Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A divine family, split,

One of legacy, status, and power.

Once united between mortal and god,

Now broken apart. 

Their only chance to reunite:

A being of justice, built with disposition,

A traitor of many, forced to flee.

The law,

A criminal,

Opposing views must join together,

As their bond shall bless the family.

May such a change in values be too much to stop it?

Or will lightning truly strike twice.

* * *

Lost Temple, Springtime, 3099 

A dark room, littered in tall shelves packed with books. In the center, lie four unoccupied tables. Each one was cleared and empty; dull and brown; worn and old. 

And on the fifth, lie the outcast . 

Waiting , it seemed to be one of the only things he knew how to do.  

An inphernal, sitting orderly in a teal jacket and long, teal, checkered pants. A teal eyepatch covered his left eye, and his horns were long and teal as well, resembling antlers.  

The only thing not teal about him was his grey fur, the thin, pale green wool around his neck, the golden ring on his right horn, and his bright green eye, which was currently fixated on a small book with a leather red cover. 

Book in hand, eye lining the text on the worn pages, a paw holding its side. A lengthy ways left was resting on the right side of the book, many pages yet to be flipped. Each one was thin, the text almost too small to read, the color: a faded light brown.  

But instead of feeding into the pages that impatiently waited to be turned, he closed the book, smearing a paw over the leather cover with a light touch. He sighed, lying his head down on the table. With the book now shut, alongside his eye, he could only think to himself. 

Silence continued to fill the room, only now so noticeable by him lying on the desk, arms under his chin. Mind wandering as darkness hugged him affectionately. 

The silence would not last long.  

The sound of footsteps caught his attention, head shooting up with intense reaction and speed. He got up and moved away from the nearest door in which each step got louder.  

Running away happened to also be one of the few things he was good at. Typical of a poor lamb, especially him. 

Sitting far and covering his head in the shade, he prayed no one would see him. He didn’t want to deal with anyone right now, wishing he was back home instead.  

But today he couldn’t run away.  

The door opened. Light filtered into the room, far from his position. He kept his head down and just hoped as he could feel an eye scan the room. An eye that would point out his odd behavior of sitting in a library in the midst of the night.  

The eye landed on the many shelves spanning across the hallway-like library. Then, it landed on the tables layered in rows down the middle. And soon, that eye landed on him . Him and the glowing crystal between his two horns that he must’ve forgotten would give away his spot. 

The steps became louder, faster, he knew there was nothing he could do. He can’t just get up to leave, not when he had already backed himself into the corner of the room.  

The steps stopped, and a voice began. 

“What are you doing back here? I was told you were on the north side.” 

He stared, his ‘peer’ staring back, if he could even call them a peer . Both their singular eyes pierced each other’s soul.  

The silence was broken with just one word. 

“..Medkit?”

His name.

“I was simply passing the time.”

Medkit kept everything brief, he didn’t want to engage in conversation right now. He didn’t want to engage with anything or anyone, really.

“I was going to drop something off before heading to find you, didn’t think anyone would be in here so late.” 

“Hm.”  

Medkit averted their gaze, steadying his breathing. Both his hands were neatly folded on his lap, looking as if he was a poor child in time-out. 

“ ..Boss wanted you to go with her next week. ” 

Medkit flinched at the words said in front of him, feeling like he was about to disconnect from his own body at that moment. He straightened himself intensely, eye shooting wide open. He didn’t look back as his peer, he only looked at the blank void in front of him, an area obscured by shade. 

“Well? Do you plan to g-” 

“Yes.”  

Medkit was extremely firm with his words– Or rather word . He didn’t want to let this conversation last any longer. He really needed a moment to himself now. 

“I’ll let her know, then. I’m sure she’ll be very happy with you if you hold up.” 

Medkit nodded in silent understanding. His appearance outside was cold, quiet, but on the inside, hundreds of alarms rang in his head, keeping him alert. Ringing that cut through his mind like a bullet, a migraine feeling as if it was just waiting to form. 

The ringing was paused when the silence was cut with one final sentence. 

“Don’t stay up too late.” 

Medkit wasn’t planning to until now . 

The voice stopped, and the footsteps began again, now slowly moving away from him. With each step, his heart beated, and he counted every single one. He felt as if he had to remind himself he was alive in the moment. Alive for now . 

He set his head down, eye closed tightly. He let out a sigh as the door slammed shut on the far corner of the room. The only thing left in the room again was the darkness and himself, the two blending together. 

Shadows wrapped him like a blanket once more, a feeling of comfort in a world where there is none. He felt for the invisible force that was surrounding him, a warmth that his mind was making up just to satisfy himself. 

He’s not sure about many things, but there is one thing he knows: 

“I am alive .” 

“I will continue to stay alive .” 

“I have lived a trip before.” 

“I will live again.” 

Chapter Text

Crossroads, Springtime, 3099 

Heavy steps of padded armor, plates of black steel causing a shake within those around it. Each step of strong boots were enough to cause earthquakes if he slammed down. Birds, dogs, even civilians quickly moving out of the way. 

Because the Warden was in town today.   

A large stature of thick limbs and muscle, a boastful smile layered in sharp teeth, a set of well-maintained purple horns that recently were styled to dip out on the ends, and most notably: a giant spiked hammer . 

Everything he was known for, and everything he made clear about himself. 

His tail was curled up before drooping down, preventing it from dragging across the floor. The bottom of it was coated in thick scales akin to plates of armor, the tip having five neatly spiked diamond-shaped patches of purple and yellow fur.  

His face was fluffy and dark grey, a thick, black mane around his neck, the top of it stylized in dreads, some with golden cuffs. Lighter grey made up the area near his chin, coating his mouth in a flower-like pattern. Over his most of his eyes lay a blindfold, slightly lifted to allow one eye to look around. 

Trudging through the streets of the busiest city in the Inpherno, the Warden was on another trip to check for suspicious activity. It had become routine for him to simply take a walk and scout out the surroundings. 

Normally, this wasn’t his job . He’d have his team out checking for activity, and anything sighted would then let the beast he was ravage out to catch them. However, caseloads had been quiet lately. No one could find valuable information.  

So, as the self-centered person he was, he decided that he– ‘the only one who knows what they’re doing’ , would have to be the one to look for anything or anyone.  

So far, he’s gathered nothing. So much for knowing better . 

He scanned his surroundings, looking for anything out of place. Checking the alleys, the roofs, each corner, crevice, and crack. Nothing .  

He snarled, not in a mood for some leisurely walk , unlike most other inphernals, who just wanted to enjoy the spring-time weather. He wanted to find something. Someone . Anything that can lead him to a chase down the streets, resulting in him staring down his prey with a sadistic look. A bounty would be pretty nice, and it just so happened that today he actually styled his mane for once . He’d look good in front of a camera with his signature smile. 

At least, to him he would. 

Daydream over, he walked on. The sky was starting to dim, now an orange color with beautiful, soft pink clouds; the color reminiscent of his own eyes, which were a bold amber, contrasting with his primarily dark and purple hues. Golden, fitting of a status such as himself. He can thank his mother for that. 

Each step made more people in front of him move out his way. No one wanted to mess with him, not on patrol. That – and also that he generally was an unpleasant person to be around to most. He wasn’t aware of that last part, in fact, he felt quite the opposite. 

The best thing about night was that criminals usually started to get ready at this hour; a good time to start really getting a lookout. He had already been up all day, searching what could’ve been all of Crossroads. His stamina never seemed to let him down, even with such a monstrous hammer such as his own against his shoulder. 

That is– unless he was looking over his younger family members. All of a sudden he’d feel as if he’d walk a mountain in just five minutes. The countless memories of his mane being pulled and his tail being bitten made him grumble to himself. 

Noticing as many residents started to hurry back home, he steadied his attention on a bench beside him. Turning towards it and setting a gloved hand on the armrest, he carefully set himself down. –As carefully as someone like himself could be, which wasn’t very careful at all . 

The bench creaked under his weight, the wood feeling as if it would start bending. Nevertheless, he didn’t worry about it. No one could do anything if he happened to break a bench, you can’t fine the law after all. 

Well, you could . But no one dares try unless they want to become the Warden’s new golf ball for the week. Not very pleasant to be thrown into lava. Even less pleasant to be in the company of the Warden. 

With a crack of his back and a shake of his mane, he leaned over. He didn’t have many high hopes of finding anything, said hopes crumbling away a little more each day. He was persistent, but impatient, and right now, he was also quite comfy.  

Sun setting, he watched. From the sides of him, he could hear various conversations. A few people were walking down his path, only to stop and start talking to each other. 

“Is that-?” 

“Should we..” 

“What’s he gonna’ do?” 

The Warden tilted his head towards them. His hearing was immaculate and extremely proficient; he could hear every word they were saying clearly, despite their distance from him. 

The three inphernals kept chatting, one occasionally looking over their shoulders, only to see him staring directly at them. They froze for a minute as the Warden shot a puff of smoke to the side from his mouth like a dragon. 

“Dude, he knows –” 

“I don’t want to deal with Ban Hammer right now.. Just take the long way.” 

“But it’s getting late!” 

The smaller inphernal shouted, the other two yelling over him in unison, telling him to be quiet. 
 
“I told you he can hear us! You gotta’ keep it down, man.” 

“Just take the long way. I think he’s still looking at us..” 

“You’re making us look suspicious now, dude!” 

“Just go, c’mon!” 

The three of them turned the way they came, the smaller one peering back to catch a glimpse of Ban Hammer, the Warden , still peering at them with an unreadable face. He ducked back down and scurried away with the other two inphernals accompanying him. 

Ban Hammer let out a scoff with a sinister grin. 
 
“Stupid kids.” 

He rolled his eyes under the blindfold tied around his head and turned back to the front, sighing and leaning his arms behind his head as his hammer laid on his left. 

Something about intimidating typically younger inphernals while on the watch always made him laugh. Maybe it was how easy it is to scare them. Or how he always gets his chance to assert his authority. Maybe it just has to do with the feeling of believing you’re better than everyone else. Knowing Ban Hammer, it’s probably all three . He knew this about himself too, quite prideful about it as well. 

At least today would be a fun night, whether he’d find anything useful or not. 

Chapter Text

Banland’s Palace/Crossroads, Springtime, 3099 

Tall cabinets, tall counters, tall tables, and in the center of the room, a very tall inphernal– Ban Hammer. He was sitting down at the table in his kitchen, tail waving subconsciously as he thought to himself on what to eat. 

As someone who worked on his own schedule, he decided to take the day off. The rest of the Banland crew would be re-reviewing some old documents on unsolved cases. Ban Hammer’s job was only to catch the target and make sure they stayed locked up for good, but with the dry season of suspicious activity and a lack of leads on any cases, he had no reason to continue going on patrol. Not until he knew where to look. 
 
So instead of his typically armor-clad self, he rested in the boundaries of his own home: a palace of sorts, with nothing but a short-sleeved dusty purple shirt and tattered dark purple shorts, fitting of the warm climate of Banland, which resided in the volcano below his cloud-lifted home. He even had his signature blindfold tied back behind his fur, pulling a bundle of his locs into a large, puffy ponytail. 

The rising smoke and steam combined with the naturally warm humidity of the location he had lived in was never an issue for him, as he had the fortunate luck of a heat-proof pigment in his fur, skin, and scales. While warmth wasn’t an issue, he still could sweat, and didn’t exactly want to be drenched while at home. 

And, as much as his armor was badass, it was quite uncomfortable to wear all day. Suffering from success , he might call it. 

A day off would treat him nicely. –Not that patrol was an issue, it was only childsplay for him, especially as of recently; however, he hadn’t had a day lately to just stay inside, take a walk, and grab something to eat. He especially liked that last part, as seeing the reactions of other inphernals faces, notably the ones behind the counter always made him laugh. Maybe they’d even give him a discounted meal. 

With how Ban Hammer treated them, they ought to charge him double. In fact, if they did, he wouldn’t even notice if they said they gave him a discount instead.  
 
His own thoughts of getting free meals despite being incredibly rich with bux was interrupted with a roar from the beast in his own body. Also known as his very, very needy appetite.  

He never needed to eat, at least physically, just like any other inphernal; however, it was his appetite that always got him coming back. Ever since his precious Momma indulged him in every and all food available, he never grew out of it. Not that he cared; even if his appetite wasn’t insatiable, he’d always go back out to eat something simply because it tastes good to him. That goes for most inphernals, just not to his degree. 

The lingering feeling of wanting something, particularly meat for consumption at that moment was getting him to lick his lips in anticipation. He could especially kill for a burger. Two burgers. Maybe a third just in case. Either way, food and killing for it . Maybe he could play a few rounds of ‘golf’ after a nice meal. The prisoners wont mind, as if they even have a choice. 

He should stop thinking about food before he starts eating himself. Self-cannibalism isn’t legal last he checked. And if it is, it isn’t anymore . 

 Pondering of laws over, he sat himself up with a stretch, bending his arm over himself and leaning back with a yawn, his wings slightly filtering and flickering light with the large stretch. 

Making his way down the spiraled staircase that crossed many rooms and layers of the large palace, he reached the bottom floor. Opening the large central doors and breathing in the warm air outside, he made his way through the courtyard. 

A small walk’s distance brought him to a thick gate that guarded the inside and outside of the manor. With a reluctant sigh, knowing he forgot to take his gear with him outside, he let out a mighty roar as he lifted his hand up, whiskers and mane flaring from the impact as his gear spawned within his grip.  

He slouched over in a slightly defeated look with a hand on his side like an old inphernal who’d been woken up from slumber, giving a groggy sigh. 
 
“I need’a stop forgettin’ this thing everytime I leave the house..” 

Raising himself back up, hammer in his grip, he slammed the end of it onto the ground, causing a shake. With it, the door of the patterned walls opened. 

Ban Hammer let go of his gear, it disappearing before it could reach the ground again. He made his way towards the edge of the land outside his walls, surrounded by pearly white clouds, courtesy of his mother. He looked over the vast teal sky, alongside the deep blue ocean beside it. 

Stepping back a bit, he gave another stretch, this time, wings fully forming behind his back. They glowed a brilliant gold, that of the sun, with purple and blue patterns aligning its beautiful spikes. Each wing was an arch, three points protruding from it like stars. Speckles of light filtered from its aura, floating up into the sky. 

Positioning himself in a runner’s stance, he blew out a puff of smoke before running towards the edge of the land. With a well-timed flap of his wings, he was propelled into the air right before falling off. As his jump reached the peak of its height, he let out a playful shout and curled his limbs into a cannonball. 

Lying on his back with his knees tucked in as he fell through the sky, wings lying flat, he stared up at the radiant sun. 

“This one’s for you, Momma!” 

With a shout, he flapped his wings greatly before reaching the water and twisted his body. The result was him once again propelling into the air from the flap of his wings, this time spiraling a huge splash of water around his body as he spun, before uncurling his body and extending his limbs once he was back high up in the air, pushing the water away from him in a prismatic light. 

The sun seemed to shine brighter at that moment, Ban Hammer gave an excited cheer from the sign that he’d impressed his mother. He was grateful she was watching, even if he didn’t know where. Maybe it was a special feeling inside her, or perhaps she was watching to see if he’d fall face-first into the sea again . Either way, to him it was the thought that counted. 

Ban Hammer wiped a slick of sweat off his head before leisurely flying in the general direction of Crossroads. He tested a few positions for fun: flying like a superhero, lying on his back and folding his arms behind his head, doing loops through clouds and trailing the white puffs behind him, all with a big grin on his face.  

* * * 

“Say, you wanna’ go get a bite to eat after this? I’m sure they won’t mind us.. snatchin’ a snack or two, right ‘Kit?” 

“I’m alright, thank you Scythe.” 

Scythe gave Medkit an annoyed glare as Medkit avoided any and all eye-contact, both from her and any other civilians. She scoffed at his avoidant tone, then shrugged her shoulders. 

“You do you, then. Just know yer’ passin’ a nice opportunity here. And keep that name out’a yer’ mouth while we’re in public , got that?” 

Medkit didn’t give her a further response outside of a nod.  

The two of them were walking between alleyways. Scythe had some sort of conference with another affiliate somewhere in Crossroads, and she wanted Medkit to join her as a lookout. Medkit didn’t know why she’d pick him of all inphernals, but he did know that refusing to cooperate would put him under more stress than he needed. 

Medkit cautiously followed his boss, checking behind and beside her for anyone or anything that could be a threat. While his back was turned, Scythe gave him a tug on his collar, eliciting a muffled gasp from him. She turned him around, facing him towards the ladder of an apartment building on the side. 

“Aye, ‘Kit, take it upwards, I wanna’ get a better view of where we’re goin’.” 

Medkit nodded again, approaching the ladder and setting a paw on it, feeling the smooth, cold metal of each bar. A click from Scythe caught his attention, and he quickly started climbing, watching for anyone nearby. 

Ban Hammer, meanwhile, was now soaring above Crossroads, lowering his altitude, preparing to land as if he were a plane. Soaring above the city, he spotted a flat park, suitable to create a flashy entrance. Perfect . 

Medkit, now at the roof of the building, slowly checked to make sure no one could see them easily without looking up. Once he was settled, he looked down at Scythe and gave her a snap, letting her know the coast was clear. She followed up the rest of the ladder with ease. 

“They said it was down the lane by that’ole field, on the right.” 

Right as Scythe had mentioned it, it seemed those two would have a special guest visiting them, whether he wanted to or not. 

Instead of drifting down slowly, Ban Hammer swooped towards his targeted spot like a meteorite. Right before he could hit the ground, he flapped his wings again, pushing him slightly upwards as grass, dirt, and wind pulsated around him from the shock. He let his wings carry him down slowly, landing on the ground and giving his wings one final flap before they dissipated. 

A few shocked faces stared right at him. Ban Hammer gave them all a wink before trudging his way towards the sidewalks again. It reminded him of the night from a few days ago, roaming these same streets, only this time much earlier in the day. 

Scythe eyed him like a hawk, watching the entire scene from afar. She gave a sinister laugh, eye catching onto Ban Hammer’s clear lack of armor. Today was going to be a fun day. 

“We got company, ‘Kit! Wanna’ go pay ol’ Banny a visit ?” 

Medkit gulped, he didn’t want to object to Scythe by any means, but he didn’t want to deal with Ban Hammer either.  

Ban Hammer strolled down the road beside the apartment Scythe and Medkit were atop of. She carefully eyed him, preparing for a good time to strike.  

“You get down there an’ start preppin’ ‘case Banny gets a swing on me, got that ‘Kit?” 

Medkit nodded, sweating. He was not at all ready for what was going to happen. He could only pray and remind himself that he can live. That he will live.

Ban Hammer stood right in front of the apartment. As soon as Scythe noticed him pause for a small moment, she decided it was the perfect time to strike. 
 
“Bingo.” 

With a leap, Scythe fell down with her gear in hand. Before she could even reach halfway through falling, Ban Hammer had heard the otherwise silent sound of her gear clinking.  

As Scythe attempted to slash at him, her gear was met with a heavy hammer, Ban Hammer’s own gear. He managed to summon it and block the strike, the impact bouncing them both back. 

“ Typical of a damn rotten criminal to go after a guy without his armor.” 

Ban Hammer snarled fiercely, anger in his eyes beaming through his amber gaze. 

“Seems like someone’s quite worked up ! And what’s a pretty warden like you wanderin’ the streets all willy-nilly? Don’t’cha got.. criminals to catch~?” 

“You wanna’ make this a game? Oh- I’ll make this a damn game!” 
 
Ban Hammer hissed at her, pulling the blindfold carelessly out of his hair and tying it around his eyes. Scythe snickered, her tail rattling. 

“As if you needed to nerf yourself even further!” 

“Yet I’ll still win.” 

Scythe ran towards his side in an attempt to slash him again, once more blocked by Ban Hammer’s gear. The two exchanged a few blows, both blocking each other’s hits with their own gears. Medkit watched in horror, refusing to step outside the boundaries of the alley.  

With each hit, Ban Hammer was increasingly backed into a corner. As Scythe went for another slash, he pushed off against the wall behind him and crouched to the side, slamming his heavy tail against her in the sudden movement. 

The trade of blows gathering a crowd, a few people going out of their way to record it all. Neither Ban Hammer nor Scythe noticed, only focusing on themselves in the brawl. 

As the snake and lion they were, Scythe hissed at him, and he hissed back. She gave him a smug scoff and swapped her scythe into its rifle, loaded with only a few bullets. Ban Hammer heard the clicking of the swap and held his hammer in front of him to block any shots. 

She fired a few at him, moving to his side to try and get a hit on him. Ban Hammer could hear the direction of the bullets and faced towards them with his gear continuing to block every shot, occasionally ricocheting a bullet or two.  

It was only when Scythe jumped over him was she able to get out of his range. As he turned around, a bang was heard. 

One shot.   

A single bullet managed to get past his hammer and, by the luck of the SFoTH, only managed to grace his shoulder as Scythe latched onto the side of another building. Ban Hammer snarled loudly like a broken record, but before he knew it, she ran off. 

Ran off without Medkit, nonetheless. She didn’t need him anymore, since Ban Hammer wouldn’t be chasing her for the time being. She saw it as the perfect time to get to the conference without having to worry about him sneaking up on her. 

Medkit peered around the alley. Scythe was gone, and Ban Hammer was slightly kneeling, hand on his shoulder.  

Ban Hammer ripped his blindfold off, and stared at the wound. Bleeding, typical . He groaned with annoyance. Not because of the pain, but because of the condition. 

There’s no way he’d be getting anything other than an ambulance call from a cashier at a restaurant.  

The crowd caught his attention. It was dissipating from earlier, but Ban Hammer wasn’t exactly fond of a photoshoot right now. Nor a visit to the hospital and its pathetic doctors. 

He didn’t have time to deal with medical work, he just wanted to eat. His scales and skin were tough, so he wasn’t in that much pain, especially for a gunshot wound. Dejected, he searched for anyone with a support gear, or at least something that can at least cover the wound so he could eat. 

And to his left, a small ram with a medkit happened to be nervously trying to skitter past him. 

“AYE!” 
 
He shouted in Medkit’s direction. Medkit froze like a deer in headlights. 

“Yeah, you ! I see that medkit! Get your shrimp-tail over here!” 

Medkit wanted to flee. Badly . His instincts were telling him to run as fast as he could. To go home . But his mind told him otherwise. It told him to help. –To help because Ban Hammer wouldn’t take very lightly to being ignored in such a way. That doing so would be a death-wish.  

The contrasts in his body lead him to just stand there. And for a few seconds, he stared with his beady jade eye. Ban Hammer didn’t say anything else, he only gave a half-frustrated, half-desperate look. They locked eyes, as if they were reading each other's minds. Medkit saw the panting breath of Ban Hammer, the sweat on his body, the emotion in the golden pools known as his eyes, something he didn’t think he’d get from someone like him. 

And so Medkit moved towards Ban Hammer. 

He leaned down, opening his gear and taking a look at his wound. Neither of them spoke, and Medkit kept quite a distance between the two.  

Using a wet cloth to wipe off the smeared blood, he placed a crystal by the wound. Glowing softly, the diamond pulsated like a beating heart as the injury started to close up. Medkit held it there, and gave a quick glance at Ban Hammer. 

He didn’t speak, nor stare at Medkit. He only sat there with tense breaths, eyes staring down at the floor, looking dejected. His amber glare shone beside his dark pelt, half-lidded. 

Medkit tilted his head slightly, reading into Ban Hammer, before putting the crystal back and wrapping his arm in a strand of bandages. Medkit then slid his hands off of Ban Hammer, who turned towards him from the loss of contact. 

“..You’re all done.” 

“Yeah.”  

Medkit twisted towards his gear, dusting it off and picking it up. As he turned to face Ban Hammer again, his face was met with a wad of bux. 

Ban Hammer shook it towards him impatiently, showing that he was giving it to him. Medkit only stared. After a few moments of silence, he spoke. 

“What is-” 

“Five thousand.”  

“...” 

Ban Hammer rolled his eyes. 

“What am I, a freeloader ? I pay for my damn services! –Now take the money.” 

“..Right.” 

Medkit carefully took the wad of bux, counting it as each slip of paper glided through the gaps of his paw, it was exactly five thousand. 

“Cheaper than whut the hospitals charge.” 

“ That.. that is alright.” 

Ban Hammer nodded with a small grunt. He sat himself back up, picked up his hammer, and went back to walking, moving past Medkit, who only stared up at him. 

Ban Hammer turned his head over his shoulder, glimpsing at Medkit once more, before breathing out a small puff of smoke and walking away. 

Medkit didn’t know how to feel. 

Chapter Text

Banland/Crossroads, Summertime, 3099 

“I think this is a reasonable concern, sir.” 

A young voice spoke in an attempt to communicate with their companion, who was growling lowly like an angry cat. He was an angry cat, in fact. 

“It ain’t no damn concern. Shit’s been like this for over twenty years, an’ I’ve been perfectly fine.” 

“Twenty years..” 
 
Ban Hammer squinted his eyes slightly, hands leaning on the rectangular table in front of him. Across it, laid a member of the Banland Police Force. The room was relatively small, leaving space for only the two of them. 

“Twenty years with no problems, no issues, no nuthin’ . I ain’t hirin’ anymore people.” 

“Lotta’ discrepancies in that, boss.” 

The police cadet spoke firmly, raising a paw to point at the marks in Ban Hammer’s shoulder. Sloppily placed bandages were wrapped around it, courtesy of himself. The gauze was stained from his own blood, still seeping out slowly. 

“Well I ain’t lettin this be bullshitted. Damn hospitals charge me thousands of bux only to NOT treat me, and all other damn supports practically gone extinct ! It ain’t worth it.” 

“I get that it infuriates you, sir, but there’s a reason we’re so persista–” 

“I know.”  

“...” 

“..I know. Look , ain’t no one here able to do anything about it, but we don’t have any options. No field medic can fix a month’s worth of shots an’ scabs; let alone do they even wanna’, but we can’t just get some kinda’ clinic to work with us, those bastards are a whole lotta’ bullshit.” 

“..Well, look, if you find someone, – Anyone who you think could work, tell us. ” 

Ban Hammer's whiskers, formerly pointed down, shot up at a sudden realization.  
 
“Warden?”  

“I know a guy.”  

* * *  

The air was warm, rain padded over the windows, which were covered by blinds, hiding the already barely visible sunset that was primarily covered in clouds. Beside a desk lay Medkit, staring at the artificial light produced from his own desk lamp. 

He only wore an oversized shirt and long, soft pants, the texture similar to that of a dog’s thin fur. His sleepwear. Something nice and light to help lessen the invisible weight on his shoulders. 

Taking a sip from the cracked mug on his left, right hand playing with the crystal that otherwise would float between his horns. The taste of cheap coffee got old fast, but it kept him up, which was all he needed. 

Mostly kept him up, anyways. 

Medkit was in a temporary state of contentment. His breathing was steady, his eye was half-lidded, his heart was calm. It was only him and the sound of the rain. 

Well, that, alongside the sound of heavy knocking on the door that seemed to intrude on Medkit’s false tranquility. 

Large slams on his front door woke him up from his trance, almost knocking his cup over as his limbs scattered. He shook, turning back to look at the door. He couldn't see who was behind it, and he didn't want to know.  

It didn't sound like anyone familiar. Not like Scythe, or anyone he knew in the church. Not like Sword, or any of his friends. The knocking was persistent, loud, and heavy. He felt like if it continued, his door would be busted down. 

Medkit wanted to run again, but there was no place to go. Not when his door was sealed, not in this weather. He crouched down on the floor and headed towards the window by his door. Peering the blinds slightly open, he could make out the faint trace of.. 

Armor?  

"..Ban Hammer."  

Medkit whispered, shaking. The Warden was at his door, probably to arrest him now that he knew from their previous encounter that he'd be in Crossroads. His breathing was becoming more and more unstable with every knock. He sat down, hiding under the window, all until he heard a voice. 

"Hello? Aye , you in there? Can't knock all day!" 

Ban Hammer.  

That was him, his voice, not some eerie hallucination. Medkit knew he was screwed. He couldn't hide. Taking a deep breath, he ran for his phone and started to record. Approaching the door at the pace a snail could beat, he spoke through as calm of a voice as he could wind up. 

"..Do you have a warrant?" 

"Warrant? Wh – I'm not here to investigate you! That's not my job! 

Medkit stayed silent. 

"Medkit, I can hear you in there. I'm off the clock, I just need a favor." 

"I don't consent to you entering this building without a-"  

"I'M NOT A DAMN COP!"  

Ban Hammer caught himself after raising his voice. The shout startled Medkit enough to get him to jump back in a cartoonishly dramatic manner. 

"–I'm not here to search you or do anything stupid! I can't even legally do that! –I'm here 'cus I need a damn medic." 

Medkit stared at the door, trembling. He really didn't want to open it, his whole life could be ruined right here. He doesn't want to take that risk. 

"...Medkit."  

Medkit stood silent. Ban Hammer sighed behind the door, pinching his forehead and groaning loudly. He raised his head up and squinted his eyes slightly open, wishing he wouldn’t have to come to such pathetic desperation.  

"I swear upon my own oath that I am not here to detain or arrest you, search your home, check for incriminating evidence, or do any investigation related or regarding you and anyone you may know at this time." 

Ban Hammer's tone was more annoyed than anything, drowning out each syllable, internally judging himself for having to make a pathetic promise just to get a guy to open a door. He was considering just busting the lock himself, but obviously that wasn't an option. 

Medkit only stared at his door. His hand was slightly reached out, debating if he should at least open it a little. He sat back towards the window again and looked. 

No other officers. No one else at all. 

" Please -"  

Medkit cracked open the door, no more than a sliver. Staring at Ban Hammer through what was barely visible, he stood. 

"Can.. I help you?" 

"Yeah. Healing . I know you from a few days ago, least– in person ." 

"How did you get this address?" 

"Was in our systems. There's a few reports with you.. but Blackrock ‘claims’ aren't exactly our priority right now." 

"..." 

"I'm not going to arrest you. I can't lie under my own oath." 

Medkit assumed that was because of some sort of Banland rule towards his position of power. In reality Ban Hammer knew that his momma would get mad at him for lying for no reason. Somehow she always seemed to know. Was that what she meant by ‘parental instinct’? Either way, he turned what was once a relatively-useless statement into a way for him to get people to trust him.

"You only want healing? 

"That and a few questions." 

"What type of questions?" 

"Ones about how you heal." 

"Be more specific." 

Ban Hammer stammered, rolling his eyes. He pushed his arms up and motioned them dramatically to try and focus himself. It didn’t work very well. 

"I dunno'? They seemed awfully potent. I just wanna' see how they work." 

Medkit paused, thinking as he engaged in the Inphinity’s worst staring contest known to inphernal-kind with his own door. If Ban Hammer could see him, he’d laugh at how stupid he looked as he blankly stared at the wood. 

"..I can heal you. – But , I reserve the right to remain silent towards any question you give me that I do not consent to answering. Yes?" 

"I know how the law works, Medkit, I made it. I know ." 

Medkit sighed, crossing his fingers, he opened the door. 

"Do not make a mess, and do not enter any room outside this one." 

"I'm not going to search y– H-how many times do I need’a' say it!?" 

Medkit gave a pondering gaze. The tone of Ban Hammer's voice sounded.. genuine. By no means did he trust him, but he could at least work with him for a few minutes. 

"The couch?" 

"Couch is fine." 

Ban Hammer sat himself on the end of the couch, arm leaning on the armrest. His other arm went to remove a few of the plates by his other shoulder, different from the one healed by Medkit not too long ago. Beneath it were the strips of sloppy bandaging, stained and torn. 

"This side, got scratched up. I'll be honest, I didn't see it as some big deal, but the team said I should'a’ gotten it checked out." 

"You don't have someone to do this at Banland?" 

" Psh - no! All the damn hospitals in Crossroads are a whole bunch'a chuds , and there ain't usually people on the street who just wanna help willy-nilly." 

Medkit turned up to look him in the eyes. His four, golden, radiant eyes. 

"..Besides you , I guess." 

Medkit hummed in response. He carefully removed the old wrapping with only a pinch, the thought of his gross, unwashed wounds having bled all over it for who-knows-how-long making him swallow his own thoughts. He laid another crystal over Ban Hammer's shoulder, littered in a few scratches and cuts. Each one shrunk in size from the light of the crystal. 

“Truly, it is awfully unprofessional not to have at least some service to do this at home. Is Banland really that chopped up?” 

“Do you want me to take my damn words back?” 

Medkit moved back slightly and shut his mouth tightly like a flytrap. Ban Hammer squinted his eyes, before raising an eyebrow and blowing a cloud of smoke to the side.  

" So .. those apart of your gear or somethin'?" 

His eyes were focused on Medkit's glowing crystal, the one that would pulse against his pelt. His eyes blinked slowly, partially from the general tiredness he felt, but also from the surprisingly comforting feeling of Medkit’s dingy apartment. The walls were dull and the place was quite empty, but the soft lights felt nice to his mind. 

"I don't wish to answer that." 

"..Alright." 

Ban Hammer shrugged his shoulders, responding indifferently. Medkit looked up at him in confusion. He was awfully complicit, contrary to what Medkit would've expected. Ban Hammer really was being genuine, a feeling Medkit assumed was physically and emotionally impossible for someone like Ban Hammer to show. 

Medkit removed the crystal and applied another bandage, this time properly around what was left. The skin by the scars being quite pale, unlike his otherwise dark skin. Medkit almost wanted to question it, but he decided it was best to keep his distance. 

"You're all set." 

"Cool, thanks . Gimme’ a sec'." 

Medkit paused, staring at Ban Hammer as he dug through one of his pockets. 

"Are you–" 

"I still pay for my services, y'know. Another five thousand with your name on it." 

Ban Hammer handed the wad to Medkit, who graciously accepted. Counting again, five thousand bux . He had already made ten thousand bux in a week, much more than anything else he'd ever done to get money. 

" So.. are you ready?" 

"Yeah. One more thing before I head out–" 

"... Yes? " 

"You mind if I come back here for a heal or two whenever?" 

Medkit stared at him, slightly dumbfounded. Ban Hammer was still very nonchalant. Was his own tiredness making him forget who he was talking to? In this state, probably. 

"..Whenever?"  

"Not like– in the middle of the night! Just whenever I need it. I could call you or something?" 

"Why me?" 

"You're the only competent healer I know." 

"..And this is only for healing?" 

"Whut else am I gonna' do? Eat outta' yer pantry? I got enough food at home." 

“I don't have much of a choice, do I?” 

“ Maybe .” 

Medkit hesitated to say anything else. He didn't know what to answer. It was only when Ban Hammer looked to his left, then to his right, coughed quietly, and muttered a sentence under his breath: 

"..I'll continue to pay ya'." 

"Deal."  

Chapter Text

Crossroads, Summertime, 3099  

"Sounds kinda' messed up, not gonna' lie.."  

Sword . The red to Rocket's blue and Medkit's green. He was out to visit Medkit, though not before begging him on his knees to take a little break off of work to let his best friend stay for a while.  

Sword was a passionate and adventurous young inphernal. He always wore a signature outfit of a brown cape, boots, and gloves, protecting his feathered yet wingless body. Atop his head laid a helmet, shining in the dim light, with a collection of his own red feathers making up the top.  

With reluctant sighs, Medkit finally let him join. What he wasn't expecting was Sword arriving at sundown. Medkit had originally thought Sword forgot, and would call him back.  

Well, he was right about the forgetting part.  

It was only until the sun was in the middle of setting when a knock on his door, quick and messy, caught his attention. This time, he wasn't as nervous as the recent time a different ' special guest ' had visited him. Though, as visits from said guest became more common, things became a lot more casual between the two. Medkit hated to admit it to himself.  

He could easily recognize Sword's knocking. And, at the very least, he could tell it didn't belong to Ban Hammer. –Especially since he'd decided visiting Medkit would become awfully routine.  

It was a miracle his door wasn't slammed down from his fervently passionate knocking, as if he was slamming his entire body into it; something only Ban Hammer would do, and would likely cost Medkit his own door someday. His landlord would kill him. –Though, so would Ban Hammer if he didn’t open that door, so it really was a choice of what death would be less painful.  

Not wanting to keep Sword waiting, he opened the door. A few hugs later, all of which unasked for on Medkit's side, and the two had settled to where they were now.  

"I have no other option."  

"Well– look , I know you're really busy and whatever.. but is that really necessary?"  

Medkit held his tone, almost about to make a snap back at Sword. Instead, he shook his head and only said a word.  

"Yes."  

Sword gave a disheartened look, Medkit paid no mind to it.  

"That's a bummer, then.."  

Medkit gave an affirming tilt of his head and widened his eye a little.  

"It will be over soon."  

Medkit ignored the bitter taste in his throat from the slightly vague lie. Little did he know, it really would be over soon.  

Even little-er did he know, the path to freedom that he wasn't even aware was coming happened to be at his door.  

And littlest did he know, it would all be the result of that one uninvited guest he knew the name, knock, and voice of so clearly.  

The knock . A slam on the door with fierce fists. From the other side, the tall, purple inphernal he seemed to involuntarily know so dearly, all because that same big brute couldn't ever learn to keep himself safe.  

" Yeesh – is that Rocket? I told him not to follow me!"  

Medkit shook his head at Sword as he approached the door. He instinctively led to open it, but as his hand ghosted the knob, he turned. Sword was staring.  

"..I have a patient to deal with."  

"I thought you–"  

"I don't have a choice in this one , either."  

Sword and Medkit stared at each other, neutral expressions sharing both their faces. Medkit turned away from him, took a reluctant deep breath, and opened the door.  

"Hey Meds’! Got another r–... uh.. "  

Ban Hammer, blindfold tied below the puff of fur that normally leaned against his forehead, now holding it up like a headband, stared at Sword in the background. Sword stared back at him.  

"Oh."  

"Whut's the squirt doin' over here?"  

Ban Hammer slid his head towards Sword, gesturing in his direction with his thumb. Sword forced a smile on himself, staring up at his much taller semi-relative.  

"Don't mind him, Sword. As for you –"  

Medkit pushed a paw against Ban Hammer's chest, lightly attempting to shove him slightly. He gave him a stern look.  

" What did I say about not calling before you arrive here?"  

Medkit crossed his arms and sneered. Ban Hammer on the other hand gave him a dumbfounded look like a confused dog.   

"Uh, I did fuckin' call you."  

"Excuse me?"  

Sword watched the two bicker like a married couple. While Ban Hammer's presence was unexpected, quite uninvited, and even more unwelcomed, he wasn't aware Medkit had at least a slightly casual relationship with him. No one could talk to the Warden of Banland like that without receiving a pummeling.  

A part of him wanted to laugh. Badly . He held his tongue.  

Medkit turned towards his phone, laid on the couch atop an old blanket. Picking it up, he saw five missed calls from what he remembered was Ban Hammer's number. His arms sank.  

" Yeah . You ain't ever say you had to respond to the calls to let me over, though!"  

Ban Hammer let out a snicker, teeth showing for the world– or in this case, Medkit and Sword to see. He knew his ways around technicalities; however he did not know Medkit was having a guest over.  

" So .. 'bout the red chicken –"  

Sword turned his head, confused. He didn't know red poultry existed.  

"–You treatin' him too? You gonna' have'ta' kick me out again? Hm?" 

Ban Hammer raised an eyebrow, Sword on the other hand, gears turning in his mind, finally understood what, or rather who Ban Hammer was referring to; he gasped dramatically and let out an offended scoff, forcefully crossing his arms and flicking his head away from him like a stubborn toddler.  

"I will if you keep your means of insulting my guest up."  

Ban Hammer swung his tail and crossed his arms, pointing his eyes to the side, avoiding eye-contact, similar to Sword.  

" Gah ! –Whut'ever."  

He made his way towards the couch, routine to him. He shoved Sword out of the way, muffling his complaints with his tail, and slouched down. Medkit returned from the side of his desk with his gear and an annoyed look.  

"Don't make yourself comfortable, I'm not letting you overstay your welcome today, unlike the last few times."  

"I said I wasn't gonna' mess with the twerp! Besides– the guy loves me!"  

Sword– arms crossed and eyes squinted, avoiding Ban Hammer's gaze and giving an annoyed look directly in front of him as Ban Hammer's tail laid on half of his body, let out a grumble as his eye twitched.  

"I'm sure he does."  

Medkit let out a sarcastic growl, Ban Hammer's obnoxious smile bled through the room, much to Sword's dismay. Sword also didn't appreciate being the arm- or rather tail-rest of his monstrous cousin.  

"Let's hurry this up, shall we?"  

"No drinks this time?"  

"No drinks."  

The words ' this time ' stuck out to Sword. He truly wasn't aware of how sickeningly casual the two of them were. The fact that they'd done this many times before.. and yet he didn’t know until now ?  

Ban Hammer didn't take much note of it. Sliding his heavy tail off the side of Sword's face, letting him finally fix his posture, he pulled it in front of him to reveal a gash beside the armor-like plates of scales on the bottom of it. By the looks of it, it seemed recent.  

Medkit latched a paw on the base of the tail, gripping it, eliciting a then-muffled purr from Ban Hammer. With a grounding squeeze and a wipe of a wet cloth, another crystal was placed atop it.  

Ban Hammer paid no mind, this was routine healing for him. Though, the feeling of the crystal on his skin still felt new. Refreshing , at that. It was cold, not something he was used to. Even after various visits to Medkit's scrawny apartment, the routine never got old.  

"So.."  

Sword broke the silence between the two of them, who were otherwise staring at the crystal connecting between Medkit's paw and Ban Hammer's soft tail.  

"..You guys do this often?"  

" Maybe . That's nunya' business, ki–"  

"Often is one way to put it."  

Ban Hammer and Medkit's glares met, one squinted, another, as always, terminally neutral, almost infectious. Their stares clearly communicated words of "He didn't need to know that." and "You didn't make it any less obvious." despite not spitting a single letter out.  

Sword broke their uncomfortable silence after having to stare at the two, nose at nose, glaring at each other for a few moments too long.  

"So you guys are friends ?"  

The two of them quickly pointed towards Sword in shock.  

Then, they turned to each other without saying a word.  

Back to Sword, then back at each other. Noses still a few specks of dust away from touching.  

Ban Hammer had enough of Sword's staring. He puffed a breath of smoke to Medkit's face, causing him to flinch and move backwards, out of Ban Hammer’s own. He fanned the cloud of black away from Medkit's eyes and grabbed him by the paw, setting him up.  

Medkit coughed, spitting out a silent curse at him before removing the crystal from his tail, scrape nearly gone, leaving only a pale purple scar left.  

"You didn't need to do that."  

Ban Hammer rolled his eyes. As Medkit placed another bandage around his tail, the fourth one in the past month ; Sword cleared his throat.  

His question.  

Neither Medkit nor Ban Hammer knew how to answer. Medkit didn't know what he considered Ban Hammer. He hadn't considered their closeness as of recently, nor how casual it felt. Ban Hammer on the other hand, didn't really know what he'd consider a 'friend' to be at all.  

"Yeah."  

"Acquaintances."  

Both words were said simultaneously. Both of them stared back at each other simultaneously. Both turned back to Sword simultaneously. And now, both of them felt real stupid. Simultaneously , at that.  

"So.. yes ? That's nice. Never really saw you two as a group to get along, but I guess that's how you felt about me and Rocket, right Medkit?"  

The room fell dead silent.  

"..I should really get going, shouldn't I?"  

Neither of them spoke.  

".. Yeah . I'm gonna' head out. Should go pick up Rocket before he tries to look for me. Have a– uh – good night Medkit! –And you too, Ban’."  

Sword got up from the couch in a hurry and waved goodbye to Medkit, who cautiously waved back, still staring at him, wide-eyed. Sword found his way to the door, squeezing through it and closing.  

More silence. Unbearable silence.  

"What the hell was that."  

"...I don't know."  

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU ' DON'T KNOW'!? "  

Medkit flinched at Ban Hammer's hoarse voice, in a hurry, he pressed a paw against Ban Hammer's mouth in an attempt to shut him up.  

Well, at least it worked. Though, getting Ban Hammer to gain a slight purple flush on his cheeks wasn't exactly the intent.  

It wasn't Ban Hammer's intent to have that reaction either. Snapping out of his shock, he smacked Medkit's hand away from him.  

"Get your nasty hands off of me."  

"Apologies. You.. startled me."  

"Don't care. Don't fuckin' do that."  

"I understand."  

Ban Hammer furrowed his brows at him, growling. Medkit happened to feel remorse for his actions, though Ban Hammer couldn't tell. He always seemed deadpan to him.  

