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Chapter Text

The war between Manburg and the Antarctic Empire has been raging on for years now. And to be honest, you were sick of it.

Being a general is hard enough, but being King Shlatt's general? Torturous. Sometimes literally. But at least for now, He hadn't graced you and your troops with his presence since winter had set in.

Part of you thinks this whole ordeal is simply because that man hates the cold, but you knew there was more. Not that you knew why, other than Shlatt's twisted desire to rule over everything with an iron fist.

And so here you were, atop your prized mare watching over men and women who were currently facing off against a sector of the Arctic army. While you typically would be joining them, you had your sights set on one particular man. The one that was a thorn in your side this whole time. The one that has ruined a fair bit of your plans and strategies single-handedly.

The one and only Prince Technoblade. As your men called him, the Blood God.

You knew he'd be here. He somehow always appeared when you least wanted him. And you also knew you were under direct order from your master to bring that beast of a man down.

And then you saw it. A flash of infuriating pink hair, the gleam of a glittering sword. Found him. Through the dust and debris you could see him. His long bubblegum hair bound to his head in a bun and his arm cradling his side- Wait what?

You nearly had to do a double take. The prince of Antarctica, bleeding openly on the battlefield. You couldn't recall ever seeing him be more than mildly annoyed at your people's attempts to harm him, but now he was injured. Perfect timing. Now you'd have an equal chance to get rid of him.

You dismount your horse, Patting her neck. She was well trained and would remain where she was. Bringing her would only ruin your element of surprise, not to mention give Techno a larger, easier target to hit. So you made your way through the mass of bodies, sword in hand.

It could be disorienting to many, but you almost found it easier to think like this. With your sole goal being to fight, fight to survive, fight to bring victory to your people. No matter the cost.

It didn't take long before you found him again. He was hunched over slightly, clearly even he could get exhausted from all this chaos. You raised your blade up defensively.

“Call off your men, and I'll make this a swift death, Your Highness.” His title fell like venom from your mouth. As if formality mattered in the face of war and bloodshed.

His ear twitched and his head whipped around to see the general. His red eyes flashing with recognition. “Well, if it isn't the General.” His lips curled into a wicked smile, he looked crazed despite his slight waiver of stance. “I'll call them off over my dead body.”

His hand grabbed the sword at his side. The dark and jewel encrusted blade leaving its sheath in an instant. Here goes nothing.

Your sword clashed with his. The injury at his side only seemed to make him angry. Which was almost worrying given the sheer amount of red staining his usually pristine uniform. It seemed a miracle he wasn't already dead.

“You might even bleed to death before anything. Then you'll men won't have their hero to defend them, and they'll fall soon after.” You taunted as you two traded blows.

“I'm no hero. And I ain't dyin' yet.” The prince grumbled out. He shoved her away with a particularly harsh deflection. His sheer force of strength outweighed her evasion techniques greatly.

Just as he raised his sword again to strike you, you caught the glint of a familiar shape of an explosive falling in your direction.

Gas Bomb.

“GET DOWN!” You shouted, your adrenaline spiking as you rushed past him. You had to deflect the stupid thing or you'd both be dead.

The prince was stunned by your outburst, ducking instinctively. Your blade collided with the shell of the bomb, causing it to release. Shit- you cursed your mistake. The older models were more delicate than the ones your men had been using recently. You wouldn't be able to send it away like the others.

A thick powdery substance filled the air around you, filling your lungs and causing you to hack and cough. You sputtered to get your next words out. You needed to leave and get away from here.

“Get out of here. Head to the treeline.” You barked out to the man behind you. You didn't have much time to think as you turned and grabbed his arm, tugging him, the enemy prince, along with you.

Once you two broke the treeline and made it into a small clearing just off the side of the battlefield, you heaved and fell in a fit of coughs.

“We'll- Cough- We can wait here until the fumes dissipate.” You managed out.

Techno wasn't far behind as his wound was searing with pain by now. His eyes glancing behind him at the mysterious cloud of dust they'd just left behind. He wasn't familiar with those contraptions.

“How long does that take, exactly?” He asked. He settled down, leaning on a tree trunk, hissing from the pain in his side.

“Maybe an hour or two. That was a fairly large one. That damned king didn't listen when I told him those stupid things would get his own men murdered.” You nearly laughed at the idiocy of the man you took orders from.

Techno narrowed his eyes at you. From what he knew you were under direct orders of Shlatt, and yet here you were bad mouthing your leader.

“He's a psychotic idiot. I don't know why any of you listen to him.” He huffed out. His hands pressed into his side. He was getting nauseous from the pain and blood loss alike.

“We're not exactly volunteers, all of us are conscripted. It's the only way he's managed to keep our numbers up. Even officers like myself don't have any choice. It's treason if we refuse.” You explained, though you couldn't help but notice his wound worsening.

“I tried to leave once and the king had me beaten within an inch of my life.” The memories flashed of those cold nights in the dungeon. With nothing but your thoughts and their torture for comfort.

Technoblade scowled at the thought. Even as a seemingly ruthless man, he had a set of standards and forcing thousands to fight and be traumatized was certainly not a part of it.

“Have you told anyone about it? I'm sure you could seek asylum elsewhere.” He offered. It wasn't much, but he knew you were quick-witted and capable. Surely you could make your way to another kingdom and beg for their protection. He was quickly distracted by her pressing her hands to his side. The pain left sparks buzzing behind his eyes.

“You're bleeding out.” It was a blatant observation. But one that needed to be addressed. “I've got some rolls of bandages in my pack, hang on.” You moved easily. The muscle memory of the small pouch on your belt that held a few medical supplies. You've done this more times than you can count.

Pulling out the bandages you unclasped his chestplate slowly, doing your best not to hurt him. It felt weird now, he was an enemy after all. But he was still a person, and you couldn't just leave him to die a slow, painful death.

You held a small vile out to him. Red and glittering liquid of a healing potion. “Drink. It'll at least ease the pain.” You ordered, leaving no room for discussion.

He hesitantly took the glass bottle, looking over it intently. Once he was sure it was actually a healing potion and not a lethal one, he popped the cap and swallowed it in one gulp. The searing pain near instantly fading to a dull throb as you pulled up his tunic.

It was nasty. The skin both charred and sliced. You knew it at once, firework arrow. Just another of the dirty tactics your king demanded his troops. You closed your eyes for a moment to compose yourself, your mind racing back to the ones you've seen before. Bodies broken and singed. Your own men caught in the cross hairs, left writhing and dying.

As you exhaled, you grabbed your needle getting ready to patch him up even through your own aftershocks of the gas bomb. “This is going to hurt like shit, so sorry.” You said quietly.

Techno gritted his teeth as you began stitching. He usually did this himself if he got hurt, so the feeling of your hands moving just as diligently was a shock. You poured water from your canteen every now and then to clear the blackened edges and bleeding. The coolness eased the burn ever so slightly.

The silence broke as you pulled away, wiping your now bloodied hands on his ruby red cap. Might as well clean his blood with his own clothes.

“Why are you doing this? Healing me?” He asked gruffly. His stoic disposition a bit more relaxed now. But he was still guarded as always.

You hummed acknowledgment at his questions as you pulled everything back into your pack. “Don't think too much about it. I'd rather fight you when you're well than taking a cheap shot while you're down. Make it fair, you know?” Though he knew that you'd never be able to best him without his handicap. At least if you could, you'd want to win on honorable terms.

“War doesn't lend itself to fairness, General.” He replied. “But that's respectable at least. But I am still your enemy.” He reminded darkly. Not only your enemy, but the one you were ordered to kill. But you instead fixed him.

“Well, you're not the first Antarctic soldier I've stitched. So it's nothing new to me.” That caught him off guard.

“ ‘s that so? How many?” He asked. This general had defied the natural law of battle and helped her enemies. He'd laugh if he wasn't still recovering himself.

“Let's see…” He watched you pull your sleeve down to count the patches along your left arm. Antarctic rank patches. “Not including you, that's 15.” You answered. “I started collecting them as a reminder of each one.”

His ears twitched at your words. You wanted to be reminded of your somewhat treasonous acts of selflessness. “Why?” Was all he could ask. Why would you of all people, the highest ranking officer of Manbergs's army, be so set on caring for those that stood in opposition.

“Because they deserved the same treatment as my own. They're people after all, no matter who they serve. Even you.” You turned away with another cough raking through you. “My medical assistance is part of why I rose the ranks so quickly.”

“You seem more than basic medically trained, so were you like a child prodigy?” He asked. He'd seen the way you'd thrown yourself into battle with him. If it wasn't for his size and build, he's sure you'd have held your own well even with his meticulous fighting.

You grimaced a bit, but shook your head. Not the time. “Nah, I'm mostly in a tactical role. I only left my post because I saw you, Your Highness.”

“So you're the brains, seems about right. I was wondering if all this time I'd been fighting against a real tactician with how your forces were always laid out.”

You nodded. And he couldn't help but notice your hair falling in your eyes. “I fight when it's needed, though I'm hardly as lethal as you are. Usually I'm just trying to get information from your officers. Not like I could take you on in a real fight.”

