Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“It seems only yesterday I used to believe

there was nothing under my skin but light.

If you cut me I would shine.

But now if I fall upon the sidewalks of life,

I skin my knees. I bleed.”

Billy Collins 

Sometimes Ranboo wishes he could be a kid again. He wishes for that sense of innocence and opportunity. He wishes to be so naïve as to believe he could fly if the wind were generous enough to carry him. He wishes to have his only worries be of hot chocolate burning his tongue and lego blocks hiding in his carpet. 

He wishes to be happy again.

“I keep forgetting

The light in my eyes

That reignited

 

I keep forgetting

That I am whole again

All on my own

 

But I won’t forget

What I’ve learned

From being hurt”

Silent Thoughts

Living with Phil and Techno—he concluded—was the closest to feeling secure he had been in a long time (even if he had, he wouldn’t remember it). There was peace in knowing his small shack of a home was surrounded by burning snow and stray wildlife rather than lies, deceit, and explosives. Sometimes he likes to tell himself he doesn’t remember much about L’manburg—that it was a mere myth amongst tongues. Alas, the life of war was not something easily forgotten—even by someone as forgetful as himself.

Ranboo wakes with a tremble. His bones shiver and sweat drips from strands of his hair down his cheek while heaving breaths litter his body. With large pupils adjusting to the world around him, he takes in his situation. 

He’s in his bed. He’s in his bed. He’s fine, in his bed. Safe .

“You’re fine. You’re fine. You’re fine . You don’t remember. You don’t remember. But I do remember? No . You don’t remember.” He rambles on to himself.

He decides it’s time to start the morning at—looking at his clock—midnight. At least he slept. He can’t complain when there have been occasions he’s gone without rest for days. He wasn’t refreshed, but he was awake.

He goes to check on Ranbun, dragging his legs behind him as he heads for the cozy enclosure. He peeks inside and finds a vacant area with no signs of life whatsoever. It was almost as if Ranbun never existed at all.

“Ranbun? Ranbun, where are you?!” Ranboo calls out, opening the door to his house without a second thought.

It was dull and bleak outside. The moon shadowed the land with a powerful reign that could only be drowned by the Sun herself. Off in the distance, he can see a few hostile mobs spawning, but nothing of concern. Ranbun couldn’t survive in an environment like this. He needed warmth and shelter and care. Ranboo was meant to give him all those things. He needed to find him. He needed-

A glimpse of black and white catches the corner of his eye as he notices the prominent colors dash to the right. Ranbun . His beloved pet was headed for the woods. That was no place for a pet, especially at night. Ranboo takes off running, cutting through the land and heading for the trees in the hopes of catching up with the rabbit—a bold desire, to say the least.

He’s running and running and running and soon he’s surrounded by trees and he can’t see his house or any lights or civilization and the trees around him don’t look familiar but when did they ever; he was lost.

Another dash of color and he’s jogging to the left. He finds himself stopped in the middle of a clearing. He’s surrounded by tall trees that shadow over him and cloud his thoughts. The branching limbs of bark begin to shift and mold into Endermen. A sight that would typically soothe him, caused him immense panic as they seemed angered—their bodies quivering with frustration. Ranboo closes his eyes tightly and wishes that when he opens them back up, that it will all have disappeared.

“It truly is funny.” A voice cuts through.

The once piercing screech from his kind stops immediately and the trees gain back their soft brown color dusted with white. Ranboo—in search of the voice—takes in his surroundings. His eyes fall upon a shadow in front of him. He can make out an outline of a person but that was about it. He couldn’t think level enough to study the identity.

“ What ?” Ranboo’s hoarse voice interrupts his thoughts, worn out from running around.

“One of the most powerful hybrids in this land; can’t even keep track of a bunny.” That mockery . Ranboo knew that mockery. He knew that voice and that kindness laced with hatred and deception he saw all too often. He knew who he was speaking with.

“ Dream .”

 “Surprise.” Dreams' smile mask walks into the light but it needn’t be, for Ranboo already knew the man was happily grinning. 

“What are you doing here?” 

“I can’t go for a walk?” Dream fake pouts, beginning to circle Ranboo, making him feel intimidated.

“Pretty far for a walk, wouldn’t you say?” Ranboo glares back, following Dream’s masked eyes.

“You wouldn’t know.” 

“Ah, yes. You’re homeless. I remember now.”

Dream stops in his tracks, staring coldly at Ranboo. Typically, Ranboo has no problem looking Dream in the ‘eyes’ because it was only the mask, not his physical eyes. Although, now it angered him. That glare . It boiled his blood.

Dream raises his hand and snaps his fingers. The crack resonates harshly in the winter air and clings to the wood of the trees. Ranboo—unfazed—waits for something to happen. When nothing occurs he opens his mouth to talk. The sound of high-pitched squeaks quickly fills the air for no more than a few seconds that is followed by a deflating sigh.

Ranbun .

“What the heck ?!” Ranboo cries out, not wanting to believe what he heard.

“If you wanna play games, Ranboo; that’s fine. I’ll play your game. But you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into.” Dream deadpans.

“You’re a monster !” Ranboo, voice cracking, shouts at the man. “Where’s my pet? Where is he?”

“Oh, you know.”

“ Where is he!?” Ranboo yells louder, his voice edging on distorting but he maintains control.

“If you want,” Dream unsheathes a glistening netherite sword from his pack and holds it as his side, letting it poke at the ground gently, “I can take you to him.”

“No, no, no. This isn’t happening. You’re not real. You’re not real. You’re not real.” Ranboo begins to slowly back away from Dream, his breathing picking up again as if he hadn’t stopped running at all. 

“Oh, is that so?” Dream is inching towards Ranboo, the two dancing back and forth, “Why don’t you find out how real I can be.”

Dream lifts his sword over his shoulder and-

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.”

Robert Frost

“Techno?” Phil’s voice calls from the upper part of the house.

“Down here.” Techno shouts back, less loud and enthusiastic.

Phil makes his way down a set of ladders until he’s at the bottom of the residence, “Trading with Orphan, I see?” Phil comments.

“I require resources.” Techno deadpans as he continues to trade.

“I’m sure that you do, I’m sure.” Phil chuckles. “Well, I’m gonna head to Ranboo’s and help him gather some more netherite. Care to join? I’m sure he won’t mind.”

Techno scoffs, “He’s terrified of me, Phil.”

“Maybe he wouldn’t be if you didn’t patronize him all the time.”

“I do not- ” Techno locks eyes with his friend, “Whatever.” 

“Exactly,” Phil nods, “Well, are you coming or not?”

“Eh,” Techno puts his items away, stopping his trades with Orphan. “I guess I could use some more netherite.” He shrugs.

“Alright, let’s go, mate.” Phil smiles brightly.

“And when they bombed other people’s house, we

protested

but not enough, we opposed them but not

enough. I was

in my bed, around my bed America

was falling: invisible house by invisible house by invisible house.

I took a chair outside and watched the sun.

In the sixth month

of a disastrous reign in the house of money

in the street of money in the city of money in the country of money,

our great country of money, we (forgive us)

lived happily during the war.”

Ilya Kaminsky

The snow is falling with a fire in its flakes, burning against the ground kindly. Phil and Techno trudge their way to the small shack in the corner of the land. They’re used to snow, but it’s colder than usual. Phil can only pray that Ranboo isn’t affected too poorly.

Knock. Knock. Knock.  

There’s no answer.

“Ranboo? It’s Phil and Techno. You said you wanted to go mining today?” Phil calls out gently.

There’s still no answer.

“ Ranboo ?” Phil’s tone is a little quieter. It’s unlike the hybrid to be so quiet and slow to answer requests. That was what concerned Phil the most—Ranboo was so obedient. It was almost unnatural— forced , even.

Phil locked eyes with Techno, asking for answers, but all Techno offered was an emotionless face and quick shrug. Perhaps Phil was overreacting. Ranboo probably needs a minute.

“Ranboo? You alright, man?” Phil tries again. 

No response. Phil decides Ranboo’s minute is up.

“Ranboo, I’m coming in!” Phil barges in, the door unlocked and easily swinging open. Phil stops in his tracks and stares at it. Ranboo always locked his doors. He was quite an anxious individual. Techno and Phil share a glance, encouraging each other to continue the search.

It wasn’t a long search. The house was small and mostly untouched aside from the occasional chest or crafting table. There weren’t many options for a man to go missing into. It was...empty. There wasn’t much to go off of.

Phil walked over to the animal enclosure, a small but homey area meant for Ranboo’s pets. He finds Ranbun sitting peacefully in his cage, staring up at Phil with large eyes. 

“Do you know where Ranboo is, little one?” Phil questions, gently petting the rabbit who leans into the touch.

“I’ve got an idea.” Techno’s voice shouts from outside.

Phil leaves the rabbit alone, wearing guilt for ceasing the affection so promptly. He manages his way to the front of the house and stares at what Techno’s found: footprints.

“On our way, then. Shall we?”

Techno simply nods as the two follow the path—terrified of what they’ll find.

“Forgetting is family portraits with a stranger in each one whom you cannot help but miss.

They say you have his smile.

Forgetting is not being able to close your eyes for longer than 8 seconds without thinking yourself 800 miles away.

How did I get here?

Forgetting is waking up from nightmares 7 times a night,

Right into another one.

Phil wasn’t sure what he was expecting to stumble upon, following this path. Although, he wasn’t expecting this .

The teen was laying on the cold floor, shivering from what Phil couldn’t tell to be either temperature or fear. Small whimpers left his lips as he curled in on himself, holding his arms and hugging his own body. He was a mess. It was so unnatural and terrifying to see.

“ Jesus Christ- ” Phil rushes over to the boy. He kneels down and tries to gently hold the boy, but he flinches so hard it’s as if Phil hurt him.

“N-No. Stop.” That is all Ranboo can make out. Even he wasn’t sure if the light stutters were the hypothermia or panicked state.

“ Ranboo , are you with us, mate?” Phil questions, deciding to let Ranboo hold himself instead.

“It’s not real. It’s not real. It’s not real.” A mantra of words spills from his lips as he tightly closes his eyes, wishing to forget.

“Hey, hey, hey. We’re real, Ranboo. Techno and I, we’re real.” Phil tried to convince him.

“It’s not real. It’s not real.” The mantra only continues.

Phil and Techno share a look. Phil was a variety basket of feelings. His furrowed brows painted concern but his glossy eyes whispered worries and pinched lips sang sadness. There was little to no emotion in Techno’s face, yet it was the most compassion Phil had seen him show for another individual who was not family. That was how Phil knew this was serious. Whatever Ranboo was going through, it was beyond them.

“C’mon, mate. Let’s get you up and going. Somewhere warm, yeah?” Phil gently lifts him to his feet. He stumbles at first, fortunate to have Techno grab him and push him back into stance. With a friend on each side and a blank glossy stare into the nothingness, Ranboo made his way home.

Trying to remember is looking back at what you had written only moments before and being convinced that someone is in your house

And they have your handwriting.

Remembering is . . . 

Something I’ve forgotten.”

Cristin H.

Ranboo came to with a warm feeling in his chest and soft fuzz brushing his cheek. Distantly, he was able to recognize that he was covered in a hand-knitted blanket and placed near a fireplace. The room was small with little space for a person to be comfortable. The scent of spiced smoke and dusty rock filled the air with a familiar breeze. 

Pushing down vertigo he began feeling as he lifted his head, Ranboo looked around him with blurry vision. It took him a good minute, but he was able to focus on a figure in the corner of the room, not that far from him. A green and white striped hat sat comfortably on his head, casting a shadow over him as he stared down into a book. He seemed content with the moment—a feeling Ranboo envied.

“Phil.” His attention is stolen. Phil quickly whips his head to the side, seeing Techno walk up the stairs and head to the sink to wash his hands. Phil follows suit by standing up and walking near his friend. Neither set of eyes are on Ranboo.

“What’s up?” Phil finds his spot, leaning against a wall with a window and watching the stray chicks try to teach the stray calf how to slow their falls by flapping their nonexistent wings. Both mothers were nearby; eating leftover grains Techno had thrown out that morning.

“Phil, why was Ranboo out there?” Techno questions, turning off the faucet and facing his friends as he dries his hands with a towel.

“Seems to be a hot question at the moment. I wish I knew, man. It doesn’t make sense; why would he go out into the snowy terrain without his armor on?” Phil adds to the mystery.

“I mean, he does have that whole memory problem.” Techno tried to rationalize.

“He has difficulty remembering things—he doesn’t have dementia, Techno,” Phil responds, unimpressed by the idea.

“Well, how-how do we know if he’ll even remember this when he wakes up?” Techno argues, stumbling on his words while trying to clear his thoughts.

“Because we’ll tell him.” Phil furrows back.

“But, what if it happens again, Phil?” Techno pulls back his hand-crafted wooden chair and takes a seat softly.

“Then we’ll deal with it again. What are you trying to get at here, Techno?” Phil’s brows still furrowed with confusion and concern.

“I’m not sure. We don’t know what he’s doing out there, Phil. Sometimes he doesn’t know what he’s doing. He’s even told us before—there are times where he blacks out. Who knows what he has going on?” Techno explains.

“Techno...what are you saying?”

“I think it best that Ranboo find a warmer environment to stay in.” He says it as kindly as he can but all Phil can feel is cold spikes entering his skin. 

“No. uh uh. No way.” Phil shakes his head.

“Phil, please- ”

“ No , I said no.”

“Just hear me out-”

“I said no !” Silence wavers over the room as Techno stops speaking. Phil sighs, overwhelmed by his own outburst. “Listen, Techno; Ranboo is Ranboo . He’s not Tommy. He’s nothing like Tommy. He is his own person and deserves to be treated as such.”

“I never said-” Techno begins but is quickly cut off.

“You don’t have to. I’ve known you too long and too well to see you repeating the same patterns. One person gains your trust and the moment they even bat an eye in another direction—you’ve lost all hope in finding another. Just because p one erson hurts you doesn’t mean there’s no good left in the others.” Phil explains and Techno is speechless—unsure of what to say. Phil was right, but he didn’t want to admit that. “Ranboo’s a good kid. He’s not going to betray us—he won’t betray you . He doesn’t like that whole picking-sides shit. If anyone deserves a friend; it’s him .” 

There’s a long moment of silence that hangs near their heads as Techno processes Phil’s words. It’ll take him a while to adjust to the realization, but at least this time he’s willing to try and change. “Alright, Phil. Alright.” He nods and Phil nods back assuringly.

“We should go check on him, yeah?” Phil suggests and Techno nods.

Phil smiles as Techno pushes in his chair and follows behind Phil. The two peacefully make their way to the small living space they placed Ranboo in and look over to the lump of blankets in the corner. Techno decides to stay back near the entryway as Phil walks closer and pulls back the blanket lightly.

“Ran-” His words are quickly cut off when he finds out the blankets are empty of life and lay lonesome on the floor. They’re still freshly warm but woven with strands of cold. Directly above them is a strong breeze from the opened window that wasn’t there before.

“ Shit ,” Phil mutters.

“Trying to remember how sad I am

Would be an easy adversity

But the recollecting of Bloom

 

 

Keeps making November difficult

Till I who was almost bold

Lose my way like a little Child

And perish of the cold.”

Emily Dickinson

“I need to leave. I need to leave. It’s best for Phil and Techno that I go somewhere else. Techno himself wants me gone. I’ve overstayed my welcome. I need to leave.” Ranboo can’t tell if he’s trying to convince himself or if he’s simply sorting out his thoughts. He’s back at his old base and is gathering as many resources as he possibly can—preparing himself to start a new life somewhere else.

In the search for iron, he comes across the animal enclosure and is surprised to see Ranbun sleeping peacefully in his cage. He was safe . Dream didn’t kill him. Perhaps Ranboo had made it all up in his head? Perhaps none of it was real? But, what if this wasn’t real? How would he be able to tell?

His head spun quickly as he sat down to calm his nerves. He’s given barely a moment of peace before it all comes crashing down once again.

“You didn’t think I actually did it, did you?” That same persistent voice pops in his head as he looks up to see Dream leaning against his open doorway.

“You’re not real.” Ranboo grunts back through gritted teeth.

“Perhaps.” Dream shrugs his shoulders, “Perhaps not. It’s not like you could tell.”

“Leave me alone ,” Ranboo demands angrily, tightly gripping his hands into fists and hoping that the nightmare before him will disappear. 

“No can do, friend. I’ve got a responsibility to take care of.” 

“What responsibility?” Ranboo finds Dream still there. He ponders with furrowed brows.

“ You .” Dream smiles, “You know too much, Ranboo. You’ve seen too many secrets unfold and heard too many truths. There’s more power to you than you know yourself—and I just can’t have that. I can’t have a threat like you in my land.”

“You’re lying.” Ranboo bites back.

“Think what you will—I’m not going anywhere.”

“Why can’t you just leave me alone !” The words echo through the small home while clenched fists and woven tears form at Ranboo’s skin. He takes in a deep breath and finds Dream nowhere to be found. Instead, Phil stood sadly at the door with Techno close behind.

“Oh, Ranboo,” Phil whispers—having seen this scene far too many times throughout the years. He pitied the younger one, as he had no idea the ride he was in for. Ranboo saw the fear in Phil’s eyes and quickly stood and made his way to Phil. 

“I-” Ranboo started but choked on his words and decided to stop. He was angry beyond what any language could express and exhausted out of his mind. 

“It’s alright, mate. It’s alright.” Phil pulls Ranboo into a hug and at first, he stiffens. But, once he feels the warm cloth of Phil’s shaw against his skin and gentle pats placed on his back—he starts to feel at home. He leans into the touch and hugs back. He looks up briefly to see Techno standing near. Ranboo is about to say something to the older but is caught off-guard by the neon green hint in the background.

“Big Brother is watching, friend.” Dream whispers before falling into the shadows smoothly. All Ranboo can do is hug Phil tighter and close his eyes—wishing for this to be a dream as well.

“Nature’s first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf’s a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down today.

Nothing gold can stay.”

Robert Frost

Chapter Text

“I shall be telling this with a sigh.

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by,

and that has made all the difference.”

Robert Frost

They say, ‘There’s a first time for everything.’ and perhaps they were right? Although, Ranboo seems to be having ‘firsts’ over and over again. He’s lost the ability to differentiate what is new and what he’s simply forgotten. Surely he hasn’t had Dream in his head before, but there’s a familiar air he brings with each visit that Ranboo swears he’s felt before. If only he could remember… 

“Do you want syrup?” Ranboo looks up wide-eyed to see Phil standing above him with a plate of pancakes.

Ranboo has a blanket generously wrapped around his shoulders but nonetheless finds himself freezing. Not the winter smoke that came from chapped lips and ice roads type of cold, but the ominous night sky that hung over the dark ocean waters with an open depth beneath his feet type of cold. It was the kind of cold that no amount of warmth could fix

“I’m not hungry, sorry,” Ranboo mumbles back and watches Phil frown in concern.

“You’ve gotta eat, Ranboo. You’re starting to look like a treat for Steve.” Phil almost scolds.

Ranboo knows he’s right⎼he just can’t find it in himself to care. Knowing and acknowledging were two different points laid out on the same plane and he couldn’t be on both.

“I don’t feel well.” He tries to explain. It wasn’t a lie.   

“Ok.” Phil nods his head, placing the plate down on the counter to save for later. He decides to take a seat on the opposite side of the small table and open up the air for conversation, “How’ve you been feeling?”

Great. Just fantastic . Aside from the inability to tell reality from fiction and the impulsive thoughts; other than that he was fine . 

“I’ve been better.” Ranboo settles for a more tame response.

Phil nods, “You know, Techno and I are always here if you need to talk?” Phil offers. “I know Techno may not be the best at comfort, but he’s trying. He does what he can.”

Ranboo can’t help but feel guilt building up in his stomach. The two of them have done so much for him and they’re being left in the dark. (Then again, Ranboo felt like he was left in the dark as well.) Nonetheless, they deserved some sort of explanation.

“I know, I know.” Ranboo sighs, trying to build up the courage to tell Phil. He doesn’t even know where to start. The idea sounded so simple in his mind. “It’s just that- Like- I’m not- No, I’m experiencing something- something recently, and it’s kinda been hard telling what is real and what is fake.”

“Like, people?” Phil questions, to which Ranboo nods. “I can assure you that Techno and I are as real as real can be.”

‘Let me show you just how real I can be.’

Ranboo visibly flinched as Phil quiets, questioning what he’s done wrong. “It’s not you and Techno, it’s- I’m just-” Ranboo sighs. 

Words are failing him at the moment but he can’t blame them. He’s never been one for words just as much as they haven’t been one for him.

“I don’t know.” Ranboo deflates. He can’t find it in himself to go further. He’s embarrassed that such a thing is happening and frustrated that his feelings confuse him. He’s a mixing pot of emotions and it’s all boiling over.

“Pathetic.” From the corner of the room, leaning against the wall is an intimidating Dream. His usual attire is sprinkled with small dots of red that Ranboo would like to assume is from the berries outside.

‘You’re not real. You’re not real.’ Ranboo thinks to himself, staring Dream down.

“‘You’re not real. You’re not real.’” Dream mimics with a chuckle, “I’m not the boogeyman, Ranboo. You can’t think me away. I’m not the monster under your bed or demon in your closet, I’m you .”

As he listens to the list Ranboo can’t help but think, who was to say he wasn’t all those terrible things? He takes in a deep breath and attempts to calm himself.

“You good?” Phil questions. All Ranboo can do is look up and nod. In moments like these, it’s best he refrain from speaking rather than mess up when he tries.

“Well, is there anything Techno or I can do?” Phil is soft in his tone. Ranboo misses when people spoke that softly to him. Now they strike spikes of ice from their tongues into his ears, freezing him still.

“I don’t know.”

“Well, if you think of anything, don’t hesitate to let us know.” Phil smiles and Ranboo can’t help but smile back. Happiness was a disease and he was easily infected.

“Will do.”

    When Phil leaves the room and heads downstairs, Ranboo lets out a sigh of relief. He feels confident with his words as to believe he didn’t mess up. He didn’t really fix anything, but he made the very first steps in doing so. If only it wasn’t a 5k run.

    “They’re gonna find out eventually.” Dream's damn voice is back. Ranboo forgot Dream didn’t leave. How appropriate.

    “Find out what?” Ranboo grits through his teeth.

    “What you are… What you’ve done… Who you’ve hurt.” Dream lists slowly as he pushes off the wall and finds his place in the exact same chair Phil sat in.

    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ranboo ignores the conversation, staring down at his hands and anxiously rubbing them over each other.

“Oh, c’mon. You’re not that clueless.” Dream grins.

    “Why can’t you just leave me alone?”

    “You know what you’ve done.”

    “I just want to live my peaceful little life-”

    “You like to tell yourself that you don’t, but you do . You do know.”

    “I wanna tend to my crops and pet my cats. Is that too much-”

    “You know the truth, Ranboo.”

    “I’m just sick of-”

    “Cause the truth is-”

    “Just stop! ”

    “You’re gone.” The words quiet the Earth. “You’re too far gone and there’s nothing anyone can do to save you. You’re just as bad as all those people you didn’t want to remember but find them slipping into your mind anyway. They’ve torn down cities, but you're tearing down communities . People. This may be your story, Ranboo, but that doesn’t make you the hero.”

    Ranboo can’t speak. He’s stuck between telling himself that Dream is wrong and only lies to watch him squirm, or accepting what may as well be the truth because anything is more reliable than his own mind. It’s easier to take Dreams words as lies and stuff them away as broken gears and screws to collect dust in his mind, but that would mean he was in need of being fixed. He tries to reason with himself that being broken wasn’t a bad thing, it just meant he was durable. Alas, you cannot convince yourself of something when you already know the truth.

“I hate you,” Ranboo whispers out his words, breaking from the inside out.

Dream clicks his tongue in disapproval, “No, you don’t. You fear me, and people tend to hate what they fear. You’re afraid because you’re like me. We’re not so different, Ranboo.”

    “I am nothing like you,” Ranboo growls back.

    “You? Are just like me.” Dream’s voice screams a devilish grin. Ranboo decides that if he ignores Dream for long enough it will force him to leave his head. He answers the comment with silence and Dream is quick to pick up on this. “Think about it, friend.”

“We are not friends.” Ranboo, unable to help himself, grumbles at the man.   

“A man who wants nothing to do with anyone but his friends. A man who is afraid to show his entire self. A man who has two sides to himself and doesn’t know which one he is half the time. A man who keeps himself shut off from the world. Doesn’t that sound familiar to you, Ranboo? Hmm? I can think of quite a few people that pertains to.” Dream lists, his tone getting scratchiest by the vowel. “You don’t have to be afraid of me. I’m not the enemy. I’m just telling you that this path you’re going down? You’re not gonna like where you end up.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be convincing me to join you- to be like you?” Ranboo whispers meekly.

“Who said I wasn’t?” Dream shrugs. “I never said this path ends up like me. All I’m saying is that right now you’re acting like someone I know, and when it comes down to you ending up like him or me? It’s safer for everyone you end up like me.”

There’s a moment of silence as Dream waits for Ranboo to respond. “I don’t wanna be the bad guy.” Ranboo chokes out, overwhelmed by emotion.

“Even villains are the hero of their own story.”

“Hello? You there? Should I get Phil?” Techno’s voice cuts through. Ranboo looks up to see Dream has vanished and been replaced with Techno standing in the doorway. His sword was in his hand and heavy gear placed upon his shoulders with snow frosting the cloth tips.

“No, no. I’m fine. I’m good. Sorry. Must’ve zoned out.” Ranboo quickly assures. Techno's all but convinced.

“Alright… I just wanted to talk to Phil. Sorry if I interrupted anything.” Techno awkwardly nods.

‘A man who wants nothing to do with anyone but his friends.’

Techno closes the door behind him and places his sword in his pack. A chill running from the room’s air makes him grip his robe and wrap it tighter around his being, almost unwilling to leave any part of himself open and vulnerable for the world to see.

‘A man who is afraid to show his entire self.’

Ranboo watches as Techno makes his way downstairs. The discomfort in his voice quickly drops when he speaks to Phil. He sounds at home when he talks to Phil, as if he were talking to himself.

“Is he Ok?” Ramboo hears Techno ask. Phil mumbles something that can’t be heard through thick walls.

‘A man     who has two sides to himself and can’t tell which one he is half the time.’

    “Alright. Keep an eye on him. I’m gonna go for a walk.”

    More mumbles from Phil are used as a response.

