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Chapter Text

Ranboo was comfortable to say the least. He ended up making this huge cocoon nest taking up half of his bedroom, and his bed wasn’t even included. It was made up of various things he had collected from his friends, whether it was one of Tubbo’s jackets from Snowchester to a plush cow he stole from Tommy(not the one he got after losing Henry) and even one(read: multiple) of Techno’s old capes.

Enderchest curled up against his side as he laid on his stomach. Ranboo brushed his fingers through her soft fur and reached up to scratch under the cat’s chin. A content sigh and rumbling purr was all that came from the small animal. Ranboo could feel himself falling asleep again and knew that if he did, no one would see him until the next day.

He needed to get up. He had stuff to do and people to see. But those could wait right? Ranboo absentmindedly went to straight out some of his feathers. Being forced to wear a jacket over his wings was a massive pain.

Dream knew that Phil’s wings had a difficult time holding the man’s weight for a short amount of time, so he was allowed to have them out. Ranboo and Quackity on the other hand had to clip and bind their wings respectively. His hand reach back to brush against the clipped wings and a frown tugged his lips. Dream didn’t care how the young hybrid told him that could damage his wings. Nor did he care when his flight feathers started to bleed. Ranboo had never seen Phil as angry as he was when he got home.

Ranboo’s nerves were on fire. He could still feel the cold metal of the shears against his feathers. The door creaked as he stumbled through it. Phil looked up from the desk in the corner of the room where he currently sat.

Phil smiled lightly. “Hey mate. It’s about time you came back. I thought you said that was going to be a short trip, not a-“ He stopped to look at the clock, “four hour trip.” Ranboo winced at the older man’s words. After Dream clipped his wings, which took a half an hour thanks to his struggling, and immediately took to gaslighting him. The masked man’s words still echoed in his head. You should have just gotten rid of them. You have the choice to still. I can help.

Tucking his wings in closer to his body, Ranboo scrambled to make up and excuse. “Uh..I was uh... asked by Tubbo to help with something real quick! Yeah yeah, that’s it. I just lost track of time. That’s all.” Phil raised a brow at the boy’s tight smile. He knew Ranboo to well to buy that and even if he didn’t knew him as well as he does, he still wouldn’t have bought it.

Phil narrowed his eyes. “Sure, like that makes any sense, kid. It’s obvious you’re lying.”

“I’m not! I swear” Ranboo waved his arms around frantically, wings not following suit like they normal did. In fact, they pulled closer to the thin boy’s back.

“Fine then show me you wings.”

He froze. He couldn’t show them in such a state. Phil would get upset with him for letting someone do that to his wings. He would get pushed away. They would hate him. How could he let that happen to himself? Static crackled in his ears. He felt lightheaded. Was the air thin? Even if it was thin he shouldn’t feel like there was no air, he’s part bird for god’s sake!

There was a light tapping on his hand. He opened his eyes to look at the fingers tapping against his. When did he close his eyes? Watery red and green met calm blue. The mismatched one look away immediately. “Ranboo calm down. You won’t get hurt. You won’t get judged. Whatever is bothering so badly, how we think of you won’t change.” Phil let a small, reassuring smile appear.

Ranboo sighed. He knew he couldn’t use his words. He wouldn’t be able to choke out anyways. Drooping his head, the magpie hybrid opened his wings part way. They were open just enough to show the damage. He could feel the tapping on his knuckles freeze. A burning feeling settled upon his eyes and soon enough, his cheeks were tingling with the same burning sensation.

Fingers lightly brushed against the ragged edge of the feathers. Out of instinct, he snapped his wings flat against his back. Ranboo looked up to stare at Phil. He looked dumbfounded and a quickly rising rage simmered below the surface, easily seen even when attempting to be hidden. “Ranboo.” Shoulders immediately sunk in to appear like less of a threat. “Ranboo who hurt you like this?”

‘Tap tap tap tap tap’ Ranboo tapped his claws together, in an effort to calm himself. “Uhm, I, uh, Dream did.” He muttered, with a shameful face. Ranboo’s mind was going a million miles an hour, never once staying on a single thought. He hated this feeling. He hated it so much.

Ranboo barely heard Phil’s mumbling only catching a few words. ‘Gods.’ ‘Destroy.’ ‘Help.’ ‘Protect.’ Ranboo watched as he heaved a sigh and frowned. “Ranboo make yourself comfortable. I’ll work on preening your wings in a moment.” He shakily nodded and skittered off to sit in front of the fire. Ranboo melted at the warmth of the flames, so when hands began delicately brushing through his feathers, he let out a soft cooing noise.

“Mate I’m going to have to do something about those chopped up feathers.” Ranboo cringed and nodded. He knew that something had to be done and Phil knows what he’s doing so he trusts him to fix his wings. “I’m going to have to pull some. They’d do more harm then good at this point. Just relax while I deal with them.”

The brushing and occasional sting with a pulled feather lulled him into a sense of safety. He trusted Phil. He trusted Techno. He trust this place and it’s people. This is his home. He dozed off with a warm feeling in his gut.

———

“I’m going to rip that man apart limb by limb.”

“I know you will.” Cotton filled every crevice of his brain. He felt so warm and safe.

“Did you see the feathers, Techno? Did you see his wings!” Phil(?) sounded so angry and upset. A light sound tinkled through the air.

“I’m going out. I’m going to make it right. Keep an eye on him for me.” The sound of a sword being sheathed resounding around the room.

