to be sure you won’t hurt Tommy, physically or mentally. Tom is traumatised enough as it is, both of you have contributed to it. If you can’t promise me you won’t hurt him then this is it, no more family business, no nothing. If you can’t promise me that you will stay this time, that you won’t leave even when it’s tough, then you don’t get to see him. And even if you can promise me all this, I can’t promise Tommy will see you, let alone forgive you, because none of us gets to decide that for him. Understood?” Techno said matter of factly.

Techno was careful to keep his face neutral as Phil and Wilbur processed his words, not wanting to reveal his nervousness as he waited for their answers. He didn’t have to wait long, fortunately, before the two nodded hesitantly. 

“I promise,” Wil said, looking guiltily at the floor, Phil’s own version of the same answer followed soon after. 

Techno gave them both a cold up and down before nodding hesitantly, accepting their promises, for now at least. 

“Okay, let’s talk triggers then,” Techno stated, leaning back in his chair. 

The talk went surprisingly smoothly after that, both Wilbur and Phil taking Techno’s words completely seriously. Maybe there was still hope for their family, and that hope warmed Techno’s heart.

Techno sighed happily when he finally walked back into his own cabin, because while everything had gone far better than he had expected he still felt exhausted and couldn’t wait to see Tommy again. 

“BLADE.”

Speaking of the devil, Tommy had obviously heard the door and now came sprinting to the door. Once again Techno was marvelled over the fact that Tommy was blind. He wasn’t sure if he was in Tommy’s situation that he would be able to sprint towards someone, and definitely not with the same confidence as Tommy. 

“RACOON,” Techno yelled back with a big grin on his face.

Tommy corrected his direction slightly and Techno opened his arms, readying himself for coalition.  When Tommy barreled into him, he stumbled slightly but stayed standing as the younger wrapped his limbs around Techno’s body.  

“I’m a big man, Tech, the biggest, not some weak-ass racoon,” Tommy whined, though he was still clinging tightly to Techno, quit the contradiction. 

“So you say. Yet, you crawl around on people, steal anything within your reach and I wouldn’t be surprised if you rummaged through my garbage as well,” Techno said unimpressed, keeping the smile on his lips out of his voice. 

“Finders keepers has always been a big man rule,” Tommy answered easily with a shrug, making Techno choke out a laugh. 

“Mm-hm,” Techno hummed amused after getting his laughter under control. 

He ruffled Tommy’s hair quickly before setting the blinded boy on the couch, much to Tommy’s own protest. 

“I have something for you,” Techno reassured softly, and Tommy immediately perked up. 

“What is it?” Tommy asked curiously while Techno fetched the mask from Phil and Wilbur that he had stored on top of a kitchen cupboard.  

“As I told you, Phil and Wilbur came by last night. They brought the netherite armour Ranboo had requested, but they also bought something for you,” Techno explained carefully, sitting down next to Tommy. 

“I want to make it clear, if you accept this gift it doesn’t mean you are obligated to forgive them or even see them. A gift shouldn’t come with any obligations and I will make sure this doesn’t either. All that being said, I think you will like this,” Techno’s stern voice melted into something soft as he handed the small package that held the mask. 

Tommy held the package hesitantly before he started to open it, his face filled with confusion as his hands met the mask. Tommy felt the mask for a bit but he still looked unsure what he was holding. 

“It’s a mask, like mine,” Techno offered, curiously watching Tommy. 

Tommy still looked deep in thought, carefully feeling the mask. 

“‘S not a pig,” Tommy mumbled after a moment, making Techno smile softly. 

“That’s right, it’s not a pig,” Techno confirmed, “It’s a racoon.”

Tommy’s hand froze up, and his face cleared up from the confusion. For a moment Techno wasn’t sure if his brother was happy or not about the gift, but then a big smile broke out on Tommy’s face.  

“I love it,” Tommy muttered happily, wiping a few tears away from his eyes. 

“Now, we are matching,” Techno commented, ruffling Tommy’s hair. “Do you want me to describe it for you?”

Tommy considered Techno’s offer for a short moment before nodding enthusiastically. 

“It has golden brown fur, which matches your hair, with darker fur around the eyes. Its build is similar to my mask, with racoon features instead of hoglin of course. It also has black cloth over the holes for your eyes, just like the white that my mask has, meaning that other people can’t see your eyes. Which means this mask has the same features as a pair of sunglasses, but more in your style,” Techno explained, happy to see the smile on Tommy’s lips grow. 

“So… when I wear this mask, people wouldn’t be able to tell if I look them in the eyes?” Tommy asked carefully. 

“Exactly,” Techno said with a smile. 

Before Tommy could respond, someone knocked frantically on the door. The two both looked at the door confused, but Techno got up to open it nonetheless. Tommy followed closely behind him, the mask still in his hand. 

Outside of the door stood Tubbo, looking nervous and panicked. 

“What’s wrong, Tubbo?” Techno asked cautiously, silently hoping someone wasn’t coming to attack. 

“It’s Ranboo, he, ehm, he just walked off. Into the snow. We were talking and then his eyes turned purple and he walked off. I don’t, He, something is wrong. It was, it was off. Ranboo has always been a mystery, disappearing at odd times, but it has happened more frequently, and I don’t think I’ve seen him like this, he was, it was like he was possessed,” Tubbo was rambling, stumbling over words and stuttering through sentences. 

“Purple eyes as in enderman purple eyes?” Tommy asked from behind Techno. 

“Yeah, exactly like enderman purple eyes, he was even surrounded by the same particles that usually surround endermen,” Tubbo confirmed, looking even more confused, “Why?”

“In exile I, one night I thought I spotted Ranboo. But at that point no one had visited me in weeks except for Dream, so when I saw his purple eyes, I just assumed that I was hallucinating that an enderman was Ranboo, especially since he had no reaction to me calling out to him,” Tommy explained, his brow furrowing as he talked. 

“So, our working theory is that Ranboo is possessed? By what?” Techno asked curiously. 

“I don’t know…but, I think Dream has something to do with it,” Tommy said after a moment, his voice dark. “When Dream kidnapped me, Ranboo helped me get out, but he wasn’t locked up. He didn’t know where we were or how he got there, maybe this would explain all that.”

Techno didn’t like where this was leading. Because if Tommy’s theory was correct, Dream had not only hurt his brother but had also somehow possessed Ranboo.

Chapter Text

Tommy was pissed. He hadn’t been this angry in a long time, probably since the start of exile. He had accepted that Dream liked messing with him, hurting him, but somehow, Dream going after Ranboo crossed a line. 

Tommy wasn’t sure if this was just a new way Dream had found to fuck with Tommy or if he wanted another pet to control, but frankly, Tommy couldn’t care less about the reason. He was going to end Dream. 

No one messes with Tommy’s friends without hell breaking loose. 

Even without sight, Tommy could feel Techno look at him, probably noticing the rage emitting off of him. Techno had promised Tommy the world, maybe he would fight by Tommy’s side against his oppressor as well. 

Without a word Tommy put on the raccoon mask, smiling as it fit perfectly. He carefully moved his hair out of the way, for the first time noticing just how long it had gotten. Feeling a light tap on his shoulder, Tommy turned slightly towards Techno. The confusion of the action soon disappeared as a hair tie was pressed into his hand. 

“I personally think that it’s fucking long overdue for some ass-kicking of that green Teletubby, he still got two shitty lives left, which is two more than he fucking deserves,” Tommy swore as he pulled his hair into a loose ponytail.

“I agree with Tom, the voices demand blood and I demand revenge,” Techno agreed, his voice as wicket as the smirk he probably was sporting. 

“Unleashing chaos sounds like a good plan, but I think we will need back up. Dream has a lot of people in his pockets, even some of our allies,”  Tubbo countered, though he did sound just as ready for a throw down as the brothers. 

“Phil and Wilbur fucking owes me since the cunts ratted me out to the dumb smiley. Dream also doesn’t have shit on them anymore as he already cashed in on their favours. I’m sure we could find some people in L’manberg who are tired of Dream’s bullshit, both Big Q and the furry seemed ready to beat him up before my exile. Niki hates me but I still think she hates Dream more, same with Jack. Bad and Skeppy are on the fence, but they don’t seem like people who like child endangerment. And I know Sapnap is Dream’s best friend or something, but he seemed pretty annoyed with him the last time we spoke,” Tommy rambled, pacing as he spoke.

“Connor might be able to get bought if I give him my dirt house, Punz could probably get bought as well. Sam and Puffy both care about people, so they would probably help. I haven't really seen George for a bit, and last time I did, I burned down his house, so I don’t know if I would be able to convince him to help us,” Tommy mumbled. 

“So, what I’m hearing is that we need to go to L’manberg?” Techno asked cautiously, clearly not very comfortable with this development but not sounding completely against it. 

“Someone needs to get the L’manberians but I don’t exactly feel like you and I would be great choices for that job, we aren’t exactly popular,” Tommy said with a smirk, giving Techno a friendly shove. 

“I’m still president, so I am probably the best choice for this,” Tubbo chimed in, though he sounded hesitant.

“But?” Tommy asked leadingly, knowing Tubbo was holding out on him. 

“But, I want to help too, I want to beat up Dream for what he has done, to you and Ranboo, I can’t just stand on the sidelines,” Tubbo explained, his anger and frustration bleeding through his words. 

“Tub, I get it, but we need the backup, and I promise, you will still get at least one punch. But I need you to do this so we can fuck that green bastard up,” Tommy did understand, he couldn’t imagine what he would do if he was in Tubbo’s situation, but this was what needed to happen. 

“I know, and I will. But you better get me that punch or I will punch you instead,” Tubbo said, his voice slightly more lighthearted, giving Tommy a playful punch on the shoulder. 

“I don’t think Tubbo should go alone, we don’t know what Dream did to Ranboo or if he has done it to others,” Techno said with genuine concern in his voice. 

Tommy completely agreed with his brother, but that also meant he had to talk to two people he really wasn’t ready to face just yet. With a deep sigh, Tommy pushed past Tubbo and Techno. 

Walking straight ahead, and silently counting his steps, Tommy stopped in front of Phil’s hut and knocked hard on the wood door. Shuffling could be heard from behind the door before it was eventually opened. 

“Tom…?” Wilbur started but Tommy interrupted him before he could get any further. 

“Dream has decided to mess with Ranboo now, and we need all the help we can get. Actually we need more than we can fucking get, so I need you to go with Tubs and gather the server and convince them to fight alongside us, no matter what it fucking takes,” Tommy’s voice was steady and confident, easily falling back into the familiar role of a war general. 

He was used to this, as much as it sucked, he could bark orders and do tactical planning. Tommy was many things, and mostly bad if you asked other people, but he was damn good in a crisis. 

“Wait, what?” Wilbur asked, clearly confused. 

“Dream is a prick, and we are going to take him down. But the fucking take down has to get speeded up because he now has Ranboo. The thing is, Tech and I can’t just take on the piece of shit without backup since we don’t know which tricks the bastard has up his sleeve. So I need you and Dadza to get your shit together and for once be useful and contribute positively to the server and help us the fuck out,” Tommy explained impatiently. 

Once Tommy finished his monologue he felt as if a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders, having gotten some repressed feelings out. 

“Okay-” “I’m not letting you face off against Dream-” Phil and Wilbur answers overlapped as they talked at the same time.

“The fuck do you mean with not ‘letting me’, Wil, you don’t get a say about what I do, not anymore. And I’m not even going alone, Tech is coming with me, not to mention that we will only have to stall until you and Phil do your fucking job and get the rest of the server,” Tommy hissed venomously, feeling a familiar rage bubble up inside of him. 

Tommy heard steps behind him, indicating Techno was ready to step in, which warmed Tommy’s heart knowing he was there for him and not Wilbur. 

“You misunderstand Tom, I’m not letting you face off against Dream without me. I know you hate me, with good reason, but I can’t let you willingly go to him without being by your side,” Wilbur explained calmly, but there was an edge to his tone, a sense of stubbornness that let Tommy know Wilbur wasn’t going to budge on this.

“Tubbo still can’t go alone,” Tommy argued through gritted teeth, feeling conflicted over Wilbur’s statement. 

 “I will go with him,” Phil said from somewhere behind Wilbur. “People don’t know Wilbur is alive, and I’m more respected anyway.”

Tommy felt his mouth fall open in shock, though he quickly closed it again. But not quickly enough for it to go unnoticed. 

“I know I have been a bad father to all of you, but especially you Tom. I can’t take back my actions or redo them, but I can make sure you will be safe in the future, and if that means going back to L’manberg or whatever to convince the server to stand together, then so be it,” Phil explained, his voice filled with so much emotion that Tommy was happy to wear his new raccoon mask. 

Tommy took a small moment to gather his thoughts and clear his mind before he spoke out. 

“So it’s settled. Phil and Tub will get the server, Wil, Tech and I will stall Dream until all of you show up. Techno will send you the cords and we will all have our communicators on for emergency contact,” Tommy said in a much more confident voice than he felt.