    “Nah, it’s fine. Someone has to stay here with him anyways. I just wanna be alone right now.”

    Mumbles.

    “Yes, I’m fine. You worry too much.”

    ‘A man who keeps himself shut off from the world.’

    Techno makes his way back up the stairs and directs to leave. Before exiting he looks back at the frail younger boy who sat in the wood chair, fidgeting with his hands.

    “I’ll be back in a few hours.” Techno states.

    “Where are you going?” Ranboo questions. He’s not sure what compels him to do so, but the words were already said.

    “Just a little walk.” Techno shrugs. Ranboo warms at the idea of leading the house. He doesn’t like the way it makes him feel anymore.

    “Can I come with?” He asks.

“It’s not exactly a safe trip, kid. It’s better you stay here.” And with that, he leaves the house.   

    Ranboo hears a tongue clicking and looks to the corner of the room to see Dream with folded arms, shaking his head. He reaches down and grabs a book off a low shelf before opening it up and beginning to read.

“Is there something you wanted to say?” Ranboo says with a bite.

    Dream looks up at him with wide eyes, almost as if he were asking, ‘Me?’ Ranboo nods ever so slightly, urging him with eyes that respon, ‘Yeah, you.’

    Dream just shakes his head with a scoff before returning to his book. This doesn’t cease Ranboo’s staring, nor his eyes that beg for an answer. He gets one more sly glare from Dream before receiving more silence. Frustrated but hopeful, Ranboo still patiently waits for a reaction.

    When he realizes that he’s not gonna get an answer, he stands up and ever so slowly begins to push his chair in, as to not make too much noise. He makes his way to the living room to sit in front of the fire and read. He’s halfway through the doorway when his thoughts are hindered.

    “Great minds think alike, friend.” Dream clues before flipping a page. His eyes never left the book.

    “I- I don’t understand.” Ranboo stutters.

    “Oh,” Dream chuckles, “You will. You will.”

    Ranboo furrows his brows for a moment before accepting this wasn’t something he could understand at the moment. He nods lightly and makes his way into the living room.

    The warmth from the fire reminds him of simpler times. The heat reminds him of when he used to lay out in the grass and let the sun wash over him, showering him with a baked blanket that soothed his mind. The worn out pages on the books nearby reminded him of the same damn book he insisted his parents read before bedtime, having memorized the entire story meant nothing when he could sit and listen to the colors fly by. The sun coming through the window reminded him of early cartoon Sunday mornings where the birds and squirrels woke him up to watch Looney Toons and Tom and Jerry. He missed those simpler times.

    He lays down beside the fireplace and pulls a wool blanket over him. It’s ever so scratchy and rough against the bare patches of his skin, but somehow that makes it more believable. It’s another grounding thought that he’s real , and this is real, and so are the people around him.

    Knowing this doesn’t stop him from drifting off with the desire to be far away from here, in a land where he was young and so was the day. A land where there was no conflict or strife. A land where no one knew who he was and he could start fresh. 

    It’s interesting: reality truly did seem to be more terrifying than any nightmare or hallucination he could fear.

Chapter Text

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” -Benjamin Franklin

            Ranboo stood patiently at the window of the cozy home as he observed Techno’s actions in the grass. He was trying to train the puppies to be good guard dogs like he had trained their mothers and fathers, but it was seemingly useless.

            He placed one of the older puppies, almost a year old, in front of him and motioned for it to stay. Understanding the request, the dog sat still. Techno pointed to the stuffed animal on the ground and mouthed what Ranboo assumed was the word ‘attack’. The dog, wagging its tail happily, leapt for the toy and bounced up and down with it in its mouth. It ran in circles and came back to drop it in front of Techno, motioning for him to throw it. Techno pinched his temple with frustration.

            “He never was patient.” Phil’s voice came out of nowhere. Ranboo turned around and saw the man standing nearby, making his way to stand next to Ranboo and watch as well.

            “When he was a kid, did he act the same way he does now?” Ranboo questioned. He can’t imagine a young and innocent Techno with loving tendencies on his hands.

            “Hard to say. I only met him when he was young, ‘bout the same age as my boy, I believe. He didn’t start living with us ‘til he was ‘round 12 or so. But, for as long as I can remember he’s always been a peaceful soul.” Phil answered.

            “Mmm.” Ranboo hummed. “So, is Techno your son as well?”

             “No, no, no.” Phil chuckled at the common misconception. “Techno’s more of a close friend than a son. There’s no pseudo father-son vibes going on there; at least, not like what I have with Tommy. We learn from each other. We teach each other and keep each other in check.” Phil smiled. He held himself back from saying ‘had’.

            “I thought Tommy and Wilbur were your kids?” Ranboo was confused.

            Phil shook his head, “Wilbur’s my only son. Tommy has just been a family friend for years. I used to be close friends with his parents.” Phil explained.

            “And Techno?” Ranboo looked back at the man outside. He had seemingly given up on training and was throwing the toy as far as he could in the yard.

            “Techno’s a rough one. I would meet him regularly on my trips through the Nether and sometimes he’d walk with me. He was a young lad back then, hadn’t even lost all his baby teeth yet.” Phil laughed out loud and Ranboo smiled. “It wasn’t until I realized he had nowhere to go did I offer him a place to stay. Techno doesn’t really talk about his parents much. They’re good people, I know that much. I’m just not sure where they are now.” Phil frowned.

            “Well, he turned out great.” Ranboo smiled and watched the dog bring back the toy as he tugged on it with Techno. He pets the dog as a signal to let go and threw it once more.

            “I think so, too.” Phil smiled back. “What about you, Ranboo? What are your parents like?”

            “I- I don’t know.” Ranboo’s smile dropped as he realized he couldn’t have the same story that his friends did. “I can’t really remember my parents. I know I had a Mom and a Dad. I think I had some older siblings as well? I’m not sure. It’s all bits and pieces, really. Nothing’s quite solid .”         

“That must be rough.” Phil pitied the young soul, “Do you miss them? Your parents, I mean.” 

            Ranboo shrugged, “Can’t really miss someone you don’t remember.”

            Phil didn’t respond to that. He supposed Ranboo was right, but he didn’t like the idea of Ranboo not getting the same experience he had. He didn’t like the idea that Ranboo couldn’t clearly remember his parent’s faces or voices. He didn’t like the idea that Ranboo remembered things rather than people .

            Techno locked eyes with the two through the window and noted their presence. He glared through the sun in the sky; it was warmer than normal and he planned to take full advantage of it. He motioned for them both to come outside and they quickly and happily obliged.

            “Nice day, eh?” Phil commented.

            “I’d say so.” Techno squinted one eye as a measure to cope with the bright light. “Want to throw stuff for the hounds?” He offered.

            “Sure, why not?” Phil shrugged, signing Ranboo up as well. Techno handed them both a tennis ball and whistled three dogs over.

            “Here, Phil, you can have Bravo. He’s a bit more aggressive for a puppy, so throw far.” Techno clicked his tongue and motioned for Bravo to go to Phil. He quickly ran over and attempted to tackle Phil, causing only a stumble. He licked his face happily. Bravo seemed to be 8 months old, just quite larger for his age.

            “Oh, wow! You’re quite a playful little guy.” Phil laughed.

            “I’ve got Charlie. You get Delta.” Techno motioned for the youngest of the three to go to Ranboo. “She’s as gentle as can be. Don’t know how I’m gonna train her, but I’ll find a way.”

            Delta was barely 3 months old and still wobbled slightly when she walked. ‘Runt of the litter, just like me, huh?’ Ranboo thought to himself. He pets her head and rubbed behind her ear softly. He smiled at her playfulness, enjoying her excitement.

            Phil and Techno had already started throwing the ball but Ranboo was still petting Delta. He felt behind and decided to join. He showed Delta the ball before finally throwing it as far as he could. Delta watched the ball fly through the air and once it landed, she turned back to Ranboo with that same playful expression.

            “Go get it, girl.” Ranboo motioned. She just stood there and wagged her tail. “Go get the ball.”

            Instead, Delta ran up to Ranboo and knocked him over. He fell to a sitting position and let her climb up into his lap. She wiggled back and forth with excitement and tried to lick as much of Ranboo as she could. Ranboo laughed, typically not a fan of physical contact, but he would make an exception just this once.

            “Delta.” Techno sighed in disappointment. He motioned for Charlie to sit, impressing Ranboo when he obeyed without verbal commands. He walked over to Delta and picked her off Ranboo. “Please, Delta. Don’t attack Ranboo.”

            Techno attempted to seem mad and scold the dog. She only stared into his eyes with happiness before aggressively trying to lick his face. He tried looking away but she refused to cease her attempts. Techno couldn’t help the bubbling laugh that left his lips. He’s always had a soft spot for dogs.

            Ranboo was surprised to hear such a soft sound leave a previously known emotionless man. He smiled as he listened and cherished the sound. He knew such a small factor would slip his mind easily and quickly. Nonetheless, he tried his hardest to force the memory into his mind and lock it there. This was something he desperately didn’t want to forget. Something this rare should be preserved with care.

            “She’s quite the gem.” A voice spoke from beside Ranboo. He looked next to him to see Dream watching Techno play with Delta and Phil laugh in amusement. He should be angered and frustrated by Dream, but it was true: Delta truly was a beautiful spirit.

            “Mhm.” Ranboo hummed in agreement as he too watched with a smile.

            “Such a shame she won’t stay that way.” Dream added, shrugging.

            “What- What does that mean?” Ranboo’s smile dropped as he looked over at Dream.

            “They’re hunting dogs, Ranboo. They stick in packs. If she can’t measure up to the standards of the others then she either needs to change or get left behind.” Dream explained.

            “No, that’s not true.” Ranboo shook his head.

            “It’s just how nature works, Ranboo. I don’t make the rules.” Dream shook his head, his eyes glued on Techno and Phil.

            “She- She can just stay sweet and playful, right? They don’t hunt all the time. Even when they do, Techno barely brings all the dogs.” Ranboo reasoned with himself.

            “It’s eat or get eaten in this world, Ranboo. No one gets to just exist . Delta is no exception.”

            “Phil and Techno wouldn’t let that happen. Surely not.” Ranboo stared at Dream intently and waited for a confirmation. “Right?”

            “It’s one dog, friend. They have hundreds.” Dream sounded sad in his tone, but Ranboo knew better. Alas, Ranboo still couldn’t help but feel truth slip in Dream’s words as the false pain began to twist its way into his heart; he couldn’t handle it.

            “You alright, mate?” Phil spoke up when he noticed Ranboo’s frozen state. Speaking directly at him finally thawed him out. He noticed Phil staring at him and Techno looking as well, Delta still played in his arms but he’s lost attention.

            “You won’t let Delta get left behind, will you?” Ranboo quickly asked.

            “What? Or course not, mate. What’re you on about?” Phil furrowed his brows.

            “She’s- She’s playful and sweet and I don’t want you guys to leave- like, leave her behind ‘cause she won’t hunt.” Ranboo rambled, mixing up his words multiple times.

            “Ranboo, we don’t get rid of dogs.We train them.” Techno assured him.

            “He’s going to train her to be like Bravo.” Dream spoke up and Ranboo tried to ignore him.

            “Aggressive.” Ranboo clenched his fists at Dream’s description.

            “Careless.” He took a deep breath.

            “Dangerous.” He squeezed his eyes shut.

            “A monster.” Dream finally whispered and Ranboo found himself boiling.

            “What’s wrong with you?!” Ranboo broke, tears threatened his eyes but he refused to free them. His sudden outburst had Phil and Techno confused beyond words.

            “Hey, mate. It’s getting dark. Let’s go inside, yeah? I think we all need some rest.” Phil suggested. He motioned for Bravo to make his way back to the doghouse before walking to Ranboo with a hand on the younger's back.

            Techno did the same with Charlie and Delta before he followed close behind the two others. Phil guided Ranboo towards the home, not pushing for answers on Ranboo’s outbursts as now simply wasn’t the right time. Instead, he spoke of other things.

            “It’s been a long day, eh? Must be tired, mate.” Phil assumed and Ranboo nodded quietly. “How ‘bout you sleep at our place for the night?” Phil suggested. Ranboo felt confused by his emotions. He just had a breakdown and was now tired with burdens.

            “You can take my bed, kid.” Techno offered.

            “No, no, no. I couldn’t possibly-”

            “Seriously, Ranboo. It’s fine. I barely spend time in that room anyways.” Techno shrugged

            “But, where will you sleep?” Ranboo argued.

            “If he ever does ?” Phil snorted at the assumption his friend rests .

            “I do sleep.” Techno narrowed his eyes.

            “Mmhmm, when? In the shower? You might as well with how long you take.” Phil chuckled.

            “I will not apologize for personal hygiene.” Techno deadpanned, which made Ranboo smile ever so slightly from his previously panicked state.

            “Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, mate.” Phil scoffed playfully. Techno can only roll his eyes.

            The trio made their way up to the house and managed up the stairs. The moment they got inside, Ranboo began to follow Phil while Techno was off doing whatever he pleased. Up the stairs, Ranboo felt foreign. It was a part of the home he’s never dared to venture mostly because of convenience as he had never needed to be there, but also out of fear of getting in trouble for being in a place he shouldn’t be. Now that he was there, it felt wrong, illegal even.

            “This one here.” Phil pushed open a door. Ranboo took note of the lack of locks on the door alongside the lack of knobs as well. It was purely a push mechanic that swung back and forth or slid from side to side. He wanted to ask but figured it was too personal.

            Techno’s room was oddly simple, it was bland compared to what Ranboo had imagined. Then again, Techno was a blandly expressive type of guy. The only color resided in his personality.

            The walls were plastered with self-portraits and photos of himself with either Phil or pets. Although, on the far corner of the room was a night stand placed further away from the bed seemingly on purpose. Three photos sat comfortably.

            The one furthest away from the light was a neat photo with old stained glass and rough wood. Although the colors had faded, the picture was clear. A teenaged looking Techno and Wilbur stood shoulder-to-shoulder with a large smile plastered on one face and a tolerated expression on the other. Wilbur didn’t look how Tommy had last described him. He wasn’t worn out and tired. There weren’t excessive bags under his eyes nor were his clothes torn and dirtied. He didn’t seem so incredibly manic as he had been told. In fact, he seemed happy. His face was clean from bruises and scratches while his back stood up straight with confidence, closely matching Techno’s height. Techno didn’t look the way Ranboo had always seen him. He wasn’t angry and benign to all circumstances that weren’t war. He didn’t have violence and revenge burning in his eyes nor did he hold himself as if he were ready for a fight at any moment. He seemed kind. He seemed innocent. It was odd seeing him without the robe he had always been in, but his style remained constant. Fancy white lines sewed across his shirt had been buttoned up neatly. His arm sat so comfortably around Wilbur it was almost as if it whole-heartily belonged there. The most surprising part of the photo was who stood smack in the middle, in front of the two. Perfectly still was a young TommyInnit, so similar yet so different to what Ranboo remembered last time he saw him. Perhaps it was the fact that he was missing one of his front teeth, or that his face was softer, or smile was brighter, or how vulnerable he seemed next to Wilbur and Techno. Perhaps it was a multitude of things, but Ranboo quickly found himself liking younger Tommy more than current Tommy.

            Right in front of that photo stood another, similar in frame but opposing in attitude. 4 boys were in a pool, obviously hand-crafted. This time, they seemed slightly older. Wilbur and Techno looked roughly 17 or 18 while Tommy and (new addition) Tubbo seemed 15 or so. On one side was a Techno smiling playfully as he held tightly onto Wilbur, who sat on his shoulders. Wilbur was balancing himself fairly well for being so high up. The addition of the two heights was absurd to look at. On the other side was Tommy in a similar position as Techno. He gripped tightly onto Tubbo’s ankles to support him while he gritted his teeth at Techno. Tubbo seemed slightly more anxious in his eyes but you couldn’t tell in the way he locked his hands with Wilbur and fought for victory. The strain on their arms proved them pushing against with force; both obviously desired to plunge the other into water. Ranboo wonders who won.

            Lastly, in the very front and center of the table, was a picture laying down. It wasn’t even housed to its own frame, yet. Ranboo briefly remembers the background in the photo but can’t quite put his finger on where he knows it from. That wasn’t what he was focusing on though. Instead, he found himself admiring the three friends. Wilbur, seemingly much older and more similar to how Tommy described him, was in the center alongside Tommy himself, who also looked similar to what Ranboo last remembered. Although, the light in their eyes had not yet faded nor their souls washed away. Tommy held an abundance of diamond blocks in his arms. Blurs around his arms showed struggle with a wide-eyed Wilbur holding onto his shirt collar and trying to pull him back. The grip looked as if it was loosened immensely. In the background, although not far away, was Techno holding a basket of potatoes freshly harvested. He smiled at the two bickering. He was actually smiling. The Technoblade was smiling. Genuine happiness and euphoria. It was such an odd sight to see that he couldn’t help but stare.

            Phil took note of the starting but decided against pointing it out. It wasn’t a conversation he wanted to have at this time. Instead, he pulled back the covers on the red-sheeted bed and pulled another pillow out from underneath.

            “This should do it. If you need anything, I’ll be downstairs in the kitchen.” Phil smiled at Ranboo, who’s attention was now sharply on the bed.

            “I can’t thank you enough.” Ranboo responded with debt in his eyes.

            “No, no. No need. Us lot? We stick together.” Phil assured him as he watched Ranboo climb into the bed.

            “Us?” Ranboo questioned

            “You know; the people misunderstood and mistreated.” Phil further explained. Ranboo guessed it made sense now that he thought about it.

            “Well, as I said, I’ll be in the kitchen. Just holler if you need anything.” Phil smiled and with that smile, he was gone. Ranboo was left all alone with his thoughts but they were surprisingly ever so calmer and quieter. He decided to take advantage of this while he could and began to drift off peacefully, once again in the home of his neighbors.

            “You need to watch your temper.” Just as he began to slip into unconsciousness, an all too familiar voice woke him up. He wasn’t surprised to find Dream in the corner of the room, looking at photos on the wall.

            “I don’t have a temper.” Ranboo argued back.

            “Yeah? All I had to do was say a few words and you go apeshit on Phil and Techno.” Dream proved his point.

            “Whatever.” Ranboo growled back.

            “Hmm.” Dream hummed as he walked over to the nightstand with the photos and picked up the very first one of Wilbur, Techno, and Tommy. “You know, I used to be good friends with Wilbur and Tommy.”

            “Yeah? When? When you tortured Tommy in exile? Or when you aided Wilbur in going insane? Hmm?” Ranboo bit back.

            “Neither, asshole.” Dream growled. “I mean before all that. Before Tommy got exiled and Wilbur died. Before L’manburg. Before everything !” Dream shouted. Ranboo wanted to speak but felt his tongue die in his throat. Dream pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. He almost seemed ashamed that he had raised his voice.

            “At another time, Wilbur and I used to hang out a lot. We were such close friends and I guess we still kinda were up until the day he died. Or, at least, I’d like to think so. Tommy looked up to me, even. God , that little rat wanted nothing more than to be just like me. Such a shadow.” Dream chuckled.

            Ranboo didn’t remember Tommy telling him this.

            “I guess we drifted apart a year or two before I came here. Hung out with other people instead. C- er, George and Sapnap, the like.” Dream stuttered on his list, almost as if he were about to say a different name instead. A hard C meant nothing to Ranboo, though. Or, at least nothing he could remember. Then again, that was nothing new.

            “Why are you telling me this?” Ranboo asked. He couldn’t help but feel slightly empathetic towards Dream and he hated himself for feeling that way.

            “I don’t know. I guess- I guess I don’t want you thinking I was always the way I am. I wasn’t always like this; I wasn’t always a ‘monster’.” He responded softly.

            “I- I don’t know what to say.” Ranboo muttered. He wanted to be mad at Dream. He wanted to be frustrated with himself. But, he felt saddened by his story. Perhaps it was because it sounded so much like his own.

            Dream rubbed his fingers over the photo gently before placing it back down on the stand, leaning it up against one of the other frames. He admired it with a smile on his face, the gloss in his eyes wished for simpler times. Ranboo knew this as he too wore it far too often.

            “You don’t have to say anything.” Dream sighed. He tried not to lock his eyes on the photo. “Get some rest, friend. You’re gonna need it.

            “What’s that supposed to mean?” Ranboo felt threatened.

            “Sweet dreams.” Dream smirked and within a blink of an eye, he was gone.

            There were far too many questions, far too many concerns, far too many thoughts in his head for Ranboo to fall asleep now. Nonetheless, he lay motionless in his bed (like he had practiced so many times before), stared at the ceiling, and let his mind run.

Chapter Text

The Oxford Dictionary defines death as the end of life. Techno never liked that definition. What defines the ending of a life? Was it the monotone beep on a heart monitor? Was it the final breath of air to fill your lungs? Was it the moment life had nothing else to offer? Techno likes to think he knows what death looks like. Surely, after all these years and after what he’s seen and caused, he knows what death is. There were significant differences between a living person and a dead-on. Although, he’d soon come to find that not everything was as it seemed.

Ranboo woke up to sweat and heat crushed against his body. In a faint haze, he kicked the blankets off his being and allowed the cool air to shower over him. When it’s short-lived he opened his eyes to find the source of his misery.

The once dry and bland room was slowly being flooded with clear water that only made its way to the top of the mattress, barely able to touch his skin. Still, it was enough. Ranboo likes to pride himself on being able to endure water pretty well. He was only half affected by its poison but this water seemed completely malaligned. It wasn’t bright and cheerful with wishes to heal the sick; it was sneaky and sly as it maneuvered past his fingertips.

“Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh .” Ranboo mumbled to himself as he stood on the bed and tried to limit the pain to just his feet.

Upon standing up, the water seemed to fill faster and faster. He searched around the room for a source but the room was sealed shut. There was no reason for the air to be filled with water.

“I need to get out. I need to get out.” Ranboo tried to clear his thoughts.

“Leaving so soon, friend?” Dream spoke from the door. Of course, he would be behind something like this.

“What the heck . How do I get out? I need to get out.” Ranboo only continued to ramble.

“No need. Sit. Stay for a while. The water’s just fine.” Dream smirked and managed his way to Ranboo’s side. Ranboo began to back away but found himself on the edge of the bed. He didn’t want to move further in the fear of being plunged into the sea below him.

“No, no, no. It’s not fine. It’s not . This- This is evil .” Ranboo scolded. He was in no position to be criticizing this man when his own life was in danger.

“So dramatic.” Dream rolled his head slightly and Ranboo could only imagine his eyes rolled as well. “C’mon, now. We’re waiting for you .” Dream smirked once more and Ranboo’s eyes widened with fear and realization.

Suddenly his hands were on Ranboo’s shoulder as he pushed him down,

down,

down. 

“HELP! HELP! PLEASE!” 

For the first time in a long time, Techno was glad he couldn’t sleep through the night. He ran up the stairs to Phil’s room to find it empty. He grunted angrily and ran to his own room now occupied by a certain hybrid friend. He swung the door open and silently thanked Phil for the idea of easily accessible doors in case of emergencies.

Techno couldn’t decide if he should be relieved or even more concerned. Ranboo was safe. He wasn’t in harm’s way nor had someone broken in and tried to hurt him. Although, the young boy thrashed back and forth in his bed with eyes closed shut and fists clenched up in balls with the sheets.

‘Nightmare.’ Techno realized. He’s all too familiar with the concept. A fair share of his own, Tommy’s, and Phil’s were more than enough for him to consider himself an expert. Yet, he still hadn’t figured out the best way to handle these situations.

    For himself, he would walk downstairs and drink some water before reading by the fireplace. If the terror was especially awful, he would sit down with Steve or talk with Edward (the memory caused a pain in his chest as he missed his friend dearly). For Phil, he would wake up the older after slight shakes and whispers of his name. When he woke up, Techno would offer him a glass of juice that Phil always declined, but Techno always found it empty on his desk in the morning. For Tommy, Techno would get Phil; it was as simple as that. Phil knew how to handle this better than he could. Tommy was young, he was more innocent , more emotional , and more prone to be affected by the murky waters of trauma. All of which was more than Techno could handle. Techno remembered the night when Phil left in the afternoon to go hunting and wouldn’t be back until late in the evening the next day. That night, Tommy had one of the worst nightmares to fall upon Techno’s ears. He had rushed to Phil’s room, desperate for the man, but left with empty hope. Instead, he rushed down the stairs and down the ladders until he reached Tommy’s living space. He froze for a moment, perplexed by the idea of soothing that younger. He decided to take a more Phil-inspired approach and wake him up calmly. He shook his shoulders gently and whispered his name until wide eyes shot up and quickly morphed to watered tears and a quivering lip covered by heavy breathing. Techno had never felt so incompetent before. He could save Tommy from skeletons, spiders, and zombies; he could give him health pots and gaps, but how could he save someone from themself? Tommy seemed to know this as he latched onto Techno with his face in his hands to hide his embarrassment as he leaned his head against Techno’s shoulder. The most silent of sobs littered his body as if they weren’t there at all and Techno wondered if he’d been practicing that. Hesitantly, Techno wrapped his arms around Tommy and patted his back gently, unsure of what to do. He guessed that was it as within a few minutes Tommy had not only calmed down but was now fast asleep from exhaustion. Techno panicked for a moment; he didn’t want to move in the fear of waking up Tommy but was also not fond of the position this put him in. The voices in his head convinced him to stay.

    Technosoft

    Stay, he needs it

    E

    Kill the green bastard

    Dream did this

    Tommy needs you

    Aweeee

    If  Phil came home early that morning and saw two boys (who he felt like he had raised) laying down together, peacefully sleeping, he didn’t say anything.

    But, Ranboo wasn’t Tommy. In fact, he was far from it. Tommy was loud and obnoxious while Ranboo was timid and hidden. How could Techno possibly apply the logic of someone so full of character to a kid that was afraid to breathe around him? He wasn’t sure what to do. So, he just stood there in fear. He felt more useless than he had in years.

    “What the hell is going on?” Phil’s labored breaths came up the stairs with messy hair and his signature hate forgotten.

    “Where were you?” Techno gritted through his teeth. Helping Ranboo was something he couldn’t do, but being angry was something he was fairly good at.

    “I- Sorry, mate. I was downstairs reading and next thing I knew I was drifting off. I knew I should’ve stayed with him. Let me handle this.” Phil apologized. He knew how strenuous things like this could be on Techno.