Well, yeah- You were so small in comparison to him. Not even necessarily in height either, just in your general build. Most people never admitted they'd be bested by him. Though he did smirk a bit in pride.

They sat there for a moment in silence. Only broken by a few coughing fits from your end. It had been nearly an hour and your lungs still felt tight. It didn't bode well for you making it home this time.

“You think it's gone by now, That smoke?” Techno asked, looking back at the treeline that led back to the fighting. “What even was that? We don't have anything like that back home.”

You nodded weakly. Your head swimming with pessimistic outcomes as you could slowly feel yourself getting weaker. “Yeah, should be pretty much gone by now. And it's a type of poisonous gas. The powder gets ignited and explodes into a toxic substance.” You explained. You closed your eyes to block out the pulsating headache.

Techno shifted his gaze at you. Toxic gas? But then that means- “You took one to the face, are you going to be alright?” He asked. It seemed wrong to him, you passing from your own land's equipment. Especially after you helped him. He took notice of your shallow breathing, your drained complexion, and the slight clamminess to your limbs.

You knew the answer. You knew it all too well what happened to those that took too much of the toxins. You were dying, and with no one to help even ease you. You'd done it yourself plenty of times. To at least give the afflicted a peaceful last moments, but you would get no such luxury. You gave him no such response. Your silence carries the honest truth of your situation. He didn’t like that one bit.

“Answer me, General.” He ordered. Even through his monotone voice, his tone was unmistakable. The same that had his armies bowing to him, that ordered men killed and lives destroyed. You shook a little at the volume, reminding you of your own ruler and his similar harsh declarations.

“I’m not likely to make it to the end. I inhaled too much, it’s really only a matter of time. At least it will come easy, as if I merely passed in my sleep.” You blinked your eyes open for a minute. And at least you'll die on your own terms, and not of your horrid king's orders.

There was nothing that crowned bastard to hold over you now. Not anymore. You could finally be free.

Chapter Text

Technoblade groaned. He didn't know why this annoyed him so much. The voices in his head swarmed louder now. Usually they called for bloodshed and decay, but they swirled differently now.

Kill them! Put them out of their misery! Enemy! Blood for the Blood God!

Save! They helped! So small, must be protected!

He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts as he stood. The wound they'd patched seemed to hold up well. “Can't your medics help? It's your gas after all.” He watched them closely, their chest was still rising and falling, though he could see the effort it was taking. “Will they be able to find you here, or can you get back to camp?”

They sat there, nearly unmoving. A breathy exhale later and they were shaking their head. “Not really. There's no easy way to handle it, at least that I know of. And once someone's too far gone, it doesn't matter where they are.”

Techno frowned, this didn’t look good. He kneeled next to the general and examined them closer. Their skin was losing its color. They coughed again, turning their head away from his scrutinizing gaze. It wasn't until they closed their eyes again that he spoke up.

“Hey! Don't go to sleep. I know you're tired, but it'll only make you more susceptible.” He put a hand on their shoulder to shake them. They groaned and pushed him away, though it was a weak attempt.

“That's the point, Princey. It makes it easier that way. Besides, don't you have an army to lead? Go back home, Your Highness. If my men find you, they will attack. And there's no use of us both losing our lives.” Their faces scrunched up at the disturbance to what was supposed to be their peaceful demise.

“I can handle them.” He argued back. He put his hand back on their shoulder. He wasn't about to leave them stranded here. “At least let me get you somewhere you'll be brought back to your camp. You should at least pass in the comfort of your base and not in the woods.”

They shook their head again. Techno was already growing annoyed at their defiance.

“No, just leave me here. Don't worry about me, you shouldn't be seen with me at all, much less dragging me back to the war zone.” More coughs, this time they were so harsh they brought tears to the general's eyes. “Go home, you're already not in great shape yourself.”

“I'm not leaving you here to rot!” He shouted. For whatever it was worth, they had shown him kindness even in the face of war. They could've killed him, but they didn't. He's the reason they were here now; the reason they took the brute of the bomb. He wasn't about to turn them away so easily.

He surveyed their surroundings, looking for anything to help. His eyes landed on their medical pack. He leaned over to grab it and rummage through it. They'd given him a potion, so maybe they had more. He noticed how empty it seemed to be now, as it really only held a small bobbin and needle along with some small scraps of cloth.

*Had they really used the rest of their supplies on him? He huffed as he threw the canvas pouch away and turned back to the general. They were looking weaker by the minute, and he had to shake them again.

“Hey! Wake up!” He snarled out, his rough voice sounded more animalistic than before. Worry was setting in and it was showing more and more.

They grunted and shook their head again, trying to shake him off more than wake themselves up.

“This is war, Prince. You don't get to control who lives and dies. You know that better than any. The war will continue without me just fine. And if anything, it might actually end up better for you and your people not to have to deal with me anymore.” They barked out as best they could. Their voice was more hoarse now from all their fits of coughing.

“That doesn't mean you just give up! You're a general, and you'd never have made it this far if you gave up so easily. So why stop now?” He was furious at them for this. For laying aside and resigning themselves to this fate. There had to be something, anything, he could do. If he left them now, they'd be dead meat in no time, but he couldn't just take them to their camp. He'd be attacked mercilessly. And if he took them to his, they'd be taken as a prisoner of war and interrogated.

His pointed ears picked up the sound of rustling leaves and snapping underbrush. Someone was coming, and fast. He had to do something.

He couldn't tell who the person belonged too. If it was his, they could think him a traitor and turn him into his father which would be a hassle. On the other hand, he didn't really want to kill one of Schlatt's men in front of their general. That might be a bit far even for him.

He grabbed his axe from its holster on his back. The dark netherite shimmered with purple enchantments. He wasn't about to let anyone take advantage of him. Not right now.

A boy broke through the brush and stumbled to the ground. His hair is a ruffled mess of curls and leaves. From his uniform Techno recognizes the Manberg badges on his chest. He looks way too young to even be here, much less in a soldier's uniform.

“Huh?” He spoke, seemingly dazed from his fall. When he looked up at him, Techno could see ram horns emerging from his hair. The boy's face turned starch white. “Holy shit!” He exclaimed a string of curses as he scrambled to his feet. “Please don't kill me!”

Techno wasn't above killing children, Hell, he couldn't care less most times. But with one glance back at the general on the ground he sighed and made his decision.

“You're one of Schlatt's.” His voice was rough and angry. “Help them.” He ordered, gesturing his axe to your limp form behind him. “Or die trying.” Okay maybe that was a bit much. but he couldn't risk the boy leaving and telling anyone about this.

The teenager looked at you with wide eyes, recognition instant as he rushed to your side. “Speedy!” He shouted as he grabbed their arm. He looked on the verge of tears at the very minimum response he got in return. His pleading eyes looked up at the prince and his next words were shaky. “What- What happened? They don't look injured at all-” he examined them a bit more, like he was double checking.

An emotion flashed in his chest for a moment at the name this stranger had called you. Not your rank or even your given name, a special name it seemed. At least they won't be being cared for by a total stranger he tried to reason, but the voices latched on to this.

If he cared so much he'd not have left them to charge in alone. Maybe they're family? Could just be friends, they are of the same nation after all.

Why do you care so much? They're the enemy. Slaughter them both. Let their blood spill.

“One of your gas bomb things. They took a major hit from one.” He finally managed, he couldn't hear much of the younger boy's next words over the chanting in his head. And by the time he'd gotten them quiet enough to hear again, he saw the poor kid trying to pick you up. Well more like drape you over him like a crutch, though he could hardly get their body off the cold ground.

“You shouldn't move them.” He barked out. “They're weak enough, they can't handle walking.” The hybrid boy startled at his words. Like he'd forgotten the prince was looming over them.

“I- Well I have to. They can't stay here, it's not safe. Especially since I don't know when they started coughing like this.” He stumbled over his words, the concern dripping heavy in his every breath. Their friend at the very least then.

“Then let me, you're going to drop them if you try to make them walk.” He didn't give a choice as he put his axe back in its holster and his sword in hid sheath before stomping over to them. His steps staggered every now and then from his recovering wound.

He took the officer’s arms from their ally. His other arm swept their legs up until they were balanced in his arms. One arm under their knees and the other their head on his shoulder.

Part of him did it just to make sure you were still breathing at all. Your movements were small and shallow. He could barely feel your breath on his neck even from how close you were to him now.

But you saved him, so he'd repay you in equal measure.

The boy looked frightened and confused. He didn't seem to have the nerve to call Techno out on his treachery. “Uhm.. yeah, c'mon. We'll need a place to lay them.” He turned and started heading deeper into the forest.

“I'm Tubbo, by the way.” He said after a few moments of them walking. “And, thank you. For not killing them- or me- but mostly them. We… kinda need them, ya know.”

A chuckle left him at the boy's nervousness. There was something he always liked about making people uneasy, especially children. “I can still change my mind, so don't thank me yet. You still haven't made your end of the deal.” That made the goat boy squeak-

“Oh-! Yeah, well. I just hope my theory is right. Most people don’t recover from this sorta thing, but I’ve been working on an antidote that helps draw out the poison.” Tubbo explained in a ramble. “But they need to be stable and I need a work surface. There’s a large stump up here that should work, I really really need this to work. Dad would kill me if he loses his best soldier because I couldn’t mix it right.”