“Be back soon. If Ranboo remembers and finds you gone, he will freak out and we both know I’m not great with dealing with emotions.” There was a sound of affirmation. Ranboo cuddled deeper into the blanket on his shoulders.

One of the men snorted. “Makes me think when I saw you two cuddling the other day. You care for the kid more than you let on.”

“Shut up.” A light laugh mixed with an annoyed grumbling. The world mixed back into soft noises again and then darkness.

Chapter Text

     It took Ranboo a full day to finally get out of his nest. It wasn’t even because he wanted to, Techno forced him to take care of all of the pets. ALL of them, including his own and every single one of the hounds. At least they smelled nice now. He also fears trying to bathe more than three dogs.

      The tip of his wings felt like they didn’t exist, getting water on your wings then dragging them through the snow is not a bright move. Oh well, too late. Ranboo quickly slammed the door shut behind him and shook out his limbs. The house was cooler due to the dying fire. In a rush to get warm, he quickly(carelessly) threw in a few logs, and stomped up stairs.

     Pawing through his closet, he grabbed a light blue sweater and a pair of black pants. The slightly damp and cold clothes were thrown into a pile to be dealt with later. Ranboo smiled as he started to warm up, fluffing up the large wings behind him. He walked towards the stairs. As the wall opened up on the stairs the magpie hybrid hopped off them.

     Wings snapped out to catch Ranboo. He glided across the room. Soon, he would be able to fly across the sky. Since Dream was in jail, none of the winged smp members had trimmed their feathers. He witnessed Quackity flying for the first time in many months. Another month or two Ranboo would join him in the skies.

     He rolled into a sit on the floor in front of a cabinet. Swinging the door open, he grabbed an apple and a jar of honey. Soon  honeyed apples were on a plate on the table, the homeowner munching on them.  The original intent was not snacks for himself, but his pets.

     Enderchest laid asleep on the chair next to him, tail curled over her nose. The light jangle of tags hitting each other faded into existence as Enderpearl trotted in from wherever the younger cat had come from. She jumped on the table, sniffing the plate and reaching a paw towards an apple slice. Ranboo flicked her on the forehead. Enderpearl jolted her head backwards and looked at her master.

     ‘Master you have forsaken me’ was all here expression said. With a flick of her tail, the black cat jumped off the table and disappeared to wherever she had come from. Ranboo snorted at the Enderpearl’s sass. He somehow had the planet’s sassiest cats. They walked around like they owned the place, but still cuddled like if they didn’t they would die.

     Popping the last apple in his mouth, Ranboo picked up the plate and washed off the leftover honey. He needed to ask Phil to help him make better clothes. His current were thinner then he wanted, snow melted through easier. The magpie walked towards his front door, opened it, and walked towards Techno’s cabin. It’s more then likely where Phil was, seeing as him and Techno were always planning something.

     Ranboo shuffled through the snow. The sun hung more half way through the sky. When he got to the steps, he tapped his boots against the edge of the step, knocking off some of the snow. Techno hated when anyone tracked snow in his house. The stairs creaked and groaned up his weight.

     A hard knocking rang across the field. Ranboo shifted from foot to foot. Moments fled and he continued to stand there. Maybe they weren’t home right now. He’d look really silly if they weren’t. A crash and grumble came through the door, although it was muffled. Slow, steady thumps wander closer to the wood separating them from Ranboo.

     The door slowly opened revealing a tired and quite frankly disoriented looking Technoblade. The piglin put the heel of his hand up and rubbed his eye. “Ranboo? What are you doing here? You finally got done with the hounds, I assume.” He made little hand motions while talking.

     Ranboo shook his head vigorously. “Yup! I finished doing them a while ago. I am never, though, going to wash more then like three dogs at a time. I needed to ask you if you knew where Phil is.” The older flicked an ear, then furrowed his brow.

     He let out a snort. “I haven’t seen Phil since he left this morning. He said he got a new map and wanted to go raid it. Did you need him for something important?”

     The enderman’s thin ears perked down a fraction. It would be a while until Phil got back. He was always thorough with his searches. “Ah, Alright then. I needed to talk to him about making warmer clothes. I’ll talk to him about it tomorrow then.” Ranboo smiled as a few of his particles bumped into him as a form of encouragement, mimicking what they had see his cats do.

     “Well, I do have an extra cape you could borrow, I suppose.” Techno huffed turning his head towards the interior of his home. “Give me a moment.” With a spin on his heel, he charged away from the magpie/enderman/whatever-he-is hybrid and disappeared down the hallway. The boy stepped into the house and shut the door behind him, not wanting to let in anymore cold air.

     The piglin returned a few minutes later, a blue cloth over his arm. It was handed over to Ranboo in a matter of moments. “Like I said it’s just an extra, so it’s nothing major that you have to return it to me.” He waved his hand around. Techno tilted his head down and mumbled quietly, “I’m not going to just tell him that chat, are you all crazy. Stop saying Technosoft.” The younger didn’t say anything due to it not being directed at him.

     Ranboo unfolded the cape in front of him. It was a nice royal blue color with a silver edging on the bottom. A part hung of the back, fluffy white on the edge of it. A hood. A silver lapel held the front of the cloak together in the front. On the left side of it, a small enderpearl with a gold crown was embroidered on it.