    Phil gently slipped past Techno and went to Ranboo, all while Techno watched and silently took notes in case this happened again. Ranboo had sweat trickling down his temple with a death grip on the sheets. His legs and head thrashed back and forth. His furrowed brows spoke only pain but seemed also fluent in his hushed pleas for help. Phil sighs‒having seen this all too much‒and sat next to Ranboo on the bed.

    “Hey, mate.” Phil gently whispered, barely able to hear his own voice. He didn’t want to wake Ranboo just yet. He wanted to give Ranboo time to wake himself up as to not cause too much panic in the younger. Although, his current state was more than concerning enough that Phil considered ignoring all previous knowledge and shaking him conscious.

    “Ranboo-” Phil whispered gently once again. He placed a hand very softly on Ranboo’s shoulder: a mistake.

    Ranboo gasped suddenly, wide-eyed and terrified. He jerked away from Phil violently and pushed the man away. His force wasn’t strong but was sudden enough for Phil to stumble almost to the floor. He took a moment to regain his balance. Techno snickered and quickly earned a glare from Phil which caused him to stifle his amusement.

    “I- I’m sorry. I didn’t- Truly- I didn’t mean to- to-” Ranboo stuttered as he tried to start three different sentences at once with the expectation that his brain could handle it.

    “Shh, Ranboo. It’s alright, mate. It’s fine. Not that big ‘o deal.” Phil smiled and sat back down on the bed. He tried to ignore the heavy breathing that came from Ranboo and focus on just ensuring he was comfortable first.

    “Do you want something to drink, kid?” Techno asked, leaned against the wooden frame with arms crossed. One look of Phil’s eyes and Techno untied his arms. He still remembered all those years ago when Phil told him over and over again to never cross his arms. ‘It’s a sign of disrespect, Technoblade.’ He would say. ‘And if you want allies, you must first show them respect.’

Ranboo nodded lightly and Techno headed down the stairs. He gave himself a minute to lean against the kitchen counter and observe the stray blanket and thrown book on the living room floor near the couch. He walked over to fold the blanket and placed it back in its home. He picked up the book and read the top line of the last page Phil was on;

“All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!”

    Techno closed the book and look at the cover: Death is Nothing at All by Henry Scott Holland . Upon reading the title, Techno lost whatever feeling he had felt before. If he hadn’t read the title then he surely would have assumed that this book was full of optimism and grand parties and all the good the world had to offer.

        If death was nothing, then life must be everything, right? But, that wasn’t right, because Techno can recall far too many times he’s sat in his loft feeling the empty pit inside his stomach be filled by more emptiness from his heart. No, surely death was something .

    Perhaps death… was life? Perhaps there truly was no difference between the two except what you made it out to be.

    No, he was being silly. The beating of a heart determined if you were alive. Techno threw the book onto the couch and turned around to calm himself.

    Ranboo is breathing

    Ranboo is alive

    Ranboo’s heart is beating

    He’s fine, chill out 

    /rainbowchat

    The voices in his head were of no help. Although, one side was clearly overpowering the other.

    He’s hurting

    Protect

    It’s Tommy all over again

    It’s your fault

    He thought you were gonna protect him

    Technofail

    You hurt him

    He’s dying

    You killed him

    Techno wanted to scream and yell until everything was back to the way it was, but he knew that wouldn’t solve anything. This was far deeper than a single nightmare or a sudden outburst. This was far worse than Phil knew and Techno didn’t know if he should tell him. A part of him knows this was his fault, but the other part knows there’s nothing he could’ve done.

    Ranboo’s heart was still beating; but, Techno had killed him long before any of that mattered.

Chapter Text

    “Thought you’d rather have something hot.” Techno explained as he handed off a cup of hot chocolate. Ranboo‒now completely awake‒wore a soft blanket draped over his shoulders with the comfort of Phil nearby.

    “Thank you.” Ranboo nodded in appreciation and accepted the drink. The last thing he needed right now was warmth. He had already felt the burn from sinful water as it melted under his skin, but he didn’t possess the confidence to disclose that to them. Nonetheless, he took small sips in an attempt to soothe their minds.

    “What happened?” Techno asked abruptly. Phil shot him a mortified glare that seemed to say, ‘Way to be subtle, huh?’ Techno decided to shut his mouth in pure annoyance.

    “Uh, nightmare.” Ranboo nodded awkwardly. He wasn’t one to have these types of conversations, but something inside him longed to tell someone of the horrors and troubles he had endured.

    “Do you wanna talk about it?” Phil suggested gently.

    “Not really?” Ranboo nervously chuckled. It was the mere thought of explaining to someone how insane he was that spiked fear in his bones.

    “That’s alright. What about what caused it? Do you know what caused it?” Phil changed the format of the question in an attempt to get more answers. He wanted to pace Ranboo and allow him to take his time, but at the same time he wanted answers as soon as possible so he could help him.

    “Yeah.” Ranboo nodded. Phil’s silence urged him to continue. He didn’t know where he was headed, he just started speaking, “You know how I told you I’m having trouble telling what is and is not real?”

    “Sure.” Phil’s tone nudged along the conversation.

    “Yeah, that.” Ranboo limited his responses. He could tell Techno was becoming frustrated with the lack of information and the lengthy time taken to find an answer, but Ranboo also appreciated that Techno wasn’t openly acknowledging this.

    “I remember you mentioning something like that, but you never really touched on it any further?” Phil pointed out.

    “Oh.” Ranboo responded simply and plainly.

    “Listen, man,” Techno started a conversation but the energy of Phil’s tensed muscles at his tone caused him to take a step back from his voice, “Phil and I just want to help you. We’re just trying to figure out what’s going on with you so you can get better.”

    “I know, I know.” Ranboo sighed. “It’s just hard to talk about.”

    “Then take your time.” Phil soothed.

    Ranboo nodded before he took a deep breath. He didn’t know how to talk to other people about his problems. Hell, he didn’t even know how to talk to himself about his problems. He didn’t exactly remember how long he’s kept things inside for, but he knew it was always his coping mechanism. Brief memories and flashes of colors in his mind reminded him of when he lived alone and stranded, drifting from town to town and forest to forest that he knew nothing about. He remembered learning quite quickly that if he wanted to survive, or make it another mile, or get that extra crumb, he couldn’t let emotions get in his way. Especially the negative ones.

    Ranboo didn’t need to just survive anymore. He was in a safe place with safe people. He could just live . He knew this, of course. Although, habits are hard to break and new ones even harder to take on. He wanted to start opening up to himself and others, but that little film in the back of his head continuously reminded him of the suffering that would follow. It reminded him that showing any form of vulnerability would make things worse, get him killed even. Perhaps that was more true than ever now.

    “I’ve been having hallucinations. I think? I’m not really sure what they are. They feel so real in the moment but at the same time there’s no proof that they happened.” Ranboo started to ramble the beginning of his thoughts. He began to feel a large weight slowly be lifted from his shoulders.

    “What of?” Techno asked, obviously more invested than prior.

    “Of-”

    “Tell them, and you won’t be the only one having nightmares.” Dream spoke from behind Techno, his arms crossed and voice darkly deep. He was obviously displeased, “Go ahead, friend. Say it. I dare you.”

    “Um, of-” Ranboo stuttered and tried to start again. His eyes tried to focus on Techno but couldn’t help wondering over to Dream.

    “You know, Techno’s mind isn’t that far from your own? Of course, Phil comes a close second. With a few strings pulled and a couple buttons pushed, I could easily squeeze my way inside his head just like I did with yours.” Dream walked around Techno with a menacing tone that Techno was oblivious to.

    “Take your time.” Phil encouraged. If only he knew. Ranboo needed more than just time.

    “I once told you that for the sake of everyone’s safety, you ought to end up like me. Now, I’m telling you that for your own safety, it’s best you keep my services to one customer.” Dream growled at the younger.

    Ranboo gulped the lump in his throat with wide eyes of fear.

    “But, I mean, I can’t control you. Everything you do is at your own free will. Tell them if you wish.” Dream nonchalantly expressed as he went back to leaning against the dresser. “I just wanted you to know what the repercussions would be. Are you willing to sacrifice your friends for your own peace of mind? The choice is yours.”

    “Of- Well, um-” Ranboo took a split second and weighed his options before he decided. “I can’t really remember, actually.”

    Ranboo released a long-held breath and Dream smiled under his mask.

    “All I know is that it’s terrifying and when I’m aware again, I don’t know where I am or even who I am sometimes. “ Technically, he wasn’t lying.

    “Mmm.” Phil hummed empathetically. Techno was indifferent to the words, mostly because he knew the truth and needn’t to waste time or energy trying to decipher all the facts. Phil was able to pick up on that Ranboo wasn’t being completely truthful, but he couldn’t piece together why.

    “It’s gotten worse recently, and I’m trying to figure out how to deal with it.” Ranboo added on to make it more believable. It did anything but so.

    “Well, you’re not alone, mate. Techno and I are willing to help in any way we can.” Phil offered with a smile. This gained Techno’s attention at the mention of his name and the involuntary involvement he wasn’t aware he was attending. He bit his tongue. He didn’t want to be involved in this more than he already was.

    “Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it.” Ranboo smiled at them. 

    Techno grumbled angrily but quietly. He hated Ranboo’s eyes. He hated the way the bloody red contrasted with the scenic green but mixed to swell with his black voided pupils. He hated the bright smile and prominent curve of Ranboo’s lips that spoke appreciation and gratitude in order to cover up the glossy fear behind his skin and the searing pain hidden in his eyes. He hated how well those two things complimented each other. He hated that all these things angered him but somehow, he could never be angry at Ranboo. Most of all, Techno hated how much of himself he saw in Ranboo.

    Perhaps they weren’t so different after all. 

    And perhaps that was the worst part. 

Chapter Text

Do not read #3

 

 

Page 12 of 17

 

Someone once told me that when you fall asleep there’s only a 10% chance you will dream. Within that small 10%, only 2% of those dreams will be nightmares. I don’t remember who told me this, but that fact that I remembered it at all is remarkable. 

 

Page 13 of 17

 

I don’t mind being a statistic, but something doesn’t feel right about those numbers. Either I’m responsible for most of that 2%, or it’s not consistent “dreams” I’m having. Perhaps it was something else? But, what else could it be?

 

Page 14 of 17

 

A book in Techno’s library talked about the Law of Big Numbers. It said that as you collect more data over time you should start to see the results resemble the ideal average. For example, I have a 1 out of 6, or 16%, chance of rolling a 3 when I roll a die. Let’s say that when I roll 6 times, I don’t get a 3 at all. That doesn’t line up with my chances? This Law says that if I continued that process for perhaps 100, or even 1000 rolls, my chances would start to look more and more like what they should. 

 

Page 15 of 17

 

If this Law of Big Numbers is true, then I need to sleep peacefully for the rest of my life to make up for that 98% of calming dreams. That just doesn’t add up. Someone was lying.

 

Page 16 of 17

 

And perhaps it was me…?

    “We could try IRT?” Techno suggested quietly, as if his offerings were null.

    “Shit, you’re right. Why didn’t I think of that.” Phil exclaimed at Techno in an epiphany. He turned back around to a very confused Ranboo.

    “IRT?” Ranboo repeated the phrase, unsure of its bearings.

    “Image Rehearsal Therapy.” Phil spelled out. Before he is given the opportunity to explain it, Ranboo was prepared to reject the idea.

    “Whoa, whoa, whoa. I don’t need therapy . It’s not that bad. I really don’t- I’ll be fine, actually.” He nervously chuckled once again. Phil mentally noted the strong rejection towards professional help.

    “It’s not therapy- therapy, Ranboo. It’s a method used to train the mind to avoid experiencing nightmares.” Phil assured the younger.

    “It’s mostly used for people with PTSD.” Techno shrugged. Phil shot him what felt like his hundredth glare of the day. This time it said, ‘Why the hell would you mention that?’ .

    “ Anyways ,” Phil lingered on his tone.

    “How does it work?” Ranboo questioned, obviously intrigued.

    “You tell- well, I mean, if you’re comfortable - you tell us what your nightmares are about and from there we build up our way to an alternate ending that results in a less traumatic experience.” Phil explained as if it were the simplest thing on the mind. He remembered reading book after book about how to handle nightmares the moment he saw Tommy shivering underneath his covers as if the coldness were trapped beneath his skin. It was funny to think that just a few months ago he held benign feelings towards Dream, but now he wished for nothing more than to watch the green pest wither and shrivel until he ceased to exist.

    “Blah, blah, blah. Lots of words- we’re gonna hi-jack your brain, man.” Techno, obviously bored, interjected.

    “ What - No! No, we are not!” Phil responded quickly with alarm. Techno couldn’t help but laugh lightly at the sudden outburst from his joke. Ranboo even contributed a small chuckle here and there.

    “Nah, for real, though, you can just share as much as you want.” Techno smiled and cleared the air.

    “How are you gonna do that, actually?” Ranboo was slightly skeptical.

    “There’s lots of ways. We can logically talk it out and explain how things don’t have to end up the way they do, we can write down the alternate ending, we can act it out, there’s plenty of ways. It’s whatever works best for you.” Phil offered.

    “I- I don’t know what works best for me.” Ranboo pointed out, slightly embarrassed.

    “That’s fine, mate. We’ll figure it out.” Phil smiled yet again. “Let’s start with what happens in these nightmares, or at least just one of them?”

    Ranboo anxiously rubbed his fingers over the knuckles on his other hand. He pushed his thumb into the fleshy part of his palm and kneaded firmly. He would like to think that he can hold all of his stress and anxiety in his hands and doing this would crush it down to a fine grain he can sprinkle into a bag and watch as it flew away with the autumn leaves. If only it were that simple.

    “Sometimes I have nightmares about water.” Ranboo started and took a deep breath, “Like, typically water isn’t that big of a deal for me. It’s just uncomfortable and sometimes painful depending on the situation, but in the dreams I just- I can’t handle it, actually. It’s like I’m on fire and there’s no one there to put me out.” Techno and Phil listened intently.

    “Let’s start from the very simplest form of where this is stemming from; what’s your relationship with water been like?” Phil built the foundation for his work. He knew the answer, he just wanted Ranboo to acknowledge the answer.

    “I’ve never liked it, obviously.” Ranboo chuckled. “But, I’ve never had a traumatic experience with it. I’ve always just avoided it and never needed to deal with it. Over time the necessities, like bathing or drinking, just became less and less painful and I built up endurance, but those were small quantities, I guess. I don’t know, I’ve never actually been in water without my armor on..” Ranboo organized his thoughts. He looked up to see Techno and Phil think something out. He quickly stringed along how his own thoughts would work in this circumstance and added, “Don’t like, throw me into a lake or anything, please?”

    Techno laughed out loud at that, “Ranboo, we’re not gonna throw you in a lake.”

    “Good, good, good. Just making sure.” Ranboo nodded.

    “You said you’ve built up endurance, yeah?” Phil backtracked.

    “To small amounts, yeah.” Ranboo repeated.

    “Well, I’m gonna tell you something that I’ve learned in all my years of living,” Ranboo opened his eyes wide and encouraged him to continue, “Endurance is just a fraction of the whole that is your ability to adapt. Endurance does not have a limit, despite what people may tell you. It can be applied to most anything and accumulate in any way, shape, or form. If you’re able to endure the pain for just one minute longer, then that’s all that matters, because one minute longer is all you need. One step at a time, mate.”

    “What does that mean?”

    “It means, if you were in a situation where you didn’t have the protection you typically do, it wouldn’t be the end. Your body has proven to you that it holds the ability to control the pain and change the outcome to a certain extent. Your only job is to encourage that stability for just a little longer until you can get help, because you will get help.” Phil promised.

    “Listen, man. I don’t care where you are, what you’ve done, how you feel; you’re one of us now, and we don’t leave our own behind. We protect them. You are no different, you understand me?” Techno explained and Ranboo could only nod as he felt slightly intimidated.

    “But, what if-”

    “There’s your first problem. You can’t do ‘what if’s, that’s not how it works. ‘What if I drop my glass and cut my hand?’ ‘What if I forget my sword and it’s midnight?’ ‘What if the ceiling collapsed this very moment and we all succumbed to nothing but rubble?’ Life is full of ‘what if’s, it’s a game of chance. You’re just rolling the dice with each step you take.” Techno added on, “The question you must ask yourself, is what chances you’re willing to take.”

Do not read #3

 

Page 17 of 17

 

 

I’ve come to the conclusion that if life were a six-sided die and I were the number three, I wouldn’t mind waiting for my turn on the drawing board, for we would all end up at the same place eventually. 

 

:)

Chapter Text

Ranboo drifted off that night with the contentment of knowing he slept deep into the mattress accompanied by a clear mind and light soul. This night was the first time in a long time he had felt such bliss; he could only dream of it lasting a little longer. He was doing what Techno and Phil told him to: he was living life one step at a time. He was embracing and cherishing each and every moment that he was free.

Although, the shackles that wrapped around his spine branched much further than the eye could see and he felt the tether being pulled with tugs and yanks at each step. He knew he was at the end of his rope. It was time to head back; it was only a matter of time before those rusted chains took him just like they took his friends. Yet, he just wanted to stay here one minute longer. One minute more; that was all he needed.

    Ranboo allowed the birds to tweet and twigs to scratch against the window to wake him up. He’s never felt so at peace with himself and the world. Despite what others might think, Ranboo enjoyed waking up; he enjoyed mornings and opening his eyes with an aftertaste of sleep crawling in his soul. He admired that for a minute-just a single minute-everything was Ok. He couldn't remember anything. Good or bad, it was gone. He couldn't remember the pain and suffering he and others have endured. It hadn't crossed his mind nor become acknowledged by the Sun. For just a moments’ time, he was in bliss; he was happy and comfortable with where he was. Ranboo cherished moments like that. If only life could be made up of little moments like that.

    Ranboo hadn’t told Techno and Phil, but he had never drunk hot chocolate until yesterday. It was never a drink that seemed appetizing nor easy to access. Now that he had experienced the sweet stream drain down his throat he would like to think that the flavorful drink missed him just as much as he missed it.

    So, it was no surprise when Ranboo headed down the stairs early in the morning to make a cup of his own. He assumed Phil was asleep in his own room and Techno was off working on something as he never saw either of them nearby.

    He decided to make himself at home and carefully crafted a warm cup of chocolatey sweetness to fill his heart and soothe the ache under his skin.

    By himself, Ranboo smiled and made his way to the living room. He had never just smiled . When he thought about it, he guessed he never had a reason to. Ranboo had never been happy . Really happy. He had just kind of existed .

    Ranboo placed the warm cup on the table in front of him and allowed it to cool down as he draped a blanket over his legs and grabbed a random book off a nearby shelf. He had always adored reading; he loved the sense of adventure and ability to discover that followed suit with each page turned and chapter read.

    He didn’t bother looking at the title for it didn’t matter to him. He just wanted to put something on his mind this fine morning.

    He opened the novel and flipped past the first few pages to ignore the table of contents and author notes. At the top of a page read, ‘Chapter One’ . He smiled and trailed his eyes to read kindly.

    ‘He saw the first tree shudder and fall far off in the distance. Then he heard his mother call out the kitchen window: ‘Ranboo! Why would you betray them?’’

    Wait, what?

    ‘Then he heard his mother call out the kitchen window: ‘Luke! Inside. Now.’’

    That was better. Ranboo kept reading.

    ‘He had never disobeyed the order to betray his friends.’

What the hell?

‘He had never disobeyed the order to hide.’

Oh, Ok.

‘Even as a toddler, barely able to walk in the backyard’s tall grass, he had somehow understood that the only thing he would ever be, was a traitor.’

Something wasn’t right.

Ranboo flipped a couple pages ahead. It didn’t matter how many pages he flipped through or how many lines he skimmed, they all said the same things: ‘ you are a traitor’ ‘why would you betray them?’ ‘it’s your fault’ .

    Ranboo threw the book from his hands and stared at it in disgust (or horror, he couldn’t tell). Was this some kind of sick prank? No, surely not. Phil and Techno were better than that. They wouldn’t do something like that to him.

Ranboo regained his composure and decided that perhaps reading wasn’t the best thing for him right now. Instead, he could look at the paintings on the walls.

The first painting he came across was simple and kind. It was a warm cabin on the river banks that had already frozen the picture. The sun bled out onto the trees like wildfire. Somewhere deep in the cabin was a bright candle and snug couch. Ranboo smiled. He would love to live somewhere like that, to live in a place that was beautiful, calm, and isolated.

His eyes wandered down to see where the painting was referenced from.

‘You are a traitor.’

What?

What was going on?

Ranboo’s breathing picked up an unbearable pace and he stumbled back only to be stopped by the couch that caused him to falter slightly. His eyes wandered all over the painting and room as he searched for some sort of relief; there was only pain. He began his attempt to escape the horror and quickly fell onto the living room floor. He gave himself a minute to catch his breath. He ran his fingers through the soft carpet in an attempt to ground himself. His fingertips brush against something coarse. He gripped tightly and pulled the item close. His eyes were met with the same book he had thrown along with the accusations it held. He threw it once more.

“What’s wrong, friend?” Dream spoke from above Ranboo. He sat ever so comfortably at the top of the stairs. He seemed superior to Ranboo simply by altitude.

“You. You .” Ranboo growled. Resentment bubbled in his stomach. He knew it was Dream who caused this, yet he couldn’t find the courage to do something about it. He liked to think his anger was justified and impacted Dream somehow, but he knew this was false.

“Me.” Dream smiled, unbeknownst to Ranboo.

“You are a monster .” Ranboo pushed himself off the floor and tried to steady himself. He eventually sought support from the nearby cushions.

Dream scowled, clear to Ranboo once he spoke, “I am anything but that.”

“You bring nothing but chaos wherever you go.”

“I’m trying to help you.”

“Each step you take quakes with anger from the Earth.”

“Why can’t you see that?”

“I wish nothing but the worst for you.”

“You are beyond ungrateful and more ignorant than you know.”

“What will it take for you to leave me alone !” Ranboo finally yelled and stood up tall. Dream didn’t budge from where he sat at the top of the stairs but seemed displeased by the outburst.

“Oh, friend. You are too naïve for your own good.” Dream chuckled ever so slightly, “I am not doing this for the hell of it; I am doing this to prepare you.”

“Prepare me for what?” Ranboo whispered, intrigued but still laced with rage.

“For him .” Silence filled the air. “Even though I work with him and together we are a team, I know what he is like. I know what it is he wants and he will do whatever it takes to get it. You, my friend, will not stand in his way.”

“Who- Who is him .” Ranboo stuttered as the ominosity struck fear.

Dream chuckled once more, “You know. Trust me, you know.”

“I don’t.”

“You will.” Dream promised. The confusion was visible in the air and Dream sighed before he spoke once more, “Everything will make sense soon, friend. I cannot tell you now, but you will soon know, and once you do, it will all be clear. Until then, trust in my ways so they may guide you.”

“I don’t want to be guided by you .” Ranboo gritted through his teeth.

“The choice is not yours.” Dream clicked his tongue in disapproval. He pushed off the stairs and slowly made his way down the steps, sliding his hand against the railing, “I am not who you think I am, Ranboo, but you don’t care. You should know that you are so incredibly small to this world. You are a mere bug compared to me. I cannot wait for the day I can take off this stupid mask and show you the truth. I cannot wait ‘til I can be my whole self without consequences. I cannot wait. The day that I am free, is the day the world will crumble.”

Dream made his way to the bottom of the steps and headed for the door. He left Ranboo in desperate confusion and perilous thoughts. He grabbed tightly onto the doorknob and turned it. He opened the door only an inch before he paused momentarily. He turned his head slightly so Ranboo could see his profile.

“Judgement day is upon us, friend.” 

The door shut.

Ranboo screamed.

Chapter Text

A ship is always safe at shore but that is not what it’s built for.

Albert Einstein

    Perhaps Phil felt safest in the comfort of his workshop in the basement, but he knew that was not where he was meant to be. An abrupt urge in him persuaded him to advance up the stairs and check on Techno and Ranboo. He didn’t know whatcompelled him to do so, but he would never turn down the opportunity for reassurance.

    On his way to visit Ranboo, he caught Techno standing in the doorway of the home. Techno watched something outside but Phil couldn’t get a good enough view to understand what it was, so he figured he might as well interrupt and ask.

    “Whatcha looking at, mate?” Phil pondered.

    “Ranboo’s vibing in the snow.” Techno deadpanned

    “He’s fucking what now-”

    Phil grabbed his shawl and pushed Techno out of the way. Techno promptly moved and allowed him to get past. Phil sprinted out into the freezing conditions and found the younger friend standing in the middle of the snowy lawn. He didn’t seem entirely present. Phil slowly approached him with arms held out to avoid intimidation.

    “Hey, Ranboo. What’re you up to, man?” Phil talked gently - an art he had mastered over the years.

    “I didn’t do anything. He’s wrong. He’s always wrong.” Ranboo muttered.

    Phil despised how his mind functioned. He knew Ranboo was sleepwalking. He knew he shouldn’t take advantage of his vulnerable state. Although, he was so extremely desperate for answers that he would do whatever it took to get them. If that meant taking advantage of a friends’ weakness, then so be it.

    “Who’s ‘he’, mate?” Phil questioned.

    “He was here. I think. I don’t know. I don’t know anything anymore.”

    “No, no, no- You’re doing great, man. Just tell me who you’re on ‘bout, yeah?”

    “He’ll hurt me. I’m tired of being hurt.”

    Phil’s heart broke in half. He loathed seeing someone so humane, deteriorate. He had seen it all too often.

    “I won’t let him hurt you. I promise you that you’ll never be hurt by him again.” Phil vowed. He didn’t like making promises he was unsure of being able to keep, but god damnit if he didn’t keep this one, it would be the death of him.

    “Really?” Ranboo slurred.

    “Yeah, mate. Of course.” Phil nodded, “I just need you to tell me who you’re talking about?”

    “He talks about you sometimes,” Ranboo whispered to himself or Phil (no one could tell).

    “I’m flattered. What does he say?” Phil began to get the impression that Ranboo wasn’t going to directly tell him the identity of the mysterious man, mostly since he wasn’t completely aware . So, Phil took another approach.

    “He says he misses talking with you. He says you helped him as he helped you. He says that before everything happened, you both were on the same team and wanted the same thing. I don’t remember what he wanted. Why don’t I remember?” Ranboo rambled.

    “It’s alright, Ranboo. Your memories’ not all that great.” Phil attempted to calm him.

    “He helps me remember sometimes. At least, I think he does? He tells me things I don’t remember. No, I hate him, Phil. Why does he help me?”