“Dad?” The question came out immediately. What did this child know about the general, and the king at that?

“Oh, uhm, yeah. My Dad is King Schlatt. So technically I'm a prince, kinda like you. But I spend my time in labs and not battlefields.” Tubbo pulled out a small handheld notebook and flipped through it.

“Then, why are you here now? I don't see any beakers or anything. Besides, aren't you too young to be doing anything involving this war?”

“Well, I'm 15, which is technically old enough to be conscripted according to my father. Speedy has been trying to find a better way to handle the explosions. So I've been working on a better way to reinforce our armor and make resistance potions work faster.” Techno looked down at you in his arms. So not only did you spend your time as an officer bandaging the wounded, even your enemy, but you also recruited this scientific geek to find ways of protecting your soldiers.

“You're still too young. Even more so if you're actually the prince. Shouldn't you be under mass amounts of protection?”

“I am his protection.” Your voice caught him off guard, the cough shaking your form as you clung to his other shoulder. “And you shouldn't be here, Tubs, you're supposed to be at camp.”

Prince Tubbo looked away sheepishly as he showed Techno the large stump to set you as they stepped into a clearing. “Sorry, but. Your horse, I saw it all alone and I got worried you'd been attacked. Turns out you had much worse.”

The prince helped Techno sit you on the trunk. Though he can tell laying you down is the better option as your shoulder tremble to keep yourself upright.

“I hadn't noticed the shorter fuse of the old models, I thought I had time to deflect it.” You hoarsely replied as your back hit the slightly damp log. “Just my luck, really.”

“Well, good news is all the older ones are probably used up, so now they'll be able to deflect if one gets too close to our own.” Tubbo said as he pulled out some bottles filled with different liquids. “You trained them well, you know.”

The goat prince began mixing the bottles, while Techno watched you both. You looked so tired and defeated. Your eyes flutter closed for long moments before you'd catch yourself and startle. If he couldn't help fix you, he'd keep you awake at least.

“So you trained your men? How long have you been general?” He asked awkwardly. It felt weirder now that there was someone else there to witness his lack of social skills.

There was the faintest hint of an eye roll to your face, but your lips twitched into a half smile. “I've been training since I was young, they've either trained alongside me or under me. The older worked with His Majesty or the royals before him.”

“So basically all of the-" he got cut off by a hacking sound. Your hand flew to your face. He could see a blackened sludge seeping out from your fingers as Tubbo hurried to get you a cloth.

“Shit- it's getting bad! Your Highness, I need you to hold them down, we don't have time to waste-” Techno was alarmed by the order, and the way he immediately followed through.

His hands came up and pressed into your shoulders. He eased you back down as you thrashed and coughed. He tried to be gentle, but you were showing some hidden strength behind your uniform.

“Tubbo, this is useless. We've never been able to save them before. Don't waste this in me- leave me here!” You shouted, the panic was settling in between coughing fits and that toxic substance driving from your lips now.

“I'm sorry, Speedy, but you have to come home.” Tubbo sounded sorrowful as he said this. Another bottle flashed from his hand as he shattered the glass over your head. A dark purple cascaded down your face and in no time at all the struggling stilled.

“What did you do!” Technoblade shouted at the goat as your body went limp. “You're supposed to be saving them!” His hand inched to his sword, ready to fulfill his threat earlier and spill the ram's blood.

“It's just a sleeping draught for now. They'll come too, but there's no way I could get them to willingly drink this.” The young boy held out the bottle he'd been mixing in. The contents looked thicker than they had before.

“Please, Blade. They're like my family, I can't see this happening to them.” He looked up and his brown eyes begging as he moved your sleeping form to the side.

Techno grunted as he pulled you to the side of the stump and held you still once more. Tubbo slowly eased the thick antidote down your throat, lifting your head so it didn't go down the wrong pipe.

Now that your breathing was even and your eyes closed, you looked at peace. If He wasn't watching your chest rise and fall he'd think you were just another dead soldier. He's seen countless before, the pale faces and cold skin, some with their eyes still open and lifeless.

You'd asked to be left like this. To be left to rot now several times. He wondered how many you'd seen yourself, with your own two eyes. And you pleaded to be counted among them.

“Alright. That should do it, but they'll be asleep for another while longer. If this works, that is.” Tubbo sat at the foot of the stump with his hands worrying his curls. “It will draw out all the poison and clear it from their system. They'll be weak after, until it all fully leaves. But at least they'll be alive.”

Techno only nodded as he pulled his hands to his side. It felt wrong to leave these two, and he didn't really have it in him to go back to the fight. So he plopped himself down next to your figure.

“Why, uhm, why did you choose to help them?” Tubbo asked quietly. “Enemies and all?”

Techno looked back at you, the rhythm of your breathing seeming to even out the longer you laid there. “They stopped me from bleeding out from an explosive arrow.” He left it at that. That's all there was after all. One act of kindness and mercy traded for another.

Tubbo only hummed in response, seeming he was used to hearing it. At least he wasn't turning you in for treason. Even as he mentioned what happened, he could feel the ache in his side.

“I can't be gone for long. The others will notice and hunt for me. Can you look after them for me for a bit longer? They should be fine, maybe a bit sick, but they should be able to make it back once they wake up. And i can set up their tent to let them rest properly when they get back.” The other prince asked him. His concern was palpable in the cold air around them. He was slowly realizing that neither of the Manberg higher ups in front of him looked dressed for the cold. And they weren't even fully at the Antarctic border yet and the boy was shivering.

Techno only nodded. He didn't really feel like talking right now. His throat stung a little as he sat there looking between the forest and the sleeping general who saved him.

His voices chanted and chatted so much that he didn't even acknowledge the younger prince leaving. They wouldn't stop begging to go back to fight, even in his hurt state. Some wanted to just abandon the unconscious body next to him. Or worse, kill them.

He was used to this, though, so he didn't know why this time it bothered him so much. Why did they always want to ruin something, or someone- that is. You'd done nothing wrong, nothing to *him* at least. He was sure his fellow Antarcticans thought differently of the one who led their enemies.

It felt like forever for him, sitting in silence with nothing but the breeze and your breathing to keep him grounded. He was fielding with his many rings as he heard your body shift.

His head had never moved so quickly to see you rolling onto your side, blinking your eyes open. You were still coughing, but it was a lot softer than before.

“Hey, careful.” He told you as he stood up to give you space. “The little brat said you'd be ill after-”

“I'm fine.” You groan out as you sit up. Your sleeve wiped across your face to get the inky black debris off. “Tired…”

“You need to go. I'm calling off my men when I get back.” You cleared your throat as you planted your feet in the cold ground. “I'm done with this for today.”

Technoblade held out a hand as you staggered. But you quickly hit it away. “Stop. You've done enough, go home, Your Highness.”

It was the last thing he heard from you as you silently walked away back onto the field. Leaving him watching your back as you pulled further and further away.

Chapter Text

Turns out shuffling yourself all the way through a dust ridden wasteland of a battlefield all by yourself after just waking up from a sleeping potion is a bad idea. Who would've guessed?

Anger boils just under your skin at Prince Tubbo and his disobedience against your wishes. What was so hard about leaving you there? He knew better than to try to interfere with your work.

You tried not to think about how Prince Tehnoblade had done the same thing in staying with you. He even helped Tubbo keep you still. His large pink tinted hands pressed your back into the wood while you kicked and screamed. And he'd been there when you woke up, Tubbo wasn't.

You shook your head. It didn't matter. Your lungs had cleared and now you could continue your job. And that's exactly what you would do.

As soon as your mare came into view, you started flagging your troops down. It was time to end this for today. You called them off and led the march back to camp.

Tubbo was already sitting in your tent when you arrived after putting your horse back on her post with some hay. It was clear he'd been pacing and worrying.

“There you are!!” He exclaimed, turning up and hugging you. His small horns bumping into your chest. “I'm sorry I had to leave you, I would've stayed but you know how the guards can be if I'm gone too long. I'm so glad you're okay? You didn't get hurt on your way back did you?” He rambled out so quickly you barely caught it all.

“Mhm.” You hummed and nodded. You didn't really want to argue with him right now, even if all the fire in your gut said otherwise. It would only make things worse to upset him more.

“You need to rest, you're still going to be feeling the effects of the antidote and probably the sleeping potion too.” The small boy tugged you to your cot. It was a standard bed roll like the other soldiers had, the only difference in this tent was your small desk. You'd need to send results off to Schlatt soon about the campaign you were on.

“You should rest too.” You replied as well. “You shouldn't have even been out there. Your Highness, you're going to have to make more of whatever you gave me. I'm not letting this happen to anyone again.” You ordered as you pulled his arm off you and sat at your desk.

“Please don't work right now, it's not safe for you to be stressed out when you almost died-”

“I almost die every time I show my face out here. This is no different.” You said coldly. It was a harsh reality. War wasn't safe for anyone, especially those in charge. There could be any number of people looking to off you whenever they get the chance. It didn't stop the work that needed to be done.