The shock in Ban Hammer's voice reminded Medkit of the lingering question in his mind. Something he wanted to know so bad, yet couldn't ever ask, 'less he wanted to be thrown into a cell. He didn't dare remind Ban Hammer.  

The question itself: ' Why haven't you arrested me? ' .  

Medkit wanted to know. Ban Hammer really kept to his promise all those weeks ago. -But why? He knew Medkit was a criminal. WANTED, at that. A bounty on his horns and a traitorous label to his name. So many questions, but it wasn't worth poking the sleeping bear, at least for now.  

In his case, the very awake bear . The bear that was right in front of him.  

"Well, treatment's over, yeah?"  

Before Medkit could answer, Ban Hammer enacted the usual ritual of paying for his services. All the money he'd simply hand Medkit was astonishing to him, but certainly not unwelcome.  

"You know the deal. Five thousand. "  

"Five thousand."  

And thus, Medkit's very awake bear got up, patting his tail before dragging it across the floor and heading towards the door.  

Medkit approached the very awake bear .  

And with a paw, he poked it on the shoulder.  

"Yeah?"  

"Ban Hammer."  

Medkit hesitated, today could be the day everything goes wrong.  

That's also what he thought a few weeks ago, when Ban Hammer first arrived at his door.  

He can't run away. Not today. He's alive . He'll stay alive . He's lived this before. He'll live again.  

"Why haven't you arrested me?"  

He spat it out. Flinching while awaiting an answer. Ban Hammer, on the other hand, turned his face curiously and answered:  

"It'd be an inconvenience, really."  

What?  

"..It would?"  

"Look, I'll let you into this, Meds', since you've been oh-so nice to me–"  

He chuckled, putting a large paw on Medkit's shoulder, who shivered slightly from the touch.  

"–I don't live in Banland, I live near it. And when you're inside Banland, you can't use your gear. There's no reason to leave you in there."  

Medkit paused. He knew Ban Hammer was using him, but hearing it, even if only inferred, made him feel uneasy.  

"That's.. the only reason?"  

"In the past, maybe. I'd hate to go against my oath, but I'd also like to keep things.. y'know, fair ? .. Legal? You're quite useful, though, I'll give you that. I can see why Blackrock made a big deal about you!"  

Ban Hammer let out a snort as he giggled alongside his playful tone on the last line. Medkit didn't take it the same way, he looked down, nervous, yet also infuriated. He couldn’t tell what he meant by ‘ in the past ’ , the suspicion that he was doing nothing more than using him as a tool was creeping into his mind.  

"Banland don't gotta' medic, y'know that. You're the next best thing. Funny enough, I don't hate to admit that as much as I thought I would."  

Ban Hammer gave him a shrug of the shoulders and a smile, a loose laugh spitting under his breath.  

"–Granted, I ain't lettin' no one know about this for now. 'Less you wanna' get into some real work, I still don't take fondly to workin' with a criminal – NOR a member of that stupid church."  

Medkit shuddered again, avoiding eye-contact and brushing Ban Hammer's paw softly off his shoulder.  

"I've got some ideas for you, Meds'. Stupid ideas, but ideas. Somethin' you might like."  

Medkit wanted to tell him off, but with how passive he was, he didn't want to get him to change his mind. Though, he had to admit that his genuine tone made him believe that he was more than just another tool. With a nod, he quietly responded:  

"Thank you."  

"Expect to see me in a week or whut'ever."  

With a wink, Ban Hammer adjusted the blindfold on his forehead and opened the door, crouching down to fit his large horns under it.  

He turned back, staring at Medkit. Medkit, in return, nodded again. Ban Hammer flashed him a smile, tooth sticking out, and turned away, allowing Medkit to close the door,  

It seemed Ban Hammer had made a friend.  

Chapter Text

Crossroads/Banland’s Palace, Summertime, 3099

Knocking.

Sweet, sweet knocking.

It’s all Medkit wanted to hear right now.

Sat down on the couch he calls his bed, knees pulled to his chest, arms wrapped around them head tucked down, he sat. An uncomfortable silence filled the air. It was at a time like this where Medkit would usually be doing work, a cup of coffee there to keep him grounded yet awake. 

Oh how he wished that’s what he could be doing right now.

Instead he laid here, curled up. His body was the exact opposite of grounded and awake. He was panicking and tired, shivering in his own arms and legs. And the funniest part is? –He was perfectly fine just an hour ago.

* * *

An hour ago . He was doing the exact thing he imagined himself wanted to do earlier. Sitting at his desk late at night, drowning any sorrows in caffeine. An hour ago, that was when the bleeding red phone on his desk rang. The phone he absolutely hated to answer. 

It rang.

It rang.

It rang.

He had no choice.

“..Hello?”

“Hey, Meds’, almost thought you weren’t going to pick up!”

Before Medkit could enter another word, his thoughts were cut off with that disgusting, beady voice.

“The Father has requested your presence at once.”

Silence.

“Awfully silent today. You’re not busy , are you?”

“I’m-”

“GOOD!”

Medkit shut his mouth.

“–You know he doesn’t like to be kept waiting. ..Just don’t mess it up this time, the Father can only be so forgiving.”

Running was on his mind again. And just like before, and before, time after time , he couldn’t run away.

Not when alone.

“Honestly, you moving to Crossroads has been nothing but an inconvenience for us all. I thought we were supposed to protect you, y’know? That’s kind of the entire deal.”

Moving to Crossroads , one of the only times he was able to run away. He couldn’t let himself be caught.

“If I didn’t know any better, I would think you’re trying to run away from us!”

And at that moment, he was caught.

“So, what will it be?” 

That cursed voice. Oh , how it hurt to hear. Medkit didn’t want to speak. He didn’t want to do anything. Maybe this is what he wanted. Soon, he won't be able to do anything at all, stripped of the minimal freedom he wished he had.

He spat out the last his voice could handle.

“..I’ll be there soon .”

“ HAHA! Knew we could rely on you!”

“...”

“Don’t mess this up.”

And at that, the phone cut off. So did Medkit’s sense of rationality, apparently. As from there, his emotions went from zero to one hundred. Or more accurately: one hundred to fifty-eight thousand .

Deep breaths and a sip of coffee were cut off by his conscience finally realizing what he’d said.

“I’ll be there soon.”

His heart sank. The dread of the call took over his entire body. Paranoia swept through his veins and sank into his heart like a disease. At this point, it might as well be considered one. 

Sitting himself down, he couldn’t do anything except let the emotions spinning inside his head take over himself. Coddling his limbs like a child, he sat there.

Quiet. It had been like that for an hour.

Until: Knocking.

Slamming on the door, the familiar sound. The sound he had internally begged for the entire time.

In his pocket, his phone. Grabbing it, he checked the dim screen. Another five missed calls, courtesy of his ringer being off. All of which from Ban Hammer.

He remembered his words:

“You ain't ever say you had to respond to the calls to let me over, though!”

Reading it in his mind with Ban Hammer’s exact voice, his eyes widened. Not wanting to leave him waiting, nor wanting to be alone in the silence any longer, Medkit peered through the closed blinds once more, checking for Ban Hammer.

Big grey arms, large purple horns, a thick and meaty tail. That was him, and only him.

Medkit scrambled to the door and pulled it open, meeting Ban Hammer, who was in a casual outfit for once, dusty purple shirt and dark shorts. He never thought he’d be so happy to see the person who was meant to be against him in his life. That’s what he got for getting so attached; though, he wasn’t the only one. 

“Hey Meds’! Still missing my calls, I see?”

Ban Hammer smiled, though as he opened his eyes, he noticed Medkit’s exasperated appearance. His whiskers tilted down, still keeping a smile, albeit, with a concerned tint to his expression.

“Well you sure look like shit!”

He let out a soft laugh, attempting to bring up Medkit’s expression. Medkit himself could only continue panting tiredly.

“..Whut’s up with you?”

“Ban’..”

Medkit had never called him anything outside of his full name. Ban Hammer’s whiskers pointed up in shock.

“Yeah?”

Medkit stopped. Holding his hand on his heart, he continued to shake. He wasn’t sure how vulnerable he wanted to be in the moment, but with his appearance, he was sure Ban Hammer had already known. 

It was now or never.

“I..”

Ban Hammer’s smile faded, staring intently at him. Medkit, thinking about what he was about to say, had a rush of adrenaline in his body.

“I can’t stay here.”

Something about spitting out those words caused Medkit to act irrationally again. In a panic, he ran towards the side of his room, sloppily gathering clothing off the floor. Ban Hammer flew his eyes towards him, worried and awfully confused.

“Hey– hey ! Woah, calm it down!”

He ran to place a hand on Medkit’s shoulder. Doing so immediately stopped all of his movements, as he sank his arms down slowly to the sides of his body. He gave him a gentle pat, unsure of why Medkit was acting so weirdly, nor how to at least comfort him. He wasn’t used to this at all.

“The hell are you doing!?”

Medkit didn’t answer. He only sat there, sweat falling down his body like rain; a horrible, horrible feeling continued to wash over him with each drop. Ban Hammer still didn’t understand what was happening. A feeling inside him believing this wasn’t just Medkit being dramatic. 

“..Hey.”

“I said I can’t stay here.”

“I know that. Why can’t you stay here?”

Ban Hammer’s voice was firm, concern was lingering in his mind. He needed Medkit to snap out of it, and fast. Dire situation or not, his impatience always got the best of him. 

“Medkit.”

No answer. Ban Hammer snapped his fingers at him. Nothing. 

“Medkit, you’re concerning me. Give me a damn answer.”

More silence. They were now both stuck in the uncomfortable noise of nothing. Neither of them wanted that, but Medkit couldn’t bring himself to speak. He only breathed, hands leaning on the pile of cluttered clothing.

“Medkit.”

Medkit did not talk. 

“Medkit!”

Medkit turned around to face Ban Hammer, eye heavy and damp with tears. He didn’t want to be vulnerable, but in this moment, he had no other choice. With shaky breaths, he could only mutter three words:

“ They’re after me.”

Ban Hammer twitched his whiskers and steadied his breathing, Medkit doing the same. Ban Hammer moved his hand from his shoulder to his hand, maintaining eye-contact. Ban Hammer’s company grounded him. Those exact words, both of them understood. Medkit needed not to supply any further context.

“.. They’re after you.”

Medkit panted, giving a nod. Ban Hammer looked down at Medkit’s lap, hand still atop his. Medkit looked down with him, his thoughts interrupted when Ban Hammer spoke again.

“Can’t have you stayin’ here, then.”

“ You think I don’t know that!? It doesn’t matter where I go! They’ll find me! They’ll find me– a-and there’s nothing I can do! Nothing! ”

Spitting out at Ban Hammer, Medkit didn’t care who he was facing at that moment. If Ban Hammer really took it personally, he’d rather die from his hands than theirs.

“–Then I’ll just take you to Banland.”

Ban Hammer’s voice broke Medkit’s uneasy shuttering. His head shot up, gasping and pulling backwards with his hand still under Ban Hammer’s. Ban Hammer was entirely serious, his expression showing it. 

“You’ll.. what? ”

“Not in a cage, I told you that’d be an inconvenience. You can.. stay with me until you find a safe home.”

Medkit genuinely couldn’t tell what Ban Hammer’s true intentions were. In a state like this, he could barely even think clearly. The only thing keeping his mind from racing was Ban Hammer himself. His paw atop his own. 

Oh.

“..Stay with you?”

“They can’t reach you where I stay, let alone find you.”

“...”

“You’re.. You’re gonna’ be alright.”

Medkit closed his eye, and whispered a praise. Taking a deep breath and gulping, he finally let go of Ban Hammer’s hand.

“Thank you.”

“Aye, keep that head up. You gotta’ pack, don’t’cha? Chop chop!”

Ban Hammer gave him a smile, something Medkit graciously accepted. He started folding the clumps of clothing from earlier, searching each corner of his apartment to bring whatever he needed, and dispose of any leftover trace of himself.

“..How long do you plan to keep me there?”

“Long as it takes, I guess. ”

“ Hm ..”

Medkit stuffed whatever he could into a bag fervently, tying it together. He looked back up at Ban Hammer, who was crouched beside him, staring intently with his tail wagging to pass the time in his mind. 

Was he staring at him the entire time? Medkit didn’t know, best not to think about it. He didn’t take Ban Hammer as the attentive type, anyways.

“Ready to go?”

“I think so.. So, how do you plan to get both of us to–”

“On my back.”

“I-I’m sorry?”

Ban Hammer grinned and grabbed Medkit by the arm, dragging him to the door. Medkit yelped out a bleat as his legs attempted to keep up with Ban Hammer’s strength.

Pushing him towards the door, Ban Hammer pawed at the knob, signaling Medkit to open it. Doing so, he walked outside, dragging Medkit with him using his tail. Slamming the apartment door closed, he moved aside to allow Medkit to lock it.

Exiting the stairs of the apartment, Ban Hammer stepped outside into the warm night of Crossroads’ late-summer air. Medkit stared from behind him, about to ask for clarification on his previous statement. 

However, before he could ask, Ban Hammer let out a pose and leaned his back, pulsating gold wings forming out of his back, scaring Medkit into running his back into a wall on accident.

Ban Hammer turned over his shoulder, reaching a hand over to him.

“Pass me the bag, an’ hop on before someone sees me!”

Medkit did as instructed, giving the tied up bag to Ban Hammer who was now crouching down to allow Medkit to hop on.

“This.. isn’t safe at all , is it?”

“I ain’t gonna drop you! It’ll be a nice flight, no-nuthin’ that’ll hurt’cha’. C’mon, I can’t just do all this only to drop’ya in the sea a few minutes later!”

Medkit audibly gulped as he hesitantly obliged, pawing onto Ban Hammer’s shirt and clinging onto his back, hands on his shoulders as Ban Hammer lifted his tail up for Medkit to sit on.

“Flight won’t be too long, make yourself comfy!”

Before Medkit could make another comment, Ban Hammer quickly struck his wings against the ground as he jumped, propelling himself into the air with a boom. Medkit had never held onto another inphernal harder in his life, eye shut.

As Ban Hammer soared upwards, the vast sea of the shore that connected where Playground once was started to become visible.

“Hey, Meds’! Open those damn eyes– er.. eye –  and get a look out here!”

Medkit opened his eye slightly, then widening it upon seeing the view. A vast ocean, shining blue and purple against the colorful sky. Each star reflected off its clear waves like a mirror. A big pool of white– the moon , shining brightly.

He turned his head to stare at Ban Hammer’s glowing wings, contrasting beautifully against the deep blue sea. They left a trail of gilded light behind them, trailing like stardust. 

“Ain’t she nice? Better thank Momma for the clear skies tonight, yeah?”

Medkit couldn’t help but chuckle slightly, with Ban Hammer unable to see his face from behind. The entire trip really was distracting him from what had happened not long ago. Ban Hammer really was a big distraction, intentionally or not. 

“Right up there? That’s our stop.”

Ban Hammer pointed upwards on his right, a floating cloud hanging beside a large volcano: Banland . To the further right of it laid another cluster of clouds with architecture poking out of it, only much larger. Playground. 

“Told ya’ I didn’t live in those ol’ hot wastes. Ain’t no room in there for a good home. Momma ended up partin’ a few parts off of Playground just to make a nice place for me.”

“What’s your household like, then?”

“You’ll find out! It’s warm, I’ll tell ya’ that.”

“..Inside?”

“ I have air conditioning, Medkit. ”

Ban Hammer rolled his eyes playfully as Medkit sighed. There’s no way in the Inpherno he could handle that heat all day. He couldn’t even fathom it.

As Ban Hammer flew upwards, pushing himself towards the visible cloud in the sky, the features atop of it laid clear. A large bundle of black and purple structures, all connected through bridges or hallways, guarded by a thick, black wall. On the right of the giant palace, some sort of clearing was present. A tall pillar of rock stuck out between the walls, the occasional tree or two poking out as well.

The largest building of the manor laid in the back, the top of it hosting a chamber with a stained glass dome for a roof. More stained glass outlined each window on the sides, depicting a hammer- Ban Hammer’s gear.

As Ban Hammer flew towards the gates, he held a hand to latch onto Medkit as he twisted his body upright, slowly floating downwards in front of the gate’s door.

“Alright, trip’s done. Welcome!”

Ban Hammer stuck out his hand dramatically, as if he were trying to show off the palace. Unfortunately, he was still in front of the closed door. He turned around after receiving silence, only to frown and remember he left his gear at home again.

“ Oh – yeah. Woops .”

“What are y–”

Ban Hammer let out a large roar, mane flaring again as his hand stuck out into the sky, gear appearing in his grip again. He slammed it on the ground with a loud thud, panting and holding his back again right after. He turned towards Medkit and dropped his gear, dissipating again, as he stuck out his hand once more.

“Ta-daa-a-ah.. ah.. Ma-a-a-an I needa’ stop doin’ this so late. Damn arms get tired of all that.”

Ban Hammer’s voice drowned off, getting Medkit to snicker from his tiredness. Following Ban Hammer’s steps inside, the door quickly shut behind him, startling him into another bleat again. Ban Hammer laughed at the funny sounding noise.

“Alright ‘ wool-face ’, welcome home. Try not to get lost, pretty damn big, ‘specially for you.”

Ban Hammer walked Medkit towards the main entrance, large doors beside the biggest part of the manor, covered by an extravagant stone deck looming above it. Ban Hammer slammed the door open with a paw, pulling Medkit inside with his tail.

To Medkit’s shock, the inside was much cozier than he’d expected. Soft-colored woods and fuzzy carpets of natural colors, a few unlit candles by the small entrance. To his left, a set of clear doors dividing another section of the house, and on the right, a spiral staircase.

“This place ain’t exactly got a guest’s room.. It’s sorta built for– y’know, the ‘ one and only Warden of Banland, son of Windforce ’? Last I checked, you ain’t got that title, so hope you like the couch.”

“The couch is fine, thank you.”

“Don’t get too comfy!”

Ban Hammer smiled again, nudging Medkit to infer his joking tone. He pushed Medkit in the direction of the room on his left, a large couch visible behind the door. Ban Hammer opened a drawer in front of him as Medkit walked away.

Opening the door and looking around, he could get a better view of the room. The couch was in front of him by a corner on his right, a bookshelf beside it, and in front of it: a large television. Above the couch laid a string of lights.

On the left side, a worn fireplace with a nest of blankets and pillows rested. The entire place was messy in a very cozy-ish way. The domesticity of it all made him relax. The entire journey here wasn’t as stressful as he thought it would be.

As he sat down, Ban Hammer returned with a cluster of blankets and pillows in his tail’s grip. Before Medkit could utter a response, Ban Hammer threw a blanket at him, which Medkit promptly flailed off his body, quite difficult to do with the peculiar weight of it.

“ ‘Dunno how you sleep or whut’ever, but these should probably be enough.”

“I– Well thank you, Ban Hammer, but that may be a bit much.”

“ Psh – whut’, do you sleep with one’o’ those puny blankets or somethin’?”

“Yes – ”

“ Not here, you don’t! There’s a whole bunch of these, all washed recently. Go dig through 'em, pick a weight or two you like. I ain’t gonna’ use ‘em, they’re too light for me.”

“Are all of your blankets weighted?”

“Most of ‘em, I’d guess. Had to get some personally made for me since all those old ones weren’t heavy enough. Could barely feel ‘em on me.”

“ That’s – ..Well, I appreciate the thought.”

Medkit let out a small sweat from trying to imagine how heavy a blanket Ban Hammer would need, seeing as how the load of fluff thrown at him ranged from what he could guess were over thirty to even fifty pounds. He didn’t let it cross his mind too much, and grabbed the lightest one, still slightly heavy for him. 

“Kitchen’s up the stairs by the entrance, go up two floors and you’ll find it. Any higher and you’ll find my room. Grab whut’ever, just don’t break nuthin’. Remote’s on your right, books on your left. Go nuts. ”

“Got it. –And, thank you – again .. This whole thing.. It’s saved my life.”

 Lips scrunched as he stared bewilderedly at the puny ram on his couch, Ban Hammer looked down upon him before turning his gaze to the side with the same awkward look, as if he didn’t know how to respond.

“You’re uh – you’re welcome. I’ll be in my place, need a rest. Washroom’s down that hall on your right if you need a lil’ uh – clean up. Knock on my door if yer’ gonna’ enter, ‘kay?”

“I understand.”

Ban Hammer snorted a little and smiled, turning around to go get his rest. Medkit let out a smile, closing his eye. A lot had happened to him.. But he made it.

He is alive .

He will continue to stay alive .

He’s lived through it before.

And, maybe with Ban Hammer’s assistance, he’ll live through it again.

Chapter Text

Banland’s Palace, Falltime, 3099

It had been around a week since Medkit first moved in with Ban Hammer, the fall season now just having started, and he had gotten himself quite situated with his environment. Ban Hammer had taken a few days off again to make sure Medkit wouldn't cause any trouble, in which he didn't . While he couldn't navigate the manor alone, he at least could find his way to the two washrooms and the kitchen. Good enough.

Medkit had made a few realizations about his new roommate . He’d never seen Ban Hammer in such a light. He seemed so.. open . He and any other inphernal had seen him as a close-minded, self-absorbed brute. While all of those things were true , he wasn’t always acting as such.

Ban Hammer had seemed to get himself comfortable with Medkit’s company. His experiences with visiting him showed off his more playful side, but it was only when Medkit had joined him home that he’d simply let loose.

Medkit quite enjoyed being able to view Ban Hammer as someone other than a stupid asshole. Though, this was a luxury only he could indulge in, as Ban Hammer only cut his attitude out towards him. – At least, to his knowledge.

On the first few days of waking up, realising he wasn’t dead or in a cell, instead smelling the scent of almost burnt meat. –It was when he found out Ban Hammer was very open to treating him, having often made enough food to feed a whole family. Unfortunately due to Medkit’s low appetite, most of it just went to the beast known as Ban Hammer’s stomach.

Being in a safer environment at least made him relax, even if unfamiliar, – and quite warm. Ban Hammer’s odd liking towards candles didn’t exactly help. He’d revealed that while carrying an arm’s-full of unscented candles up the stairs, explaining that the way the flames moved made him relax and that he was planning to light them all while taking a bubble bath. Medkit didn’t question the safety of it with how childish it sounded.

He secretly wanted to try it too.

Nonetheless, Ban Hammer seemed to treat Medkit as just a roommate. He doubted he’s ever had one of those before, knowing his manor was reserved towards himself, but seeing him in a new-ish light like this was a refreshing change of pace.

“______”

Thinking back on all the things Ban Hammer had done the past few days, going from staring at him intently with his beady cat-eyes to dragging him across the manor to show him every crevice that he hadn’t dared try to remember.

“_e___t.”

Something about waking up in the morning, Ban Hammer seemingly always up before him, burning breakfast. Something about feeling the couch dip as soon as he’d sit next to him, remote lazily in hand ready to watch the news to see if he’d been in it that day before putting on some sort of dramatic inphernal cooking show. Medkit found it endearing, though Ban Hammer only liked it because of how much they swore.

“_edk_t.”

Something about him managing to almost get his horns stuck in his own fridge from sticking his head in it to search for something to eat, his tail threatening to knock something–usually Medkit–into the wall. Something about him sloppily trudging up the stairs to grab a change of clothes, then all the way back down them just to be able to use the lower-floor shower, stating it simply made him feel ‘cleaner’ due to its larger size.

“Medkit.”

Something about it all was so endearing to him. Despite Ban Hammer’s status and legacy, he really was nothing more than a big dog, or rather– cat. Dragon ? He seemed to be a mix of many things, though his lion-like attributes were usually what he made clear about himself.

“ MEDKIT! ”

Back to the present, Medkit was shaken by the shoulders with Ban Hammer’s big paws, jumping as far-out of his chair as he could with a high-pitched bleat. Ban Hammer seemed to notice how common the sound was whenever Medkit was startled. 

“ Hey! Can’t have you sleepin’ on me with ya’ eye open!”

Ban Hammer snapped loudly in front of Medkit to get his attention, that of which he had now well received as Medkit shook himself out of his recollective trance and focused on what was going on around him again. 

The kitchen table, slightly too high for comfort to Medkit, but so was everything else in the palace. Ban Hammer sat across from him with a stack of one– two– four– ten waffles, all made from pre-packaged batter and only slightly burnt. Medkit’s plate was mostly empty, having already eaten everything he could.

“..Apologies. Got carried away in my thoughts.”

“ Yeah– yeah , I told’ya’ not to get too comfy for a reason!”

Ban Hammer shined a striking smile as he often did, a hearty laugh escaping his gut. He nudged Medkit with his paws, removing them off his shoulders with a pat on his back.

“Right- where was I.. –So, he was tellin’ me ‘bout some – blah blah blah –And if you ask me, his plans sounded real stupid, – blah blah –WASN’T my fault, actually, but – blah blah blah –”

Each word came through one ear and flew right out the other, Medkit was too focused on his empty plate. Ban Hammer was in the midst of talking about some sort of conversation between him and a Banland Police Force member- though Medkit didn’t know who. 

“– blah blah –I got sorta’ tired of– wait .. Medkit, what time is it?”

Medkit picked at his empty plate intently, eye only poking upwards upon the mention of his name, his head still facing the direction of his platter. Registering the question in his head, he checked the clock behind Ban Hammer. 

7:32 am.

“Seven-thirty, why’re y–”

“ THIRTY? Dammit– I’ve got work today!”

Ban Hammer slammed his fork on the table and scuffled out of his chair, his thick tail knocking it over unexpectedly, though he refused to pick it back up. He scrambled his way down the stairs and ran across the manor, the room hosting his armor being on the entire other side. 

Medkit politely got out of his chair and followed him downstairs. By the time he’d gotten to the bottom, Ban Hammer was somehow already in full armor, blindfold tied across his right horn, gear in his left hand’s grip.

“You have patrol today?”

“Damn right. Been takin’ too many days off lately.. mainly to watch over you . I can hopefully trust you won’t do anything you’ll regret while I’m gone, yeah?”

“I won’t make a mess of anything.”

“Better not! I’ve gotta’ head out now. Told some folks I was gonna be in an area by now. I’ll just.. tell ‘em it’s air traffic.”

“Air traffic..?”

“They’ll believe me. –Enough of that, I’m out. Don’t do nuthin’ stupid!”

“Good luck, Ban Hammer.”

“Who needs it?!”

And with that, Ban Hammer slammed the main door behind him. As Medkit made his way back up the stairs, he could spot Ban Hammer flying in the far distance through the window. How he could carry such a large gear while in flight for so long, he didn’t know.

Now back in the kitchen, Medkit picked up the chair Ban Hammer had knocked over, and went to grab his plate to put in the sink. Lifting his head up, he noticed the leftover stack of waffles on the table, also courtesy of Ban Hammer.

With a blink of his now very dilated pupil, Medkit put his plate back down and licked his lips.

*  *  *

The television muttered and flashed incoherently to Medkit’s mind. He laid atop the couch he was now somewhat familiar with, much better than his old one. –Though, he tried not to think about his old home. 

What better thing to take his mind off it than the shuffling of keys against the door?

With a slam, it busted open, Ban Hammer charging inside sloppily. His tail bumped into a shelf or two as he wiped the sweat off his forehead. He flipped a knocked over candle back up –thankfully unlit, and turned to where Medkit was sitting.

Medkit, in return, had already been staring at him intently, meaning when Ban Hammer’s gaze fell upon him, they both ended up just staring at each other. Around five seconds passed before Ban Hammer broke the silence.

“..So, didn’t trash the place, yeah?”

“No.”

“Good! Say– do me a favor, Meds’.”

Medkit’s face perked upwards attentively, Ban Hammer slowly walked his way towards the couch. Removing each plate of armor carefully, placing it on the floor before taking off the padding underneath, leaving him in just grey shorts and a slightly-torn tank-top, Ban Hammer swung his shoulders around before falling back on the couch.

Ban Hammer looked down towards Medkit, an idea that had been lingering in his mind for a while coming back to his memory. A stupid idea, but an idea.

“I want’cha’ to listen to me for a min’, been thinkin’ ‘bout somethin’.”

“ Yes? ”

Medkit’s tail perked up curiously, eye widening. Ban Hammer, on the contrary, lowered his eyelids slightly and leaned towards Medkit, taking hold of his tail and patting it in his lap.

“Been havin’ ideas. – Look , it really ain’t right of me to have you here. I can’t be havin’ a wanted criminal in my home, practically workin’ for me. It ain’t gonna’ work out.”

Medkit’s heart sank in his chest, breathing out a whispered gasp of anxiousness. Ban Hammer cut off his inevitable plea by putting his other hand on his shoulder, holding him still.

“ I ain’t done. You’re someone whose done a lotta’ good for me. An’ doin’ good for me does good for all of Banland. That’s a pretty big honor to have, so.. – and , this ain’t a deal I’d make for anyone else, but I wanna’ suggest you an alternative .”

Medkit held onto Ban Hammer’s paw on his shoulder, looking at it before staring back at Ban Hammer’s four amber eyes. Ban Hammer took a deep breath, preparing himself for what he was about to say.

“I can’t have a criminal working for the law. But, as the law, I don’t have just the power to convict law-breakers. That might be my favorite part, sure , but I can also.. pardon anyone from their crimes as well.”

Medkit’s tail shot up again, now of shock. His face lit up and his eye opened fully. Ban Hammer caught onto Medkit’s reaction quickly, as he’d expected. 

“So, hear me out on a little deal. You work for me as a medic, ‘ personal healer ’ if you will, and maybe sneak in some.. True-Eye-related data? Just as a nice treat.. And in return.. I’ll..”

Ban Hammer paused momentarily, readying to utter words he’d never said before.

“–I’ll pardon you of all crimes convicted against you, both of Blackrockian claims and local.” 

Medkit could only stare, he had a lot to consider. Ban Hammer glanced back at him, eager to see what he’d have to say.

“..May I ask a few questions?”

“Knock yer’self out.”

Medkit fidgeted with his paws, trying to think of the appropriate way to phrase what he needed to know. There was a lot spinning around in his mind in the moment, but this really was the chance of a lifetime.

“..What does ‘pardon’ imply?”

“Any charges made against you, notably the wanted charges from Blackrock and any ‘local’ charges, probably all stuff having to do with that stupid church, will no longer be counted against you, meaning no action is legally allowed to be made against you for those reasons as well.”

“..So they–”

“They can’t legally hunt you down. Not if I’ve pardoned you. If they did, they’d have to deal with me in person, since I don’t plan on letting you be taken for nothing.”

“..With all due respect, will that really stop them from targeting me?”

“It will when I get involved. ”

Sharpening out a squeak of a bleat, he steadied his hands together and attempted to keep composure. –Though now he was curious on how willing Ban Hammer was to deal with targets head-first .

“..Thank you. What.. what does working for you imply?”

“Almost the same as what we’d do when I’d visit you, just more professional. Every day I’d return home, any reported wounds or injuries I’d like you to treat. We’ll probably supply you with a uniform or somethin’ too..”

“And for me?”

 “Well, as for in return, you’d A : Be under full protection of the Banland Police Force, including me myself; B : Be given a clean record, as you already know; and C : Be paid for your efforts. Might be able to install you an office too, if I can find one.”

“ So – You want medical treatment, and I’ll be protected by you and paid? Is that correct?”

“Mhm, the same five-thousand bux. Not sure whud’ you’d use it for, livin’ over here, but–”

“ Speaking of living, will I receive housing quarters as a part of Banland?”

Ban Hammer looked to the side awkwardly, a small amount of blush smearing across his face. He twisted his fingers together as he clumsily attempted to explain what he’d had in mind.

“Actually– uh , I was just thinkin’ you’d stay here. –Y’know, at my place . I could use some of the empty space to get’cha’ an office. Maybe a net too if you’re tired of the couch.”

Medkit stared deadpan at Ban Hammer, who stared enduringly at Medkit in return, fiddling with his fingers.

“..I suppose that works. Now, you mentioned wanting intel about the.. ‘ Church ’, could you elaborate on that?”

“Oh, yeah. Banland’s been in a real dry season, we can’t find nuthin’ on ‘em, –or anyone , really, and it’s sorta’ pissin’ us off. I can join a few members of the crew to do some witness reports on you, just tell’em’ anythin’ you know.”

“..This will not impact anything related to the church and me, correct?”

“Well, knowin’ you said they were after you, I’d assume they would’ve already tried lookin’ for your location. Haven’t found ya’, told ya’ they wouldn’t. If they really worry you, tellin’ us about ‘em means they’ll probably have’ta’ go quiet again, meanin’ they don’t really got the resources to just go findin’ you.”

Medkit let the explanation sink into him for a minute, understanding all of Ban Hammer’s points in his words. He knew the church was ruthless, but he was right about how they couldn’t prioritize one member over all members. He closed his eye for a minute, recollecting himself before opening again to speak.

“When will all of these steps be taken into action?”

“As soon as possible. I’ll have my crew start on clearing your record first, then from there, I’ll have ‘em set up the documents for you workin’ for me, then I’ll probably get ‘em to do their witness reports with you, and the rest will work out itself.”

“So.. that’s the plan?”

“Yeah.”

Ban Hammer put both his hands on his tail, stroking it. A tinge of nervousness in his movements. Medkit was silent, staring at the brushes Ban Hammer made against his large tail. 

“What will happen if I say no ?”

“Well, I can’t keep you here forever. My oath only lasts so long, and I have a job to do.”

Medkit shuttered after the reminder that Ban Hammer still had to capture him at that moment. The hint of sorrow in his voice from saying that was something Medkit caught onto. Ban Hammer really was getting attached to Medkit, the closest person he’s ever been to outside of his own mother.

“..I think I’d like to consider your deal.”

“Well?”

Ban Hammer outstretched his arm, holding it in front of Medkit. His impatience was being held back with as much strength as Ban Hammer could wound up so Medkit could have a chance to think. 

Medkit, on the other hand, stared at Ban Hammer’s open palm. Large, tough, not very fluffy, large claws and small purple scales coating it. It was the exact opposite of Medkit’s, which was small, soft, fluffy, with small claws and patches of white fur lining it like frost.

They both stared at each other, similar to how they’d always do. This time, not out of fear, confusion, stubbornness or pride, but out of trust. Medkit took a deep breath, and put his paw atop Ban Hammer’s, signalling the deal.

“Thank you for this.. opportunity.”

“Thank you for accepting it.”

Chapter Text

Banland’s Palace, Falltime, 3099

The deal seemed to be working out just fine for Medkit.

Ban Hammer really was serious when he meant he’d get everything done as soon as possible. Once he’d assured Medkit all the legal liabilities and procedures for the eightieth time, he got himself to work. From what Medkit had heard, pardoning would take years of record evaluation, but apparently, Ban Hammer must’ve forced action immediately as the paperwork had been ready later that night.

Medkit didn’t know whether to feel bad for the workers or applaud Ban Hammer for his enthusiasm for his own safety. He at least felt a bit honored, overviewing the long papers as best as he could with his already-foggy evening sight. After reading through over a hundred different blurry words, he came to the conclusion that he probably needed glasses and just put his faith in Ban Hammer. 

An otherwise horrible idea unless you were Medkit, and even then, it probably isn’t the safest thing to do.

After a few jabs at each other’s expense and three pillows thrown into his face with more force than what was comfortable, Medkit let himself relax for the night. Flicking the remote never seemed to get old to him, though it was always better when he made Ban Hammer reluctantly do it for him to save his wrists from some of the agony.

As the clock struck 11:00 pm, Medkit was appropriately considering taking at least a nap. Gathering the collection of weighted blankets that he’d gradually become more used to, he was making his makeshift bed with precision and tenderness.

All until it was ruined when he’d been horribly startled by the sound of furniture moving from upstairs, the sharp screech of the floorboards popped another bleat out of him as he scattered around the room like a cat who’d just seen a cucumber. He even looked like one by the end of it.

Hand now on his horn, picking up his ring that fell off the floor, he flinched at another ear-breaking scrape. He didn’t know what idiotic plans Ban Hammer had going on in that small brain of his, but he knew damn well it was something that did NOT need to be done this late at night. Sometimes Ban Hammer’s sudden ambition for things would cause this to happen.

Medkit tiredly made his way through the entrance hall and up the stairs, holding his head with his hand, a blanket draped over his shoulder like a mix between an old man and a poor child who had been woken up. On the floor above the ground level, he peered over to the once-empty space that lay around it. 

Walking through the somewhat cluttered room, staring down into the short hall that connected it to another side of the manor, also empty, he watched Ban Hammer quickly slide across the floor with old pots in his grip, placing them on the shelves in front of him.

Medkit took one step, and Ban Hammer instantly turned around to stare directly at him, his beady cat-eyes glaring at him like prey. He seemed to like staring a lot, Medkit came to that conclusion a while back.

Medkit didn’t plan on saying anything, he was considering just going back downstairs, running from his problems again. It really wasn’t worth it tonight, though. He wanted his rest.

“Hey, uh, Meds’.”

“What on Inpherno have you been–”

“Oh, this? Makin’ you an office. Had a whole bunch of leftover boring junk I don’t need, and this part of the place’s been real empty.”

Medkit gave him a blank stare as he got back to work. Inside each pot were small, white flowers. They seemed somewhat well taken care of.

“It’s.. only been a day , Ban Hammer.”

“Deal’s a deal! I’ve got work to do in the mornin’, y’know. Gotta’ get this stuff outta’ the way.”

“Maybe not while I’m attempting to rest, though? You can work on this tomorrow.. There’s no rush.”

“Sleep through it! I’m not riskin’ bein’ tired tomorrow and not gettin’ shit done.”

Medkit squinted at him as he hummed to himself. Defeated, knowing Ban Hammer wasn’t ever someone easy to convince, he trudged back down the stairs, trying his hardest not to trip on his own blanket.

* * *

Medkit did not get any sleep that night. Not that he needed it, but he was certainly looking forward to it.

As the sun started to rise over the clouds through the window, Medkit was passing the time and blocking out the claws-on-chalkboard sound of Ban Hammer working with an old telenovela. 

Ban Hammer had started running down the stairs, going to pick up his armor and leave for work. Running through the hall and entering the room Medkit had been lying in, he stopped in his tracks and stared at him again. Medkit gave him a quick wave, eye focused on the screen.

“..I’m goin’ to work.”

“I’m aware.”

“Yer’ uh – office is ready. It’s below the kitchen. Knock yer’self out.”

Ban Hammer refused to mention not making breakfast that day, which was otherwise routine and quite lackluster; Medkit hadn’t even noticed. He dragged his tail across the floor as he walked, staring at Medkit’s general position until he was out of sight.

Walking down the halls, reaching the left side of the manor, he wound his way into the room he kept his armor, which was right beside another exit. Medkit hadn’t ever even been to that side, he wanted to take him to see more someday. Right now, though, he had justice to deliver.

Medkit had found it fun to watch Ban Hammer fly off from the window. Though, for some reason, he couldn’t catch the time when he’d come back. Usually, he’d just wait for the sound of keys jangling.

Not wanting to think about it for too long, he made his way up to what would be his new office. He didn’t know why he’d need one, but he appreciated Ban Hammer’s efforts nonetheless. Peering into the room that he once heard scrapes from, it was now relatively well-furnished. 

Shelves lined the walls, filled with assorted ‘medical’ items, anything that Ban Hammer considered Medkit might use. Shockingly, most of it was realistic. The empty spaces contained small flower pots with the same white flowers in them. On his left, two small doors rested. Opening one of them, Medkit saw that they led to the stone deck above the main entrance of the manor, a few small chairs and potted bushes aligning the edges.

Turning around, Medkit followed the short hallway that connected that part of the room to the other side, the windows in it giving a good view of a small flower field. On the other side of the room, a wider expanse containing a divider to his left and a few chairs in front of him made itself clear.

On the other side of the divider, a curtained off desk with a small, tan chair hid. He considered this his own desk now. A few more soft carpets aligned the floor, mainly grey and white. 

Medkit brushed against the surface of the wall, feeling the texture of the wood and stone. Overall, it was quite nice. Small, comforting, a bit secluded, and the flowers were a nice touch. He wondered where Ban Hammer got them from.

Examination of his new office finished, he made his way down the stairs again to lay on the couch for a while. It would be a bit until Ban Hammer would return.

Give him a good ten-or-so hours later, and those keys that he knew so much would certainly catch his attention, alongside Ban Hammer slamming the door open. Running past Medkit to put his armor away with a hurried wave to him, then coming back to actually say hi. Medkit paid no mind until he shot his head up and remembered his new position.

“Right, so.. Injuries?”

“Oh– uh .. Don’t think I got none.”

“What?”

“Nuthin’ happened today.”

“So..”

“So you don’t got nuthin’ to do.”

Medkit hummed curiously, turning back to the television. Ban Hammer put a hand on his shoulder as he looked up to watch with him. 

“Check out the office yet?”

“It’s quite nice, yes. I appreciate it.”

“Cool, I’ll be honest when I say I sorta’ half-assed it, couldn’t find nuthin’ interestin’.”

“It’s fine.”

The room was quiet for a bit until Ban Hammer turned over to grab something on the table beside him, his hand still on Medkit’s shoulder, now accidentally pulling him closely beside his side.

Medkit let out a strained grunt from the initial pull, one that Ban Hammer paid no mind to. Staring at Ban Hammer, awkwardly having to accept their slightly-too-close-for-comfort proximity, he just let himself lean on him for the time being.

After ten seconds too long and Ban Hammer dropping the item he wanted on the floor by mistake, he just accepted it, turning back over and leaning against the couch again. What he did not do, however, was let go of Medkit.

So now Medkit laid pulled against Ban Hammer’s side, slightly tense, but trying to get himself to ease into his unintentional comfort. Ban Hammer hadn’t even noticed.

A few moments passed as the screen still flashed until Medkit closed his eye and leaned fully against Ban Hammer. Ban Hammer turned over, feeling Medkit’s weight on him, but still didn’t let go. If anything he was only making things worse. Or maybe– better .

He moved his burly paw down from Medkit’s shoulder to his back and started rubbing. Medkit didn’t move an inch, he liked the sensation. They stayed like that for some time, held within each other’s weight. Ban Hammer turned towards him with tired eyes as the sun set through orange shade, turning the room gold in its light.

With a yawn, Ban Hammer leaned down on his back, head against the armrest as it faced the screen. His hand pulled Medkit against him, who this time, didn’t shutter or startle, but instead followed comfortably, pushed down to lean against Ban Hammer’s stomach like a pillow. It certainly felt like one.

His arm stretched across his midsection as his paw laid against his chest, his other arm dangled off the side of the couch. Ban Hammer kept his own hand still pressed against Medkit’s back, rubbing into it with invisible patterns. 

They were both content at this moment, and stayed that way until the show ended. Another yawn escaping his throat, Ban Hammer got up.

“I’m gonna’ go wash up.”

Medkit stood up to let him off from under him, slightly dejected at the loss of touch, he didn’t dare admit it, though. –At least it gave him a reason to do the same. As Medkit stood up, he looked over to where he last saw Ban Hammer, but he was gone.

Shrugging his shoulders, he walked towards the bathroom on his right, preferring it over the one upstairs due to its larger size and cleaner atmosphere.

He seemed to forget that he wasn’t the only one who preferred it for that same reason.

As he opened the door, he already saw Ban Hammer inside, holding his shirt in his hands. The noise of the door creaking caught his attention almost instantly as he turned over, Medkit having accidentally stared at him for over a millisecond. 

Ban Hammer only glared at him, slightly flushed, but otherwise unfazed. Medkit on the other hand, turned around instantly and closed the door. Ban Hammer let out a loud laugh at Medkit’s expense, the sound of him slapping his knee out of his own pure fit of laughter puncturing Medkit’s ears.

“Meds’! The hell’re you doin’!?”

Ban Hammer spat out in his laughing spree, Medkit’s face was entirely flushed out of embarrassment. It only got worse when Ban Hammer opened the door to take a look at him.

Turning Medkit around by yanking on his shirt, Medkit was forced to stare at Ban Hammer in most of his glory. Ban Hammer got an absolute whiff out of Medkit’s reaction, still laughing his ass off uncontrollably.

Medkit was practically bleeding sweat, body still as a statue, arms beside his waist as every inch of his soul tensed up at Ban Hammer’s reaction. His accentuated smile as he tried to hold back tears from laughter, each escaping tear highlighting his prominent chest, the middle covered in fur from where his mane connects to his body, all of it was engraving itself into Medkit’s mind. 