    Tommy sniffled and wiped his nose with his sleeve before Phil passed him another tissue, “He hurt me, Phil. Why do I miss him?”

    Phil’s eyes widened in horror.

    “I knew he was bad. I don’t know why I thought I could handle this by myself.”

    “No one likes him, Phil. No one , I tell you. But, I did. How could I have liked him?” The blonde tugged his legs close to his chest and hugged himself. As much as Phil wanted to hug him, he knew physical contact wasn’t a good choice at the moment.

    “Tommy even warned me. Why didn’t I listen?”

    “He’s never going to hurt anyone ever again. That new guy kept visiting me while I was with Dream. He knows what I went through. He knows what it was like. Dream will never hurt him. I’ll make sure of it, and I’ll make sure he doesn’t hurt Tubbo, or you, or Techno, or Niki, or Jack, or-”

    “I- I hate him. Am I allowed to hate him, Phil?” Ranboo sniffled.

    Phil’s mouth slightly opened in appalling realization but quickly shut with affliction. He glanced at the trembling boy in front of him and had never hated the world more. He hated what the Earth had done to him. He hated the Sun for not shining on someone as luminous as Ranboo. He hated the Moon for not signing the same lullaby she sang for everyone else. Most of all, he hated himself for not realizing it.

    A world so dull couldn’t afford to lose a person as colorful as Ranboo.

    “Yes. Yes, Ranboo. You can hate Dream.”

    “I’m going to kill him.” Techno proclaimed while he and Phil loomed over the hybrid that slept on the couch.

    “No.” Phil responded and Techno grumbled in frustration, “I don’t know for sure . I need him to tell me. I need that clarification.” He wanted to be proved wrong.

    “No, you don’t. You already know. Who else could it be?” Techno argued, slightly raising his voice.

    “I-” Phil’s words got lost in his throat, “I don’t know. No one, I guess.”

    “Exactly!” Techno exclaimed, “It’s Dream. It’s always been Dream.”

    Phil pinched the bridge of his nose in disappointment, “I should have known.”

    Techno didn’t care for the word ‘should’. He never cared for it and never will. He didn’t like what it meant . No one should be obligated to do anything. Especially when there had been no way they could know the outcome.

    “I didn’t mean for this to happen, Philza. I’m sorry.” Techno apologized as the older wrapped his hand in gauze and bandages, “I didn’t mean to put us in this situation. I just wanted to help. I should’ve known.”

    Phil stopped wrapping Techno’s hand and looked at him, “Look at me, kid.”

    Techno did as he was told. Resentment and dismay boiled in his eyes. Nonetheless, Phil saw redemption in the 8-year-old, even if Techno couldn’t see it himself.

    “Technoblade, I’m gonna tell you something. Tommy is starting to walk, yeah?”

    Techno nodded.

    “6 months ago he couldn’t do that. Should I be mad at him for not being able to do something he had no knowledge of?”

    Techno shook his head.

    “Exactly. You cannot be mad at yourself for something you couldn’t have known. Just-”

    “Never let yourself think you could do something when you couldn’t,” Techno recited the phrase  Phil told young him.

    Phil looked over at his friend and locked eyes with him. Techno stared back with determination painted across his skin. Phil nodded and Techno nodded back.

    They knew what they had to do.

    But Techno knew more.

Chapter Text

Carl Sagan once said, "The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff."

Truth be told, Ranboo wasn't buying it. There was no conceivable way that the nitrogen molecules embedded within his DNA strands held any correlation to the stars in the sky. If anything, they were perfect counterparts. They were made of gases and basic structured compounds; he was made complete with neurons, flesh, and a conscious mind. They lacked liveliness and company; he was plagued by friends, enemies, strangers, and families coexisting in the tiny village that lived in his subconscious. They shined throughout the night with a blazing fire burning; he decomposed in the evening and feared the aftertaste of regret as its cousin—the Sun—brightened the world.

Ranboo may not believe he is aligned with the stars but be trusted that one day their orbits may collide and his entire world shall come crashing down.

Perhaps today was that day.

“Listen, Ranboo,” Techno started the day very sternly. His tongue drafted symphonies that made Ranboo flinch. Phil’s heart broke at the sight. He wanted to comfort the younger and scold Techno for using such a nature, but he knew things had gone on far too long. They tried doing it his way, but that didn’t work. Now he has to let Techno do it his way. “We know it’s not just nightmares or sleepwalking. Obviously, there’s something else. We just want to help, Ok? So, please- please just tell us what’s going on?”

Ranboo never imagined he’d see the day that the all-powerful Technoblade would plead with someone—beg them for something. He knew Techno was doing this for Phil—to soothe his nerves—but, Ranboo liked to think Techno cared for him just as much. Perhaps it was wishful thinking.

“I- I can’t.” Ranboo sputtered. He was overwhelmed from having just woken up minutes prior

“Why not?” Phil asked tenderly—a pleasant shift from the previously aggressive atmosphere.

“Because I- he- I-” Ranboo switched between pronouns, altering the perspective and fault between himself and his secret. He held too much weight on his shoulders. He could feel it all come tumbling down.

“My promise is still a promise.” Dream spoke from the corner of the room, leaned against a dresser, “I will not hesitate to ruin them.”

Ranboo swallowed the lump in his throat but his nerves persisted to stay.

“Hey, Ranboo?” Techno grabbed his attention. “Eyes on me, alright?”

Techno knew that expression; he knew that alertness accompanied by timid distraught. He knew because he had felt it all the same. Of course, he had grown accustomed to the elements and developed a sort of resistance, but Ranboo didn’t seem to share the same ability. Techno didn’t know the extent of what Ranboo was enduring, but one thing was definite: he was hallucinating.

“I want you to keep your eyes on me. Don’t take them off of me or Phil. Do I make myself clear?” Techno demanded and Ranboo hesitantly nodded.

“I don’t know- I’m not sure if-” Ranboo tripped over his tongue as he tried to clear multiple thoughts.

“Hey, hey, hey. Stop that. Don’t worry about it. Doesn’t matter. I just want you to focus on me, alright?” Techno directed once more. There was a hint of compassion in his barks.

“He thinks he can drown me out?” Dream chuckled audibly, “How so very bold of him.”

“Aye, what did I say?” Techno snapped his fingers to catch his attention.

“I can’t wait to get inside that head of his. It has intrigued me for quite some time.” Dream chuckled.

“Focus.” Techno.

“I’ve helped you through so many things and you want to betray me?” Dream.

“Please, Ranboo.” Techno.

“I guess it’s true, what they say about you.” Dream.

“C’mon, man.” Techno.

“You really are a traitor.” Dream.

“Ranboo?” Techno.

Phil watched Ranboo’s eyes waver back and forth between Techno and a vacant corner wall. It didn’t take a genius to put two and two together.

Phil laid a soothing hand on Ranboo’s shoulder, grounding him by causing him to look at the hand, “What’s he saying?” Phil whispered with a melancholy smile.

“He- I- What-?” Ranboo urgently attempted to cover himself up but it was too late. The cat was out of the bag.

“Go ahead, mate. It’s a’ight. I know.” Phil squeezed his shoulder reassuringly.

“He- He says I’m a traitor.” Ranboo sighed and deflated in weariness. He was finally able to relax.

“What else does he say, Ranboo?” Phil pressed for him to continue.

“He says he’s going to hurt my friends and that he hurts me for my benefit. He says he’s preparing me for something, or someone, I don’t remember.” Ranboo tried to recollect as much as he could. Why hadn’t he written this down in his book? (Because writing it down made it real.)

            “Is he here right now?” Phil asked. Ranboo turned his head to the masked man in the corner. He appeared very displeased and irritated with the circumstances but didn’t speak, leaving Phil to reason. Or, perhaps he was compelled not to speak?

“Yeah,” Ranboo whispered.

“Where?” Phil searched and Ranboo pointed.

“Alright, this is what we’re gonna do,” Phil moved Ranboo so he faced Phil and only Phil, ignoring Dream and Techno. “You’re gonna tell me everything you can and just me. No one else is gonna talk with us, alright? This is a you-and-me conversation. A one-on-one.”

Ranboo nodded, “It’s- It’s Dream. I don’t know how but he’s in my mind and he’s messing with stuff and I just want it to stop.” Ranboo was the one pleading now.

“How long has this been going on?” Phil inquired.

“I don’t know. Almost a week, I guess? Maybe more, maybe less? It’s been off and on since L’manburg got blown up.”

“Jesus Christ, Ranboo. I wished you would’ve told us sooner.” Phil’s soft eyes worked a harmony in his words.

“I was scared,” Ranboo whispered.

“I know. I know.” Phil nodded.

Smack.

Phill and Ranboo's attention is caught to the room door that had just been slammed shut and the lacking presence of Technoblade. Phil glanced back at Ranboo for a moment.

“Just give me a minute. I’ll be right back.” Phil explained and Ranboo nodded.

Following the path of the door, Phil went in search of Techno. It wasn’t a difficult quest. He was quietly sitting on the porch outside, staring into the snow. Phil took a seat next to him and they both savored the stillness for just a moment.

“What’s up, mate?” Phil eventually asked.

“I’m gonna visit him.” Techno declared.

“Wait- What? No- Hell no. That’s not a good idea.” Phil firmly protested but Techno didn’t budge.

“I’m going to visit him and settle this once and for all. Or, at least get some answers.” Techno furrowed his brows in anger.

“I’m not gonna let you do that, Techno.” Phil furrowed back.

“I don’t need your permission.” Techno shrugged, unphased by his friends' words of concern.

“Techno…” Phil lingered on, hoping Techno would recognize his mistake.

“I don’t care, Phil. That man has hurt too many people and I won’t let him take another innocent soul for his own entertainment. I won’t allow it, alright?” Techno explained.

The silence hung on their ears. Phil wanted to scream at his friend. He wanted to yell and cry until he would come back inside and disregard this whole thing that happened, but he had never seen such determination in Techno's eyes. It was useless. There was no hope in talking him out of this one. He was far too gone and convinced.

“At least be safe?” Phil advised.

“I promise.” Techno nodded. He didn’t take promises lightly.

“I’m gonna go back to Ranboo, let me know when you’re heading out.” Phil sorrowfully announced.

No, Ranboo didn’t feel like he was composed of stars and planets, he truly didn’t. Although, when he laid there with his arms sprawled out and lets his body sink into the cushions he can’t help but feel like he’s floating in Saturn’s ring with all the other moons. He felt free and comfortable. He felt secure.

That was his first mistake.

“If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, first you must invent the universe.”
Carl Sagan

Chapter Text

    “I typically wouldn’t let anyone in after recent events; but, an unexpected visitor like yourself and I don’t mind bending the rules.”

    “Thanks, Sam. I appreciate it.” Techno nodded indifferently as the two of them patiently waited for the lava to drop.

    “If you don’t mind me asking, why’d you come?” Sam turned to the warrior with courage. Unlike most others, Sam didn’t fear Techno in the slightest. Maybe it was because he understood why he did what he did, or the fact that Techno had never made him feel threatened. Either way, he felt content with standing side-by-side Technoblade.

    “Wanted to check in on an old friend,” Techno explained simply.

    Sam nodded as the final levels of the lava fell to the floor, out of range. Seemingly knowing what to do, Techno naturally stood on the platform and gazed ahead, waiting for Sam to pull the lever. 

    Sam exhaled deeply and pulled the lever, watching Techno get smaller and smaller as he gained distance towards the obsidian box in the center. What took only a few seconds felt like years as the platform reached its destination.

    “I’m gonna take the platform and put the lava back, alright?” Sam yelled. Techno didn’t react but Sam proceeded nonetheless.

    Lava cascaded down Techno’s spine and passionate orange bubbles swirled behind his head. The netherite blocks retracted into the floor and the barrier between himself and Dream was no more. Techno held back a smirk and waited for Dream to turn around—it never happened.

    “It’s been a long time, old friend.” Dream spoke first. He didn’t budge from his spot. He sat still towards the wall with his back up straight and arms laying in his lap. It was unsettling but had no influence on Techno.

    “Not long enough,” Techno grumbled. He made himself feel at home and studied the cell, taking in the small confinement and all it had to offer.

    “It’s weird not seeing you with your whole costume on. It’s … youthful.” Dream commented with a chuckle—a sound Techno found inexplicably natural.

    “It’s not a costume.” Techno corrected. 

    “Say what you will.” Dream shrugged—the first movement he made all visit. “What can I do for you, Mr. Blade.”

    “I think you know.” Techno paused in front of a clock on the wall and traced his fingers over the edges.

    “Mmm, is that so?” Dream chimed. Techno’s hand gripped into a fist at the peacefulness of the man before he took a deep breath and calmed down.

    “I’m not in the mood for games, Dream.” Techno turned around to face the back of the inmate. “We both know why I’m here.”

    “Why are you here, Technoblade?” Dream tilted his head.

    “The kid.” Techno gritted through his teeth.

    Dream laughed aloud, “Which one? You’re gonna have to be a little more specific.”

    “The kid,” Techno snarled.

    “Why so cryptic?” Dream snickered, “What about said kid?”

    “I want you to leave him alone,” Techno demanded with a commanding bearing.

    “Ok.” Dream acknowledged clearly; Techno taken aback.

    “Ok?” Techno clarified. Dream nodded, “That’s it?”

    “Yup.” Dream popped the ‘p’, “I wasn’t messing with him in the first place.”

    “Bull!” Techno slammed his fist against the sink, causing the clock to shake.

    “I’ve never even talked to the guy.” Dream insisted.

    “Stop lying.” Techno tensed in anger, abstaining from punting the green bastard right then and there.

    “I am many things, Techno. A liar? Is not one of them.” Dream’s demeanor quickly changed to one of persistence. “Anything that has happened to the kid has been your doing, not mine.”

    “That’s not true.” Techno opposed.

    “Oh, but it is.” Dream smiled. “Thanks for fulfilling that favor for me, by the way.”

    “This is not what we agreed on.” Techno bared his teeth.

    “Tsk, tsk, tsk.” Dream clicked his tongue in objection, “We agreed that you would keep the kid with you. We agreed that you would keep him away from his friends and most other people and thus your favor would be fulfilled.”

    “You didn’t tell me you were gonna do this,” Techno disputed.

    “Do what? Hmm?” Dream hummed.

    “He’s broken, Dream. He’s- He’s hallucinating and having nightmares and- and- you did this.” Techno snapped at him.

    “I haven’t touched the boy.” Dream insisted once more.

    “Is that so? Then who did?” Techno questioned sarcastically.

    Dream smirked, unbeknownst to Techno. If only the piglin knew of all he had in store, he truly would be astounded, impressed even. Despite the thought, Dream simply shrugged.

    “Listen, Dream. I gave you what you wanted. I hid him well and kept him busy. I’ve done what you’ve asked me to. This has gone too far. I’m done.” Techno declared.

    “Very well, Mr. Blade.” Dream nodded, unaffected by the announcement.

    “If I find that you’re messing with him again, I will not hesitate to hunt you down myself and repay the troubles ten-fold. You’ll have wished you were dead. Do I make myself clear?” Techno growled with disgust. Dream didn’t move a muscle, frustrating Techno, “What’s your problem?! Stop being a coward and look at me, you gutless bastard!”

    Still, Dream didn’t move an inch. Techno—unmistakably annoyed—marched over to the man with the intent to pull him around.

    “Stop.” Dream growled. “Another step closer and I’ll see to it that Ranboo never finds peace again.”

    Techno took a step back and laughed to himself fondly, “Funny thing is, Dream? I never said it was Ranboo we were talking about. Well done, Dreamwastaken: you’ve just sold yourself out.” Techno huffed out a breath before turning on his heel and making his way to the edge of the enclosure. Behind him, Dream stiffened in what Techno hoped was anxiety. Disregarding this, Techno rapped on the obsidian wall. “I’m ready to come back, Sam!”

    The lava fell once more and the platform began to depart. Before Techno could get his foot on the platform, Dream addressed him.

    “See you soon, friend.” Dream commented bitterly.

    “For you sake, I hope not.” Techno bit back and let the platform carry him back.

Chapter Text

Techno arrived home late in the evening with worries heavy on his mind and anger deep in his skin. He was not an emotional person—or so he’d like to think—but it was something about that wretched man that made his stomach flip and hair stand up on the back of his neck. 

Techno entered his home with an announcing presence. His heavyweight trademark outfit weighed against the soles of his feet and into the floorboards as he swung the wooden door open and let himself succumb to the warm room. 

“Ah, welcome back, mate!” Phil announced with a cheery tone. He sported a floral apron Techno forgot he owned. Cradled in Phil’s arms was a mixing bowl of what Techno assumed was cake batter. Phil whisked lightly with a quiet Ranboo behind him reading at the dinner table. “How was your trip?”

“Impeccable. I need to talk to you outside.” Techno was blunt and straight to the point, faltering Phil ever so slightly from his previously peaceful state. He nodded and set the bowl down while he undid the knot behind him. He hung his apron over a chair and accompanied his friend out the door. Before shutting the door behind him he shot Ranboo a tender glare formed of purified glass.

“How ever so subtle, don’t ya think?” Phil commented with slight irritation.

Techno inhaled deeply before determining walking a few yards from the house was distant enough and abruptly stopped; Phil almost rolled into him. He turned around and communicated what he could, “It’s him, Phil.”

“It’s-”

“I- I know it’s him. It’s Dream. He’s messing with the kid.” Techno confirmed. Phil was torn between feeling troubled for his friends' well-being and feeling raged by the confirmation that someone else held the power to do such atrocious things to someone so innocent.

“Did- Did he tell you?” Phil challenged, needing to be positive this was the answer. A part of him still wanted this to be a big misunderstanding. A part of him just wanted Ranboo to be undergoing night terrors. Those were easier to deal with.

“Yes.” Techno breathed out. Phil had never seen the man's eyes turn so soft as the wrinkles in his skin dissolved. Techno had never looked so juvenile before. It really made Phil reflect on how young this man truly was.

“What did he say?” Phil was anxious to listen. Techno felt far from desirable. 

“Typical stuff that every other jerk says.” Techno rolled his eyes, “Threats, cryptic sentences, more threats, creepy vibes, that bull.” 

“No, like, seriously. What did he say, Techno?” Phil leaned in for more information.

“I can’t remember much, Phil. It all just happened so fast and I’m not sure how to process it.” Techno admitted.

“Did he hurt you?” Phil was quick to investigate.

“What? No- God, no. I’d deck him if he even tried . It was just a wake-up call, I guess. This is more serious than I thought it was.” Techno thought back to the first night it all went wrong: the night Ranboo went missing. 

He remembered knocking on his deserted house door and thought nothing of it. He remembered walking through the unrelenting weather with an apprehensive Phil while he felt nothing but snow. He remembered stumbling upon a broken kid fallen like a piece of decaying lumber in a pile on the ground and still , he felt nothing . Why was it now that it all came to hit him hard? It wasn’t fair. Techno wanted to be angered by Ranboo, but he couldn’t find the spirit within himself to do so.

“Is he going to stop?” A wishful thought from Phil.

“Doubt it. Would love him to, but he’s as stubborn as all get-out.” Techno sighed.

“And a psychopath for that matter,” Phil added and Techno hummed. “Motherfuckers crazy.” Techno chuckled at the comment.

Phil felt the snowflakes descend upon his nose and rosy cheeks. He watched the tiny freckles of water melt into his skin and run Derbys down his neck. He felt his body fade into a haze alongside the wind and cherished the sweet whispers it bestowed upon his ears. Call it an epiphany, call it reasoning, call it whatever you want: Phil knew it was his turn.

“I’m gonna take a swing at him myself.” Phil decided. Techno promptly opposed.

“I don’t think that’s the best idea. I just -”

“I don’t care.” Phil cuts him off, “You had your turn, now it’s mine.”

“Fine, then I’m coming with you.” Techno tried to negotiate.

“No can do. Need someone to watch over the kid.” Phil shook his head.

“He’s not a child, Phil. He doesn’t need a babysitter.” Techno wanted to debate, but he knew Phil was right.

“He does .” Phil corrected.

“Fine.” Techno groaned. He gazed around the terrain before coming to a solution, “What if we got Ghostbur to watch after him?” Techno proposed.

“I haven’t seen the guy in a hot minute. He likes to pop in and out at random intervals.” Phil shrugged.

“Not much changed, I guess.” Techno mumbled without thinking, “Sorry.”

“Nah, I get it. I get it.” Phil viewed through the house window to see a carefree enderman hybrid sneak his way over the dining room table to stick his finger in the batter and taste it quickly. Phil couldn’t help but beam and chuckle at the childish behavior. He missed times like that.

“I’ll stay with him.” Techno agreed for Phil’s sake. Phil looked back at him with a smile.

“Thank you,” Phil whispered to his friend.

“Just- Don’t do anything stupid.” Techno was fully aware of Phil’s inclination to act on impulse rather than rationality.

“I won’t. Not this time.” Phil assured.

Techno nodded and Phil grinned. He traveled back to the cabin to prepare his supplies but Techno remained out in the cold. He just wanted one moment longer with Jack Frost and all his flurry of friends. He just wanted to feel the Sun beat his temple like a drum but the powdered snow spread bites of ice across his fingers like the tip of paintbrush bristles. He just wanted to feel life in all its definitions, even if it was just for a moment. A moment was all he needed.

Chapter Text

Phil stood and faced the back of the very man he detested—the man he vowed to protect people from. He never thought this day would come; he never thought it would feel this powerful . He could wipe Dream’s final life right now, but—for Ranboo and Techno’s sake—he won’t.

Dream refused to speak; thus, Phil refused as well. Instead, he took note of Dream facing the wall and contemplated his next move. Phil sighed and shuffled into the sheltered obsidian box. He walked right behind Dream and towered over him before turning around and taking a seat on the ground as well, their backs nearly touching.

It felt better this way. It felt better not facing Dream. Phil almost felt in control over the situation. Anything that made Dream seem lesser or stripped him slightly of his authority was sufficient enough for Phil.

“To what do I owe this visit, Mr. Minecraft?” Dream spoke first.

“Don’t play coy with me, mate. I’m not in the mood.” Phil lectured.

“You know what’s funny? I just had a visit from a close friend of yours.” Dream noted with a forced sarcastic snicker, “This visit wouldn’t happen to be related to that, would it?”

“I came on my own accord,” Phil added.

“Sure, sure.” Dream nodded in clear doubt, “Well, I told Techno all he needed to know. You won’t be getting any more answers out of me today, old man.”

“That’s fine. I didn’t come for answers.” Phil shrugged.

“Is that so? Then what did you come for?” Dream smiled at the absurdness.

“To inform you,” Phil answered.

“Inform me of what?” Dream chuckled with just a pinch of nervousness he failed to hide.

“Of what will happen if you don’t leave my family alone.” Phil finished. He didn’t give Dream the satisfaction of another moment to speak, “I have not lived a boring life, Dream; you know this. I have served millennia of identities, slain dragons, brewed impossible creations, and met people you only hear in fairytales. I am a well-accomplished man. I’m content with life, Dream. That makes me dangerous.”

Dream listened closer.

“Whatever happens to me doesn’t matter because I have lived . Which means I will have no remorse in ruining your life for what you have done.” Phil seemed almost excited by the thought—maybe he was?

“What’s that?” Dream cunningly remarked.

“I’ve seen what you can do, kid. I’ve watched your effects take their toll on a boy unfairly shoved into war. I’ve watched him crumble and reduce to nothing but an accompaniment to the space around him. I’ve seen the happiest kid known to man tear down banner after banner in frustration. I’ve seen him walk the rubbled path of his country with tears in his eyes and holes in his heart.”

“To be fair, you blew it up too.” Dream added in.

“I destroyed the country , not the kid. That was you . Not me.” Phil seethed through his teeth. He found himself fuming with rage but quickly cooled off.

“What’s done is done, Phil. I cannot undo my actions.” Dream reasoned with little genuine care.

“I’m not asking you to. I’m telling you that I will not sit here and watch you take another innocent life. I will not stand by and let you tear down another kid. I will not let you hurt Ranboo any longer.” Phil growled as he allowed the anger to take over.

“Oh, yeah? And how exactly do you plan on doing that, big man?” Dream scoffed.

Phil glanced around the cell. He wasn’t sure exactly what he was scanning for—he was just searching. Perhaps for clarity? Privacy? Thankfully, he found it quickly: determination. “This is a lovely place you got here, yeah?”

“Hmm?” Dream hummed.

“You know what’s great about this cell: it’s difficult to hear. Dream, you could scream for hours and hours and hours; but, it would never make it past that lava wall. No one would know. No one would know.” Phil traced his fingers along the polished obsidian floor.

“ Shut up .” Dream demanded.

“I bet it’s so easy to just… trip . To just fall without much thought of your motor skills. Especially after sitting all day long and eating nothing of true nutritional value, and surely no one would question if you fell into the lava of all things. Hmm? In fact, I don’t think anyone would spare a second thought about it.” Phil spread out his thoughts for Dream to see.

“I think you should g-” Dream began to snarl as he briskly stood up to turn around and inform Sam the visit was over.

The instant he stood up, Phil was right there behind him. He grabbed Dream’s wrist and twisted it behind his back to pin him against the wall; his face bared against the cold wall. Dream sought to smack Phil behind him with his free hand, but it was no use; he was pinned.

“If you refuse to leave my kids alone, there will be problems. You got it?” Phil whispered behind Dream’s hair.

“You’re sick. You’re a sick, sick man.” Dream spits tense words through his teeth.

“Am I clear?” Phil asked once more. Still, he doesn’t reply, “I said, am I clear ?” Phil raised his voice and pushed Dream’s arm further into his back, causing him to inhale sharply.

“Yes, yes! Holy shit , yes. Whatever.” Dream rattled quickly; anything to get some pressure off his wrist and soothe the ache in his spine.

Phil released Dream and allowed him to pant as he pushed off the wall and rubbed around his wrists, feeling sore. Phil turned around to overlook the lava, giving Dream the gift of identity as he refrained from looking him in the eyes.

“What do I get out of this, huh?” Dream angrily asked as he continued to massage his skin.

“What do you get? You get to live.” Phil laughed at the assumption that Dream would receive anything out of this.

“What? You gonna kill me?” Dream mocked, “I can tell you right now, killing me will not stop what’s happening to Ranboo. In fact, it might make it worse.”

“No, I won’t kill you.” Phil chuckled, “I’ll do something much worse.”

Dream abandoned the sly tone and stared a line into the back of Phil’s head. Phil felt uneasy about having eyes on him so intensely. 