You had to reformulate your strategy since Technoblade was sighted. Since he was here then you'd need to account for how ruthless he was. Ruthless to everyone except-

“I’m telling Niki though. If you won’t listen to me, then you’ll answer her.” Tubbo confidently crossed his arms. He always tried so hard to be professional and in charge, but his baby face wasn’t helping at all.

“Your Highness, go to your tent before I tell your father about your defiance today.” The order falls like a blade. Sharp and cold, lethal to all it crossed. It took years for you to get used to the sound coming from your own mouth.

It always worked, the skittish boy squeaked and ran from the tent, to his own or maybe to the fire pit you didn't care. As long as he was away from you.

Your head hit the wood in front of you with a thud. Exhaustion washed over you like a wave. Your limbs ached and your head was pounding, hitting it probably didn't help. Your chest was tight and still hurt to breathe properly.

The weight of the nation laid on your shoulders. Each innocent citizen back home eagerly looking for this all to end and to have their friends and family home once again. But there was no end in sight.

The Antarctic Empire was a brick wall, there was nearly no way to handle all their people and especially not when their Prince was an ever looming threat. He alone was an army, and the added danger wasn't lost on you.

You wish you could simply beg Schlatt to call this all off. You had tried before when he declared war in the first place for no reason other than his own greed. But there was no rationalizing with him. He wanted to pick a fight and now you were stranded out here. He got to stay back in that pretty little castle and sip his wines and be merry. He wouldn't even have that power if he hadn't usurped the throne.

Luckily, you were too young at the time to know any different. Just a child when the castle was stormed and your parents captured. At first you'd been with them, locked in the cellar, but then Schlatt decided to keep you. It was that day you began your training.

There were times when you would be punished for failure during those long years. Schlatt always made sure that particular cell was open for you. A reminder of what he could do, that he'd just as easily kill you too.

You pulled your soiled jacket off your body, the grim making it cling uncomfortably to your skin. The sleeves of your tunic got rolled up shortly after, scars and burns danced across the flesh even as it disappeared under the cotton fabric. It wasn't easy getting this far, or to keep going.

Once this war was done then you could make it alright again. You just needed more time.

It wasn't long until your quill was in your hand and parchment pressed into the wooden desktop. The report was bullshit, to be fair, but it's not like the king was actually reading them. Just some stuff about how many were dead and what supplies you'd be needing soon.

While the wax was warming to seal the letter you opened the cage to your dove. Most other kingdoms use more sturdy birds for letters, like crows for Antarctica or Owls for Kinoko. But before Schlatt took over, your kingdom used doves.

The small bird fluttered out of her cage with a chirp and flapped around the small tent for a moment before settling on the footrest of your cot.

“Good to see you too, Fifi.” You cooed at the white dove as it preened its feathers. She'd have quite the flight ahead of her to get back to Manberg Castle. And you could only hope that one of the advisors was the one she would hand the letter to, Schlatt hated that you kept this small token of your family's history. The only reason he allowed it was because it made it easy to know who sent the letters without having to open it.

The wax was hot enough now, but as you looked at the newly melted red liquid it reminded you of Prince Technoblade's wound. Even the slightly darker edges that touched the metal stand almost paralleled the soot that lingered on his skin.

He very well could've killed you even then, and especially now. He could turn you over to Schlatt and you'd be executed. You wrapped your arms around yourself, much like he'd done to hold you down before Tubbo drugged you. You recall the small fraction of panic the Arctic prince's face held as you fought back.

Those red piercing eyes that you've witnessed gleaming while he mercilessly slaughtered those around him. Your troops, your people, your friends. And yet, from the moment you two had breached the forest that same violence seemed to extinguish.

You sighed and threw a few more wax pieces into the melted.

One more letter couldn't hurt, right?

~~~

The sound of Techno's boots echoed off the marble flooring as he paced the halls of the bastion he was stationed at. He was trying to clear his mind as best he could but it didn't seem to be working out in his favor.

It's been hours since he arrived back from the “victory” at the border. The voices didn't even consider it a true win, which was already annoying enough, but he'd have to explain what happened to his father eventually. He could just keep it vague and simple and say that they simply retreated, but the Emperor, his father, knew when he was hiding things and would find out.

It wasn't even like he'd done anything wrong necessarily, it wasn't illegal to save someone's life. But it was seen as a betrayal and Techno would never even want to think of becoming a traitor to his family.

His frustration was getting the best of him, the voices too loud. They weren't even angry or bloodthirsty right now, just annoying. He couldn't even keep up with what they were saying with all the cacophony, so he just huffed and turned to go to his room. At least there he wouldn't be bothered by the servants who looked at him like he'd grown a second head whenever he was caught muttering to himself and the voices.

As soon as the dark oak door closed behind him, Technoblade knew something was wrong. He had always been very keen about his space, his room especially. His desk and dressers were neat and organized along with his bookshelves and weapons cabinet that he spent ages categorizing. But something else was here.

A soft chirping caused his ears to twitch. A bird? But why was it so close? The only birds that came this close to his room were messenger crows of his father's.

He approached the balcony cautiously, it felt stupid, but after years of battle and training he got used to keeping his guard up at all times. He pulled the velvet curtains back as he looked to see the creature.

The small white dove sat on the iron railing as if it had been there dozens of times before. On one of its legs there was a red ribbon that held a letter. Techno couldn't even remember the last time he'd seen a dove being used to send messages.

The bird flapped its wings a few times as he stepped out onto the small platform. His hand gently reached out to hold the dove still as he pulled the ribbon and letter off. The note was small, at least with how it had been folded up it seemed. Techno looked at the seal for a moment, not recognizing the crest that had been stamped on it. The handwriting was decently neat enough to read that the paper was indeed for him.

He placed the dove on the perch that was filled with birdseed that the normal crows used as he walked back to his desk with the parchment in hand.

Once he sat down, he opened the folded note curiously. The words that greeted him gave him a bit of pause.

"Arctic Prince,

I send this to show that I've made it home safely with my troops. We have now done each other a favor and for that I give thanks. Do not take this kindness or retreat as a weakness, we will be back. And I'll not make the same mistake twice. The next time we meet, your head will be mine.”

It was signed with your name at the bottom. He lightly laughed at the way the written words echoed with the same treatment that your spoken tone did. He wondered if he did in a similar manner based on how people tended to respond to his correspondences.

The content wasn't of much concern, they were enemies on the field after all. Part of him appreciated the directness of this not-so-concealed threat, most of his opponents would never dare. It excited him.

He had already been enjoying the slight run around he'd been facing with this general during this war. Emperor Phil had left Techno in charge as a way to prepare him for the throne, and he was taking it very seriously. And he really had to thank this person for making so much more than just having him show up and scare off his attackers.

He actually had to plan and pick his battles and where he stepped in to assist personally as well as managing the other troops. It seemed Lady Fate had finally given him a worthy target, all the better now that he had a face to the name.

A smirk played on his face as he dropped the note onto his desktop and grabbed his pen and ink. There was no way he was leaving this one sided.

“General,

I am happy to hear that you and your troops are safe and sound. Your thanks is not needed, however it is still appreciated. I look forward to seeing you come through on your word.

Yours truly, Prince Technoblade.”

He nearly died laughing as the dove carried away the letter. It was nearly half the size of the poor thing as it flapped away from the bastion. He turned back to his desk where he'd saved the small ribbon. The note sat tucked away in his letterbox to hide it away from any prying eyes of servants who might come in to clean his room. Now he'd need to set his sights on wherever you would be next.

~~~

It's been five days. Five days since he's heard anything from you or about you. Even all of his officers that had been informed to report directly to him if they saw you at all had come up empty.

It was frustrating him so much that it was nearly embarrassing. You'd always been very quick and evasive, but this was annoying.

Meanwhile you were leaving a meeting with your lower officers to help do just that, stay out of sight.

As soon as your Fifi returned with that letter you burned it in your tent and formed your plans. If he would target you, then you'd make sure to lay low. All the conflicts in the past week were led by your subordinates who gave you all the information you needed. Technoblade was trying to track you. At first he showed up to every single one, but it seemed like he wouldn't even face the hordes if you weren't among them.

This you could use. But you had to play it right. You'd have to divide your forces to be wide enough to overtake this border and the bastions nearby. But if you managed to lure the prince away from the real work, then you'd surely succeed.

You smiled as you mounted your horse to take a small ride to the creek. You'd been cooped up at camp for too long and after handling all the wounded and sending the dead home. So you longed for a change to clean off.

“You sure you don't want me coming with you?” Your lieutenant, Niki, asked. She'd already scolded you for your overworking and was one of the few pushing you into your hiding scheme as a way to make you rest after your brush with death. “You need to make sure you're not seen, right? So maybe you need a scout or lookout.” She offered sweetly. You knew she meant well.

“I'll be fine, besides, I need you here to look after the prince and to make sure all the troops understand our next moves. I'm just going to wash up a bit. It's no more than a mile or so upstream.” You assure her as you grabbed the reins of the horse. You really needed the space, especially to clear your head with all this strategy and plays.

You leave Niki and camp behind as you lightly kick your horse into action. She wasn't even fully kitted up like she'd usually be, just the bare basics for a short ride.