Chapter Text

Techno knew this was a bad idea, necessary but bad. He wanted nothing more than to turn around and go home, let other people worry and handle Dream. But he knew Tommy would never rest easy if they didn’t do it.

He took a breath, letting the cold arctic air fill his lungs and clear his mind. He had to be strong for now, for Tom and for Wil. 

Speaking of Wilbur, Techno had noticed how he had changed from the first time he showed up at his door. More like the old Wil, before pogtopia and all that. It was both as weird and unnerving as it was relieving. 

Not to mention the weird looks Wilbur kept sending Tommy, filled with concern unlike the malice they had been filled with for just a few weeks ago. 

Something had changed. But Techno just couldn’t figure out what. And it was starting to really piss him off.

“Hey, Tom, could you gather some wood with Clementine while Wilbur and I get a camp set up?” Techno asked carefully as the sun started to set in the distance. 

Tommy seemed ready to argue but closed his mouth before he said anything. After a moment of silence, Tommy just shrugged before shuffling off into the woods with Clementine by his side. 

Techno wanted to worry if Tommy had picked up on his nervousness, but he had to put that worry away and focus on Wilbur, at least for now. Wilbur didn’t seem to have noticed anything odd, or if he did he didn’t show it.

“Wilbur, I… You’re different?” Techno spoke slowly as his brain was still trying to find out what he wanted to say. 

“Well, I did die, if you went through that you would be a bit different too,” Wilbur said with a dry laugh. 

Techno hesitated for a bit, unsure how hard he would push. He wanted to know what Wilbur knew, he needed to know. Wilbur was holding back… something, and Techno felt in his gut that it was important. 

“I know you, Wil. You are different from just a few weeks ago, and now you are keeping something from me and I can’t help but feel it’s important,” Techno talked carefully, each word measured and precise.

Wilbur seemed to freeze up when Techno talked before he deflated. The silence stretched out as Techno could see the wheels in Wilbur’s head turn as the older tried to find a good excuse. 

“You’re right, Tech. In the Nether I started to remember things, not from when I was alive or Limbo, but I started to remember Ghostbur. At first they were weird and blurry, not coherent enough to fully understand. But slowly the memories resurfaced more clearly, and I started understanding them,” Wilbur explained, catching Techno by surprise. 

He knew Ghostbur had been in exile with Tommy. Ghostbur had been there as Tommy’s only company except Dream. Ghostbur must have seen what Dream did to Tommy, because he was there. 

As that realisation dawned on Techno, everything clicked into place. This was why Wilbur had started to act differently, why he cared. He had probably told some to Phil some as well, if his mindset change was anything to go by. It all made sense.

“Wil, I need you to tell me everything that happened in exile,” Techno said determinedly, a desperate edge rooted in his tone.  

“It’s still hazy, sometimes memories get caught off when Ghostbur felt sadness, but I still remember the worst of it,” Wilbur started carefully, working on the camp while he talked.

“I remember the day Tommy got exiled, Tubbo accepted an offer from Dream which surprised Quackity, Fundy and Tommy. Tommy looked sad so I started talking with him, Dream was there as well. I didn’t understand what was happening or why Tommy was upset,” Wilbur looked around nervously as he talked, like he was willing himself to remember. 

“When we reached Logsted shire, Dream built a dirt hut for Tommy and asked him to put all his things into a hole. Tommy refused at first but complied after Dream hit him. Once all of Tommy’s belongings were in the hole Dream lit some TNT and blew them up,” Wilbur stopped what he was doing for a moment, his eyes glazed over as he remembered. 

“This was repeated… every day. Dream visited every day, and sometimes he asked for Tommy’s things at the start of his visit or at the end, sometimes both. He would punish Tommy for almost everything, hurting him for the smallest things. Tommy wasn’t even allowed to keep food when Dream dug a hole. He had to constantly surge for food and even that wasn’t enough,” Wilbur started to shake in rage as he remembered back.

And Wilbur kept talking and by the time the camp had been set up and the sounds of Tommy and Clem coming back, Techno felt red hot rage deep in his gut. Wilbur had told him everything he had remembered as a ghost, and even with the missing pieces and the fact that Ghostbur had missed the last 3 weeks of exile, Techno had enough to murder Dream hundred times and still not have quenched his blood lust. 

But he needed to collect himself, Techno didn’t want to scare Tommy with his rage. He didn’t want to destroy the good progress of Tommy’s mental and physical health. So Techno took some deep breaths as Tommy’s steps became clearer. 

A part of him felt sad that he had to learn the horrors of Tommy’s exile through Wilbur instead of from his younger brother himself. But he also understood why Tommy didn’t want to relive it, something he absolutely didn’t want to put his brother through. 

“-Emintine caught a rabbit, I think. So we should be good with food. I also found a shitton of sticks for the flame, so we won’t be freezing our balls off in the snow tonight,” Tommy yelled from the spot he had resurfaced from the woods.  

His loud voice snapped Techno out of the mindless rage and back to the present. Techno cleared his throat and tapped Wilbur lightly on the shoulder to signal a silent agreement to not mention anything to Tommy, yet. 

“Then we better get started on the fire,” Techno said and ruffled Tommy’s hair, trying to hold the tense feeling hidden from his brother.

Chapter Text

Tommy wasn’t dumb, he knew something was up with Wilbur and Techno. He might be blind physically, but not mentally. He could feel the tension oozing off his brothers, but Tommy didn’t mention it. They were big enough to figure it out among themselves, hopefully. 

That aside, Tommy was slightly concerned when Techno asked him to gather wood, which was clearly a way to talk with Wil alone. Techno had sounded nervous, but Tommy didn’t argue, even if he wanted to. 

When he returned, Techno’s nervousness was gone, replaced completely by something much harder and scarier. Tommy could feel the rage engulfing his brother, but he also knew it wasn’t directed at him or even Wilbur. Techno did his best to hide it, probably to spare Tommy or not to frighten him. 

And Tommy was grateful for that, but he also wanted to know what Techno had talked to Wilbur about, if it was about him or Dream. 

Despite the curiosity bubbling under his skin, Tommy kept his mouth shut. He trusted Techno to tell him if it was important, he trusted Techno with everything he got. 

The camp they got set up wasn’t big or fancy, or even meant to last longer than a few hours. Dream still had Ranboo and they couldn’t afford to take long breaks. After they had finished the rabbit Clementine had caught, Tommy got maybe an hour of rest before he was gently woken up by Techno. They had to keep going. 

Tommy could feel the change of the air between his brothers, but strangely it wasn’t more hostile than before, if anything it was closer to the bond that they had previously, before everything.  

As to not worry his brothers, Tommy rambled on about everything he could think of. It almost reminded him of the old days, before the SMP and L’manberg and Dream, back in their cottage with Dadza and Momza. 

He used to talk a lot, maybe too much, but in exile it was something Dream had slowly beat out of him. Living with Techno had slowly but surely brought it back out, probably because of Techno’s encouragement. Talking was a way of coping for him, a way to get out of shit he wasn’t supposed to be in. 

So Tommy talked, because he didn’t want to think about where they were going, because he didn’t want to think about what Techno and Wilbur talked about, but mostly he talked because it calmed him. His injuries from his last visit with Dream had healed, but the ghost pain of the many beatings still buzzed in his body.

Techno joined in with small quips once in a while, but Wilbur was silent. It was a strange and rare occurrence for Wilbur to be silent, even in Pogtopia’s darkness the mad mumbles echoed emptily against the cave walls. And Tommy couldn’t help wondering if it was for his sake Wilbur was silent. 

A bad feeling inside of Tommy grew as they moved closer to Dream’s lair. And while Tommy couldn’t exactly say he recognised the area or even remembered being here before, he just had the sense of dread that usually stemmed from Dream. Somehow, this felt final, and the finality scared Tommy. And what a scared Tommy wanted, was to hear Wilbur sing, just like the old days, back when he was small and loved and in a world without fear. 

It started out slow and unsure, a small melody leaving his lips almost like an accident, like his mind slipped up and startled him. But Tommy kept going, letting the hum lead him, letting it form one of Wilbur’s songs. He almost stopped when a heavy hand dropped on his shoulder, but he continued after an encouraging squeeze followed by low humming as Techno joined in. 

While it was still only a melody, it was enough. It didn’t take long before Wilbur finally joined in, singing along with the melody, lifting it to a song. And for a moment, just one moment, everything was alright. Tommy knew it wouldn’t last, but it didn’t have to last to matter, and it really mattered to him. 

They got through a few more of Wilbur’s songs before they got so close to Dream’s base that they had to stop to not give away their location. Walking around in silence felt weird, Tommy had never been good at being quiet, not before at least. Losing his sight didn’t exactly help with the quiet problem as he now couldn’t see where he was walking. With that said, Tommy did manage to be quite sneaky, mostly with the help of Clementine and Techno, still not trusting Wilbur enough to let him be his guide. 

It felt like every step Tommy took was a step towards his doom, and every cell of his body screamed at him to run the other way. It was an instinct he had developed in the many months he had spent in Logstedshire, one that had helped him a lot of times, but also one he had to ignore for now. 

Clementine was getting antsy as well, probably smelling the fear coming off of Tommy and in turn stood on guard to protect him from the danger he was scared off. It was very sweet, and Tommy mentally made a note to give her a big feast once this was over. 

As the trio got closer to Dream’s lair, a calm washed over Tommy. Almost like a calm before the storm. All of Tommy’s fear started to melt away, not because he was less scared or had a plan to beat Dream, but moreover that he had accepted that even if he died today, his death would mean something and Dream would still get stopped. 

Almost like he could hear his thoughts, Techno laid a soft hand on Tommy’s shoulder, squeezing it.

“You have to stay behind me if this turns violent,” Techno said, his grip on Tommy’s shoulder was soft but his voice was serious. 

Tommy held back a chuckle at Techno’s choice of words, as if this wasn’t going to turn out violently. 

“One problem, big guy, I can’t really see you, let alone see if I’m behind you,” Tommy deadpanned, waving a hand in front of his own unseeing eyes. 

“Clementine will know, just don’t stray away from her,” Techno clarified and Tommy could practically hear him roll his eyes. 

“You got it, Techie,” Tommy said with an easy smile. 

Techno’s hand stayed on his shoulder, an indication of how Techno didn’t trust Tommy’s word. Which to be fair, made a lot of sense, Tommy did have a bit of a self-sacrificing streak. 

“You better stay safe too, Techie,” Tommy mumbled softly, smiling as his hair got tuffeled by Techno. 

“Somebody has to keep an eye on you after all,” Techno said, his voice playful but Tommy felt reassured nonetheless. 

“What about me, Tom?” Wilbur chimed in with fake hurt in his voice, the over-acting voice Tommy was so deeply familiar with and had missed dearly. 

“Oh, you can suck it Wilby,” Tommy said, sticking his tongue out at Wilbur as he grabbed onto Techno’s arm to really emphasise his point. 

“You hurt me, Tommy, you hurt me deeply,” Wilbur whined dramatically, his voice barely containing his laughter as he talked. 

The conversation slowed to a stop after that, the tension of their situation hitting all three. Tommy was still strangely calm, but even he could feel how tense Wilbur and Techno were feeling, hearing how their breaths hitched when they heard even the smallest of noises. 

“Wilbur, you stay with Tommy while I scope out the base,” Techno ordered, a statement that was followed by the sound of him drinking something, likely an invisibility potion. 

The waiting for Techno to come back was painful, the time seemed to stretch out eternally. Tommy was crouched down, one hand on Clementine and the other on the netherite axe at his side. He and Wilbur didn’t speak, both waiting tensely and preparing for the worst. 

Clementine was the first to notice Techno’s arrival, Tommy came in a close second place. 

“There is a main entrance, which is pretty obvious, because Dream is waiting there. I also found what I believe to be a back entrance, but to use it we need to distract Dream,” Techno recounted. 

“Dream wants me, I should distract him. He doesn’t want to kill me, he wanted me here for a reason after all. I will just play along until you have found and freed Ranboo, maybe until our backup is here, and then you can take Dream out,” Tommy spoke up before either of his brothers could, mustering as much confidence as he could. 

“Under no circumstance am I leaving you alone with that homeless teletubby,” Techno’s voice was stern, but Tommy knew it was really fear and concern speaking. 

“I won’t be alone, Clem will be with me, and you two will be in the shadows if anything goes wrong,” Tommy countered defiantly. 

Tommy was sure Techno was about to argue back, but he got interrupted by Wilbur. 

“As much as I don’t like this plan, I’m afraid that it’s our best option,” Wilbur said, his voice filled with frustrating, confirming his words. 

Techno huffed annoyed but didn’t protest any more. 

“Don’t stray from Clementine, and don’t anger the green bitch,” Techno said gruffly, before he explained to Tommy how he got to the main entrance. 

Tommy gave Wilbur a quick hug, still hesitant around him. Techno got a more sincere hug, though still brief. And with that Tommy walked off into the direction Techno had told him to. 