“Phil?! You said to send the platform back in 5 minutes?! It’s coming ‘round.” Sam shouted from the other side. Dream maintained his death glare at the man.

“Pleasure doing business with ya, mate,” Phil remarked cleverly and left the premises.

Dream rubbed his hands over each other, “Yeah… business .”

Chapter Text

Techno had left right after Ranboo revealed what he was experiencing. When Techno left, Ranboo watched him venture out with determination and return with anger. The second he returned, Phil was on his own journey. Ranboo watched Phil depart with empowerment and come home a puddle of a tired man. He didn’t dare ask where they had been because he didn’t want to hear any more lies. If he desired to figure out what was going on, he’d have to do it discreetly. 

“We need to talk about it.” Phil ignited the conversation centered around their friend while he and Techno washed dishes. Phil cleaned while Techno dried. This was a system they had always utilized.

“What else can we say, Phil?” Techno replied as he laid a plate back in the cupboard above him.

Phil glared behind him to check on Ranboo. The kid was seemingly asleep on the couch with comfort heavy on his eyes. Phil took this as the go-ahead for more in-depth discussions. “We’ve gotta figure something out. This can’t keep happening.”

“To be fair, it seems to have lessened.” Techno offered.

“I know, I know. Ranboo just doesn’t seem quite himself , yet.” Phil tilted his head and looked more intently at the boy. He shook his head and turned back around to resume his chores.

“I think he’s as much Ranboo as any other day.” Techno shrugged indifferently.

“That’s the thing, Techno. It’s too much; forced almost.” Phil explained his suspicions.

“Maybe you’re overthinking this, Phil?” Techno proposed.

“Maybe…” Phil longed to agree but felt otherwise. “What did Dream tell you, again?”

“Phil, I’ve told you a thousand times. It’s not gonna change this time.” Techno rolled his eyes.

“I’m aware, mate. I just wanna hear it again.” Phil asked politely. How could Techno say 'no' to his dearest friend?

Techno sighed and spoke, “Said he never touched the kid nor talked to him before. I've told you this numerous times, Phil.” 

“Hmm.” Phil reflected carefully; there must be something he was missing. 

“And it’s not like Ranboo knows what’s going on, either. The kid is just as confused as we are. The only person who seems to know what’s going on is Dream.” Techno articulated his frustration.

“Yeah…” Phil nodded and handed Techno a clean mug. “We need to get more out of him.”

“Who? Dream?”

“Mhm.” Phil clarified. “He can’t keep getting away with this. We need more information.”

“There’s only so much we can do, Phil. Eventually, Sam is gonna catch on.” Techno pointed out.

“What if we involved Sam?” Phil suggested.

“No way. Absolutely not. He’ll never let us back in.” Techno shook his head and dried a dish with a rag.

“You don’t know that,” Phil grumbled at the passionate objection.

“I do know that. Sam was already hesitant about letting either of us in. He’s not gonna like us coming back.” Techno elaborated.

“Whatever,” Phil said, discouraged as he poured water into a bowl and rinsed it out. “I just don’t like not doing anything.”

“I know you don’t.” Techno acknowledged.

“What if-” Techno readjusted himself and mustered the courage to throw in his own two cents. “What if we had Ranboo visit him?”

“Fuck no. No way in hell will I let that happen. Why the fuck would you suggest that?” Phil furiously opposed.

“It makes sense, think about it: Ranboo would be able to get anything out of Dream that we needed so we can further help,” Techno held his perspective.

“Help with what? Further traumatizing the poor guy?” I think I’ll pass, mate.” Phil scoffed.

“No, that’s not what I meant. Sam won’t let anything happen to him, Phil. His whole thing is safety or whatever.” Techno vaguely gestured as he placed a spoon on the counter alongside other items recently cleaned.

“'Safety' my ass . I ‘bout busted Dream’s wrist. The dude still hasn’t mentioned shit .” Phil brought up.

“That’s different.” Techno immediately shot back.

“How is that different, Techno?” Phil dropped a plate in the sink and looked over at Techno with an offended glare. “Tell me right now how that’s any different than what Dream could do to him?” Phil pointed vaguely to the air for Dream and motioned to Ranboo at the mention of his name.

"Sam won't let that happen to Ranboo," Techno growled. He slowly lowered his dishes onto the counter with more caution and consideration than Phil had.

“I think you have too much faith in the Almighty Warden Sam, Protector of All. ” Phil mocked.

“Well, excuse me for learning to trust someone. I recall someone telling me I should work on that.” Techno’s blood boiled at the dispute.

“Now is not the time to be working on your trust issues, Techno. Ranboo’s life is at stake .” Phil lectured and threw up his arms.

“Oh, it’s never the time for me to work on my issues, now is it? It’s always, ‘Techno, we should do this.’ ‘Techno, I need help with that.’ It’s never, ‘Techno, how are you feeling today? How’s your day been?’” Techno mimicked with aggression.

“You never want to talk about stuff like that.” Phil countered and raised his voice.

“How would you know? You’ve never asked me!” Techno shouted back.

“I’ve known you since you were a kid, through thick and thin, and you wanna stand there and tell me I don’t know who I raised ?” Phil spat strong words at the man.

“Wouldn’t be the first time, now would it? How about I go start a nation and then blow it up? Maybe, and just maybe, you will realize that perhaps people aren’t who they say they are. Maybe they're just who you want them to be!” Techno yelled.

Phil’s expression changed from rage to pain and quickly shifted to disgust. Techno watched color fade in Phil’s eyes and felt the shade darken in his own heart. He took a moment to reflect on what he said and regretted it instantly.

“Phil, I-”

“No, leave it.” Phil interrupted. He tore the apron off his body and threw it onto the table. He stomped up the stairs; Techno wouldn't see Phil for the rest of the night.

Techno turned back around and leaned against the sink. He placed his hands on the edge to push against it with his head bowed in disappointment. He took a deep breath and let his hair drape past his eyes before allowing the rush to consume him.

“Damnit!” Techno shouted as he swept the collection of dishes on the counter onto the floor, most of them breaking in half.

Techno turned around and pushed against the counter with his head in his hands. The dark night sky tapped against his window, but he wasn’t all that invested in what it had to offer. Nonetheless, he gave the night a chance. He noticed an owl perched on a pinewood branch, and a white bunny hopping from burrow to burrow, and a mother fox carrying her baby by the fleshy part of its neck.

Techno gave the night one more chance; he noticed a silhouette in the distance. The kid that he had been fighting for was trudging his way through the snow. A pathetic bag was slung over his shoulder with armor heavy on his limbs.

The thing was, it didn’t matter how many second chances you gave something, sometimes history is just bound to repeat itself.

Techno turned off the lights and headed to bed.

Chapter Text

“Are you sure, Ranboo?"

“Yes.”

“‘Cause I’m still not-“

“Sam,” Ranboo gazed behind him and shot a pitiful look at the man. “I already told you, it’s to help me. The doctor suggested I face him to finalize my treatment.”

“What did you say your doctor's name was, again?” Sam asked with suspicion.

“You wouldn’t know him. He works outside the server and specializes in end hybrids.” Ranboo turned back around to face the open area. He couldn’t level with Sam any longer; he would surely break.

“Right.” Sam nodded. It was mroe than explicit that Ranboo was lying, yet Sam still drew the lever and sent him to the other side.

Ranboo allowed the lustrous light from the lava to consume him entirely; anything was sounder than his own thoughts holding control. He felt his body drift from place to place until it landed with an abrupt stop: he had arrived.

He stepped off cautiously and managed his way onto the obsidian confinement. Sam shouted something at Ranboo that went unacknowledged. The only thing clear to Ranboo was that the platform had retracted and with it did his ride. He now stood behind the very man who had been terrorizing him terribly and relentlessly. Finally, he could end this once and for all; it was now or never.

“Hello?” He spoke with such weakness and fragility. Then again, that wasn’t far-fetched from his description.

“Hello, Ranboo.” Dream responded more happily than Ranboo would’ve preferred.

He loathed the way Dream sat on the floor comfortably yet held himself as if the ground were to collapse if he moved ever so wrongly. He resented that Dream faced the wall as if it had more to say and higher value than Ranboo did. He despised the tranquility the man held and how at peace he seemed; it wasn’t fair.

“How’re you today?” Dream asked as if the two were casual coworkers starting a slow Monday morning.

“I want you to leave me alone.” Ranboo ignored the question and stated his demand.

Dream merely chuckled in response, “I’m great, thanks for asking.”

“ I. Want you . To leave me . Alone.” Ranboo repeated with strong emphasis.

“I do believe you were the one who visited me .” Dream countered the logistics of Ranboo’s demand—or pathetic request , as he viewed it.

“You know what I mean.” Ranboo rolled his eyes in irritation.

“How’ve you been, Ranboo?” Dream repeated his question from earlier.

Ranboo stared at Dream in disbelief, but mostly frustration. Nonetheless, he decided to play along. If a game is what Dream wanted, then a game Dream would get. “Phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal.” Ranboo responded scornfully.

“The way you say that makes me think otherwise.” Dream pointed out. The more Dream spoke, the more Ranboo recoiled, but he disregarded his feelings for now.

“Well, I have had a nuisance recently that won’t stop bothering me. It’s sad, really.” Ranboo reacted to the assumption.

“How so?” Dream tilted his head.

“That he has nothing better to do than to harass some kid with the memory of a goldfish.” Ranboo resulted in taking a seat on the floor. He crossed his legs tenderly and traced his fingers along the crevices of the prison floor.

“Oh, c’mon. I’m sure there’s more to the story than that.” Dream poked at the response playfully, but Ranboo felt anything but inspired.

“If there is, I don’t know about it.” Ranboo shrugged. He was well aware he was falling right into Dream’s trap. Dream wanted to get him comfortable and vulnerable. Ranboo couldn’t afford a slip-up at a time like this. He had to take a step back from the conversation before it got worse. The problem was, it just felt nice to talk to someone about what had been going on, even if said person was the one causing it.

“That’s unfortunate.” Dream reset his attitude.

“What did I do wrong?” Ranboo whispered as he dug his hands into his eyes; there must be a reason Dream was doing this to him, but what was it? He couldn’t think of any excuse nor debate that justified his circumstances, so why did he sit here in desperation for an answer?

“Nothing, really. In fact, you did everything just right.” Dream gleefully corrected. Ranboo felt nauseous at the thought that this was meant to happen, that this was intended for him to endure.

“Do you recall the story of Theseus?” Dream began off track.

“I, uh,” Ranboo was taken aback by the sudden change in atmosphere. “I wasn’t there when Techno told it, but yes, I do remember it.”

“What do you remember?” Dream pushed.

Ranboo was wary of Dream’s intentions but nonetheless continued, “It’s a Greek myth meant to portray the moral that life isn’t fair; what’s right isn’t always what’s approved. Theseus killed some beast or something that was terrorizing a city, which led to him getting exiled.” Ranboo recalled quite well. How could he not? It was such a large part of the Syndicate alongside conversations Phil and Techno had when they sometimes brought up Tommy or L’manburg. A copious amount of books lined Techno’s shelves with enough Greek mythology to make historians jealous.

“Mmm.” Dream hummed and nodded his head, “Not quite.”

“What?”

“Techno told the very basics of the tale. He never really got to the heart of it.” Dream revealed.

“And what may that be?” Ranboo pondered in doubt. He was almost certain Dream just wanted to scare him with another fairytale.

“The betrayal of Ariadne against her father, King Minos.” Dream clarified.

“I don’t understand how they relate to this story at all?” Ranboo furrowed his brows. Perhaps Dream wasn’t trying to scare him this time, as the two figures were popular and crucial to many allegories the Greeks told.

“I don’t expect you to.” Dream chuckled, “Allow me to explain.”

Ranboo adjusted his sitting as if he were a child preparing for storytime in the local library alongside children and parents alike.

“King Minos’ wife gave birth to a half-man, half-bull, that they called the Minotaur. Minos placed the Minotaur in a maze and fed him a sacrifice once a year. Each year a kid got thrown into the maze with no defense. There was no expectation they would escape other than through the mouth of the beast.” Dream told. Ranboo leaned in closer as he was drawn further into the story.

“Theseus was chosen one year. Before being thrown in, he fell in love with Minos’ daughter, Ariadne. Ariadne didn’t want Theseus to die. So, she broke the rules and her father's trust by giving Theseus a weapon to use in the maze.” Dream shared more than Ranboo was aware. His tale might as well be the truth as Ranboo had never really looked into the fable; he hadn’t a need to.

“Theseus used this gift to slay the Minotaur, which deeply upset Minos and his wife. Theseus had no other choice than to leave and never return. Adriane lost all respect from her father.” Dream concluded.

“Why’re you telling me this?” Ranboo shook his head in puzzlement.

“Because I want you to understand something: you need to stop biting the hand that feeds you. Sometimes when someone helps you, it is in your best interest you listen. Yes, maybe the outcome will be less than ideal, but it will be far better than the alternative.” Dream explained.

“What are you trying to say?” Ranboo felt his stomach flip in disgust.

“I want to help you, Ranboo. You may not like it. You may believe I am only making things worse, but I promise you that what I do is only the best option you have. If you don’t listen, then you are guaranteed to perish. I’ve seen far too many young souls deteriorate on this server. I’m tired of causing each and every one of them. I’m hoping that if I can save one, then maybe I can forgive myself for those I have wronged.”

Ranboo wanted to believe him; he really did. He felt that he needed to believe him because he seemed so genuine, so real . Ranboo hadn’t felt a lot of reality recently. This was a rarity, a gift.

But, there was something off about Dream. The more he spoke, the more Ranboo felt uneasy about his demeanor. As much as he hated to admit it, he had grown content with having Dream around. There was something different about him now that didn’t provide that same ease. He was changed, but Ranboo couldn’t really put his finger on what it was. His voice sounded higher, his build looked thinner, his vernacular seemed casual. He almost seemed kinder. Something inside Ranboo told him this wasn’t the Dream he had been speaking to, but it must be. This must be Dream. Sam wouldn’t imprison a stranger.

“No, no, not me. I will not be your guinea pig. I- I have to go.” Ranboo hurried to stand up and brushed the dust off his pants.

“Leaving so soon? I haven’t even shown you my party trick yet.” Dream frowned.

“You’re what?” Ranboo paused and turned around. 

Dream continued to sit comfortably on the floor with a still presence. Yet, Ranboo was seeing double. Ranboo saw a figure in the corner of the room. He leaned against the wall with his arms crossed and a mask firm on his face. The Dream he had been speaking to outside of the prison smirked at his presence.

“Hello again, friend.”

Chapter Text

If you were to open up Wikipedia and search for any topic— anything at all—you’d discover a pleasant game hidden deep within its code and mechanics. By clicking the first word (not in parentheses) that allows you to progress to another page, you will end up in an endless cycle between the same three subjects: 

“What’s- Wait- I’m confused. This- This doesn’t make sense. No- How are there two- How did you- Wait, is this Astral Projection . I- I read about that once in a magazine Phil had. Is that what this is? You- You’ve been leaving your body to get out of the prison? What the heck…? How are we gonna imprison your spirit? ” Ranboo whispered the question to himself as he rattled off thought after thought, overwhelmed by the events unfolded before him.

“Quite the thinker, aren’t you?” Dream—the imprisoned one—smiled at Ranboo’s confusion.

“I know, right. He spirals quite quickly. It’s very amusing.” The Other Dream snickered in amusement at the observation.

“Oh, I bet.” Imprisoned Dream remarked cheerfully.

“No… no- no, no, no! No! This- this isn’t some social for you two to talk about your psychotic obsessions over my suffering!” Ranboo proclaimed with clenched fists. His voice wavered as he felt disgusted by their entertained minds.

“As you wish.” The Other Dream shrugged. “We can just do it in our free time, behind your back.” Both Dreams laughed, but Ranboo felt anything but humor. 

“Who are you ?” Ranboo squinted at the man as if that would answer his query. He liked to think he knew who had been tormenting him. Hours upon hours of relentless agony was more than enough to conclude that he knew who Dream was. Yet, as he stood in front of his abuser and lookalike, he wasn’t so sure anymore. In fact, he wasn’t sure about anything anymore.

“You don’t recognize me, man?” The Other Dream exclaimed, seemingly insulted. Ranboo felt a name on the top of his tongue that pressed down on his throat; but, he couldn't obtain the correct syllables. Even if he had, he wouldn't release it; he knew better than that.

“No, no, he wouldn’t dude. He moved here after you died.” Imprisoned Dream explained the reasoning. Died? Who- Ghostbur? Had he been talking to Ghostbur this entire time?

“Oh, shit, you right.” The Other Dream realized. “Well then, allow me to introduce myself.” He seemed eager to indulge in greetings.

“No, that’s alright. You don’t have to do that, actually. I’d prefer I leave, instead. Yeah, just, never come back and never have to interact with either of you ever again.” Ranboo interrupted with his take on the circumstances.

“Right, right.” The Other Dream chuckled. “Anyways, you may have heard of me from some friends of yours? I’m Schlatt. Although, I’m not much for tangible presences anymore; at least, not since I had that heart attack.”

“I’m still surprised you had a heart to begin with.” Dream teased with a chuckle.

“...What?” Ranboo took a minute to process everything but still ended up in murky waters.

philosophy,

“I don’t- You’re Schlatt?” Ranboo questioned and received confirmation in the form of a subtle nod. “But- But you’re not how Fundy described you, or- or Quackity, or Tubbo.”

“Well, it’s been a few years, man. Time changes a person.” Schlatt shrugged indifferently.

“ Years? I moved here a few months ago.” Ranboo questioned the timeline. Perhaps his memory was graver than he thought it to be.

“Ah, I guess time works differently here, doesn’t it? Much slower, I assume?” Schlatt looked over to Dream for clarification and gained a nod.

“Compared to what?” Ranboo continued his survey of inquires.

“Where I’ve been is beside the point.” Schlatt waved him off.

“No, no, I think it’s very important. Where is ‘there’ and how long until you go back?” Ranboo pondered with a sprinkled passive request.

“Who said I left?” Schlatt tilted his head and Ranboo’s skin fell under uneasy pressure from the glare.

“You- You must’ve . You can’t be in two places at once.” Ranboo explained.

“It’s not a place, dumbass. It’s a concept .” Schlatt bit back as he allowed more of his personality to reveal with his identity now exposed.

“A concept ?” Ranboo scoffed. “That’s ridiculous. So, what? You’ve been here the whole time, just invisible?”

“I guess. If you wanna word it that way, be my guess.” Schlatt didn’t seem to care.

“That- I don’t understand.” Ranboo shook his head.

“Think of it like this: imagine you’re 2-D; that you are a simple drawing on a piece of paper and I am 3-D. You—being 2D—have only ever known what is in front of you, nothing else. If I were to observe you from the side, you would have no way of knowing unless I chose to make myself known. Does this lessen either of our existences? No, it simply makes me more aware than you are.” Dream explained for Schlatt. Ranboo had a sneaky suspicion that even if Schlatt attempted to explain the concept, he would fail miserably; he didn’t seem to be the most intelligent man.

“Are you saying that Schlatt, Wilbur, all them, they’ve been in a 4th dimension?” Ranboo exclaimed in doubt, but Dream was quick to agree. “I don’t believe this.”

“Doesn’t make it any less real,” Schlatt joined.

feelings, 

‘Real’ was an unusual concept. What could Ranboo consider to be real anymore? Was it the flesh attached to his bones and the hair that stood atop his head? Was it his conscious mind and progressive thoughts? Most importantly, what determined if other people were real? Ranboo would like to know; it would do wonders for his mass confusion.

“That aside, what’s the point? Why me? Why now?” Ranboo felt deja-vu from an all too similar encounter that happened months ago.

“Why don’t you ask your good friend, Technoblade.” Schlatt mocked.

“Techno wouldn’t- What…?” Ranboo hissed. There was no possible way that Techno had anything to do with this, right? Techno has been helping him, not hurting him. Right…?

“You heard me, kid.” Schlatt crossed his arms.

“No, this- this isn’t real. This could still be some- some joke. How do I know it’s not just Dream in my head, messing with me? I could be making this up. Yeah, I could be making this up in my head.” Ranboo attempted to rationalize for his own mental stability.

“Would Dream be willing to do this?” Schlatt begged to differ as he hovered his arms behind his head and untied the strings. The white signature mask fell from his face along with the hood he pulled back.

This was definitely Schlatt. Despite Ranboo having only seen a picture of the man once (which he still didn’t remember all that well), he knew this man certainly fit the criteria. His hair was an organized mess of wavy brown with a rough stubble across his jaw. A toothy grin matched his appearance more than Ranboo would've liked. His lips curved prominently into a determined and strife-filled grin. It was all thrown together by his eyes, though. Those eyes didn’t belong to Dream. Of course, Ranboo had never seen Dreams face either, but he was aware the two were not the same. These eyes didn’t produce the same feelings that Dreams did. These eyes were a glorious eternal flame that only grew more powerful by the second. Tree after tree burned in his eyes as a library of forest fires overthrew his pupils. There was no dullness in his eyes, yet his skin was sickly pale with the contrasting color being the broad bags that hung under his eyes with a dark hue.

“I- I guess not.” Ranboo stuttered.

“That’s what I thought.” Schlatt smiled harder and placed the mask on the floor

logic.

“Listen, Ranboo, we have an offer for you.” Dream began.

“I don’t want your offer. Whatever it is, the answer is no.” Ranboo bit back.

“Ah-ah,” Dream ‘tsk’s in disapproval. “You’re gonna want to hear this one.”

“Consider this an...ultimatum.” Schlatt took time to find the word.

“Schlatt and I promise to never harass you, Phil, Techno, or any of your immediate friends ever again, if—and only if—you aid us in a very special mission.”

“And what may that be?” Ranboo crossed his arms.

“Resurrect Schlatt.” Dream deadpanned.

“What- No. No way; why can’t you do that yourself?” Ranboo countered firmly.

"Schlatt’s more powerful than the other spirits; this is beyond my expertise and abilities.” Dream explained.

“If you can’t do that, then what makes you think I can?” Ranboo ridiculed.

“Because it’s still possible, but not without certain resources and aids that I don’t have in this cell. You—however—have access to everything you would need.” Dream further elaborated.

“And…what if I refuse?” Ranboo challenged.

“Try and find out.” Schlatt challenged back as he mirrored Ranboo’s body language and crossed his arms.

There wasn’t a moment of hesitation in his response. He was intelligent, he knew this was a trap. The moment he did what they wanted, they would warp their words and bend the rules to cause more chaos and misery. He couldn’t allow this. For the safety of others, he was willing to sacrifice his own.

“No,” Ranboo stated firmly.

He turned on his heel and stomped his way to leave the cell and eventually the prison. He never looked back; something he would later regret.

Was everything built on the foundation of these three things? Were we not so different after all, or was there more to the story?

Of course, there was always more to the story.

Chapter Text

“Memories saturate my heart and

the story of you spills from my eyes.”

Grace Andren

Contrary to popular belief, Phil never wanted to be a father. He never wanted to hold the heavy responsibility for a life so fragile and sacred. He was more than content with living out his life as a strong-willed adventurer with a passionate desire for knowledge. Of course, things didn’t always go as planned.

The moment he was handed a swaddled child lost in a deep slumber, he knew his life wasn’t his own. It wasn’t about what he wanted; it was what his son needed, and whatever it was, Phil promised to fulfill it.

Being a parent was a fickle thing. Even so, being a single parent was less than ideal. Perhaps it would have been a different story if his wife had walked out, or found another lover, but that wasn’t the case. She wanted to share sleepless nights and restless days caring for their child. She wanted to learn and grow as a family. It was different because his wife wanted this life more than he did. Yet, she was deprived of that gift, and for what? For unjust genetics to be passed down another generation? They had traveled long and far, searched low and high, all in the hope of discovering what was wrong. Although, by the time they solved the puzzle, it was too late. Life wasn’t fair sometimes.

Even though she would never get to watch her pride and joy grow up; even though she would never watch her son become his own person and develop a personality; Phil still liked to believe that she stood proudly over his shoulder every step of the way. He tried to raise his son how she would’ve wanted because it was the least he could do. The more he saw his wife in his son, the more he knew he did the right thing.

That was until he started to see too much of her in him. Not only was he able to notice the kindness and generosity that poured from his heart, but he was also able to observe the manic swings of emotions that fell unkindly upon his heart. This generation of genetics was no less evil than the last, it seemed.

Phil thought that nothing could hurt more than the loss of his wife—his best friend; but, he was deeply wrong. The loss of a child broke him far deeper than any knife could cut or any wound could scar. He had to stand and watch his own flesh, his only bloodline, the child he raised, deteriorate into nothingness. Where had he gone wrong?

As he plunged the neatly crafted sword into his son’s chest, he couldn’t help but wonder if Wilbur felt the same amount of contentment and happiness from life as Phil did. Phil could only hope that his son left this world knowing how much he was loved and cared for because his worst fear was leaving someone without telling them how important they truly were.

His son was his rock, his anchor to all morality, his redeemer; he—like his mother—deserved to know how loved he was. So, when Phil stood back and watched the light fade in his child’s eyes, he kissed the wedding ring on his finger and sent a prayer to the heavens that his wife could somehow forgive him for failing their son, but thank him for finally sending him back to who would’ve loved him in a way Phil never could.

Sometimes Phil prayed for a second chance. 

“I find that I am constantly wondering where he is. It is like a wheel ceaselessly turning at the back of my mind. Whatever I am doing, wherever I am, I am thinking: Where is he? I look for him everywhere, in every street, in every crowd. I try to find him, or a version of him.”

Maggie O’Farrell

“I’m sure he’s fine, Phil.” Techno twirled a small carving knife between his fingers.

“It’s been almost an entire day, mate. I’m not so sure.” Phil’s knee anxiously bounced to the tempo of his thoughts as the worst possible circumstances came to mind.

“So? He’s probably busy.” Techno shrugged as he covered the knife and placed it in the pocket pouch of his utility belt.

“Maybe we should go look for him?” Phil suggested. He was quite uneasy about the situation altogether; something about it didn’t sit right with him.

“Look where?” Techno argued. “We have no leads.”

“I don’t know. Anywhere is better than just sitting here doing nothing!” Phil exclaimed. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed in frustration.

“Listen, Phil, I know you’re worried, but there’s not much we can do. We searched our house, his house, the hounds’ barn, the farms; we searched all nearby land and mines. He’s. Probably. Busy.” Techno attempted to rationalize with his friend.