The wind felt great on your skin as your hair was pushed away from your face. You didn't care how much noise you made as you guided the mare to where you wanted to be, which was honestly anywhere but that small camp. It's not like anyone but your soldiers would be this far out from the bastions in the first place.

Damn that prince and ruining your plans.

You'd just finished washing your hair in the cold creek water. You'd shed your outer layers to make it easier to get clean. Now in just a blouse and trousers as you waded in the shallow water. You heard him before you saw him.

His deep monotone voice coupled with his own horse's hooves. You cursed your luck and ducked down to try to hurry yourself along.

“It's a bit too cold to be drenched, don't you think?” You could hear the smugness in his voice. You didn't even need to turn around to know when his feet planted on the forest floor.

“Well, not all of us have the luxury of having servants to heat a bath.” You remarked harshly as you grabbed your ribbon to tie up your hair to keep it from dripping more icy water down your back. “You're a far bit from home, aren't you, shouldn't you be all cozy this dreary afternoon?”

He smiled at your sarcastic response. He'd never expected his search for you to end with you in a creek while he was out hunting. He wasn't even supposed to be out today, but this was too rewarding. The sassy general looked much like a poor mutt in the middle of nowhere.

“Well, I was getting hungry and fancied a hunt. Now I'm glad I didn't just eat in the mess hall.” Techno walked down to the riverbed. “You've been quite a tough person to find, you know, Speedy?” You scoffed as he used the nickname you'd earned in your army. He must've picked it up from Tubbo during your ill state.

“What's it to you? It's not like you can do anything to me right now, I'm unarmed and it would be disgraceful to attack me.” It was a lie, you always carried a dagger with you in your boot and one usually strapped to your side, but he didn't need to know that. He's was the fucking Blood God after all.

Instead of trying to argue, he simply stepped to the edge of the stream.

“Never said I'd take you in, did I?” Was all he said as he sat at the edge of the water. “You do know it's dangerous to travel in this area alone as a Manberg soldier, don't you? Or are you just full of bad ideas all the time?” Techno was thoroughly enjoying his chance to bully you. Almost as revenge for your threatening letter.

You however were growing fed up. “Just needed a chance to get clean, war isn't exactly a safe haven of all things grim free.”

“But you haven't been at war this past week, have you?” He countered easily. Like he was itching to bring up your absence.

“I'm more than just a soldier, I have other duties to attend to after all. Like rending my fallen, though I'm sure you'd never dare to soil your precious royal hands with that work.” You barked back. Being a prince you figured he never knew the real side of conflict. He got to swoop in and take all the glory with none of the consequences.

Techno laughed. “Me ‘Precious?’ Hardly. I'm probably far more used to grit and grime than you, General.” At your rolling eyes, he stared for a moment. Then he smirked and started pulling off his armor and jacket, leaving him in much the same as you, tunic and trousers. He waded his way to the middle of the stream with a particularly large grin. “In fact, I could use a bath too.”

He pulled his sleeves up and exposed his slightly too pink skin that gave away his hybrid side. His arms looked similar to your own with how many scars he had as he began to rub the dirt and sweat from his own skin.

You turned around almost immediately. This was so wrong. You needed to leave before anyone found you two here. You trudged your way to the other end of the river where your horse and the rest of your belongings were. But stopped when he called out to you.

“Going so soon? You seemed so keen on being out here before, or are you just annoyed that I'm calling your bluff?”

Now that infuriated you; being called a liar. Your head snapped around so quickly to his smirking face. “I'm not bluffing! I'm simply granting you a truce while we aren't on the field. I'll still very much have your head next time we go toe to toe, Your Highness.” You spat.

Techno's expression didn't change, he even got closer. He'd never had someone challenge him so openly and he wanted to see how far he could push them.

“I'd very much like to see you try, Speedy. You may be skilled in retreating and maneuvering, but you're clearly smart enough to know I'm far better at fighting.” His hand grabbed their shoulder to keep them from escaping onto the riverbed. It reminded him of when he had to keep you still when the puny little goat treated you. “Besides, we've been under truce once, what's different now? Just because one of us isn't dying?”

His voice was so close you swore he was talking in your ear. You had to shake your head to clear your thoughts and pull yourself out of his hold. You got out of the current of water and shivered as the breeze picked up and chilled you further. Before Techno could even say a snide comment, you pulled your coat back on and didn't bother trying to dry off.

“Exactly. Nothing is endangering us as people and therefore we are enemies and that is how it must stay. Now if you'll excuse me, I have plans to get back to.” You quip as you load up your few things back onto your mare. You heard him snicker from the water.

“Plans to avoid me, maybe? Because that's what it seems like-”

“Yes. That's how war works. So unless you have any plans to attack me or peace treaties then we shouldn't even be speaking with each other.” You interrupt. You knew peace wasn't an option your king would listen to, but it was all you could think of to try to get away from this man as quickly as possible. Your kingdom had been the one to declare war in the first place.

“What's so wrong with talking? If you're truly unarmed, and so am I, then I don't see the point in how talking can be harmful. It's just us.” Techno continued. His red eyes looking up at you. His face was still hardened, but his eyes held a more emotional side.

“I'm not letting you twist this into getting information out of me. If you're so worried about speaking with me, then I'll see you at the end of my sword.” You glare at him as you pull the reins of your horse closer, ready to mount and leave.

This wasn't going to happen, this couldn't happen. Not when you were so close. Maybe this would help further your plans. Now you knew for certain he was looking for you, you could make it work. If you keep his attention on you, then your men could storm the bastion and take what you needed.

And once that prince was out of the picture, then you could turn your focus on getting your king dethroned. Schlatt needed to fall, and you knew you needed to be the one to bring him down.

“Please, you've given me no reason to see you as a threat or as an opponent other than a scathing letter. And even then you thanked me for helping you, even if you were so stubborn as to continue to call us enemies.” Technoblade spoke openly to your attempted retreat. “What if we could find a peaceful option to all of this? You clearly don't like having to do all this and you don't even agree with this fight, so why not try to end it without more bloodshed?”

You shook your head. “Peace? You don't understand how little my opinion matters in terms of anything of the sort. The king makes that decision and I can promise you he won't ever declare defeat and he would rather die than concede.” Schlatt would never give up, you knew that. Especially not if he found you helping his sworn enemies.

“You're his right hand, his general, he must know that your advice is of top priority, right? He'd be a fool not to listen to you. But if what you say is true, then what if it was me who asked for an audience? Then he could hear it from me if he thinks so lowly of you.” He wanted you to listen to him. He really wanted to just ceasefire and go back to his normal life, and he was sure you'd like the same. “No more battling. Maybe we can still be allies of each other.”

“You're a merciless killer. Why would I ever be allies with you? I've seen the horrible ways my men have come home after battling you. You ripped a young man's arm from his shoulder at the battle of the Tower. I'd never want to be seen consorting with the likes of you.” Your anger spiked as the dozens of bodies flashed behind your eyes. Dismembered and broken. You didn't even know how a man could do such things to another.

“Like you and your men aren't much better. You nearly died to one of your own bombs, that mind you, count as war crimes for chemical warfare. It's like you said, war is messy. But it doesn't have to keep being this way. We can change it.” Techno's words carried a heavy weight. You hated how much you agreed with him. Hated how much you wanted nothing but to just end all of this suffering for everyone.

“I'll need more than just talk before I even consider your proposition.” You mounted your horse and looked down at the prince still in the river. “Clear out your most southern Bastion of soldiers before the end of the week. Then we can talk.” You ordered the challenge to him as you pulled to turn back to make it back to your camp.

You didn't give him a chance to accept as you rushed to put distance between yourselves, lest anyone see you fleeing the prince you'd be ordered to kill a second time.

The very morning of the next week you made your move. Your main forces had made their way to the far side of the bastion and would take the lead on overtaking it. It would be just the push you needed to push into the Antarctic Empire.

You were in position, atop your horse with a slightly smaller group of soldiers than you usually had at your side. It was enough to still look like a proper charge, but it still worried you. Everything had hinged on the prince seeing you, at least that's what everyone thought. Really you were here to see if he'd taken your peace offering. If the building was abandoned, then you'd follow through and begin making arrangements to seek an ending to this war. If not, then you'd have to continue to face the Antarctic Empire head on.

Niki was at your side now, as if she could read your nerves as you all made your way to the front of the bastion. Though you made sure no one knew of what you were really expecting.

“We're just here to buy them time, General. We can hold off until they've claimed the fortress and send that pig running to the safety of his palace.” She nudged your leg as she tried to calm you. Little did she know that the prince could very well already be back at the castle, or at least on his way.

Your scouts returned from their short trip to see the standing of the building. They looked baffled and confused. “Uhm, General, they're gone. All of them. It's completely empty it seems.” They reported to you as you continued your slow trot to the front doors.

Sure enough even the flags were gone. No icy blue sigils decorated the outside of the dark stone. It was utterly ghosted. Had he really taken you seriously?

“Niki, stand guard, I'm going in.” You ordered as you swung yourself off your steed. Your boots landed loudly on the stone pathway that led to the doors.