     The craftsmanship was wonderful. Lots of work went into making it, that was obvious. Ranboo was in awe. Techno insisted it was a spare, but it obviously made for him. The length was perfect, not shorter on him like his older friend’s capes are, if the embroidery didn’t already give that away.

     He heard the particles cooing at Techno’s indirect way of showing he cared. Ranboo whipped the cape around himself and clasped it around his neck. In a flick of movement, he launched himself forward and gave the piglin hybrid a hug. Neither of them were big fans of physical affection, unless it was someone they thought highly of, they were more keen on words of affirmation.

     Techno stood stiff for a minute. Ranboo tried to back up, worried he had crossed a boundary. Before he could do much as move a muscle, two arms wrapped his arms around the taller boy. They were shy, but solid, safe. He never squeezed hard, as if afraid he would crush the precious person he held.

     Slowly they let each other out of the hug. Techno let out a quick grin, then it disappeared into his plain neutral face. “You ‘ought to go back to your cabin, you probably have other things to do instead of waiting around here for Phil.” He shrugged, and turned around, walking into his kitchen.

     Ranboo nodded shortly. “Alright. I’ll leave you to your own devices. Bye Techno and thank you!” He swung open the door, and started walking out.

     Techno’s head poked around the corner. “I said it was a-“ The door slammed shut before the piglin could finish his sentence. The magpie darted down the stairs so he wouldn’t get scolded for slamming doors. The cape covered Ranboo’s wing perfectly, as long as he had the cape on, he wouldn’t have to bind his wings up.

     He skipped/flap-jumped back to his own home. A warm fuzzy feeling covered his body, similar but different to his particles when they brushed against him. For the second time that day, Ranboo forcefully shut his front door and shook himself off.

     Plucking his memory book off of the table, where he had left it earlier that morning, it was flipped open to the list of friends. By the time it was put down again a new log was in the book and something were changed. Ranboo left the book open and walked upstairs.

     The list of friends was changed, Techno no longer on the list of friends. A new list was on the next page. Family: Technoblade

Chapter Text

    Snow stirred as Ranboo stood on the stairs, watching as Techno faded into the distance, making his way to the prison. Something stirred when the letter (invitation?) arrived. It made him nervous, more than normal. Wings fluffed up as he watched the horizon where his friend disappeared to. 

     The light tap of shoes against hardwood, waltzed towards the still Magpie. They stopped right next to him, just out of his sight. A heavy weight draped over his shoulders, feathers brushing against the back of his neck, pushing away the chill that started to crawl up his skin.

     Shoulder met side as Ranboo leaned into the older man’s comforting wing hug. Phil put a hand on his head and messed with a few strands of hair that flew astray from the small ponytail they were shoved in. They stood there for a few minutes. 

     “Come on Ranboo. It won’t do you any good standing here and waiting for him to come back. You’d freeze to death before then. That or the mobs would get you.” Phil turned to look at the hybrid next to him, watching him stare into the distance. “Don’t think Techno would be very pleased to learn you lost a life due to sitting here, waiting for him to get back like a lost puppy.”

     Slowly he nodded before turning and following the older bird into the house. A quiet “go sit your nest” coaxed the clearly distant Ranboo into one of the formerly spare rooms. Steve let out a huff as he walked by the living room, where the polar bear was laying down. There was no excitable chirp in response or even a quiet warble.

     The wooden door creaked as it moved revealing the transformed bedroom. It was dark in the room and not just from the quickly growing night. A dark blanket was in the place of blinds to block all light. There was a large nest taking up most of the far side of the room. Blankets, coats, capes, pillows, and practically every piece of soft cloth you could think of was in the nest. A mix of blankets and pillows made up the sides of it. Plushies also made up small parts in certain spots, all of them clearly handmade.

     A desk sat in a different corner of the room. The wood was a deep brown, chair a very similar color. Papers sat in small piles while drawing supplies stood in a glass cup off to the side. In the center of the desk, an elegant wood carving waited to be finished. Carving tools sat scattered around it, a few wood shavings beside them. The scene depicted a small dragon sitting on top of a mound of coins, looking proud of itself.

     Ranboo stumbled past the desk and made a beeline towards the nest. After finding a spot he deemed go enough to sleep in, he stretched out wings flopped over his red sweater and the blankets. He closed his eyes expecting sleep to come to him fast. So he waited, and waited, and waited, but nothing ever came.

     He sat in there for what felt like hours, but what was more like a single hour. This was the first time one of his flock members (even if he wasn’t winged like him and Phil) was going to be gone like this. When it came to Tubbo and Michael, he could always go and see them in Snowchester. Techno on the other hand was unable to be reached for the time being.

     The door creaked and Phil popped his head in the room. “Ranboo? You alright?” Ranboo didn’t say anything, but craned his head up a little bit to look at his friend. “Aw, mate. Don’t look so down. Techno will be back soon and you know it. Hold on. I know what will make this better.” He once again disappeared through the door, leaving the magpie to his own devices.

     It was only a few minutes until Phil returned, two mugs in hand. He walked over and crouched in front of the younger holding out one of the mugs. He took it with a small nod. The mug was hot, but not scalding hot. He peered into the cup. A light brown liquid reflected the curious mismatched eyes back at him. Hot chocolate. Ranboo, at the realization of it being one of his favorite drinks, chirped happily.

     Puffing up his wings, the mono-colored teen tipped the lip of the mug to his mouth. He recoiled at the slight burn of his tongue causing Phil to laugh/coo at Ranboo. He continued to drink it anyway. The sweet drink washed down the dry feeling in his throat. The warmth spread throughout his body as he finally relaxed.