With a hand loosely hovering over the axe-handle on his right, and the other firmly placed on Clementine’s head, Tommy walked calmly toward what felt like his doom. Each step felt like his shoes were filled with lead, and Clementine was getting gradually more and more tense. 

The memories of Exile came rushing back to Tommy, every explosion and punch replaying in his head. But he kept pushing, ignoring his mind screaming at him to run away, to escape, to hide. 

He tried thinking of Techno, and how their relationship had been repaired at last. He thought of Tubbo, who had come back and apologised, who was still his best friend even after everything. He thought of Wilbur and Phil who were both trying to prove that they cared, literally going to hell and back to show him that they knew they had fucked up. And lastly Tommy thought about Ranboo, who had always been so sweet and kind, who was the only other person who truly understood how horrible Dream could be, who was probably sitting scared and alone in a cell much like Tommy had. 

The memories pushed Tommy to take every step towards Dream. 

“Oh, Thomas, what a pleasure it is to see you,” Dream’s voice was sickly sweet, making Tommy nauseous. 

“Just like you wanted, now, you have to pay your end of the deal,” Tommy answered calmly. 

“Uuu, Confident. I like that, Tommy, as well as straight to the point,” Dream basically purred, clearly having a big trap planned. 

“Just follow me,” Dream called, his steps echoing as he started to walk into his lair. 

Tommy followed behind, feeling as if he was willingly walking to hell.

Chapter Text

Purple haze filled Ranboo’s vision, his body started to move against his will and all his senses went numb. If he concentrated hard enough he could just barely hear Tubbo calling out to him, but soon that disappeared aswell.

Ranboo knew time was passing, but he couldn’t say how fast or how slow. It didn’t help that he felt like he was floating, drifting briefly into consciousness without a say in what his body did. He saw flashes of Dream and long obsidian halls in his bouts of lucid episodes. But the sound was distorted and to Ranboo it all sounded gibberish. 

He tried to break out of his trance, force himself back in charge of his body, but nothing worked. Ranboo was stuck. His body felt foreign and strange whenever he got his lucid episodes, and it felt almost painful to strain against his body’s will. 

As much as Ranboo would have wished so, he wasn’t alone either. A voice he had heard in the back of his mind for as long as he could remember, the vague smiley face engulfed in shadows. Ranboo had ignored it or he had at least tried. But it was persistent and it kept talking. 

But Ranboo was getting more and longer lucid episodes, though he was still trapped in his body without a say in where he went and what he did. Whatever held him was either losing control or focus, both option sparked a hope inside Ranboo and kept him struggling. 

The big breakthrough came at night. For the first time his lucid episode was more than just gasping for air while drowning, this time he broke through the water surface. Ranboo was still not in control of his body, but he could hear everything clearly and his mind was free of the disembodied voice’s mean, degrading comments. 

Ranboo was confused at first, blinking rapidly to take in the dull light of the random hallway he was in. But as his senes slowly came back to him, Ranboo started to pick up on the echo of voices. They were too far away to be understood, but still much clearer than anything Ranboo had heard in his other moments of clarity. 

Almost as if on cue, Ranboo’s body started to move. It felt weird, being so clear headed but still not in control of his movements. As strange as it was, Ranboo was grateful when he realised he was actually moving towards the voices. 

Walking down the dark, dim-litted obsidian halls, Ranboo tried to figure out what was happening to him. He knew this was were Tommy had been kept, gigantic obsidian structures weren’t exactly common, and that meant Dream was involved. 

The blackouts and the missing gaps in his memory had been more frequent, but Ranboo still didn’t know how or why it was happening. How did someone control him? How did they even figure out what to do or that it was possible? And most importantly, why was it happening?

The only thing he knew for sure was, Dream was bad news and he needed to figure out his evil plans. 

A bad feeling started to form in Ranboo’s gut when he recornised the voices. One was clearly Dream’s and the other was unfortunately Tommy’s. Had Dream managed to kidnap Tommy again? Was he okay? How much time had Ranboo missed this time?

The voices were still too far away to be understandable, but it was clear that Dream was monologueing and Tommy only made a few comments. No other voices could be heard which only worried Ranboo that much more. Where was Technoblade? 

Just as Ranboo could start making out the words uttered by Dream, his body turned down a hall and the voices once again started to fate. He wanted to cry out in frustration, yell out to Tommy, anything really to be in control again, but his body remained out of his reached. 

Ranboo occupied himself with taking in the building as he walked, noting different routes and stairs he would assume led to freedom. He noticed levers and buttons that opened secret doors. He looked at the bare walls and the noted on the rare occurrence when stuff hang on it. 

He noticed a prison cell much like the one he found Tommy in, build into the wall. Ranboo couldn’t be sure, especially because there wasn’t a sign, but it felt like it was a cell for him. Chills ran down his back and Ranboo was happy his body didn’t even slow down, and soon the cell was far behind him.

Without him noticing, Ranboo had circled back around towards wherever Dream and Toomy were. He walked through some hidden door and a narrow path, and suddenly he could hear the voices clearly. Ranboo was close. 

“Oh, Thomas, we are going to have so much fun.”

Ranboo cringed internally at Dream’s nauseatingly sweet voice, making him want to both throw up and punch the dumb masked man. Dream kept talking, half of which sounded like an insane preacher’s babbling and the other half like pure nonsense where Ranboo understood nothing of it. 

As much as Dream seemed like a charmer and manipulator before, Ranboo was pretty sure he was loosing his marbles. Maybe Dream had always been crazy, and he was just good at hiding it behind a mask, just like his face. 

“What’s the plan, Dream? What do you want with all these things?”

Tommy sounded tired, his voice breaking Ranboo’s heart. He was confused still, unsure what Tommy was referring too. But he didn’t have much time to speculate as his body once again started to move. 

“Oh, Tommy, you should know this by now. Things with meaning holds power, the more of them I own, the more power I have. Just look at you, willing to sacrifice so much for two silly music discs. You always felt it was worth it, when in reality, they are just two flat plastic circles.”

If Ranboo was in control, he would have stopped in his tracks, but alas he kept walking, forced to be stunned only internally. 

“Before you, Thomas, things were expendable here. Theft was common and unimportant, but then you showed up, and you brought attachment with you. It spread, like a disease, and soon things became more than things, lifes had a meaning, animals became pets. I saw how you changed people’s ideologies, Tommy, and I saw an opportunity unlike any before. That’s what I want, power, not just over you or your silly little plot of dirt, but over everyone. I want to be the only one with power.”

With every word, Dream’s voice grew more manic, leaving him crackling at the end. An empty pit formed in Ranboo’s stomach as he listened, horror and disgust filled his mind. Whatever Ranboo had thought Dream’s plan was, this was so much worse. 

“You are delusional Dream. This- This is insane, how can you not see that? And what does this have to do with me or Ranboo?”

What was he talking about? Why was Tommy including him? Ranboo wasn’t involved, right?

Ranboo felt his hands push open a door, and found himself standing face to face with Dream and Tommy. If the halls of obsidian had been impressive, this room as godly. It was so tall that the ceiling was near impossible to see, and it was big enough to have held multiple giants comfortably. 

On the wall behind Dream was a nether portal, with two gold platforms on either side. In the middle of the platforms were discs, one for each platform. Mellohi and Cat. To the left, the room continued for a bit, holding the most random things, either trapped or in frames. 

If he had any sort of facial control, Ranboo’s face would have scrunched up in confusion, but instead his face stay still and neutral. 

“Hello there, Puppet. Just in time,” Dream almost purred, turning Tommy’s attention to the half-enderman.

“Pupp…? Ranboo,” Tommy’s voice was barely a whisper as he figured out who had entered the room. 

Ranboo knew Tommy was blind, therefore knew he would be unable to recorgnise him, but Dream had luckily referred to Ranboo by that godawful name before. Ranboo’s dislike for the name was overshadowed by relief that Tommy remembered it. 

“The two most meaningful people on the server, both under my control,” Dream clarified, even with his face covered, Ranboo knew he was smirking. 

Once again, Ranboo moved against his will. He walked calmly and assured towards Dream and Tommy. The echo of his steps bounced against the empty obsidian walls before dying out somewhere above them. And soon, he stopped next to Tommy. 

Clementine seemed split between wanting to growl at Ranboo or greet him. But Tommy had a hand on her head, keeping her quiet and obsidian, much to Ranboo’s relief. He was scared about what Dream would do if the wolf started to resist. 

“See, Thomas, my sweet puppet Ranboo, the kind soul with a bad memory, he was easy to get control off, unlike you. With some help from the forbidden book, and a few enderman experiments, and I had full control. The best part, of course, is that he doesn’t remember a single thing he’s done,” Dream explained happily, patting Ranboo on the shoulder. 

He wanted to flinch away, avoid the hand, but Ranboo’s body stood frozen and stiff, not even twitching. 

“I can make him do things, the real Ranboo could never even think about doing,” Dream said suddenly, with a wicket edge in his tone.

Ranboo felt himself move towards Tommy, pulling out his netherite sword as well. Tommy stumble back away from Ranboo, his reaction just slightly delayed. Clementine followed as well, not attacking yet but whining confused as she barred her teeth at the controlled boy. 

“It’s okay, everything’s okay,” Tommy muttered softly, it was unclear whether it was to himself, Clementine or Ranboo, maybe all three. 

One step forward, one step back. The two moved slightly further way from Dream. Ranboo wanted to scream, drop the sword, anything. He just didn’t want to hurt Tommy. He didn’t want Dream to win. Not this time. 

With all the power he could summon within himself, Ranboo focused. And almost cried, at least internally, when his sword clattered loudly against the floor. Ranboo had done it, he had controlled his hand, he had dropped the sword. 

His head spun, and his hand felt as if it was asleep, but he was in control, or at least fighting back enough to be at an impass with Dream.

“You. Will. Regret. This.” Dream hissed, and dread filled Ranboo once more.

Chapter Text

The wait was the hardest, or maybe it was the inaction in the wait. Watching his younger brother walk willingly into Dream’s clutches, while Techno had to wait and do nothing. It was killing him. 

Techno’s had hovered over his axe, ready to pounce if Dream even made the smallest indication of an intention of harming Tommy. But that was all, just instinct, he knew he had to wait, or else it would never fully end.

With deep breath, Techno focused back on the plan, knowing he had to, or they wouldn’t sucseed. Once the two figures had completely disappeared into the base, and evening turned to night, Techno moved towards the back entrance with Wilbur in tow. 

They moved in silence, partly because they wanted to be stealthy so Dream wouldn’t notice them, but also because talking meant accepting that a lot of this plan was out of their control.

The back entrance was more or less a manhole, just a small trapdoor in the ground with a ladder leading down into the dark. As their eyes adjusted to much darker lighting, they noticed the obsidian that stretched out before them. Techno felt chills down his spine as they walked down the hall. The building felt like a horrible mixture of a netherfortress and the end. Both places that were void of people and life, instead infested by death and danger. 

Why would anyone want to live in a place like this?

Worst of all was the feeling of being trapped. The walls, roof and floor were all made of obsidian, making any escape slow and difficult. Techno hated being trapped, always had. It made him feel like an animal, feral and vulnerable. But the discomfort didn’t stop him, it even motivated him to move faster. Because as much as Techno hated this place and how it made him feel, he hated the thought of Tommy being here even more. 

“Tech,” Wilbur whispered hesitantly, pulling Techno back to the present. 

“Yeah?” Techno whispered back, stopping up and looked back at his brother confused. 

Instead of answering, Wilbur just pointed towards an opening in the hall, presumably leading to a side room. Even slightly confused, Technoblade walked over to his brother had followed where he was pointing. The sight that met him, stunned Techno. Froze him in his place, unable to move or fully comprehend what he was seeing. 

“What… what is this?” Techno whispered, mostly just to himself, moving closer the opening.

The room wasn’t even that big, and it was still made entirely out obsidian, no different from the hall. No, what made the room… special was instead the tiny book stand that stood in the middle. The stand was surrounded by different heads, mostly enderman, but also other monsters, and even a few player heads was scattered among them. 

That in itself was horrifying, but the thing that really caught the two brother’s eyes were the book open on the book stand. It was old, very old, but it had a powerful aura. The pages were stained the dried blood and drops of spilled potions. 

Against the voices advise, Techno walked closer to get a better look at the book, with Wil followering behind hesitantly. Completely entering the room made the book’s aura much more prominent, the power from it almost made Techno nauseous. Not just the power, the feel of death also contributed to that nauseating feeling. 

“Tech… This is the book, this is it… it’s the revival book,” Wilbur whisper yelled skittishly, looking around the room uncomfortably. 

Techno didn’t answer immediately, too preoccupied with the book in front of him. There were no doubt that Wilbur was right, this was the revival book. But that wasn’t what Techno was focused on, no, he was more interested in the page that the book was open on. Because it wasn’t about reviving the dead, these pages were about controlling monsters.

The pages were horrifyingly detailed, and grusomly described every step and finding leaving little for the imagination. It operated on the theory that all monsters were dead, not just the zombies and the skeletons. And the focus for the research? How to control endermen. 