“See, that doesn’t sit right with me, mate.” Phil shook his head and refused the possibility that his friend was right.

“It’s true.” Techno shrugged once more.

The room was filled with a deadly silence as the two left each other alone with their thoughts—a dangerous act, indeed. Although it was just for a moment, a moment was all they needed.

“How about we search again in-“ Phil began to suggest.

“Philza, would you just drop it?” Techno shouted out of annoyance. 

“I can’t, dickhead!” Phil bit back.

“Why not!?” Techno threw his arms up in frustration.

“Because I can’t lose another one!” Phil prompted back with a voice filled with grief and eyes drowned in sorrow. The two friends stared at each other, neither knowing what to do. Techno had never been good at comforting others, but this was Phil—his best friend. The only person who cared for him just as much as he cared for them. Of course, he had to be the exception, right?

“Phil-“ Techno began solemnly at his first attempt of change.

The conversation was quickly interrupted as both pairs of eyes turned towards a creaking sound emitted from the front door. A tall enderman hybrid came right in. He seemed to hold himself as quietly as he could but relaxed his posture once he realized his presence was known.

“I just- I left my- Can I go- Go downstairs- Need to get- Yeah?” Ranboo awkwardly stuttered. “Am- Am I interrupting something?.

Phil pushed off his chair and rushed over to the kid. He wrapped him in a kind hug and squeezed his arms around him. At first, Ranboo hesitated and intended to pull away; although, the more he stood there and let Phil embrace him, the more he quickly started to fall into the warmth. He never knew how much he needed someone to just hold him, until now. He never knew how much he needed that closeness and safety.

“You’re Ok,” Phil whispered into Ranboo’s hair as he held him closer.

It all made sense. Ranboo now understood why Phil cared so much; why Ranboo was more than just a neighbor. No, Ranboo was family to him, and Phil didn’t take family lightly. Ranboo was well aware of Phil’s traumatic history with familiar relations, so it made sense that he was trying to fill that void via Ranboo.

As someone whose memory of family consisted of snippets and scenes randomly and diversely spread out, Ranboo never truly understood the concept of family or what it was meant to feel like. Now he can’t imagine life without it. To be accepted and loved for who he was, was something beautiful. To be cared for in a way that you couldn’t do yourself was remarkable. It was warm. It was love. It was family.

“Yeah, I’m Ok,” Ranboo whispered back and wrapped his arms around Phil. He buried his face into the man's shoulder and finally allowed himself to break down for once.

After hours of embracing, tears, and laughter, Ranboo finally decided it was time for bed and ventured back to his place. Despite the freezing weather, he took his time walking back in order to admire each snowflake that fell and each flurry that flew. Of course, he wasn’t allowed to admire this alone.

“Your visit went well, I assume?” Schlatt appeared nearby with interest in the snow just like Ranboo. Perhaps his interest was woven differently as he wasn’t gifted with the sparkling feeling each flake brought.

“Don’t you know already?” Ranboo grumbled at the reminder that he could never truly be alone (then again, anything was a safer choice than being alone).

“I uh, I saw you and Phil together and decided to give you guys a moment.” Schlatt awkwardly coughed at the honesty in an attempt to cover it up.

Ranboo felt indifferent to the gesture though. He kicked a fluff of snow in his walk and responded with a simple, “Thanks.” To which Schlatt nodded at the gratitude.

“Can- Can I ask you something?” Ranboo quickly changed the mood, to both their relief.

“Shoot.” Schlatt initiated.

“What you said, when you were pretending to be Dream, did you mean it?” Ranboo questioned, slightly ashamed to be curious.

“Every word,” Schlatt confirmed with a soft tone. He enjoyed the calmer presence just as much as Ranboo did.

“The part about you being close with Wilbur and Tommy and them?” Ranboo asked.

“All true.”

“The part…” Ranboo swallowed a lump in his throat. He shouldn’t want to take this conversation where he was, but he felt as if there was no other choice. “The part where you said I might end up as the bad guy?”

Schlatt visibly hesitated to answer, almost as if he felt remorse for hurting Ranboo. Alas, he had priories to uphold, and emotions couldn’t get in the way of that. There was no sugar-coating allowed for a man like him. “It’s- Yeah.” 

Schlatt sighed and continued to elaborate, “A promise will forever be a promise, Ranboo. I don’t take those lightly. Doing this—helping me—will benefit you. I guarantee that you and your friends will be better off and you’ll have ended up making the right choice.” Schlatt swore.

Ranboo stopped in front of his door and glared back at the house he had just left. In the nearest window, he saw a warm orange glow pouring along the edges as two of his closest friends sat inside. He watched Phil point a whisk at Techno like a sword and both of them laughed happily. Techno looked nice when he was happy; so did Phil. They deserved to be happy. They deserved to be happy.

“Ok...I’ll help you.”

“Life is the only thing which can never be replaced when lost.”

Lailah Gifty Akita

Chapter Text

“How much further does the map say?” Ranboo impatiently questioned as he kicked a stray rock along the dirt path.

“We just need to head east for a little longer.” Techno pulled the map out and responded blankly.

The duo admired the harmonious forest ambiance as it roamed the air and filled their ears—a nice shift from the deathly silence it naturally held. Birds chirped, branches snapped, leaves swayed, and their hearts warmed at the melodies. Ranboo was more invested in the visual aspects of nature. Techno was more content with watching his feet carry him one step closer to his destination as the sounds of trees accompanied him.

“ Techno ,” Ranboo whispered with a gasp. Instinctively, Techno hovered his hand over his blade, prepared to draw his weapon at the approaching danger. He scanned his surroundings only to see that Ranboo was not only safe but crouched down before a bed of flowers as well.

“Yes, those are flowers, Ranboo.” Techno rolled his eyes and relaxed.

“No, look .” Ranboo insisted once more.

Techno sighed and crouched down beside Ranboo to see what he was so pleased by. There—hidden in the center of a yellow tulip—was a peacefully sleeping harvest mouse. Techno had seen those pesky things more than enough around these parts. Sometimes he would find them in his barns or farmlands and have to shoo them off with a broom because his dogs would much rather play with the mice than get rid of them.

Although, now, they looked peaceful and harmless. The mice looked innocent and unable to cause anything except joy. They looked adorable, even. Techno had never seen so much peace in something so insignificant. Who knew a small creature dusted in pollen of blooming petals would provide him with such bliss?

“Why do they do that?” Techno tilted his head as he pondered their sleeping tactics.

“They like it. Feels nice, smells nice, tastes nice; it makes them feel safe and happy.” Ranboo smiled as he relayed the information.

“Tulips?” Techno questioned.

“Yeah, tulips,” Ranboo confirmed before he stood back up to continue the journey. “Tulips mean happiness to them. They mean comfort and food. Tulips mean safety .”

“Hmm.” Techno hummed in interest as he resumed the expedition. He never knew much about nature besides the essentials. “How’d you know this?”

“A book from your library.” Ranboo chuckled.

“Oh,” Techno said with slight humiliation that he didn’t even know his own belongings. He assumed it must have been from one of the vintage books Phil got him each year that held a sentimental handwritten message on the first page and dust to be collected on the rest.

“What about you?” Ranboo broke Techno away from his thoughts.

“What about me?” Techno stared at his feet once more.

“What’s your tulip?” Ranboo clarified.

“I dunno.” Techno shrugged indifferently. It wasn’t a thought he yearned to contemplate. Emotions were dangerous and fragile; they were something he didn’t have time for.

“Oh, c’mon. There’s gotta be something .” Ranboo teased with a smile; Techno didn’t budge.

“Nope.” He popped the ‘p’ and moved on.

“Mmhmm.” Ranboo hummed sarcastically.

“What about you? What’s your ‘tulip’?” Techno emphasized mockingly. 

“Mm, probably my pets. They’re very comforting and sweet.” Ranboo grinned. Techno held back a smile of his own at the pure answer.

“Makes sense.” Techno nodded awkwardly.

“You still can’t think of one?” Ranboo glared back once more for an answer. Techno didn’t fall for the ploy and refrained from looking at Ranboo; he knew he would surely give in.

“No.” 

“Alright.” Ranboo gave up and returned to observing the nature around him. Ranboo looked off in the distance and saw a nest of baby birds that sat upon an oak branch. It seemed they had hatched a few weeks earlier as they were still learning about life. Ranboo brightly smiled before he took off. "Techno, hurry before the Mom gets back. I wanna see 'em."

Techno scoffed with a smile at the childish behavior of his friend. Sometimes he genuinely forgot how young this kid was. He proceeded with a walking stride; meanwhile, Ranboo pursued a running pace towards the tree. Out of pure habit, Techno took the time to observe his surroundings. To the left was a clearing, and to the right was the rest of a forest. He seemed safe.

Techno then noticed a crack in the ground. The closer he walked, the more he realized it wasn't as shallow as he believed it to be. Not only that, but it seemed to continue across the land for a good mile. Even though their perspective, the land was smooth, the dimensions of the land said otherwise.

A ravine.

"Ranboo! Wait, stop! It's-" Techno yelled at his friend while he took off running. Albeit, Ranboo was too far to hear.

Techno dropped his backpack to the ground to make running lighter. When he thought that wasn't enough, he dropped his armor swiftly as well before fully sprinting after the kid.

Ranboo ran with a deep smile and eyes fixated on the nest before him. Just as he was about to make it to the tree, the floor vanished below him. His smile instantly fell, and his stomach dropped at the feeling of open-air and abrupt free falling.

Before his body could completely slip into the darkness, a sudden force was applied to his wrist that stopped him, his body jerking from the unexpected stop. He looked up to see Techno leaned over the edge with his hand tightly wrapped around Ranboo. Sure, Techno held a lot of strength, and perhaps he was one of the strongest people Ranboo knew, but this was beyond physical strength.

"Techno, I- I don't wanna- Please, please don't let me fall, Techno." Ranboo pleaded. His life was in Techno’s hands; he knew the man wouldn’t let him fall, but being as vulnerable as he was, he couldn’t help but entertain the possibility.

“Shut up, I’m not gonna let you fall, kid. Just hold on.” Techno gritted through his teeth as he tried to maintain his composure.

Ranboo peaked down at the dark abyss below him and quickly fixated back on Techno. He needed to keep his mind focused on something else if he wanted to preserve his strength. He attempted to grab onto something— anything ; he fumbled with his vacant hand until he found Techno’s other arm stretched out for him. He panicked and gripped it firmly.

“Alright, I’m gonna pull and you’re gonna push with your legs. Ok?” Techno explained but Ranboo was still glossed over in a daze from the situation. Techno tried again, “Hey, eyes on me. Do you understand?”

Ranboo finally glared back and nodded, at a loss for words.

“3, 2, 1!” Techno counted down as he pulled the kid up.

Ranboo pushed with all his strength against the dirt wall. He attempted to bring himself forwards—to take the load off for Techno as much as he could—and pushed a bit too hard. The rock beneath his left foot rapidly dissolved to dust, and his body flailed helplessly. A startled yelp left his lips as panic emerged.

“Hey, it’s alright. You’re fine, you’re fine. Keep going.” Techno encouraged with enthusiasm.

Ranboo nodded and, with a tremble, placed his foot on a rock he found to be more sturdy than the last. This time the force of his feet and momentum of Techno’s arms were more than enough to pull him over the edge and ultimately onto the ground.

Techno pulled Ranboo the rest of the way and rested the kid on the ground before succumbing to the Earth himself. They both rolled into their backs and panted in exhaustion. Not only did they need a moment to catch their breath, but to compose their thoughts as well.

“Phil.” Techno suddenly declared between gasps for breath.

“Hmm?” Ranboo hazily responded in confusion.

“And you. Phil and you.” Techno nodded.

“What?” Ranboo turned his head to the man who saved his life (perhaps more than once; perhaps more than he knew). Had he hit his head along the way?

“If I were a harvest mouse, then you and Phil would be tulips,” Techno elaborated as he still tried to catch his breath. Ranboo took a moment to process the words and came to a quick realization.

“Do you really mean that?” Ranboo whispered in disbelief. Techno simply nodded back. Ranboo let his head fall back against the ground and stared up at the sky. “I don’t feel like a tulip.”

Techno scoffed a light chuckle, “Want me to paint you yellow and cover you in pollen?” 

“Shut up.” Ranboo smiled as he nudged the other man, which only caused him to laugh harder—a sound Ranboo felt he could never get used to. “You’re one to talk; seems like you had a change in fashion sense on the way here, huh?”

“Listen, man, I’m built for battle, not track.” Techno attempted to defend his choices as Ranboo giggled.

“Nor modeling, it seems,” Ranboo added as they both used up whatever oxygen they had just refueled to laugh their hearts out. 

As soon as the laughter died down, Techno got up first. He turned to Ranboo with a hand held out. The simple gesture asked, ‘Do you need help?’ but felt far deeper in Ranboo’s eyes. Ranboo was beyond that question; he knew he needed help. Instead, he focused on the following query to ponder: was he willing to accept it?

“Thanks.” Ranboo gripped his forearm with Techno’s and allowed the older to pull him into a standing position. They both began to dust the dirt off their clothing. Techno soon redressed himself in his previous attire, slowly retrieving the articles he had discarded. Ranboo turned around and faced the bird’s nest that was still so close. Surely he could still make the jump now that he was aware of it.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Techno scolded as he slipped his arm through a backpack strap.

“I’m sure I can still-“

“No, you’re not.”

“No, I’m not.” Ranboo nodded and turned back around.

“God.” Techno scoffed with a smile. “ I think we’re done for today.”

“Agreed.” Ranboo smiled and followed Techno back home. The trip wasn’t entirely productive, but it sure was eventful.

Still, Ranboo didn’t feel like a tulip planted in Techno’s garden; instead, he felt more like a mouse. He was more aligned with the sleeping animal dozed off in the petals under Techno’s nose. He sensed that Techno was as gentle with him as his eyes were with the mice. If Ranboo fell asleep amongst the tulips, then a nightmare would be endured, but being cupped in the hands of a dear Technoblade washed away the fears and left only the dreams. Perhaps the tulips didn't matter, or the mice, or even the comfort; instead, maybe it was the dreams. Ranboo knew that if he were a harvest mouse, surely he could dream of being held gently and cared for kindly.

It was clear to Ranboo that everyone dreamed; it was just a matter of whether or not your eyes were open or closed.

Chapter Text

“Alright, what do I need?” Ranboo elected to start off the day by collecting the resources necessary to aid Schlatt and Dream.

“I’m looking, I’m looking. Chill the fuck out, would you?” Schlatt uttered as he skimmed through the pages of a book he held. Ranboo had already tried to hold it himself but found it intangible. 

“Whatever,” Ranboo mumbled as he sat down to tie his shoes.

“First we need paper,” Schlatt announced.

“Good job, you can read.” Ranboo mocked as he descended down his ladder with Schlatt following behind.

“Shut it, half ‘n half.” Schlatt bit back.

“How original.” Ranboo snorted at the insult that had no impact on him.

If Schlatt retaliated, Ranboo wasn’t aware. He had opened up the storage unit for his sugar cane and plucked three bunches from the copious amount of them. Schlatt seemed to have settled down as he didn’t complain a single word while Ranboo walked past him and to the crafting bench.

“Convenient.” Schlatt pointed out with crossed arms.

“Yup.” Ranboo popped dryly and proceeded to work.

“Your place is very bland, ya know?” Schlatt observed.

“Listen, Schlatt, I’m not helping you so you can critique my interior design skills, Ok? So, you can sit over there and be quiet while I finish this up.” Ranboo snapped back and pointed to the corner. Schlatt huffed but complied nonetheless.

“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” Schlatt grumbled as he sat on a nearby log.

“More like someone didn’t wake up at all because someone didn't go to sleep." Ranboo corrected with just as much bite as Schlatt.

"How come?" Schlatt already knew the answer; he wanted to hear Ranboo say it for himself.

"Don't act like you care," Ranboo remarked as he finished gathering the paper. "What's the next step?"

"Need ender pearls."

"Great." Ranboo rolled his eyes.

"Shouldn't ya have, like, a shit ton of those? Ya know, since you're half whatever?" Schlatt vaguely motioned to all of Ranboo. He earned a glare from the hybrid that was clearly not amused. "Can't you just pop one out? Yeah?"

"I'm not a chicken, Schlatt. I don't lay eggs ." Ranboo exclaimed in partial disgust 

"Fine, whatever, we'll go kill your cousins." Schlatt sighed dramatically.

"Oh, shut up." Ranboo turned around and retrieved some emeralds from his chests so he could head over to Techno and Phil's place.

"Ooh, an adventure , huh?" Schlatt eagerly mocked as he followed along.

"No." Ranboo deadpanned as he locked the door behind him and trudged through the snow to the house he neighbored.

"You're not fun today." Schlatt pouted.

"What's there to have fun about?" Ranboo asked darkly.

“What isn’t there?”

Ran on paused and turned to him, "I'm helping two idiots: the ghost of a man who terrorized the history of where I used to live and a lunatic prisoner who somehow runs my life with an iron fist from behind bars. We're gonna revive the ghost so they can cause further chaos that will ultimately be my fault ." Ranboo seethed through his words.

Schlatt silenced himself at the tone and Ranboo took that as a signal to keep walking. Schlatt didn't like thinking of their circumstances as how Ranboo described it, but he wasn't wrong. Although, Schlatt enjoyed having fun just as much as he did politically torturing his colleagues. Like most people, he has two sides to himself: work and fun. Right now he just wanted to have fun.

"Live in the moment, Ranboo. Stop worrying about the future." Schlatt broke the silence with a cheeky smile.

"You're disgusting." Ranboo scoffed.

"I mean, if you want, I could always go back to my old ways, yeah? How does that sound?" Schlatt snapped his fingers? " Friend? "

At Schlatt's suggestion, Ranboo's blood ran cold and his heart stopped in his chest. The world around him was no longer snow that gradually got warmer from an orange light emitted in the house he approached. Instead, the land was the same clearing in which the two first met.

"Stop- Stop that." Ranboo stuttered as he tried to break away from the hallucination.

"As you wish." Schlatt shrugged and within the blink of an eye, it was all gone. Ranboo released a sigh of relief that quickly morphed to furrowed brows of determination and irritation as he continued towards the cabin.

"I hate that you can do that," Ranboo grumbled.

“I love it.” Schlatt beamed.

"I know you do." Ranboo sighed as he approached the steps to the home. He wrapped his knuckles against the cold wood and awaited a response from the residents. It was timely and neighborly as Philza opened the door with a crack to see who it was. Upon realizing, he opened it the rest of the way with open arms and a delighted smile.

 "Ranboo, what's going on, mate?" Phil exclaimed gleefully as he closed the door behind him.

"Nothing much, nothing much." Ranboo smiled as he shook the snow off his boot and onto the mat.

"How you been doing?" Phil persisted with his smile.

"I'm alright. I've been doing better, I think. I just wanted to trade with Orphan, if that was alright?" Ranboo timidly asked.

"Of course, of course!" Phil nodded and guided Ranboo down the stairs and to the trading hall that Techno designed. "May I ask why?"

"Well, I'm tryna get back into the groove of things before everything went downhill—when everything was normal. I remember I needed pearls for a project, but I don't remember what. Maybe getting them will spark some kind of epiphany in me." Ranboo grinned throughout his explanation.

"Maybe." Phil chuckled.

Ranboo scared himself with how easily he could lie.

"What now?" Ranboo pondered as he packed the pearls away in his satchel.

“Feather.”

“Got some.”

“Inc sac.”

“Those as well.”

“Redstone dust.”

Ranboo took a minute to think before recalling he had just used up all of his redstone to finish a farming project he constructed a few weeks back. "Guess we're gonna have to go mining."

"You seriously don't have any redstone?" Schlatt judged harshly.

"No, I do not. Used it all." Ranboo explained dryly.

“Nerd.” 

“Casper.”

“Oreo.”

"You know what? Oreos are delicious, I take that as a compliment." Ranboo reacted proudly 

"You would, wouldn't you." Schlatt crossed his arms as he watched Ranboo sift through chests of equipment to find the pickaxe he desired. When he finally found it, he took his ladder down to a low level and began strip mining for ores.

"So," Schlatt innocently held out the vowel. "This weather, huh?"

Ranboo paused and scowled back at the man, "What is wrong with you?"

"I'm trying to start small talk. Sue me." Schlatt held up his hands in defense.

" Weather? Really? We're underground." Ranboo criticized and continued mining.

"Fine, why don't you try? Hmm?" Schlatt crossed his arms defiantly.

"I don't even know what to talk about," Ranboo mumbled.

"Just ask me questions. I'm older than you, I've lived more than you have." Schlatt declared. Ranboo wanted to roll his eyes but instead played along.

“You were friends with Phil and all them, right?”

“Yup.”

“What was that like?” Ranboo entertained.

Schlatt paused with a gloss over his eyes. He hadn't thought about many happy memories in a long time. He locked away what was naïve and youthful as they put him at risk for vulnerability. The reminiscence took him aback. Ranboo realized this and stopped mining. He turned around to face the ghost that was now yards away from him.

 "I'm sorry if that was personal. You don't have to answer if you don't want-"

"No, no. It's fine. I just thought I saw something. Keep mining, coward." Schlatt insulted with no real passion behind it. He just wanted to move the conversation along.

"Whatever." Ranboo continued with his pickaxe. "Well?"

"It was… different. Yeah, different. My own family experience wasn't like Phil's. Between the two, I liked being a part of Phil's much more. It felt nice to be in a place that made me feel like I belonged." Schlatt smiled as he traced the walls behind Ranboo.

"How so?" Ranboo smiled as well. This was a part of the man he never really saw but preferred strongly. He liked to think that this was the real Schlatt and the one that had been harassing him was some tainted spirit that had grown angry from all the years left forlorn.

"Phil always made sure we could fend for ourselves. Of course, Techno ended up being more interested than the rest of us, but we all learned nonetheless. Knowing someone cared enough to ensure I was safe on my own, it felt nice." Schlatt glowed.

"Were you close with everyone in Phil's 'makeshift' family? Like, Wilbur, Tommy, Techno, Tubbo? Everyone who hung out?" Ranboo added.

"Not really, no. Only acquainted at most. I didn't even meet Tubbo until I came here. I was closest with Wilbur and Tommy; mostly Wilbur, though. Obviously I was close with Phil."

"Didn't you say Tommy wanted to be like you?" Ranboo snorted.

"Yeah. The little shit would copy my every move." Schlatt laughed out loud, the sound causing Ranboo's heart to stop. It was such a vibrant sound; so pure and round 

"And what about Wilbur?" Ranboo moved on.

“What about him?”

"What was it like being his friend?" Ranboo had only ever heard stories and seen pictures, most of which weren't favorable.

"It was like we were brothers." Schlatt grinned as the past flavored his mind. “I remember coming over at the asscrack of dawn to play stupid games with Wilbur. We would beg Phil to let us stay out later each time. Still, he would insist we come back before the street lanterns were lit.”

"Did you?" Ranboo couldn’t imagine that Wilbur and Schlatt weren't the rule-following types, but youth is a different mixture of a person.

" Hell yeah . Phil would beat our asses if we didn't." Schlatt scoffed.

“What kind of games did you guys play?” 

"Anything and everything. Sometimes we tried catching fish in the river with our bare hands; other times we would see who could climb the highest up a tree and jump down without pussying out or getting hurt—Phil didn't like that one. We would slide down this hill that led to a local farm and scare the shit out of the hogs. When we wanted to play baseball we would use decaying bark from trees and pinecones. You name it, we did it." Schlatt named with Ranboo listening closely, his heart open and ears hungry.

“That actually sounds like a lot of fun.” Ranboo lost his smile when he realized how different the two ended up being. “What happened?”

“Eh, we were kids, times were simpler back then.” Schlatt shrugged. “We grew up, I guess. It was hella fun while it lasted, though.”

“Sounds like it.”

"Any similar childhood stories?" Schlatt returned the question.

“I don’t really remember much from my childhood, actually.” Ranboo felt ashamed to not have anything comparable. Schlatt had disclosed something so personal and Ranboo had nothing to offer in return. 

“Well, from what you do remember, what were the good ones?” Schlatt altered his question.

The question prompted a feeling in Ranboo that he hadn’t felt before. Typically, when he told people he didn’t remember much from his childhood, they would awkwardly apologize and move on. He had never been asked about what he could remember. Then again, Schlatt wasn't like most people.

“I don’t know. I guess I have one memory? I don’t remember where I was or what I was doing, but I remember feeling warm and safe. I kinda felt like I could be the kid I was. Thinking back on it, I guess I just felt happy. Nonetheless, it was a nice feeling to remember.” Ranboo answered with a smile. It was a simple memory yet held so much significance.

“What about now?” 

“What about now?”

“Are you happy now?” Schlatt elaborated as he kicked a pebble ahead.

Ranboo frowned at the question; he didn’t feel like it was fair. It was a loaded question and Ranboo didn’t like it. What defined happiness?

“Are you ?” Ranboo echoed. The ghost didn’t respond and Ranboo took that as an answer. “Exactly.”

Schlatt kept silent from that moment and merely watched the kid mine his way through patches of stone and handfuls of minerals. Walking behind Ranboo, he noticed they just passed another mine that was intersected with their own, just on a different axis.

“Uh, Ranboo? Shouldn’t you be worried about that?” Schlatt pointed out, concerned with getting caught.

"Nah, it's just Techno's mine. Nothing serious." Ranboo brushed off and continued to mine, Schlatt doing the same.

The two continued and gathered resources lazily as conversations ensued. For the first time in a long time, Ranboo laughed so hard his stomach hurt and his jaw strained. Ranboo felt genuine joy in talking with someone. For the first time since he was a kid, he felt happy. He felt like he had a friend, and he hated it.

Chapter Text

At midnight, Ranboo readied all the supplies directly behind Schlatt’s burial. Since Ranboo was present for Ghostbur’s first revival attempt, he assumed they would set up in the place Schlatt died, but he had since been informed that they needed a direct connection to the body so the spirit could find it easier. He actually preferred it this way. There were fewer people around and he wasn't out in the open.

With all the resources laid out, Ranboo was prepared for the next step. He needed to consult Schlatt but hadn’t figured out a method to summon him quite yet. The guy mostly just showed up unannounced and whenever he pleased.

Ranboo—desperate and willing to try anything—walked around the curtain and to the front of the burial site. He observed his surroundings as if that would give him any intel. A part of him wanted to believe he could contact Schlatt through this somehow?