Medkit could only shove against him with his eyes squeezed shut, teeth bared as he flinched and backed up. Ban Hammer let go of him after drinking in his hilarious expression. He wiped away a tear from his eyes, laughing finally dimming down.

“ You – you really have the best reactions to everything.”

“ ..My apologi– ”

“Oh hush , you dork! Can’t believe a guy’s chest is enough to probably kill a guy like you!”

Medkit stared Ban Hammer directly in the face, making sure not to even come close to looking anywhere below it. At all.

“Oh and, word of advice.. Maybe knock before you enter. –I mean, unless you wanna’ come see me like this more oft–”

Medkit smacked a paw over Ban Hammer’s mouth, making him blush similarly to the time he did so a few months ago. Ban Hammer raised his hand up to smack Medkit’s hand away from him, but held it midair and only stared at Medkit’s arm.

In return, he removed his paw from his mouth, slowly pulling it back as if he was a child who’d accidentally slapped someone. Ban Hammer gave a lidded-eye expression as he looked away, pausing before letting out a small chuckle and ruffled the wool atop Medkit’s head. 

“Alright, I gotta’ get washed up now. Don’t go starin’ at me through the shower!”

“I-I WOULD N–”

“ Joking -! I’m joking! Now go make yer’self busy while I’m out.”

Medkit nodded nervously, Ban Hammer gave him a smack on his side with his tail and turned around to actually shower now. Medkit sighed loudly as the door shut and collected his breath, hand on his chest. He decided it would be a good idea to actually enact his original plan of washing up too, this time in a different washroom.

Though, the image of Ban Hammer smiling at him with his chest and stomach out front-and-center had now been burned into his mind eternally . 

* * *

Days would pass as similar scenarios would play out, usually of Medkit doing something stupid and Ban Hammer laughing at his poor, poor expense. It was an exchange he was only a little used to now.

The seasons really did start to feel shorter lately, as fall was already reaching its last month. Medkit hadn’t even done anything for the season. Now– Ban Hammer, on the other hand..

There were many things Medkit didn’t know about Ban Hammer in the past until they started getting cozy together, such as how un-skilled he was at cooking, his odd obsession with hoarding everything he receives; which could be part of his dragon-like nature, a theory Medkit hasn’t tested yet; or in this case, his love for plants.

When Medkit had woken up that day, he for once, couldn’t hear the ramblings or shambles of Ban Hammer across the manor. Going up to the kitchen, he was gone. Approaching his room, he knocked, but received no answer. Very hesitantly, he opened the door with a creak and peered through. 

Ban Hammer’s room was large and circular. Three stained glass walls, the ones he’d seen the first time he was at the manor, decorated with the design of his gear. Blankets and pillows laid across the room everywhere. His net was gigantic, a light purple made of thick material and coated in heavy sheets. The side of his wall was slightly scratched up, claw marks lining the point where the wall meets the floor. A few torn pillows laid on his net as well.

It was certainly fitting of his personality.

As Medkit was about to leave, he peered through the window to see one of the other towers across from it, connected to the side of the manor he was on by a huge bridge. Getting a closer look, attempting to not step on any of Ban Hammer’s collections, he noticed a large building that, at the top, opened into a small balcony, covered by a wooden awning. Looking even closer, he noticed Ban Hammer sitting in it.

Medkit left his room promptly after that and headed to the kitchen. Beside the bathroom, he knew there were two doors that lead to what he believed was that exact bridge. He’d never step foot on it, but he once watched Ban Hammer do so, which was all he needed. Opening one of the doors, he took a breath of the air outside.

Despite winter being soon, the air around the manor was always warm, the heat of Banland being at fault for it. Medkit took a hesitant step onto the bridge, only now seeing its immense size. The railings of it were covered in lights, and as Medkit stared off the end of the side, he noticed another smaller bridge similar to the one he was on in front of it, more lights hanging from the bottom over a flower patch.

Medkit made his way across, taking in the sights, he was able to see all of the manor from inside its walls. The exterior was built with many places to walk around, each building towering and connecting with each other in some way, shape, or form. Flowers littered the field below him, yellow and flowing. A bench connected to a log hanging from another side of the manor flew in the wind.

As Medkit reached the end of the bridge, he opened the doors in front of him that lead to the tower Ban Hammer was in. Another spiral staircase led him up to the top, a final set of doors leading to the balcony. 

Medkit remembered to knock before entering, opening the doors and looking at Ban Hammer, who was looking down into some kind of book, focused. Before he could say hello, Ban Hammer twitched, giving a glance towards Medkit.

“Could hear ya’ from the bridge.”

“Well, apologies if I interrupted. I was wondering where you were and spotted you up here.”

“Take a seat then, yeah?”

Ban Hammer motioned towards the seat on his left, which Medkit sat in. Taking a look around, he made a note of the peculiar balcony. The floor was grass, with small stones marking around the table he was sitting at. Small puddles of water sat between clumps of moss, and tall, thin bunches of flowers poked out of the ground, swaying. 

“..I wasn’t aware you were a bit of a gardener. I also didn’t take you as one to read often.”

Ban Hammer scoffed, closing his eyes and smiling surprisingly softly.

“ I don’t . –’Least, the reading part, Momma got me into flowers, though.”

“Windforce?”

“ Mhm , she knew I liked ‘em when I was young, so she made her own field for me. Got older, wanted my own. I’m just lookin’ through how ta’ work with some new ones I wanna’ get soon.”

“Winter won’t interfere with your plants, right?”

“ ‘Course not, It don’t snow over here, too warm . And snow clouds just melt into water by the time they land. It’ll rain a lot when winter rolls around.”

Medkit smiled briefly, the feeling of Ban Hammer’s alarmingly calm voice was another new, pleasant experience. He wasn’t even that loud, unlike his normally booming calls. Right now he seemed to just relax.

“Do you plan to work today?”

“Yeah, later. Your first witness report conference will be comin’ this week.”

“ Ah .. I almost forgot about that. It took this long?”

“ “Buncha’ folks were outa’ town for some family stuff. I didn’t feel like stoppin’ ‘em. “

Medkit turned to look at the flowers scattered around him. Most of the ones up here were a light purple or blue, with small buds. He nipped one of them between his fingers, pressing lightly into delicate petals.

“Pretty lookin’ things, ain’t they?”

“They’re quite nice, yes.”

“Bet you’d like the pond, then.”

Ban Hammer grabbed Medkit’s paw and pointed it towards the large rock pillars, atop the tallest one was a thin purple flag. They all were behind another section of the walls.

“Right over there, past those gates. Whole garden, huge thing, big ol’ pond right in the clearin’. I’ll go take you back there someday.” 

“You have more agriculture around?”

“ Psh – The stuff here ain’t even half of it. Weather ain’t ever change here either, so I’m at work all year ‘round.”

“You really make yourself hard at work, then.”

Ban Hammer shrugged, he didn’t see it as all that much. It likely had to do with the fact he’d never have anyone to talk to, so he had to find something to do through other methods.

Medkit thought the idea of someone as big and burly as Ban Hammer carefully placing plants into soil and taking care of them was endearing. Quite cute , to him.

“I’ve got work soon. The gates only open if I’m there, but maybe when I come back you could take a look.”

“ I’d like that , quite a lot, actually.”

Ban Hammer smiled at him, he looked very content this morning. Yawning, he set his book down and stretched his back, wings fading in with the light for a moment, another phenomenon Medkit took note of. 

“I’ll see’ya’ in a while, Meds’.”

Ban Hammer walked away from Medkit, not towards the door, but rather the ledge of the balcony. Facing his head far outwards to breathe in the air, his arms steadied. Medkit turned to him.

“What are you–”

Ban Hammer turned back and winked at Medkit, before jumping off the ledge. 

“BAN HAMMER!”

Medkit was left stunned and appalled, running towards the same ledge with a hand outstretched as if he could ever manage to pick up Ban Hammer’s full weight with one arm.

Instead, he was blown back as Ban Hammer flew upwards in a torpedo-like spiral, slowly floating back down to meet Medkit face-to-face.

“D-don’t do that! You made me think you–”

“Oh please , Medkit! I’ve done that old trick for years now!”

“And how was I supposed to know that?”

“Just have faith, I guess!”

Ban Hammer gave Medkit a pat on the shoulder, then pushed him back and let himself sink to the ground, the light of his wings filtering behind him. Medkit took a look at one of the light clumps that flew in front of him, being able to hold it in his own hand. It was all so supernatural, a trait that could be assumed of all the SFoTH. 

From that balcony, he watched Ban Hammer fly back down to put his armor on. And maybe later, he’ll watch him come back from a long day on that same balcony. Maybe.

* * *

While it wasn’t true that he’d be watching Ban Hammer fly his way home that night, Medkit had to admit that he’d heard the door slam open–shockingly not breaking–a lot earlier than expected. What was meant to be a day in which he’d set himself up to the balcony again in the evening was cut short by his return only slightly after lunch.

Alone in the sense of his growingly familiar office curated in his name for the sake of ‘Science-y Experimentation Documentation Shit’, or ‘S.E.D.S’, very professionally named by Ban Hammer himself, Medkit had found himself asleep on his desk, lounging atop a notebook he’d claimed as his own journal like a pillow. 

His pleasant afternoon nap filled with only a mild amount of terror and anxiety was quickly eradicated upon the sound of Ban Hammer’s slam of the door. The behavior wasn’t exactly new, though his clattering through the halls certainly seemed more hurried than what was typical for the bulking inphernal such as himself.

Groaning with a stretch of his slowly wool-growing back, he sat himself up from his desk, not exactly the most interested in dealing with the methods and particularly madness of his presumably blood-stained roommate , if he could even call him that.

Despite that, a job was a job, and bux are bux. He shrugged off his drowsy apprehension and kicked himself up, trudging his way to the stairs with a pace that didn’t reflect the potential urgency of the situation. Gear in hand, crystal between horns, he slowly trudged his way down the spiral staircase to meet him in what he assumed would be the living room.

Though, his assumptions were quickly proven wrong as halfway down the stairs he’d noticed Ban Hammer, already armorless, sitting in front of the closed refrigerator on the floor, legs crossed and all. Before he was able to walk near his large frame and clear his throat to speak, Ban Hammer already waved silently at him, not turning to look as his other hand was seemingly messing with something in front of the fridge.

“..Good afternoon, Ban Hammer. You’re home early."

“ Yeah .”

“Well, I would assume something happened, then. Do you have any injuries to report?”

“ Nah .”

Blank faced and idle, forced to stand as his one-word zero-action draconic feline of an inphernal continued to paw at the food-cooler without a second thought, Medkit sat himself next to him, scanning his behavior with a now very confused eye.

Apparently, he’d sat himself down with a toothpick between his teeth, playing with the assorted colored magnets on the fridge like a child who’d just learned to spell his own name. Poorly putting the jumbled letters together, being forced to use two n’s due to his lack of m’s, he dragged the pieces together, occasionally taking one off and slapping it back on; all of this was done without saying a word.

It took Medkit actually bringing up the subject to force him to mutter a word, and even then, it was the bare minimum.

“..What are you doing?”

“Playin’ with my magnets.”

“And the toothpick?”

“I like chewin’.”

“You know that’s not healthy for you, yes? ”

“ I ain’t ask for a ridicule, thanks. ”

Continuing to sit next to him despite his less-than-appreciated sass, Medkit kept himself quiet as he eyed his child-like behavior. The look on his face wasn’t even angry, moreso content as he pulled magnets by each other, spelling out various words while the small stick of wood in his mouth fiddled and clattered against his canines.

It took Ban Hammer a few quick glances and awkward stares until he’d broken his silent streak with a question directed to the ram beside him.

“..You just gonna’ stare?”

“I’m curious.”

“ ‘Bout whut?”

“Your magnets. Why are you –”

Ban Hammer squinted at Medkit, not bothering to let him continue his sentence as he spat out the answer, shifting another magnet beside the jumble that poorly spelled out his name.

“Makes me happy.”

“It.. makes you happy. ”

“Yeah? There somethin’ wrong with that?”

“Not directly, no. Just an odd behavior, I suppose. –Thus my curiosity.”

“You gotta’ question it?”

“Also no, I don’t have to ; I’d still like to, though. You don’t expect to see the Warden of Banland finding enjoyment out of.. refrigerator magnets . Why?”

His question left Ban Hammer in a state of neutrality, sitting down and playing with his magnets as he patiently thought of an answer that he didn’t really know existed. His blank staring at the fridge didn’t help with Medkit’s attempts at analyzing his tone, more focused than anything. Still refusing to look at him, he shot out the only answer he could think of.

“..I dunno’. I just.. like’m’. Work sucked , just wanted to head home an’ relax.”

“Well, do they calm you? Does it have to do with the methodical ordering of objects?”

“I.. just like them. ”

Meeting Ban Hammer’s blank gaze with one of his own, despite the two not meeting eyes, Medkit learned to accept his answer for what it was, moving on to his next point of curiosity.

“..I suppose that is a reasonable explanation as well. – As for the toothpick , you said you enjoy chewing?”

“Yeah?”

“I assume it’s because of the stimulus that comes from it, yes? –There’s much better alternatives than wood .”

“ ..I just like it. ”

Sighing, realising as he’d get no better answer than what he’s been given, Medkit stood up with his gear in tow and backed away from the forty-year-old-child in front of him.

“Well, if you have no injuries, my job is done then.”

“You can still sit if ya’ want.”

“I don’t see what reason I have to do that.”

“..Go do yer’ own thing, then.”

Shooing him off with a nonchalant hand wave, Ban Hammer remained entirely set on the screen of magnets in front of him. Medkit reluctantly stepped away from him and returned to his office, though not before spending more time questioning his peculiar behavior.

He’d never seen him like that, calm, empty, quiet. – It’s not like him . His attempts at trying to understand his behavior didn’t prove very successful, and his unreadable expression didn't exactly help. Left to ponder at his desk, Medkit opened his journal and wrote down as many details about the situation as he could think of, methodically planning out correlations to try and make sense of his actions.

Curiosity might kill the cat , but no one ever said anything about harming sheep .

Chapter Text

Banland’s Palace, Wintertime, 3099

The season of giving had finally arrived, known for its long days of snow and longer days of a lack of sun. Luckily– or unluckily for Medkit and Ban Hammer, they wouldn’t have to know it as either.

Instead, it was the season of rain. As per what Ban Hammer had said, not a drop of snow touched anywhere near Banland. Instead, it was only rain. Lots of rain . Nothing that would stop Ban Hammer, though.

Medkit had woken up much later than usual, the drowsy weather shutting off his internal clocks. With a stretch, he got up from what was meant to be a late-night nap, now turned into a full-night’s rest from how long he’d stay down.

Rubbing his eye and tracing the scar left over where his other used to be, he slowly marched his way to the washroom to get ready for the day.

Hand ghosting the knob, he made sure to knock first this time. No answer. Thank the SFoTH.

He stared into the mirror, his reflection stared back at him. He looked away with a frown, not wanting to stare at himself any longer. Every scar on his body stood out more than what he was comfortable with. Though, Medkit did happen to notice his wool growing out. Gradually it was forming, and only now was it much more prevalent than before.

He picked at the puffs of wool forming over his torso, fluffing them up with his paws. He then slid his hands upwards to trace the two lines under his chest, and went to grab his clothes.

What he wasn’t expecting was, instead of what he’d normally wear, he’d spot a set of clothing with a note on it in its place. Medkit inspected each piece, looking similar to the one he used to wear, but changed to include streaks of purple and gold. His eyepatch was replaced with a replica that had half of its band coated in a purple line. 

Beside it was a belt with a few pouches on it, presumably to hold crystals. He remembered Ban Hammer asking for the dimensions of it, and each pouch perfectly fit a crystal inside. Medkit set it down and reached for the discarded note.

Picking it up, he could barely make out what was written on it, the only clear writing was Ban Hammer’s own signature, neatly written in cursive. The rest of the note looked almost like pure chicken-scratch, and his slightly blurred vision didn’t help. Holding the paper directly in his face, he attempted to read it the best he could. 

“Hey, Medkit! Took them forever, but my folks finally got your uniform ready. I’m probably in the garden by the time you read this, so try not to get it messy.”

~ Ban Hammer

Medkit set the note down and grabbed each article of clothing, taking it back to the washroom.

Setting everything onto him, and taking the various add-on accessories, notably a purple bowtie and adjusting them to complete the set. He held the band of the new eyepatch in front of him, letting it dangle from a finger, before tying it around his missing eye.

His focus shifted to the note he’d placed on the counter, which he promptly folded and put in his pocket. His hooves clinked against the floor as he made his way towards the door leading towards the courtyard.

A crash of thunder made him rethink his decision. 

Settling to at least grab some sort of cover, he noticed a discarded umbrella by a coat-stand in the entrance hall. Picking it up, he fiddled with it through the door and opened the tip of it, now holding it above his head. The rain outside was warm, even in winter.

Turning to his left, he noticed that the gate closing the garden off was open, Ban Hammer was presumably still in there. Entering near the thick walls, he took a long look at what was on the other side.

A beautiful clearing, lined with pillars of porcelain stone. Small red flowers bloomed everywhere, logs coated in moss rested on the floor. On his left, a picnic blanket was laid under an umbrella, beside it was a bench under a tree; on his right, a gazebo coated in small, pink flowers protected a small wooden table from the rain; and in front of him, a path towards a small pond, bubbling softly as it hosted the stony pillars he’d seen poke out behind the walls, water decorated in lilies.

His awe of it all wouldn’t last long as he spotted Ban Hammer running around on the right of the pillars. Approaching the area, Medkit watched as Ban Hammer ran through grass and mud with nothing but a short-sleeved shirt and shorts on, his gear swung over his shoulder and blindfold tying his mane back.

With each turn he made, he swung his hammer, Medkit assumed he was doing some sort of terrain practice. As he went to get a closer look, Ban Hammer spotted him and promptly stopped moving, the slipperiness of it all causing him to yelp out as he tumbled down, using his hammer to break his fall.

He and Medkit, as a part of their usual ritual, stared at each other without saying a word. At this point, they ought to develop telepathy. This time, it didn’t last too long.

“.. OH! You found the uniform! Looks good, don’t it?”

“Well– yes, Ban Hammer, but, may I ask why you’re.. Well –”

“Whut’, this? It’s fun! You should really give it a try if you’ve got some old clothes you don’t need.”

Medkit shuttered with a grossed-out expression, bringing his arms to cup together. 

“I think I’ll pass, thank you.” 

“Your loss, then!”

Ban Hammer shrugged his shoulders dramatically, pulling his hammer back up out of the mud. Grass and torn flower petals glued onto its surface from the rain. Ban Hammer’s claws and part of his shirt had the same treatment.

Swinging the hammer on his back again, he dashed forward and slid, using his tail to change his direction and fling him across his field of downpoured grass as he swung the heavy mallet. He continued to do a back-and-forth of turning, sliding, and swinging.

Medkit backed off to sit under the gazebo, watching Ban Hammer carefully. While Medkit wasn’t experienced in carrying a thousand pound hammer, his closer examination told him that Ban Hammer wasn’t taking much of it seriously. His movements were sloppy and clumsy, and he’d stop to stick his tongue out and catch the rain above him.

The distance between the two was passive, Ban Hammer having his own fun while Medkit watched him diligently. Everything was going according to each other's plans, at least, until a strike of lightning caught Ban Hammer off guard, causing him to trip and fall face-first into the ground.

Medkit put a hand over his mouth in shock, before tightening the grip on his mouth as he tried not to laugh at Ban Hammer’s soggy mane and grass-coated body. He shook like a wet dog in the rain, the only difference being that he was a wet cat in the rain.

Medkit rushed over to him, still giggling under his breath as he lent a paw to Ban Hammer’s side. Ban Hammer in return swatted him away knowing he couldn’t support his weight in any world. He used his hammer as leverage and pushed himself up, flicking grass off his paws.

“I didn’t have the heart in me to tell you that that was a bad idea.”

“ Gah – Oh please , Meds’. That’s like– the best part!”

Ban Hammer stared up into the sky, letting out a hearty laugh. In the distance, an echo of the same laugh in a different voice reflected back at the two. Medkit stared curiously at Ban Hammer.

“Say hi to Momma!”

“ M – W- Windforce is here!?”

Another crash of lightning, this time right next to Medkit, caused him to jump and run away with a childish bleat. Ban Hammer laughed at him again as he struggled to bring the umbrella with him. 

“Told’ya’!”

Medkit slowly made his way back to Ban Hammer, sneaking behind him for cover. He peaked out between Ban Hammer’s arm and nervously waved towards the sky. A boom of thunder responded back to him, causing him to cling onto Ban Hammer’s arm tightly.

“ Eugh – I still gotta’ get washed up..”

Medkit stopped latching onto him at that moment, causing Ban Hammer to snicker.

“Alright, I think both you and I have had enough rain for now. Better get used to it, though!”

“Let’s just get you showered off.. I think I need one too.”

“Just remember to knock–”

“BAN HAMMER!”

* * *

Carefully stepping around to not track mud on the carpets, Ban Hammer ran his way up and down the stairs to grab the multitude of items needed for him to have a pleasant wash.

Medkit was seated on the couch, flicking through channels until Ban Hammer looked over to him and patted the armrest, catching his attention. He pointed towards him, staring as he leaned against his gear, twirling it against the ground with his finger.

“Hey, I’m gonna’ be washin’ up, so .. Watch this while I’m busy, ‘kay?”

Setting his gear in front of Medkit, each spike, jewel, and crevice making itself clear. He gave him an affirmative look, putting his trust into Medkit, even if it was just a mundane task as watching it.

It was an action of nothing more than a request, despite such an act being considered more trust-dependent than he’d thought. He hadn’t considered what it would imply, he saw it as mundane as it was on the surface– looking after one’s personal belongings.

Though a gear– especially his own –was exceptionally ‘personal’ to say the least.

Medkit nodded and Ban Hammer walked off, moving into the washroom and slamming the door behind him. Hearing the sound of the water turning on in the distance, he laid himself to eye that marvelous hammer in front of him.

Staring down at Ban Hammer’s gear, reveling in the truly legendary sight to behold, he twitched his paws together in anticipation. Crouching down, he noticed the sides coated in mud and grass, covering its shine and luster. Softly smoothing his hand down the length of its handle, he gripped it, then let go.

The smooth handle–wet from the rain and ends slightly muddy–had a padded leathery texture; easy to grip, soft to hold, firm in geometry and pleasant to run a paw down the length, familiar .

Not wanting to let the mud coating it silently annoy him, he debated rubbing a sleeve down the edge to at least let its crystal-coated tip show his blurred reflection; granted, such an action to another’s gear wouldn’t exactly be the most casual exchange, but he didn’t want to sit there and watch it cluttered when it seemed to compelling to touch.

Sucking in a deep breath, he rolled his sleeve up and grabbed a tissue from the table beside him. Swiping it across the crystalline surface, he noticed the clumps of layered mud only smudged further. Grumbling, he decided he wouldn’t just sit in defeat, instead disposing the cloth and climbing to the upstairs washroom to grab whatever items he needed to give it a good polish.

Upon proper assumption, Ban Hammer did have a set of well-fitted products for that of polishing his own gear, though they seemed rarely-used at best. A few bottles of dish soap as well as particularly a container of diamond polishing paste, large yet seemingly never opened.

While Medkit was admittedly not someone who knew how to polish whatever god-like metal clad a holy hammer such as his, he did have a lot of experience in jewelry, which was enough for him to take charge with his steps as he brought a half-filled water bucket, a few soft towels, and the bottles from the cabinet down with him.

Getting to work, time seemed to freeze as soon as he landed the first wipe across the tip, focusing on gently swiping over the surface of each porcelain part, putting utmost care into his work as if it was Ban Hammer himself; because it is Ban Hammer, a spiritual part of him. No other inphernal could have his gear.

His work was delicate and precise, a firm grip on the handle grounded the spiritual object as he poured his soul into each press into crystal; upon just a few wipes on its surface, he could already start to see his own reflection. 

Time had passed upon gentle touch after gentle touch, not noticing Ban Hammer turning off the water. He was only focused on the process of polishing each crystal edged into the surface of the hammer’s pommel.

With a final swipe, he watched the glistening gear in front of him. It shone in the dim light, reflecting his own face. The sound of Ban Hammer’s steps turned his face upwards, as the two made eye contact. Medkit scrambled to set the damp towels and polish to the side as he scurried back nervously.

Ban Hammer didn’t say a word, he only crouched down and picked up his gear. He stared into its current state, beautiful and maintained, taken care of, loved . 

Medkit only stared back at him. He wasn't told to do any of that. A sinking feeling that Ban Hammer would yell at him for trying to help lurked in his gut, but Ban Hammer only stared in awe. Soon, his eyes turn back to Medkit for a minute.

 Feeling that well-taken-care-of hammer in his hand, as if it had just come out of the spawn, it felt good . A part of him had been cleansed, pampered and given utmost care; all without having to ask. He chuckled and smiled thankfully at Medkit.

“Y’know.. You didn’t needa’ do all this.”

“I didn’t want to see it ruined and not do anything about it.”

“ Hm .”

Ban Hammer hummed, huffing at Medkit and grabbing his hammer with him as he turned around. Overwhelming emotions rotted into his brain now having realized what Medkit had done to him, he made the split decision to spit out an excuse to think about what had just happened.

“–I’ll be.. headin’ to bed early. And uh – thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

Ban Hammer had a lot to think about that night.

* * *

Up in his room, laying down in his net with only a robe on, hands over his chest, gear on the other side of the room. His head tilted on the side towards it; even from his distance, he can still see his reflection, tinted a sharp purple from the glaring crystal wedged into the pommel.

He felt as if holding that hammer, even just staring into it without touching it at all made him feel like he was given all that love . He remembered the fuzzy feeling of a pleasant sensation while bathing, and it came to that realization that it was the feeling of Medkit wiping over his gear that made him feel that way.

Tender strokes upon his skin rather than the cold metal of a hammer; a soft caress around whatever, an arm, his head, hands, anything , rather than the grip on the handle of his gear; a gentle wipe of a soft towel across his soaked forehead, staring right into his eyes, rather than sliding across the brilliant crystals coated in rain.. 

All of it was lingering in his mind.

It all felt warm. He wished someone could do that to him, ‘ someone ’ being Medkit in particular. Lost in fuzzy thoughts, tiredly staring right into that hammer, feeling the warmth it received that he never got. He wanted to feel even jealous about it, but he couldn't . He couldn't because staring at that hammer made him feel the things that his gear felt.

He knew he shouldn’t be feeling this way. Not towards a mortal. Not towards Medkit. He wanted to shove them away and ignore the happy feelings so bad, but instead of lifting himself up to do something about it, to move his gear or at least turn over in his own net to not worry, he did nothing . 

Stuck to only lay there while the judgement of hypocrisy from someone who’d believed any connection to a mortal from someone like himself was nothing short of pathetic made itself quite clearly present within his own thoughts, yet it wasn’t worth losing the happy, warm, fuzzy, numbing feeling of what it was like to be loved .

Is this what you call change? Maybe, he didn’t know. He didn’t know anything. He didn’t know why this felt so good, and he didn’t know why he didn’t stop himself. He didn’t know what about Medkit was so compelling, and he didn’t know why he’d keep letting it happen. He didn’t know why he’d gotten himself so attached.

He didn’t have a choice in it to begin with.

With too many thoughts clouding his mind, he began to fall asleep off of his own feelings. Resting in the same position, head facing right towards his hammer, one arm supporting his head, another on his chest, seemingly petting and playing with the fur atop it as if his hand was someone else's. Giving himself what he wants while feeding into his own thoughts, thoughts that almost felt like memories .

If only he could feel that again.

Chapter Text

Banland’s Palace/Temple of Wind, Wintertime, 3099

Winter had been continuing, blizzards in Banland being replaced with warm rain, usually not too hard. Ban Hammer always believed it was his mother’s doing to make the rains not torrential around his palace. 

As it continued, a few special events were on Ban Hammer’s mind. Spawndays, primarily his own. A few special ones happened to fall in the winter months.

His own on December eighteenth, his mother’s on January first, his uncle’s on January first, his uncle’s on January first, his uncle’s on January first, his–

Well, all the SFoTH happened to be twins, the most chaotic bundle of septuplets in the Inpherno. They’d always throw a celebratory party for it. While the family had certainly been torn to shreds, reunions between each member becoming less and less common, this was the one day they’d all set aside most of their differences to just be a family for once. As close to a family as possible for a group as dysfunctional as them.

And, as an honorable descendant of the SFoTH, he was invited. Unwillingly by anyone other than his mother and closest uncle, but invited nonetheless. 

However, it was only now that he’d learned about Medkit’s spawnday as well, landing on December twenty-ninth. 

“THAT’S IN TWO WEEKS !”

“I’m well-aware, Ban Hammer. It really isn’t a large event.”

Medkit and Ban Hammer were conversing at the breakfast table in the kitchen. They were relatively tame, until Ban Hammer’s mention of spawndays caused him to ask about Medkit’s, and when he was informed it would be so soon, he nearly spat out his drink.

“ Psh – Do you hear yourself right now? ‘Not a large event’ , it’s your damn spawnday! Ain’t no way I’m not treatin’ you.”

Furrowing his brows with a glare, he plopped his half-chewed-up toothpick lying on the table back into his mouth, gnawing on the soft wood in an attempt to focus. Medkit was about to comment to him about that being unhealthy, but he was cut off by Ban Hammer’s knowing look.

“..Helps me focus.”

“..Regardless, –I’d rather you prioritize your family’s spawndays over mine.”

“Who says I can’t do both? I’m rich ! I can practically buy you anything!”

“There’s nothing I’d like you to buy for me. I believe your supply towards me is enough to pay off any gratitudes that must be given.”

“Look, you an’ I are gonna’ do somethin’ fun, alright? We got some eventful weeks comin’ up, ‘specially since.. Momma might let me bring you as a plus-one to her party.”

“..Her what ?”

“Big ol’ party hosted by the SFoTH for their spawndays. Momma might let me bring you!”

“..T-the SFoTH? Meaning.. all of them?”

“Yeah? They’re all twins or somethin’. Duh .”

Medkit stared blankly at Ban Hammer, head in his hands. Distraught as ever, he spat out in a mortified tone without worrying about the potential repercussions of talking about his family in such a way. 

“You expect to bring a mortal to a party of only deities ..”

“Aye, there’s some mortals an’ stuff there! .. Two – but that’s a lot for a party of eleven!”

“Two?”

“Well.. used to be two. Uncle ‘Brand’s kiddo used to hit it up with a mortal, but that ain’t work out so well. Family got pretty pissed about ‘em splittin’ up, ‘specially after havin’ kids.”

“Oh.”

“I’ll be honest.. The fam’s been kinda’ torn about mortals ever since then. Rubbed it off on me, too. I guess my job taught me that at least you all make good coworkers..”

“Oh.”

“You ain’t so bad, I guess. Ever since I started visitin’ you, I just felt like a hypocrite. I mean– I was , y’know.. bein’ the law. But outside’a’ that, gettin’ support from some measly mortal, havin’ fun with ‘em..”

“Oh?”

“I think bein’ with you’s changed me, really– it has . If the old me saw how we were– by Momma, he’d think I was crazy!”

Ban Hammer chuckled amiably, letting his breath ease out. Medkit let his words sink into his head, a little too much, it seemed.

“I changed you?”

“Maybe! I mean– I don’t think it’s in a deity’s place to meddle with mortals, but you an’ I.. we’re different .”

Medkit, squinting slightly as he found himself a little too interested in Ban Hammer’s point of view, decided to be bold.

“How so?”

“ Uh – I mean we.. You’re not just some–”

Ban Hammer flailed his limbs around trying to accentuate his meanings, but it felt as if all workings inside his head had come to a stop. He couldn’ think of a coherent answer, maybe there was none.

Or maybe, it was something he hadn’t realised about himself .

“..I don’t know, okay. I– I don’t know . But why’sit matter? You’re happy here, right?”

“Of course, yes.”

“And you.. you’re happy with me, right?”

“ Yes .”

“..Then, so be it! I guess you’re my little exception. Ain’t that nice?”

Medkit blinked slowly at him. Ban Hammer turned towards him, leaning across the table and blinked back. Slowly, they blinked, eye locked with eyes. Suddenly his tone became a lot more somber as he went back to chewing on the thin piece of wood in his mouth.

“..I don’t know why I feel like this with you.”

Medkit’s eye widened, moving back in his chair apprehensively, watching the toothpick between his jaws fumble around. 

“I’m not supposed to be ‘ friends ’ with a mortal. I’m really not. I never have been and never wanted to be. I don’t know what’s different about you.”

Medkit gave him a sorrowful look, Ban Hammer’s face felt dejected, as if he’d betrayed himself. In his mind, he had so many unanswered questions, nothing he’d ever want to admit to anyone. Each word he muttered was drowned out and exasperated, further hidden by the silent noises of him chewing on his stick.

“..I think I’m okay with that, though.”

That statement caused both of them to raise their heads, Medkit of shock, and Ban Hammer of acceptance. They stared at each other as they always would, their way of communicating whatever emotion they knew they shared in their mind, whether it be frustration, trust, or sorrow.

“Your title made you believe in the stigmatization of a deity conversing at least moderately with a mortal?”

“...”

There it was , the statement he both didn’t want to hear yet needed to hear so badly. His whiskers flopped as he raised his hands to hold his chin, pouting, going quiet as he attempted to focus on the texture of the toothpick between his teeth rather than the feeling weighing down his chest.

“ Well , I’m glad I could change that. ..If a mortal in the presence of a deity was enough to bring acceptance into your family before, maybe I could grant the same. – If that’s not too idealistic , of course..”

Ban Hammer looked up again at Medkit, who had a promising look. He set his arms to rest on the table again and raised his chin with the piece of chewed wood still sticking out.

“..I think that’d be nice.”

Medkit, of the minimal times he’d choose to do so, gave him a smile. Ban Hammer saw his face and blushed a little, giggling and giving him his own wide-mouthed grin as well. 

“Don’t think I’ve seen you willingly do that in forever!”

“You could say it’s your reward for being.. so open for once.”

“Reward?”

“Nevermind that part–”

* * *

Medkit wasn’t quite sure what he was doing in the moment.

Latching onto the back of Ban Hammer, the two of them made their way to who-knows-where. Ban Hammer had been in a very particular outfit, not his armor nor a casual shirt, but instead, a long, flowy toga with loose fabric flowing behind him. Part of his chest was exposed from the long wrapping, as his legs and right arm were covered by a pale-blue drape, the ends where the openings parted lined with a pattern similar to his own wings.

Of the few times Medkit had ever gone outside of Ban Hammer’s manor, he was always accompanied by his ‘bodyguard’, typically wearing a hood to cover his face, hiding his crystal in his pocket.

 If he was extra stressed of being spotted, Ban Hammer was willing to paint his horns with the deep purple dye he had and pretend he was some distant relative of the SFoTH. While Medkit did accept the painting-of-horns idea, he politely rejected his idea of pretending to be a god.

While he didn’t need to hide from Blackrock anymore after his pardon, especially with Ban Hammer beside him, he was worried about his defection from the Church of The True Eye; fitting to their name, they had eyes everywhere, and he knew they would be after his throat if they found out he was still alive, and with the Warden no less.

As for where he was going? He had no clue. All he could feel was the snow on his nose as they made their way far from Banland, temperatures lowering. Though, a note from Ban Hammer about specifically not hiding his identity today had him extra curious. He trusted him.. But not sure how much.

Ban Hammer swooped upwards as Medkit looked behind him. He paid no attention to what was in front of him until he noticed the odd feeling of flying much drastically higher than what he was used to.

Turning around, he saw what was in front of him. The cloud-held, rainforest-like, violence-loving city of Playground.

“Ban Hammer, what in the Inpherno are we doing here?”

“Taking you to visit someone!”

“What?”

Medkit scrambled to grip onto Ban Hammer harder as his latch loosened from his initial shock. He didn’t want anyone else to know about him, especially with his status.

As Ban Hammer flew over the city, his altitude still rose, coming as even more of a shock to Medkit. Ban Hammer reached his hand behind him to lift Medkit’s chin up to where he was facing.

In front of him, a mighty cloud, similar to the one Ban Hammer’s manor occupied, also hosting a large palace made its impending presence known. The sun shone directly above it, despite the collection of snow.

“BAN HAMMER?”

“I can’t take you to the party unless you meet her ! She’s been dyin’ to meet’ya’!”

“You– you told her about me!? ”

“She already knew! I’d go visit her after work sometimes and would tell her about’cha’. Remember the time with the lightning?”

The memory of Medkit almost being struck with a fierce bolt while outside with Ban Hammer made him flinch, she did know about him. Ban Hammer held both his hands onto Medkit and pulled him into a bridal carry in front of him as he flapped his wings harshly, bolting him directly upwards in the same torpedo-like form he’d done on the balcony, before softly floating down to land on his claws.

Medkit was shaking like a poor, wet lamb. Ban Hammer set him down on his hooves and patted him off, his tail forcing him to walk towards the golden gates protecting the entrance, shaped like Ban Hammer’s wings. Ban Hammer nudged him and brushed off his back, the glowing parallel marks carved into them glowing with pride.

“Watch.”

Was all he said until he roared, his wings forming again and stretching out greatly, creating their own light. As he settled and grabbed Medkit by the horn to stand next to him, Medkit himself could only watch in horror as a vicious spiraling cloud whipped above them, lightning booming from inside.

The storm crashed above them until it shifted into a reckless tornado and spiraled directly towards them. Ban Hammer gave a smug look as Medkit quivered in fear of his own life. As the violent funnel dipped in front of them, it crashed and exploded into slashes of wind, a familiar face sliding out of it as if she’d spawned from it.

“Windforce..”

“Hey Momma!”

Ban Hammer was met with a forceful crash as his own mother rammed into him, picking him up and granting him a mighty bear-hug, which he confidently and happily reciprocated. Medkit could only watch as the two tugged against each other with laughs.

“Thought you would never come!”

“Can’t spend a spawnday without’ya’!”

Medkit blinked. Spawnday? Was today really December eighteenth? Ban Hammer never even mentioned it to him.

Windforce nuzzled against her son, chirping and giving the occasional lick to his face. She was carrying him in just one arm, as if he was a baby. To her, he was .

She, similarly to Ban Hammer, was dressed in the same long toga with patterns along the edges decorated in the style of each other’s wings. Her skin was dark, like Ban Hammer’s, and she had a flowing tuft of what looked like a cloud on her head. Behind her, instead of a typical mane like her son’s, it was a spiral of soft winds whirling and pulsing. 

Her tail was thick and the bottom was coated in armored scales, and her tail had five spiked tufts of fur identical to her son’s outside of the purple being replaced with a navy blue. Her horns, unlike Ban Hammer’s, were spiraled like a ram’s and spiked out with each curve, looking like vicious tornadoes themself.

The two of them looked exceptionally similar, and they acted as such too. Both were rough and touchy with each other, quite smug too. And apparently, Ban Hammer got his staring quirk from her, as when she turned over to look at Medkit, she said nothing. She only peered at him with her four golden eyes.

Medkit refused to say anything back, he felt the weight of the SFoTH on his shoulders, especially with one of them in the flesh appearing to be judging him at that very moment. Ban Hammer, knowing his mother would stare in silence often, broke it.

“That’s Medkit, the little ram I was tellin’ you about earlier.”

Medkit gulped, fearing his own fate was in the hands of a god right now. He closed his eye and held back.

“He really is a skittish one.”

“I know.”

“You really let this dork into your home?”

“He’s a good worker!”

Windforce giggled at her son’s response, setting him down roughly to go take a look at Medkit. Ban Hammer was tall enough to make eye-contact hard, standing at a staggering six-foot-eleven. Windforce, on the other hand? Medkit felt like he needed to stare into the sky just to see her, Ban Hammer mentioning to him in the past that she stood at a monstrous eight feet tall.

Medkit instinctively got down on his knees and bowed, not knowing what else to do as Windforce blocked the sun and stared directly down at him. What he was not expecting was a snicker from her, making him open his eye and look up.

Windforce was trying her hardest not to laugh at him in front of her son as she lent out a scaly paw, Ban Hammer staring at him from behind her with an utterly dumbfounded look. 

“You don’t gotta’ do all that, kid .”

“..M-my apologies.”

Windforce turned her head to Ban Hammer with a sassy tone and a flick of her tail.

“ Why did you have to pick the most pathetic rat to live with you!”

“I told you! He’s useful and is willin’ to do my laundry!”

The two of them were laughing together as Medkit sat himself up, dusting the snow off of his legs. Windforce yanked him by the paw and brought him next to her son, holding onto his shoulder. Medkit did his best to not seem nervous, though his best wasn’t very good.

“I think you and I–Mainly you –got off to the wrong start.”

Windforce extended her other hand and snickered softly. Medkit hesitantly lifted his paw to hold in hers, which she shook firmly.

“I think you know who I am. My son –”

Windforce smacked Ban Hammer behind the head with her tail, eliciting a playful hiss from him.

“–had mentioned you a few times, ever since I saw him playing with a mortal a couple times in his old manor. I take his word that you’re good for him, mortal or not, but don’t forget your place out here.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Ban’, get this thing to quit the fancy-talk.”

She snickered again, patting Medkit on the back and turning away towards the gates of her own manor, tail dragging lazily behind her. Ban Hammer put his hand on Medkit’s shoulder affirmingly.

“She ain’t really one for praise. Never cared for mortals. You can be casual with her, she don’t care.”

“Are you absolutely sure that applies to me as well and not just you?”

“Yeah. I mean like– Respect her, obviously, but you ain’t gotta’ go that far.”

Medkit nodded and held onto Ban Hammer’s paw tightly. Ban Hammer brushed his side with the fur on his tail to communicate to him to relax. Both followed behind Windforce as she roared out with her fist in the air; exactly the same as how Ban Hammer would, and let her gear spawn into her own grip. The wind forming her mane spiraled into a frenzy with the call.

She stabbed her long spear into a hole in the gate, turning and ripping it out as the two golden walls swung open. She turned her head over her shoulder and flicked it in her direction to signal the other two to follow.

The manor was in a similar structure to Ban Hammer’s, many buildings connected by bridges or hallways, a few patches of flowers littered around. As Windforce guided them inside, Medkit noticed her palace was also consisting of soft wood and lights, pleasant to the eyes. Each room was quite dim, which Ban Hammer was thankful for, as both he and Windforce were susceptible to bright lights.

Windforce led the two of them across each room, her and Ban Hammer exchanging stories about their last visit. Their conversation ended when the three of them made it to an exquisite dining room, average in size but glorious in appearance and quality. A single round table with a few chairs sat in the center as a mosaic ceiling above them depicted Windforce herself above Playground. 

“Your palace is.. quite stunning.”

“Only the best, of course!”

Medkit stared up at each arch around them, paws politely on his lap. Ban Hammer, meanwhile, slouched over the tablecloth to stare at Windforce with a child-like gaze, as if he were a toddler waiting for a bedtime story. His tail waved behind him impatiently.

Her eyes moved to that of the pale ring on Medkit’s horn, peering at it with a glance. He noticed her sudden shift in gaze to him, steadying his posture in the few possible ways he could further do so in an attempt to seem professional.

“You a fan’o’ gold?”

She shot out the question with a smile, casual in the most casual way someone like a god of destruction and chaos could be– that being quite casual, shockingly. Medkit paused, finding the best way to phrase his words without accidentally causing a tornado to rip the manor to shreds.

“..It’s quite nice. I wouldn’t call myself a collector– but –”

“Just reminded me’o’ my brother.. hah – Obsessed with rings, that one. Say– Ban’, didn’t he pass two of his own to his kiddo’ and their one-timer?”

“I think so, yeah. Damn, their side of the fam’s gone to shit .”

“.. Right . –Y’know what, I’m gonna’ go nab the dishes. –An’ stay for a min’, I got news for you.”

Pointing her finger at Ban Hammer, who peered up at her with a slightly nervous look coming from her much deepened tone, she left for a brief moment, tail dragging behind her similarly to how her son’s would on a lazy afternoon.

As Windforce returned, a collection of food followed her atop clouds. She raised a finger up, each cloud following her movement, and pointed at the table in which they all fell onto, disappearing as they made contact with the cloth.

“Where’d ya’ get all this from?”

“Well, it was a gift. Normally.. I would’ve stated this more formally, but this was recent news, so I suppose your guest is allowed to hear.”