     The crow hybrid sipped lightly on his own hot chocolate. He knew this was a weird situation for the enderman. All he could do was help him keep distracted until Techno came home. They were, much to the piglin’s denial, practically brothers. Phil was proud of both of them, although surprised by the older one. Techno must have seen a lot in Ranboo to trust him despite being betrayed by another person not too long ago.

     Phil knew Techno had started dissecting Ranboo’s motives for everything as soon as he arrived, fear of being used again plagued his old friend’s mind like his voices. Ranboo on the other hand, did as much as he could to help out, fear of being discarded by other people again made him eager to please. They were two sides of the same coin. That was what had made their friendship so strong. 

     Spreading his dark wings, he stretched them out and went to step in the nest with the now sleepy, but still drinking, Ranboo. Before he could join, a sharp tapping noise came from the window. He walked over and opened the window. A crow sat right on the edge of the windowsill, purple fabric holding a tag onto the crow’s leg. The fabric was enough to give away who the crow was or who it belonged to. A note was tied around the other leg. Crow father moved to take the piece of parchment off before sticking out an arm. It jumped on and sat happily as he walked away from the now closed window.

     Ranboo let out a happy chirp. “Hi Trix! Come over here, I want to show you how my feathers have been growing in.” The magpie stuck a limb out from the crow to fly over and land on. All of the crows had dull claws so you didn’t have to wear something on your arm to deal with them. Phil fed them and gave them anything that they would need, they delivered messages and let him cut their claws for him. This crow in particular was his wife’s personal crow. Her sending a note was not often.

     Carefully, he unfolded the piece of paper. It felt much thicker than normal. There were four pieces, not one. He recognized Kristin’s handwriting easily. It was something that gave him comfort. He picked up one of the pages, turning it to look at the back of it. Nothing. Each page’s writing ended in a different spot. He stopped to look at the top of one of the pages, then the rest.

      Dear Zephyrus, Dear Protesilaus, Dear Nemesis, Dear Lethe . Letters. Each one was a letter for their corresponding member of the Syndicate. He had told her in his latest letter about him using their Syndicate names instead of their actual names, explaining who’s name was who’s and asking if she could do the same. Phil feared that someone would shoot down one of his crows and get their hands on information that he did not want anyone outside of them to know. A pair of loud chirps startled the crow back out of his thoughts.

     Ranboo had a wild grin on his face, smugness radiated off of the crow now sitting on his shoulder. The other man merely snorted and handed a paper to him. Neat handwriting crossed the entirety of the page, ending a little bit before the bottom of it. He remembers who the handwriting belongs to. If memory serves him correctly (he doubts that his answer is right), it belongs to Kristin, Phil’s wife. The odd part was that he could always remember Kristin, but forgot that she and Phil were married. She sent letters to Ranboo every few weeks, checking in with him, informing him of small things, and generally just making sure he knows she trusts him. They always helped Ranboo relax and made him feel like he always had someone in his corner. He looked at the parchment and started reading.

      Dear Lethe,

I do not enjoy having to put that in place of your name, but as Phil told me, it is necessary at least for you all. I had sent a letter to each of your group’s members, this is the first one I’ve sent to your companion Nemesis. I have everyone else’s reason for being part of the group except her’s. I’m curious how your friend will be. I remember you told me a while ago that she was like a sister to you. I know that relationship has since deteriorated but I have faith it will once again flourish. I’m afraid I must also warn you for the future. I’m not allowed to give you any information, but please keep yourself safe. I do not wish to have another person close to me, let alone one that is like a child to me, join me here. Tommy and Wilbur were hard enough. Having them both ripped back to the plane of the living is horrible to watch. So please Lithe, don’t come see me so soon. I wrote something on the back of your paper, but you have to use glow squid ink in order to see it. Don’t use it unless you are in a very dire situation. I trust you’ll know when to use it. You have a good head on your shoulders dear. Trust your instincts. I hope to get a letter soon. Farewell, until the sun shines at midnight.

-Death

     Ranboo frowned. Kristin was never this vague with her letters. Nor had she seemed so concerned about him dying. He looked up at Trix, who sat quietly on his shoulder. His eyes caught Phil now sitting at the desk, eyes furrowed as worry poured from his form. He pulled his memory book from his inventory and started transferring important parts of his letter into the book. The magpie folded up the letter and bookmarked the page in his memory book with it. 

     He put it away and curled up some, moved the crow on his shoulder on the floor next to him. Phil sighed as he sat the letter in his hands down and walked over to the nest. “Wanna preen your wings Ranboo?” He nodded slowly. Ranboo was still figuring out how to preen his and others' wings. For now, Phil did his, Techno did Phil’s, Ranboo braided Techno hair. It was a system they had. His hands itched brush through Techno’s hair, like the train they normally did. Instead he settled for petting Trix, who leaned into his hand.

     They would be fine. Techno would be home by the end of the week. They could easily stock up on any supplies they needed (They had no shortage of totems thanks to him). It would be fine and they would be safe. He would send a letter back saying that everything turned out fine and everyone is safe. They would be fine. He would be fine.

     Far across the server, a warden would make a decision that would change the way cards were stacked for everyone. A piglin and a dreamon would be trapped and forced to find a way to free themselves. A warning would come soon, giving the receivers little time to prepare before the calm gave way to the storm. Before the cycle restarted once again.