He thought to himself: if he wanted to get someone’s attention, how would he do it? He’d knock on their door . The idea wasn’t favorable, but it was better than nothing. Ranboo clenched his fist and knocked twice on the headstone.

The air around him thickened as he held his breath. The wind no longer blew and the birds no longer warbled. The whole world seemed to stop. He felt like millions of eyes were on him now. Was it possible he had awoken something other than Schlatt?

Before his panic could progress, the Earth resumed to relative normalcy. Life existed as it should and air filled his lungs; the attempt was meaningless.

“You look like an idiot.”

“ GAHHH !!” Ranboo yelped in fear and dropped to the ground. He looked up to see Schlatt casually glaring at him. His prior fear quickly morphed into irritation.

“Nice of you to show up.” Ranboo sarcastically growled as he stood up and dusted the dirt off his clothes.

“Show up? I’ve been here, man.” Schlatt corrected with a chuckle.

“I- You- And you didn’t say anything?” Ranboo exclaimed with a mortified expression. “You just let me embarrass myself.”

“I thought it’d be funny.” Schlatt shrugged. “And it was.”

“Good for you.” Ranboo gruffly pushed the encounter aside. He obviously wasn’t as amused as Schlatt was. He just wanted to get this over with as soon as possible. “Just tell me what to do.”

“Fine. Take-”

Schlatt was interrupted by the sound of leaves crunching and branches snapping in the near distance. His head turned in the direction of the commotion and found someone trekking their way toward the shrine.

“ Hide .” Schlatt hissed and Ranboo immediately complied. He got behind the curtain but instantly decided he wanted to peak over and observe. 

The blonde stranger shuffled his way to the gravestone yet kept a few feet of distance as if any closer would pain him. The hood previously covering his identity (although Ranboo had already recognized who it was purely from mannerisms) was pushed back as he glared down at the remembrance.

“I don’t really know how to do this, but I’ll give it my best shot.” The man sighed and readied himself.

“I… I miss you. No, that’s a lie. I don’t miss you , I miss who you were , if that makes sense.” He began to fidget with the strings at the end of his shawl.

“I’ve grown old, Jschlatt. My boys are now men. Will- “ He choked on his words. “Will’s gone now. I guess you already knew that though.”

A sad chuckle was released from his lips and Ranboo could see Schlatt listening in closer, his presence obviously unknown to the older man.

“I’ve got a new kid now. He lives with Techno and I.” Ranboo's ears peaked at the mention of himself. “He’s… He’s struggling right now.”

“Somehow you always knew how I should handle Tommy when he stepped out of line. I guess it’s unfair of me to compare the two, seeing as not only was Tommy a child, but the two are so different. Then again, it’s desperate times.” He bowed his head in shame.

“I don’t want him to end up like any of my boys. I want him to be his own person, but I’m slowly starting to see the same signs they all showed. You- You would know what to do. At least, you would know how to build him up. I can’t do that anymore.”

“I’m asking you now because you’re my last resort, not because I mean to disturb you. I’ve never wanted to bother you nor ask for anything in return for what I gave you, so I don’t expect you to deliver, but a man can still hope.” A sad chuckle was expelled once more.

“I just need a sign. Something. Anything . Anything to tell me if I’m doing the right thing.” He pleaded with tears in his eyes that were shoved back. Schlatt watched with a solemn glare that Ranboo had never seen before and never wanted to see again. It was funny: this was the most human he had seen Schlatt, and he hated every second of it.

“ Please .” He whispered.

“Phil? C’mon, man. We’ve got 5 hours until dawn.” Techno’s voice echoed from far away. Phil rushed to clean himself up and return to his friend.

“Coming!” Phil hollered back. Before completely leaving the site, he placed a gentle hand on the metal gate and turned around to stare at the burial. “ Rest well, old friend .”

He was gone; just as quickly as he had appeared, he had vanished. Ranboo wondered how many times Phil visited this place—or if this was the first time. Schlatt seemed frozen in place. Ranboo knew the ghost didn’t like sentimental conversations, so he didn’t attempt to bring him back gently, as he would surely snap.

“Good?” Ranboo whispered from behind the curtain, pretending that he hadn’t seen a thing.

“Yeah, yeah. You can come out now. I just thought I saw something.” Schlatt cleared his throat as Ranboo emerged.

“Alright. Anyways, what's the first step?” Ranboo hastily moved on and scanned all his belongings.

“Honestly, all you need to do is place the elements in a ring and allow my spirit time to absorb the energy and return to my body,” Schlatt answered.

“That’s easy.” Ranboo shrugged and set up the layout.

“Although, you’re missing one ingredient.” Schlatt hesitantly added.

“ What ? I thought you said I had all of it?” Ranboo only felt slight anger at the lack of communication.

“I know, I know. I just didn’t want you to change your mind if I told you what the last ingredient was.” Schlatt admitted.

“I already told you I was gonna help you.” Ranboo skeptically crossed his arms.

“Right, right…” Schlatt nodded and built up the courage to reveal the last step. “You need a vial of DNA from any winged hybrid.”

“Winged hybrid-” Ranboo repeated and thought to himself before putting the pieces together. “You mean Phil? No way. I already told you I’m not involving anyone else. I refuse.”

“I know, I know-” Schlatt tried to defend himself.

“This was to stay between you, me, and Dream. No one else. I’m not involving Phil, or anyone else for that matter. It’s not happening.” Ranboo adamantly and passionately declined.

“It was stupid, I’m sorry.” Schlatt waved it off, aware he shouldn’t have brought it up in the first place. “A substitute for this would be 5 vials of DNA from any hybrid.”

That seemed more acceptable to Ranboo. That was something he could do within reason and without involving his friends or innocent bystanders. 

“Alright, I’ll do that instead.” He calmed down and Schlatt nodded while he watched the kid prepare for a new age.

While Ranboo sifted through items to gather glass for bottles, he began to recall the events that led up to this moment. The past couple of weeks had gone by in a blur of time and space. He compared the Schlatt now to the Schlatt he first met and found that the two were very different men— changed men (for better or for worse, he couldn’t tell).

He replayed the conversations in his head and one of the first few proceeded to flood his mind.

‘All I’m saying is that right now you’re acting like someone I know, and when it comes down to you ending up like him or me? It’s safer for everyone you end up like me.’

At the time, Ranboo thought he was speaking with Dream and thus inferred the man was comparing Ranboo to himself and Techno. Of course, it made sense that Dream would tell him to function like him and not Techno. Ranboo also believed he was a hazard to himself and others. Where was Dream? In prison. Ranboo connected the dots and concluded that he needed to be caught in the midst of his destruction and devastation so he could further be placed in a confinement that prevented him from hurting any more people.

He now knew that wasn’t the case. He could now see the hidden message—a warning , if you will—that stated he was behaving more and more like Dream; which was the last thing this world needed. Schlatt was telling him that between ending up like Dream or Schlatt, it would benefit himself and others if he ended up like Schlatt.

Although… What was the difference between the two? The only real difference was that Schlatt died early on—before he could cause any further damage. Was… Was that what Schlatt meant?

“Do- Do you want me dead?” Ranboo timidly asked.

“ Fucking- What the hell ? What is wrong with you? No . Where the hell did you get that idea?” Ranboo earned a mortified glare from the accusation.

“When we first met, you said I should be like you,” Ranboo explained sheepishly.

“ Jesus Christ , kid.” Schlatt pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed deeply at the confusing memories. “I didn’t mean dead . I was talking about me before all this shit happened. Like, when I told you about what Wilbur and I did as kids? That kind of me. I don’t want you to fucking die , holy shit.”

“ Oh ,” Ranboo muttered with flushed cheeks of embarrassment. It made more sense now that he thought about it. Perhaps his thoughts had just gotten ahead of him; it seemed to be occurring more and more often.

“Stop thinking so much,” Schlatt suggested words woven by consideration but disguised as disturbance.

“You’re right.” 

“I’m always right.” 

Ranboo smiled at the childlike response from what seemed to be a threatening man. The more time he spent with Schlatt, the more he found himself entertaining the idea that maybe resurrecting him wasn’t such a bad idea. Then he remembered who he was doing this for and why he was doing this, and the thought didn’t seem all that appealing anymore.

Chapter Text

3 bottles. 

Ranboo had only filled 3 bottles in a matter of hours .

Dawn was creeping upon them and time was running out. He wanted to finish this before daybreak as to lessen the likelihood of someone deterring him; although at the current rate he was going, he would be lucky to finish by noon. Schlatt had picked up on this as well.

“Hurry up, man. We don’t have all day.” Schlatt encouraged from where he sat on the table. Ranboo had moved all the supplies onto the floor so he could set it up more cleanly.

“I know. I’m trying.” Ranboo growled as he spat into the fourth bottle. At this point, his mouth felt barren and his lips were cracked. He was desperate for any type of liquid but had none around. If he ventured out to gather water then that would put a major dent in his time frame—which he didn’t have room for.

“You suck at this.” Schlatt pointed out with a giggle. Ranboo angrily spat at the ghost rather than inside the bottle: a useless retaliation seeing as it hit the table instead. “You dipshit.” Schlatt only laughed harder.

“I hate this.” Ranboo grumbled and resumed his actions.

“Well, I’m not having much fun either, asshole. So, chop, chop.” Schlatt clapped his hands.

“I can’t. My mouth is dry, I can barely feel my lips, my throat is scratchy; I just need a break.” Ranboo finally put the bottle down after strenuous attempts to fill it.

“No breaks; we don’t have time for breaks.” Schlatt shook his head. Ranboo rolled his eyes but still tiredly picked the bottle back up.

“I have no energy left, Schlatt. Can’t we do this later?”

“No better time than the present.”

“There is in fact a better time. Like, tomorrow .”

“Do not put off until tomorrow what can be done today.”

“Oh, shut up, Socrates.” Ranboo argued with bitterness.

“If it’s bothering you that much, there’s always other methods.” Schlatt proposed.

“Yean? Like what?” Ranboo rolled his eyes. How else was he meant to collect DNA? Hair strands? Yeah, that'll take even longer.

Schlatt glanced at the utility belt fastened around Ranboo’s waist. In his right-hand pocket was a recently sharpened butterfly knife that Techno had helped Ranboo craft. It wasn’t the most beautiful-looking creation, but it got the job done when it needed to.

Surely Schlatt wasn’t insinuating that the knife could help him? Sure, it would be quicker, but it would be dangerous and painful; two things Ranboo wasn't a fan of.

“Yeah, no. I’ll pass.” Ranboo declined.

“All I’m saying is that if you’re quick, careful, and shallow, this whole thing will get done quicker and you’ll barely feel a thing.” Schlatt explained in defense.

“ Me? Careful? Have you met me?” Ranboo scoffed.

“You can be when you need to be.” Schlatt had observed.

“I guess.” Ranboo murmured as he took the knife out of its confinement and into his hands.

He let the morning light from the rising Sun shine over the blade kindly. His reflection stared back at him menacingly. He knew he wasn’t doing well, but he didn’t think he looked that bad. The bags under his eyes said otherwise.

“I’ll be here to walk you through it. I’ll make sure you’re Ok.” Schlatt promised as he attempted to soothe Ranboo’s nerves.

“Right.” Ranboo absentmindedly responded while he continued to glare at his reflection.

If he went through with this, then that would mean it was over; this was it. His job would be done and his purpose fulfilled. Schlatt would be… alive. Ranboo couldn’t help but wonder if Schlatt would be the same man. He had been told numerous times that the friendly Ghostbur he—and many others—had befriended was far more kind in comparison to his Wilbur counterpart. If this was the kindest Schlatt could be, then Ranboo didn’t want to know what his other personality was like.

Ranboo—as much as he hated to admit it—had enjoyed the presence of another person. Of course, he hated it at first, but as time went on and he got to know the man more, he started to develop a friendly banter and a smooth flow of day-to-day life. He found himself smiling more, laughing more, even sleeping more.

Deal with Dream aside, Ranboo didn’t want to lose this thing he had. He had a friend he felt like he could talk to. Maybe it was because Schlatt wouldn’t relay what Ranboo told him to anyone else, or that Schlatt already knew all his problems, or that Schlatt kept his mind busy and hands working, or even that Schlatt knew so much about the people around him and had lived a life far greater than his own. Whatever it was, Ranboo didn’t want it gone.

Although, if he refused then he would still sacrifice this alliance. Truly, it was a lose-lose situation either way. He could stop and gain an angered ghost and vengeful prisoner, or he could bring Schlatt back to life and risk the possibility of a tangible friendship intertwined with malicious intent. Which would it be?

Ranboo firmly gripped the handle of the knife and furrowed his brows in conclusion. The words of Technoblade rang deeply in his ears.

“The question you must ask yourself, is what chances you’re willing to take.”

“I trust you.” Ranboo proclaimed as he hovered the knife over his skin. “Just tell me what to do.”

Schlatt nodded with a similar composure, “First-“

“ Ranboo ?”

Chapter Text

“ Ranboo ? What are you doing?” Tubbo’s voice rang clear in the air. Ranboo turned around to see Tubbo accompanied by a look of great concern. Beside him stood Techno, Phil, Tommy, and Ghostbur—all with an identical expression to Tubbo.

“How- What are you doing here?” Ranboo nervously changed the subject.

“Phil was worried about you. He sent out a search party a few hours ago.” Tubbo explained blankly—still processing the circumstances. 

“Oh… I’m fine.” Ranboo forced a smile.

“You are? You don’t seem fine?” Techno challenged.

“Yup, I’m fine,” Ranboo repeated with an affirming nod.

“You’re holding a knife over your arm, big man.” Tommy brought up.

“Oh, I do suppose that’s true.” Ranboo looked down at the knife. He was too frozen in fear to move any muscle in his body. “I was just looking at my reflection?”

“ Uh-huh, and what about all that other shit around you?” Tommy brought the spotlight to the ring of materials on the floor.

Ranboo looked in the direction of his set-up. There was no possible way he could explain this. From an outsider’s point-of-view none of this made sense (then again, even from Ranboo’s point-of-view none of this made sense). He faced the group of friends and locked eyes; there was no hiding now.

He’d been caught.

“I-” Nonetheless, he still attempted to formulate a lie, but the words died on his tongue. A lump formed in the back of his throat that he tried to swallow. It didn’t matter how hard he tried, there was only so much he could endure. “I can’t.”

Ranboo sympathized with Jericho and Joshua. He felt the walls he built come tumbling down; the rubble crushed his heart. At the same time, he felt like Joshua as he fought the walls and the battle at the same time. Tears formed in his eyes and fell silently while Ranboo’s face maintained embarrassment and fear (overall, he felt exhausted).

“You can’t what, buddy?” Phil asked kindly; he spoke to Ranboo in the same tone he did with children. Although Ranboo was far from a child, he was as gentle as one.

“I can’t do this anymore.” Ranboo hiccuped through the quiet tears. “I can’t keep lying.”

“You don’t have to lie to me, Ranboo. I promise I’m great at keeping secrets.” Ghostbur smiled brightly.

Ranboo chuckled through a sniffle, “Thank you, Ghostbur.”

“Ranboo, what’s going on?” Tubbo asked the question they’d all been asking (Ranboo included).

Ranboo shot a quick glance at the table to find Schlatt no longer there. In fact, the ghost was nowhere in sight. The only ghost in close proximity was Ghostbur. Ranboo concluded this was the perfect opportunity to let it all out and he planned on taking full advantage of that.

“I went to visit Dream in the prison,” Ranboo said so quickly it was almost incomprehensible. When concerned faces filled the space instead of questions, Ranboo continued. “I visited him because I kept seeing him—or, I thought I was—but I just wanted it to stop . When I went to confront him he told me that it wasn’t him and- and I knew that couldn’t be right because I swear I saw him; I swear . Still , he insisted it wasn’t him.” Ranboo took a moment to breathe.

“If it wasn’t him, then who was it?” Phil spoke with his head tilted in investment.

“... Schlatt.”

“Ranboo, big man, he’s dead .” Tommy chuckled at the absurdity. “Plus, you’ve never even met the guy.”

“Don’t you think I know all that?” Ranboo retaliated.

“Mate, I reckon you’re a little overwhelmed at the moment and your mind is playing tricks on you. Let’s head home, yeah?” Phil suggested politely and brushed the proclamation away.

“No, no- no. I- I can prove it.” Ranboo declared in a rush. The others stared at him with patience. “He told me he was friends with Wilbur—like, best friends , and he was friends with Phil.”

Phil was taken slightly aback. “Although it’s kinda odd you know that, a lot of people already knew that.}

“How about them begging you to stay out late? Or- Or- When they played that game where someone jumped out of a tree or something—I know you didn’t like that game, Phil. Or- You trained all of them to defend themself, or fight, or whatever?” Ranboo listed out, hardly taking the time to breathe. His lungs closed in as he gasped for breath at the end of his sentence.

The air felt thick and cold as the group looked over to Phil. This was information only Phil would remember. Ghostbur lost those memories, Techno blocked out a majority of his childhood, and Tommy was far too young to be deemed credible.

“Well, Phil… is he right?” Tubbo broke the silence.

“Yeah… he is.” Phil’s eyes widened in both astonishment and fear.

Ranboo sighed a partial white of relief as his posture deflated and body relaxed. Although, once he got the ball rolling, there was no stopping it now.

“Dream told me that if I help him then he would promise to leave you guys— and me—alone,” Ranboo added.

“Oh, Ranboo.” Tommy muttered at the common manipulation tactic Dream used; Tommy knew it all too well .

“Help with what?” Tubbo spoke over the muttering.

“...reviving Schlatt.”

“WHAT?!” Tommy, Tubbo, and Phil exclaimed in unison. Ghostbur gave a look of confusion mixed with concern but stayed quiet. Techno continued to seem indifferent to the whole situation.

“I just- I have to do this. You have to believe me. It was my only choice. Trust me , I didn’t want this. I didn’t want it to end up this way. I- I said no at first, but then- then I just knew this was the only thing that would make him stop.” Ranboo defended his actions.

“Ranboo, I believe you, don’t worry.” Tubbo smiled softly at his friend. “But we’re here now, and we can help you fix this.”

“I know what kind of games Dream plays, and I know they’re far from fair. What he put me through during exile? No one should ever have to go through. I can’t let you go through it— especially not alone.” Tommy opened up.

“We’re here to help, Ranboo. Ok?” Phil held his hands up as if to prove his innocence with empty hands. “Let’s start with that knife, yeah? How ‘bout we put it down.”

Ranboo stared down at the knife that still hovered over his skin. His reflection froze him in fear and stilled him with a slight shiver. He looked away and directed his attention to Phil's eyes.

“ Phil, I’m scared.” Ranboo whispered as a few silent tears fell from his eyes and strung a line down his cheeks, falling from his chin.

“I know, buddy. I know.” Phil nodded and took one step closer.

“If I may interrupt, I’m- I’m- I think I’m broken?” Ghostbur halted the moment altogether as he stared at his arms that slowly began to fade in and out like a flickering light.

“Am I dying?” Ghostbur was quick to ask.

“No, you’re already dead, big man.” Tubbo deflected.

“Then I must be alive-ing?” Ghostbur inferred.

“I don’t think that’s how it works.” Techno deadpanned.

“Guys-“

Ghostbur was cut off as his projection ceased in thin air. The group, bewildered, searched for the friendly ghost, but found someone else instead.

“Long time no see, old friends .”

Chapter Text

“Still, we live meanly, like ants; though the fable tells us that we were long ago changed into men”

-Henry David Thoreau

“ What the fuck .” Tommy muttered out at the sudden apparition.

Techno was consistent with a lack of expression, while Phil and Tubbo seemed to be taking the worst of it. Phil wouldn’t admit it, but for a while he considered Schlatt to be family (and sometimes—when he thinks back on the old days—he still does). Tubbo—in contrast to Phil—felt immediate fear. When he saw Schlatt he saw manipulation, secrets hidden by poorly covered lies, threats, and white-hot pain. He wanted to help his friend, but at the same time, didn’t want to spend a second longer in the presence of Schlatt.

“So much for privacy.” Schlatt chuckled darkly.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Tommy gritted through his teeth.

“Hmm, let’s see? How about the fact that I’m dead? ” Schlatt pretended to ponder before he aggressively snapped.

“The dead are meant to stay dead.” Phil quietly growled.

“That’s rich coming from you, isn’t it Mr. Let’s-Resurrect-My-Son .” Schlatt mocked.

“That’s different.” Phil defended himself.

“It’s just fucking not, alright. It’s not. Wilbur was just as bad as I was, if not more. What makes his life more valuable than mine? Is it ‘cause he’s your son? Your flesh and blood? Since when and that ever mattered to you?” Schlatt hopped off the table and took a step closer as he raised his voice.

“It doesn’t. He asked me to.” Phil explained.

“And what if I asked you, hm? What if I wanted you to bring me back.” Schlatt proposed passive-aggressively.

“ No way in hell .” Phil spat back.

“And why the hell not? Because I’m ‘evil’ ? Because I’m ‘bad’ ? I’ll tell you right now, Phil, that Wilbur and Ghostbur are nothing alike. You won’t be resurrecting your son, you’ll be resurrecting the man who blew up his own nation.” Schlatt illustrated with raging resentment.

“He’s still my son ,” Phil whispered. The gloss in his eyes told tales and myths only Phil had lived. A part of him wanted to believe that maybe—just maybe —if he were there, then Wilbur wouldn’t have ended up the way he did.

“What about me , Phil?” Schlatt quieted down.

“ You? You’re nothing but a stranger now. You lost the right to the title “family” the moment you-”

“I was a kid ! A kid! ” Schlatt shouted before Phil could finish.

Phil shook his head, “You knew what you were doing.”

“I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”

-Henry David Thoreau

Schlatt sighed and the atmosphere calmed. A smile now found its way onto his face. 

“None of that matters now. We’re almost ready anyways. You guys are too late.”

“No, we’re not.” Tubbo defiantly opposed. Schlatt—with slight surprise—looked at the kid and grinned.

“Trust me, kid. You guys were too late the moment Phil and Techno took Ranboo in.” Schlatt beamed in an ominous tone. 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Tommy questioned in collective confusion. Schlatt seemed to get more delighted by the second. He glanced over at Techno in the back. The warrior's eyes widened in fear, but he remained quiet.

“Why don’t you tell them, Techno,” Schlatt suggested smugly. The group looked back at him with mixed expressions that ranged from confusion to desperation to betrayal.

“I don’t know what he’s talking about.” Techno kept a straight face, but Phil could see right through it.

“Techno…” Tubbo spoke softly. 

“Go on, tell them, Pig Boy.” Schlatt encouraged. Techno shot him a daring scowl.

“I still owed Dream a favor.” Techno began.

“ What favor?” Tommy asked, but Techno was quiet.

“ What was the favor, Technoblade? ” Phil repeated louder.

“To let Ranboo live with us, alright?” Techno declared loudly.

“ Tsk, tsk, tsk. You can do better than that.” Schlatt crossed his arms.

“What?” Tubbo suddenly spoke in a haze.

“Not just live with you, Techno, but to isolate him too, right? To distance him from his friends and other people? To weaken his mind so I could squeeze myself in, right?” Schlatt revealed.

“I wasn’t aware of that part. No one told me .” Techno seethed. “I was told to keep him busy and to keep him away from people for a couple weeks, that was it .”

“And that was enough .” Schlatt whispered gladly as he walked back to Ranboo and stood beside him.

Ranboo stared Techno down with glassy eyes and large pupils that Techno had never seen before. Despite Techno feeling that Ranboo must despise him, Ranboo’s lips moved to a different rhythm.

‘Help me.’ Ranboo mouthed silently. ‘Please.’

“Let’s continue, shall we, Ranboo?” Schlatt resumed.

“You don’t have to do this, Ranboo,” Phil interjected.

“Of course he doesn’t; he knows that. Although , I highly recommend you do.” Schlatt encouraged

“Ranboo, look at me.” Tubbo grabbed his friend's attention. “ Don’t do this. ”

“You’ll end up hurting yourself, Ranboo. Please .” Tommy pleaded; desperation wasn’t a look well suited for Tommy, Ranboo decided.

“I promise I won’t let that happen, Ranboo. I’ve never lied to you, have I?” Schlatt prompted. A taste of disagreement fell on his tongue but quickly died. Now that he thought about it, Schlatt never had lied to him; that’s what made him unnerving.

“I guess.” He muttered absentmindedly as he looked down at the knife hovering over his arm.

“Then do it ,” Schlatt whispered.

“Ranboo, stop.” Techno’s stern voice echoed. “C’mon, you don’t want this. I’m telling you right now—as one of your closest friends—that this isn’t what’s best for you.”

“Bullshit! ‘Closest friend’ my ass !” Schlatt growled.

“Yeah?” Techno instigated.

“I’ve been more of a friend to him than you ever have.” Schlatt proclaimed.

“Is that so?” Techno scoffed. “And how’s that?”

“Who was there when he needed to get his mind off something? Who gave him company? Who kept him busy so he wasn’t hurting himself or others?” Schlatt further proved.

“None of that counts if you’re the one causing his problems in the first place.” Techno threw his hands up.

“I didn’t cause them, I only brought attention to them. I addressed them and tackled them with his best interest at heart.” Schlatt insisted.

“For your own best interest. Yours! That’s all you’ve ever cared about, Schlatt. You! You! You! It’s always been about you! You’re a selfish coward . You were nothing but a drunk low-life when I last saw you and obviously not much has changed.” Techno scoffed and looked Schlatt up and down before continuing. “You're just like your father.”

“You bastard! ” Schlatt shouted as he slammed his fist on the table.

The loud bang startled everyone excluding Techno and Schlatt. The jolts shot up everyone’s spines were unnerving, but not as much as the sudden dripping onto the dusty floor.

***start of TW***

Ranboo yelped as he winced from the noise. In doing so, his hand jerked back and jerked the knife against his skin. At first, it stung awfully . He would rather bathe vulnerably in the ocean than feel a second more of the searing pain. Although, the moment the cold metal left his skin, he felt relief. Euphoria filled his lungs at the release from suffering. Only brief pulses of sharp agony filled his nerves, but he didn’t mind. 

He couldn’t help the whine that left his lips, or the way his legs felt like jello as he fell to his knees, or the weakening of his body as his grip loosened and dropped the knife. He clutched his upper arm, not wanting to touch the wound directly. Dark crimson blood dripped down his arm and onto the floor. It pooled to the circle of elements and found its own spot nicely.