Windforce’s tone was much more serious now, staring at Ban Hammer with focus. He recognised her tone and sat up straight, whiskers twitching in anticipation. With a sigh, Windforce closed her eyes and announced.

“The King of Crossroads is back.”

“What?”

“WHAT!?”

Medkit whispered, before being stunned in place by Ban Hammer slamming the table with his hands, his answer seemingly gasping out of his mouth. He stared at his mother in panting breaths, eyes gleaming.

“No one knows what had happened to him, he refused to say. All we know is that he’s back, and he’s alive .”

“How long ago did he come back? Was he hurt?  Don’t tell me he was just living back there!”

“He seemed stressed, but he wasn’t too harmed. Venomshank said his youngling found him in that wretched desert.”

Ban Hammer was wide eyed and completely shocked. Windforce continued to stare at him as she set her tail up to his lap, which he promptly slid his paws onto and started kneading under the table.

“The food wasn’t him, it was leftovers that Venom’ made for him. I know it’s a lot, but the good thing is that he's back.”

“He won’t say why he went missing!?”

“Give him time.”

Ban Hammer paused, going back to kneading with his paws into his mother’s tail after pressing into her harshly with his initial response. He turned to the side with an apologetic look, Medkit keeping silent.

“Will he at least be returning for his spawnday?”

“He plans to, yeah. The rest of the family are aware, so they won't cause a ruckus. Y’know them. ”

Ban Hammer spat a sigh of relief knowing he could see his closest uncle again. He then shot back up remembering the question he wanted to ask earlier.

“That reminds me..”

Ban Hammer scooched forward in his seat, Windforce eyeing him patiently. He held his hands together and spoke.

“Do you think Medkit could come to the reunion too?”

Medkit nearly choked on air, not expecting Ban Hammer to pop the question so suddenly. Windforce raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“..Why?”

“I just wanted to bring’em’ I guess. At least introduce him to the family since he’s workin’ for me.”

“You ain’t ever done that for any of your other employees.”

“Medkit’s not the same as those fools! He’s probably the first guy I’ve actively liked to hang out with outside of you and uncle ‘Brand!”

Windforce paused and stared back at Ban Hammer. He gave her puppy-dog eyes as his silent way of pleading for her to let him come. Finding it amusing, she giggled and spoke calmly.

“ Alright , fine. Tell the fam’ I let you bring’em. Just know however they feel about it ain’t up to me.”

“They hate everyone anyways, it won’t matter.”

Ban Hammer rolled his eyes as Windforce shrugged at him. She then put a paw under his chin and planted a kiss on his soggy nose with a nuzzle, which he accepted and smiled into. Afterwards, she turned to Medkit and gave him a glare.

“I wasn’t aware about the additional company for this, so I trust you can keep your mouth shut about Crossroads’ King returning, right? None of us want those mortals causing a riot over him right now.”

“I promise not to spread the word to any public.”

“And.. watch out for the rest of the Swords when you’re there. Some of ‘em can be a big ol’ nutcase, ‘specially around mortals.”

“I understand.”

“Good!”

Windforce gave him a smile, the same one Ban Hammer would give him all the time. She patted her tail and leaned back in her chair.

“Alright, let’s not spoil the mood. We got food to eat!”

She roared out, passion across her face as she eyed the table and all its contents. Passing a bottle of wine to Ban Hammer, he raised the entire glass into the air as Windforce motioned to Medkit to raise his glass.

“May your forty-seventh year of thousands be filled with love, wine, bloodshed of the enemy , justice and liberty, and your badass mom!”

As the three joined with a clink, Ban Hammer proceeded to rip the cork out with his teeth and down the entire bottle in one sitting, holding it above his face and chugging every last drop, a few streams of the red liquid falling out of his mouth. 

Medkit was horrified at what he’d just witnessed, meanwhile Windforce applauded him and grabbed another bottle as he wiped his mouth and placed the bottle over his own glass.

Not a single drop fell out.

Chapter Text

SFoTH Reunion Ceremony/Banland’s Palace, Wintertime, 3100

Today would be an eventful day for the two of them, in more ways than they’d expect.

Earlier in the week, Ban Hammer had made it his goal to convince Medkit to do something special for his eventual spawnday. Each time he’d beg, complain, snarl, apologize for snarling upon Medkit’s request, and give him puppy-dog eyes, all in that order, Medkit had declined.

“ Please – You’re killin’ me here! Gods forbid I wanna’ treat you a lil’!”

“Ban Hammer, for the last time , I do not want you or anyone else spending their time doing worthless things for me on such an insignificant day.”

“C’mon! I don’t get it, you really wanna’ decline a day’s dedication towards you? Really ?”

“ Yes . If it makes you feel better, I can say my attendance towards your family’s gathering is my ‘spawnday wish’. Whatever happens there, you can treat it as your gift to me.”

Ban Hammer furrowed back and looked to his side with a bitter look. He turned back to Medkit, about to make a snarled comment, but his face stopped him in his tracks– or rather words.

Medkit had looked awfully resentful, staring down into his paws leant on the table with a frown. Ban Hammer took a minute to stare at him softly, Medkit turning up to stare back at him.

As Ban Hammer tilted his head with an apologetic look, loosening his facial expression and huffing briefly, Medkit blinked and turned with him, rewarding him with a softer gaze and a twitch of his nose. 

“I’ll find something to do there for you, alright? Does– does that work for you?”

“Quite reasonably so, yes.”

And from that memory, it led to where they were now.

Medkit was atop Ban Hammer’s back, clothed in his typical work uniform, only this time with much more well groomed wool, his tail curled up with prose and his claws dulled to not cause any potential tears.

Ban Hammer had issued him not to panic when Medkit had remembered he didn’t have a more proper suit packed with him; he himself had worn the same loose patterned toga that he wore when visiting his mother for his spawnday. 

He had told him that while the day was still formal, the family saw it as their time to be as one; as close to reunion as possible. They all typically wore the long robes to symbolise themselves and each other.

In fact, a specific uncle of Ban Hammer’s in particular: Illumina, would always wear those exact robes. Ban Hammer stated it had something to do with his ‘longing for unity’ , but he never really understood what he was on about, nor cared.

Trailing to the side of Ban Hammer, now picking up speed was none other than Windforce. She chanted beside him as he followed her trail, spiraling through the clear amber sky as Medkit clung onto Ban Hammer for dear life.

As she swooped in front of him, she led the two up to yet another palace longing on a cloud. Its exterior was gilded and porcelain, seven tall arches lining the front curve of the entrance. Each arch had a sort of symbol atop it, symbolising each of the seven SFoTH Swords.

Windforce landed with a flap of her radiant wings, shining among the sun. Ban Hammer followed shortly after, lifting Medkit off his back and over his shoulders to set him down in front of him.

“This place is absolutely magnificent..”

Medkit was wide eyed and gleaming, absolute awe filled his system as he looked upon the glorious architecture of the domain. Ban Hammer nudged him on the shoulder to awaken him, only for Windforce to nudge him back, catching both their attentions towards what was behind her.

A tall deity, akin to the height of Windforce. Ash-colored robes draped down his large body, his skin of a darker grey, marked with passionate red stripes. A large horn, crevices coated in seeping lava covered his right eye, the same spikes lying on his right arm, leg, and tail as well. Two monstrous draconic wings with flowing magma blending into its frills lined against his back. His mane was not of fur, similar to Windforce, but instead a sizzling flame, calm and warm.

Lord Firebrand, King of Crossroads.

“That’s..”

“ Shhh .”

Windforce had shushed him, not wanting to cause issue as the SFoTH would typically remain silent while waiting for each member of the family before entering the hall. 

Behind Firebrand were three inphernals, one to his left and two smaller ones to his right; all three of them also wore ashy patterned robes, like that of the deity beside them.

Medkit had particularly recognised the duo beside him, a small yellow-horned inphernal with a long, thin tail and stubby limbs, and a slightly taller, purple-horned inphernal who was holding onto the smaller one’s back.

The third inphernal, however, he did not recognise. The duo seemed to keep a distance from them, using the deity on their left to block the sight of them.

As Medkit turned around, he noticed more deities floating down from the sky. A pale purple feathered deity with pure white eyes and only a right horn and wing was positioned beside a dark black and green deity whose eyes were obscured by a long witch’s hat, the end fading into fog. Green mist swirled around their neck, and only their left horn and wing remained.

The two were complete opposites. Illumina and Darkheart.

More monochromatic deities swooped down from the sky, until everyone had finally made it. 

With each member stepping forward and summoning their gear, every sword was raised into the air, before they set their hands down and entered. Medkit followed beside the grip of Ban Hammer’s tail with extreme caution as to not disrespect the room filled with the most powerful inphernals in the Inphinity.

Stepping in, a long rectangular dining table sat at the end of a large room, glossy and decorated to perfection. A few of them bundled near each other upon entering.

Icedagger in particular flew to the side of Firebrand, his thin icy wings fluttering like a fly. He wore a blue, oversized collection of silk with snowflake-like patterns edged into it like frost. His body was a light grey with blue stripes, and his tail was short and thick, similar to an insect’s abdomen. His horns were branched out and flat at the top, a set of geometric antennae attached behind them. Finally, a small puffy hat that draped down his side was atop his head.

He said no words to Firebrand, or anyone else. He only stood beside him. Meanwhile, on the left of Illumina was Ghostwalker. A stoic deity, and entirely greyscale. His eyes were replaced with x-markings and he had no visible mouth. His right horn seemed to trail into a ghoulish fog, and his two wings also spread out in the same haze, one black and one white. His tail was similar to that of a ghost, fitting to his name.

Each SFoTH member stood to find their respective seats.

Illumina in the center, Venomshank a chair away on his left, Ghostwalker the same on his right. On the end of the right side lay Darkheart, and on the opposite side of Illumina was Windforce on the left, Icedager on the right, and Firebrand between them.

Ban Hammer sat on the left of his mother, Medkit on the left of him. The duo of inphernals: Microphone and Megaphone, often known by their stage names of Valk and Dom both sat on Firebrand’s left. The third unfamiliar inphernal gathered by their group sat patiently on his right.

Venomshank, placed on the other side of the table across from Icedagger, had particularly moved over slightly to make room for someone. Venomshank typically was depicted wearing a long brown plague doctor’s mask, though today he seemed to not bring it with him, showing his bright smile underneath. His horns were a lime green and curled downward in a spiral, and his wings were large, black, and puffy, though they seemed to disconnect from his body as a black crow flew from behind his back and perched on his shoulder.

It was the small sight that came to sit beside Venomshank that caught Medkit’s attention. Clouded in a forest-green robe like his father, helmet still intact, he knew those bright red feathers from wherever they could be spotted. Sword .

As the group of them settled in their seats, Windforce snapped, trays of food sliding into the table perfectly in a single gust of wind. Illumina then raised his talon into the air, signaling the attention of the group.

“I, Illumina, shall be this year’s announcer upon our glorious reunion. I’d like to thank our dearest family for joining together under one roof, one sun, one moon, one Inpherno, one Inphinity, as seven swords , on this blessed day of remembrance and commemoration. If I may, first.. ”

Illumina pointed towards Firebrand, who was directly across from him. He took a deep breath and steadied his posture with profession. All other Swords turned to look at him.

“I’d like to welcome the return of our Lord Firebrand. We ask all to supply him with decency and patience, and provide him with the distance he may require upon his long awaited return. We thank you for your arrival.”

Firebrand nodded peacefully, holding his silence; every other Sword returned their gaze to Illumina as his focus shifted away from Firebrand.

“Secondly..”

Illumina then faced none other than Medkit, who had immediately noticed as all other Swords and their descendants turned to look at him as well. Their crowded faces felt as if they were about to face him with mighty judgement. His heart absolutely sank, feeling the weight of a thousand– or rather, twenty-four eyes looming from around the table. To the best of his ability, he kept his exterior calm and furrowed as he awaited the response of Illumina.

“We’d like to welcome the guest belonging to the son of Windforce. We trust in his intuition that his choice of company is of good faith, and we shall respect them upon how we would towards any other member of this house.”

Illumina nodded peacefully at Medkit, the rest of the Swords getting a good look at him while remaining without a word. Medkit didn’t know whether to feel comforted or terrified at his words.

“With our old and new arrivals introduced respectively, you may now engage.”

Each Sword instinctively began to chatter, passing food and drinks across the table. Sword gave an excited wave to Medkit, but restrained from speaking to him for the time being to not cause too much noise among his family.

While Ban Hammer and Windforce had been digging in, both supplying short conversation to Firebrand whenever he leaned over towards them, Medkit’s plate was still empty.

Wine bottles were tossed all over the room, each SFoTH deity getting their fair share of the royal liquid. Ban Hammer, after chugging half a bottle, turned to Medkit and nudged him.

“Hey, you gonna’ eat?”

“..I’m not that hungry. It’s just a lot right now.”

“I’m– uh , sure it is for you! But once all this is over, everyone ought’a’ be all spaced out an’ stuff. Just let the big guys have their moment for a min’, yeah?”

“Yeah..”

Ban Hammer gave him a pat on the back, and Medkit went to lean against his arm. As time passed, bickerings and blabberings between each member of the SFoTH were shared across the table, alongside plentiful bottles of rich wine. It seemed each Sword had quite large alcohol tolerances, and a devoted love for the taste.

All the food had been cleared from the table with another swoop of wind from Windforce, the rest of the Swords standing to meet around the empty circular area in front of the table. It was spacious and large, quite beautiful to the sight and provided great space for everyone to spread out. 

As soon as Medkit had gotten out of his seat, politely tucking it in, he was met with a surprising hug from Sword, who had caged him in from his back and squeezed against him tightly.

“Medkit! What’re you doing here!? I mean – I’m really happy to see you, but –!”

“It’s no worries, Sword. Ban Hammer had invited me.”

“Ban Hammer?”

“Yes.”

“.. Why ?”

“He seemed quite eager about it.”

Sword gave a confused glare at him, Medkit only shaking his head back reluctantly. Sword then giggled in response, slinging his arm against the other’s shoulder. The two of them exchanged a few words as they walked until a call from the corner had caught their attention.

Behind Ghostwalker and Illumina engaging in a conversation was Ban Hammer in Windforce’s lap, Firebrand lying on her side, speaking calmly to her as she shouted loudly back. Ban Hammer waved over to the two of them eagerly as Windforce brushed his mane with her claws.

As Medkit walked over to the three of them, a shadow appeared behind his back. As he turned, feeling the lights above them no longer gleaming against him, he saw nothing. Turning around again, and a long, slender tail wrapped around his torso as the wide-smiled SFoTH member known as Darkheart towered over him.

Looming above his head, body coiled around him tightly, he let out a snicker as his lacking eyes seemed to still stare into his soul. He inched his way closer to Medkit’s face with a twitch of his nose and a flap of his skeletal-like wing.

“ Well, well, well, look at what the cat dragged in.. We’ve been wondering about your motives the second we saw you walk through that door.. Pray tell, what’s a little mortal doing in the realm of gods~?”

Medkit shuttered beneath Darkheart’s invisible gaze, the other granting another snicker as the shadows around him grew darker.

“Don’t think we haven’t seen anything, eyes , they’re everywhere. We could only imagine what someone like you had done to trap yourself in a situation like this, gripped within the descendant of our own.”

Soon, the world went dark, the only thing in front of him being the eerie, glowing smile that punctured his own eyes with its glow. His limbs were stuck in the grasp of his now unseeable tail, feeling it clench harder against his skin. With the minimal struggle he put in to release himself, he stood limp in the hold of the deity in front of him.

“Don’t wanna’ talk? That’s a shame.. Would’ve hoped there’d be a bit more hospitality exchanged.. Do we need to fix that~?”

It was only when Darkheart was given a ferocious and sassy slap on the back of his hat by a gust of wind created by Windforce that he let out a yelp and slithered away from Medkit like a startled ferret. Turning back to look at her, she growled, her typhoon of a mane storming around her neck.

“You leave that thing alone before I smack you again. Thought they said treat our guest with respect!?”

“ Woops ~! Slip of the tail, really!”

Darkheart let out a playful shrug, smile not helping his case as Windforce scowled at him again. He peered back at Medkit, swiping the side of him with his long tail and nonchalantly walked off.

“ Yeesh – sorry about him, Meds’. He can be a bit.. much.”

“I think I could tell, Sword.. But thank you nonetheless.”

Medkit panted softly, one hand on his heart and the other playing with a crystal of his that he’d taken out of one of his belt pockets. Ban Hammer whistled at him again from the corner, flicking his head towards them.

Walking towards Ban Hammer, Medkit sat next to him, only to immediately be grabbed with his large paws and placed in Ban Hammer’s own lap, his head resting between his horns. Sword gave the two of them a curious look.

“Ignore that asshole, this is what I meant when I said they all pissed me off.”

“Damn right, there’s a reason I stopped talkin’ with all of those fools outside’a’ ‘Brand.”

Windforce had cut in, resulting in the two of them sharing an almost identical laugh at the comment. Windforce then turned to nuzzle against Firebrand, her winds blowing away his fire around each other's necks as to not harm her. He laid an arm around her in response, his gloved hand rubbing against her scaled shoulder.

His ungloved hand came down to pat against Ban Hammer, who luckily happened to be heatproof, allowing the easing warm to soothe into his muscles with a purr. He clenched down on Medkit’s head harder and hugged him tighter against his arms as Windforce continued to play with his locs.

Sword was standing to the side awkwardly, just happy to see Medkit happy; however, the closeness he had with Medkit caught his attention again as the two of them seemed to heavily enjoy leaning into the other’s weight. Ban Hammer was practically kneading into Medkit’s wool under his shirt, Medkit didn’t stop him, just enjoying the company.

“You two really were closer than I thought, especially since the last time I saw you, Medkit.”

The two of them peered up at Sword, turning to look at each other, and then back at Sword, just like the time they had all those months ago. Ban Hammer looked almost braindead as Medkit sweated a little.

“Well, I have lived with him for quite some time.”

“He never shuts up about you.”

“MOM–!”

Windforce had intervened into the conversation again, causing an abrupt burst from Ban Hammer, embarrassed and cheeks turning purple again as he fussed back between Medkit’s horns again with a grunt.

Windforce giggled in response, smirking as she gave him an apologetic rub under the chin, which he graciously accepted. Firebrand leaned over to take a look at the two.

“I never saw you as one to familiarize with a mortal, I’ll be honest, Ban Hammer. I don’t mind this new change, however.”

“That’s what I thought too!”

Sword had added onto Firebrand’s comment, both of them receiving a glare from their subject in return. He lidded his eyes at them in an annoyed frown as he positioned snuggly back between Medkit’s horns once again, rubbing his face against their smooth texture and raising a hand to play with the ring dangling from his right horn.

Sword covered his mouth to avoid letting out a laugh while Firebrand merely hummed affirmatively, giving Ban Hammer’s cheek a squeeze before sliding back down to his arm again. 

“I suppose.. They do have a point. Though– I do remember our conversation about how you felt about me some distance ago.”

Medkit lifted a paw up to toy with the scruff of fur under Ban Hammer’s chin, watching as his words sunk into his mind. Ban Hammer, on the other hand, only grumbled into Medkit’s wool, the topic of how he felt about Medkit lingering within himself.

He’d recall everything he’d thought about him before, and yet none of it he regretted. Closing his eyes, he let himself rest atop Medkit, who looked up to see him with his eyes lazily shut.

The remaining four of them engaged in conversation, Windforce explaining anything she’d known happened to the family during the period he was gone– dramatically so. Sword made a few comments to Medkit about Ban Hammer, among a few other topics relating to some of his other distant family members, which happened to be everyone but his father to him. Sword had even mentioned that this year was one of the very few times he’d ever gone to one of the SFoTH’s reunions.

Time passed greatly as Ban Hammer still laid atop Medkit, seemingly asleep. The sky was turning a richer orange as the sun gleamed through each window. Medkit made a glance to Ban Hammer, noticing his still-drowsy mood.

“Was the alcohol that potent on him?”

Windforce leaned over to check on him after hearing Medkit’s comment, giving him a scratch under the horn which elicited a muffled yelp from the ticklish sensation out of his mouth.

“ Mo-o-o-o-o-om–”

“Nah, he’s probably just tired. Bet you ought’a’ get this big guy home soon. Party’s nearly over.”

Windforce smacked his back as she said that, jumping him awake. Medkit nodded the best he could with Ban Hammer’s weight still on him as Firebrand stood up to give Windforce a lift with his gloved hand.

 She gave him a final nuzzle as Ban Hammer opened his eyes again slightly, seeing as Sword had gone to talk with his mentor, Venomshank, and Medkit was still patiently waiting beneath him.

“Home?”

“.. Home . Yeah.”

Ban Hammer stood up to give his mother and closest uncle a large hug, which they both reciprocated passionately. Medkit had gone to give another goodbye to Sword, taking a bow to Venomshank and returning to Ban Hammer’s position, who was still tugging alongside his dearest family members.

“Hey, kid .”

Medkit turned towards Windforce, who had just let go of Ban Hammer to let him continue ravaging playfully against his uncle. She loomed over him again just like the time she did when they'd first met; only this time, Medkit gave her a polite look rather than a fearful one.

“You take good care of my big brute, got that?”

“I'll do my best.”

“I ain't ever seen him act like this to anyone outside'a’ me an’ ‘Brand–”

She clicked her tongue and shrugged, crouching down to Medkit's height.

“–But whut'ever you did to him to get him to act like that.. cherish it. If he really puts that much faith in a mortal, so be it. I will too .”

Medkit stared at her wide eyed and in shock, snapping out of his minute-long trance once she'd snapped at him to get him to shake it off. He stepped back and gave her a subtle, polite bow.

“Thank you for the opportunity, both to meet your family, and your son.”

“Whut'ever makes him happy, makes me happy.”

She gave him a playful slap with her tail and laughed, Medkit only doubling down in pain for less than twenty seconds– a new record for him –as she went to pat her son on the back and point him in Medkit's direction.

“So, wanna’ come back next year?”

“..I'd have to think about it.”

* * *

The trip back to the palace was calm as the sun departed its way into the sea to rest, its golden waves turning the sky a rich orange, contrasting with Ban Hammer’s royal purple and Medkit’s seafoam teal.

They now both sat beside the pond in the garden, simply taking in the sights of the light reflecting on the water and painting the pink lilies gold. Ban Hammer sighed as he held Medkit’s side to lean against him.

“..So, nice spawnday gift, huh?”

“Quite nice. Your family truly is peculiar .”

“ Heh – You can say that again.”

Ban Hammer smiled tiredly as the ripples of the pond in front of them clicked and wrinkled against the calm water. He turned to Medkit and only stared down at him, smiling softly.

Medkit gazed at the water until he felt Ban Hammer move, looking up at him, the two then met their eyes with each other and smiled. Ban Hammer moved a paw up to grab the side of his face, in which Medkit slid his own paw up to rest atop of it.

A spike of adrenaline seemed to pierce his spine as the tender moment sucked in a part of his defensive exterior. 

“Medkit.. lemme’ tell’y’a somethin’, you–”

Ban Hammer paused, only to turn away as his smile slowly formed into a solemn frown, lost in thought. His hand stayed positioned on Medkit, who followed the movement of his head and recognised the patterns in his expression.

“What’s wrong? Did I do something?”

Ban Hammer backed off, pulling away from Medkit in a rush and held his fearful position until he let his hands sink back down to his sides.

“No–! No.. you’re fine. Forget it, this is just a.. – A me issue .”

Ban Hammer scowled to himself, leaning on his chin with his other hand. He stared into the pond, and it stared back at him with his own reflection. As if he was in a staring contest, he only gazed at what was below him; none other than himself.

“Don't worry about it.”

Medkit squeezed his paw to pull his attention away from his reflection and back onto himself, which he succeeded in as Ban Hammer turned to give him another soft look.

“What’s going on? Are you hurt? Did something happen earlier?”

“ No, no. Don’t think about it, alright? I’m fine. –Was.. gonna’ ask somethin’, but it’s– it’s whut’ever.”

“Spit it out, Ban Hammer.”

Ban Hammer swallowed his thoughts with an audible gulp as he leaned back from Medkit's firm tone, flinching at the feeling inside him. Huffing out a breath of smoke as he leaned forward again, his eyes and mouth were clenched with a sense of discomfort.

“Whut if I don't wanna spit it out.”

“Well whatever it is, it's bothering you, so I want you to tell me.”

“ Whut if don’t wanna’ fuckin’ tell you? ”

Ban Hammer gave him a stern look, mane flaring with a fiery anger that caused Medkit to back away from him. Letting the mechanisms in his head turn, he remained quiet.

“If this is an issue involving me, I need to know.

“ It's not about–! I mean, not in–”

“So it is about me.”

“Well it ain't some shit you can do anything about!”

Medkit gave his paw another squeeze, rubbing small patterns on the surface of its scales. Ban Hammer sunk down in his spot and pouted like a child.

He refused to look back at Medkit's staring, only thinking to himself in his typical stubborn fashion. His thoughts were interrupted with a polite tap on his paw.

“ I .. don’t even know what to say.”

Medkit latched onto his cheek, the two of them matching positions as Ban Hammer’s left paw was on Medkit, and Medkit’s left paw was on Ban Hammer. The two of them stared intently at each other, an act of trust they never seemed to get rid of. 

“Speak.”

Like a dog to its owner, Ban Hammer’s face scrunched up as he gulped again and barked his thoughts out to Medkit.

“ You wanna know so bad!? –I don’t wanna’ just sit here forever an’ be yer’ friend ! Okay!? I’m tired of fuckin’ pretending I don’t like you!”

Medkit pushed back slightly from the initial shock, before the words registered in his mind. They seemed to register in Ban Hammer’s too, as his shoulders sank and his head pulled back.

“..Don’t.”

“Ban Hammer..”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Ban’.”

Ban Hammer’s face only scrunched up again as he heard the nickname, still facing towards Medkit as his head was held still by his grip. Medkit gave him the same soft look, practically unfazed.

“I didn’t say shit .”

“Say it again.”

Ban Hammer flung his eyes open, breathing heavily. He felt as if tears were to wound up in his eyes from having to stare at Medkit any longer.

And for the first time in Medkit’s life, he was there to see it. A singular clear strand of saltwater brushing against the side of his face, highlighting his fur as the sun caught into the streak of moisture riddled in his fur. 

“I want you to say it again.”

Ban Hammer closed his eyes, letting the feeling of the tear down his face savor the emotion that was held inside it. He only breathed, staying like that as Medkit slowly rubbed into the side of his face. They remained in their pocket of vulnerability for a few minutes, until Ban Hammer raised his head up, slowly opening his eyes just to speak again.

“I love you.”

Medkit didn’t answer him, his face remained the same. He only continued to gaze into Ban Hammer’s eyes, paw stopping its gentle motions just to focus on his glare alone. The pools of amber in his eyes glowed so elegantly against the orange sky. Ban Hammer’s tail wagged behind him lazily as the sound of rippling water helped ground him back with his senses.

Medkit then took his leftover paw in his other hand, and lifted it up. Keeping eye contact with Ban Hammer as he raised it in front of his face, Ban Hammer giving him a tired, anguished, and yet curious look.

With a tender and slow motion, Medkit planted a single, long kiss on Ban Hammer’s paw.

His mouth spat out a choked gasp as he watched it all happen in front of him. Medkit held onto his paw, not letting go after having given him a feeling like no other. Ban Hammer’s eyes gleamed in shocked anticipation.

“I love you too.”

Ban Hammer’s whiskers rose, then dropped, then rose up again. The gears in his mind were going absolutely haywire as he tried to process what was happening at that time. 

“You– I.. You d –”

“I do. I truly do.”

“ You’re not – You’re not fuckin’ with me–”

“I would never lie about this.”

“...”

Ban Hammer kept his eyes locked with Medkit, occasionally looking down to see his paw still in his hand, just to look up after and see Medkit smiling at him pleasantly.

“H-holy shit.. Holy fuckin' shit –!”

Ban Hammer grabbed Medkit’s paws in his hands and shook backwards, panting and shouting like a child. His tail was reacting fervently, slamming against the side of the bench they sat on, each slap creating a loud thud. 

“ Hah– Holy shit.. You– Oh SFoTH.. ”

“ I love you , Ban Hammer.”

“Say it again!”

Medkit giggled as his retort, one of the larged smiles he’d ever given out was shining in the sun at that moment. Ban Hammer was staring at him eagerly, body coated in sweat from the panic and joy from it all.

“ I love you , Ban Hammer!”

They both laughed, Ban Hammer pulling him into a victorious embrace, holding his entire body with his limbs and tail. Medkit slid his hands up to his cheeks again, pulling his face down to stare at him.

“I think this is a very nice spawnday gift..”

“The damn best one you’ll ever receive in your life!”

“Maybe I should do this more often.”

“I should'a brought a cake!”

The sun beamed brighter in that moment, a rainbow appearing in the sky despite the clear lack of rain. A phenomenon only caused by a miracle from a god; a very happy god , at that.

“I really am alive right now..”

“You’re alive, alright.”

“And now I get to continue living.. with you .”

“An’ I’ll make sure you livin’ ought'a’ be the best gods-damn experience you'll ever have!”

Chapter Text

Banland’s Palace, Springtime, 3100

Two months.

It had been two months since Ban Hammer took Medkit to visit his family for their spawnday, two months since Ban Hammer was able to see his closest uncle for the first time in years, two months since Ban Hammer had confessed his love for Medkit in one of the most embarrassing ways possible, two month s since Medkit had crushed under his weight from his tear-filled bear-hug, and two months since Ban Hammer had finally decided to let Medkit sleep in his net right next to him.

And since those two months, not much had changed.

Their relationship was already close, there wasn’t much they could do to make it closer now that they’d both recognised that they were comfortable with said closeness. The most that changed was Medkit discovering how much Ban Hammer had an affinity with planting a kiss atop his head every morning, and that Windforce was already aware of their relationship. 

The latter brought an appalled look to Ban Hammer when she’d told him she watched him confess to Medkit. She made sure to playfully nag him for how pathetic he was about it as well, stating that Medkit’s sheepishness was ‘ wearing onto him ’ . Ban Hammer was an embarrassed mess after that.

While the two were together, they never seemed to do anything with their newfound agreement of trust and ability to be vulnerable with each other. Ban Hammer would often look back to the time Medkit had polished his hammer that one night and continue to make himself jealous as he never seemed to want to admit that he wanted just a night of affection.

But today was the day Ban Hammer would receive what he'd been wanting for so, so long.

The both of them were bunched up together on the couch, Medkit was leaning against him like a pillow while Ban Hammer in return clinked his horn against his partner.

Both wore long bathrobes, Ban Hammer offering Medkit one of his older ones that didn't fit him anymore, in which he graciously accepted.

While Ban Hammer was insistent on remaining clothless to let his skin breathe, especially after years of being armor-clad all day, Medkit was hesitant on the idea.

There was a reason he disliked looking in the mirror so much.

Ban Hammer's insistence to get him to relax was too much eventually, as Medkit agreed to just leave the robe on after drying his wool once he was finished taking an evening shower.

It was only when they began leaning against each other that they started wondering things about the one next to themself.

Neither of them were sure how far they'd want to take their relationship at their current rate. Discussing boundaries would've been a nice start if neither of them weren't too scared to do so.

Despite this, a craving in both their bodies created an itch in their backs. Ban Hammer in particular was still remembering the day Medkit cleaned his gear for him in their current moment. He longed for that touch again, so close yet so far from his grasp.

Medkit, in return, wanted a chance to examine him in a calm, relaxed manner. Ban Hammer's body was littered in scars, marks, scales and fur; all of which Medkit wanted to look at without a somewhat annoying comment or tease coming his way.

While the two silently pouted, Medkit looked up to let his curiosity hopefully not kill the cat.

"Ban'?"

"Yeah?"

Ban Hammer yawned in the midst of his reply, Medkit ran a paw down his uncovered arm, trailing each muscle until he reached his burly paw and squeezed. Ban Hammer tilted his head with a hum.

"Do you believe you and I could spend a moment together?"

" Mmh .. whuddya' mean?"

"A moment of intimacy , you might call it."

Ban Hammer lazily turned towards Medkit, his eyes perking up slightly. Medkit awaited his response with anticipation, shifting his hooves together.

"I think that'd be nice, yeah."

"Are you sure?"

" Mmhm .."

Ban Hammer's voice was groggy and tired, but deep down he was enthusiastic. Medkit gave him another squeeze of his hand to wake him up.

"Ban Hammer?"

" Mmh ..?"

"Are.. you sure?"

"I said yeah."

Ban Hammer got up, taking Medkit's hand with him. Medkit took the lead from there, guiding him up to his room. Beside the door, Ban Hammer squeezed by to open the knob, walking in and pulling Medkit with him using his tail.

"So.. you wanted to– uh..? "

"Just have a moment between us, I suppose. I've never taken a proper look at your body. It intrigues me."

"Suit yer'self, then."

Ban Hammer remained complicit and eager behind his tired eyes, Medkit too was eager to at least have a moment to be close to the person so dear to him; this time without having to flinch when viewing another's chest.

Climbing into his net, Ban Hammer flopped down, the combined comfort of his hoarded pillows and collection of blankets underneath him earning a purr out of his body.

Medkit climbed onto the net on the other edge, slowly inching his way towards Ban Hammer, who was letting his robe slowly drift off of himself on the edge, exposing his chest and stomach.

"Are you feeling alright?"

"Yeah, waitin' for you."

Medkit put a paw on his thigh, giving it a soft caress. His hand traced over one of the many white splotch-like fades on his skin, looking up to Ban Hammer to ask what it was.

"These markings on your body, are they natural?"

"Nah. Sunburns . Healed ones."

"You receive sunburns?"

"All the time, usually in Lost Temple. I can't feel the heat, but the sun still gets me. Only issue is that I can't tell how warm it really is, so I can't tell when I'm gettin' burnt until it's too late."

"Ah.."

Medkit ghosted his paw over the same splotch, setting it above the center of the marking and pressing down, smoothing it out. He moved his hand down the side of his thigh, causing Ban Hammer to purr.

"They ain't hurt no more. They're just little markings to remind me of past journeys."

“Are you sure that’s healthy, though? I don’t imagine you treat them, do you?”

“Eh, the itchiness goes away after a day. Won’t kill me.”

“Do you ever wear sunscreen?”

Ban Hammer flinched from the remark, something about the mention of sunblock causing a nasty feeling in his head. Knowing it wasn't exactly something he wanted to talk about, he just shook his shoulders and prayed Medkit wouldn't notice.

Medkit himself hummed, looking down at his own body. The faded marks under his chest still poked out through his growing wool, which Ban Hammer took a note of. Medkit shook his head and removed his paw from Ban Hammer's side.

"Can I move further up?"

"Do whut'ever, Meds'. You ain't gonna’ bite me."

Medkit climbed his way further up Ban Hammer's body, leaning over his bulky frame. Setting both his paws on his stomach, he rubbed the top back and forth. Ban Hammer didn't stop him, he only closed his eyes in bliss. The memories of wanting to be taken care of like this flooded his mind, giving him a soft smile.

Medkit moved his paws down from the top of his stomach to his sides, grabbing the clumps of soft flesh between his paws and caressing them. He sank down onto Ban Hammer's stomach, lying on its soft surface as his paws rubbed into the crevices of his sides. He nuzzled the top of his stomach gently, Ban Hammer reacting with more purring.

"You're feeling alright still, correct?"

"Yeah.. keep – keep doin' that..."

Medkit flushed a bit as he saw Ban Hammer's entire mellowed out expression; his eyes happily closed and mouth opened in a smile as his arm lazily draped up to flick at him to keep going, falling back down soon after.

Wanting to see more reactions out of him, Medkit moved one of his paws under Ban Hammer's chin and scratched lightly. Immediately he was met with waves of happy grunts and purring.

This entire experience had really told Medkit that Ban Hammer was quite the loud and heavy purr-er.

" Mmmhmm.. right there.. "

"You really are like a big, lazy cat, aren't you?"

"I'm your big, lazy cat.."

Medkit chuckled softly, each noise he muttered being fuel for Ban Hammer's purring.

" Yes , yes you are."

Medkit inched farther up Ban Hammer's midsection, sliding his leftover hand up from Ban Hammer's side, letting go of the plump flesh, and stroking up the side of him, giving a light squeeze to his chest before finally cupping the side of his cheek.

"Ban Hammer?"

" Mmhm.. ?"

"Would you mind if I gave you a kiss?"

Ban Hammer's face flushed purple, letting out a soft laugh as if he were drunk and nuzzled into Medkit's paw.

"Go wild."

Medkit slid his head up to meet Ban Hammer's, staring pleasantly into the golden pools in his eyes. He inched his mouth closer to the other's, and with brief hesitation from Medkit as Ban Hammer eagerly awaited, they closed the gap between the two.

Medkit only meant for their connection to last a few seconds at most, but as his grip loosened, Ban Hammer cupped a hand behind Medkit's head and pushed him closer.

Letting go after Medkit pushed against his hand, he watched as his face, full of green blush, panted above him. The gleam of his horns complimented the flustered color of his face, something Ban Hammer took great note of.

Though it seemed he wasn’t the only one getting a nice look at a large pair of horns.

Medkit’s own attention was fixated on the other’s, huge, axe-like horns that dipped out away from his body at the top. Moving a hand up to rub at the crevice beside where the horn spiked out and where it connected to the main horn, he watched as Ban Hammer turned back down to look him in the eye again.

“I don’t remember your ends being pointed out like this a few years ago. Are your horns still growing, even at your age?”

“Nah, I started shavin’ down the sides and leavin’ the top part out. Looked cool.”

“Is that the same reason as for why your horns are so patterned?”

Ban Hammer’s horns were also coated in a multitude of light and dark purple patterns. A few stripes, circles, and dots lined it, all coated cleanly and with a shine. He nodded in response to Medkit’s question.

“ Mhm , they weren’t even this shade until I changed’em’.”

“I think the royal purple fits you.”

“ Damn right it does.”

Medkit pinched the end of his horn, then let go and coated his hand around it. Putting on a bit of pressure, he dragged his hand down the length of his horn, eliciting a few incoherent mumbles and more loud purring from Ban Hammer’s chest. He seemed to be catching his breath ever-so-slightly after the touch, a behavior Medkit had interest in now.

Curiosity fueling him, he moved both his paws to latch onto Ban Hammer’s horns, and from the base, he moved them upwards in the same grip. Ban Hammer’s face flushed and his tail slapped against the net like a beaver’s, moving to slide back and forth between his legs.

“I didn’t take you as someone with sensitive horns.”

“ Sensitive!? They ain’t sensitive!”

Medkit giggled at his flustered remark, using two fingers each to trace down the length of his horns before removing them to latch onto his chest again. Ban Hammer’s tail instinctively stopped thumping as soon as he lost the addicting touch on his horns.

“If that’s what you say..”

“It IS what I say–!”

Ban Hammer’s embarrassed anger was a reaction Medkit loved to take in, the other, in return, often fumbling with his words whenever he was met with a point he couldn’t smart-talk his way out of.

So instead of complaining more and watching his own ego unravel from pure embarrassment as if he wasn’t already doing so, he moved a paw up to give Medkit a poke on his lip.

"Can I get another one?"

Ban Hammer licked his own lips, savoring the non-existent taste of Medkit's own. Medkit himself gave him a hum and leaned down again, exactly what Ban Hammer was looking for.

Pressing a kiss on the other's lips once more, he made small gaps between each new one as he planted them down the side of Ban Hammer's face; every single one was tender and soft.

Brushing his paw over the traces of where he'd kissed Ban Hammer, he made his way back over to his mouth and gave him another kiss, longer, like the first one.

Ban Hammer pressed his hand against Medkit's head again, leaving little room to part between each exchange. Their breathing joined as one in the moment, warmth bubbling up within them both.

Ban Hammer tested the waters by parting his lips slightly to give Medkit a flick with his tongue. Medkit hummed and parted his own, the two of them mixing together like paint.

Medkit went back to rubbing Ban Hammer's stomach folds as he laid atop it, eventually sliding down to his back the best he could without crushing his paw, the other hand still cupping his partner's cheek. Ban Hammer on the other hand kept his paw on Medkit's head, letting the other slide down to rub circles onto Medkit's curly woolen back.

Both of them let small hums into each other as they continued, the occasional grunt from Ban Hammer shocking a pleasant softness down Medkit's spine. It was only when Medkit parted again when they were able to stare into the other's eyes again.

"I don't believe anyone in the Inpherno has expressed how lovely you are.."

"I don't think I ever told you how much I love you.. nor how much of a good kisser you are."

"Ban Hammer.."

Medkit smiled embarrassingly at Ban Hammer's comment, blushing more.

"Your wool has grown out a lot.. I like you like this."

"..I used to have to cut it back when working for Blackrock, and even in the Church."

"Those idiots don't get how pretty you are like this, then."

"Ban'.."

"Yer' like a nice pillow. Soft an' fluffy. How could anyone not love you?"

Medkit sighed and leaned down to rest on top of Ban Hammer's stomach, head on his chest beside his neck. He peppered a few short kisses onto the surface, eliciting a few giggles from Ban Hammer due to the ticklish sensation.

"I never thought you could be this.. gentle ."

"Every brute's got their weakness; I'd say mine is probably you ."

Medkit covered his mouth with his paw to prevent him from making another corny comment. Ban Hammer only kissed Medkit on his paw because of it, causing him to pull away softly and drag his hand down to slip behind what was left of his robe and massage his back.

Feeling the texture of whatever smooth skin he could back there, his paw landed on something akin to velvet, which caused his eye to widen. He continued to feel for the pattern, eventually tracing the pointed shape with his paw. He quickly stopped himself as he realised he could’ve been touching a scar and didn’t want to upset his partner.

“I’m sorry, that wasn’t an old wound, was it?”

“Nah, wing marking. Wanna’ see?”

Without receiving an answer, Ban Hammer raised himself to throw his robe on the floor and then fell back down, this time on his stomach to expose his back and tail. Medkit stared at the complexity of it.

His shoulders had a few of the same sunburn markings from earlier, a few also residing near his back and at the base of his tail. A few battle scars, all of which faded by now lined a few locations on his back. The familiar scars of the gash on his tail and the bullet mark on his shoulder still remained even after almost a year. 

And, the most notable thing: Two symmetrical patterns that resembled his own wings that pointed vertically along his back. They gleamed a rich purple and glowed in the midst of the dark. Their texture was unlike the rest of his back, having the same velvet feel that Medkit had felt when he came in contact with them the first time. In fact, they seemed to glow brighter around the area he’d touch, pools of light glimmering around wherever he’d lay his paw when atop it.

“Ever wondered where my wings come from? Now ya’ know.”

Ban Hammer moved his arms to fit under his chin for a small bit of leverage, and with a yawn-like roar, his two gigantic wings phased from his back. Medkit backed off in shock, but Ban Hammer’s tail lifted him towards where he was originally sitting again and patted him on the back.

“It’s light, Meds’, can’t hurt you.”

Medkit cautiously approached one of the radiant wings, and with a gentle paw, he lined the side of one of the points, light filtering from it due to the touch. He continued to phase his hand through it, and gripped a part of the base as if it was physical.

Ban Hammer curiously looked back at him, raising an eyebrow. Medkit turned back to him and twitched his head as if he was asking what was wrong.

“Yer’ tail ain’t flickin’ on me, right?”

Medkit turned over, and, while it was wagging, it didn’t seem to be hitting against his back.

“No, I don’t believe so. Is something wrong?”

“..Grip my wing again.”

Medkit did as such, moving over to curl his hand over the ringed part that was the base for each protrusion, maintaining full eye-contact with Ban Hammer while doing so. As he gripped it, the other’s whiskers pointed up slightly in reaction.

“Let go now.”

And Medkit let go, Ban Hammer’s whiskers falling back down again. Medkit moved back to his wing, petting the surface of the light, causing Ban Hammer’s eyes to widen as he almost instinctively let out another long purr.

“Can.. can you feel that?”

“I don’t know?! I never noticed it while flying!”

“I mean, I’d assume such a subtle feeling wouldn't've been detectable if you were already having wind in your face from floating around at such high speeds. What does it feel like to you?”

“Well, I can’t feel my wings. It’s just– It’s like some ghostly feeling. I can’t feel your paw– just– just the touch.”

“I suppose it really is true that you learn something new about yourself every day.”

“Oh shut up!”

Ban Hammer playfully smacked a hand over Medkit’s mouth, the latter pulling his hand off to comment about how he was doing the same thing that he himself would usually do to him, only to be smacked by Ban Hammer’s tail mid-sentence. 