Chapter Text

     Water droplets created little divots in the snow as they were shaken off of a trident before it was put away. Boots shuffled through the grounded white flakes, steadily although slowly to their destination. A cape wrapped around the thin body underneath it, fighting back the bitter chill that came with the land.

      Ranboo hopped over the small potato patch before waltzing up to the edge of the icy water. He stomped on the edge of the ice, causing a large shard to break off. Water lapped at his foot that broke the ice until he moved it back. Dark clouds met the far distant sea, becoming a gray line. The wind whined complaints as it blew.

     The enderman turned his back on the deadly liquid. Phantom pains flared angrily, a reminder of when he stared too long. Kristin had to force him back, the scars that crossed various parts of his limbs still lingered even after many healing and regen potions. He shook his head, ridding himself of the haunting memory. It was a time past.

      Ranboo jogged toward the mansion. He wanted nothing more than to sit and watch a movie with Tubbo and Micheal. Phil had pushed for him to go because he needed to hang out with his other important people and totally not because he was being mopey and clingy . The building slowly grew in size as he got closer. Two people stood in front of the house. Sam and Tubbo.

      That was new. Sam rarely came to Snowchester, so him being here was a surprise, but the more pressing matter was Tubbo’s expression. His brows were furrowed as a heavy frown pulled down on his mouth. He was leaning back some, keeping his crossed arms between the two of them, hands twitching trying to keep himself in check. It was clear Tubbo was unpleased by the creeper hybrid in front of him.

      Ranboo called out to his husband. “Hey Tubbo! I’m finally back! Finally managed to catch them. Should be on the bottom of the sea floor now.” He purposely showed a crazed grin. Goal: make Sam uncomfortable. He walked up next to Tubbo, standing a little bit taller. “Hi Sam. What are you doing here? You never come around here.” A threat laced his words like poison. Their target shifted slightly, eyes darting between Tubbo and something behind Ranboo.

     The warden cleared his throat. “Well Ranboo, I came to inform Tubbo, but I suppose now I can tell you too. The prison is now fully off limits to other smp members.” Ranboo didn’t like the sound of that. “The prisoners are too dangerous for anyone to visit or even get remotely close to, so I’m making sure everyone knows to stay away. It’s for everyone’s safety.”

      Tubbo hummed, tilting his head. “Prisoners? You meant prisoner, right?” Ranboo was glad he informed him about Techno visiting the prison. It didn’t sit right with either of them. If Dream wanted Techno to get him out, he would have done it months ago, not this far into his stay. It also raised the question, if Dream had wanted Techno to get him out, why were they not out by now? They were missing pieces.

     Sam nodded. “Yeah, yeah. I don’t know why I said that. Guess I haven’t gotten enough sleep lately.” He laughed, as the other two gave tight lipped smiles. The air weighed down on the trio as they stood, none willing to contribute any more to the conversation. “I’m afraid I must go for now you two. You know where to find me if you need to talk about something.” The creeper straightened up, trying to intimidate the others. Ranboo did the same, leaning over him.

     Sam scowled before twisting on his heel and marching away. The husbands deflated, Tubbo leaning against Ranboo. “Bo please tell me what I think is happening is not actually happening.”The words were strained as he tried not to sound as worried as he really was. The shorter just pressed his head into his side, horns catching his cape and suit. The magpie cooed at his flock member before pulling out his comm.

     He tapped out the name of each syndicate member, adding them to a group, minus Techno. Ranboo glanced at the boy next to him, before turning back to the screen and putting in Tubbo_ and adding him to the group.

Ph1LzA: Ranboo, mate, what is this?

Nihachu: Why is Tubbo here?

Ranboo: I’m unofficially indoctrinating Tubbo as part of the Syndicate under the code name, Persus.

Nihachu: Can you even do that?

Ph1LzA: No, not under normal circumstances, but I assume that these are not normal conditions.

Tubbo_: Well this is one way to get in a secret geoup 

Ranboo:  

Syndicate Mission: Locate and free Protesilaus. 

Members on Mission: Zephyrus, Nemesis, Lethe, Perses

Mission debrief: Lithe and Perses were in Snowchester and crossed paths with Awesamdude. The creeper had mentioned having “Prisoners” while speaking with the head of Snowchester. Protesilaus had gotten a letter prior to this incident. The letter asked him to go to the prison at the request of the prisoner. He has not been seen since. It is assumed that he has been locked in the prison. The rest of the Syndicate shall go and retrieve Protesilaus from the prison.

Ph1LzA: Ranboo you don’t have the ability to call for missions like this, at least not without talking about it with another member. 

Tubbo_: Well…

Ph1LzA: Tubbo does not count.

Ranboo: Zephyrus. You have no right to try and tell me off for this, especially when I had to physically take and keep your comm away from you to keep you from doing this same thing. Or else you are a massive hypocrite.

Tubbo_: Spill the tea Boo!

Nihachu: Tubbo please-

Ph1LzA: Fine. I, Zephyrus, give permission to Lithe to allow Tubbo_ to aid in our mission. I accept the mission submitted by Lithe for the syndicate to complete.

Ph1LzA: Tubbo_ do you accept being part of the Syndicate and to fight alongside your comrades, even if it were to cost your life?

Tubbo_: I accept, if I am needed, I will not hesitate to come and fight for the Syndicate and their morals.

Ph1LzA: Welcome, new Syndicate member, Perses. We hope your loyalty will stay to who you know will rise.