Continuing further, Techno noticed the slow transition from endermen to endermen hybrids. And the more he read, the more things started to fall into place. A small tuck on his sleeve, brought Technoblade back into reality. He finally looked up from the book and turned to Wilbur. 

“We are taking this with us,” Techno said matter of factly, closing the book before Wil could protest or even say anything. 

Wilbur looked unsure, but didn’t argue. He looked pleading up at Techno, silently begging for them to leave the room. He didn’t have to beg though, Techno wanted out of here just as much as Wil. He just wanted to grab Tommy and Ranboo, cuddle the two in blankets, and make sure no one dared to hurt them ever again. 

“Let’s go,” Techno whispered, trying to convey his own discomfort, that he too didn’t like this room one bit.

They walked in silence. Both deep in their own thoughts but still hyper aware of their surroundings. A tense air surrounding them felt almost suffocating, but Techno knew that it would only fully disappear once he had Tommy back safely by his side. So instead of even trying to lift their spirits, he just hurried quicker down the hall. 

For the first time, it dawned on Techno that finding Ranboo might be harder than they had originally thought. Because not only was this place massive, but every hallway looked identical. 

“Hey, Wil? Do you have a plan to find Ranboo?” Techno whispered to Wilbur as he slowly stopped walking. 

“No- wait… Maybe?” Wil cut himself off as he started rummaging through his pockets, cursing lowly as he frantically searched. 

Techno was about to question his brother about what he was doing, when Wilbur made a sound of success, pulling out a small object from an inner pocket. It looked a little dirty and handcrafted, and at first Technoblade had a hard time identifying what was in Wil’s hand. 

With a sudden realisation, everything made sense. The small object was a compass. But not any old compass, no, this was much more useful. It was a person-compass. 

Normal compasses always pointed north, which made them good for figuring out ones placement, but without a map or an idea about where things where, it wasn’t the most helpful. Then, there were the place-compass. A compass that pointed towards a place or location, which was great of course. It meant that you wouldn’t get lost.

This compass was much rarer, and very few used it. This compass pointed towards a single person. It didn’t tell you how close you where, or if a person was above or below you. If they moved to the Nether or The end you wouldn’t know. It was an expensive built for teh limited usability. And yet, Techno had never felt such relief towards any other compass. 

“Why? How?” Techno asked, feeling like his brain was glitching in an attempt to catch up. 

“Why I have it? It’s something Ghostbur left behind, I remember that he made it for Tommy but I don’’t remember why he never gave it to him. As to how I got it or made it, Ghostbur had some weird way of getting person-compasses, but I don’t remember it,” Wilbur explained, handing the small object to Techno. 

With the compass in hand, Techno examined it closer. Up close, he noticed the details. The compass was much more intricate that first glance indicated, small details that revealed the person who the compass pointed towards. On the back, in a fine handwriting, was “Ranboo Beloved” engraved. 

As much as he might have wanted to, Techno knew he couldn’t waste time looking at the fine handwork. They still had to find Ranboo, afterall. 

Their search became easier with the help from the compass, though the halls where still a maze and they sometimes had to backtrack to find the right way. One thing that indicated that they were going the right way, was that slowly a low echo of voices. They were distorted and impossible to decipher, but still clearly there. 

Techno slowly felt worry creep up inside him. What if this meant Ranboo was with Dream and Tommy? How were he suppose to keep them both safe then? Dream would use them against Techno, no doubt about it. 

Almost as if he had read his mind, Wilbur put a reassuring hand on Techno’s shoulder.

“We will figure this out, I promise,” Wil said with small, but true, smile. “We won’t let him hurt either of them.”

With a tight nod, Techno continued down the hall. He appreciated Wilbur’s statement, but he was unable to truely believe it. A nagging feeling inside him kept saying it all would end in blood and sorrow. 

The dread only grew, the louder the voices got. The words that were being said were still unintelligible, bleeding together in echos. But, the people behind the words, they were now clear. Tommy and Dream. And even without the words or the context, the conversation was clear. This was an evil monolouge said by a person who felt certain of victory. 

Dream was many things, but dumb was not one of them. If anything, Dream were as calculating as one could be.

Chills ran up Technoblade’s spine, spreading cold fear through out his body. Sure, Tommy said a few things, questions mostly from the sound of it. But it felt as if Dream thought he had already won. Which meant, there were something that neither of them had thought of. An ace up Dream’s sleeve. 

What calmed Techno, was that Tommy seemed to be smart enough to not talk back or unnececaryly rile up Dream. Even without knowing what was being said, Tommy’s voice still came through as diplomatic and calculated. It filled Techno with pride for his brother, and hope for their own victory. 

More so, it filled him with anger. Anger that his young, young brother couldn’t just be a child. He had to act the part of a politician, of a hero. Techno felt anger for the loss Tommy had suffered, and angry at himself for taking part in it. It wasn’t a red hot anger, not an impulsive anger that could be solved with blood. This was cold, massive and calculated. And it spread through out him, focused his determination. 

Silently, Techno vowed he would get back Tommy some of what he had lost. Vowed that his brother would never need to calculate his words or think politically ever again. Techno vowed that he would not only let his brother be his own impulseself, but encourage it and defend it. 

With the new found determination, Techno felt himself move faster and more surly. Beside him, Wilbur adjusted his own speed, but he did look at Techno with confusion, silently asking what was happening. Techno wanted to answer, but he wasn’t sure he could explain it, so instead he just gave Wil a reassuring look. 

As they rushed quicker than before, the voices slowly became clearer and their words comprehensible. There were still no sign of Ranboo except for the compass leadding them the way. 

“I can make him do things, the real Ranboo could never even think about doing.”

The words felt like a dagger in Techno’s heart, and a horrible realisation hit him. The experiments, the book, Ranboo walking away, everything clicked. Dream was in control of Ranboo. Not only that, but he was using Ranboo as a puppet for his evil schemes. Dream was going to use Ranboo to hurt Tommy. 

Technoblade ran faster, subconsciously aware Wil followed suit just a few steps behind him. Fear and anger taking control, kicking his body into action. Fearing the worst as silence followed Dream’s statement. 

They were close, so close. He could feel it. He could see the door. He just needed to run, run faster. 

A loud clatter of neatherite hitting obsidian echoed out, confirming Techno’s hunch about the room. It was still far away, too far though. 

“You. Will. Regret. This.”

Dream again. This time his voice was filled with anger. And as much as that filled Techno with fear, it also meant something was happening, something Dream didn’t like, and that could only be good. 

The hallway seemed to unending, like they were suspended in a pocket dimention, neither moving forward or backwards, forced to run for an enternity without ever reaching their destination.  

It really didn’t help that sounds of fighting broke out mere seconds after Dream’s words. It added to pressure to Techno’s already stressed out mind. Blood roared in his ears, and his eyes zeroed in on the heavy doors that were slowly, but surely, getting closer. Techno did still sense Wilbur somewhere close behind him, but he couldn’t focus on that. 

His only thought was about saving Tommy.

Chapter Text

It terrified Tommy just how easy it was to go back to the dynamic between him and Dream from exile. It both felt wrong and natural, and more than anything it felt predictable. He felt like he was in exile, tired, scared and hurt. Choking down what he wanted to say in favour of being the obedient pet Dream wanted. It disgusted him. And it disgusted him that a little part of him felt grateful for it.

Techno had told him it was a normal reaction, to still feel protective of the false and manipulated relationship between him and Dream. That Dream had had months to beat and manipulate Tommy into submission, into a mind space that was grateful. 

To undo the damage Dream had caused would take longer than a month. Much longer. But what Tommy feared more than anything was that he would never escape Dream, even if the masked man died, the damage he had done would stay, linger and fester, and Tommy would forever be a prisoner to Dream. 

He kept quiet still, only chiming in where he was expected to, doing his best to please Dream. The man in question didn’t seem to mind Tommy’s quiet, if anything, he welcomed it. Even going to far to complement Tommy on his silence. 

“Look at you, so obedient, quiet as a mouse. Looks like my training did have an effect after all.”

It irked Tommy, but he didn’t let it show. Dream was only baiting him. Pointing out how good Tommy was, made him want to rebel, even if he got hurt. And Dream enjoyed hurting Tommy. But today, Tommy wasn’t letting it get to him, he just bit his tongue and stayed quiet. 

“I expected you to break a lot sooner in exile, Tom, you know. I started questioning if I would ever break you, but seeing you like this, maybe I did succeed and I don’t need to initiate my back-up plan at all,” Dream rambled on as he patted Tommy on the head, like he was an obedient dog. 

“You kept talking back,” Dream grumbled, his anger surprising Tommy. “I was sure that I would have to kill you and use my back-up plan to control the server.”

Tommy felt scared. What was Dream talking about? What back-up plan? Was he talking about Ranboo?

“I brought in my puppet, because I already had control, I only needed time to perfect it, to perfect the enderwalk. That’s why I timed his arrival with my exile plans for you, as I couldn’t have you ruin my practice like you ruin everything else. I know, I know. You burned down George’s house with Ranboo and that was why you got exiled. But, let’s face it, even if you hadn’t done that, you would have done something else, you always does Tom, and then I would have exiled you for that,” Dream continued, talking in voice like he was explaining something difficult to a child. 

“Poor Ranboo, he doesn’t remember stuff,” Dream cried mockingly. “He was perfect. He is perfect. An absolute perfect counter to you.”

“He’s just so innocent and likable, and I just knew nobody would ever believe he was the one behind anything bad. And you, Tommy, you are the complete opposite, and that is what makes you the perfect scapegoat and the perfect counterpart to Ranboo. You two were made to be used, Thomas,” Dream’s words made Tommy want to throw up. 

Dream talked like he and Ranboo were objects, tools meant to be used and discarded once they outlived their usefulness. All the torment Tommy had been through had been manipulated by the hands of Dream playing puppet-master, and that though made Tommy feel utterly hopeless and insanely angry. 

“Of course, I never really planned on you escaping, or running away. And I definitely didn’t plan for you and Techno making up. That has been problematic, Tom, very problematic.”

Tommy wanted to hide, or shrink, or go invincible, anything really, if it meant he could get away from Dream. The anger in Dream’s voice as he spoke, felt hot and like acid. The part of him that clung to his manipulated friendship with Dream, yelled at Tommy to apologies, to grovel, to do something that would make them escape Dream’s anger, but instead, Tommy stayed quiet. 

“But that is all water under the bridge now, Tommy, you are here after all and I’ll have someone take care of that pesky brother of yours,” Once again Dream’s tone switched, and it almost gave Tommy whiplash, making him even more unsure of how he should act.

Dream continued to ramble, but Tommy tuned it out, instead he tried to focus on the way they were walking. Not many good things had come from his time in Pogtopia, but one of the few things that did, was Tommy’s ability to remember twisted and winding paths in the dark. 

Of course, he assumed that this hallway wasn’t actually dark, but being blind, it wouldn’t have made a difference if it was. 

Unlike the last time Tommy was here, Dream wasn’t pushing or dragging him along, this time he could count his steps and mentally map his route. It made it easier to relax, to play along. It felt like if he kept track, he would at least have a way out, even if Tommy knew that he would never make it out if he tried to make a run for it, Dream wouldn’t let that happen. 

Still, Tommy clung to whatever comfort he could get, so he continued to count his steps.

“I had a plan for how to get you here if you had run for Tubbo instead, like I had expected, did you know that Thomas?” Dream’s mentioning of Tubbo got Tommy’s attention. “I did. I was planing to lure you here with the promise of your discs and an End .”

Against his better judgement, Tommy felt curious. He thought Tubbo and Bad held the original discs, but the way Dream talked, it could only mean that it was no longer the case. 

“I would give you a compass, one that would lead you to this very mountain,” Dream continued, not waiting for Tommy to answer or even react. “We would fight, of course, Tubbo would be there as well, he is alway there after all. I would let you think you won, for a second, then crush your hope by threatening Tubbo.”

Tommy felt numb, Dream explained this alternative plan as if he could see another reality. It was terrifying. 

“You would surrender, as you always do, sacrificing your precious items for the life of some who discarded you so very easily,” Dream’s voice was filled with glee, but Tommy could only feel nausea. “I would make you explode you items one last time, Tubbo’s as well, and then I would take you to the room we are walking to now.”

A heavy silence followed Dream’s last word, and Tommy wanted to cry. Dream’s words stung, they always did. The masked man always knew how to hurt Tommy the most, whether it was isolation, words, manipulation or fists. 

“What would then happen?” Tommy croaked, his voce small and nervous, a fear for angering Dream by talking griped Tommy, but it was too late to do anything about it.

“Patience, Tommy. You will find that out soon enough,” Dream lectured, filling Tommy with even more dread for what was to come. 

“Speaking of which,” Tommy heard a door creak. “Oh, Thomas, we are going to have so much fun.”

A chill went through Tommy. Sure, he couldn’t see what was in the room, but the energy was straight-up off-putting, and that combined with Clementine whining and the manically glee in Dream’s voice, was enough for the fear, Dream was expecting, to manifest in Tommy.