***end of TW***

The group ran over to him instantly, not willing to spare a minute more without tending to him. The entire situation had gone too far already.

“I’m sorry. I’m so , so sorry.” Ranboo sobbed.

“Hey.” Phil wrapped his hands under Ranboo’s cheeks and held his face towards his own. He used his thumbs to wipe the tears away. “It’s Ok. You’re gonna be Ok, alright?”

“I didn’t mean to- I just- I’m s-sorry.” Ranboo hiccuped.

Meanwhile, Tommy was busy wrapping the wound up with the bandana he had on himself. He kept it as tight as he could to stop the blood flow. Tubbo kept a constant eye on his friend’s heart rate while holding his hand, he and Phil trying their best to soothe him. Despite all this, Techno hadn’t moved from where he stood.

Maniacal laughter from Schlatt filled the air but most of them didn’t bother to address it. Techno and Schlatt locked eyes as the laughter died down.

“You’re an idiot .”

I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan–like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms, and, if it proved to be mean, why then to get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the world; or if it were sublime, to know it by experience,

-Henry David Thoreau

Chapter Text

Schlatt’s addition to the family dynamic ensued to be a recipe for chaos followed by a thirst for entertainment that could only be quenched by pranks and deception. The singular problem they faced was that Schlatt never knew when to stop; he wasn’t aware of what boundaries lay ahead. In his mind, everything was free-range; that was his first mistake.

Ever since the discovery of the new and improved mineral, netherite, everyone had tried to get their hands on some. Warriors and children alike wanted the ore. Manufacturers soon discovered that dying nether quartz a darkened purple gave a similar shade to netherite; the only difference being the lack of danger. Millions upon millions of dyed quartz swords filled the market as kids bought them every chance they got. Of course, due to its low durability and ferocity at which kids played, they broke easily and customers came back again and again to buy more. The market was booming.

Techno spent months on end in the search for local netherite before venturing out into unexplored land: a dangerous feat, to say the least. Luckily, he soon managed enough of the mineral needed to forge a sword. He grinded the perfect amount of experience to enchant it to the max. It was the proudest he’d been of himself; he never left the house without it. Possessing the skills he had—at such a young age, to add—made him an easy target.

Schlatt—on the other hand—was content with carrying around a toy quartz sword strapped to his hip. At first glance, most people couldn’t tell the difference. If Schlatt’s sharp glares and rough eyes didn’t scare people off, then his sheathed sword would surely do the trick.

While Techno’s utility belt dried he would often place all of its contents next to his dresser and take a short nap. Today was different as Phil had asked for assistance in the stables. Techno—being the strongest of the kids—volunteered to aid.

Schlatt seized this opportunity to switch out the beloved weapon with a basic enchanted quartz one. The plan was simple: Techno would return and assemble his utility belt back together. Schlatt would invite him to duel and Techno—not one to back down from a challenge—would agree. Schlatt’s victory would make Techno a laughing stock. It was the perfect prank; nothing he had ever done topped it.

Of course, things never went as planned. Techno scrambled inside exclaiming he was late for a trade. For the past few days, he had been lettering a man back and forth and came to the agreement that he would provide Techno with a netherite ingot in exchange for a stack of spectral arrows. Unbeknownst to him, Techno’s origins made this trade a simple one to acquire.

He didn’t have time to assemble his belt. Instead, he grabbed his sword and fastened it with a strap on his back before taking off. Schlatt wasn’t aware of this at the time as he and Wilbur were out back using charcoal to draw vastly inappropriate characters on the cows for Phil to find later.

Time got the best of them; it always did. After drawing a few rude gestures and multiple reproductive organs, the duo watched as a squirrel buried its small collection of acorns into the ground. Once it had trailed back up the tree, the two friends spent the next hour digging up the precious acorns along with any others they could find in the surrounding area. As they moved on to crafting a swing out of damp log strips and cracked bark, Techno came home.

“Will! Inside! Now!” Phil’s voice rang. The urgency in his tone led to no hesitation. Wilbur rushed towards the house with Schlatt following close behind.

The sight was one to behold. It felt abnormal to see bruises and cuts on a person who Wilbur believed to be invincible. Then again, everyone had their kryptonite. Whatever Techno’s was, it gave him a run for his money. He was sporting a black eye, torn up clothes, a busted lip, and a multitude of dried cuts and freshly formed bruises littered across his body. He held his wrist in pain and the others easily concluded a sprain—or worse.

“What the hell happened?” Wilbur shouted as he sprinted to retrieve some healing and regeneration potions.

“I got jumped.” Techno deadpanned as he hissed in pain. Phil shot him an apologetic look as he took the potions from Wilbur and dabbed it directly to his wounds.

“Yeah, I can see that, but how?” Wilbur grabbed a rag and began cleaning Techno up.

“How many guys were there?” Phil opted to ask as he wrapped up a healing wound on his leg.

“One.” Techno quietly answered.

“What the- How big was he?” Wilbur stuttered in disbelief.

“‘Bout Phil’s size, give or take a few inches.” Techno briefly described.

“Alright.” Wilbur—filled with frustration—slammed his rag on the table and looked Techno in the eyes. “What the fuck is going on? What happened?”

“I told you.” Techno angrily gritted back. “I got jumped.” He hissed his answer as more pain flooded from bandages putting pressure on sore injuries.

“Why didn’t you fight back?” Phil was far more gentle in his tone than Wilbur was.

“I did, but it’s kinda hard to defend yourself without a real sword,” Techno explained, huffing out breaths as he tried to regulate the pain.

“Without a real sword? Then what’s-” Wilbur openly pondered as he yanked Techno’s sword off him and uncovered it. To his surprise, it weighed no more than a feather and layers of it began to chip off like paint. It was fake. It was a toy; a damn toy. Wilbur turned around to face Schlatt and shook his head. “You didn’t.”

“Listen-”

“No, no, no.” Wilbur interrupted. “Schlatt, tell me right now you didn’t do what I think you did.”

Silence.

“I did.”

“For fucks sake!” Wilbur threw the toy onto the ground and let it shatter as he sat down in a chair with his head in his hands.

“I thought it would be funny, man. I didn’t know this would happen.” Schlatt tried to defend himself.

“Funny? Funny!? He could’ve died, Schlatt!” Wilbur motioned to the currently injured hybrid beside him. At this point, both Phil and Techno had caught on.

“Jschlatt, why don’t we have a talk outside, yeah? Wilbur; please finish cleaning up Techno.” Phil ordered as he motioned for Schlatt to follow. There was no arguing or denying his demands; Phil wasn’t asking. His tone proved to be one of non-negotiable terms.

Wilbur, still fuming with rage, worked on making Techno as comfortable as possible. Schlatt anxiously followed Phil outside. The moment the door shut, the atmosphere changed.

“Listen, Phil-”

“No. Shut up- Just- Shut the fuck up. I don’t want to hear it.” Phil cut him off and Schlatt silenced himself right at once. “I am sick of your games, Jschlatt. I am sick of you putting this family at risk because you think it’s funny. I’m done.”

“It won’t happen again, Phil. I promise.” Schlatt pleaded.

“That’s what you said last time, and the time before that, and the time before that, and so on. Yet, here we are. I’ve given you far too many second chances and you’ve fucked up every single one of them. I’ve been nothing but kind and generous to you. If at the very least, you cannot refrain from putting my family in harm's way, then my generosity is null.”

“It’s not, it’s not!” Schlatt insisted.

“Save it. Save the begging for someone who cares.” Phil stopped him. “I’m done, Ok? I don’t want to see you around my house ever again. I don’t want to see you near my family ever again. If I do? You’re gonna wish you were never born. Do I make myself clear?”

“Phil, please, I can’t-”

“You can and you will. Now, do I make myself clear?”

Silence.

“Yes, sir.”

Schlatt turned around and started walking. He walked and walked until he was nothing but a leaf swaying in Phil’s sight. He walked until the wind carried him like a newborn child. He walked until he could walk no more, and he never looked back.

“ I’m the idiot? No, Techno, I’m revived !” Schlatt threw his hands up in declaration.

The air thickened and the wind stopped howling. A previous small whirlwind of leaves fell dead to the ground and all surrounding wildlife became mute. The world stopped as all divinity paused to watch.

Although, as the minutes of silence began piling up, they began to worry. What ritual had just occurred? What alter to the mortal world had been brought about? If a mistake was to be made, what other demons had they released? Their hearts began to hum but Techno’s remained at tempo

“Hahaha.” Techno began to lightly chuckle. Everyone turned their heads in his direction but he only laughed harder.

“What?!” Schlatt yelled loudly. “What have you done?!”

“Oh my God.” Techno’s laughter died down as he wiped tears from his eyes. “ I’m not the idiot, a Schlatt. I knew what Dream wanted from the start. I’ve been watching the kids’ every move. Your little game here? Pointless.”

“What did you do?” Schlatt growled back.

Techno reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch of what seemed to be redstone dust.

“Hematite. Real easy to get. All you gotta do is ground up some raw iron and bam! Looks just like redstone. Funny , isn’t it?” Techno revealed as he shook the small bag. “ Just like old times, right?”

A knock on the door brought Techno to his feet in the middle of a rainstorm. He opened the wooden corridor and found a small paper-wrapped gift with a note on the mat. He looked for the giver and found a hooded man disappearing into the woods; he decided not to call for him. Techno promptly picked up the item, went back inside, and locked the door. He sat at the kitchen table and removed the small note from the top.

Technoblade,

 

I have much to learn and many miles to go. Before I venture out, I figured I’d return this to you. I’ve made a small addition as a token of your character. I hope you get a chuckle out of it just as much as I did.

 

I only hope that I can become the person that your family saw in me before my days run out.

 

Only time will tell.

 

Schlatt

 

Techno gently placed the note to the side and untied the fine rope tether to unwrap the brown paper. A glistening blackened purple filled his eyes as he held the object up to the light. Techno’s cherished enchanted netherite sword felt heavy against his skin but he couldn’t care less. Instead, he focused on the new addition it held: an engraving.

‘The Orphan Obliterator’

Chapter Text

“You think you’ve made a single difference?” Schlatt scowled at the warrior before him. “You haven’t done shit . All I need is the smallest dust of redstone and my plan is complete like that .” He snapped his fingers.

“ Eh ,” Techno held out the opposition. “Not exactly.”

Schlatt eyed him in silence and tried to decipher the meaning behind Techno’s words. Was it that Schlatt had no tangible essence? Because Ranboo would surely help him in the blink of an eye. This wasn’t over yet; no, there was nothing they could do to stop him.

“There’s more than one ‘Revival’ book, Schlatt. I mean, surely you knew that?” Techno mocked with feigned innocence. 

No, he did not know that. He was positive that his book was the only one out there. In fact, he had been assured by his provider that his copy was one of a kind.

“Your book may be able to revive the dead, but there are a few other volumes from the same author that detail many other things; such as imprisoning the dead.” Techno elaborated.

Schlatt was visibly concerned and bewildered by this news. Techno was stretching this moment out as long as possible. He was making it very clear that his only intention was to toy with Schlatt as much as he could; Schlatt didn’t like being toyed with.

“Oddly enough, you’ve already gathered most of the elements required. In fact, you’ve even included the requirement of the spirit having been manifested for more than 6 hours. I appreciate that greatly .” Techno grinned manically. 

The others waited for Schlatt to say something back; some sort of witty remark or irritating response, but his mouth remained shut and his brows furrowed in what could only be described as distress and bitterness.

“The last thing I need is something the spirit has touched.”

“You don’t know if I’ve touched shit, ” Schlatt growled at Techno.

“ Tsk, tsk, tsk, but I do .” Techno reached into his pocket and pulled out something thin. He turned it around to show it off: a simple photo of Tommy, Techno, and Wilbur in Pogtopia. The photo meant nothing to most of them, excluding Techno, Ranboo and Schlatt.

“I vividly remember laying this down on my desk, yet finding it leaning against another frame in the morning that Ranboo slept in my room. Ranboo struggles to breathe without permission, so I know he didn’t move it. Weird, hmm ?”

Schlatt flickered his eyes from the photo to Techno’s gaze in a desperate search for any signs of a bluff, but there were none. Techno was serious. He was serious .

Just as Techno was about to toss the picture into the pile, Schlatt interrupted him.

“ Wait !” Schlatt urgently shouted. Techno paused and chose to listen. “What about Ghostbur?”

“What about him?” Tubbo abruptly spoke up, defensive over the innocent soul.

“He’s been active for way longer than 6 hours. I haven’t sent him back to limbo yet, he’s still here, just pushed to the background. If you do this, you’ll be risking his spirit as well.” Schlatt seemed out of breath—obviously desperate for some sort of excuse.

“We don’t know what.” Tommy was quick to argue. “He could be fine.”

“No- You- Do you think Ghostbur would be Ok with this? Ok with you risking his one source of fulfillment?” Schlatt lectured. Techno stared into Schlatt’s eyes with a cold glare.

“Who do you think suggested this?” Techno whispered before promptly dropping the picture into the pile.

“ No -” Schlatt began, but it was too late.

Within a single moment, it was as if the ghost had never existed at all. A flurry of hushed whispers and gust of roaring wind carried him away into thin air; he was gone. Like a car passing by—blink and you’ll miss it.

Techno finally rushed over to the kid he had been mentoring; the kid who had impacted his life more than Techno thought was possible. He kneeled down and examined Ranboo’s dreadful state.

“Hey, hey, you’re fine, kid. We’re gonna get you back home and fix you up.” Techno assured him.

Ranboo desperately wanted to be furious with Techno. He wanted to yell and scream at him. He wanted to push him far away. He wanted him to leave and never come back. Techno knew what was going on and yet he allowed Ranboo to feel alone this entire time. He let him feel like he was losing his mind. He let him feel crazy—like he was a bad person who knew only horrible things. Techno let him feel all these things when in return Ranboo had only ever been kind and generous. Although, he couldn’t find the energy in himself to be mad. No matter how frustrated he found himself, he could never be mad at Technoblade.

Instead, he let the tears silently flow down his cheeks and nodded slightly; he finally felt at peace— safe . He let out a sigh and relaxed. He closed his eyes and let sleep consume him whole; this time he wasn’t afraid. He wasn’t afraid of letting sleep sweep him away. He wasn’t afraid of waking up. He wasn’t afraid of what the future held.

He wasn’t scared of growing up anymore.

Chapter Text

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.”

- Robert Frost

- 1 month later-

Knock. Knock.

Phil’s head peaked in interest at the door. Techno stood there with a warm smile and a cup of hot tea in each hand. Phil smiled back and welcomed Techno in. He tucked his book away after marking the page he left off on. Techno took this time to sit next to him on the bed and hand him one of the cups.

“I told you I didn’t want any.” Phil sighs. He blew on the liquid to cool it down before taking a sip.

“And yet you drink.” Techno pointed out. Phil‒realizing what he was doing‒smiled and rolled his eyes playfully.

“Thanks, mate.” Phil begrudgingly thanked as he took another sip, Techno following suit.

“So, what’s got you up?” Techno addressed the elephant in the room.

“I could ask you the same thing.” Phil chuckled.

“You could , but I asked first.” Techno pointed out.

“Fair.” Phil shrugged with a sip. “I think I’m just trying not to be a helicopter parent.”

“I knew it,” Techno exclaimed silently and earned another eye roll from Phil.

“Is it that obvious?” Phil cringed lightly.

“Phil, you’ve gone downstairs three times in the past half hour . It’s more than obvious.” Techno laughed out loud as Phil smiled back.

“I guess.” Phil sighed.

“Listen, man; they can take care of themselves. They said they’re just staying up a little longer and when they’re tired they’ll go to bed.” Techno reiterated the plan.

“Yeah, but Tubbo and Tommy don’t have to walk all the way back to their house; Ranboo does .” Phil defended his concerns.

“Something he’s done multiple times before.” Techno attempted to add.

“Right.” Phil sighed as he finished his tea.

“How about I-” Techno was abruptly interrupted before he could continue with his thought.

“ NOOOOOO!” Ranboo’s voice‒clear as day‒could be heard all throughout the house.

Techno and Phil didn’t waste a moment longer as they were both rushing down the steps as if their lives depended on it; their previous conversation was long forgotten. With Techno in front, he gripped onto the railing and swung himself around at the bottom of the stairs to face the trio in the living room. Techno hesitated the moment he saw the group and this caused Phil to almost run into him. Phil‒significantly shorter than Techno‒pushed himself through the man to get a better view.

The worst possible scenarios came to mind: they were being ambushed, Ranboo’s nightmares had returned, Dream had broken free, the list went on. Although, they were quick to find this all but true.

Instead, the three boys were sitting around on the floor with puzzle pieces scattered messily. A clearing was made visible where they could only assume a previous set had been finished or near so. Phil looked more amused than anything else while Techno was clearly irritated by the misunderstanding.

“You lot Ok?” Phil hesitantly continued to ask despite his concerns having been waived.

The three boys whipped their heads around, surprised to see the presence of their two friends without their arrival being obvious. Tommy was standing beside the mess with a blank look while Tubbo and Ranboo sat on the floor with visible frustration.

“ Listen -” Tommy tried to start with a laugh.

“This dipshit -”

“Tubbo and I were-”

The three quickly began speaking over one another, causing a cacophony of voices that couldn’t possibly be made coherent. Techno rolled his eyes in irritation before Phil rose to cease the commotion.

“ Aye, aye, aye! Oi! One at a time, one at a time.” Phil managed to settle them down. The trio looked at each other before allowing Tommy to speak first (more or so, he spoke before they had the chance).

“I was just trying to show them something awesome -”

“ Awesome ?! You ruined the damn puzzle!” Tubbo interrupted.

“ One at a time, bitch .” Tommy repeated Phil's previous request. “Anyways, I was trying to show them something and I accidentally messed up the puzzle.”

“That’s just not true,” Ranboo argued.

“Yeah, we told you numerous times not to do it until we finished the puzzle and you still did it!” Tubbo threw his hands up in frustration.

The trio exchanged glances before looking to Phil for confirmation of justice. Instead, they received warm laughter at the absurdity of the argument; the three were far from amused.

“I think it’s time for bed,” Techno spoke out blandly before walking to the kitchen to grab his coat and other winter garments.

“We don’t have a bedtime,” Tubbo argued.

“You do now.” Techno declared. It was obvious his demand was non-negotiable.

“Whatever, Mom .” Tommy groaned.

Ranboo began picking up the puzzle pieces while Tommy and Tubbo argued about who would sleep on the couch and who would sleep on the floor, despite there being enough room for the both of them to sleep on opposite sides. By the time Ranboo had finished cleaning, the duo had come to an agreement that they would take turns on the couch (even if they did eventually end up sleeping on the piece of furniture together).c

“Ready?” Techno called for Ranboo, who simply nodded as he dressed appropriately for the weather. Techno opened the door for his friend and the two exited the cabin and entered the dark midnight.

“You really don’t have to walk me back to my house, ya know?” Ranboo insisted.

“I’m well aware.” Techno scoffed.

“They why do it?” Ranboo questioned as he booted a fluff of snow.

“For Phil’s peace of mind.” Techno explained and Ranboo hummed in understanding.

Perhaps at one point, the freezing weather shadowed by a luminescent moon would bring back terrors for Ranboo, memories that had him shivering from more than just the cold. Although, he had gradually discovered how to find the beauty in things that once scared him. He admired the satisfying crunch the snow made with each step, he cherished the sparkling snowflakes dusted across the ground, he adored watching the wind push clumps of snow off trees bit by bit. If only he could learn to do the same thing with people‒with himself .

As they trudged about halfway through the snow, a presence found them on their journey and kindly decided to join.

“Hello, Techno! Ranboo!” A cheerful Ghostbur greeted his friends. He trailed alongside the ride shoulder of Techno.

“Hi, Ghostbur!” Ranboo returned the enthusiasm. 

“How can we help you, Ghostbur?” Techno asserted.

“Oh, no, I don’t need anything! I just wanted to see where we’re going this fine night.”

“I’m just taking Ranboo back to his place,” Techno explains.

“Exciting!” Ghostbur exclaimed.

“Ya know, how about you and Ranboo walk back to his place and I’ll go help Phil with the boys?” Techno halted to make his suggestions. He looked to Ranboo for assurance and to Ghostbur for reception.

“I’m fine with that.” Ranboo shrugged.

“Of course, Techno.” Ghostbur smiled.

“Thanks, Ghostbur. I owe you one.” Techno smiled. Ranboo had already begun his slow trackback to his house when Techno swiftly pulled Ghostbur aside and whispered to him. “ Please stay with him until he falls asleep .”

“I will, I promise.” Ghostbur smiled solemnly. He knew very well that this was Techno’s paternal side speaking despite whatever excuses he would come up with during nights like these. Techno nodded slowly before calling out to Ranboo.

“Night, Ranboo!” Techno called out with a wave before heading back to the cabin.

“Night!” Ranboo called back. Ghostbur caught up with him quickly. “So, what brings you out here, Ghostbur?”

“Nothing, really. I just go where the wind takes me.” He threw his arms out to the woods and smiled brightly; Ranboo smiled back.

The two walked in silence the rest of the way. Eventually, they landed on the doorstep of Ranboo’s newly renovated home. It was small but homey nonetheless. It made Ranboo feel safe and that’s all that mattered. Ranboo walked up first and held the door open for Ghostbur‒an empty gesture for a ghost but kindly executed.

“Do you mind if I stay for a little while? It gets kinda lonesome at night.” Ghostbur shyly asked.

“Of course! Stay as long as you please!” Ranboo was quick to accept.

“Thank you, Ranboo! I promise to be quiet.” Ghostbur assured.

“Not a problem. Well, let’s see, my pets are in that room over there and my farms are downstairs. Feel free to do anything you please; what’s mine is yours. I’ll be heading off to bed.” Ranboo quickly welcomed with a tired yawn.

“Goodnight, Ranboo.” Ghostbur gleefully spoke.

Ranboo chuckled, “Thanks, Ghostbur.”

Ranboo walked himself up the stairs and into his bed. The feeling of being tired was very familiar to him, although the ability to sleep was not. He’d recently developed the ability to confidently succumb to sleep with comfort and safety painting his mind and then wake up in the morning and feel completely refreshed. It was a new feeling, but a welcomed one nonetheless.

Ranboo quickly drifted off the moment his head hit the pillow. He allowed his body to rest and mind to travel wherever it pleased: a privilege it often wasn’t given, but this time Ranboo wasn’t afraid of the outcomes.

“Freedom lies in being bold.”

- Robert Frost

Ghostbur stayed until he was confident Ranboo was deep in his sleep. He then made his way to leave the house with a smile but found something stopping him. His being began to fade in and out like a glitching frame. He stared down at his hands in fear while they flashed back and forth between the world. He gasped in fear as his body was pulled from this realm and sent somewhere deeper.

Instead, Schlatt took his spot in the overworld with a quiet presence and calm demeanor. Slightly disoriented, he managed his way to Ranboo’s room and watched the kid peacefully rest. He stared down at him with slight sadness.

He had full intentions of remaining quiet during his visit, but when his eyes fell upon Ranboo’s forearm he couldn’t help the string of thoughts that followed. Ranboo’s pale arm highlighted the scar it held. Its thin red layer had healed nicely, but it would take many more months for the tissue to build up endurance and nerve pulses. It would take years ‒if not decades ‒for it to fade away into the pigment of his skin. A wave of guilt washed over Schlatt as he frowned at the sight.

“You must believe me when I say I never meant for this to happen.” Schlatt quietly insisted as he stepped back to take a seat.

He crossed his legs and watched Ranboo’s chest silently rise and fall as to soothe his nerves.

“I mean, at first I knew something like this might happen and I didn’t really care, but that was before I slowly spent days with you and my mind had changed. I was so wrapped up in the idea of coming back that I didn’t recognize what I had been searching for, I had already found.” Schlatt tried to explain himself‒tripping on words and thoughts.

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose to calm his thoughts; it did little to help.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is… sorry? God ,” He scoffed out loud. “I sound like such an asshole. I hate this. I hate every single thing about this.”

He buried his face into his hands and took a moment to breathe. Mistake after mistake came flooding back to him as he was reminded of what he did wrong.

“Look at me; I’m talking to an unconscious kid I tortured and asking for forgiveness? Pathetic , it’s pathetic .” Schlatt voiced out. He shook his head and looked back up at Ranboo lying down.

“I suppose I don’t deserve forgiveness. Honestly, I wouldn’t forgive me if I were in your shoes, so it only makes sense. Instead, I guess I’m asking for a moment‒just one more moment to try and make things right.”

Ranboo began to shift in his sleep and Schlatt held his breath, worried he had woken him up. As Ranboo rested comfortably, Schlatt exhaled in relief.

“I’ve had time to reflect on what I’ve done to you and so many others like you. There isn’t much I can do to right my wrongs, and although I find that frustrating, I’ve accepted it. Even so, I’ve found one thing I can do to at least calm my own nerves.”

Schlatt stood up and walked to Ranboo’s bedside. He traced his fingers alongside the lining until he reached a homemade bracelet at the end of the frame. He assumed it was something he and his friends made and smiled at the thought.

“I’ve decided I’m going to sever the tether that connects your memories to my spirit. I promised myself this was a skill I would never use, but I’ve never been one to keep promises anyways.” He sadly chuckled and fidgeted with the bracelet before returning it to its home.

“This means you’ll have no recollection of ever speaking with me or the things I’ve said. I’ll once again be nothing but a myth; a picture with a name. Of course, I can’t get rid of the memories of what happened or what you did , but I can still erase myself from the picture very effectively. I’m sure if you were to think hard enough you would still be able to recall bits and pieces of our conversations, but never enough to put two and two together. I know this might confuse you, but when you wake up you won’t even know the difference.” Schlatt made his way over to the head of the bed.

Schlatt looked down at the boy and sighed. He really didn’t want to do this. All the things he had confessed and shared, all the secrets they had told, all the nights they spent and evenings they walked, it would all be erased and printed on Schlatt’s mind solely. His memory would be hidden far in limbo where it would have no purpose at all. As much as it pained him, he knew this was the final push Ranboo needed to heal completely.

“Forget me,” Schlatt uttered in a whisper as he gently caressed Ranboo’s temple and cleaned the clutter he created.

Schlatt took a step back and felt his stomach drop heavily; the deed was done. There wasn’t a single page in any book that could reverse this one. He decided to let Ghostbur come back while he began his journey back to limbo, but not before he left one final word to the sleeping boy.

“Until we meet again, friend .”

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.”

- Robert Frost