Nihachu: So time for a proper meeting?

Ph1LzA: Yes. Lithe I expect you to bring Perses to the meeting room. Meeting will start at midnight. I expect you all to be there.

Tubbo_: Of course. Lithe is nodding next to me.

Nihachu: I will be there earlier, as per usual.

Ph1LzA: See everyone then.

     Ranboo straightened up to his full height, spine popping slightly as he raised. Tubbo was already walking towards the house. He quickly stepped closer to his husband and fell in stride with him. “We have to change up your outfit. It wouldn’t be appropriate to wear to a meeting.” The ram tilted his head up to look at the looming figure that walked beside him.

     “I have an idea that might work. I’m going up to our room for a while. You and Micheal can hang out.” Tubbo refocused on the house in front of him. Ranboo let him disappear into the house before following. He pushed the door open, warm air blasted his bare skin, chasing away the chill from outside. He reached up and grabbed the clasp of his cape, unhooking it. The royal blue fabric was laid across the couch, as it’s owner disappeared towards his son’s room.

     The enderman knocked on the wooden door. Stars were scattered across the entire piece of wood. A small plaque sat against the door frame. ‘Big man Micheal’s room. Knock before you enter!’ The sign was mostly chicken scratch at best, but if you looked hard enough you could get most of the words. The rest was easy to understand from there. The door was slowly pushed open.

     Ranboo peered in at his son. The zombie piglin sat cross legged, with toy cars and wooden buildings scattered around. Micheal snorted a greeting while waving a toy wolf. The older one smiled. “Hey bub. Wanna come watch a movie with Dada. We can watch any movie you want.” The toddler grunted as he stood up, dropping the wolf and picking up his stuffed chicken. He grabbed his father’s hand and toddled out behind him.

     Ranboo hoisted Micheal on his hip and walked towards the living room. He sat the child on the couch and grabbed his comm. He tapped the video app and handed it to his son. Micheal hummed before scrolling and then tapping a movie, handing it to the magpie hybrid as he sat down. The boy crawled onto his Dada’s lap, watching the movie alongside him. Ranboo smiled at his son, content watching with his father.

     Tubbo on the other hand, was having a crisis. He stared at his closet in peril. He had no idea what to wear. He hasn’t been to one of these meetings before! Was it formal, was it casual, or maybe however each person saw fit? He flicked a chipped part of his horn, a newer nervous tic. The ram pushed his heavy winter coats out of the way, trying to find anything that was out of his normal outfits.

     A hint of green caught his eye. Tubbo turned to look at the cloth. He picked it up. It was a cloak. The color marbled from a light to a dark forest green. It would blend in with surrounding environments, becoming invisible to people who were not searching for it. The front had buttons that were a dark bronze, a strip used to connect the two buttons. A hood hung from the back, big enough to completely cover his horns and even part of his face. Tubbo grinned. It was perfect.

     He threw it on the bed that he and Ranboo shared. Each has their own side. They decided on one bed so one having a nightmare would wake the other. It was a good system. The ram dug through the closet until he found what he was looking for, a pair of dark brown dress pants. They were made in hopes of complementing Tubbo’s nice dress shirts whenever he had some ‘official’ business that involved Snowchester. They ended up looking a lot less nicer than hoped so they were kept for minor things that he would have to attend. At some point they became trekking pants and thankfully had no holes in them.

     Tubbo reached for a pair of combat boots Tommy had gotten him. He never got the chance to wear them. He looked at the clock. It was half way between sunset and midnight, they would half to leave soon if they wanted to get to the Syndicate on time. He learned over and snagged a black long sleeve shirt. He tossed them on the cape before turning and caught the stairs to go to the living room.

     A quiet distinct creak of a door shutting met his the animalistic ears of Tubbo. It was a small thing that Foolish had put in their house after something he learned with his own son. He made sure Micheal had a slightly squeaky hinge on his door, which alerted his parents if he left his room during the night. Ranboo appeared around the corner. They nodded at each other before walking to their bedroom. 

     Ranboo made a beeline to the closet grabbing a pile of clothes the Tubbo hadn’t realized was there before. His husband left the room, leaving Tubbo to change, probably changing in the bathroom. 

     They regrouped in the foyer. Ranboo was clasping his cape together. Instead of his normal suit, the taller was dressed in an outfit of royal caliber. The normal black dress pants were instead a navy blue, the white shirt was the only constant. The jacket had been dropped entirely, a pale blue sweater taking its place. The magpie’s wings were neatly folded against his back. His cape now sat across his left shoulder, not around his back. It was clasped closer together, giving it a shorter appearance, the embroidered patch still sat where it normally did when worn the usual way.

     Tubbo grinned and held his hand out. “Shall we,Lithe?” Ranboo snorted before gripping the smaller’s hand with his own.

     “Yes we shall, Perses.”

Chapter Text

     The tug in Ranboo’s chest drew him closer to the meeting room. The room always had this pulling effect on him, but only when he was within a certain vicinity. Tubbo walked by his side, following him as he navigated the hallways. Dim light came from an entrance down the hall. Ranboo picked up his pace a little bit.

     They stopped just before the entrance. Tubbo tugged his hood down before grabbing his husband’s sweater and straightening it out. They exchanged small smiles, determination flared in Tubbo’s eyes and his smile grew with a reckless flare. Ranboo snorted before grabbing the shorter boy by the hand. They turned and walked into the room.