They walked further into the room, and Tommy only felt the fear and dread build. Dream started explaining what was in the room, talking about attachments and personal items . And Tommy just knew what this room was, he indistinctly knew what Dream was showing him without needing to actually see it. 

“What’s the plan, Dream? What do you want with all these things?” Tommy asked tiredly, exhaustion sneaking it’s way into his words and mind mind as he spoke. 

He was exhausted. He was so tired of Dream and his schemes, and plans of world domination. Of course, Dream did seem like he had not only gone off the edge this time, but willingly flung himself off it. 

“Oh, Tommy, you should know this by now. Things with meaning holds power, the more of them I own, the more power I have. Just look at you, willing to sacrifice so much for two silly music discs. You always felt it was worth it, when in reality, they are just two flat plastic circles,” Dream explained manically, leading Tommy and Clementine even further into the room. 

Dream’s steps echoed loudly giving Tommy an idea of just how big this room was. The room had to have high ceilings, with the way echo rose up and bounced off the walls. A faint whooshing sound alerted Tommy to a Nether portal near the wall infront of them, but that was yet to be revealed as good or bad. Tommy also heard the low chatter of animals off to his left somewhere, which seemed to be not only be where Dream was walking to but also an notch in the otherwise squared box. 

At first the animals confused Tommy, but then it dawned on him what- or rather who- they were. All the pets that had gone missing, or died mysteriously. Everything made sense. 

“You are delusional Dream. This- This is insane, how can you not see that? And what does this have to do with me or Ranboo?” Tommy exclaimed as his realisation sank in, almost loosing his precious control. 

Bare-knuckled Tommy held fast, taking a moment after the words involuntarily left his mouth to regain his levelheadedness. 

Before Tommy got any form of answer from Dream, the sound of a door opening interrupted the conversation. The few steps that followed sounded stiff and almost robotic, but they stopped too soon for Tommy to analyses anything else. 

“Hello there, Puppet. Just in time,” Dream hummed happily, making Tommy turn his head towards the sound, if only to fool Dream. 

It took barely a second for Tommy’s brain to realise just who walked through the door. “Pupp…? Ranboo,” Tommy whispered, scared to be wrong, while knowing he wasn’t. 

But Tommy wasn’t completely right, not really. He realised that, yes, the person in the door was Ranboo, but at the same time, it definitely wasn’t Tommy’s friend that was in control. He would have know if it was Ranboo the moment he heard the steps, but those weren’t Ranboo’s usual steps, to stiff and sure. There were no clumsy small steps, or nervous tapping.

“The two most meaningful people on the server, both under my control,” Even Dream’s voice was smiling as he talked, the image of a smily-face was all but burned into Tommy’s mind. 

The robot steps of Ranboo could once again be heard, this time walking towards Tommy and Dream. It didn’t take long before he stopped next to Tommy wordlessly and cold. It was weird, the only familiar thing about the person next to him was the faint smell of flowers, the only thing that assured Tommy that his friend was still there. 

Clementine seemed to pickup on the weird vibe as well, as Tommy felt her shake slightly from a held back growl. Reassuringly, Tommy subtly petted her head, trying to communicate that he understood the dogs confusion while still keeping her silent enough to not catch Dream’s attention. 

“See, Thomas, my sweet puppet Ranboo, the kind soul with a bad memory, he was easy to get control off, unlike you. With some help from the forbidden book, and a few enderman experiments, and I had full control,” Dream moved closer to Tommy and Ranboo as he spoke, making Tommy flinch ever so slightly. “The best part, of course, is that he doesn’t remember a single thing he’s done.”

“I can make him do things, the real Ranboo could never even think about doing,” Malice coated Dream’s voice as he spoke, making Tommy’s nerves act up.

As if on cue, maybe it was, Ranboo started to move. Tommy only managed to react quickly because of Clementine, which he was thankful for when he heard the tale-tell sound of a sword being drawn. Fear griped Tommy as he stumbled further back, fumbling to get out his own weapon. Clementine whine confused next to him, but followered Tommy obediently and didn’t do anything further. 

Tommy was a good fighter, but Dream was also good, only rivaled by Techno, and Tommy was at a huge disadvantage with both his blindness and his unwillingness to hurt Ranboo. But just as everything looked the most grim, the sound of a sword clattering on the ground echoed out. And sure, Tommy couldn’t see exactly what had happened, but he knew that Ranboo had somehow dropped his sword, which could only mean one thing; Ranboo was fighting for control. Relief overwhelmed Tommy as he realised what was happening.

The moment of relief was short-lived as Dream sneered out a threat, followed quickly by an attack. Out of pure instinct, Tommy managed to block the blow from Dream, pulling out an axe Techno had gifted him in the last moment before contact.

Blindness had changed Tommy’s fighting style. Naturally so. His old style relied on impulse and quick reactions, and heavily offensive. His lack of awareness meant Tommy no longer could strike quickly and run off. He had to wait for his opponent to come to him. So he change his style to fit the accommodation. Now he fought defensively, waiting for his opponent to become tired and heavy. 

The problem with this new fighting style was the amount of hits he had to absorb or avoid. Which was fine when he found quick but light fighters or heavy and slow once. Dream wasn’t that, he had tremendous strength, much like Techno. Dream relied on his hits to knock off his opponents balance and then sweep in with quick and deadly strikes. 

Tommy had though Dream many times before, he already knew this. Tommy also knew Dream was clever and innovative, he used tricks to gain the upper hand in a battle, and he had the tendency to be able to turn even the most bleak battle to his favour. It was terrifying as well as captivating. 

Another hit pushed Tommy back, making the boy’s body ache from the impact. Silently, Tommy cursed how weak his body was, still slowly recovering from the months he had suffered in exile, not to mention the freshly healed injuries from Dream’s last visit. 

“Get help,” Tommy managed to command through gritted teeth to Clementine, circling around, keeping himself between Ranboo and Dream. 

After dropping the sword, Ranboo hadn’t moved, so Tommy imagined he was fighting Dream mentally for control. And while Ranboo was doing that, Tommy was going to keep him safe, no matter the cost. 

Reluctantly, Clementine left Tommy’s side, running off to find Techno and Wil. Tommy could only hope he managed to hold out until they got here. Hopefully, Tubbo and Phil would also come through, getting the server to back them up. But there had been complete radio-silence since they had split, so Tommy wasn’t counting on it. 

Tommy sidestepped, narrowingly avoiding a deadly blow and got away with just nick on his shoulder. 

Tiredness seeped into Tommy’s body, his arms and legs trembling from exertion, but Dream’s powerful attacks didn’t seem to slow down as they continued. He didn’t know how much longer he could hold out, but maybe it would be for the best if he didn’t. It wasn’t the worst death Tommy could get, dying heroically in battle against a tyrant. Techno had always said that if he continued to act like a hero he would die like one. His life had always been like a Greek tragedy, it might as well end like one.

The moment he felt his defense falter, Tommy calmed, readily welcoming what was to come. But instead of a single powerful swing followed by pain, a whistle of an arrow by Tommy’s ear could be heard instead, saving Tommy from the swing. Confused, Tommy looked behind him, knowing it wouldn’t give him any help to understand what was happening. 

“You should have paid me more,” Punz said in a confident voice, coming from the nether portal.

It only took a second for Tommy to realise what it meant. Tubbo and Phil had succeeded. Backup had arrived. But in the moment of relief, Dream took advantage of Tommy’s distraction. And while Tommy still held up his weapon and parried the swing, the power combined with Tommy’s distraction send the young boy to his knees, painfully so. 

Theseus was killed on his knees by a man he called a friend. Tommy couldn’t help but see the similarity. With a dry and bitter chuckle, Tommy closed his eyes, reigned to his fate. But again, pain didn’t come. Someone had intervened, but not someone from the portal.

“I was wondering when you were going to show up, Technoblade,” Dream growled, sounding more and more like a monster than a human. 

Techno didn’t answer, instead it sounded like he took a swing at Dream, though Tommy could tell that it was more of an attempt to knock Dream back a bit instead of actually injuring the man. 

“Huh? Too good to answer?” Dream called out, clearly aiming to rile up Techno. “Or maybe you have just gone soft.”

Tommy tried to get back up on his feet, desperately wanting to help Techno, but his legs wouldn’t carry him, and his hand trembled so much that he almost couldn’t hold his weapon. He was useless.

“You say that as if it’s a bad thing,” Techno drawled bored, his voice coming from somewhere in front of Tommy, shielding the younger from Dream. 

“Uuuhuu,” Dream crackled. “I should have guessed it by that matching mask my pet’s wearing.”

Selfconciously, Tommy fidgeted with the racoon mask. With all the stress, Tommy had forgotten the mask was new, and Dream hadn’t mentioned it before. 

“Might as well make it clear who you are messing with,” Techno shot back with no hesitation. 

Sounds of fighting followed, but a hand on Tommy’s shoulder distracted him. He flinched violently at the shock of someone touching him, clumsily swing his weapon towards whoever it was. Luckily, his arms could barely lift the axe let alone swing it with much power, so Wil, who was the one he swung at, could stop it without any injury. 

“Hey, Tom, it’s me, it’s Wil,” Wilbur whispered desperately, instantly calming Tommy. 

“Wilby?” Tommy muttered wobbly, dropping his weapon unceremoniously. 

Instead of answering, Wilbur pulled Tommy into a hug. It was familiar to the one they had when Wilbur and Phil had first shown up at Techno’s doorstep, but yet very different. At the time Tommy hadn’t noticed, but now in comparison to this hug, Wilbur had felt much less into it. He had been stiff and awkward in a way their hugs never had been, but Tommy had just caulked it up to the recent revival and nothing else.

After the kidnapping, Techno had asked what Wilbur had said to him during the hug, as he had assumed it was an apology but doubted it after the snitching. Tommy had said he didn’t remember, which wasn’t completely true, but more because he wasn’t sure how to explain it. 

The thing that had been said was an apology, just not from Wil, or at least not really from him. Because after the initial stiffness and awkwardness, Wilbur’s demeanor had changed, something Tommy was pretty sure no one, not even Wilbur himself, had noticed. 

For a moment, just a moment, the person hugging Tommy was none other than Ghostbur. At first he hadn’t realised, he had been so used to the ghost of his brother that it just felt natural. That was also why the words that got whispered made little sense at the time. Ghostbur had apologised, but not for the actions Wilbur would have apologised for, like dying or going mad. The ghost had apologiesed for leaving Tommy alone, disappearing when Tommy needed him most. He apologised for the missing invites (something Tommy had long since repressed), and most importantly, Ghostbur apologised for what Wilbur was going to do. It was like he knew what would happen. Maybe he did, they were the same person after all. He had told Tommy he was still powerless, too weak and too suppressed to make a difference. But Ghostbur had promised he would make it up to Tommy, that everything would eventually end up fine. 

At the time, Tommy, had though he was hallucinating, he was crying and passing out from exhaustion after all. But now, Tommy had a feeling that it was the actual Ghostbur he had hugged, before he merged completely with the Wil that had gone to limbo. 

This hug was like the hugs from before. Before L’Manberg and before the SMP. Back when it was just the two of them in a cottage, waiting for Phil and Techno to return. It was warm and comforting. Tommy felt like he was home. 

The comforting moment didn’t last long, probably no longer than few seconds, but it gave Tommy some strength, just enough to keep fighting. 

With help from Wilbur, Tommy got back up on his feet and the axe firmly in his hand. His legs trembled with effort, but he was standing nonetheless. 

The noise of the battle around him hit him like a wall, having tuned it out temporarily before. Dream had stopped talking, but it seemed like it was still only a duel, but Tommy wasn’t completely sure.

Techno seemed like he was on the defensive, which was very different from his usual approach, but Tommy had a feeling that it was a decisions that was made for him. 

Somewhere behind him, Tommy heard the bustling of a lot of people, most of the server from the sound of it. They seemed to be moving towards Dream’s lair of ‘attachments’ if the shouts of anger was anything to go by. Bad in particular seemed disturbed by something, but Tommy couldn’t tell by what exactly. 

Clementine had also returned to Tommy’s side, and ever since starting this journey to Dream’s mountain, Tommy felt hope rise inside him. Once Clementine was back, Wilbur left, mumbling something about a book and Ranboo, but Tommy didn’t get to ask any follow up questions as Techno backed into him.

“I think something is wrong with Dream,” Techno hissed, after a quick apology. 

“No shit, Sherlock. I think the green fucker has always been insane,” Tommy snarked sarcastically, not understanding Techno’s point.

“Not that, Tom. This is different. He’s changing,” Techno’s voice sounded genuinely pressed, which Tommy knew meant serious business.

“What do you mean? Changing?” Tommy asked, griping his axe even tighter. 

Arrows hitting amor filled the silence before Techno did. The backup giving the two brother’s time to talk, even for just a moment. 

“I don’t think Dream is human, at least, not anymore,” Techno said hesitantly, his voice had an edge to it Tommy didn’t recornise, it almost sounded like fear. 