"What did I do to deserve you?"

"Go through hell-and-back, probably ."

Ban Hammer scoffed jokingly, Medkit tilting his head with an agreeable expression back to him.

"..I suppose that's true."

"Well, you're back . And I'm proud you could make it this far."

Chapter Text

Banland’s Palace, Springtime, 3100

“ BWAHAHAHA-HA– ! Look at it! Look at the lil’ thing! OOOOOH-HOO– look at it–!”

“It’s.. quite small .”

“THE FIRST ONE OF THE SEASON! BWAHAHA – I’ve done it, Meds’! I’ve done it!”

Medkit and Ban Hammer were currently crouched down in the garden on a lovely sunny day. Medkit peered down at their shared target, while Ban Hammer was childishly putting his hands up in the air as he knelt down and screamed at what was before them.

A small, red poppy.

“Look at it– OOOH look at it! Do ya’ know how damn long it took just to get one of these pretty little bastards to grow!?”

“A long time to warrant that reaction, I’d assume.”

“Hell yeah it was a long time! Look at the lil’ thing! Look at it! Aye –!”

Ban Hammer snapped his fingers at Medkit to catch his attention that was lost for a minute on a butterfly passing beside him, later shoving his head down forcefully to show Medkit the importance of the red flower to him.

“C’mon, look at it!”

“I-I see it, Ban Hammer. –Could you please– ARGH – let go of my horn now?”

“Alright, alright. Fine!”

Ban Hammer quickly yanked Medkit’s horn upwards, another yelp coming out of him in response. Before Medkit could make another comment about his ferocity, Ban Hammer jabbed him with a quick kiss on the head and sat up from the plant.

“Out of all the things that would excite you..”

Medkit chuckled softly at Ban Hammer’s behavior, who in return pulled him up from the ground and dragged him to the left corner of the garden, right beside the pond.

“Alright! Wanna’ make yer’self useful?”

“I already work for you, Ban Hammer.”

“I work for myself too, yet I ain’t ever complain!”

Medkit reluctantly sighed at Ban Hammers objective stupidity and complied with him. Although he was never the paws-on type, he was sure Ban Hammer would do all the heavy-lifting.

Ban Hammer ruffled through his pocket to find an old packet of the same red poppy seeds. He threw them into Medkit’s hands and shoved him in the direction of an empty patch of dirt with his tail.

“Wanna’ have a row of those ol’ things this season, ri-i-i-ight over there. I’ve gotta’ go grab the soil, so you just sit your lil’ tail down and look pretty or somethin’.”

Medkit turned to watch Ban Hammer run towards the gate of the garden, pushing onto the stacks of topsoil bags beside it. With a quick heave, he managed to lift all ten bags in a single hand without breaking a sweat, holding them atop himself like boxes of pizza.

Dropping them down next to Medkit with a crash, causing him to back off with yet another bleat as Ban Hammer patted the surface of the bag on top of the stack, he took a glove off to use one of his claws to slice cleanly through the first bag. Lifting it up, he started pouring it over the confined area as Medkit patiently watched.

A few bags in, Ban Hammer stopped to look at what had been placed so far. Considering it to be enough, he picked up one of the many clumps and crushed it with his gloved hand.

“Would you like me to go find any gardening tools you might need to ease out those spots?”

“Gardening tools? Psh – Who needs’em’!”

With a roar and a gleam, Ban Hammer’s gear summoned in his grasp. Spinning it on its end, he lifted it up and slammed it into the ground, excess dirt flying up at him and Medkit; the latter backing off quickly from the mess.

“ That – That works too, I suppose.”

“Works BETTER , ‘ I suppose ’!”

Ban Hammer laughed at his mock of Medkit as he continued to pummel into the ground. Medkit only watched as he played around with every dramatic swing, almost purposely flying dirt into the air.

Around ten minutes too long of Ban Hammer enjoying the feeling of pounding his gear into the dirt and Medkit having to nervously watch had passed until Ban Hammer had had enough, turning around and wiping the sweat off his forehead, then adjusting his blindfold that was tying his locs back. He flicked his tail at Medkit who promptly sat up and followed.

“Stuff’s been given a nice pummelin’, ‘bout time we get those seeds in.”

Medkit nodded as Ban Hammer crouched down to poke holes in the soil, the fine grains easily letting his large paw fit through it with each press. He turned behind him to gaze at Medkit while absentmindedly fitting holes into the ground. Medkit stared back into his luminous eyes as per their tradition.

“Alright, I think that’s enough holes for you, Ban’.”

Ban Hammer turned over to see the many small pits he’d created. He shrugged and moved out the way, pushing Medkit in his place with his tail before giving him another kiss on the head.

Medkit took each bundle of seeds in his paw with utmost care, making sure each one would be placed properly enough to have a fair chance at growing. Without touching the soil, he continued to place bundles of seeds in the ground, Ban Hammer watching idly with a smirk.

“Do you do the same flowers every year?”

“If I feel like it, yeah. Usually the ones I always do fit in with the colors ‘round here, but these lil things are new. I used to see ‘em grow sometimes in the past, but they stopped a while back, which sorta’ pissed me off.”

Nodding, Medkit continued to plant seeds gently within the soil, spreading them evenly throughout holes. Turning his head to look at the surrounding foliage, he noticed a peculiar creature; a snail , sitting idly on a leaf.

“You have a snail in your garden? I can’t imagine it would’ve gotten up here normally?”

“Ah, there’s the stinker! Was lookin’ for it.”

Ban Hammer moved over to crouch next to where Medkit was pointing, taking a good look at the small creature in front of it. 

“How’d a snail make its home here?”

“Dunno’ how it got here. I saw it a while back and was thinkin’ ‘bout just killin’ it.. but I didn’t really feel like it, so .. I just let it stay. Kept seein’ it every day an’.. I guess I got attached. I’ll feed it parts’o’ my lunch sometimes if I’m workin’ an’ spot it. It’s my lil’ buddy now! – Sorta ..”

Medkit then nodded upon Ban Hammer’s rambling, taking note of the peculiar and even familiar behavior through a mental note in his mind, processing it until he’d finished with every seed. Ban Hammer shrugged again as he stood up to slide his hand over the top, burying them with a single swipe. He looked over to Medkit with a sinister snicker as he then turned towards the pond behind them.

“I’ll go get the hose ready, you just stay there..”

He walked off before Medkit could make another comment, instead going to turn the hose on. He struggled with the faucet as the rusty part typically wouldn’t ever turn on, but instead would always splash him in the face.

This time was no exception as Medkit heard a startled yelp from beside the pond.

When Ban Hammer came back with the hose in hand, his face was absolutely drenched. Medkit held a hand over his mouth to try not to laugh at his partner; little did he know he’d suffer the same fate.

“Hey, Meds’. Do me a favor and head on the other side to make sure all the ones in the back are covered.”

“Please don’t wet the area over there while I do this, then.”

“Y’know I won’t!”

Medkit trudged over cautiously as Ban Hammer watered the ones in the front. The sound of the water sprinkling was a pleasant sound that coated Medkit’s ears as Ban Hammer spritzed back and forth. 

It was only when Medkit was standing on the edge that Ban Hammer closed his eyes nonchalantly, giving a smirk.

“They all seem fine here. Do you want me to–”

Medkit looked up at Ban Hammer, who slowly opened his eyes again to give him the stare .

“Don’t you dare .”

* * *

It seemed Ban Hammer did dare , as the two of them entered the house sopping wet. Medkit slapped Ban Hammer on the tail infuriatingly but with a tinge of playfulness, Ban Hammer brushing the wet end of his tail against his face, causing him to shutter.

“Great, well – I need a shower now.”

“We both need’em’.”

Medkit looked up at Ban Hammer, who then looked down at Medkit. The two stared at each other for a minute, as if they were trying to communicate the same idea. An unnecessarily long amount of time spent staring passed until Medkit spoke.

“Together?”

“..Yeah.”

Ban Hammer had trudged up the stairs to grab both their robes and a few towels, additionally making sure to grab his leftover lotion bottle from the upstairs washroom as well before he ran back down the stairs with his tail dragging across the floor; the armored bottom of it preventing any pain but causing a loud thud per step it clanked against as he ran.

Medkit was already in the washroom waiting for him, neatly folding his now-removed wet shirt and pants while avoiding the gaze of the mirror. Ban Hammer, upon no longer seeing Medkit on the couch, knocked on the door and entered, Medkit quickly shocking in fear before remembering who he was with.

“It’s just me, Meds’.”

“I know– apologies , I’m still not all that used to this.”

“I can tell.”

Ban Hammer nudged him with his tail and handed him his own robe before he shook his mane and threw off his pale shirt, lazily tossing it on the floor. He threw on his robe in the meantime as he shook off the rest of his wet clothing. Medkit turned to look at him, trying not to make any staring obvious. While Ban Hammer easily noticed, he didn’t care in the slightest. 

As Medkit searched the drawers for a different bottle of soap, Ban Hammer let the water run hot beneath his hand. He turned at Medkit’s spot, flicking his tail at him to move him out of the way as he crouched down to search for himself.

“I’ve got a bunch’a’ expensive stuff in here I’ve been savin’ for a while. Might as well be a nice time to use it, eh ?”

“Well, I’d appreciate it.”

“You better !”

Ban Hammer teased, grabbing a handful of smaller sized bottles and setting them on the counter. Leaning in to read them all with a squint, he grabbed one and unscrewed the cap to let it fall into the rippling water.

“Meds’, dim the lights for me, yeah?”

“Of course.”

Medkit flipped one of the switches on the wall and used the slider beside it to adjust the shine to be much duller, a blessing to Ban Hammer’s light-sensitive eyes. He sighed in appreciation as he capped his current bottle and added another one, his hand phasing through the water to mix the combination.

“What’ve you been adding, anyways?”

“Buncha’ bubble mix and bath salt that I’ve barely used. Stuff cost a lot, I was gonna’ use it for days when I wasn’t feelin’ well– which I did , but– it wasn’t ever that often.”

Medkit peered into the collection Ban Hammer had laid out on the counter. Everything did seem quite expensive to him, ranging from flowery-scented bubble formula, some of which infused with melatonin, to cases of periwinkle epsom salts, their labels specifying they were particularly for muscle relief, and a few bottles of foaming soap and lotion specialized for dry skin.

 Despite the luxurious contents, Ban Hammer didn’t seem phased at using them at all; he seemed happy just to be able to do so. A light smack of his tail against Medkit’s sides once more brought his attention to the tub; water was now coated in foam, the soothing liquid underneath now was a pale purple from the salts. Ban Hammer brushed his hand off and let his robe fall off of his shoulders. 

“You comin’?”

“Yeah, one moment.”

Ban Hammer shrugged and kicked off the rest of his robe, tossling into the pit of warm foam, some of which was displacing due to his sheer size. Medkit wondered if he really needed his tub to be that deep until he’d finally seen it in person.

Ban Hammer leaned against the soft material that cushioned the back edge of the tub, holding his hands behind his head as he let himself sink into the feeling. Medkit slowly turned towards him, getting a feel for the warm water and cautiously stepped in, sitting down. The tub was deep enough to where the foam would reach up to cover his chest, a feeling that he admittedly enjoyed.

He then felt Ban Hammer’s hands circle around his torso as he was grabbed and pulled to lean against his stomach and chest. Ban Hammer pushed his head back and let him lay there for a moment, Medkit obliging to feel Ban Hammer’s thick skin against his soft back. 

“Good stuff, ain’t it?”

“Quite nice..”

Ban Hammer chuckled with his half-lidded gaze on Medkit’s horns, messing with the top before snatching the ring laid on it. Medkit turned towards him in a startled manner, only then realizing he’d forgotten to take it off and let Ban Hammer do it for him. 

Being pushed back against Ban Hammer’s chest again, Medkit let his arms sink into his lap as Ban Hammer’s tail curled around the two. His arms then wrapped around Medkit’s chest, playing with the scruffs on his stomach and tracing the lines on his chest without him even noticing.

“Are.. we even going to wash up?”

“Gimme’ a min’! Stuff was pricey, lemme’ enjoy it.”

“I don’t think expenses are an issue with how much bux you seem to have.”

“Well SFoTH forbid I wanna’ relax with you for a day.. Sheesh !”

“ Alright, alright, I’ll let you have your moment.”

“ OUR moment!”

Ban Hammer squeezed Medkit tighter as he lifted him from sitting between his legs to instead on top of his lap, fidgeting within the water to get comfy. Medkit turned around in his grasp to look at him and poke a small clump of foam onto his nose before embracing him in a warm hug and rubbing his sides.

Ban Hammer blew the clump off his snout with a shake and cupped a puddle of water in each of his hands, which now laid on Medkit’s own sides. He brought them up to his shoulders and let the warm liquid pour into his pelt. 

In return, Medkit did the same; cupping his hands together in front of Ban Hammer and watching the water fall down the fur on his chest like streams in the crevices of a mountain. His thick pelt reflected the drops of water that coated it in the minimal light they could catch. Both of them seemed to enjoy watching the droplets fall though his fur.

And so Medkit carried another handful of water and poured it over Ban Hammer again, a few bubbles lingering on his paws. They both stared blankly at the trickling water like children looking at a ladybug. A few seconds of blank staring passed until their gazes simultaneously met each other.

“Well– so much for wanting to wash up!”

“ You asked to relax for a moment.

“ Uh huh , ‘cus you gettin’ the kicks outta’ starin’ at my chest is relaxin’.”

Medkit pushed his paws towards Ban Hammer’s mouth, the latter having seen the movement enough times to back off to the side, causing Medkit to slip on his knees and fall backwards, just barely avoiding being dunked into the foamy waters as Ban Hammer caught him mid-slip. Medkit’s standard high-pitched bleat that he was iconically known for releasing when he was startled in Ban Hammer’s mind squeaked in the midst of the otherwise quiet washroom.

“ Careful now! Can’t have a pretty face like yours get ruined on a leisurely afternoon–!”

“Oh shut up , Ban Hammer.”

The two of them chuckled softly as Ban Hammer pulled Medkit back up to his chest, holding him closely together with one hand as he reached his other to the counter beside them to grab the leftover bottles that were idly left waiting.

“ Alright, alright, that’s enough from me. Let’s get’cha’ washed,”

Ban Hammer fidgeted with the bottle in his hands as he struggled to maintain a grip on it from how wet they were. Giving up, he instead chose to rip the cap off with his teeth, said cap bouncing across the bathroom wall after flinging out of his mouth. Medkit ducked cowardly as the cap finally fell right in front of him, which Ban Hammer picked up and laughed. 

“So.. how d’ya’ wanna’ do this?”

“Do what?”

“Wash? Like – are ya’ a towel person, or more of a brush kinda’ guy..?”

Medkit only blankly stared at him. Ban Hammer gave his typical dumbfounded look back.

“..Whut? I ain’t gonna’ judge, I’ve got everythin’.”

“I was mostly used to using a bucket and my own paws.”

“Whut?”

“What?”

“Don’t you dare tell me you’ve been doin’ that ever since you moved here.”

“..I won’t, then.”

“Gods-dammit Meds’.”

Medkit continued his blank stare as Ban Hammer pinched his forehead and grumbled, turning his head up and sighing after.

“It’s just what I’m used to, I’d rather not waste water either.”

“You ain’t gotta’ worry ‘bout wastin’ anythin’, I live above an ocean connected to a volcano, there’s enough warm water to last you until the day ya’ die.”

“I still have been doing it all my life.”

“At least– don’t force yer’self to do it if you feel like stayin’ under the water for a change. Here –”

Ban Hammer held the open container between his arm, reaching to the side to grab an unused curly loofah, the insides decorated in small cubed sponges between the twine. He dunked it in the water, coated it in soap, squished it in his hands for a moment, and handed it to Medkit.

“Play with this for a min’, it’s fun to squeeze.”

“I am not a child , Ban Hammer.”

“I.. never said you were, ‘just makes me happy, so.. maybe you’d like it.”

His eyes lidded upon his answer, trying not to let himself believe Medkit was indirectly judging him. Shaking off the nasty feeling and giving a nuzzle to him, he watched surprisingly patiently to see what he'd do.

Medkit stared at its foam-coated exterior, pleasant to the touch and already warm from Ban Hammer holding it in his own paws. Squishing it beneath his hands gently, he observantly watched the foam rise out from it. Ban Hammer idly watched from behind, resting his head between Medkit’s horns.

“ So .. no towels or sponges or nuthin’? I can work with my paws if that’s really what you want.”

“I could just wash myself, Ban Hammer.”

“You could , not gonna’ stop me from wantin’ to, though.”

“Then I suppose so. Be gentle with the wool, please.”

“I won’t bite’cha’!”

Ban Hammer leisurely got to work as he coated his paws in soap and rubbed around the tuft of wool coating Medkit’s neck. He smoothed his claws through the soft material, puffing them full of foam as if he was a stress toy. Medkit was content with the relaxing feeling as the other’s claws meshed with his wool.

Sliding his hands down the curve of Medkit’s spine, dragging them back up to rub at his shoulders, back, and chest, he watched him paw at the loofah still in his grasp, visibly relaxing and letting the drowsiness from the dim lights coddle over his body. 

“Told’ya’ the thing helps, don’t it?”

“Don’t rub it in, Ban’.”

“I’m just sayin’! I won’t mind if you ever wanna’ grab that thing some other time, I’ve got a whole stash of ‘em–!”

“Yet another of your many hoards?”

“They’re all fresh! Pretty damn fun to take a bunch’a’ ‘em and let’m’ all float in the tub with ya’.”

“I’ll– take that into consideration, then.”

Medkit sheepishly chuckled at Ban Hammer’s childish idea, though deep down he was considering it for another day. Ban Hammer gave him a wide smile from behind him as he moved his paws further down to his stomach. Medkit turned his head in the other’s direction, latching onto his arm from under the water.

“Are you not going to wash yourself after all this?”

“I’ll get to that! –I mean, unless you wanna’ do it. I won’t complain..”

“I suppose it would only be fair.”

“ I – I was jokin’, Meds’.”

“Ah.”

Medkit turned back over with another blank stare, one that Ban Hammer wanted to read into badly. He peered over his shoulder to take another look at him, nuzzling into the side of his face and planting a kiss on his side.

“I won’t stop ya’ if ya’ wanna’..”

Ban Hammer spoke softly in a sing-song voice. While his tone sounded like a tease, it was a genuine remark on his side. Medkit turned to look him in the eyes; they both blankly stared at each other before Medkit turned around with the loofah in his paws and squeezed, coating his hands in soap that he was now using to rub into Ban Hammer’s chest.

“..Alright then–! I’ll let you do yer’ own thing.”

Ban Hammer then laid back, chest raised and stomach slouched as his arms folded behind his head again and shone another smug smile. Medkit gave him a befuddled look as he stared upon Ban Hammer’s quite obvious eagerness to be washed like a king. Slightly flushed, he giggled to himself and came closer to him to continue his work.

As each stroke on the fur attaching his mane to his chest inched closer to his face, he lazily lifted his chin as if he was silently begging to be scratched there. In fact, he was silently begging, both him and Medkit knowing his chin would get his tail thumping against whatever surface it was on like a rabbit stomping its foot.

Medkit caught on and obliged, taking a foam-coated paw to scratch under his chin. Immediately his purring was deep as a growl, the vibrations of the loud noise bringing a comforting feeling to Medkit when he’d lay against it.

Something about Ban Hammer’s company always distracted Medkit, for better and worse– though nowadays, it’s usually for better. The way his infectious smile would catch his attention and his tail would swing by Medkit’s side always took his attention away from whatever looming problem would haunt his mind.

Medkit didn’t pay attention to the lines under his chest, nor did he notice his sealed eyelid. He only focused on Ban Hammer. While he wasn’t exactly known to be an empath, everything he’d do in tender moments like these seemed to always do the job well.

It’s as if it was meant to be .

Chapter Text

Banland’s Palace/Crossroads, Summertime, 3100

Loud, heavy, and terribly annoyed and annoying groans practically called Medkit's name to shut them up. 

He wasn't one to question when Ban Hammer had stormed in from work, slamming the door behind him, shaking his body as if he had fleas, throwing all his armor sloppily off his body, tearing his shirt off to slam his tail against his back, growling as if someone had insulted his entire bloodline.

Actually, maybe he should've questioned it. Too bad dealing with an angry warden is a death sentence, even for him. –So, he let him be, watching absentmindedly as he stormed into the washroom. 

Steam filled even the exterior of the room from how hot the water must've been, which was enough alongside the painful sounding noises from the room to convince Medkit to check on his dear partner.

Knocking on the door, he received no answer. A louder knock gave no answer. A slam onto the wood only supplied nothing but more groans. So, much to his own ire as he’d expect Ban Hammer to make another pathetically snarky comment, he opened the door on his own terms.

Too bad he could barely see from the immense heat and steam of the room. His wool already felt soaked just from walking inside. The room was like an oven; Medkit had absolutely no idea what he was doing in the shower with such intense heat.

"Ban Hammer- What on Inpherno has been going on with you? You aren't ill, are you ?"

Ban Hammer's incoming grumble came out more as a whimper as he continued to scratch his back. Medkit fanned the warm haze away from him to get a glimpse of what in the world he was doing.

Sitting in a stool, Ban Hammer was letting the water agonizingly hot to anyone but himself run down his back. His hand was pawing at his back impatiently like a small child. Everything he'd do in such a state like this felt childish, however Medkit had never seen him this bad.

After more whining and scowling as he attempted to spit out more than a few words, Ban Hammer finally muttered out a sentence:

"Stupid.. fuckin' shedding.. –middle o' work.. urgh .."

Shedding?

"You shed?"

" 'COURSE I SH – GSHH – ..– e-ed.. scales.."

Ban Hammer clenched his teeth mid sentence, seeming to be in pure agony; not from an illness or fatigue, but from the absolutely painstaking sensation of itchiness across his entire body. He could barely reach his own back, the bottom of the tub littered in a few old purple scales. Medkit caught onto the behavior, looking over to him to ask a suggestion.

"I may be able to help with your back, if you turn the water down."

Ban Hammer immediately bent over to crank the water off, fanning the steam away with his paws and stared teary-eyed into Medkit's own. 

"Let me grab a tray, th–"

Instead of turning to grab a tray to set the scales onto, he was turned over with a yank on his arm by the still-scalding hot hand of the poor beast in the midst of his shedding session. Turning his own body around to let his back face Medkit, Ban Hammer did his best to quiet his whimpers as he wiped away a tear.

"Let'm' fall. Just– please ."

"I'll.. see what I can do. Here –"

Medkit clamped his paw around the crystal between his two horns, detaching it from the state in which it would float between them naturally to instead rest in his paw. Ban Hammer shuddered at the feeling as the cold sensation washed upon his back.

"I can't work while your body is scalding hot. This will cool it down."

Now reaching for a pair of tweezers from the drawers, Medkit pressed his hand with the crystal against Ban Hammer's back in an attempt to pull out any loose scales. From the touch alone, many faded purple marks fell from his back, glistening royal purple ones growing slowly in their place.

Ban Hammer let a loud sigh of relief out of his poor soul as the feeling of a thousand chains scraping against his back were slowly removed. As Medkit set the pair of tweezers on the counter beside him, he rubbed both his paws against his partner's back as more scales fell out, the new ones shining amidst the still-present fog of the hot water from earlier.

Moving his hands down from the curve of his back to his tail, smoothing down the length to remove more loose scales, he slid his paws back up to wrap around his thick arms and stroked them downwards to remove the leftovers that Ban Hammer hadn't removed before.

"Any better?"

"I think you've saved my life, Doc' .."

"There's no need to call me that."

"Yer' on the job.. ain't'cha' ?"

Medkit paused his train of thought at the station in his head as he turned towards Ban Hammer's face, pulling his chin towards him while using the other paw to grab the tweezers and pull out the leftover scales.

"Am I?"

"Maybe.."

"Will you be paying me?"

Ban Hammer snapped out of his thankful and tired trance as he looked into Medkit, a blank stare tracing his idiotic face. Medkit smirked at him, having caused him to remember something that Medkit had noticed for quite a while.

He hasn't been paying him for a long time.

"...Maybe.."

Ban Hammer's embarrassed twinge in his voice let Medkit know everything he needed to. Luckily, he never happened to use any of the bux he'd been given ever since he moved out of his apartment that fateful night. Ban Hammer did all the shopping, and if he ever had taken money from him for it, he wouldn't have even noticed.

"Aren't you lucky I can't leave the house to use any of my leftover bux."

"You knew!? Why didn't'cha' fuckin' tell me!?"

"I had no purpose nor reason to. I have no use for bux currently, as strange as that may sound."

"..Whut'ever."

Ban Hammer turned back around with a grunt as Medkit kept clipping out scales from his back. Petting his chin with his right hand, he patted his back with his left to signal he was nearly done.

"So.. scales . Better?"

Feeling across his back in a shock, Ban Hammer had realized his agonizing itchiness was entirely ridden. Instead, hundreds of dull purple scales lined the bottom of the tub. Letting out a stuttered bundle of shocked cheers, he turned over to give Medkit a suffocating hug, his body still wet from the water.

Medkit pushed against him urging him to back off; a signal Ban Hammer either didn't notice or decided to ignore as he squeezed Medkit within his tough arms. Giving him a fat kiss on the forehead, he laughed victoriously with his arms crossed.

"Would'ya' lookie'at' that! Free as a bird! Ain't you somethin'!"

Ban Hammer's signature smile complimented his now polished purple scales, a few lining his shoulders, thighs, paws, claws, and rows layering down his plump tail. They all looked as if they were painted on with a fresh coat of paint; it sure felt as such to the beholder of such scales.

"I'm glad I could help. Now, put a shirt on before I have to spend more time than necessary gazing at your chest. Last I checked, you didn't appreciate the act."

Medkit teased onto Ban Hammer, giving him a smug smirk as his arms were crossed along his chest. Ban Hammer ducked down to his height, poking his nose in the other's face as he taunted back.

"Is that a challenge I smell?"

Medkit leaned into him, feeding Ban Hammer's drive for what he was expecting to happen, only to be abruptly pushed back with a hand over his face with a grunt, Medkit snickering in front of him.

" No. It isn't. Put your shirt on."

" OH COME ON! Can't I have a little fun?"

"Not today.."

Medkit's oddly sickeningly sweet tone fluttered against Ban Hammer's heart as he stared at him awestruck by his calm tone, expecting a mountain's worth of praise as he was expecting Medkit to 'apologize' to him. 

Instead, Medkit yanked him down by the horn and gave him a stern face.

"Shirt. Now ."

" URGH .. Yer' no fun..”

* * *

Two days passed smoothly, life drifting into a steady passage of time during this part of the season. Every day started with a goodbye kiss and a departure from Ban Hammer, and ended with a goodnight kiss and some tired cuddles. The only difference as of late was Ban Hammer’s fresh coat of brilliant purple scales.

Waiting for his return home within the evening sun, Medkit wandered the empty halls fit for the size of its Warden with a blank stare and a slightly irritating itch on his missing eye.

Downed in an oversized faded teal sweater with a purple diamond stitched to the center–courtesy of Ban Hammer allowing Medkit to use his old clothing–he peculiarly was left without his signature eyepatch, allowing his scar to breathe the same air he was.

Having it uncovered was admittedly a bit irritating, but the cloth of his eyepatch was designed to be tight, thus not making it any more comfortable. His wandering of hallways and rooms lead him back to where he started: the living room, right beside the fireplace.

Scanning what he considered to be the most familiar place in the manor, a familiar object caught his attention atop a glass table. Its familiar purple color and length, littered in small tatters. Ban Hammer’s ever iconic blindfold.

Taking the fabric curiously within his paws, he smoothed his paws over the length of its silk. Feeling the soft, fluffy texture of the cloth, a sneaking idea found its way into his head. He held the folded fabric in front of him, mentally measuring it with a squint of his eye.

With a hesitant sigh, he brought it closer to his face, the lingering charcoal scent of Ban Hammer drifting off of it, familiar and oddly comforting. Holding it in front of his scar, he curled the length around his head and tied it up in the back. The purple bandana shockingly made a well-fitted eyepatch, light, yet still covering the mark.

With Ban Hammer’s scent now especially covering him from wearing both his old clothing and his blindfold, Medkit sat himself down in front of the lit fireplace with his newfound sense of calm. 

Calm that lasted for around four minutes, until the sound of the door slamming open woke him up, Ban Hammer’s booming voice accompanying it.

“ME-E-E-E-E-EDS’! I’M BA-A-A-a-a– oh .”

Their gazes met, Medkit focused on those amber pools that complimented the evening sun, while Ban Hammer was focused on the blindfold coating Medkit’s face, his blindfold . –That, and dinner .

Spitting out a chuckle, he knelt down to Medkit, who was still staring at him like a deer in headlights. He tugged at the fabric coating Medkit’s missing eye, his cheeky smile bringing only a sense of embarrassment to him as bright green dust coated his cheeks. 

“Was wonderin’ where my blindfold was! –Guess you found it before me, eh ?”

“My apologies, I just–”

“Nah, I was stressin’ a bit from not havin’ it, but I think it’s cute on you! Why don’t’cha’ keep it for today, I ain’t gonna’ use it ‘less I’m out anyways.”

Unknowing of how to respond but thankful either way, Medkit remained subtle in his expression, clasping his paws together as Ban Hammer’s face didn’t leave the proximity of his own, his wet nose inches away from slobbering all over his face.

“..Well then.”

“I’m serious! Keep it! Wear it around the house or somethin’.”

“..I suppose I’ll take you up on that deal, then.”

“Good! ..You, uh , washed that thing, right ? Y’know I sweat a lot out in the sun.”

Medkit went silent, his body freezing as if he just saw a ghost. Ban Hammer lidded his eyes at him, entirely deadpan.

“.. Yeah . Just– give it to me. I’ll wash it.”

He hurriedly ripped the bandana covering his scar and passed it to Ban Hammer through pinched fingers, an absolutely grossed-out expression now painting his face as he didn’t dare to look at it further. Ban Hammer blankly yanked it out of his light grip and walked past him to the washroom, faint snickers heard from under his breath.

Gross .

* * *

Medkit wasn't once to visit Crossroads that often, even now, but he'd be willing to oblige with Ban Hammer's request to at least take a walk after his shed had finished a few weeks ago and his pelt was glowing with sheen. 

Cloaked in a hood, his horns painted purple and crystal stuffed away as to protect his notable identity from any looming cultists who'd likely been looking for his name. The heat didn't bother him, as the crystals stuffed inside his pockets had quite the relaxing cooling sensation to their aura.

Additionally, the fresh air felt nice on each other's skin, and Medkit could admit to himself that feeling Ban Hammer's large paw in his own was much more enjoyable when he wasn't covered in a layer sweat after patrolling Banland in a full suit of armor; instead in a tank-top and shorts to show off his expressive new coat of indigo scales.

Medkit felt for his partner's claws, toying with his fingers while caressing his paw within his own. He looked up at the sound of small birds floating above him, taking time to count each beam of light that would pass through each tree on the side of the road. Meanwhile, Ban Hammer would ramble to himself about his experiences over the past few days.

Notably always one to exaggerate his ideas to others, Ban Hammer let himself run on a tangent; he always liked having the attention on himself. Medkit in the moment didn't mind, as long as he was quiet enough. He enjoyed being able to hear the shifting of the leaves between the trees, something about it made him feel more alive in the tender moment of the precious summer.

Though, as Ban Hammer's rambles started to get louder, Medkit's attention had finally been caught. While the noise wasn't that bothersome to him, especially with how loud Ban Hammer was known to be at home, he was beginning to genuinely pay attention to what he'd been talking about for the past thirty minutes. 

“–an’ those lil’ shits decided it was a good idea to try an’ bite my damn claws off while I was lockin’m’ up. Stupid little sh–”

Apparently, he'd been yelling about something related to his prisoners, very notably calling them out for being " stupid " , " pathetic " , and " annoying "; all with an annoyed look within his bright yellow eyes. 

“–so damn tired of those annoying bastards , y'know that?”

Medkit nudged the side of Ban Hammer's arm, still holding his hand, trying to get him to focus and calm down, yet Ban Hammer didn't notice; he was already lost in his own words, each insult coming from his sharp mouth getting louder– and more vulgar at that. Medkit squeezed his hand a few times, still no response . 

“–if I had a say in what those pathetic-ass, bottom-feedin’, shrimp-tailed fuckers were gonna’ do? Woooo– boy , you wouldn't hear the end of it from me!”

He was already never going to hear the end of it if he didn't do something about his ignorance now.

Medkit especially didn't want to have anyone start staring at them, not wanting to feel any more embarrassed than he already was, nor wanting any attention brought onto himself. He called out for his name, yet Ban Hammer was still looking away. Medkit needed him to shut up, and this wasn't the first time he'd have to get him to quiet down.

Medkit lightly pulled his hand in his direction, with Ban Hammer subconsciously following him with his grip still latching onto Medkit's paw. They now were walking closer to the edge of the sidewalk, near the trees. Medkit then abruptly stopped walking, causing Ban Hammer to notice with a slight trip and turn to the right, where Medkit was beside him.

Before Ban Hammer could process what was going on, Medkit grabbed the upper-middle of his shirt and yanked it down to his level. The shock from it caused him to lose balance and bend down in front of him, arms shaking to his sides. Before he could utter a single word, Medkit grabbed his right horn, his touch, sliding against it. The shock on his face was replaced with flustered cheeks as he refused to speak.

With an incredibly stern face, Medkit, still holding his shirt and gripping on his horn, started whispering to his face, lecturing him.

“You need to shut your mouth before someone notices us and your foul language. Your scales bring enough attention, lower your voice .”

 Ban Hammer wasn't entirely listening, he was too lost in the thought of Medkit unknowingly rubbing his horn and hearing his voice right in front of his own mouth. 

As he was lost in all of the emotions showering over his own mind, Medkit sighed and stared into his golden eyes. 

“ What am I going to do with you..”

Ban Hammer just started nodding his head, assuming Medkit was waiting for him to respond to something. Medkit himself just sighed again, knowing he wasn't listening in the slightest.

“Yeah.. u-uh huh.”

“Oh dear SFoTH, you ..”

Medkit moved the hand that was holding his shirt and smoothed it up the side of his face, leaning in to give Ban Hammer a short kiss, which shot his mind up in flames as his face was painted pure purple from the blush of Medkit's sweet voice and the sensation on his horns.

 Then, telling him in a soft voice to quiet down, Medkit only made the blush on Ban Hammer worse by rubbing up and down the side of his horn, finally letting go afterwards. 

“ I need you to be quieter for me, can you do that?”

“Y-yeah. Yeah . – Mhm .”

Medkit glanced at him with a lidded smile, affectionate but clearly teasing upon his partner's visible flush.

“The purple really does suit you.”

Chuckling under his breath with a paw over his mouth elegantly, Medkit gave Ban Hammer a stroke down the arm. Ban Hammer himself was dead silent the rest of the walk, the only noise coming from him was from the shaking of his large tail against the ground. 

Medkit had got the silence he wanted, all with a small smile on his face.

Chapter Text

Banland/Banland’s Palace, Summertime, 3100

Dreary mornings and intense heat typically wafted around Banland amidst the radiation of what seemed to be an eternal summer. Something as of recently had caused Medkit to generally feel warmer too. Was it caused by Firebrand’s return? Was it caused by Windforce’s new joy of being able to see Medkit ever since Ban Hammer had ripped off the bandage? Was the Inpherno finally starting to live up to its name? –Or perhaps, was it caused by the warmth in his heart from his beloved partner waking up early in the morning.

Too early , in fact. It was quite common for Ban Hammer to wake up especially early as of recently, something he’d never done in the past, especially after he’d adapted to clinging to Medkit after they decided it was a good idea to learn to share a net; it only took a year of using the couch and a few on-and-off rests in Ban Hammer’s hold for Medkit to realise that maybe he would appreciate a comfortable place to rest for once. 

Ban Hammer seemed to get up before Medkit had even noticed, and every day he’d come back from work coated in sweat and exhausted, although relatively unharmed. Whenever he attempted to inquire more about his odd predicament, Ban Hammer would shut it down, making up a poor excuse on the spot. While Medkit didn’t appreciate his concerns being ignored, a tired Warden is better than an angry one. 

So he simply did his best to comfort his partner after such long days in the summer. While the radiating heat never could harm Ban Hammer, the intense beams of light from the sun surely could.

Yet, to Medkit’s shock, Ban Hammer never gained another new sunburn despite it. He was always just tired, usually leaving early and arriving late.

On this day, too late; at least , for Medkit’s comfort.

The clock on the stand beside bookcases aligning the walls and wooden pillars that held up a large tinted-glass-ceiling canopy read a peculiar time for Medkit to be out so late.

11:27 pm.

The arches that connected each pillar and held up the dark glass had small lights hanging from it, all of which were illuminating the surrounding area on the wooden deck. Medkit loved to stay beside the shelves and read Ban Hammer’s collection of discarded fantasy novels as he awaited his return.

Though tonight, he’d been waiting for quite some time .

He’d only noticed when the lights automatically flickered on from the lack of sunlight as the sky dimmed until it was dark. The subtle flash of the lanterns made him raise his head, and at that time, it was around nine-at-night. Ban Hammer usually wasn’t out for that long, but trusting his intuitions, he continued to wait.

The silence now felt awful, a good two-and-a-half hours later; if Medkit’s increasing concern for the lack of his partner’s return wasn’t seeping into his mind then, it certainly was now. Not only that, but it was unbearable .

It was almost midnight, and yet Ban Hammer had not returned. Medkit sat up and looked over the balcony of the covered deck, moving the hanging lanterns out of his face to look around. The doors were still shut, the garden was empty, the windows were all still set; there was no trace of him anywhere in the manor’s vicinity. 

Medkit backed off slowly, before being startled from the sound of an explosion from the direction of the towering volcano that Banland had resided in from the distance. The crash made him instinctively jump backwards, scurrying towards the side of the shelf as he held his heart. 

He took a moment to catch his breath from the unexpected noise. It couldn’t be an eruption, as Banland was stated to reside in an extinct volcano. The thundering noise cackled, yet no smoke or debris fell out of the open mountain. Medkit had never heard anything like it.

He entirely couldn’t tell what the noise was until a bright shine shot out of the volcano’s top; not lava, but instead something akin to the gleam of a star.

A gleam only belonging to that of the Warden of Banland .

Medkit gasped in relief, knowing Ban Hammer was at least alive . He collected the leftover book and shoved it back into the shelf before running across the manor to summon his gear in the living room; the typical place Ban Hammer liked to be treated in.

Sprinting through the halls, cowering through more doors than what seemed necessary for a home like his , Medkit ran over the bridge connecting the west side and middle, searching through a few rooms until he was met with his office, then right down the stairs: the entrance hall, beside it being the living room.

Sliding his gear on the couch in a hurry, he opened it, scurrying through a few items until he heard a crash near the manor, the recognisable sound of Ban Hammer’s gear opening the gate echoing from outside.

Hearing the sounds of him almost at the door, he hurried to the main entrance to hold it open for him; a few minutes later, he’d showed up, seemingly in a rush to get inside. He shoved past Medkit angrily and ran towards the couch, messily sliding plates of armor off with a groan. Medkit ran back towards him with a deeply concerned look.

“Ban Hammer, what on Inpherno happened?”

Ban Hammer grunted upon shoving his armor off and kicking the plates onto the floor as he panted, eyes strained and body sore. He didn’t give an answer, only growling under his breath as he held his tail in one hand and his shoulder in the other. 

“Ban Hammer..? I need you to– ”

Ban Hammer shouted a gnarly hiss as Medkit, eyes flaring up and mane pointed out as he bared his teeth ferociously. Medkit backed away from him quickly, holding his paws in front of him as if it was to push him away. His eye twitched as he slowly moved to the side of Ban Hammer, who in return was still snarling at him.

His eyes pierced the heavens as he spoke no words, only hissed. He seemed as if he was about to well up tears, thousands of crashing emotions puncturing his brain through a fit of rage. He squinted down with painful breaths escaping his tired mouth, almost like desperate gasps for air.

Locking eyes as if he was about to strike, he snarled once more. Medkit held his ground, slowly inching away from him as he stood up still and firm. He kept his gaze onto Ban Hammer, who was still growling under his breath.

“Let’s not get so feisty, yes?”

Ban Hammer hissed at him again, angry whining prowls deepening from his mouth. His eyes only further wetted from desperation, wanting to scream and tear everything out of his mind one by one. Medkit remained perfectly still, watching as frustration swelled in the face of the beast in front of him.

Not wanting to watch him swelter in unreadable emotions, Medkit made an attempt to speak again with a hope of calming him down; yet, as he opened his mouth to speak, Ban Hammer yelled one final time before kicking off the couch and storming over to his room, snarling at him one final time over his shoulder before he ran up the stairs, seemingly close to falling on all four legs like a wild animal.

Medkit didn’t know what’d gotten into him. Surely , it wasn’t something he did? The sickening thought lingered in his mind, but right now, both him and Ban Hammer needed some time alone; so Medkit let him be, refusing to go upstairs to their shared net and instead waited patiently on the couch.

And so, he waited . 

* * *

Around an hour and a half passed when Medkit couldn’t let the thoughts in his mind plague him any longer. He sat up, dusting off his pants from the invisible gravel that weighed down upon them, gripped the handle of his medkit in his hand, and slowly walked up to their room.

At the top of the tallest tower in Banland’s Palace, the door dividing Medkit from Ban Hammer was the only thing he could focus on. His hand ghosted the handle, having his own mental court case on whether he should open it or just let Ban Hammer stay alone for the night. After what behavior he’d displayed earlier, he wasn’t sure if he needed support or a week to himself.

So instead, he knocked gently. Putting his head near the door to hear for an answer, he received nothing. On his second attempt, knocking harder, he was still given nothing. Running out of ways to knock before he’d break his wrist, he resorted to calling out his name.

“..Ban Hammer?”

Nothing, absolute silence . Something he’d never be given from him unless they were catching a shared glimpse upon each other’s eyes. A behavior unlike Ban Hammer in every way, shape, and form. It wasn’t like him to be quiet .

Medkit was broken out of his contemplation when he heard the faint sound of a whimpered sniffle from inside the room. That was all he needed to know before locking onto the doorknob and letting himself in the room. 

On the opposite side of the expanse, curled up facing the window while holding his knees to his chest atop his net, Ban Hammer was frantically catching his breath, accompanied by a toothpick desperately clattering against teeth, a sound Medkit couldn’t hear until he’d opened the door.

Ban Hammer didn’t turn around to look at Medkit, but he knew he was there. Medkit knew he was aware as well. The two of them seemed to lock eyes, despite Ban Hammer refusing to turn around. They both stared through each other’s souls, a firm connection between the two that seemed awfully apologetic.

“Ban Hammer?”

The recipient of the call gave a drowned-out growl in response; one not of aggravation but more similar to a hum of acknowledgment. Medkit recognised the tone in his hoarse voice and slowly inched towards him on the net. Setting a soft paw on his shoulder, which made him shiver slightly, sinking down again, Medkit rubbed gentle patterns into it.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“.. Later .”

His hoarse voice stung like a thousand bees, tired and anguished as he’d attempted to calm from his unintended shutdown. Waves of ugly emotions seemed to have taken over his anger, forcing him to do nothing more than hide cries on his own bed, his attempts of chewing on something to calm himself being futile.

Medkit hummed and nodded, turning over to see Ban Hammer’s other shoulder still held by his burly hand. He tapped the top of it, causing Ban Hammer to turn over to face him, his eyes lidded and tired. As soon as he showed his face, Medkit spotted the shine of dried tears on his scales.

“Are you injured?”

Ban Hammer turned back over slowly and let his hand sink down to his side, revealing a bruise on his shoulder that rested atop an old sunburn. Medkit detached the crystal from his horns as he opened his gear for a wet towel, pressing it over the bruise to clean it before holding the cold yet soothing diamond over it. 

As he held the crystal down, he noticed his shoulder slightly move; the other one seemed to rhythmically bounce alongside it. He put a paw down steadily on his shoulder to ground him, which caused Ban Hammer to start purring quietly. He ducked his head slightly down, which allowed Medkit to sling over his shoulder and look at what he was doing.

Eyes closed steadily and mouth fumbling with the toothpick between it, his paws were working into his tail, kneading it like dough. Palms and stubby fingers spread out as they pushed into the plump flesh before curling back in and pulling towards him, then pushing back out in a controlled cycle. Both paws worked back and forth, his shoulders slightly drifting back-to-back.