     Small lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow in the room. The walls were a cool gray, small divides between each brick were faintly darker then the rest of the brick. And then there was the table. The tan edge of the table was a soft color, the lanterns color turning it a lighter brown. The lighter color turned into a darker blue green. It was never one solid color, some spots more green, others more blue. The center of the table was a slightly different shade, made of a blue wood instead of the rock like surface of the edge of the table.

     Ranboo heard a small “woah” from Tubbo, who paused next to him. Phil and Niki sat on their sides of the table, talking quietly. He cleared his throat before approaching the others. “Zephyrus. Nemesis. Apologies that we’re late. Some ghasts were proving to be nuisances.” Phil stopped to look over at the boys as they made their presences known.

     Phil was wearing his iconic green kimono, bucket hat also sitting atop his head. A black wing like cape sat over his shoulders. Instead of just draping down wherever gravity let it fall, the cape sat against Phil’s wings. Straps kept the cape from going where it wanted, instead hiding his wings. It didn’t reflect light like his actual wings did, allowing him to go on recon at night if need be. “That’s alright Lethe. Gods knows how annoying they can be when they want.” He chuckled.

     “So now we get to see how the little ram boy looks when trying to be less obvious, huh Persus?” Niki quipped, as she stretched back in her chair. Her hair was done up in a low ponytail, keeping it out of the way. Dark jeans half hid the black, thick-heeled boots that were reinforced in the toe with iron. A red shirt was tucked in her pants, a brown belt, with various loops hanging from it, held them together. The black bomber jacket had little red flowers stitched on the cuffs and on random spots on the main part of the jacket itself. One of the loops held Niki’s sword, purple enchantments swirling around the surface.

     Tubbo snorted at Niki before joining Ranboo at his spot. Phil clapped his hands together. “Alright let’s start this meeting shall we.” A quiet murmur passed from the other three people. It went silent. No one tried to speak up, trying to get the meeting properly started. That was normally Techno’s job, surprisingly enough. Weary eyes watched one another before finally someone grumbled.

     Ranboo sighed. “Alright, I was the one that called this meeting, might as well try and lead it. So we all know what the problem is at hand. Protesilaus has been trapped in the prison by the warden, Sam.” He put his hands on the table in front of him. He took a moment to glance at each member that was present, trying to figure out what strengths they could use to their advantage.

Tubbo tapped his shoulder. “I have an idea that might work.”

     Swinging his hands around as he talked, Tubbo explained the plan he had come up with. Everyone gave their own input, whether it was positive or negative. Everyone else had seemed content with the plan, except Phil. He sat back in his seat, arms crossed as he frowned at the table.

     Niki spoke up. “Zephyrus, is something wrong?” She tapped her nails against the edge of her sword as she slowly paced around. The older man merely waved a hand, trying to brush off Niki’s question. The pinkette stopped. “Zephyrus.” Annoyance painting her tone.

     There was one thing that the rest of the Syndicate members learned and the newest would soon learn, Niki would not take stupid excuses. If she saw flaws in things she would first try to lightly point it out. But if she was ignored or told it would be fine, she would tear it to shreds using that flaw, naming what all could go wrong and the chances of something happening. When it was a fellow member that had refused to talk, she would once again play nice at first, then find a weak point to finally get them to crack. In short, all things that raised any concern to Niki, can and will be dragged into the spotlight until it is fixed.

     The simple tone change was enough to get Phil to talk. The power of Niki Nihachu. Fear. “I should be doing more instead of just standing outside. I’d be just as helpful in the Nether!” He huffed, fluffing his wings. The frown deepened.

     “Then what do you want to do Zeph?” Ranboo cocked his head, watching him. 

     Phil hummed to himself before speaking. “Go in there myself and drag Sam to go see Kristin.” Tubbo and Ranboo exchanged a glance. He didn’t miss it. “Well I’m sorry that I don’t want my flock going in there.” He stood up, glaring at the other two.

     The magpie stood up straighter and met his glare. “Oh and does Techno not count as your flock?” 

     “I never said that!”

     “Then you would be more concerned about getting him out rather than the rest of us.”

     Phil flared out his wings, trying to get Ranboo to back down. He flared his wings as well, challenging him. “I know that Techno is able to take care of himself.”

     Ranboo sneered. “So the rest of us can’t take care of ourselves then? You don’t think we can do this can you!”

     “You’re right! I don’t think you can because gods knows, whenever any of you get within a ten foot vicinity of Dream, you freak out!” Tubbo curled into his cloak, eyes darting between them, but not doing anything to stop the fight.

     Ranboo stopped, wings dropping down a few inches. He grabbed his head, trying to calm the headache that tore into his skull. It pounded and pounded, like mini creeper explosions. It flared causing him to curl his claws into his hair and then his skin. Then it slowly washed away alongside his awareness. Faint voices rang in his ears.

     Hands dropped. Heads tilted upwards once more. Purple met blue, then light brown, and finally the hazel pair that sat next to them. The eyes snapped to look at the blue ones again. “You might be correct, but I refuse to leave one of my flock members alone with Dream, even if he has a thicker skull than most. Now you can come if you like, but I’m making sure Techno is leaving that prison, even if it’s just me.” He stands up to his full height, a few inches between his head and the ceiling, before speaking again. “I’m leaving for the night. Plan goes on, whether you show or not. Goodnight everyone.”