“I- I don’t understand. Not human? Tech wha-” Tommy didn’t get to finish as horrific roar interrupted him. 

The sound of fabric ripping pierced the silence left from the roar. And while Tommy could only hear the sound of bones and muscles breaking, ripping and reforming, he heard the strangled sound of horrors from his fellow onlookers. 

“F̸̨͕̟͓́̊͆̊̓̓̾̉̆̄̏͑̀͗̈́̾̀̅̈̔Ő̷̢̨͓̭̤̘͔̠̺̤Ò̴̙̰̳͕̜̫͖̲͚̟̩̖̹̱̭̦̱̈̀̌̃͗͑̉̓̍͛̃͗̂̈̓̈́̾̅͠Ļ̴̦̤̰͇̜͙̩̖͙̣̙͙̌͐̆͝ͅḮ̴̡̡̛̛͚̻͇̼̝̥̜̤̣̲̥͔͖͚̋̃̐̌̈͊͐̕͜͝͝ͅS̷̖̦̦̠͇̣̺̞̦͖̲̔̿̈́̀̋̈́͒̐̔̑̕͝͝Ḩ̴̯̮̟̹̲̟͋͘̕̚ ̸̧̡̛͎͍͇̘͚̞͇͍̮̞̘̲̲͍̍̄̈́̓̊̌͛̓̌̆̅͘͠͝ͅͅH̷̲̼̼̖̟̰̰̥̯̪̣̭̲̳̀͐̊̑̿͒̀̃̃͊̉̓̌̒̕͘̚ͅU̵̯̲̜̅Ṃ̸̢̛̩̭͕̘̗̻̬̫͙̻͚̳͉̺̘́͊̀̀̍̿̆̎̀̄̅̄͑̐͐̏̈͘̚ͅA̶̭͓̖̩̪̝̗̹͍̳̬͂̈́̆͆̃͝͠ͅN̶̯͇̫̠̩̫̺͈̺̙̥̲̬̬̲̗͖̄͌̔́͊͂̇̅̂̏̆̆̀͠Ş̷̧̗̤̭̠̮̩͕͕̘̠̯̖̘͊͗̎̑͗̀̚̚̕͜͝”

The voice that spoke was somehow still Dream’s but also not. Whatever this thing was, it definitely wasn’t Dream any longer. The real question was, how long ago had it been since Dream had been replaced by a monster?

“Ý̷̠̰̬̯̃̀́̂̕ͅǪ̶̢͎̖̗̱̝̰̺͖̆͋͐͆͘͘ͅU̴̼̖̩̠̺̮͎̻̓̂̉͆͋͆͜ ̶̯̘̀̈́̂͗̃Ḧ̴̹̦́̀̃̊̄̓͋̋̔̽͘Ä̸͇̦͙̫͙̞̘́V̵̡̻͓͉̥̊̄͋̚E̵͍̰̻̬͑̓̎̓͑͗̓͗͂ ̵̯͚̗̳̤̳̥͙̈́́̓R̶̨̢̦͙͖̠̙͍̦̻̥̀̎͋̊̉U̶͕̱̦̺͎̼͒́̔̃̌̈́͊̾́͌̚͘ͅÍ̶͓̥͍̤̺̪͋̎̂̈́͋̏͊͂̇̋͝͝Ņ̶̢̘͉͍̞̖̗͈̆̈́̈́͒ͅȆ̵͙̥̃͝D̵̨̨̨̲̪̻̩̖̤͉̯͖͒ ̶̢͕̬͕̘͉̥͕̲̹̂̎͌Ȩ̶̧̨͈̠̟̖̰̩̅̒V̴͙͆͊Ĕ̶̫̠̾͆̃̾̕̕͜R̴̟̈̇́͑͛̓́̓͜͝Y̷̟̳̥̳̟̭̩̍͜T̵̜̺̭̜͇̝͕̙͕̤̑H̵̛͈̘̝͍̍̊̅̇͛͘͝I̵̭̮͖̤̳͊̃̌̌͝Ņ̷͓̫͙̎̓G̷̢̰̳̬̩͈͚̩͓̟̳͈̞̎͒͐̒̓̐͒̑̉͌̾͂͐ ̵̨̩͕͎͇͍̿T̷͙̞̫̫̫̭͖̟͙̟̽̄̍̾͋̆̎̐́̉͗͆͜͝Ơ̵̯̲̻͉͂́͊̑́͌̄̈͌͝M̴̢̘̜̬̥̰̣̰̞͋̎̇̀̆́̕̕M̶̢̟͇̹̬̻͔͕̅̈̊̔͐̔̏̍́̿͜͜Ý̵͔̖̀̀͗̇Ì̵̡̲͎̩͕͚̠̦͈͘Ň̵͖͈͈̫̲̯̭̝̱̱̊̀͆͜N̵̜̯̣̮͉͒̎̇̏Į̸̱͉̻͓͇̥̣͉͓́̏̋̈̆͜Ţ̷̗̠̺͎̓̉̍̾͜͝ ̸̡̞̤̬̮͒ͅ

̵̙̦̬͓̤̒̆̀̑̉̀̂͐̕ͅ

̸̥̮̠̹̮̼̦̀̇̒̽͘̚͝͝͝͠͝Ẹ̸͒̉͋͋̐̄̊̒̑͊̽̀͜͜͝ͅV̶̧̨͍̦̭͎̩͚̒͊́̅̎̅̽͂̔͜͜Ę̸̧̧͈̲̠̗̤͙̙̼̃͒Ŕ̷̘̪̗̈̽̈́̅̏̏Y̸̤̪̯̩͑̇̊̈́̈́̕̚͝Ţ̸̧͓͈̳̼͎͈͓͔͇͖̞̔̉̍̽̑́̌̇H̵̭̰͖͍̞̤̰͈̓͌̆͌̀͌̑Í̷̡̼̹̮͕̤̹͖́̎͛̓̌͋̏̀̀͘̕N̵̛̻̲̳̹̩͉̳̼̣̟̯͆̄͛̍̔̓͂̋̽̌̏͝ͅG̴̡̠̤̼͖̞̻̱̙͕̀͋͋̓̄̀͑̕ ̴̤͉̞̲̪̹̪̮̓́̈́̓͗̔̅̔ͅI̸̛̥̟̜͎̙̖̖͐͋͆̿̈͐́̀̿̀͝͝ͅͅ ̴̖̻͑͆̀Ḩ̶̢̩̤̭̥̼̖͕̹͇̭̭͒̿̿͆͝Ȧ̵͉̉̒͐͘͝͠V̷̻̪͙̳̠̪̑̽̆͑̋̽͜͝E̴̢̘͙̜̦͍̋̇̃̇̓̃͒̋́̇̕ ̴̢̟͔̤͎̬͉͉̥̼̝͓̐͋̋͑̂̚͝Ẅ̵͚̏̒̓̀̈Ợ̷͍͕̹̥̟̹̱͔̂̋̑͋́̚͝R̴̠͇͖͊͜͜K̶̛̖̙̳͖̱͓̲̼͉͔͚͋̂̄̓̊̿̋͐͆͆̈́̚ͅͅE̴̠̯͎͆͗͐͂͒͊̅́̈́̿͠ͅD̴̡̠̯͇̫̹͎̩͈̰͚̽͒ ̷̧͙̞̤̤̿̈́͌̀͂̀̍̃̾̄͗S̷̥̝͋̿̈͛̃͋͆͒̃̔̄͛͘Ồ̸̢̧͈͙̩̼̩̺̄̆̋̔̎ ̷̨̨̢̨̲̲͍̮̜̤̙̹̽̌̓̑͐̒͆͒̏͗̕ͅH̷͍̬̺͈̞̜̖͇̉̓͆̑̑͛̄͝ͅͅÁ̵̧̢̨̤̫̒͐͒͛̓͝R̶̨̫̆͋͌͗́̓̅̌Ḑ̷̪͇̦̭̎̾̎̏̔̏͊̈͛̀͜͝ ̵̢̫̺̱̲͓̹̻̬͔̾̓́̃O̴̧̼̺̠̬̹͒̈́̈́̎̈́͑̿͒͘N̶̢̟̞͍̹̝̺̠̖̳̓̽͐͆̆̒̔̈́̾̕ ̸̢̧͉͉̲͕̲̜̻̗͓̲̼̀̓̑͆̕Ḯ̶̡̗̮̩͔͈͈̲̬̳̘̩͔͋̇̉͑̀͝͠S̵̢̧̡̤͙̜̪̖̞̊͆͜ ̵̨̟́́̚͝Ǵ̴̡̨͍̤̗͕̙̖͉̅̉̿̀̇̕O̵̡̼̹͎͕͖̖̤̐̓̏̒̐́́̐̅͑N̶̬̤͉̈͌̑̈̈̌̉̌̄͝͝ͅȨ̸̢̨̤͍̟̖̤͓̬̩̯͛

̸̢̡͉̘͉͕̟̞͂̈́̿̅

̷̭̲̦͓̻͉͇̬͇̎̑͐Y̷̝̤̎̉̌̄́̅̈̏͒̿͘͠O̶̘̰̣͇̿̂͐̈̍͌̀Ų̵̣̺̮̙͋̿͒͊̉̀̿̓̒̈́̒̕͝ ̷̯̟̟̩̺̈̇͌̔W̸̠̹̽́̀̇͌̌̏̏Ï̷͈̭̠̪̟̿͌́̚Ļ̴̨̩̭̤̟̀̎̄̿̍̈́̄̏̎́̓̑̃L̴̢̢̺̠͕̭̞͍̪̘̟̇͛ ̴̢̡̝̥̥̯͚̟̞̟͍͒̍R̶͎͇͉̬̎̅Ẽ̷̠͕̋̕Ĝ̴̡̧̛̞͖̳̪̪̬̏̓̔̈͆R̴̲̱͔̳̎́̃̄̂̍Ḙ̵̫͔̦̼̾̐̀́ͅT̸̺̩̭̦̤̲͙͋̉̂̈́̾͊̽͐̈́͘ ̶̧̨̬̻̦͖̠̜̮͍̭̔́̌͜͠T̶̰̤̘́̄̈͗͂̑̅̑́̕̕͘͠Ḧ̷̪̻̩̘͓̞̟̜͔͝ͅͅI̵͇̍̒́̈̽̀́̈́̉̑͐̾̚S̷͚̫̺̟͕̱͖͚̆̔͜͝”

Fear griped Tommy as he felt all of the monsters attention fall on himself. They couldn’t fight this! They didn’t even know what this was! Maybe, MAYBE, Tommy could appease this thing , it liked him afterall, thinking of him as it’s pet. Tommy would do anything if it meant his friends and family could escape. 

“Please. I will- I will do anything, just let them go,” Tommy pleaded, choking back his fear.

Techno didn’t seem onboard with the plan as he griped Tommy’s shoulder and yanked the younger behind him. “NOpe. We are not doing that.”

“S̵̬̯̪͎̮̻͈͍̲̺̋̓̈͂̌̽͗̃̑ṏ̷̧̰̱̠̱̳̘́̆ ̶̧̮̥̼̟̱͙̺̖͍̋̍̈́s̷̖̿̌͐͋̒͋̿̓͑w̶͉̺̲̖̐͒͋̚e̵̤̙̟̲̘͉̪̙̪̞͛͛̀͘͜͝e̵͔̣̟̽́̆̽t̶͖͔͈̯̺͌̏̋̈́͆̀̒̌̓̓͘͝͝,̵̹͛̒̽̆́͑̇̍̔̔̿̕͝ ̵̳̱̟̞͍̓̓̑̈̃̌̂̂̒̆̕̚̕b̷̧̨͇̰͕̰̩̋̔͐͜͝͝ͅͅͅǘ̷̥͔̩̳͖͚͉͙͎͗͑̀̿́͒̐̀̾t̶̢͈͇̭̹̳͊͛̈́͛͆͆̋́̇̕ ̷̨̨̛̞̫̙̫͉͈̆̇̓̀̂̈́͆̏̈͝͠ḯ̴͖̤͍̫̼̑̇̓̀͂͘t̷̨̘̯̹̥̣̱͉̣̥̯̙̔̈̍̍̋͋̔̈́͋̅͘'̸̢̬̺͑ŝ̵̢͕̩̜͕̦̈͂́̆̓͆͑̍̄̕͜͜͠ ̵̨̼̘͚̭͙̺͍̜̞͕̞͆̊̎̌̄ṱ̸͙̦̪͒̓͝o̶̢̪̗̣͓̱̥̫̪̪̭̟̭̊͛̈́̆̉o̸̧̳̰̹̯͔͊͜ ̵̢̨̥̮̻̱̮̾l̴̡̨͙͈̤͈̦̺͖̗͒̑ȃ̸̡̢̲̞̲̳̼͙̼͇̪̮͆̑̏͛͜t̴̛̯͚̩͉̥̜̞͕̻̮͍̺̂̀̃̈́̒͆̾͒̀̾͜͝͝ë̷͔̩͙̫̘̻͗̿̓͜͝ ̶̢̧͕͙̺͈̙̥̳͖̹̫̾̒͊T̶̢͔̖͓̚o̶̥̮̼̰̘̘̦̬̘͓͂̓̅̿̊̑̃̈́͛́̿ͅm̶̗̝̬͉̝͉̞̱̯͚̔́́͛̋̓̌̉̀͑̕͝m̸̥̎͑̔y̸̺͍̳͈͎̏͘”

Chills ran down Tommy’s spine as the creature’s voice turned into that sickly sweet tone Dream had used whenever he was about to do something horrible. 