Medkit found a pleasant amusement in the behavior, and was exceptionally glad Ban Hammer had managed to calm down. His affinity for chewing things was apparent, especially now, prompting Medkit to consider finding him an alternative safer than wood of all things.

“..Meds’.”

Ban Hammer had broken his silent purring with his own voice, still kneading into his tail like a kitten. Medkit hummed curiously, rubbing onto his now-healed shoulder. He sighed and grumbled slightly under his breath, a bitter taste in his mouth from what he was forcing himself to do.

“..Shouldn’t’a’ barked.”

“Hm?”

“At– at you. –Was stupid.”

Ban Hammer shuttered under his breath, something about the anticipation of having to spit out an admittedly quite owed apology felt awful. Yet, he spat it out anyways, a notion Medkit quite appreciated. He never was one to genuinely apologise for his actions.

Despite the words being so little, gallons of emotion were filled into each word. He was genuine, yet somewhat disgusted. Medkit warmed him with a smile he couldn’t see, sensing the thought in which was all that mattered to him.

“Are you going to be alright?”

“..Yeah.”

“Are you sure?”

“ Mhm ..”

Ban Hammer peered over his shoulder to take a stern look at Medkit, clearing his throat as he felt he owed him an explanation.

 “Attempted breakout at Banland. That explosion..”

“Was that them?”

“Him.”

“Oh.”

The word rang in both their minds, Medkit knew exactly who Ban Hammer was talking about; all from that one word. He shuttered in anguish, a chill running up his spine, just how it always would whenever Ban Hammer mentioned him .

“He didn’t.. leave, right ?”

“Flung his ass back into a cell right before the explosion went off.”

“Oh– Thank SFoTH..”

“Damn right..”

Medkit rested his head next to Ban Hammer’s shoulder, the latter prompting to lift him onto the net and nuzzle his face. They shuffled in each other’s hold, Ban Hammer stuffing his face into the other’s neck and purring.

“Careful around the neck, you brute..”

Medkit patted Ban Hammer on the back, an action he in return laughed into as his head still stuck layered between Medkit’s chin and the thick wool around his neck, twitching the toothpick around his mouth. 

After a few moments of cuddling, both of them were interrupted by the sound of a slam onto their window, followed by a few pecking noises.

“What in the–?”

“Whudda’.. HEY–!”

Ban Hammer sat up from his spot, and almost immediately recognised the cause of the slam; the slightly glistening black crow only stared deadpan at the two between the clear stained glass panels. He burst out in a renewed fury as he spat his toothpick onto the floor.

 “–I TOLD HIM TO STOP SENDING THAT DAMN PESKY ASS BIRD TO GO PECK AT MY WINDOW!”

“Isn’t that the bird from–”

“Family mail.”

He responded with a deep groan, frowning at the crow outside. Medkit had recognised the familiar bird that arose from the back of the pale-green deity known as Venomshank during their party at the new year. Something about it seemed sinister, but to Ban Hammer, it was just an annoyance.

“I told him to stop sendin’ that thing so late at night.. Peckin’ on my damn windows. YER’ GONNA’ BREAK SOMETHIN’, Y’HEAR THAT!? ”

Ban Hammer yelled at what was practically his own reflection in the window as the poor bird sat straight-faced at him, ignoring his fleeting rage. Medkit moved beside him to take a look, noticing a letter in its beak. From the side, he could see the handwriting of it.

“Wait, that looks like Sword’s writing.. I don’t imagine they write the same, do they?”

Ban Hammer turned towards him in confusion, tilted his head, and scoffed.

“ Psh– I dunno’ whut the kiddo’ writes like. Yer’ the one who talks to ‘em.”

“At least go out to read it, Sword used to send me letters in the past. Isn’t he close with your uncle?”

“Yeah, guess so. ”

Ban Hammer shrugged and flicked his claw at the glass, peering into the eyes of the bird. He yawned and let his tail lazily drag behind him as he trudged down the stairs to pick up the letter.

Medkit could only imagine what Sword would’ve wanted at a time like this, assuming it’s Sword in the first place.

Chapter Text

Crossroads, Falltime, 3100

It had only been a week later when fall had begun, the heat of summer still remaining alongside the piercing sun. Medkit had stuffed his coat pockets with his own crystals to keep cool as he clung to the back of Ban Hammer as he flew his way down to the center of Crossroads, a bustling place at this time of year. 

Medkit was correct about his assumption of the note left by the sinister crow at their window, it was none other than a letter from Sword. His handwriting was neat and clear, quite easy to read.

“To Medkit (and Mr. Warden) – Hello! It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to write to you. I hope Sisyphus was able to bring the letter safely. Rocket said the Crossroads mall was reopening in exactly one week, and he wanted you to come with us! (PS: I don’t think he knows about you and Ban, but I promise not to tell him!)”

~ Many regards, Sword.

Medkit appreciated the thought, although he wasn’t one for going out; he hadn’t seen Rocket in quite some time. Ban Hammer, on the other hand, was ecstatic at the news. 

“It’s reopenin’!? Hell yeah! Been waitin’ forever for this!”

“Is that so?”

“Damn right ‘ it’s so ’! C’mon, if you’re gonna’ go mess with the scamps, let me come!”

“It’s.. not exactly like I can leave the palace without you, Ban Hammer.”

“Well don’t go tellin’ me to scurry back home an’ pick you up at nine or somethin’! I’m comin’ too, dammit!”

“Suit yourself.”

That was the last time Medkit had brought it up until it was the day of the reopening. Knowing the place would be packed, Medkit had his horns painted and hood brought with him as per usual. His horn ring were also removed to not bring attention to himself. 

“Y’know, I really think this is a good time for you to consider that whole ‘ pretending to be my cousin ’ idea I had, remember?”

“I am not impersonating as a member of the SFoTH family.”

“C’mon! Everyone will believe me if I tell’m’!”

“Absolutely not.”

“ Gah – whut’ever!”

Ban Hammer swooped down as Medkit sat on his tail and clung to his back, making an alarming entrance towards the front of the mall. Sword and Rocket were beside the entrance, waiting for them.

Both were blown back from Ban Hammer’s sudden appearance, the gusts of wind from his impact blowing away loose debris and leaves. Ban Hammer stood proudly as Medkit slid off his tail and adjusted the hood on his head to properly fit his horns through the cut out holes. The entire outfit once belonged to Ban Hammer, thus being extremely oversized for the smaller inphernal.

Rocket, a stubby-limbed shark-like inphernal who had a mechanical arm and leg, both decorated in crystals akin to that of Medkit’s own, alongside a mechanical fin on his tail, wore a loose blue jacket with ripped pants to let the fins on his legs stick out, alongside a pair of blue-tinted safety goggles. His horns bent backwards and were a medium shade of blue, comparing nicely with the medium-grey of his skin. His paws were white and he had a white stripe on the base of his tail. He ran forward in front of Sword to stare up at the Warden. 

Tilting his head to the side, he peered at the hooded figure beside him, horns a similar purple to the monstrous figure beside him. 

“Who’s the shady dude?”

“That’s Medk–”

“My cousin.”

Ban Hammer smirked as Medkit gasped and smacked him across the arm, which elicited a laugh from the larger infernal. Sword stood in a nervous shock as Rocked looked dumbfounded at the two.

“Kidding! So serious , relax in front of yer’ pals, Medkit!”

“Keep my name out of your mouth in public, please.. ”

Medkit spoke through clenched teeth as Rocket looked at what he now could recognise as him when he’d slip part of his hood off to confirm his identity to him, giving him a wave while still glaring at Ban Hammer. Taking a deep breath and turning towards Rocket, he spoke.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Rocket. ..Try not to use my real name in crowded spaces such as these, if I may ask.”

“Well damn, didn’t expect you to be rockin’ the purple horns. Whatever suits you, I guess. –So, if I’m not using your real name, what’re we gonna’ call you?”

Medkit paused, he hadn’t thought of it. Sword hadn’t thought of it either, and neither did Ban Hammer, though that was only because he didn’t care. He nudged Medkit with another smirk as he turned up to face him.

“Well, whuddya’ wanna’ be today, eh? ”

“Just stick to something like ‘ First-Aid Kit ’, you’ve used that name for me in the past.”

“Not feelin’ like anythin’ new? D’aw.. ”

Ban Hammer nudged Medkit once more, patting him on the shoulder as he turned to the other two. Rocket looked at Sword, who was staring at the large building in front of them. The entire thing was towering and expansive, with an equally large crowd in front of it.

“So.. how’re we going to actually get inside? The crowd’s kinda..”

Ban Hammer coughed into his fist and raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming from behind his hand. Sword turned towards him and stared blankly, not getting the notion as Rocket poked him on the shoulder to explain.

“The dude’s the whole ass Warden of Banland , I’m pretty sure he can just cut the line.”

“ Oh! –Wait, but aren’t you only supposed to do that for work?”

Sword turned his head at Ban Hammer and pointed at him with a turn of his face, Ban Hammer only scoffed at him with a smug face and crossed his arms as his tail pushed Medkit forwards.

“They can’t deny me if I tell’m’, whether I’m gonna’ do shit or not .”

“Isn’t that abuse of authority?”

“You think I care!?”

Ban Hammer laughed with a snort as he fitted Medkit’s hand into his, pulling on him gently to signal they were about to move. He nudged the other two carelessly with his tail to drag them through the crowd.

They got near the crowd, and with a stunning roar, Ban Hammer summoned his gear. A plethora of people turned towards him in surprise or fear, and he pushed through the crowd with little interruption until he was at the front of the line. A member of the Banland Police immediately noticed him and fixed their posture profusely, looking up at the incredibly tall inphernal.

“ Ah – Good morning, sir. Do you have business here today?”

“Patrol.”

“Are you going to be alright without your armo–”

“Am I gonna’ be let in or not?”

The guard looked at the other that was watching from the side and nodded quickly, letting Ban Hammer and his group pass without question or confrontation. As soon as the four stepped inside, the brilliant lights hanging from above the main entrance shone in their faces, though Medkit and Ban Hammer were unphased as Medkit’s hood blocked the light and Ban Hammer instinctually had his eyes closed.

“Is it really that easy? –They didn’t even –”

“They know better than to question me. –I told’m’ that!”

Ban Hammer snorted as Medkit’s face scrunched. Though his sassy attitude stopped abruptly like a record when he slit even one of his eyes open. Immediately he scowled and backed off, almost bringing his arms up to block his face. The other three turned over to him, Sword and Medkit in concern while Rocket was left in pathetic confusion.

“Dude, what? There’s like nothing in here.”

“Shut it, rat ! Stupid damn lights.. WHY’S’IT’ SO BRIGHT!? ”

“It ain’t that bright!”

Medkit reached into his satchel and pulled out the long purple cloth that Ban Hammer cherished so dearly. He tapped on his partner’s shoulder and slipped the blindfold in his paw. Ban Hammer felt the texture in his hand and recognized the soft yet slightly tattered fabric, moving his hands up to tie it around his eyes with a smile. With a sniff, he also happened to notice the fresh lavender scent on it; Medkit having washed it recently, an act of service he was grateful for.

“ Geez – Thanks Medk– shoot – ‘First-Aid Kit’..”

Medkit started squeezing his paw tightly when his real name was being spat out of Ban Hammer’s mouth, making him catch his words before he’d accidentally say something he wasn’t supposed to, and receive a firm scolding for in return.

Upon fixing his words, Medkit then gave him a more gentle squeeze, two firm presses on his burly paw which Ban Hammer recognised as the touch he’d give him to show appreciation. They seemed to have their own language revolving around hand touching to communicate when Ban Hammer was blindfolded in replacement for their usual staring.

The other two only watched them as Medkit would continue to play with his paw with care, Ban Hammer facing where his direction was as he giggled. Sword stood awkwardly as to not want to explain what they were doing to Rocket, who in return was absolutely stupefied.

“ Wha-a-at are they doing..?”

“They’re–! –Uh.. they..”

Medkit and Ban Hammer turned towards Sword’s pathetic-sounding quiver with faces as if they’d been caught committing a crime. Rocket moved his gaze back and forth between the suspicious duo and Sword. Medkit straightened his face with a stern look and faced Rocket.

“Ban Hammer cannot see properly with light; it can be quite overwhelming. I do this to communicate in a simplistic manner he may understand.”

“..Yeah. Whut’ever’ he said.”

Rocket had a blank stare while Sword was embarrassingly smiling and trying to keep still so as to not spoil anything between the two to Rocket. Medkit kept his look firm and Ban Hammer only looked confused, not sure about what their banter was about.

“Uh.. oka-a-a-ay .. You two gonna’ come shop around or..?”

“ HELL YEAH I AM!”

Ban Hammer clutched a firm grip around Medkit as he charged forward, still dragging the other two with his tail. He turned to his right and dashed down the hallway that he thought he remembered seeing earlier.

“BAN HAMMER!”

He immediately stopped in his tracks, almost scurting on the ground like a car. Medkit had roughly clenched onto his hand with five quick presses while shouting his name with a tone mixed of firmness and fear. Sword and Rocket were clinging onto his tail as it almost pushed their faces, including his own, into the wall.

“That.. That is a wall .”

“Shit.”

“ARE YOU SERIOUSLY GOING TO WANDER AN ENTIRE MALL BLINDFOLDED!? ”

Rocket spat at him angrily, the same way he would to Sword whenever he’d act stupid. More stupid than usual, anyways. Sword shot back at the recognisable and somewhat terrifying tone, despite not being directed at him. Meanwhile, Ban Hammer was entirely unphased. It seemed only Medkit could get a reaction out of him.

“ Yeah? I told’ya’ it’s too damn bright!”

Medkit gave him one long, firm squeeze on his paw to signal him to calm down. Ban Hammer in return squeezed him four quick times, which Medkit responded by patting his back. He sat up and tugged against Ban Hammer, who paused his tense expression to instead happily follow his partner like a dog on a leash. 

Sword and Rocket followed suit, though Rocket almost instantly latched onto Sword’s wrist and dashed into the arcade he’d spotted in the distance, leaving the happy couple to themself as Medkit brought him into a jewelry store. He tapped on his shoulder to bring his attention to him as he slid his hand up to tap the band of his blindfold.

Ban Hammer slipped a small part of the soft cloth up to let one of his eyes open slowly. While the brightness was still blinding, he could live with the pain when he’d realised where Medkit had brought him. His eyes lit up at the sight, clapping his hands together and quickly moved to rummage around.

Ban Hammer had searched around like a kid in a candy store, looking at every stone and ring with a shining glare. Medkit sat down and watched Ban Hammer rummage around. In fact, he knew he wasn’t even going to buy anything; but he was aware of how much Ban Hammer loved to look at anything that shined.

Meanwhile, Rocket and Sword were hogging the crane machines, desperately attempting to try and get something good out of them with as many quarters as they had on them. Rocket was in a pure fit of sweat as he focused on his target inside the machine, Sword standing behind him with puppy-dog eyes.

His goal was a small, blue, plush fish that Sword had been down on his knees begging for Rocket to get for him because it reminded him of him. Time and time again, he’d failed. While Rocket was aware most crane games were horribly rigged, Sword’s miserably inescapable gaze just kept him coming back. 

Medkit and Ban Hammer had now exited the jewelry store, due to Ban Hammer’s eyes starting to hurt from the light. They didn’t buy a single item, he simply just liked to look, and Medkit appreciated watching him. 

Walking down the hall, now looking for where Sword and Rocket had gone, they were both stunned by the poor red fledgling running out of the arcade, now shaking Medkit by the shoulders with the most pathetic gaze he’d ever given him in his life. 

“MEDKIT! –ER– ‘FIRST AID KIT’! PLEASE! IT’S AN EMERGENCY! ROCKET! –IT’S ROCKET!”

“ What!? What did he do? What happened!?”

“HE– HE RAN OUT OF QUARTERS! ”

Medkit stood blankly at Sword as Ban Hammer started to laugh his ass off, bursting into a loud cackle while bending down on his knees, practically wheezing. 

“I-I’m sorry?”

“THEREWASAPLUSHIETHATREMINDEDMEOFROCKETANDIREALLYWANTEDITSOIASKEDROCKETTOGETITFORMEBUTTHENHEKEPTFAILINGANDNOWWE’REBOTHOUTOFQUARTERSANDIDON’TKNOWWHATELSETODO–”

Ban Hammer felt as if he was about to die from laughter as Sword spoke without a single breath. Medkit carefully removed Sword’s hands from his shoulders and placed his own on his.

“How about.. we.. help you two out? Okay? ”

“PLE-E-E-EASE–!”

Sword practically screamed out in agony as Ban Hammer finally caught his breath with a hand on his chest, slowly lifting himself up. Sword dragged Medkit into the arcade, who then dragged Ban Hammer in as their hands remained connected. They were brought swiftly to Rocket, who was nonchalantly leaning against the crane machine.

“Wow, he actually convinced you.”

“ ‘ Convinced ’ is a peculiar word to call it.”

“Well, you got quarters?”

Medkit looked down at the machine’s label. It required two quarter-bux for one try. Medkit turned around to see Sword on his knees hugging Rocket’s legs like a poor child as Rocket paid no mind to him. Ban Hammer, meanwhile, was feeling for the controls of the machine that was in front of him.

Medkit crossed over to him and poked his blindfold, which he pulled a finger under and slid it slightly above his face. Ban Hammer slowly opened his eyes, putting his faith into Medkit, and recognised it was dim enough for him to properly see.

“Crane machine, huh? This ought’a’ be fun.”

Ban Hammer gave a cheeky grin, Rocket moving aside to let him get to work, wrists tired of shaking against the machine. Ban Hammer slammed on the control board, sat his wallet on the counter, and locked in for the longest fight of his life.

* * *

The four of them had now exited the mall, sun dimming behind them. Medkit had a few bags filled with prestige hygiene products that he’d think Ban Hammer would like after finally being able to spend his own bux from his job, all of which bought during the time Ban Hammer had been fighting with a claw machine. 

Ban Hammer was slouched over, having spent hours in an arcade fighting with a machine. And finally, Sword was hugging a blue fish plush in his arms like it was his own son, Rocket slinging an arm around his shoulder as they watched.

“I wouldn’t mind being invited to another meet-up with you two sometime. It feels like I haven't been able to do such a thing in quite some time.”

“Well, it’s definitely been harder getting in contact with you now that you’re.. kinda’ in the sky. –Speaking of which, what made you decide to work with the Warden of Banland of all people?”

“I was.. taken in . There were a few unfortunate circumstances that led to me having to move in with him.”

“He makes a pretty damn good ‘roommate’ , I’ll say.”

Ban Hammer had cut in, hand slouched on his back like an old inphernal. He stared down upon Medkit, who in return gave him the same look. Rocket paid no mind to their staring, they’d done weirder earlier in the day; he’d assumed this was just natural for them.

“So, are you two gonna’ head out now?”

“ Mhm , I have to take this big brute home.”

“More like I’m the one takin’ you home!”

The three of them bickered for a bit as Sword was carried by the shoulder with his face stuffed in the fluff of the cushioned fish in his arms. Medkit waved his goodbyes to the duo as he stepped onto Ban Hammer’s back and watched him take off. 

In the air above the ocean where Playground once resided, they both flew into the sunset. Golden rays of perfect light that were bright enough to reflect the waves yet dim enough to allow Ban Hammer to stare into it with his partner.

“How do you deal with those kids.. They feel like kinda’ a handful, eh? ”

“I don’t. I simply just enjoy their company the best I can.”

“So.. you deal with them.”

“I wouldn’t phrase it like that .”

“Whut’ever you say.”

Chapter Text

Crossroads, Falltime, 3100

Since the day Sword had invited Medkit to the mall, Ban Hammer had had a noticeably larger amount of visits from Sisyphus at his window; typically, they were always at the worst time, whether it would be while he was asleep, while he and Medkit were having another calm moment of vulnerability, while he was on a call with an associate, really– whenever he needed it least .

Nonetheless, he’d be forced to go outside to collect the family mail before Medkit would scold him for leaving Sword unread. Every time there was a letter, it was always from Sword. He seemed to take the memo of ‘ writing to Medkit more often ’ a little too seriously, which had caused some peculiar interruptions.

While Medkit never really minded, Ban Hammer did seem to get tired of having his window being pecked on by a ‘ piece of stupid rotting poultry’ , his words. Medkit really underestimated what he meant when he stated most of his family pissed him off, though he was also sure he pissed them off just as much.

A thought that he kept in his mind, though both of them knew.

The most recent letter they’d received was at the end of the fall season. This part of the year would be the last available time to see the outskirt woods of Crossroads, though it was also the time where visitors would be far-and-few between. Sword saw it as the perfect opportunity to see the trees while allowing Medkit to not be overwhelmed.

But once again, Sisyphus had delivered at a very inconvenient time. 

* * *

“Not too hot today, yeah ?”

“ No . I think the warmer water is quite fitting.”

“You ain’t usually like it bein’ this warm. ‘Less my scales are screwin’ up an’ that is normally how it feels for you.”

“No, no, it’s much warmer, yes. I think I prefer it like this.”

“Well you just tell me if you wanna’ turn it down. –Now, where’d I put that damn sponge..”

Medkit was leaning against Ban Hammer’s chest, absorbed in very warm waters. Both of them had quite exhausting days, Ban Hammer having to camp out in Lost Temple for hours, a new sunburn now coating his tail, and Medkit had been having a nightmare for quite some time until Ban Hammer slamming the door open had woken him up.

 A few moments of silent staring between the two lead to where they were now, spending time in each other’s arms in a warm and well-deserved bath. As Ban Hammer searched the drawers beside them for a clean sponge, Medkit kept his eye closed in his state of contentment. The warmth of the water and the steam flowing throughout created a tranquil aura around the room.

It was at that moment when a loud slam into their window woke them both out of their respective trances; a slam caused by Sisyphus crashing into the glass of the bathroom window, smushed against it for a few moments before puffing back out and pecking loudly at the window.

 Medkit in particular almost jumped out of the tub from the noise, Ban Hammer having to catch him like a kitten who fell into the tub, shivering like a starving orphan.

After yet another staring contest that led with Ban Hammer getting out and going to retrieve the letter, they’d received the message, and a few days later, here they were, walking up to the part of the forest trail Sword had agreed to meet up at. Rocket wasn’t present, as Sword had specified that he was busy working for his father and couldn’t come during this time of the season. So instead, it was just the three of them. 

Ban Hammer was stuffed in a large drawstring hoodie, the inside padded with cotton to keep himself comfy in the cold that he wasn’t exactly used to. His blindfold was tied around his forehead to block his mane and fur from blowing in his face from the wind. Medkit wore his typical hood for going out in public, though his horns remained un-dyed as the location was much more private. The hood was more of an extra layer of insulation rather than a protector of his identity that day.

As Medkit coughed to catch the attention of Sword, Ban Hammer held his hand and looked up towards the sky, a particular gleam in the corner of his eye had caught his attention. Sword had widened his eyes in excitement as he met Medkit’s gaze.

“Medkit! I was waiting for a while, the weather’s real nice today, shockingly. I was convinced it would be.. windier .”

Sword ran up to hug Medkit, leaving little room for anything to squeeze between, including air, as he put his might into a heavy hug. Ban Hammer didn’t pay mind to them, he wasn’t much for nature walks, but he’s not being left behind if Medkit plans on going somewhere without him.

When Sword had freed Medkit from his mighty grasp, Medkit slouched over and lifted an arm onto his shoulder with an exhausted but pleased look. 

“It’s quite nice to see you, Sword. I’m glad you’re alright.”

The two of them engaged in a pleasant conversation as Sword eagerly shook Medkit’s paws while he talked. Most of the conversation was Sword’s words, in fact. Ban Hammer, on the other hand, was looking up into the sky, giving a big smile to the sun. A shadow in front of it outlined the shape of an inphernal with two large draconic wings; Firebrand . He waved back at Ban Hammer before he flew off to perch atop a tower. 

Medkit tugged on his paw to bring him towards where Sword was running off to. He gave one final wave to the sky before following the other two, the crisp air of Crossroads blowing through his mane as he dashed. Both of them trudged down the old dirt roads, worn from years of young and old inphernals alike trailing down it.

“Sword, you do happen to know where we’re heading? These paths don’t seem very.. linear .”

Sword paused in his tracks, standing far in the distance from Medkit. He gave a blank stare and put his hands around his mouth, shouting:

“WHAT?”

Medkit gave a blank stare back, leaves falling on his sides. Ban Hammer carelessly shoved him out the way with just one hand and used his other hand to cup around his mouth to shout back:

“HE ASKED WHERE THE HELL WE’RE GOIN’!”

The two of them gave more blank stares. In the same voice and same position, Sword gave another shout:

“WHAT?”

“ I SAID– WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU TAKIN’ US!?”

“WHAT DID YOU SAY?”

“WHERE THE FUCK ARE WE!?”

“ WHAT? ”

Medkit facepalmed and grumbled, holding back the faint trace of laughter from his voice. He snatched the helm of Ban Hammer’s shirt and dragged him to Sword while mumbling a playful curse at him. A mumble Ban Hammer quite easily picked up and nudged him with his tail for.

“So.. as I was saying– Sword , do you have any idea where you’re going?”

“Yeah! Look –”

Sword pointed up at the rows of mainly orange trees, though he particularly pointed out the four trees in a row that didn’t match the similar shades of orange. He ran up to them and smacked each of the four trees with each word.

“ Red – red – yellow – and then another red . Every time you see a split path, there’s these same four trees! –And if you follow ‘em, you’ll find a clearing! It’s kinda’ freaky , now that I think of it.”

“How peculiar..”

“ Dude , I’m pretty sure they just planted those on purpose.”

“Nah! This forest was like– entirely natural! Even these paths were just carved from people walking on the grass.”

Sword ran down the path with the four orderly trees, Medkit following suit as he dragged Ban Hammer along with him, who was currently rolling his eyes and mumbling:

“ Unc’ Brand probably placed’m’ there.. ”

As Sword ran down the path, he stopped in his tracks, kicking dirt behind him which Medkit promptly ducked away from. Sword stretched his hands out to block anyone from passing him as he crouched down by a log.

Medkit and Ban Hammer both peered over him. When they’d attempted to ask Sword what he was doing, he promptly shushed them both. Sword tapped on the log, and from the other side, a large, orange butterfly flew out of it.

“ Look ! I knew I saw it fly behind there!”

Sword stared up at the fluttering insect like a child looking up at an airplane, his eyes filled with stars from the wonder he’d received just from watching it fly. Ban Hammer scoffed and backed off, while Medkit patiently watched it flutter around.

Then, to all three of them’s shock, the large butterfly with its tangy-amber wings flew down and rested on Medkit’s horn. Sword backed off slowly with a shocked and amazed face while Ban Hammer stood cross-armed with little interest.

Medkit looked up in awe at the winged creature that seemed to have enough faith in him to land comfortably on his horn. Either that, or it thought he was a flower. Ban Hammer made a cute jab at him for it, stating he must’ve been ‘too sweet to resist’, a nod that Medkit giggled into, which unfortunately caused the insect to fly away.

“ NOOO-O-O-O-o-o-o.. Dang it! Come back!”

Sword went to chase the fluttering creature, dashing forward only to be picked up by the collar by Ban Hammer. He flailed his limbs in an attempt to escape his grasp to continue his chase, clearly resulting in failure as he pouted.

Medkit giggled and patted Ban Hammer to tell him to let him go. Ban Hammer shrugged and dropped Sword on the ground carelessly, before walking off. 

“ Alright , break’s over. Where we goin’?”

“The trees!”

Ban Hammer turned over his shoulder, rolled his eyes, groaned loudly, and finally walked towards the path with the patterned trees. Medkit followed shortly behind as Sword ran past the both of them.

After a few more minutes of Sword chasing butterflies and Ban Hammer throwing various seasonal-based flirts at Medkit, typically being shoved aside as a response, they’d finally been brought to the clearing. A large hollow, home to a lake that separated the rest of the forest from large mountains, presumably that of Blackrock. Despite that, the area was entirely devoid of any other inpernals.

“ See! A big clearing, no one ever goes back here. It’s always pretty during fall.”

Sword ran to look over the vast pool of clear water that was a few weeks early of freezing. Ban Hammer turned to the side to sit on a discarded log, one similar to the one he and Medkit would sit on in his garden. Medkit noticed the similarity as well and went to sit beside him, putting his paw into Ban Hammer’s.

Ban Hammer turned towards him, giving him a nudge on the shoulder before picking him up and setting him on his lap. Medkit turned his body over to face him, sliding his legs around his waist and squeezing the plump flesh of his stomach between them.

He slid a hand under his chin, scratching the tuft of fur beneath it, which elicited a very happy purr from Ban Hammer. In return, he slid his face right in front of Medkit’s with a playful smirk, cupping his cheek with his paw.

“Y’know, out of all the things in front of me– Those rich mountains, big ol’ pretty pond, the flowers in the ground .. Ain’t none of it as pretty as yer’ face.”

“Oh hush , Ban Hammer..”

Ban Hammer pulled Medkit to his forehead, letting their horns clink together for a moment. After their minute of silence, he moved his head to the side of his face and peppered a few kisses onto his smooth, curly wool; his other hand keeping him in place.

“Ban’– Now’s not the time.”

“It’s always the time when it’s you .”

He chuckled, Medkit shyly looking at him. After their calm staring, Medkit decided to feed into Ban Hammer’s wanting feeling, turning his face to him and placing a firm kiss on his lips. The two of them stood like that for a while, Ban Hammer occasionally parting to slide his lips on his cheek before moving back to his mouth. It was tame, yet absolutely loving.

They both seemed to forget about Sword, who was shielding his eyes with an awkward smile. While he didn’t exactly want to watch the two act sappy for an hour, he was at least glad that Medkit was happy.

Though when the two were finished with their romantic staring contest, they’d seemed to remember why Medkit was so hesitant. As soon as they both turned towards Sword, they noticed his expression and swapped between looking at him and looking at each other, both equally as embarrassing. 

Chapter Text

Temple of Wind, Wintertime, 3100

The great winter had begun, December creeping its way into the lives of the civilians across the Inpherno. Luckily for Ban Hammer, as per every year, no snow plagued him or his plants. Instead, it was mostly just rain; a free way to water the garden. 

The only issue was during work; the factions outside of Lost Temple were unbearable. Everything felt as if it was Blackrock, a fate few would appreciate, especially not Ban Hammer, the inphernal who lived beside a volcano for most of his life.

Work wasn’t a concern today, though, as the season that keeps on giving would be fitting towards its name with all the festivities in his life that were coming up. Spawndays, meetups, seasonal celebrations and maybe a holiday or two. 

Spawndays in particular were soon-to-be on his mind. Probably because today was his own . As per tradition, he’d be making his way to his mother’s palace to celebrate in the best way possible: with ten bottles of wine.

Both of them were still asleep in their shared net, Ban Hammer was laid on his back, arms spread out on his sides as the comfort of his pillows flattened across his back. His bathrobe was hanging off his body, the sleeve drifting off the net. Medkit was clung onto his stomach as if he was a large teddy bear; to him, he was . His curly wool and Ban Hammer’s soft skin blended together under the blankets.

Medkit had slowly dazed himself awake, nuzzling against Ban Hammer’s stomach to stretch his back. He moved up to give him a warm kiss on the forehead, rubbing onto his chest lovingly. Patting his stomach with a little bit of firmness, enough to wake him up, he whispered by his side.

“Ban Hammer.. We have to get you up now.”

“ U-u-u-u-ughhh.. F-f-f-i-i-i-v-v-ve more mi-i-i-i-nu-u-u-uts.. ”

“I’m sure your mother is waiting already.. You should get ready.”

“ Whu-u-uh.. -whu-u-h? ”

Medkit chucked at Ban Hammer’s common morning trance, his words were drowned out. He found the behavior quite cute, especially coming from a big brute such as him.

“Your mother, Ban Hammer. Windforce .”

Ban Hammer immediately shot up from the bed when he heard his mother’s name, hand on his head as he shoved Medkit’s face with the other on accident. Turning down at the poor inphernal he’d smacked in the face, he pulled him up and patted his back apologetically.

“ Woops–! My bad, my bad–”

“ Urgh .. you’re alright.”

“So.. Windforce? ” 

“She’s.. expecting you.”

“SHE IS!?”

Ban Hammer flung himself out of the net and searched the drawers for the padded suit he’d typically wear under his armor. Medkit hopped out the net and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Ban Hammer.. You understand what day it is, yes?”

“Tuesday.”

“Tuesday, December..?”

“...”

Ban Hammer sat on the floor confusedly, putting his fingers up to count. His face brightly lit up when he’d realised, eyes widened in pure shock.

“..Happy spawnday, my love.”

Medkit leant up to kiss Ban Hammer’s cheek, an act he greatly appreciated. Suddenly, he grabbed Medkit’s shoulders with passion, gave him a fat kiss on the head, and stared at him with a zealous look.

“ WE-E-ELL! Guess you an’ I got a party to go to– AND – I got just the thing!”

Ban Hammer ran into the closet that contained his pile of signature long robes for family gatherings. Beside the oversized collection of cloth was another pair, slightly smaller but still large. He picked it up and threw it into Medkit with a smile.

“Momma made another pair o’ these, just for you! She felt like it was important to have so you don’t– y’know , stick out during the next meeting.”

Medkit held the loose cloth in his paws, the texture was marvelous and scented like a fresh afternoon breeze. The entire thing felt as light as a cloud in his grasp.

“It’s a real loose fit, expect it to drag on the floor a lil’. Don’t worry ‘bout gettin’ it messy; I dunno’ how, but these things never even needa’ be washed no matter whut gets on ‘em. Guess you can thank her for that!”

“Well, I’ll be sure to do so.”

“Alright, get changed! We got a flight to catch!”

Medkit slid off the robe he wore overnight and fumbled around with the cloth. Holding it up wasn’t an issue; however, he had absolutely no idea how to put it on. Staring at Ban Hammer while his back was turned, attempting to see how he was able to do it, he couldn’t comprehend the folds and turns he was creating with the fabric.

Ban Hammer had already set himself upright, turning over to Medkit. He noticed him on the floor messing with the cloth and lifted him up from under his arms with a smirk.

“Need some help?”

“..Please.”

Ban Hammer grabbed the lines of cloth, taking the towel-like part with patterns similar to his wings on the border, and tied it around his waist so that it opened up in the front. The rest of that same towel curled behind his back and covered his right arm. Holding where the towel met his stomach with a paw, he took a long, thin cloth and wrapped it around to hold it steady, then took the leftover of the cloth that tied it and lifted it over and then under his left arm, tucking it between the two wraps so it’d stay put. 

“–And just like that, you’re all set.”

Medkit looked down at the wrappings around him. Most of his chest was exposed, alongside his legs and left arm; though it felt as if he wasn’t even wearing anything at all. 

“Are you sure I’m meant to be so.. exposed ?”

“It’s some sorta’ symbolism for purity, the fam’s always been like this ever since they started meeting up. You ain’t gotta’ be shy, they don’t judge. ”

“ ..Right. ”

“Not on my watch, they won’t!”

Medkit looked down again at the loose fabric. Turning over to the full-size mirror in Ban Hammer’s room, he noticed something that put even more concern to his mind. The cloth was low enough to where the lines under his chest were clearly visible. He traced them with a finger and shuddered under the touch.

“And.. about these..?”

“Whut about’m’?”

Medkit turned towards Ban Hammer nervously, opening his mouth to speak despite no words coming out. Ban Hammer tilted his head with a confused stare, not understanding Medkit’s hesitation. After a few moments, he understood what he was referring to and playfully scoffed.

“ Whut , the scars? Psh– You ever wonder why Momma’s got a mane?”

“.. Oh .”

“Yeah ‘ oh ’! I told ya’, they ain’t gonna bother you ‘bout it!”

Ban Hammer crouched down to Medkit’s height and nuzzled his cheek. In the moment of him being distracted, he lifted him up in a bridal-carry and ran downstairs to get ready for their trip to the skies above Playground.

* * *

“Right down there, two-o-clock, around a forty-five-degree angle. Slow tilt up after around five-seconds.”

“You got it, Cap’n’!”

Medkit and Ban Hammer were on their way to Windforce’s, though Ban Hammer had a particular challenge in mind: the entire flight there, he’d be blindfolded, Medkit being the one to tell him where and when to fly up and down. So far, he’s only rammed into five birds and eighteen clouds ; pretty good in Ban Hammer’s currently-blindfolded eyes.

With a low swoop, he flew down following Medkit’s instructions. Counting to five in his head, he braced for potential impact.

“Five, four, three, two, one..”

And with that, a swoop upwards right before he hit the floor, he drifted down slowly and landed on the small field in front of Windforce’s manor. Lifting his blindfold off and letting Medkit fall off his tail, he took a long glimpse at the familiar bundle of regal towers.

“Just like last time, eh? ”

“ Ah – so she’ll be doing the.. Storm again?”

“–That won’t be necessary.”

A familiar voice, calm in nature, made itself clear to the two; a kindhearted deity, known for his one horn, two draconic wings, long orange sword, and fiery mane. He lifted a gloved paw and opened the gates for the two of them, giving a pleasant smile.

“It’s an honor to see you again, young Warden! –And of course, his special cohort. My, I hope your spawnday has treated you well. Your mother had asked me to join you for a surprise visit. –So, surprise! ”

Ban Hammer ran up and tackled Firebrand with a big, warm hug. Firebrand patted him on the back with a kind smile, the two of them nuzzling against each other. Medkit patiently watched the two of them cuddle against one another.

“Windforce is waiting in the garden, shall we go pay her a visit?”

“Hell yeah! –C’mon Meds’!”

Ban Hammer detached from Firebrand to take hold of Medkit’s hand, both following Firebrand to the gardens of Windforce’s palace. Similarly to Ban Hammer's, a large field was on the east side of the wall; the gates to it were still open. 

“Your mother is resting on the clouds over the lake. Do be gentle when you wake her.”

“She’ll be fine. –MO-O-O-OMMA! ”

A sudden crash of thunder erupted from the low cloud Windforce was cuddled on out of her shock from the loud noise. Raising herself upright, she turned over to see her son waving at her. She knelt down and jumped off the cloud, flapping her large, sun-like wings right before she reached the warm water, particles of it floating around her.

Ban Hammer stared at her with a passionate glare. He steadied his pose and ran towards her, leaping over the water. With a triumphant dash, he flung himself into her arms.

Only to miss by a few inches and topple into the water.

Windforce let out a cackling laugh at him as he slowly dragged his head above the waves, his mane dripping downwards. Firebrand and Medkit both stood behind with nervous faces, however they also both wanted to laugh at the stunt in front of them.

Windforce lowered her wings and sank herself into the water beside him, pulling his wet fur out of his eyes and lifting his chin up to meet her face. He, embarrassed as he was, still gave her a big hug, one that she reciprocated back.

“You really should’ve just flown over here..”

“The jump would’ve been cooler!”

They both laughed in each other’s arms, their tails swinging in unison, rippling through the water. Windforce looked over his shoulder and pointed at Firebrand.

“Alright old man, c’mon! Get over here!”

Ban Hammer turned behind him and gave an excited look at Medkit, glaring at him a competitive stare. Firebrand was already inching towards the water, not having an inch of fear despite what he’d expect from someone coated in flames.

“You too, Meds’! Water’s shallow!”

Medkit had flinched at his remark, while Firebrand had already stepped inside, the liquid bubbling when he’d stick his ungloved hand in. He inched towards the two of them, setting his gloved hand on Windforce’s shoulder and his ungloved hand on Ban Hammer’s.

Medkit only stood at the edge of the lake, letting his hooves and legs sink into the warm ripples. Ban Hammer approached him and let his arms hang on the edge while the rest of his body sank in the water, his robes flowing through it.

“Just like at home, remember how I told you Momma’s garden was like mine?”

“I do, yes. I see how so.”

“Aye, don’t get too sappy back there, you two! This ain’t a date! ”

Windforce shouted at them, Medkit straightening his posture while having an embarrassed flush on his face while Ban Hammer paid no mind and simply faced his mother. 

“ So.. guess we’re havin’ a pool party today?”

“Wasn’t my idea until you decided to jump into a lake .”

“It was gonna’ be cool!”

“Yeah, ‘ was’ .”

Windforce scoffed at him with an eye-roll, flicking a wave of water at his face with her tail, much to his ire. He retaliated with a wave back, crashing forward from his own tail. Windforce stood proudly as the wall of water approached her, and with her eyes closed, she snapped right before a single drop was able to land on her, deflecting it back with a roll of wind. 

While Medkit instinctively jumped up and ran off, Ban Hammer wasn’t so lucky as he attempted to scramble out of the water. Before he could even get a single knee over the waterline, Windforce’s fierce tidal wave ran over him like a truck. 

Medkit almost burst out into laughter at Ban Hammer’s face, desperately trying to cover his mouth with his paw to prevent him from clearly making fun of his partner. If Ban Hammer didn’t look like a soggy mess from when he’d fallen into the water, he sure looked like one now.

Luckily for him, Windforce was already doing the honors; laughing her absolute ass off at the show in front of her that was her own son, wet fur covering his eyes and his mane sticking to his horns. He shook like a rain-covered dog, pushing his fur out of his vision.

It was when a snicker from behind him and a shiver of Medkit’s shoulders caught his sensitive ears to the view behind him; Medkit desperately attempting to hide his face. As soon as Ban Hammer had turned around, he’d witnessed something he’d never once seen in his life.

Laughter .

Medkit’s fit of pure, unhindered, fit of comedic joy. 

The sound is a thousand times more addicting than he’d ever imagined, courtesy of not hearing such a fit from someone as stoic as him before. Little snorts interrupt his loud giggling, only feeding into Ban Hammer’s love of the noise, considering them absolutely adorable .

Oh, how smitten he’s allowed himself to be..

Only when he had locked himself into the enticing trance of his giggles was he forced out of it just as fast, a shove from his mother doing just the trick. Windforce grabbed him by the arm and pulled his face directly in front of hers. With a snarky look, she whispered at him:

“You wanna’ fight, boy?”

Ban Hammer squinted back at her, having been reminded of what caused all of this from the start: splashing . He chuckled under his breath with his signature smile, one that Windforce had seemed to bestow upon him as her own shined back. With a puff of smoke from his nose, he whispered back.

“Hell yeah.”

* * *

All four of them were now back in Windforce’s palace, the scenery not changing since how Medkit last remembered it a year ago. Instead of the dining room, they were in the comfort of the living room. Windforce used the winds from her own neck to dry her son’s fur, petting gentle strokes into his mane. He was sitting down on a few cushions on the floor between his mother’s legs as she comfortably placed herself on the couch.

Medkit had already been dried off from one gust of wind from Windforce, an experience that shook him throughout his core, meanwhile Firebrand had just opted to set himself on fire, his robes not having a trace of ash on them afterwards despite it. When Medkit gave him a shocked look, he’d stated the robes contained silk laced in the same compound that made up his and Ban Hammer’s scales, making it completely fireproof. 

“–and apparently , those brats felt bad for ‘em! Yeah ! –And y’know what, I’m gonna’ give ‘em a reason to feel bad now!”

“Is it cus’ you’re gonna’ beat their asses?”

“ Hell yeah I’m gonna beat their asses!”

Ban Hammer shouted back at Windforce, the two of them in deep conversation about his job as Warden of Banland, though ninety-percent of it was just Ban Hammer complaining like an overworked middle-aged inphernal– which, to his credit, was pretty much what he was. Windforce remained complicit and gave him whatever answer she knew he wanted to hear, which at least made him feel better, alongside being able to knead into her tail again.

Medkit took an interest in how much he liked to knead into her tail, it was a behavior he observed him doing to either her or his own tail every chance he had. While Medkit took his time theorizing, deep down Ban Hammer just liked knowing that she was near, even if she wasn’t. 

Windforce, in the midst of Ban Hammer’s incoherent rambles, blew a small gust of wind at Firebrand, that being their go-to signal as he understood the message and left the room for a minute. Medkit watched him walk off, but didn’t pay much note to it. 

A few more bickers and a lot of curse words from Ban Hammer passed until Firebrand had returned, a triple-decker cake coated in golden trimmings carried within his grasp. Ban Hammer’s sense of smell had spoiled it for him, almost immediately sensing the smell of cold pastry as soon as Firebrand walked back in the room.

Setting it in front of his nephew, Firebrand lit each candle with just his touch alone. Each flame was a vibrant orange, complimenting the gold. Ban Hammer licked his lips enthusiastically as Medkit came to sit next to him. 