“Are you sure? It could be a trick, an ambush even. Let me come with you at least-”

“There's no need. There's plenty of you around, if something happens to me, then you have full permission to storm the place and avenge me.” You didn't care what happened to you right now. Granted, you hadn't in some time, but especially now after years of this conflict. Maybe there really was a way out of this, peaceful or otherwise.

You stepped inside the door, all the torches and candles were out and seemingly for some time given the lack of warmth in the room. You made your way carefully up the stairs. The carpets softened your steps as you found a door ajar.

The room itself was larger than you usually saw and the bed gave way that this was a special room. Likely the prince's quarters given the plush looking sheets and pillows.

What really caught your eye was a letter on the desk near the window. The parchment had your name on it and an Antarctic patch laid next to it, matching those you wore in remembrance of those you saved.

As you unfolded the parchment, you chuckled at the writing.

“I look forward to seeing your dove again, General Speedy. Your move now.

T.B”

You sighed and tucked the paper and patch into your jacket pocket. Here goes nothing, right?

Chapter Text

Prince Technoblade's hands drummed on the table as he sat at dinner with his family. His young brothers, Wilbur and Tommy, were rambling about their past week that Techo was away.

He wasn't really paying attention, his thought focused on the outcome of his risking move of following your suggestion. His fleet was very confused when he'd ordered the retreat for them to return to the palace. He'd had to make up some random excuse and basically force them to leave.

But since he was here at dinner, he wasn't able to be on the lookout for your response. And it was causing him a lot more distress than he was used to. He couldn't help but think of the worst possible situations. And his voices sure weren't helping.

Why did we do that? They'll just use this as a weakness and attack us. We shouldn't have left so many supplies behind, you just gave them an upper hand. They don't really want peace, this was all just a stupid ploy-

“Hey mate, you alright?” His father asked, pulling him from his thoughts. His blue eyes looked particularly worried. “Is it the voices again?”

Techno looked up at him with a slight scowl. He shook his head to try to play it off as if he was fine. “Nah, just tired. It was a long trip back from the southern border and I pushed a little too hard to get here quickly.” He excused.

“Ah, yeah, I was a little surprised that you came back so soon. Do you know how long you want to stay stationed here, or are you just wanting a break?” Phil asked him as he leaned over and laid a hand on his shoulder. He was never one who handled war or conflicts directly. Though it's not like there were many conflicts during his reign until this.

“Oh, well I was actually hoping to get a better look at other options. See if there's a way to negotiate-”

“Hahaha. Negotiate, with Schlatt? Good luck with that. That man would never.” Wilbur interrupted with a boisterous laugh. He'd turned in his seat now to face his brother and dad and brushed his curls out of his face. “I mean you have to know that, right?”

That’s what they said too. “I’m not above negotiations. I may not be as silver tongued as you, but I can handle an unruly guy- king or not.” Techno glared at Wilbur. He knew his brother was far more charismatic than him, but it didn't mean that he was incapable of polite conversation.

“Yeah, right. So what- you’ve got a meeting with him? How do you plan to calm him down?” Wilbur crossed his arms and leaned on the table. The brunette had that usual cocky smile on his face. Tommy mimicked him as he too turned his attention to Techno, it made the elder brother want to roll his eyes. Here we go again.

“Can we go with you? I’ve always wanted to see Manberg. I hear they have a prince about my age there and I want to meet him!” The young blonde practically shouted. It made Techno’s ears ring as the clattering of voices only made his younger brother’s tendency to speak at a higher decibel than literally everyone else.

It also reminded him of the young goat he’d met briefly. How weirdly both soft-spoken and yet fierce that other royal had been. He’d cradled the general so delicately and never once said a harsh thing, and yet he’d turned so quickly to bark orders at him even though he was much older and stronger. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt for his brother to have a good influence like that.

“Well actually, I don’t have it planned out that far. But we could all go when I make my case to King Schlatt. If that’s okay with you, dad?” Tech turned to his father as he watched his three sons discuss.

Phil smiled and nodded, “I think that would be wonderful. You all could use a chance to get out more and it would be good for Tech to try to get prepared for foreign visits and treaty discussions.” With that he got up and patted Techno on the shoulder. “I trust you. Make the arrangements and I’ll handle things on this front.”

The rest of the family dispersed not long after. Techno had to sigh in relief as he finally found some peace and quiet in his room. His curtains were drawn tight and kept the slight chill from reaching him too much. He sat at his desk when he noticed a new paper.

That stationary.

Techno smirked as his keen ears heard wings bear the balcony. He used his nails to cut the seal off the far more proper letter than the last he'd received. Part of him sensed this was due to their little spat in the woods, and the challenge you'd issued to him. Now this wasn't just two soldiers on a field, This was an alliance.

His eyes read over your words quickly, trying to take in as much as he could. Trying to read between the lines as best he was able to, he needed to see if his voices were right or if this gamble had worked.

“Dear Prince Technoblade,

Consider this my formal reply and acceptance of your arrangement. I will do my best to make a time for you to see his majesty and assist where I can.

I cannot swear off my army, however, as I am still obligated to fulfill my duties. Of that I'm sure you understand.

I also wanted to thank you for the supplies that were left here. Whether it was intended or not, it has helped us greatly. His Royal Highness was particularly excited about the fact that it means that we get to have a proper group meal for the first time since leaving the castle.

My dove will be our first line of contact as it would be unwise to use your father's crows or my fleet may become aware of me messaging with the enemy prince. That and I don't trust your murder of birds not to leak information to your king.

This is an agreement between us and us alone. Keep it that way and this may be favorable for you.”

As feisty As ever it seems. Techno smirks as he puts the letter with your previous one and grabs a new piece of paper. He didn't really understand why you didn't want his family involved, especially when his father could be very helpful when it came to negotiating. But he had to assume that it might be that it was more for your own safety than anything.

Techno got up and moved the balcony curtain. He found your dove right where she was the first time, perched just at the edge of his railing. The bird cooed at him as he held his hand out to pet it. She seemed grateful for the gesture and reached her head out to accept his petting.

Having such a small fragile creature under his large palm made him smile. That something so delicate could still find him worthy of attention after those same hands had been stained with the blood of countless souls. Or maybe he was just good with birds.