Tommy felt as if he was backed into a corner, and he could see no way out, so instead of fighting it, Tommy hugged Techno as tight as he could. If he was going to die, he would go out hugging his brother, and that was okay with him.

Chapter Text

Blood was rushing in his ears, sounding defeaningly loud, almost blocking the sound of his racing heart. Yet, it wasn’t loud enough to cover the sounds of swords clashing just a room over. It was so close, just barely out of reach, and it was killing Techno.

Once again he urged his body to move faster, to get to Tommy before it was too late. His fear faltered briefly to a moment of annoyance at the length of the damned hallway, he felt like he had been running for months.

His focus got pulled from saving Tommy, not fully but slightly, when he noticed a ball of fur barroling towards him. Techno would normally have slowed in his confusion, but didn’t allow it this time arround. It took a half bark and the closingening distance for Techno to realise it was Clementine who was running to him.

The tamed wolf also seemed to realise who was running towards her, as she slowed slightly, barking once and turned back around once Techno was close enough. A realisation dawned on Techno, Clementine was getting help, she was leading him to Tommy. A smirk spread on his lips, proud of Tommy’s resourcefulness. Tommy couldn’t know that Techno was already aware of his location and making his way there, so sending Clementine was a great way of getting backup.

Techno’s smirk was unfortunately shortlived, as this realisaion lead to another, meaning Tommy was in need of backup, and fast.

Before it had felt as if time had slowed, but as Techno reached the doors he felt like everything moved at a lightning speed. Too fast and bluring together. Techno was vaguely aware that Punz was speaking, which his brain couldn’t process what was being said or how Punz had gotten there, before Techno bust through the door. Maybe he would have remembered or at least achknowleged what happened, if it wasn’t for the sight that met him.

Dream’s sword clashed into Tommy’s axe, sending the younger to the ground. Every part of Techno’s being screamed at the sight, though he was pretty sure he remained silent to the outer world.

His body moved in instinct, not waiting for his brain to catch up. Dream was raising his sword, manic grin showing at the edge of his mask, and Tommy was still on the ground. Fear gribbed Techno at the resignasion, the... acceptance.

Weapon ready in one hand, shield raised in the other, Techno threw himself between his brother and Dream’s deadly strike. The weight of the blow fell heavy on the shield, but was nothing Techno couldn’t withstand.

The voices screamed loudly, demandning blood and revenge, almost drowning out Dream’s growl “I was wondering when you were going to show up, Technoblade.”

Instead of answering, Techno threw his own blow at Dream, manageing to connect with the others sheald and knocking him back, though not doing any real damage. Taking the space he had just created to bear down in a better defensive position, ready to shield Tommy from Dream no matter what.

“Huh? Too good to answer?” Dream yelled, moving quickly towards Techno’s side.

“Or maybe you have just gone soft,” Dream teased, dodging to the otherside, probably hoping to rile up Techno or catch him off suprise to move past him.

“You say that as if it’s a bad thing,” Techno answered calculated neutrally, barely even listening to Dream’s words, meeting Dream with either his own weapon or shield at every turn.

“Uuhuu, I should have guessed it by that matching mask my pet’s wearing,” Dream shrieked amused, his sword clashing against Techno’s.

Fury boiled inside of Technoblade at the degrading name Dream used to refer to Tommy, likewise, the voices seemed to increase with an angry volume, chanting for the green fuck’s blood to spill.

“Might as well make it clear who you are messing with,” Techno countered, keeping the fury out of his voice.

Out of the corner of his eye, Techno noticed how Wilbur seemed to have reached Tommy. Relief flodded his sense, and knowing someone was taking care of his brother finally allowed Techno to go all out.

He still kept fighting much more defensively than he normally did, a fighting style he had adorpted more and more since Tommy had turned up on his door step. But Techno also allowed hmself to push Dream even further back, distancing the fight itself further away from his younger brother.

While Dream was probably spewing nonsense, Techno heard nothing execpt the clashing of metal against metal or wood. His focus remained on standing his ground, and tireing Dream out. 

Now, the two had fought against each other a lot – though, mostly duels and in competion. Still, that meant they knew each others’ styles almost as well as they knew their own. Which was how Techno noticed something was off. It wasn’t immediately noticeable, but the glaring contradiction became more and more obvious as the fight drew out. 

Dream’s fighting style took a lot of stamina, which meant that normally, a fight with Dream would be decided quickly, and was depended on what could hold out the longest; Dream’s stamina or the opponent’s defense. 

Of course, Dream was masterful at reading the battle, and even better at managing to escape and recoop his lost stamina. Which meant that Dream could usually tell if he was loosing and would jump ship before his stamina would run out.

Now, keeping all this in mind. Techno noticed that instead of feeling Dreams attacks weaken with the stamina thinning out, and the other preparing to disengage, every blow was dealt heavier than usual. And even more concerning, the strength behind them seemed to build expoentially.  

What was even more concerning was the silence. At first Techno had tuned out all sounds, focusing on the weapons and the fight, but now he realised that Dream had quiet down, no longer slinging quick insults or clever comments. It was unnerving. In all the years, he and Dream had crossed steel, never had Dream been silent. 

Technoblade could only ask himself one question: What was he planning?

Not only that, but something was different about Dream. His movements felt almost animalistic, growing jerkier as the strength built. Techno almost wanted to compare the attacks to a rapid dog, out of its mind and controlled by blind anger. It was unlike any other fight he had had with the masked man. 

But what frighten Techno the most wasn’t either of those things. Instead it was how Dream looked at him, or, maybe more accurately, through him. Even with the dumb smilyfaced mask, the blank empty stare send chills down Techno’s spine. It felt wrong… unnatural, but Techno just couldn’t figure out why.

He needed a moment, with Tommy, a moment that was uninterrupted by Dream. But to have that, he would need backup and space. Techno, with a quick glance over his shoulder, caught Eret’s attention. The two nodded in a silent understanding as Eret pulled out a bow, an action that got followed by the rest of the backup. Turning his attention back to Dream, Techno knocked his opponent back. Before Dream could close the newly created space, a rain of arrows kept him in place. 

Quickly, knowing he had limited time before Dream overcame the arrows, Techno stepped back, almost tripping over Tommy in his hurry.

“Sorry,” Techno muttered apologetically, weapon still in hand. “I think something is wrong with Dream.”

Tommy tilted his head slightly in confusion. “No shit, Sherlock. I think the green fucker has always been insane.” Tommy’s tone almost made Techno chuckle, despite the situation they were in. 

Techo shook his head, before realising Tommy couldn’t see the nonverbal response. “Not that, Tom. This is different. He’s changing,” Even to his own ears, Techno sounded stressed. 

His attention split as he kept an eye on Dream, both to make sure he wouldn’t be caught by surprise, but also because he noticed the increasing erratic behaviour, that made it almost impossible to look away.

“What do you mean? Changing?” Techno felt his heart break by how small Tommy sounded, and Techno didn’t miss how his brother’s hands tightened around his weapon in his hand. 

Loud clanging of metal scraping against metal momentarily interrupts Techno’s thought train, as their allies arrows hitting Dream’s shield and netherite armour. But even as he is showered in arrows, Dream seems only slightly inconvenient, not even concerned about the harm the arrows should be causing. 

Techno narrowed his eyes searchingly at the fighter in front of him, seeing how, even as arrows scaped the few exposed areas, Dream’s scratches didn’t seem red, but rather gold or purple. But if that was actually true or just the lightning, Techno wasn’t sure.

With a tense breath, Techno turned his attention back to Tommy who was trembling, either from fear or exhaustion, maybe both. 

“I don’t think Dream is human, at least, not anymore,” Techno chose his words carefully, trying to conceal the fear he felt, not wanting to scare Tommy even more. 

“I- I don’t understand. Not human? Tech wha-” But before Tommy could finish talking a horrible screeching roar cut him off. 

Instinctally, Techno stepped protectivally in front of Tommy, ready to shield him against whatever was coming. In that movement, he also turned towards the scream, wanting to know what he could be facing. 

This, was a decision that he slightly regretted when his eyes landed on Dream. At first he couldn’t really put a finger on what was wrong, just that something was. DEEPLY wrong. Dream was hunched over, standing like he was frozen in place except for some creepy twitches every few seconds. 

Techno was about to dismiss Dream as the source of horrible roar when the twitching turned to convulsing and seizure-like movements. Before he could process what he was seeing, Dream’s clothes started ripping, and Techno realised that it wasn’t that Dream was convulsing or twitching, but rather something was moving underneath his skin.

The sight in front of him, made Techno feel nauseous, and the sounds were even worse. At first he dismissed the noise to merely be from Dream’s attire ripping apart and breaking, but he quickly realised his mistake by the wetness to the sounds, it wasn’t just the attire that was ripping and breaking, Dream’s muscles and bones were getting destroyed right alongside the clothes. 

And perhaps the worst part, was the reforming. Because not only did Dream’s bones break, but Techno could see them come together and reforming in new constellations. His earlier sentiment was correct, whatever Dream was becoming, was no longer human. 

“F̸̨͕̟͓́̊͆̊̓̓̾̉̆̄̏͑̀͗̈́̾̀̅̈̔Ő̷̢̨͓̭̤̘͔̠̺̤Ò̴̙̰̳͕̜̫͖̲͚̟̩̖̹̱̭̦̱̈̀̌̃͗͑̉̓̍͛̃͗̂̈̓̈́̾̅͠Ļ̴̦̤̰͇̜͙̩̖͙̣̙͙̌͐̆͝ͅḮ̴̡̡̛̛͚̻͇̼̝̥̜̤̣̲̥͔͖͚̋̃̐̌̈͊͐̕͜͝͝ͅS̷̖̦̦̠͇̣̺̞̦͖̲̔̿̈́̀̋̈́͒̐̔̑̕͝͝Ḩ̴̯̮̟̹̲̟͋͘̕̚ ̸̧̡̛͎͍͇̘͚̞͇͍̮̞̘̲̲͍̍̄̈́̓̊̌͛̓̌̆̅͘͠͝ͅͅH̷̲̼̼̖̟̰̰̥̯̪̣̭̲̳̀͐̊̑̿͒̀̃̃͊̉̓̌̒̕͘̚ͅU̵̯̲̜̅Ṃ̸̢̛̩̭͕̘̗̻̬̫͙̻͚̳͉̺̘́͊̀̀̍̿̆̎̀̄̅̄͑̐͐̏̈͘̚ͅA̶̭͓̖̩̪̝̗̹͍̳̬͂̈́̆͆̃͝͠ͅN̶̯͇̫̠̩̫̺͈̺̙̥̲̬̬̲̗͖̄͌̔́͊͂̇̅̂̏̆̆̀͠Ş̷̧̗̤̭̠̮̩͕͕̘̠̯̖̘͊͗̎̑͗̀̚̚̕͜͝”

Techno had to steel himself as the monster in front of him spoke; The thing hardly even looked or sounded like Dream anymore, much less like a human. 

As it seemed to have finished the horrid transformation, Techno finally took in the look of the creature in front of him. Techno had traveled a lot, traveled to a lot of different servers, and experienced what they had to offer. He knew of every mob that existed in their world. And the thing standing infront of him resemble one of the most horrifying ones; The Ender Dragon. 

The Ender Dragon was not only a massive dragon with enormous power, but it also lived in another world, its own world to be exact, The End. And Techno had been there before, fought the massive creature a handful of times as well. But, The End was offlimmits on The Dream SMP, always had been. Techno had always figured that either it didn’t exist in this server or had been sealed off because of the dangers that waited in that world. 

But this thing wasn’t just The Ender Dragon, no this was a terrifying mix between the dragon and Dream. Each limb of the former human had been stretched and formed new joints, with bones poking through the split skin creating spikes. Dream’s neck had been stretched the most, moving in fluid, snake-like motions even as it should have buckled from the weight of his head. His face was still mostly covered by the white mask, but his own teethy smile could be seen peeking out from underneath, making it obvious the teeth had become sharp fangs. His hands and feet grew claws, destroying his shouse and gloves, and horns grew from his head. Big, skeletoric wings broke through Dream’s back, with his skin stretched ubsenely between the bones, creating the bat-like wings. And his spine seemed to have grown even longer, creating a tail of only bone. 

Techno felt queasy as black and purple blood driped from every newly formed feature on Dream, and the little skin that hadn’t been shredded was either covered in dark scales or had visible black and gold veins. 