“No feast this year, y’know me. We got twice as much wine, though!”

Windforce cackled behind him, flicking her wrist as her brother to signal him to grab a bottle or two. Passing one into her hand, she bonked Ban Hammer on the side of the head with it before letting it drop in his grip. 

“Well, y’know the drill. May your forty-eighth year of thousands be filled with love, wine, bloodshed of the enemy , justice and liberty, even more wine , and of course, your badass mom!”

And with her final word, Ban Hammer ripped the cork out with his teeth once more, and held the entire bottle over his face, chugging the entire thing in one go exactly like how he’d done a year ago.

Medkit wasn’t any less shocked, though at least he’d expected it this time. And, as Firebrand opened another bottle that was passed to Windforce, which she shook towards Medkit in an attempt to ask him if he wanted some, Ban Hammer roared and held the now-empty bottle high up in the air with triumph. 

Taking it in his grip, he lowered it and held it above the towering cake in front of him, and just how it had happened exactly a year ago...

Not a single drop fell out.

Chapter Text

SFoTH Reunion Ceremony, Wintertime, 3101

One year ago, on none other than January first; New Year’s Day, the day of the SFoTH’s awakening, the lives of Ban Hammer and Medkit had truly changed. Exactly a year ago, the lives of two people had begun anew. And today, one year later, the life of yet another will change.

“Big day today, yeah? Try not to worry yer’self too much.”

“I won’t.”

Ban Hammer was tying the silk robes bestowed upon his partner around his waist, finishing up the last curl needed to complete the set. Tightening it the same way he’d done for his spawnday, he stepped back and admired his work. With a nod of his head, he latched onto Medkit’s paw and dragged him down the spiraled stairs, checking to make sure he wouldn’t trip on his own cloth.

Holding the door open, he waited as Medkit exited the manor, stepping aside to hold Ban Hammer’s paw once more. Pushing through the heavy gates, Ban Hammer let his wings spread out, glistening in the bright sun. He bent down and slid Medkit on his back with his tail, shaking his mane, then took off for flight.

“We’ll meet her around halfway there, you’ll know it when the sky gets clearer and the winds start pickin’ up.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

The two of them were high up in the air, cutting through it like a knife. Ban Hammer held a steady position as he braced for when he’d feel Windforce nearby, ready to let out a roar as soon as he’d feel her coming.

He didn’t have to wait long.

A few moments later, Medkit was beginning to flinch from the sight of the sun peering through the clouds, winds picking up as he clung onto the back of his carrier with an increasing amount of force.

“She must be here, it’s becoming difficult to stay upright.”

Ban Hammer’s whiskers twitched as a sign of hearing Medkit’s signal. He puffed out a cloud of smoke to clear his throat before letting out a long prowl, his wings shining like sparklers with each echo. A few seconds passed until a roar of similar nature called back to him, and he swooped down to follow the notable sound. 

In front of them was Windforce, her colossal wings reminiscent of the sun gliding behind her. Ban Hammer roared again, communicating to her that they were close and that she could calm her wind-speeds down. She did as such, allowing the two of them to meet up next to her.

“Took ya’ long enough!”

“We had to go look for ya’!”

“Should’a’ looked harder! ”

The two of them teased back and forth while Medkit stood on lookout for the SFoTH’s joined temple, or perhaps another member of the family nearby. He looked up to spot the glistening temple, behind him; another deity flying towards it.

“Temple is up, around a sixty-degree angle, eleven-o-clock on the left.”

Ban Hammer nodded at his call and chirped at his mother, both of them proceeding to swoop upwards and land perfectly down on the cloud. Medkit slid off his back in his usual fashion, holding onto Ban Hammer’s paw as he awaited the rest of the family’s arrival.

“Keep it down, just like last time..”

Ban Hammer crouched down to whisper in his ear, which Medkit silently nodded towards. Standing back up tall, he laid next to his mother’s side so she could slip her tail behind him. Medkit watched as two other SFoTH members arrived at their respective entrances, one from above, another from below. 

A few minutes and a couple glimpses passed until everyone was there. Each deity summoned their legendary sword and raised it into the air, letting the moment drift in before they stepped forth, any ancestors and affiliates following behind them.

The decoration and condition of the brilliant hall was unchanged since their last visit. Each member sat down, all in the same seats as the year before. Ban Hammer held the chair open for Medkit as everyone settled. Sword gave a quick but silent wave to him from across the table, Medkit discreetly waving back.

As per last year, and every year, Windforce, with just one snap, allowed trays of food to fly onto the table with a single breeze. However, instead of Illumina raising his talon to speak, it was Firebrand who did so, as this year it had finally been his time to speak; ever since he was gone, he was unable to do as such.

“Good evening, I, Firebrand, shall be this year’s announcer as per tradition of our wonderful ceremony. I bring my deepest thanks to our phenomenal family, for joining together under one roof, one sun, one moon, one Inpherno, one Inphinity, as seven swords , on this blessed day of remembrance and commemoration.”

He paused to allow his flames to settle, taking a deep breath before turning towards the young inphernal beside Venomshank; none other than Sword. Each member at the table turned towards him as well, Medkit in particular having a nervous look on his face, unaware as to why they would need to call him out.

“..Today, as you may know, is an especially important day for our dear guest, mentee of Venomshank; Sword. We shall engage in the ceremony after the feast, so please, bestow upon him the time and comfort before we continue with him.”

Medkit was only more confused, now also concerned for the safety of Sword, someone he kept extremely dear to his heart. His thoughts were cut off as he noticed Firebrand, as well as the rest of the SFoTH, staring at him observantly.

“And, as an important additional note, we’d like to welcome the guest belonging to the Son of Windforce as a permanent addition to our yearly tradition. As you shall with any guest of ours, one-time or not , treat him as you do anyone else blessed to associate with our beloved family.”

Medkit sat still, however; something about it inflicted less fear into his body than the first time. He wasn’t sure if it was simply because it had happened before, but he appreciated the subtle feeling of belonging for once.

“With those notices out of the way, we may feast!”

Firebrand cheered enthusiastically, and with his chant, each member at the table began to converse with each other as they picked food from the tables. Darkheart was already passing bottles of wine around, all of them immediately being uncorked and poured into glasses. 

Ban Hammer was sliding some of his own food onto Medkit’s platter in an attempt to get him to eat without having him feel nervous for feeling out, despite the fact he was now coated in flowing, regal robes, just like the rest of them.

Instead, his nervous focus was on himself, his arms were twisted around his chest and knees folded under the chair. Ban Hammer had a bewildered look as he tried to read into his gaze.

“You uh– You cold there, Meds’?”

“ No, no , I’m– I’m alright.”

“You ain’t look alright.”

Medkit turned his head up to meet his with a straight face, doing his best to not show unwanted emotion. Ban Hammer’s look was filled with an awkward but pleasant smile, silently attempting to ease him into an actual answer.

It took a few minutes of their silent staring; Windforce turning over to peer but not question what in the Inpherno they were doing, instead keeping her head within her own business; until the gears in Ban Hammer’s head finally clinked and he had an idea on what was going on.

“Hey.. told you they wouldn't judge.”

“ That’s not the point. ”

“Then what is? You ain’t got a reason to be nervous.”

Windforce turned over upon hearing Ban Hammer’s voice, taking a look at the two while Firebrand, whom she was originally in a drowsy conversation with, turned around to speak to his grandchildren.

“ –They do all of this for.. ‘Purity’. I don’t– feel..”

“But you are! –It’s not like that .”

“Then what is it meant to be then?”

“Being pure towards yer’self.”

Windforce had stepped into their conversation, peering over the shoulder of Ban Hammer as they both turned around. Medkit steadied his posture profusely as he felt he’d insulted her.

“This is ‘bout those scars, ain’t it? Normal things to us.”

Medkit said nothing, he only stared at her. He felt as if saying something would be deflecting the word of a god, something he didn’t exactly want to do; so instead, he remained quiet. Windforce looked into him, staring at the lines under his chest now that he’d put his arms to his side. She put a paw to the spiral around her neck, letting stray winds twirl around her finger.

“You ain’t no different than me, y’know that? That whole purity schmuck – it ain’t about bein’ ‘ natural ’, it’s ‘bout bein’ happy with yer’self . If ya’ change, so be it, long as you embrace it.”

Medkit stood wide eyed as she smiled at him, never in his life did he think he’d be receiving emotional support from not just a god, but Windforce of all gods. Ban Hammer chuckled quietly, having a sort of ‘I told you so!’ look on his face.

“..I understand.”

“Long as yer’ happy, ain’t no one ever gonna’ care, that’s the best part ‘bout livin’ for so long!”

She gave a lighthearted jab at him with her tail, before turning back over to meet with Firebrand who was still talking with his grandchildren. Something about her words touched his heart.

“Want a bottle o’ wine?”

Ban Hammer cut him off with a shake of a full bottle of wine in his grip, holding it towards Medkit. He shook his head in a declining manner, resulting in Ban Hammer shrugging nonchalantly and chugging the bottle himself, an act that made Medkit shudder at the sight.

* * *

The table was cleared with another snap from Windforce as everyone had finished their portions of the feast. With this, they all sat up. Sword quickly stood to talk to Medkit before he’d have to leave.

“Medkit! Hey! – I uh – really gotta’ make this quick but– it’s good to see you again! I’m glad you’re coming back every year!”

Sword was in a nervous sweat as he clung onto Medkit, who in return patted him on the back and held him by his shoulders to speak to him.

“What's going on? Is there– ”

“I’m.. having a ceremony . Venomshank said it’s the first time they’d ever do this to a mortal. – Man.. I’ve been freaking out over the past few days.. B-but I’m gonna’ be okay, alright!”

Medkit nodded, slightly tense as Sword saw Venomshank waiting for him. He slipped out of Medkit’s grasp and panted, wiping a streak of sweat off his forehead.

“ I’m.. –I’ve gotta’ go. I’ll.. see you in a bit, okay? ”

“..Okay.”

Sword ran off with Venomshank, summoning his gear as he stood in front of him. The rest of the SFoTH followed behind the two of them, and finally, their descendants lined up in the back. Ban Hammer turned over, hammer now in his grip, and gazed at Medkit.

“Wait out here for us, m’kay Meds’? This’ll.. be fast. – Probably. ”

Medkit nodded as the group of them entered a dark room in the back. Ban Hammer gave one final glimpse at Medkit before entering last and slamming the door behind him. Medkit could only wonder what in the Inpherno they were going to do to Sword.

The room was a hallway, primarily black, with seven stained-glass portraits of each SFoTH member hung behind a respective pedestal. Each deity stood on their respective spots, outside of Venomshank who was leading Sword to the front of the room, a beam of radiant light filtering over where he was now kneeling.

Valk and Dom stood in one of the corners beside the entrance, their parent standing on the other side, while Ban Hammer stood in front of the door with his gear out, guarding it from the inside.

Venomshank lifted a talon into the air, all other SFoTH following suit as they summoned their gears simultaneously. He tilted Sword’s head down, eyes closed as he knelt with his own sword held in front of him. 

“We’ve gathered here today, joined in unity, to bless one who is of a mortal with the blood of a god .”

Venomshank’s voice echoed throughout the chamber, pulsating throughout every one of their cores. He lowered his holy sword towards his hand, and gently cut a thin line through his palm, dripping golden blood. Every other deity in the room did the same, taking their swords and cutting a line into their own palms, drawing their own radiant blood as well.

He then held up one of Sword’s hands, and, taking grasp of his own gear, he did the same as the gods around him, sucking in a deep breath before cutting a line into his hand as well, dripping with the standard red blood of a mortal rather than the ichor that flowed through the rest of his family.

Soon, that would change.

Each deity slowly walked off their pedestals, taking a finger coated in their own blood, and drew a small streak on his forehead. With each line, the streaks formed a spiked circle, akin to the symbol of the holy Spawn. Only one streak was missing to finish the pattern, the streak that Sword was then commanded to use his own blood for to finish.

The symbol lingering on his head, each and every deity raised their sword above it, planting them in a circle, leaving a small gap above him. Sword was sweating, somewhat terrified, but he kept his calm stature and continued to kneel despite the pain.

“With this blessing, thou shall be granted the gift of the holy SFoTH. Your blood shall become one with the Spawn, conjoined upon us, under one roof, one sun, one moon, one Inpherno, one Inphinity, as seven swords shall bless your soul..”

Venomshank paused as each SFoTH member breathed in sync, allowing them to be unified under the ceremony that was taking place. 

“..As you raise your gear, the Spawn shall reign its light upon you, showering your heart in gold to become one with it. Do you accept the fate that comes with that of a god’s legacy, and every consequence that falls through with it?”

Sword tightened his eyes as he continued to lay them shut, steadying his breathing to be that with the deities around him. He parted his mouth to speak only two words, still kneeling upon his family of gods.

“I accept.”

“Then shall your gear become one with the hearts of the Inphinity, raise it upon the sky as your blood is one with ours! Reign upon the glory of the Spawn, as it shall grant you a new fate!”

And with that last line, Sword raised his gear into the gap between the SFoTH’s swords. With a sharp slice through thin air, the light above him gleamed with pure radiance, absorbing him in it.

Sword held his gear up high, not letting it falter as light washed upon him. Each streak of blood on his face shined in a ray of colors, corresponding to the SFoTH it had belonged to. His own blood turned from a deep maroon to a vibrant red, the color of his own horns.

From his back, beneath the lime robes given to him by his mentor, two bundles of light spread across, stretching outwards and curving up. Sword wanted to cry, not from pain, but from the overwhelming feeling that was washing over him. Despite this, he kept himself steady as the light formed steady shapes along his back.

After minutes of the gleaming that was forming over his back taking control of his body, they had finally let go; exploding into soft particles of light that filtered from the two protrusions that now laid on his back.

Colored in the same shade of cream as his body, growing a dark brown off the limbs and the tips painted red, the two limbs let themself stretch outwards from his back.

His two new wings.

They stood there, outstretched and pure, as the light left Sword, allowing him to lower his gear. The two wings then curled downwards, shielding his sides like an invisible hug. He opened his eyes, watching as Venomshank held out a hand to him; one he graciously accepted.

Standing up, his legs wobbling, his arm bumped into his newfound wings, which he was now peering at. He ran a hand through the feathered texture, pristine and glorious to the sight and touch. Venomshank put a talon under his chin and turned his head towards him.

“ Welcome to the SFoTH family, Sword.”

Sword smiled tiredly, tears falling out of his eyes as he hugged Venomshank tightly, his wings curling around him like how he’d do to him in the past. Venomshank smiled, giving him a warm rub on the back before turning him around.

Each SFoTH member was now exiting the room, which immediately brought Medkit’s attention from the floor up to them. Behind the deities, followed Sword, now with his new pair of wings. The scar on his palm was no longer red, but instead gold. Ban Hammer exited the room last to shut the door once more.

Sword ran over to Medkit and jumped into his arms, tears still in his eyes. Medkit gasped and graciously hugged him back, both of them panting. 

“ Oh– Oh gods – Medkit– I – Where do I even start?”

“You’re alive..”

“Y-yeah! I’m still alive! It’s okay- I’m fine! It’s just– wow ..”

The two of them stood in a hug, Medkit laying a huge smile upon his face as Sword cried happily into his back. Ban Hammer kept a short distance from the two, letting them have their moment in peace.

“Look-! I – I’ve got wings! –And now– Well– I– ”

“ Sword-! Calm down– I’m.. sure it’s a lot. –But, I’m very proud of you.. You lived.. ”

“ Hah– yeah! I’m.. gonna’ be living as a part of the family now.. For real this time!”

Sword clenched one of his wings in front of him gently so that Medkit could see. Both of them were panting from stress, yet extremely happy. They held each other in their holds for quite some time, Medkit patting Sword on the back to calm him down as Sword wrapped his wings around Medkit. 

“Ain’t they somethin’.”

“Guess so, heh. ”

Windforce had stepped beside Ban Hammer to watch the two cry in each other’s arms. She found the behavior of the two of them cute, meanwhile Ban Hammer was just glad to see Medkit happy. He was a little glad about Sword, too.

“Those two know each other outside’a’ the family or somethin’?”

“Yeah, ‘parently Sword’s known the guy since he was– whut? –Sixteen?”

Windforce hummed in agreement, arms now crossed as she nudged him with her tail. He turned to look at her, reading into the smug gaze she was flaring at him. 

“Wanna’ go drink ‘til they finish up?”

“ Fuck yeah I do!”

Chapter Text

Crossroads, Springtime, 3101

As the chaotic and eventful winter ended, the refreshing feel of a new spring had begun. The rain around Banland would be quelled and replaced with clean air and pollen; the latter often making Ban Hammer sneeze awfully loud while doing yard work.

But, instead of getting himself excited over poppies and spraying Medkit with the hose, both of them would be spending the beginning few days with Sword as per his request. As Ban Hammer had expectedly unexpected , Sisypus would return with more pecking at his window, this time in the middle of the night when he and Medkit were dead asleep. Medkit had to shake him awake to get him to fetch the letter, much to his own ire.

Sword’s request this time was to take a practice flight over Crossroads. He stated his mentor, Venomshank, wanted him to try flying around in more local environments, though he himself could not join him. Because of this, he needed someone to accompany Sword in the case of any unfortunate accidents, and Ban Hammer happened to be the only available descendant that could fly. 

Originally he was going to just deny it and move on, he had better things to do; however, ever since Windforce had gotten herself more situated with the rest of her family–most of it against the other’s wills–he’d expected her to hear about it. Medkit was also forcing his tail, not wanting him to just leisurely ignore Sword’s request.

So instead, they were where they are now: walking down the streets of Crossroads in an attempt to find Sword’s meetup spot. 

“ Okay – we’re here. Where’s the scamp?”

“ No, we’re not . This isn’t the right street.”

“This is where the letter said to go!”

“ No , the letter stated he was down the street from here. Take a left.”

“There ain’t nuthin’ on the left! It leads to a dead end!”

“You’re thinking of the street to the north , the left leads to the park.”

“We passed the park!”

“The other park.”

“There ain’t no damn ‘ other park ’!”

The two of them bickered back and forth, standing in the corner of the sidewalk as they desperately tried to negotiate which way was the right way. A few pedestrians gave them concerned glances before squeezing beside them. Medkit had noticed the staring of other civilians, quickly pulling the hood over his head further down to protect his fragile identity.

“You are attracting other people’s attention.”

Medkit spoke through gritted teeth, giving quick side-glances to Ban Hammer, who otherwise wasn’t paying attention. He absentmindedly tugged on his own shirt as he rolled his eyes. Medkit almost wanted to drag him down by the collar again, but held his paw, as they were in a more crowded location this time. 

“Ain’t no one gonna’ notice you! –And there ain’t gonna’ be no yellin’ if you just listen to me!”

And with that, the two of them went right back to square-one: bickering about directions in the middle of the street– As normal, mature adult Inphernals would .

Both of their conflicted trances would be abruptly stopped by the sound of a familiar voice calling Medkit’s name.

“Hey.. Medkit? ”

Both turned towards the noise, Medkit smacking Ban Hammer in the face with his paw in an attempt to shut him up as both looked bewildered at who was in front of them.

“You two alright? I– uh , went to go look for you and heard Ban’s voice.”

Ban Hammer raised a paw up to speak, only to be smacked again by Medkit’s hand over his mouth, which elicited a grunt from him. Medkit walked up to Sword and adjusted his hood before embarrassingly clearing his throat.

“Good– uhm – Good morning, Sword. It’s quite nice to see you again. Do ignore Ban Hammer’s loudness ..”

“ HEY! –DON’T BLAME THIS ON ME, SMARTASS! ”

Ban Hammer shoved Medkit’s paw away from him and growled, causing Sword to laugh and Medkit to flinch. A few civilians passing by stopped upon hearing his assailing shouts, most of which awkwardly passing by afterwards and attempting to not get themself involved. Sword paid no mind and grabbed Medkit’s hand, letting his wings unfold from the slits in the back of his shirt.

“Venomshank had already taught me most of the basics.. But he can’t go flying with me here. I can’t fly by myself yet, he says it’s unsafe.”

“Ban Hammer will guide you, he’s been throughout Crossroads’ skies many times–”

Medkit turned over to Ban Hammer and glared at him sternly, speaking through clenched teeth.

“–Isn’t that right, Ban’?”

With Medkit’s tone, Ban Hammer saw it less as a question and more as a command, which he begrudgingly stepped forward and nodded, rolling his eyes in the process like a child needing to do a chore.

Sword didn’t catch on, as he often didn't, and only smiled, looking cautiously up at his much older and taller cousin. Smiling and waving nervously, he nodded at him and puffed out his wings.

“So, where we flyin’?”

“Just around the city, not too high, I think.”

Ban Hammer shrugged and leaned down to allow Medkit to climb onto his back. Setting his paws onto his shoulders and clinging onto the fabric of his thin shirt, medkit patted him with his knees to signal he was ready.

“Try to keep up, eh?”

Ban Hammer smirked at Sword, letting out a laugh under his breath. In no way did he think Sword would last very long, but he’d at least take a flight around. Sword eagerly followed behind him as Ban Hammer moved forward to summon his own wings, their ringed form pulsating light from each arch. 

With a crash, Ban Hammer struck his wings down and leapt into the air, trailing leaves behind him as he swooped upwards. Sword followed suit, valiantly floating upwards with many flaps of his large wings. He held his head up high as he caught up with Ban Hammer, who was idly waiting for Sword.

“You get a good view of the city up here, y’know.”

“Yeah! This place is sick!”

Ban Hammer floated with a lax expression, crossing his arms over his chest. Sword took a look around, viewing all of Crossroads beneath him. He really did feel on top of the world right then and there. Each building was colorful and vibrant, each tower was huge and glistening, and each civilian walking down the streets was visible.

Sword was in absolute awe at it all. –Or, he was , until Ban Hammer slapped him on the arm and shouted in his face:

“TAG!”

And with that, he dashed off. Sword could hear the faint sounds of Medkit yelling at him from on his back while Ban Hammer laughed his way across the sky. First confused, but now eager, Sword followed him the best he could in an attempt to catch up.

The two of them dashed through clouds and soared around towers. Ban Hammer made cheeky turns such as soaring directly upwards or doing loops over Sword and flying behind him. Medkit urged him to go lighter on Sword, but he promptly ignored him as to not ‘ruin the fun ’.

Ban Hammer giggled like a child as he soared through the sky, not slowing down even the slightest for Sword, who was getting used to the air pressure and starting to speed up. Both of them continued their relentless chase across the skies of Crossroads for as long as Sword could go on.

* * *

“I’ll be honest, I missed this view.”

“ Really? You aren’t one to normally admit things.”

“ I know , but– it’s been a while.”

“You could always return, you know. The skies are forever open to you.”

“It wasn’t the same without havin’ you luggin’ by my side.”

The two large beings huddled beside each other, sitting on the edge of one of the cold metal bars that connected parts of a large tower in the central level of Crossroads. Their shoulders leant together, their thick tails swooped beside each other, and their legs dangled off the edge from where they were sitting.

Both were speaking quietly to one another as they huddled in each other’s warmth. The one who’d replied to the other giggled under their breath, their voice affectionate and warm. 

“Is that so?”

“Don’t be a tease, ‘Brand. ”

Firebrand smiled upon hearing his name from his sibling’s voice, the pleasant nickname being something he missed from the rest of his family. He slung a gloved paw over the other’s shoulder, feeling the fresh breeze around their neck and flicking on the scales.

“You can always come back, watching over this brilliant land isn’t the same without you by my side.”

“I’ve got my own land to go bird-watchin’ for. – But , maybe I’ll come visit more often.”

“You’re always welcome, Windy’ .”

Windforce nudged him upon hearing the noise of her old nickname, something given to her by Firebrand years ago that she’d missed being called by when he’d gone missing. He patted her back with a wider smile, letting her lean against him.

“Ain’t hear you spit that one out in years.”

“Would you rather I not? ”

“ Nah . Brings me back.”

Firebrand chuckled at her response, letting the light of Crossroads that seeped through the thin shadows of where they were sitting reflect on the flames on his neck. With each inhale, the fire around him grew brighter. Sucking in a deep breath, he blew out a puff of smoke to his side before leaning back against his sister.

Windforce copied him, breathing in to let the winds around her neck flow evenly, before blowing out a gust in the opposite direction. She snarled, her face scrunching up as she did so, making Firebrand smile in turn and wrap an arm around her waist, prompting her to smile.

“Sky’s been real better ever since you been back. Warmer. Missed home, eh ?”

Her tone was more solemn than teasing, prompting Firebrand to nervously grin. He let her go to move his paws together, toying with the cloth of the gloves and pacing his breath to let his flames release their cinders in an orderly manner.

“Missed you . Missed my family . Though, I must admit, I don’t believe the pleasant afternoons are my causing.”

“Then who else is causin’ all this heat? –‘Cus it ain’t me.”

“I’d like to argue it is ; you seem a lot calmer. There’s nothing troubling you, no?”

“ Psh – ‘course not. Yer’ back, an’ now I ain’t got nuthin’ to worry about.”

“Are you sure? I’d much rather have a sister happy in her destructive cause than one who chooses to hide herself for the sake of peace.”

“ I’m sure . ‘Think you just bein’ here’s been messin’ with my winds, that’s all. Missed’ya’ .”

She lent herself down onto his shoulder, soft winds pushing calm flames away and allowing skin to touch. A comfortable silence paused between the two as swirled gusts mixed to form miniature clouds which flew away in the horizon. Gentle purrs and slow breaths mixed into a tranquil evening.

 It was only when Firebrand had awoken the two from their trance, shaking heavily upon the feeling of sharp winds, his wings spreading out in shock. He shivered before giving Windforce a gentle nudge to catch her attention.

“Was that you?”

“Was whut me?”

“That gust– It didn’t feel like you, but..”

“I ain’t blow anything at you. Probably just updrafts.”

Windforce nonchalantly shrugged, Firebrand settling back down and tucking in his heavy wings against his back once more. Right when he was ready to ignore the sudden feeling, he shot back up as he felt it again; this time, he noticed a gleam in the distance from where it’d come from.

“What in the Inpherno is going on over there?”

“Whut? More wind?”

“Something’s in the sky over there, I can’t quite tell what..”

Windforce lazily glanced over to where Firebrand was staring, not taking his words seriously until she’d seen the same gleam and lit up. She playfully yet forcefully nudged him and pointed at the gleam.

“ Psh – You’re all worked up over nuthin’! That’s my son! ”

She watched as the gleam of light zoomed past them in the distance, laughing proudly with a roar that echoed through the clouds. Cupping her hands up to call out the name of her beloved child, she stretched out her wings and let them shine behind her, creating a similar gleam to the one belonging to Ban Hammer. 

“Shocked you ain’t tired yet!”

“It takes a lot to get rid of me!”

“Damn right!”

Ban Hammer cheered at Sword, who was still drifting behind him. Drifting through the skies and cutting through clouds like a knife in butter, he twisted and turned his way around the various buildings of Crossroads until Windforce’s particular gleam caught his eye. 

He immediately stopped soaring and held still, taking a look at the light from her direction. Though, before he could turn back to Sword, he heard his voice screaming as he crashed into Ban Hammer’s side with a heavy thud. Ban Hammer barely even flinched, but Sword struggled to fly his way back up to his position upon slamming into the rugged side of his cousin.

“Ow-w-w-w-w.. U-uh, TAG! ”

Sword smacked Ban Hammer’s shoulder and attempted to dash off. Before he could get away, Ban Hammer latched onto his cape and pulled him back towards himself, Medkit nervously looking at him. Ban Hammer smirked, pulsing his wings out once more to reciprocate his mother’s own light.

“HI MOMMA!”

He called out sharply, causing Sword to pathetically fumble in his grasp. He heard her own voice call back to him, which gave him a bright smile. Medkit peered over his shoulder, taking a look at the light hanging from under the crevices of the tower.

“She’s here?”

“Guess so! Bet uncle ‘Brand’s there too! Wanna’ go pay’m’ a visit..? ”

Ban Hammer smirked and spoke in a sing-song voice, inching his head towards Medkit’s. Sword gave an awkward chuckle, still dangling from his cape. Medkit reluctantly sighed and kissed Ban Hammer’s chin before nodding, awakening an eagerness in him which caused him to dash towards her light, dropping Sword, who began to rapidly flap upwards to save himself from falling. Chasing behind him, he scurried towards the light that Ban Hammer was eagerly chasing after. 

Drifting directly into Windforce’s direction with open arms, Medkit pleaded him to slow down as he was charging directly into her. Windforce opened her arms up and braced herself, preparing to catch her son in her grasp. With a swift crash, Ban Hammer forced himself into her chest, Windforce in return managing to catch him without breaking a sweat or even leaning back in the slightest from his force.

“There he is!”

Both of them giggled in each other’s arms, Ban Hammer nuzzling against the puffy fur on her cheek while she curled her tail around him. They held each other for some time, Firebrand idly watching as Medkit clung onto him like a starving kitten in a tree and turned back to watch Sword slowly flutter towards them.

“So what brings you causin’ a scurry in the skies today?”

“Your brother. –He had me babysittin’ his kiddo’.”

Windforce turned towards Firebrand with a confused and awfully offended look, one that Firebrand backed off against and shook his head to. She scowled slightly until the sound of continuous flapping appeared from behind Ban Hammer. She looked over his shoulder to spot Sword desperately trying to stay afloat as he made his way to the group and sloppily clung to the metal beam Windforce and Firebrand had been sitting on.

With a dazed expression, Sword adjusted his cape and pulled himself up to sit properly on the platform. Shaking his head to clear his mind, he turned over to spot his aunt and uncle both staring at him with befuddled looks. Windforce even let out a snicker at how pathetic he looked.

“ Oh . Hi–!”

Windforce’s silent snickers turned into a laugh at his attitude, Firebrand giving him a nervous smile from behind her. Sword waved politely and eagerly at the two, giving them a big grin. Windforce patted him on the back and dragged him closer to her.

“Had me thinkin’ you were talkin’ about this ugly lug for a second..”

Windforce nudged Firebrand harshly upon replying to Ban Hammer, who was now sitting in her lap idly. They both giggled, and Firebrand paid no mind. It was typical fashion of her to insult almost everyone she knew outside of her son. Medkit had noticed that behavior from her too, though he was more intrigued by it.

“Ain’t his kid already know how to fly?”

“I wouldn’t know, ain’t ever seem’m’ no’more’. ”

“I guess..”

“So– Whut’s makin’ ol’ Venom’ get in yer’ business anyways?”

“I dunno’? I don’t mess with those fools.”

Ban Hammer shrugged in his mother’s hold, Medkit stumbling behind him from the sudden movement, pulling on his mane, which elicited a scowl from him. Ban Hammer yanked Medkit over to his lap with a frustrated look. Windforce eyed Medkit, who was now clumped between her and her son; her gaze shot right through his own eye, which made him sweat a little.

“You had’ta’ bring your hubby with’ya’ too?”

Windforce scoffed behind Medkit; Ban Hammer groaning at the question rather than answering it. Sword couldn’t help but giggle at it, knowing she was right. Instead of letting them rebel in his embarrassment, he did what he often doesn’t do best: change the subject.

“ So – uh.. what brings you outside’a’ Playground?”

“Was bored.”

Both of them paused. Ban Hammer stood dumbfounded, while his mother kept a neutral look. Medkit turned towards him after noticing Windforce’s expression, then turned back to her, trying to analyze the situation. Ban Hammer scoffed and tilted his head in the midst of their staring.

“That’s it? ”

“..Pretty much.”

Firebrand eyed her for a moment, recognising the tone of her voice. He nudged her slightly, which caused her to roll her eyes with a smile and nudge him back. Patting his shoulder, she added on:

“–I wanted to visit this oaf too, I guess. ”

Ban Hammer’s confusion turned into a smirk as he recognised her tone as well. Shrugging, he let her be and began a different topic.

“So, Crossroads, eh? Ain’t like Playground.”

“ Damn right it ain’t, though if you’re the one keepin’ peace, then I don’t really mind.”

Windforce smirked at him in acknowledgment of his success within his job, a smirk her son ate up like a full-course meal as he shined her a big, proud smile back.

“Just doin’ my job.” 

“You really have, I’ve been told suspicious groups of people in Crossroads started disappearing right before my return. The citizens were quite pleased about it!”

Rather than Ban Hammer bragging about his job again, Medkit cut in with a nervous tilt of his head. His nose twitched and his hands moved to tap against each other.

“Suspicious.. groups ?”

“ Mhm , an associate of mine described them as.. ‘false religious members ’, particularly from the desert.”

Medkit’s heart sank at the mention of the people he was once associated with, eye beading in shock; though, his pulse returned to normal when a familiar paw was placed on his shoulder and he’d realized what Firebrand’s words actually meant. Turning towards the beholder of the hand grounding him, he spoke.

“They.. left? ”

“Gone inta’ hiding, remember those.. witness reports? ”

Ban Hammer smirked back at him, a proud look beaming upon his face, especially when Medkit had taken the sign and let out a faint gasp of pure relief. 

“So.. they’re..?”

“Not gone .. But, not as much of an issue. I’ve been a lot less on-the-clock for that reason, if ya’ haven’t noticed.”

“I suppose that leaves more time for the two of you to relax, no?”

“Yeah, it’s nice. I mean– the lack of a chase has been.. different , but I don’t really mind when I’ve got someone waitin’ for me at home, eh ?”

Another bright smile and a soft nudge met Medkit’s side as he leaned against the warm body that surrounded him. Feeling the soft breeze of crimson air and allowing the feeling of at least a little regained safety to wrap around him, he closed his eyes. Ban Hammer yawned, a soft, drowsy noise coating his ears, one that was cut off by Firebrand’s voice.

“Evening sky already tiring you?”

“ Evening ?”

“Take a look behind you!”

He gave a nod towards his uncle and turned around to look at the view that was around him. Medkit turned over too to take a look, noticing the sky slowly turn amber.

“Is it already that late?”

“Guess so.”

They all peered into the distance in front of them, the roofs of Crossroads being coated in golden light. Firebrand in particular hummed at the sight, leaning over to rest on Windforce’s shoulder again.

“Remember this?”

“I do.”

Firebrand chuckled softly, holding his paw up to play with the back of Ban Hammer’s mane, who without looking back allowed him to continue doing so. Sword curiously turned towards the two, tapping his aunt gently on the shoulder, bringing her attention to him.

“You guys would come here often?”

“When Ban’ was little, yeah. This tower’s been here for who-knows-how-long. ”

“It’s a nice resting place. You should come up here sometime now that you can fly, maybe you’ll find me again.”

Firebrand added in, turning to face Sword as well. His paw was still held in Ban Hammer’s hair, brushing through it neatly. Sword nodded and scooched over to lean against Windforce. Medkit turned to him and gave him a smile, which prompted Sword to speak once again.

“Why did Ban’ bring you anyways? I– I’m not complaining–! –But. . why? ”

Medkit only shrugged with a neutral look as he could tell Ban Hammer had shifted his head back over to look at him, presumably with an aggravated face to communicate to him not to answer the question. Upon returning to his normal position, he leaned his head between Medkit’s horns and let his crystal float above his nose. 

Windforce smiled at the sight, scratching his cheek affectionately as she watched the setting sun paint his fur gold. She smiled at the view of Ban Hammer lazily closing his eyes and using Medkit’s head as a pillow, a behavior he used to do to her when he was younger.

“Tired already?”

“Nah.. too bright. Didn’t bring the blindfold.”

Ban Hammer kept his eyes closed shut, huddling into Medkit’s wool. Medkit paid no mind to him, instead choosing to continue speaking to Sword, who was kicking his legs against the metal beam and leaning into Windforce’s bulky arm; she didn’t bother stopping him.

“You seemed to have caught up quite well. Is flying truly that easy to learn?”

“ Uh .. I dunno’! Venomshank did a really good job teaching me, he had Sisyphus help too. Maybe I was just really good at it.. –I’m not too sure!”

“..How quaint.”

Medkit focused his gaze on Sword, trying to analyze him. Sword stood still nervously, confused on what he was doing. Windforce coughed in her hand to bring his attention away from Sword and back to herself, petting one of her radiant wings with the other hand.

“It’s not exactly like walkin’. It’s almost.. instinctual . You just get used to it.. and suddenly you’re already in the air. Pretty damn neat.”

Medkit’s eye widened drastically, interested in the newfound information. He steadied his position as he prepared himself for the barrage of questions he wanted to ask her. –In the most polite way he could, anyways.

“Would you say it’s similar to using a gear?”

“Nah, it’s not that simple.”

“How long would you say it takes to learn?”

“Uh.. Think Ban’ learned it in maybe a week once I taught him how’ta’ summon his wings?”

“What is the energy usage for flying compared to– per say, walking?”

“That depends on who’s flyin’. It ain’t nuthin’ for me, but I dunno’ how it compares to some mortal.”

“At what age does one need to mature to for their wings to allow proper size for flight”

“ Uh –”

“Would you say flying is–”

Windforce shook Medkit with her large paw on his shoulder, causing him to bleat, which startled Ban Hammer awake with a snort. Windforce glared at him, not with anger or annoyance, but more a teasing look, twitching one of her eyes and smirking. 

“Relax with the questions, ‘Kit .”

Medkit paused all words and motions, especially upon hearing Windforce mention him by name. While she wasn’t all that serious about it, Medkit wasn’t risking pissing off a deity; not just any deity, but Windforce of all deities. He nodded profusely and held his hands close to himself.

“Maybe you can ask Ban’ about it, y’know he likes talkin’ ‘bout himself.”

Windforce spoke calmly, pointing her face at her son, who had drifted back to keeping his eyes closed atop Medkit’s puffy head. She gave him a stroke on the chin and turned back to Medkit, who was now looking up at the gigantic inphernal resting on his head.

Sword peered over again to tap onto Medkit’s shoulder, careful not to alarm him too much. Medkit turned his head towards him, though his eye was still kept on Ban Hammer. 

“Hey, Meds’, I might head back soon.. I don’t know when Venomshank wants me home.”

“ Ah , well– I hope your experience was enjoyable.”

“It was pretty fun!”

Sword giggled happily, smiling at Medkit with enthusiasm. Medkit gave him a soft look back, the drowsiness of the setting sun warming his body. Sword gave Medkit one last hug, attempting to squeeze between Windforce and Ban Hammer to wrap his arms around him quickly before steadying his position on the beam, ready to fly.

“You can make it home yourself, correct?”

“Yeah, it isn’t too far.. I’ll see’ya’ Meds’! Stay safe!”

“I should be telling you that.”

Medkit kept the smile on his face as Sword nodded, spreading his wings and preparing to jump off. With a swift leap, he soared into the sky, wings trailing behind him as he made distance. After a few moments of what felt like time trapped in slow motion, Sword began to flap, making his way into the light of the sun. Medkit watched patiently, the view of him in the distance growing smaller and smaller.

“Shall I take Ban Hammer home so as to not disturb you two?”

Medkit turned back towards the siblings, both of whom were laying beside each other with lidded eyes, taking in both the view and the looming feeling of tiredness that not even they could avoid. 

“If you’d like. He is not a bother to us, we’re family , after all. 

Windforce nodded beside him, humming in acknowledgment without speaking a word. Medkit hummed back, allowing Ban Hammer his moment of peace as he used Medkit’s head as a pillow, the warmth of the sun heating his back under his thin shirt.

Medkit closed his own eye, allowing the feeling of Ban Hammer’s weight atop him sink into his soul. The pair of twins continued to let them stay tired upon their lap, instead choosing to watch the glorious view, rather than bothering them. Their bodies were still tightly leant against each other, Windforce’s head against Firebrands as her winds quelled his flames, allowing the two to touch.

The golden light reflected upon them all, a feeling the pair had had remembrance towards for quite some time. Letting the sun’s pleasant rays do all the speaking for them, they stood quiet, taking in the pleasant scene for as long as they could.

Even when the sun had set, and Ban Hammer had taken Medkit back home, the two of them never left their sides, instead choosing to continue laying beside one another under the moon. A feeling they hadn’t felt for what was years upon years worth of time.

The two of them, family ; no matter how far apart they were, they’d always be together.

Chapter Text

Banland’s Palace, Springtime, 3101

Gilded lights blended with the colors of the glistening stained glass of Ban Hammer’s room, light purple cloth–translucent in nature–dulled the shining rays of prismatic light into a soft coating of color over the walls. Little noise was made in the comfort of the gleaming; both members curled together in the grasp of the sheets within their own net.

Their room enveloped them in a sensation of haziness, as if they were adrift in a soft cloud, a gentle haze of warmth and tranquility. Their bodies were enveloped in weightless sheets, cool and soft against their skin.

Medkit was held within Ban Hammer’s arms, wrapping around him with a firm hold and keeping him close. His body was warm, contrasting with Medkit’s naturally cold wool that happened to be slightly heating up from the other’s grasp. Ban Hammer had held his face into Medkit’s neck and curled his claws through his wool, rubbing into him like the pillow he was to him.

He didn’t mind, this behavior was routine; something he’d noticed about him a long time ago. Alongside that, the feeling of Ban Hammer’s warm, smokey breath was absolutely incredible. The rhythmic pulsing of his body with each inhale and exhale was delectable, skin rubbing against fur with each soft purr; a comforting feeling, one that made him feel secure in a special way, something exclusive to how he felt with Ban Hammer.

Their moments of primarily silence were occasionally interrupted by hums and content grumbles by Ban Hammer, often softly reciprocated by Medkit with his own humming. Each noise was him simply savoring the moment, full of perfect affection, low, deep, long, and perfectly soft. 

“ Mmmh.. Yer’ pretty..”

Ban Hammer nuzzled into his neck, voice sounding almost drunk. His paws kneaded into the thick wool, savoring its cool feeling that contrasted with his own natural warmth. Medkit let out a soft chuckle into his comment, leaning his arm down to pet the hands that were bunched into the wool on his hips. 

Ban Hammer tightened his grip and leaned further into Medkit, purring heavily into him. Medkit, in return, pushed against his arm to loosen his grip so he could turn over to face him.

“Do try not to squish me, Ban Hammer..”

Ban Hammer grumbled slightly from the loss of extremely close comfort. In retaliation, he huffed and pulled both him and Medkit over, turning on his back so that Medkit was now laying atop him. He held Medkit above him, giggling at the soft yelp he made upon being pulled atop him. 

Medkit made the best of his scenario, pulling an arm up to organize the locs made of his mane, sliding his fingers cleanly through each thick strand. Ban Hammer let out a pleased grumble in response, his deep voice sending pleasant shivers down Medkit’s spine. His body melted against Medkit's, all tension evaporating, leaving only warmth and the gentle pressure of their bodies against the pure comfort that enveloped them.  

Each vibration from his voice pulsed into Medkit, a rumble that warmed him from the inside out. He let the soft sensation bleed into him as he relaxed his body and sank into his partner’s bare chest; the vibrations now ringing throughout his core. The mixed feeling of Ban Hammer’s pleasant purring and his paws still kneading into his wool felt like a giant massage chair. 

The plush softness of Ban Hammer’s chest melted into his, his heartbeat steady and calm. The tender feeling of being held so tightly had him sinking deeper in the moment, tucking into the safe embrace of his arms. Ban Hammer shifted his arms to lay limp atop of Medkit, eliciting a sigh from him. 

With a content smile, Medkit let himself lay loose, his arm still raised up, leisurely and lazily playing with Ban Hammer’s hair. One of Ban Hammer’s paws slid up the curve of Medkit’s back and laid to rest on his head, fidgeting with the crystal between his horns. 

Ban Hammer pulled Medkit up to where their faces would meet, his head leaning into the side of it to give his fur a few soft kisses. Medkit turned his head to allow Ban Hammer full access as he absorbed in the lingering sensation.

“So.. so pretty..”

His voice was wavering and low, speaking between each kiss that he’d leave onto Medkit’s plush fur. The warmth of his breath ghosted against Medkit’s skin, the soft, sleepy sound escaping his lips, a gentle hum that conveyed the feeling that the world beyond this moment had faded away.

“Such a pretty thing..”

Medkit lowered his head, pressing his lips to the bed of Ban Hammer’s thick mane, the familiar scent putting him at ease. He had a soft, teasing look on his face, staring in awe of his lax partner.

“ Someone seems to be in an awfully good mood this morning..”

“Mmhmm..”