He scoops up the small songbird and takes it over to his desk. He set it down so it could hop around the dark wooden surfaces. He chuckled as it hopped around. He watched it explore as he pulled his stationary out to send his reply.

~~~

You were stitching your coat by the small fire near your tent when Fifi arrived at your side. You put down the needle you were using to mend the fabric in your lap- and maybe add your newest addition, but that's neither here nor there.

“There you are baby, took you long enough.” You smiled at the bird as she settled beside you. “Did you have fun? You must be tired from going so far.” Fifi chirped as she looked up at you. You run you hand over her wings to help preen her while your other hand slips under her to grab the letter tied to her leg. It wasn't signed on the outside, nor even properly sealed. The lack of decorum from a prince only had you rolling your eyes.

“Dear Speedy.

I look forward to this alliance we've formed. I'm preparing myself for the meeting with your king as we speak, so as soon as your able to secure me an audience with him I can handle things from there.

I don't recommend you stay at the bastion too long. It won't take too much time before word spreads that one of our fortresses have ‘fallen’-”

You snicker at that, given it was more borrowed than anything.

“-And then my troops will be determined to charge to get it back. Take what you please from its stock, rest and eat well. Nothing ruins a war more than a hungry, tired army.

We'll need to discuss how exactly I'll be getting into Schlatt's castle, but I trust you know more than I do on how to do that. My family has decided that they too would like to join in on this mission, but your involvement and messaging will remain between just myself.

Until then,

Technoblade.”

While you read, Fifi kept cooing at your affection. She seemed very happy for having just traveled many miles. Maybe she liked taking the detour from her usual routes. The letter gets tucked away into your jacket pocket as you rise, scooping the fabric and bird up all at once to set in your tent. The dove found her way to her cage and feasted on the seeds there left for her, while you snipped the threads you were working on to finish the small needlework.

You wouldn't need it right away as you were about to go to bed, but having the patch in place would be useful later. For now, you left your tent and set about finishing a few tasks for the night. While most of the fleet got to take to the shelter of the bastion, you chose to be one of the few who kept watch outside the blackstone walls.

First was making sure all the doors were secure and that the perimeter was well guarded, mostly by small tents with cots for your rotating scouts. Then putting out the unnecessary fires, leaving just a few to provide enough light and warmth for those left in the elements tonight.

You forfeited your own fire for the sake of your other soldiers. The water hissing as the wood was extinguished and leaving you in near darkness. Then was the letter box, there wouldn't be much, but you'd seen a few crows along with your own dove, so you decided to check before you laid to rest.

What you weren't expecting was the Manberg royal stamp. The bright red wax almost stood like a warning as you ripped the page open.

It seemed your king wasn't at all happy about how slow progress had been. Though you didn't know why he was still fussing over it. It's been years out here fighting, but he never once cared enough to think logically when he declared war in the first place so you weren't surprised.

You also weren't supposed to see he hadn't even asked how his son was. Tubbo took one of the large bedrooms after your insistence he needed the proper sleep for once. Schlatt was never concerned about him. If it wasn't for the king's grand announcement and party the day the goat hybrid was born, then you doubt people would know that the boy was even related to the Ram.

The only way he'd care would probably be if he was taken hostage. And even then he'd barely look twice. But if you, his favorite pawn, went missing- Now there's an idea.

You looked around quickly to see if anyone was around to see you. The poor things that were stuck with stations looked so tired that even the few you could see from the shadows moving wouldn't notice you. Just another thing to train them on more. You thought as you slipped back to your tent.

You were indispensable to the king, especially now that all military personnel and orders went through you. If you were, say, kidnapped by the enemy, he'd have no choice but to bring you back. Back to the palace by escort to ensure your safety. An escort that one particular prince could take part in and get his chance at the Maddened Ram's mind.

You grabbed a few necessities, not much, just enough to last a day or so on horseback. The coat on your bed called out to you, it could be just the thing to let the Antarctic soldiers know to attack you, to bring you in. But at the same time, it could risk you being killed on sight instead of captured. You couldn't take that chance.

Besides, You wouldn't be gone long. So maybe it could provide enough “evidence” of your mock kidnapping. The people knew you never went without your jacket, especially not in the frigid cold of the Antarctic. So you left it. Niki would likely find it when she came to take your shift later. So you had to put as much distance between this bastion and yourself as possible

Your horse wasn't far from your tent, always ready to get up and go at a moment's notice. You had to shush her a bit to keep from alerting everyone. You're sure she could sense the pending dread in you, which was never a good sign for the day.

You mounted as quickly as possible, with the bare minimum gear on the mare to give you more time. You cast one look back to the building behind you, there was still a light on in the top of the tower, and you prayed it was just someone who left a candle burning.

Then you pulled the reins and it didn't take long before the light of the fires were so far behind you that you had to wait for your eyes to adjust to the blackness of the night sky. The moon wasn't much help given its almost semi-circle shape in the sky.

You headed north, or at least what you assumed was north, it was hard to tell the moon and star's position from between the tall evergreens.

This was stupid, you knew it. But you also knew that the jackass you served only listened to very specific things. And this would be one of them. And maybe you took some joy in knowing that whatever ransom you got listed at would make his pockets hurt just a little. Maybe even enough to just call off this stupid war all together.

At worst, you'd be replaced with a lesser trained general and the war wouldn't last much longer either way.

Sic semper tyrannis, they say. He'd fall one way or another.

Chapter Text

The night seemed both to drag on but also pass in the blink of an eye. It may have been from your lack of sleep, very likely actually. It was hard enough to keep your eyes open with the cold wind whipping at your features, but also your own consciousness crying out for rest as you moved from a agile gallop to a leisure trot

You were honestly surprised you hadn't found a camp of Antarctic soldiers or even just a scout or two. The sun had broken over the horizon and the world was waking up, but not a single target in sight.

Well, someone to make a target of you, more specifically. How hard was that? Seemingly more difficult than you'd planned when you made this escape.

You shake your head once again as you pull your horse to a halt. A quick glance around tells you that you still haven't found an enemy fleet. But overhead you can see some crows flying, a good sign. Crows are never far from their masters in the Antarctic. But you're too tired to follow them right now. The sun has officially risen and the world was bathed in a partly cloudy day.

You dismount slowly, your ass and thighs aching from the saddle and stirrups. Just a little break, that's all, just a small, miniscule break.

Annnnnnnd that's how you woke up several hours later to shouting and a sword to your throat. Well at least you got your wish.

Blinking your eyes open to adjust to the blinding light of the sun and the shouting going on around you, there's about 5 soldiers. All Antarctic based on the uniforms. The one practically pinning you to the tree with his cutlass was tall, and very large. His green hair was messy and the bottom half of his face was covered in a mask.

“State your name and business.” He barked out. His voice slightly distorted from the mask, with a slight hiss to it.

“General of Manberg, and my business is sleeping.” You quip out, not able to resist the chance to taunt and tease the men around you. Bad habits die hard, after all.

You watch them all stiffen, shoulders boxing and muscles tensing. “Not anymore it's not.” The masked man, clearly the leader of this small group, motioned one of the others to come grab you.

The poor boy looked frightened, a slight tremble to his hands as he gently pulled you to your feet. His skin was cold to the touch and splotched in black and almost stark white. It was hard to see his face with his massive cloak that covered almost his whole figure. Maybe he really didn't like the cold?

“Lieutenant Sam, are you sure about this… are we really going to-”

“Get them bound and on a horse. We're taking them home. I'm sure the Emperor would love to hear whatever this one has to say.” The man, Sam?, didn't sheath his sword, but at least backed it away from your throat. And if you weren't so tired, and having planned to be caught, you could've easily broken out of this lanky boy's grip. Maybe they're all stupid.

The cloaked boy tried to tie your hands behind your back, but one of the others decided he was being too gentle. He shouted and cursed and ripped the rope from his hands and knotted it very close to your skin. You could tell you'd be in trouble with your circulation as you slightly tested the restraint.

You watch the other three dig through what little stuff you have, and try to get your horse in line. She wasn't having any of it and practically bolted as soon as the Lieutenant tried to pull her reins. The sight made you laugh unconsciously, earning you a slap across the face by the ginger man who tied you up.

It stung but didn't really feel like it was going to leave a mark. It did shut you up enough to pull your attention to some footsteps in the snow and a tuft of curly brown hair and horns. Tubbo. Oh shit.

Apparently the Lieutenant wasn't as daft as his crew because he saw him too. And without warning or thought you shouted, “Tubbo!” You surged forward with your hands still behind your back, only to be tackled by a different soldier. Landing face down in the snow your eyes widened in panic as you watched Tubbo getting interrogated.

Squirming against the body on top of you and the restraints you begin to shout and kick. “No no no no no! He's just a boy, you can't do this!” But it's war and war has its own rules and prisoners are one of them. If anyone understands it, it was you. You open your mouth to shout again to try to pull attention away from the prince when something hard clashes with the back of your head.

Your vision goes white as pain surges through your skull. Your body stills, going limp without input from your mind. Cold seeps into your bones as your eyes flutter closed.

~~

Techno hated eating with his family. They were his favorite people in the world, yes, but something about being around a table made them more annoying than ever. He was ducking his head to avoid conversation at breakfast, which he usually ate in his room if he wasn't out training or fighting.

He'd been waiting to see if you'd replied to his message, he could already guess you were the type to stay up late into the night. Good leaders never rest until their underlings do. But he wasn't greeted with the sight of soft white feathers or even just parchment left on his balcony.

The piglin had to shake his head to clear his thoughts. No, you were probably busy packing up and leaving the fortress. Why was he so concerned about getting a letter back in the first place? He'd said all he needed to for now, no need to work himself to the bone waiting for some random general.

His attention was snapped away when a messenger barged in on breakfast with a crow on his shoulder. No one dared interrupt the Imperial family at meal time. Something was dangerously wrong.

“Your Majesty, a letter from Lieutenant Sam Nook.” The young woman spoke shakily as she hurried to bow and then shove the paper into Phil's hands. His father cast a glance over at him with a worried look as he tore the seal from the page. His blue eyes focused on the ink, tracing each shape quickly. A worry line in his brow.

“They've captured some Manberg soldiers north of the Partridge river. He's bringing them in for direct questioning. One of them claims to be a general, but wasn't with any identification at the time. They're on the way.”

“Partridge? Isn't that right near the Bastion that they overtook? Maybe they got too cocky and were scouting for another attack.” Wilbur asked as he rose to his feet to watch their father order around a few of the guards in the room to have a larger escort for when Sam arrived.