“Ý̷̠̰̬̯̃̀́̂̕ͅǪ̶̢͎̖̗̱̝̰̺͖̆͋͐͆͘͘ͅU̴̼̖̩̠̺̮͎̻̓̂̉͆͋͆͜ ̶̯̘̀̈́̂͗̃Ḧ̴̹̦́̀̃̊̄̓͋̋̔̽͘Ä̸͇̦͙̫͙̞̘́V̵̡̻͓͉̥̊̄͋̚E̵͍̰̻̬͑̓̎̓͑͗̓͗͂ ̵̯͚̗̳̤̳̥͙̈́́̓R̶̨̢̦͙͖̠̙͍̦̻̥̀̎͋̊̉U̶͕̱̦̺͎̼͒́̔̃̌̈́͊̾́͌̚͘ͅÍ̶͓̥͍̤̺̪͋̎̂̈́͋̏͊͂̇̋͝͝Ņ̶̢̘͉͍̞̖̗͈̆̈́̈́͒ͅȆ̵͙̥̃͝D̵̨̨̨̲̪̻̩̖̤͉̯͖͒ ̶̢͕̬͕̘͉̥͕̲̹̂̎͌Ȩ̶̧̨͈̠̟̖̰̩̅̒V̴͙͆͊Ĕ̶̫̠̾͆̃̾̕̕͜R̴̟̈̇́͑͛̓́̓͜͝Y̷̟̳̥̳̟̭̩̍͜T̵̜̺̭̜͇̝͕̙͕̤̑H̵̛͈̘̝͍̍̊̅̇͛͘͝I̵̭̮͖̤̳͊̃̌̌͝Ņ̷͓̫͙̎̓G̷̢̰̳̬̩͈͚̩͓̟̳͈̞̎͒͐̒̓̐͒̑̉͌̾͂͐ ̵̨̩͕͎͇͍̿T̷͙̞̫̫̫̭͖̟͙̟̽̄̍̾͋̆̎̐́̉͗͆͜͝Ơ̵̯̲̻͉͂́͊̑́͌̄̈͌͝M̴̢̘̜̬̥̰̣̰̞͋̎̇̀̆́̕̕M̶̢̟͇̹̬̻͔͕̅̈̊̔͐̔̏̍́̿͜͜Ý̵͔̖̀̀͗̇Ì̵̡̲͎̩͕͚̠̦͈͘Ň̵͖͈͈̫̲̯̭̝̱̱̊̀͆͜N̵̜̯̣̮͉͒̎̇̏Į̸̱͉̻͓͇̥̣͉͓́̏̋̈̆͜Ţ̷̗̠̺͎̓̉̍̾͜͝ ̸̡̞̤̬̮͒ͅ

̵̙̦̬͓̤̒̆̀̑̉̀̂͐̕ͅ

̸̥̮̠̹̮̼̦̀̇̒̽͘̚͝͝͝͠͝Ẹ̸͒̉͋͋̐̄̊̒̑͊̽̀͜͜͝ͅV̶̧̨͍̦̭͎̩͚̒͊́̅̎̅̽͂̔͜͜Ę̸̧̧͈̲̠̗̤͙̙̼̃͒Ŕ̷̘̪̗̈̽̈́̅̏̏Y̸̤̪̯̩͑̇̊̈́̈́̕̚͝Ţ̸̧͓͈̳̼͎͈͓͔͇͖̞̔̉̍̽̑́̌̇H̵̭̰͖͍̞̤̰͈̓͌̆͌̀͌̑Í̷̡̼̹̮͕̤̹͖́̎͛̓̌͋̏̀̀͘̕N̵̛̻̲̳̹̩͉̳̼̣̟̯͆̄͛̍̔̓͂̋̽̌̏͝ͅG̴̡̠̤̼͖̞̻̱̙͕̀͋͋̓̄̀͑̕ ̴̤͉̞̲̪̹̪̮̓́̈́̓͗̔̅̔ͅI̸̛̥̟̜͎̙̖̖͐͋͆̿̈͐́̀̿̀͝͝ͅͅ ̴̖̻͑͆̀Ḩ̶̢̩̤̭̥̼̖͕̹͇̭̭͒̿̿͆͝Ȧ̵͉̉̒͐͘͝͠V̷̻̪͙̳̠̪̑̽̆͑̋̽͜͝E̴̢̘͙̜̦͍̋̇̃̇̓̃͒̋́̇̕ ̴̢̟͔̤͎̬͉͉̥̼̝͓̐͋̋͑̂̚͝Ẅ̵͚̏̒̓̀̈Ợ̷͍͕̹̥̟̹̱͔̂̋̑͋́̚͝R̴̠͇͖͊͜͜K̶̛̖̙̳͖̱͓̲̼͉͔͚͋̂̄̓̊̿̋͐͆͆̈́̚ͅͅE̴̠̯͎͆͗͐͂͒͊̅́̈́̿͠ͅD̴̡̠̯͇̫̹͎̩͈̰͚̽͒ ̷̧͙̞̤̤̿̈́͌̀͂̀̍̃̾̄͗S̷̥̝͋̿̈͛̃͋͆͒̃̔̄͛͘Ồ̸̢̧͈͙̩̼̩̺̄̆̋̔̎ ̷̨̨̢̨̲̲͍̮̜̤̙̹̽̌̓̑͐̒͆͒̏͗̕ͅH̷͍̬̺͈̞̜̖͇̉̓͆̑̑͛̄͝ͅͅÁ̵̧̢̨̤̫̒͐͒͛̓͝R̶̨̫̆͋͌͗́̓̅̌Ḑ̷̪͇̦̭̎̾̎̏̔̏͊̈͛̀͜͝ ̵̢̫̺̱̲͓̹̻̬͔̾̓́̃O̴̧̼̺̠̬̹͒̈́̈́̎̈́͑̿͒͘N̶̢̟̞͍̹̝̺̠̖̳̓̽͐͆̆̒̔̈́̾̕ ̸̢̧͉͉̲͕̲̜̻̗͓̲̼̀̓̑͆̕Ḯ̶̡̗̮̩͔͈͈̲̬̳̘̩͔͋̇̉͑̀͝͠S̵̢̧̡̤͙̜̪̖̞̊͆͜ ̵̨̟́́̚͝Ǵ̴̡̨͍̤̗͕̙̖͉̅̉̿̀̇̕O̵̡̼̹͎͕͖̖̤̐̓̏̒̐́́̐̅͑N̶̬̤͉̈͌̑̈̈̌̉̌̄͝͝ͅȨ̸̢̨̤͍̟̖̤͓̬̩̯͛

̸̢̡͉̘͉͕̟̞͂̈́̿̅

̷̭̲̦͓̻͉͇̬͇̎̑͐Y̷̝̤̎̉̌̄́̅̈̏͒̿͘͠O̶̘̰̣͇̿̂͐̈̍͌̀Ų̵̣̺̮̙͋̿͒͊̉̀̿̓̒̈́̒̕͝ ̷̯̟̟̩̺̈̇͌̔W̸̠̹̽́̀̇͌̌̏̏Ï̷͈̭̠̪̟̿͌́̚Ļ̴̨̩̭̤̟̀̎̄̿̍̈́̄̏̎́̓̑̃L̴̢̢̺̠͕̭̞͍̪̘̟̇͛ ̴̢̡̝̥̥̯͚̟̞̟͍͒̍R̶͎͇͉̬̎̅Ẽ̷̠͕̋̕Ĝ̴̡̧̛̞͖̳̪̪̬̏̓̔̈͆R̴̲̱͔̳̎́̃̄̂̍Ḙ̵̫͔̦̼̾̐̀́ͅT̸̺̩̭̦̤̲͙͋̉̂̈́̾͊̽͐̈́͘ ̶̧̨̬̻̦͖̠̜̮͍̭̔́̌͜͠T̶̰̤̘́̄̈͗͂̑̅̑́̕̕͘͠Ḧ̷̪̻̩̘͓̞̟̜͔͝ͅͅI̵͇̍̒́̈̽̀́̈́̉̑͐̾̚S̷͚̫̺̟͕̱͖͚̆̔͜͝”

Techno’s nausea only increased when the monster’s attention shifted to Tommy, feeling sick to his stomach by the pure hatred in the air alone. How was he supposed to protect Tommy against this Thing ?

While he was still stood frozen in shock, Techno felt Tommy move slightly past him. Before he could even react, Tommy started talking.

“Please. I will- I will do anything, just let them go,” Tommy’s voice was pleading, but Techno could hear the slight tremor of fear that his brother so desperately tried to hide. 

The words themselves were enough to snap Techno back to reality, and into action. Roughly, he grabbed Tommy’s shoulder and pulled him back behind him, ready to shield the younger, no matter what was to come. 

“NOpe. We are not doing that,” Techno stated through gritted teeth, more at Tommy than the monster. 

“S̵̬̯̪͎̮̻͈͍̲̺̋̓̈͂̌̽͗̃̑ṏ̷̧̰̱̠̱̳̘́̆ ̶̧̮̥̼̟̱͙̺̖͍̋̍̈́s̷̖̿̌͐͋̒͋̿̓͑w̶͉̺̲̖̐͒͋̚e̵̤̙̟̲̘͉̪̙̪̞͛͛̀͘͜͝e̵͔̣̟̽́̆̽t̶͖͔͈̯̺͌̏̋̈́͆̀̒̌̓̓͘͝͝,̵̹͛̒̽̆́͑̇̍̔̔̿̕͝ ̵̳̱̟̞͍̓̓̑̈̃̌̂̂̒̆̕̚̕b̷̧̨͇̰͕̰̩̋̔͐͜͝͝ͅͅͅǘ̷̥͔̩̳͖͚͉͙͎͗͑̀̿́͒̐̀̾t̶̢͈͇̭̹̳͊͛̈́͛͆͆̋́̇̕ ̷̨̨̛̞̫̙̫͉͈̆̇̓̀̂̈́͆̏̈͝͠ḯ̴͖̤͍̫̼̑̇̓̀͂͘t̷̨̘̯̹̥̣̱͉̣̥̯̙̔̈̍̍̋͋̔̈́͋̅͘'̸̢̬̺͑ŝ̵̢͕̩̜͕̦̈͂́̆̓͆͑̍̄̕͜͜͠ ̵̨̼̘͚̭͙̺͍̜̞͕̞͆̊̎̌̄ṱ̸͙̦̪͒̓͝o̶̢̪̗̣͓̱̥̫̪̪̭̟̭̊͛̈́̆̉o̸̧̳̰̹̯͔͊͜ ̵̢̨̥̮̻̱̮̾l̴̡̨͙͈̤͈̦̺͖̗͒̑ȃ̸̡̢̲̞̲̳̼͙̼͇̪̮͆̑̏͛͜t̴̛̯͚̩͉̥̜̞͕̻̮͍̺̂̀̃̈́̒͆̾͒̀̾͜͝͝ë̷͔̩͙̫̘̻͗̿̓͜͝ ̶̢̧͕͙̺͈̙̥̳͖̹̫̾̒͊T̶̢͔̖͓̚o̶̥̮̼̰̘̘̦̬̘͓͂̓̅̿̊̑̃̈́͛́̿ͅm̶̗̝̬͉̝͉̞̱̯͚̔́́͛̋̓̌̉̀͑̕͝m̸̥̎͑̔y̸̺͍̳͈͎̏͘”

Dream, or what used to be him, didn’t even acknowledge Techno’s words or action, his entire focus was still zeroed in on Tommy. But what struck Techno even more, was the change in tone, the words almost sweetly purred. 

Two arms wrapped around him, snapping him out of his analising mode. Tommy was clinging on to him in a tight hug. Without a second thought, Techno slammed his shield down into the obsidian floor, wedging it in between the cracks in the floor. Once the shield was secured, Techno turned and fully embraced Tommy. 

Was this the best time for a hug? No. But did Techno care? Also, no. 

Dream could throw whatever his heart desired at Techno right now, and he wouldn’t care. He had a shield watching his back, and his own body should protect Tommy if the shield failed. 

A roar, followed by extreme heat, made Techno tighten his grib on Tommy, protecting him from the fire licking around them, only parted slightly, courtesy of the shield. 

“Stay here, I will take care of the lizard,” Techno whispered gruffly to Tommy once the heat died down. 

With those words, Techno pulled away, shrugging off his cape before turning towards Dream.

It seemed, that most of the gathered people were unscathed as the attack had focused on himself and Tommy. And from what he gathered by a quick glance, they also seemed ready to fight the monster they had had known as Dream. 

Without further delay, Techno rushed the dragon. Finally, giving into the raging bloodlust that had been screaming just underneath his skin since Tommy had shown up at his door. The voices cheered loudly, screaming for blood just as loudly as his own instincts. 

He would not let Dream hurt his brother ever again, and Techno would make sure of it. However powerful this monster was, Techno would be sure to be stronger. Not only because Dream needed to pay for all he had done to Tommy, but also because Techno knew that if he died, it would just be another thing Dream would have stolen from Tommy, and that would not stand. 

Techno wasn’t even sure whatever Dream had become, was something that could be killed, but he would find a way.

A smirk spread on his lips. He would finally make this bastard pay.