Medkit could feel the pleasuring weight of Ban Hammer’s words, each inch of desire behind them lingered with each purr. There was something so comforting to him in the way he’d whispered them, a gentle, caring feeling. His voice was nothing more than soft affirmations wrapped in affection.

Ban Hammer let out a soft chuckle, humming softly before gripping onto Medkit again to pull him closer once more. The two of them exchanged loving looks, communicating without speaking a single word exactly what they wanted. With a nod, Medkit pulled himself closer to Ban Hammer as the two met with a slow, lingering kiss. 

He, in his typical fashion, let out small groans of joy as the two shared their moment. Medkit would leave his grasp to kiss on his chin, giving the occasional nip on his neck; a feeling Ban Hammer awfully enjoyed. 

Ban Hammer mumbled happily under his touch, his fingers spreading across his back; a protective feeling that he enjoyed. Their room was filled with soft breaths and the gentle rustling of sheets as they made themself comfortable. It took them a few moments of hushed panting before they finally parted, both their faces were flushed with the color of their own horns. 

“..Eager.”

“I did say yer’ pretty..”

Ban Hammer chuckled under his breath, the kiss seemingly waking him up from his affectionate-drunken trance. With another cheeky begging glare, he tilted his paw to Medkit’s chin and faintly growled. With this, he nuzzled closer to him, delivering another soft kiss to his lips. Instead of lingering, they’d part for less than a second to place another across their faces. 

 Humming in thanks and shutting his eyes as he continued to pepper his partner’s mouth with love, Ban Hammer let himself get situated within the morning light. While he was certainly more awake, nothing would stop him from being idiotically affectionate to the inphernal he’d loved so much.  

Medkit gazed into his bright amber eyes, only to look up and notice the clock on the wall. Squinting, he recognised the time: 7:38am . He yawned and stretched his arms upon Ban Hammer’s stomach, lifting himself up.

Ban Hammer noticed his attempt to leave his grasp, and pulled him in again, trapping him between the fur of his warm chest. His grin was lazy yet smug, feeling Medkit let out another small bleat against him. 

“Where’d’ya’ think yer’ headin’?”

“It’s seven-forty, you have work, Ban Hammer.”

“I only got work when I wanna’ work!”

Medkit huffed, feeling Ban Hammer’s arms press down around his waist. He shifted upwards to lean his forehead against Ban Hammer’s, brushing his paw over his cheek. He sighed, a mix of mild exasperation filled his soft voice. 

Ban Hammer let out a sigh as well, mimicking Medkit’s. He glanced back into him with a raised brow, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth again. He pressed his forehead against Ban Hammer’s one last time before he attempted to sit up once more. Ban Hammer’s hand lingered on his cheek, his thumb brushing softly over the tuft of wool atop his head with an annoyed frown.

“You really want me to go work today..?”

“I’d rather not have you use one of your days off for something like this, especially on a day where you have a meeting.” 

Ban Hammer rolled his eyes begrudgingly, sighing and letting his limbs drag down the sides of his net. Medkit gave his stomach a pat with an apologetic look, giving the fur on his chin a light tug as he slid down the length of his body.

"C'mon.. gimme' five more minutes.. "

"I'd love to.. –But I can't have you be late."

"I'll just tell'm' there was some issue! Besides.. they can wait. "

Ban Hammer had a smug grin on his face, eyes half lidded as he stuck his face closer to Medkit's. He slid his hand up from his back to his head, latching on a firm grip.

Medkit sighed and trailed two of his fingers down Ban Hammer's chin, leaning down to kiss it before going back to look at him with a bittersweet feeling.

"I can't have you stay home. I need you to go out there.. and help people. "

"Hm.."

"You've already done so much to make my world a better place.. Now I need you to go make the Inpherno a better place for everyone else , too."

"You.."

Ban Hammer laid there under Medkit, contemplating. It took them a few moments of staring for him to let out a clicked huff and roll his eyes.

" Alright.. –But if I come back home all needy'n'clingy it ain't gonna' be my fault!"

"I don't want to end this just as much as you do, believe me ."

"Should I?"

"You should."

"..Then I guess I will."

Letting Medkit hop off his weight and climb off the net, he lifted himself up to stretch his back with a lazy yawn and a shake of his mane. Medkit picked up his large bathrobe off the floor, Ban Hammer having dropped it before going to bed the night before. Handing it to him, he made his way across the room to pick up loose clothing and pillows thrown onto the floor as Ban Hammer trudged his way down the stairs.

Letting his tail thump down each step, Ban Hammer rattled through layers of cupboards in the kitchen; the morning’s golden light reflecting off his fur. The entire room was painted amber from the refreshing morning air, a feeling akin to what he’d always felt when beside his mother; a feeling that grounded him back to where he was now.

Sliding his favorite mug–one given to him by Medkit, of course–under the coffee maker, he let the addicting noise of it settle himself as he sat beside a covered glass table that stood beside a slightly-open window. Turning to face it, looking at the flowers in their small container that hung from the open panes, he flicked one of the small buds and walked back over to the counter to scoop a few ice cubes into a cup.

Walking back over to the window, he took each block of pristine ice and placed them carefully within the soil, letting the patient sun do the watering for him when they’d melt. Upon placing the last block of ice, his whickers flickered from the sound of Medkit walking down the stairs. Turning to face him before he could even make it past the third step, the two engaged in another silent conversation with their eyes before Ban Hammer patted next to him.

Medkit was an inch away from him until the coffee machine rang, instead heading to grab Ban Hammer’s cup and slide it on the table for him. Now that they were together, they exchanged a quick kiss from across the table before giving more leisurely stares.

Medkit tensed his glare at Ban Hammer, eye focusing on him with a sense of want. Ban Hammer caught on and gave him an eyebrow raise, asking him what was wrong. Medkit’s expression changed to one of a softer, more sad look, tilting his head as if he was urging Ban Hammer to do something.

The two of them had their back-and-forth for a while until Ban Hammer broke their silence and flicked his whiskers down. 

“You okay? Need a pot?”

Ban Hammer lifted his cup and shook it in his hand, a small bit of coffee spilling down the side, which he promptly licked. Medkit shook his head, stretching his arms atop the table.

“You aren’t in as much of a hurry as I’d thought you’d be.”

“I don’t like rushin’ the mornin’s. This is nice.”

Medkit chuckled softly with a tilt of his head, which brought a smile back to Ban Hammer as his whiskers tilted upwards once more. Shaking the cup in his grip, he leaned over the table and struck him with a pathetically romantic gaze. His voice became smooth and very insinuating when he’d open to let out a tease.

“Been tryin’ a new flavor. . You want some? ”

His tone made his point of clearly not aiming to just let Medkit take a sip out of the mug obvious to the guest whom it was directed to. With a roll of his eye and a lean back into his chair, he flicked his arm over to indicate a yes; though, not before spitting back at his stupidly affectionate words and his smug grin.

“You’re such a tease..”

“I pride myself in it, an’ I know you like it too.”

Ban Hammer replied back in the same tone as he got up and crouched down to Medkit’s height, stuffing his nose in his face and clinking his own horns against his. With a hushed snort, he let his mouth intertwine with his, the subtle passion and gleaming comfort of their current position warming both their bodies from the inside out.

A few more happy grumbles from Ban Hammer echoed through the quiet of the morning air, sliding his hand up Medkit’s back and laying his palm on the back of his head, playing with the wool using his claws and pushing him forward so that he would feel as if he was being pushed back. Medkit himself noticed and pulled his paws up in a shock to hold him still and lean farther into his warmth.

Held there for what felt like ten minutes in just thirty seconds, they let themself savor the feeling of being intertwined in such an intimate way before Medkit pushed him off, Ban Hammer’s tongue left dripping over his mouth upon disconnect. 

He had to admit, the new flavor was quite nice.

Ban Hammer stood up slowly, no longer crouching against the floor. He tapped on the surface of the cup left on the table from which he’d drunk from and slid it to Medkit, the smooth marble of its surface bumping into his soft arm. Medkit struck him with a confused glare, but he only sat up and patted him on the shoulder.

“ Work . You can finish that for me.”

“ Ah .. Right.”

Ban Hammer left the kitchen and took the doors that lead to the larger bridge across the two sides of the manor. Shutting them behind himself as his tail squeezed through the thin opening, Medkit was left to ponder to himself and feel the breeze on his pelt.

Waiting for a moment as if something would happen despite the odds against him, he’d be awoken by the sound of the door slamming back open as Ban Hammer tackled him playfully and peppered his face with kisses. Medkit laughed from beneath him, at first trying to shove him off until he accepted his fate and let his partner smother him. 

It took Ban Hammer around a minute to finally finish, his last kiss being on his lips before he nuzzled his neck and puffed up the wool atop his head. Patting him on the back, Ban Hammer shot him a brave glare.

“ Now I gotta’ work. Can’t forget the sugar for yer’ coffee..”

“Ban Hammer..”

Medkit snickered at his words, fixing his wool with his paw as his tail softly smacked against the surface of his chair. Ban Hammer stood proudly at him, huffing his chest and shaking his mane. 

“ That’s .. That sure is one way to describe it.”

“Did it work?”

Ban Hammer’s eager voice sounded like a child’s as he crouched down to Medkit’s height and eyed him like a bug. Medkit gave him a flustered look and gently pushed him away with his paw, giving him a stroke down the chin before letting him go.

“I’d say so.”

“That’s all I needed to hear.”

That was the last thing Ban Hammer said before he left, and it was all Medkit needed to hear too. His heartfelt words stuck through his heart as he awaited his warden to return, a feeling he’d always felt waiting for his return.

While the wait was long, the gift of watching Ban Hammer fly home in the distance was always worth it.

Chapter Text

Crossroads, Summertime, 3101

Gleaming sun and rippling currents – a good way to describe where Ban Hammer and Medkit had made themself out to be.

Comfortable in a loose sundress, hat above his horns as he knelt down on an old beach towel that was laid upon the sandy floor beneath a colorful umbrella that spun in the sun, Medkit let the crashing of waves on the shore ring patiently through his ears. A few things were littered atop the dusty towel outside of himself: an old water cooler, a few plastic buckets, a crushed beer can, and Ban Hammer’s own gear.

Leisurely waiting for the owner of said gear to return, a bright light brought his attention off the floor and up into its direction. 

“He should be almost done. It’s nice weather to be out.”

Medkit nodded at the being in front of him. Moving the box of ice out of his way, he allowed the fiery dragon he was semi-familiar with to lean under the shade with him; an offer he happily accepted as he knelt down across from Medkit.

“Where are the other two?”

“ Windy’ went with young Sword to get a drink.”

“Really? I don’t ever remember Sword being fond of alcohol.”

“No, no, he isn’t. He’s just there to look after her for a minute, make sure she doesn’t.. You know, wreak havoc . I was there too, but I wanted to check if Ban Hammer had returned.”

“Ah, I see.”

“That was actually the only reason I’d invited myself, if I’ll be quite honest–! My sister cannot go very long without someone needing to.. keep her in touch. ”

“I could only imagine.. –Not to insult her, by any means.”

“Well, I have some time for now. So.. how has life been?”

Firebrand tilted his head, Medkit adjusting himself comfortably as he eagerly responded. A quote from him was another returned from the beast that tamely knelt next to him like a dog. One sentence became two. –Then three, four, five , soon paragraphs of information about daily life were shared in what felt like only a few minutes.

The two of them locked themselves into a lively conversation, both sharing bits and details about the everyday experience; both sides were quite interested in the unfamiliar lifestyles that the other had lived. Medkit’s life was simple and tame, while Firebrand’s was regal and often full of responsibility. –That, and his grandchildren’s concerts.

Eventually, the talk about generic daily activities died down and transformed into something harder to express. Medkit’s initially simple comment about if Firebrand was affiliated with any other mortals outside of himself spiraled into a deep-rooted and somewhat emotional talk about the distance between their family.

“–Not often we do, no. It’s unfortunate.. I take quite a liking to mortal inphernals such as yourself. They make great companions.”

“It’s not everyday a mortal gets to be so comfortable with a deity, either. I’m sure I’m one of very few.”

“That you are . Our family.. We once were a tad more.. ‘ widespread ’. Accepting , even.”

“And what happened?”

Medkit leaned in eagerly, while Firebrand simply paused. He put his hands together and took a moment to himself. His face was distraught, though only for a second, as he turned back up and took a deep breath. The flaming patterns around his neck pulsed with the intake of oxygen, flowing gently in the salty breeze.

“You were not the first mortal to accompany one of us in such a way. –My grandchildren.. they..”

“Their parents, yes? I’ve heard. –Ah, sorry , I hadn’t considered the sensitive topic.”

“No, you’re alright. My child.. they were..”

Firebrand paused again, his tongue seemed to be trapped and knotted within his own words. Of how much he wanted to share, he wasn’t sure; but, he did know there was something important he wanted to make clear to Medkit. Something that would soon relieve him of a hidden worry within his wooly heart.

“ – Look , some things are simply not meant to be . You and Ban Hammer.. I don’t believe you are like them. Windforce feels the same.”

And with that, Medkit had a brief exhale of assurance, feeling as if the slightly-bottled-up poison of believing ‘ we could never work ’ had collected itself from his core and threw itself away. Adjusting himself back to his proper posture, he twitched his nose and put his paws together.

“Ban Hammer had mentioned a long time ago.. something about their split-up being quite drastic for you all. He said me meeting you all could.. perhaps bring them together again?”

“I won’t doubt the possibility. In fact – I think that would be.. quite nice . We had always been so torn with each other, and then we were torn from mortal-kind too. It hurt my heart to see. Mortals, they are.. ‘special’ , they deserve our company too.”

Something about Firebrand’s words was melting his heart. –Thankfully, only figuratively, although the possibility of the summer’s heat mixed with Firebrand’s own melting him like ice in an oven had only slightly worried him. Regardless, the sight to have held to be able to hear that someone in the family believed he could change them all felt almost inspiring. Almost . He wasn’t ready for that responsibility just yet.

“I don’t know Ban Hammer’s plans for the future. I would’ve never expected to be in his company, of all inphernals. –But, he’s.. a blessing. He saved my life. ”

“Well, I’m glad he’s finally made a friend. – Er .. more than a friend, eheh.. ”

Firebrand had a bewildered look on his face as he noticed his mistake, though Medkit didn’t entirely mind– he found it quite endearing. Both of them quietly chuckled, Medkit appreciating the sentiment. He raised his paw to speak, ready to inquire more about the possibilities within him and their family, only to be interrupted by the loud thumping of a tail against wood; the sound of Ban Hammer returning.

“Heya Meds’! –And ‘Brand, aye – where’s Momma?”

“You mother is still at the bar, presumably. In fact – I should go back to check on her. I’ll send Sword on his way, let you three kids have some fun.”

Firebrand sat up slowly from his perch, his hands removing themself from where they were left in the sand, the markings outlined in melted glass from the extreme heat. He gave Ban Hammer a pat on the shoulder and walked patiently towards the drink stand in the back.

Ban Hammer shook his mane and lazily flopped next to Medkit, not worrying about any sand that would fly into him from his fall onto the towel. He wore nothing more than a large summer jacket and an old pair of shorts, his chest and stomach fully exposed. Medkit gave him a quick rub on the stomach as he leisurely laid next to his partner.

“What was ol’ ‘Brand doin’ with you?”

“He wanted to talk, that’s all.”

Ban Hammer hummed nonchalantly as he continued to lay beside Medkit. His head turned over to look at the coast in the distance, a few other inphernals already playing through the waves. He shot himself up, and leaned over Medkit’s shoulder with a smirk.

“Hey, wanna’ go catch some waves? I wanna’ see if they got a surfboard for me!”

“I don’t believe a surfboard would be quite enough to fit you. It’d take a table to carry your weight.”

“Really?”

“No.”

Medkit almost laughed at his own sentiment, although Ban Hammer was entirely serious about his question, being the charming idiot that he was. Pulling his head back and groaning like a disappointed child, he drowned out his voice and pressed against Medkit’s paw impatiently.

“D’aw.. Fine! –At least take a dip with me then.”

“I’m not exactly in the mood to swim. I could join you in the shallow end, though.”

“Good enough! Let’s get a move-on!”

Ban Hammer beamed with joy while Medkit could only bring a tired smile to his face. He wasted no time and threw his jacket on the ground, proudly boasting his large chest out with a stretch; Medkit was lucky enough not to flinch, at this point, he was used to it. Though, before Ban Hammer could snatch up Medkit’s arm, he was stopped by a tug on his horn.

“Wait a minute. You don’t exactly have much fur.”

“So whut? Ain’t that mean less dryin’?”

“Your skin is exposed.”

Medkit poked Ban Hammer’s nose before crouching down and scurrying for the familiar bottle that he made himself absolutely sure to bring, knowing that it would save his poor, reckless, draconic partner from a lifetime of sunburns.

The bottle of sunscreen.

Snatching it with his paw and uncapping it, he turned his body back at Ban Hammer, who immediately noticed the bottle and backed off apprehensively as if Medkit was holding a knife. His whiskers lowered and his gaze shifted from excited to fearful.

“I don’t want you receiving any sunburns, especially when preventable. Here–”

Medkit patted the surface of the now-uncomfortable-textured towel as to insinuate Ban Hammer to sit in front of him so he could reach across his body. Despite this, Ban Hammer only moved back, twitching his nose and pulling on the base of his tail.

“Ban’?”

Ban Hammer attempted to respond, but only incoherent mumbles escaped his breath, the grip on his tail harder and the look on his face deepening with stress. Medkit wasn’t entirely sure where this new apprehension was from, but he didn’t exactly want to test his luck by forcing him to do something.

“..What’s wrong?”

“ Hmph ..”

His mumbles were still unreadable, the only thing Medkit could tell from him was that he was alarmingly afraid. Maybe this was why he never wore sunscreen when going outside? –He wasn’t sure, but he wasn’t going to let Ban Hammer cook from the sun, especially since he’d be unable to tell he was being sunburnt with heat-proof scales.

Instead of rushing anything, Medkit decided to simply stand up and outstretch his arm. Ban Hammer peered at his fuzzy paw, wool covering his wrist like a cuff. The snowy-white tips of his fingers were very familiar and always comforting to him, and because of such, he let his hand connect with his and sat next to Medkit.

“It’ll be quick, I’d never hurt you.”

Ban Hammer huffed and turned his head towards Medkit, wanting to keep a sharp eye on him while they’d go through the slow and unreasonably agonizing process, not filled with pain, but discomfort. Medkit pressed the end of the bottle into his right paw and rubbed the two together, moving up to stroke his shoulders.

The cold half-liquid immediately caused him to flinch, snarling lightly and squinting his eyes shut with a squirm as Medkit rubbed into his skin. While Medkit himself was awfully curious on why something like this would bother him so much, especially with how he was so used to lotion, he knew better than to question it as of right now.

So instead, he kept working his way down, smearing the coat of sun protection over his scarred and patterned back, flicking over the wing-spots that glowed under his touch and being delicate over healed wounds that covered his skin like paint.

What felt like two hours for Ban Hammer had passed, filled with squirming and whimpers, all uncharacteristic from someone like him. With one last smear from Medkit, who was painting over his pelt like a canvas, delicate and natural, he scratched him under the chin and gave him another gentle poke on the nose to signal he was finished.

“You should be all set, that should help you for a while.”

“..Yeah. Thanks.”

“Would you like to head in now, or.. do you need a minute?”

“Nah.. I’m ready.”

With a sigh, he raised himself off the ground, tail dragging behind him as he stretched upwards. Medkit clung onto his shoulder and stood up as well, facing away from him to throw the bottle back on the ground. Suddenly, upon hearing a recognizable snicker, he felt the large shadow of Ban Hammer standing up looming behind him. He shuddered, then yelped as he was picked up by Ban Hammer’s burly paws.

Being dragged to the water, he watched as Ban Hammer took the first few steps in. The clear blue sea washed over his limbs as the shore spread out and dusted wet sand and shells beneath them. 

He slowly set Medkit down, letting him get a feel at the wet sand. Medkit shifted his hooves through the soft, mushy texture. His eye was glued to the sediment, which made the unexpected crash of the shore’s wave returning cause him to jump. He scurried out with a bleat, nervously quivering by the water.

Ban Hammer blankly stared at him, Medkit nervously staring back. Neither spoke; instead, Ban Hammer walked back over to him and let his hand out in an attempt to ground him. Medkit peered at his paw, then back up to his face. Taking a deep breath, he took hold of Ban Hammer’s paw, toying with his claws, and stepped forward.

A few steps at a time, both of them marched forward like an elderly couple. Medkit stuck his hooves into the wet sand and watched as the water crashed forward again. This time, he didn’t jump back; he only flinched, squeezing onto Ban Hammer’s paw tightly. The cool sensation of the wave was a new, slightly startling feeling; however, as the rippling quelled, it became soothing.

Medkit inched forward more, Ban Hammer following suit. The cold water spread farther across his legs as it gained deeper, his hooves now entirely covered. With each step, his pulse lowered and his movements became steadier.

“Better, yeah?”

“ Mhm .. This is nice.”

As the two of them sank deeper, Medkit made an abrupt pause. The water was up to his chest now, seeping through his sundress. He squeezed Ban Hammer’s paw with a somber gentleness as the two’s eyes met.

“You alright?”

“Yeah. I like this. –Could.. we stay here?”

“Here?”

“Right here.”

Medkit lowered his knees and swirled his hand through the ripples, the wave in front of them crashing down and sending its soft waves rushing between their legs. His gaze met Ban Hammer’s again, still knelt down, water almost up to his neck. The look on his face was calm, almost vulnerable, silently beckoning him to comply.

A silent sigh from inside of him ringed pleasantly as Ban Hammer smirked and knelt down alongside him. Medkit let himself sink into the sand, Ban Hammer doing so as well. Both of them were now resting within the calm waves, each new one sending pulses of clear, comforting water to wrap around their bodies like a loose, cold hug.

The water was now above Medkit’s chest; as for Ban Hammer, it rested right below his. The rippling of currents throughout their bodies chimed simultaneously. He leaned himself against Ban Hammer’s shoulder, letting the setting overcome him with a peaceful expression. 

The chirping of young and old inphernals alike would surround them, though they were all blocked out by the refreshing noise of the waves and the comfort of their skin against another.  

It was only them in that moment. Them and the sea.

* * *

“Hey.. Meds’? You up?”

Medkit’s eye hung ever-so-slightly open, the feeling of water soothing his pelt was gone, instead left with a nasty , lingering, soggy coating of moisture over his fur. His dress was gone, a soft blanket coated over him instead. Upon further peering and grunting, he realized both the shadow above him and the voice calling his name was none other than Sword.

“Medkit?”

“I’m.. I’m up.”

Raising his back and groaning, pulling the blanket up to keep his body covered, he shook his wool and fully opened his eye to peer at Sword, who was patiently sitting cross-legged beside him. Medkit’s voice was groggy, not keen on being awakened from his nap. 

“Why am I–”

“You and Ban Hammer sorta.. fell asleep in the pool. Lifeguard didn’t really like that, so Firebrand went to fetch you guys.”

“..Ah.”

“It’s no biggie, you’ve only been asleep for maybe.. ten minutes?”

Sword put his hand to the chin and ruffled his feathers while he pondered. His other hand went to poke at the oversized shirt he was wearing, pulling at some of the loose string that coated the corny text written atop it. Medkit sat there in a solemn silence, coated in his blanket and staring at the ground.

The loss of comfort was apparent, a lingering feeling of emptiness held itself within his core. With an apparent shake of his head, flicking himself up, he desperately looked around, hands shaking against the towel coating the sand. Sword took note of his alarmed demeanor and cooed a nervous chirp at him.

“ Why – W-where is Ban Hammer..?”

“ Oh – uh..”

Sword side-eyed and stuck his thumb out to the side, pointing in the direction of the shore. In front of it was none other than the inperhnal Medkit had been seeking for, hoisting a large plastic table over his head and sprinting into the water, screaming hurriedly and eagerly. Medkit stared absolutely dumbfounded at the sight, pure horror in his beady green eye. 

* * *

Medkit had to drag someone out of the water by the horn as he was pounded with waves later that same day. Windforce laughed at the mess, half-drunk after spending a good five hours at the bar– unaccompanied at that. Medkit was not at all amused, though after dealing with someone as borderline- stupid as Ban Hammer, he couldn’t bother to judge.

–So, instead of making a snarky comment, he let himself sink into Ban Hammer hold, wool now dry, as Windforce was fixing up his mane. While it was admittedly not as nice as letting the ocean carry him in its invisible arms, being wrapped in a towel had to do; just as long as Ban Hammer was by his side.

Ban Hammer’s plastic table may be lost at sea, but the two of them will always be together.

Chapter Text

Banland’s Palace, Summertime, 3101

“..You’re a mess , you know.”

“Oh please ! You caused more of this than I did!”

Medkit rolled his eye, swiping a wet towel over the granite kitchen counter which had been coated in starch, rice, and spilled sauce; it was still ever-so-slightly too hard to reach comfortably, even after all these years. He laughed off Ban Hammer’s clearly false accusation with a muted chuckle and a smug look on his face.

“ Preposterous .”

“I don’t speak ‘old geezer talk’ !”

Ban Hammer nudged Medkit by the arm, now having sat up from being idly and impatiently waiting within his chair at the table to bother his partner. Paying no mind to his grumbles and snappy comments–none of which ill of heart–he kept swiping down the table, shooing away Ban Hammer’s starch-covered paws.

Turning to look back at him upon hearing his dull voice growl in defeat, he managed to peer at the mess that was the beast in front of him; mane covered in more starch, a bit of sauce dripping on the side of his mouth, giving Medkit the pathetic look he always loved yet hated to give him upon his own shame; all of it was joined together to force a smile upon his face.

Now, how’d they get to this point? It all began upon Ban Hammer’s slightly late return home, and only got worse upon the recommendation of trying something new .

* * *

“ME-E-E-E-EDS’!”

With a slam of the door opening via a thick and meaty tail, Ban Hammer had barraged himself inside his own home, armor clanking against walls and tables while maintaining the hordes of plastic bags tied around his arm. After slamming into five walls, two tables, and a chair, he’d finally made his way to the kitchen. In a hurry, he threw the bags sloppily onto the floor without regard to the potentially fragile contents inside them as he ran back down the twirling staircase.

Medkit had heard the ruckus from beneath him, awoken from the leisurely nap he had been taking from his office space, which rested one floor above the one in which he’d heard all the commotion. He ran his way down the steps, careful not to trip as his hooves clattered against soft wood. Though, upon reaching the final step, there was no lion waiting for him in the kitchen; only grocery bags.

At least he knew why he was gone for so long.

Leaving Ban Hammer to his own business–since if he needed healing, he would’ve begged for it–he made it his goal to instead search through the bags and unload its assorted contents. Scurrying through each one, he’d noticed what was contained within them was different than what Ban Hammer would usually bring home.

White rice, bags of starch, eggs, chili powder, sriracha sauce, varied peppers– all of extreme levels of spice, and chipotle, luckily mild. 

Typically, Ban Hammer would bring home anything simple to eat or make; he wasn’t exactly known for being a good cook. Medkit wasn’t any better, having previously lived on microwavable-meals years ago, so admittedly, neither of them could be considered great chefs.

However, this time around resulted in mixtures of ingredients that would have to be cooked. The staggering amount of spice contents within was setting him off, not very keen on wanting his tongue burned off from the agony of even just mild chipotle .

He was never one to tolerate spice.

Fear and nervous sweats being shaken out of his mind upon hearing the clattering of heavy clawed steps back up the staircase, his focus shifted from the worrisome ingredients to Ban Hammer’s eager smiling face. Before he could even lift a paw to question what in the Inpherno he had planned, he was wrapped into a tight squeeze; the act being something Ban Hammer loved to enact, and Medkit only slightly hated to be the victim of.

“Missed ya’ bunches, Meds’!”

“ Y-yeah – m-me too– augh –!”

It had been ten-seconds-too-long until Ban Hammer had finally released Medkit from the impenetrable cage that was his burly arm’s grip. Panting and slightly kneeling towards the floor, Medkit patted Ban Hammer’s arm tiredly yet affectionately, then turning his face back towards the food left on the counter from him unpacking the bunch.

“Are you.. expecting company?”

“Company? Where’d’ya’ get that from?”

Moving to the side and pointing his thumb towards the ingredients that were idly waiting to be combined in a hellish mixture that was sure to kill anyone who dared try it, his eye turned back to him with a nervous and questioning glare. Ban Hammer’s returning gaze was blank, not exactly sure of what Medkit was insinuating. 

“You.. aren’t one to cook often, no?”

“Nope! –But that changes today!”

“I-I’m sorry?”

Medkit’s panicked expression was halted upon being pulled by the arm towards the counter, Ban Hammer shoving him against it and rubbing his hands in delight. Reaching up to recklessly scurry through cupboards for pots that remained almost entirely unused for years, he shoved them onto the stove with a clang and clapped his hands together.

“Let’s get to work, yeah? Dinner’s gotta’ be made tonight!”

“Ban Hammer.. –and, my apologies for stating this, but– You’re not exactly the.. culinary type. ”

“Says who!?”

“ Me .”

“ Well you –”

 “–And yourself. Your mother as well.”

Ban Hammer stood in shock and embarrassment, not exactly sure how to further retaliate Medkit’s obviously true comment. Once again, doing as he doesn’t ever do best , he attempted to change the subject.

“..Well– I’ve been wantin’ to try somethin’ new ! C’mon, it’ll be fun !”

Shuddering at the comment, especially upon looking back at the deathly contents on the table, Medkit made himself aware of his new fate and sighed, nodding. Ban Hammer ignored his hesitance and exclaimed, preparing himself to attempt his best effort of creating his own meal.

Thirty minutes of pots clattering over stovetops, ingredients being meshed together in ways that not even the SFoTH could imagine, complaints about anything ranging from food supply, to the cooking process, to daily life among criminals, and Ban Hammer accidentally leaning his hand over an open flame without even noticing had all passed until they’d finally made some sort of progress.

Inside the large pot on the stove, a mix of sauces and rice swirled together to create a heavenly-smelling but hellish-tasting concoction that appealed only to the likes of Ban Hammer himself, curator of said meal. Medkit winced upon leaning in closer; while the smell was quite nice, a closer whiff let him get a good feel for how aggravating the sauce would be to his taste buds.

Inside another pot on the side was a few eggs that laid in boiling water. Medkit made the compound decision to not worry about his partner’s mess and instead chose to scoop out each egg with care, setting them on a towel to peel off the shells, leaving almost perfectly-done boiled eggs that were ready to be eaten. 

Ban Hammer, on the other hand, was now tearing open a case of starch powder with his jaws, some of it dusting onto his mouth upon tearing the paper lid of it to shreds with just one tug. He coughed to the side and puffed out a breath of smoke to clear his lungs before carelessly pouring some into the batch of liquid, stirring with his other hand.

Medkit peered at him upon his abrupt coughing, tilting his head to question what Ban Hammer was doing, that is– if he even knows. Instead of raising his voice to ask, he went with the more logical answer, that being that he absolutely did not know what on Inpherno he was doing and was just mixing whatever seemed right.

Though, his staring was caught by a small glimpse within one of his amber eyes, now turning over to look at Medkit’s awfully befuddled look. Knocking onto the pot with his knuckles, he raised a confident smile.

“This stuff aught’a’ thicken it up a lil’, y’know? Make it easier to eat, less soup-y or whut’ever’.”

“Right.. Do be careful with that.”

“I will, I wi-i–il– ”

Right as Medkit had dared to speak about being careful, Ban Hammer had caught himself mid-sentence with the sensation of a sneeze. Before Medkit could even try to shove his face over to prevent the accident that was just waiting to happen, he’d already sneezed in front of him, blowing starch all over the smooth counter, as well as all in his mane.

With some coughing and wheezing, alongside some shocked looks and hidden snickers from Medkit, Ban Hammer shook his mane and blew the baking dust all over, much to Medkit’s ire as he backed off to avoid it getting in his well-maintained wool. Shuffling his whiskers and twitching his nose, Ban Hammer spiraled into a loud laughter upon the mess he knew he’d now created.

“ BWAHAHA – We-e-e-ell, ‘bout that– eheh !”

“..You’re so pathetic.”

“You’re one to talk, shrimp-tail! ”

Both of their voices were very playful, Ban Hammer taking a hand and dusting off more of the powder off his fur before sticking a finger into the pot and swirling his tongue over the distinct flavor. He took another dip and swayed it to Medkit, encouraging him to try it too, which he politely denied upon wanting to savor his sense of taste. 

Taking the now-cooled eggs off the towel beside Medkit and plopping them onto bowls that were now filled with the curry mixture that he’d proudly and sloppily created with love, he slid one bowl to Medkit and took the other, much larger bowl to himself.

Medkit couldn’t last one small bite without having to gasp, his shock only getting exponentially more intense upon watching Ban Hammer practically drink the entire thing in one go. Savoring the egg for last, he threw it up into the air and watched it fall into his mouth, chewing it easily and licking his slobbery lips.

His eyes now landed on Medkit’s bowl, which was barely even scraped past the surface of the rice and was still warm. Medkit peered back to him, and upon seeing his hungry puppy-dog face, he slid his bowl to him and got up to wipe the counter.

Taking a rag from beside the sink and coating it in water, he swept upon the hard surface, polishing it with rhythmic ease. Ban Hammer downed the second bowl from behind him with just as much ease, the spice not even gaining a bit of a reaction out of him. Setting it down, sauce running down his mouth, he turned his head towards Medkit without getting up. 

“Good stuff, eh?”

“I’m sure it was.. if I could even eat it.”

“Whut, can’t handle a lil’ spice?”

Medkit groaned slightly under his breath, knowing that Ban Hammer was sitting behind him with his stupid, teasing grin. He chose to ignore his playful antics and continued to wipe the surface of the messy counter. Ban Hammer shook his mane again, still slightly itchy from the starch in it, a sound that Medkit also could hear from behind him.

“..You’re a mess , you know.”

* * *

Upon the quelling of their past shenanigans, Ban Hammer settling from his enthusiasm to cause even more of a mess, and Medkit shaking off the addicting effects of his partner’s behavior that he almost caught himself, the two met in the middle; they found getting Ban Hammer washed off would be the next best step of action before they’d settle down for the sky’s nightfall.

What was meant to be a quick wash turned into yet another evening of the two of them huddling against each other within a pool of warm water and soap; at this point, it was inevitable with how routine Ban Hammer wanted it to be. He loved being the one washed, after all. Medkit’s complicity at first was only fueled by knowing there wasn’t exactly another option, but seeing his partner’s face so dazed from joy made it feel rewarding.

A few comments about food tasting and a lot of gentle rinsing of thick fur later, and here they were now; resting against the weight of one another–one certainly being more prominent than the other–and keeping quiet on the couch. Ban Hammer had yet another bowl cupped within his hands, one he was willing to share with Medkit, although, as expected, he declined once more.

While he was enjoying his hand-crafted meal, Medkit was clinging himself to the weight of his partner’s side. Plump flesh coated in thick, textured and scarred skin in which his paws slid under his shirt to feel for laid in front of him, his back protected by a hefty tail that kept him between the two heavy surfaces, a feeling of protection when keeping himself there solemnly gently seeping warmth into himself like the pools of lava that’d seep through the cracks of Banland and into their own sea.

Ban Hammer simply let himself be kneaded like dough by the paws of the ram he’d cherished so much; it reminded him of what he used to do to his mother, snuggling up to her side and pawing at her skin while her tail would keep him steady until he’d fall asleep in the grip between her body. This wasn’t the first time something Medkit would do to him that reminded him of himself, almost as if they weren’t as different as they thought they were, especially initially.

It made them both feel alive , on the giving and receiving end. 

Chapter Text

Crossroads, Falltime, 3101

Dusky nightfalls in Crossroads often consisted of gray-ish clouds covering the sky like smog, blocking out the view of the nebula above all inphernals. Luckily– or rather , as per Ban Hammer’s secret request to his mother, the night sky hadn’t had a single puff blocking the view of the heavenly sight above them; purple hues fading to red, blue, and black, decorated in balls of white that gleamed like no other.

The moon had placed itself directly above where the two of them were now: walking the short remainder of Ban Hammer’s flight-path, choosing to let the scenery above them comfort their intertwined paws, as well as granting him a break from having to spread his wings all the way to Crossroads.

Despite the start of the fall season, the air was still warm from the summer’s heat. The only noticeable difference was a slight pick-up with the wind, though even without the sun being out, it still somehow remained warm. On the plus side, it allowed the two of them to be more unrestrained with their choice of what to wear on their first date in over a year.

 Dressed in an extravagant indigo dress as if he were on his way to a ballroom, Ban Hammer’s gloved hand latched onto Medkit’s own, he who was currently wearing a clean suit, not royal, but still classy. The leftover of Ban Hammer’s flight was nothing more than a short walk to a restaurant, filled with gentle word exchanges and less than the usual amount of shouting from Ban Hammer.

With the sound of Medkit’s hooves no longer clanking against the sidewalk, both of them paused in front of the towering building that stood beside them, gleaming in what felt like ten-thousand lights and decorated with intricate patterns within the pillars and walls. It was both welcoming and incredibly regal. Ban Hammer’s tongue clicked upon the tall sight, nudging against the ram beside him.

“Ain’t she pretty?”

“Quite marvelous..”

“Well, I ain’t here to go stare at some tower, I’m hungry!”

Ban Hammer, with a heavy grip of Medkit’s soft paw, rushed himself into the soft light that coated the interior of the building. The inside was almost all painted in that same gold light, almost feeling natural. The smell was delectable and the scenery was quite easy on the eyes, a blessing for someone like him who was hoping to not be blinded upon walking in.

Eagerly stepping his way forward towards the check-in table, he, as always when being served, stared down whatever poor worker was attempting to check his reservation and followed them nonchalantly to their table from there. Medkit both couldn’t bother nor wanted to interfere, it was routine for going out, together or not.

Their table particularly had one of its sides beside a booth, across it lay a single chair, as per Ban Hammer’s request; any typical dining chair wouldn’t be able to fit him or his hefty tail, and here was no exception. Snuggly wrapping his tail to the side, tip laying on his lap, he gave Medkit a sappy look with his arms folded over the table and chin pressed against his arms.

Medkit ignored him to instead speak to their waiter, who needed their choice of drink. He raised his paw up, knowing what he liked by heart, but Ban Hammer had cut him off with a slide of his arms on the table and an eager voice.

“Three beers, make ‘em full!”

“Ban Hammer.”

He was met with a scowl from Medkit, who didn’t exactly have d rinking as if they were at a bar on today’s schedule. Ban Hammer swiped his hand as to disregard Medkit’s apparent staring; although, he had to admit the firmness of his voice was practically choking him. He brushed it off and let Medkit continue, who just accepted Ban Hammer’s monstrous request and ordered his own drink.

“You really shouldn’t drink so much right now.”

“Oh please, it takes like– ten beers to get me drunk. – Minimum !”

“Right, sure .”

Medkit gave up trying to fight it and just scoffed, swiping his hand over and brushing off Ban Hammer’s recklessness, the latter in return letting the topic sink as he leaned back and rubbed the end of his tail, curling each fiber of the fur lining the point of it with a claw. He tilted his head and began to speak once more after the two were left in a silence longer than what they were used to outside of staring.

“So.. you got any plans for us this season?”

“Plans?”

“Y’know, fall’s here an’ all, so maybe we could have a few days off, do somethin’ fun!”

“What’s all this from?”

“Well– It was sorta’ quiet so.. I’m just try’n’ to, y’know–”

Medkit hummed, his expression painfully neutral; meanwhile, Ban Hammer was stuttering horribly upon his words, not exactly knowing where he wanted to take his current conversation. Peering up to meet his four golden eyes with Medkit’s one emerald one, he felt his glare send a shiver down his spine. Something in the air just felt.. tense.

“Are.. you okay?”

“I’m fine, yes.”

“Did– did I like, do something? ”

“Did you?”

“I– what ?”

Staring and sitting, stunned with slight dismay, Ban Hammer bent his head back against the seating and tried to not let it bother him upon not receiving an answer past his most recent question. He brushed it off and tried to lighten the mood some other way, Medkit’s attention focused now on the drinks placed on their table, thanking their server and taking a sip.

“Maybe I can– uh .. Bring you to go hang out with the fam’ soon? They might be free.”

Medkit didn’t reply back, leaving Ban Hammer in silence. He hadn’t even looked up from his drink to see the panic on his face, entirely unaware that he was slouching uncomfortably into his seat as some kind of guilty feeling washed up on him.

“..Medkit?”

Upon hearing his name, he finally turned up his drink and peered at Ban Hammer, who quickly got up from sinking into the cushions and leaned forward to meet his eye. Striking a curious yet quiet hum at him, Ban Hammer noted the sound and began speaking in a solemn tone.

“What’s.. –What’s wrong? You don’t seem.. Uh ..”

“Don’t seem what?”

“I— I dunno’? You sound kinda’.. reserved ? Did someone like– piss ya’ off?”

Ban Hammer spat out the question with a wince, slightly confident that he’d somehow done something to upset his partner. Medkit shrugged, his face still neutral, though this time he’d actually give a decent reply, much to Ban Hammer’s relief.

“No, I did say I was fine.”

“Well– I dunno’, you seem tense.”

“I’m just not used to going out, I’d like to keep myself professional.”

Ban Hammer’s whiskers flicked upon hearing his peculiar answer. Medkit paid no mind to his words, not seeing an issue in his thought process, but the beady-eyed lion on the other side of the table was blinking confusedly.

“Professional? We’re on a date!? It’s just you an’ me!”

“There’s a whole crowd here, I don’t want attention brought up to me.”

“You.. I mean–”

Ban Hammer paused his words, recollecting himself and positioning to which his hands were now back on the table, getting a good look at the ram who still remained straight-faced. Thinking as to what he could say to reassure him, an idea popped into his mind, which he beamed up to state.

“Okay, okay– how ‘bout this, next time we wanna’ go out.. We find someplace more private. Does.. does that work?”

“That would be nice, yes.”

Medkit flicked him a very small smile, a feeling that reassured Ban Hammer to his core. He sighed upon seeing that sweet, addicting expression from his partner’s face, something he loved to cherish every time he was met with it. He gifted him a big grin back, showing the relief within himself. Medkit nodded in appreciation.

“We’ll– uh , do somethin’ fun at home, yeah?”

“Mhm.”

Upon the end of their conversation, the weight of fear on Ban Hammer’s shoulders now having lifted, he let himself take in the patient scenery of the room, listening for sounds and voices while keeping his eyes closed to limit light soreness.

Medkit’s eye was on the menu; with his awkward meeting with Ban Hammer over, he could finally decide on what to order. Pleasant piano was audible in the background, being played live by some sort of unrecognisable group. Ban Hammer wasn’t aware who they were either, nor was he a big fan of classical, but he let the sounds ease him anyways.

Comfortable silence filled the room as Medkit kept his attention mixed between the menu and his drink, while Ban Hammer practically looked asleep, eyes still closed and content with the vague sounds that surrounded him and his great sense of hearing: clattering of plates, conversations between inphernal couples, young and old, each press on a piano key, the list would go on.

Being encountered by their server once more, Medkit cleared his throat in Ban Hammer’s direction to bring his attention back to what was happening between them; though, instead of leaning forward again to say his order, he kept his eyes closed and hummed. Medkit took it as his way of telling him to go first, so he did as such.

He was somewhat shocked to see as many options as he did on the vegetarian menu, though it wasn’t exactly like he was used to eating out, especially at such a rich place such as this. Upon finishing his simplistic and short order, he tapped on Ban Hammer’s burly paw, causing him to yawn.

Refusing to open his eyes or even turn his head, he spat out his ridiculously large and specific order, causing Medkit to go wide eyed as he watched it all happen in front of him. Last he checked, Ban Hammer hadn’t ever even read the menu.

Finishing the last word in his lengthy request, Medkit cut in to say thank you as the server left them to themselves. He was still in shock from what in the world Ban Hammer just ordered, alongside how he was able to recite all of that so easily. 

“..I don’t remember you ever looking at the menu.”

“ Psh – I don’t need to, I’ve practically remembered the entire thing.”

“..You have?”

“I used to go here maybe like– once a month or so in the past; an’ every time, I’d order the same thing.”

“Ah.. wait –”

Medkit cut himself off, nervously glancing at Ban Hammer, who still had his eyes closed nonchalantly. From the amount of coupled inphernals beside them, to the signs outside that specified many couple-themed desserts on theme with the fall season, he could quite easily infer that the restaurant was made for people in a relationship.