Technoblade's blood ran cold. A general near Partridge, it had to be you. No other Manberg fleet was anywhere close. But why would you have been that far away from your men? Well it wouldn't be the first time, he guessed given the meeting he had with you at the stream. But now they are bringing you here, to the palace as a prisoner of war.

“Techno?” His father's voice cut through the chaos of his own mind as his voices theorized and criticized him for trusting another person and potentially getting you caught. He looked up from his plate to see he had bent the fork in his hand from his vice-like grip.

“Oh- uhm. Yea?” He tried to sound calm and controlled, but it came out gruff and surprised. “We should be in the throne room when he arrives. If they're really a general they might have some good information.” He reasoned. Really he just wanted to confirm if it really was you and make sure you were alright. Not because he cared about a stranger who also saved his life, no, no, because you were an ally looking for peace, obviously.

He stood up and turned away quickly. His hands were already working to tie back his messy hair into a low ponytail for the meeting. He knew he'd have to look at least half-decent for this. It was an official meeting in a way, and Phil was pretty picky about those. He left his brothers and father behind to go to his room and get his formal suit. He hated wearing it, it didn't give him quite as much range of motion without splitting the seams and ripping the details. But he'd wear it if it meant getting into that throne room to see if it was you they'd taken or just one of your men pretending. He really hoped it was the latter.

Chapter Text

The palace was in an uproar as soon as a few whispers got out about a Manburg general being captured. The throne room was polished and preened to look its absolute best along with the Imperial Family. There were servants practically hanging off the four males as they awaited the arrival of the Lieutenant and prisoner.

That's what really annoyed Techno, how people could be celebrating this. Sure it was wartime and any victory was a good morale booster, but this was different. Or at least it felt different to him. Usually he relished in bringing as many people down on the field as possible, he wasn't a prisoner type. It seemed more cruel that way. Especially as he grew up and learned that at least when a soldier dies in battle they're honored and respected whereas those that are held by the other side are usually looked down upon.

He didn't really want either fate for you. If this was even you they were meant to be bringing in. For all he knew this was a trick, and his voices loved toying with him about letting his guard down.

His hand twitched lightly over the hilt of the scabbard at his side as he waved away another servant that tried to fiddle with his uniform and hair. He hated being in full regalia, except for the fact he could wear as much gold as he wanted. His ears adorned with the yellow metal in a way that both soothed his nerves and lit them ablaze in one.

Finally the trumpets sounded and the doors to the throne room burst open as Sam stepped inside first. Techno honed in his eyes to try to see behind the creeper hybrid to see who the prisoner was. But with him and one of the squires, Ranboo, being so tall he couldn't. Then his gaze landed on his father beside him.

Phil held a somewhat neutral face, which was odd for him. Usually he was either smiling or at least looking somewhat at peace. But not this time, they were about to interrogate some poor person right here in the center of Antarctica. Not a reason to smile in Philza Minecraft's eyes. And for once, not really in Techno's either.

“Your Majesties.” Sam began. He bowed deeply and rose back up. “May I present to you, the general of Manberg.” Ranboo gently pulled the hostage from behind them.

A short boy with frizzy brown hair and horns greeted Techno's eyes and for a second his shoulders relaxed. Only a second though as he realized who was before them, not you, but the prince you served. The one that saved your life when Technoblade himself couldn't. And the second thing he noticed was the coat handing off his shoulders. The patches along the breast and sleeves and even along the inner lining. Your coat.

Phil had already begun the formal introductions when Techno snapped. “That's not the general.” His voice biting through the air. He took a step away from his post. “You've got the Ram King’s son. And I'm sure there will be Hell to pay when he finds out.”

The boy, Tubbo, Techno tried to remember, winced under the scrutiny of the piglin prince and the rest of his family. Philza turned neutral to upset very quickly. “Son? I wasn't aware Schlatt had a child. Especially after-”

“Sam! We have a problem over here!” One of the other subordinates called out from the hall. There was a lot of commotion as Purpled came in with a sight that made Techno freeze in place.

You were battered and bloodied. A trail of dried, nearly iced over blood down your neck and deep purple bruises all over the place. The casual clothes you'd been wearing upon capture were tattered and torn and whatever skin was exposed was nearly purple from cold. It was clear you'd put up a fight, especially as he noticed the blood around the white cloth gag the soldiers put on you. It looked fresher than the others and it made his own blood boil.

You were so exhausted you didn't even seem to notice where you were, or who was making his way over to you. He didn't know what he was going to do when he got across the room to you. The voices all singing and screaming different ideas of how to help you, or to put you out of your misery.

Purpled dropped you right in front of Techno's feet, scared of the dark look in the prince's eye and also fed up with trying to handle the prisoner that had bit him. Your body nearly collapsed like a ragdoll if it wasn't for Techno's own arms out to catch you.

~~

The whole room was spinning and pain echoed in every part of your body. Your eyes would flutter open but wouldn't process what was going on around you. All you knew was that you were in far more trouble than you'd bargained for when you put yourself up for this.

You could hear several voices ranging in volumes. But one was closer to you now, as warmth was pressed into your shivering form. The touch made you recoil at first, the contrast too much for your overloaded brain. And you'd tried to fight them off as best you could with your bounds. You couldn't really feel your arms or legs anymore, each too tired from the trip and position they'd been put in to keep you from mauling the Antarctic soldiers around you. It wasn't your mission to hurt them, but they took Tubbo. That's what you cared about now. A poor innocent boy who had nothing to do with this war and no crimes on his head other than his own bloody title.

“Speedy, calm down,” that voice said, nearly pressed into your ear. The deep tone reverberated in your skull for a moment as you tried to ground yourself. The voice wasn't angry, it wasn't yelling at you, this wasn't like before. Not like all the other times you found yourself bound and beaten even in your own kingdom. You sucked in a deep breath as you blinked a few times to bring yourself back to the present.

First, your eyes landed on Prince Technoblade, the one holding you. His arms braced on your elbows and practically held your whole weight with his palms. His uniform almost glittered in the light that streamed in from the large windows and chandeliers. His ears jiggled from his earrings as he shook his head to glare at someone else in the room. The boy you vaguely recall who nearly lost his hand trying to gag you after you kept ‘mouthing off’ about finding Tubbo.

“Get a medic now. You nearly killed the actual general.” The royal ordered as he turned his piercing gaze back to you. His brow was furrowed, but that was about all you could tell. His strong jawline and the hair framing his face was quite distracting right now up close. How was this monster so pretty? A man you had witnessed slaughtering your men countless times. Now was holding you together as he reached around to skillfully untie your hands. Now he'd have this to hold over you along with sparing your life. Yay

“Piss off-” you muttered half heartedly. Your voice was hoarse and dry from lack of speaking both from the long time spent unconscious and then being gagged. Not To mention the icy wind that threatened to kill you at any moment without the proper layers.

“I will when you're not almost dead on arrival. What happened out there? I thought you had it covered at the bastion.” Techno kept his voice down to avoid the others in the room.

“I needed to get to the castle without suspicion, but they took the prince and I couldn't let them hurt him. Then one of your goons decided they'd wanted to have too much fun trying to brag about capturing me.” You explained, trying to recall as much as you could. Your head still pounded and the details were fuzzy. Why had you thought this was a good idea again?

“You're an idiot, you could've just sent a letter and have me bring you in.” Techno pointed out as he moved your very cold body away from the door and further into the room. He couldn't be too open about the thin alliance between you two right now, but he wasn't about to let you keep barely standing while waiting for medical attention.

“Too much attention, not to mention too convenient in the eyes of anyone who might turn me over.” You muttered as you were seated at the base of the steps to the throne. Basically presented to the Emperor and his two other boys. But that wasn't where you focused your attention.

You whipped your head around to your own prince, seeing him bound and kneeling just a few feet away. He seemed relatively unharmed and this was the first chance you had to actually look him over. He was wearing your coat, which explained why he wasn't as cold as you were, but also why they'd separated you. Stupid men didn't even know who they were really fighting here. They saw the patches and assumed rank. But at least he was safe.

“My prince…” It was a whisper, nothing more than to try to assure the boy, as they were still in enemy territory. But the panic was still clear on his face from where he sat still bound. A sharp gaze at Techno and motion of their head promoted the piglin the move. His hands pulled Tubbo free until he was safely tucked into your arms.

“I'm sorry.” He said, voice shaking almost as much as their body itself was. But it wasn't a long reunion before a throat clearing brought the general's head up.

Right. The king. Fuck.

You couldn't stand, so you simply bobbed your head in a shallow nod. “Your majesty. My apologies. But Prince Tobias is my charge, I have to ensure his safety.” You say to the blonde man on the throne as clearly as you could. His blue eyes looked almost as icy as the kingdom's blue flags.

“And you are the High General of King Schlatt's armies?” he asked, trying to make sure this wasn't a trick no doubt. You nod.

“Yes, sir. I am. I'm sorry for the confusion. I'd given my coat to the boy to keep him warm and I guess they assumed he was the general and not myself.” At least they wouldn't dare hurt the prince, even if they wanted to rough you up a little. That's fine, you knew you could handle it.

Medics arrived before much more was said and Techno stood probably just a little too close as they pulled Tubbo away from you to assess the damage. Your limbs showed signs of the beginnings of frostbite and you were definitely on your way to hypothermia. And that would be the hardest thing to recover as a few good potions would heal up the rest of the gashes and bruising around.

Once they made their diagnostic decisions and a few drops of ointment, they bowed and left. Leaving the room heavy with silence again. Before surprisingly Prince Wilbur spoke. And then it occurred to you that the accents of the other royals was far from the one the Blood God himself held.

“ Well, General, Prince, it seems you'll be here for some time. Though you're no good to us dead. I do imagine the dungeon would do you both nicely.” And you couldn't help noticing the tight fist at Technoblade's side as his brother spoke. But he didn't say anything. Of course he wouldn't. This was his family. And they were prisoners. He owed them nothing.

“Yes, of course.” You said as you rose to your feet and grabbed Tubbo's arm. “I'm well aware how this works. We'll cooperate.” And you could hear Sam scoff from his place still by the door. You'd nearly forgotten about them in your post capture state.

The creeper stepped forward and seized your shoulder, though much more tenderly this time. Brutality in front of the Imperial Family likely wasn't a good way to keep your job. And with the tall squire grabbing Toby, you nodded to the boy to tell him it was okay. They'd need to at least keep him alive after all. Curse him for coming after you, but he'd still be kept safe at least.

And with one last look over the three members of the royal Antarctic Family present, though for a moment you remember there being four of them in total but shake it off, you were turned and marched out. Interrogation would have to wait, it seemed until you were a little more stable. But you could feel every burning eye on your back as you were escorted down the hall and towards what could only be the depths of the ancient castle. Where only the worst of captured men go to rot.