      The magpie turns on his heel before disappearing out of the room. Everyone sits still for a few minutes before Tubbo scrambles to his feet. He sends a small smile to Niki and Phil. “I’m sure he’s just tired, that’s why he’s all upset. I’ve got to go catch up with him before I get lost trying to find him. Night!” The ram’s face falls, concern pulling at his face before he as well, fades into the dark, leaving the other two to sort out putting out the lanterns.

Chapter Text

     The day had come. Time had crawled as they prepared, but now was the time to put the plan into action. Ranboo and Tubbo got to their meeting spot long before anyone else did, organizing and double checking that they had everything they would need. There were three potions of invisibility, one was an extra in case one of them didn’t have enough time on their effect. Tubbo tilted his head.

     “Hey Boo?” His husband hummed. “How long does it take to get to the main cell?” He looked up from moving the poison potions that sat next to him.

     “About 5 minutes or so. Why?” Ranboo raised an eyebrow. He paused for a moment. “Wait, we made the longer invisibility potions, didn't we?” Tubbo nodded rapidly, grinning. The infectious smile trailed to his own face.

     “You want to be dramatic, big man?”

     Niki was the first one to arrive to meet up with the boys. She had her story to con Sam to let her in down to a T. The boys quickly dragged her into the invisibility drama plan. The three of them sat there whispering amongst themselves as they waited for Phil. Ranboo passed a strength pot to Niki, who gratefully accepted it. She sat it next to her. She’d drink it before they went in. 

     The woman leaned back and hummed. “So if we time it right the potions will fade at the perfect time.” Tubbo vigorously nodded his head, a madman grin giving insight on how excited the boy was. Niki matched her smile with his. Ranboo groaned, mumbling something about not having the mental capacity to deal with them. The conversation melted back into silence, but it wasn’t long before the sound of flapping wings approached.

     Phil landed a few feet away from the trio, ruffling their hair with the displaced air. He nodded at them. “So we’re all here and ready?” Eyes peered at each other, silently assuring they were ready. Phil nodded. “Alright. Then let’s get Techno back.”

     Getting in was easier then Niki thought it would be. She told Sam that Techno manipulated her into thinking she was safe and cared for when he was using her to gain an upper hand when dealing with the rest of the server. The nail in the coffin though was saying she understood where Tommy was coming from. Niki didn’t said anything else, hoping that Sam’s brain would overthink it. It worked in her favor when his face twisted into a distraught look. And with that, his resolve crumbled.

     Now she followed the warden through the dark corridors of the prison. Sam walked in front of her, back straight as a stick and trident in hand. Adrenaline pumped through her veins, acutely aware whenever one of the boys behind her fell just short of in sync with her steps. Thankfully, the green haired man was too far in his own brain to even pay attention to her. Whenever she went through a checkpoint, the boys followed Sam while he went through an alternate route. 

     None of the checkpoints were easy to go through. The warden was not quick, a haunting look passing his features every time he had to kill Niki. He never said anything despite it. So, they continued on in tense silence. The closer the small group got to the main cell, the higher the temperature rose. Niki couldn’t help but wonder how Sam wasn’t melting under all that armor.

     The water tunnel cooled her off for a little while, before the liquid evaporated off her skin and left her blazing hot again. Two books were handed over. Niki took her time reading each line. Some were obviously changed after the two different cases involving Tommy. With quick dashes of the quill, both books were signed and returned to Sam. He gestured to the lowered section of the floor while looking through the pages of one of the books. “Go ahead and wait there. I’ll send you across in a moment.”

     Niki took a deep breath before stepping out onto the platform, the one that would take her to her friend, and also her enemy. Sam quietly warned her of the lava and to be careful while with the prisoners. She ignored him. There was a faint brush against her ankle, letting her know that her invisible companions were still there. The platform shuttered as the lava slowly drained and a head of familiar pink hair peaked over the edge of the blazing liquid.  The red and gold curtain revealed the caged golden pheasant and the restrained bearded vulture.

     Magma bubbled and popped around the obsidian podium that carried the female over its burning abyss. The tail that touched her earlier once again curled around her leg. Niki could faintly feel the trembling that wracked the body that the limb was connected to. With a surprising soft tap, the platform hit the edge of the main cell. Straightening up, she stepped off with her head held high. Two pairs of footsteps echoed her own.

     Heat crawled down her spine. Both sides watched the other cautiously. Dream gave a poisonous grin. “Well, well, well. Ms. Niki, what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?”  Despite looking like he had been dragged through hell and back, the man still had a terrifying aura. Maybe it was because of what he had done in the past or it wasn’t. Techno on the other hand, looked worried, eyes darting between Niki and Dream, his ears twitching occasionally at some unheard noise.

     She glared at both men, although not nearly as harshly at the fellow pinkette. “Technoblade. You have taunted everyone on his server with the claim that it’s difficult to gain your trust then you trick us into believing we truly gained it.” Niki took one more large breath before she continued. “You go on and on about people betraying you, but it’s you! You betrayed them!” 

     Niki choked back a sob. “You betrayed us !” She watched in her peripherals as Ranboo and Tubbo faded into view, invisibility potions wearing off. Tubbo was curled into his husband, hunched body occasionally shuddering. Ranboo kept a hand down to wipe away the tears that flowed down the other’s cheek, even as his own face hissed from the liquid that came from his mismatched eyes. Both cast distraught looks at the piglin across from them.

     Ranboo spoke softly, almost as if trying to keep his words from being true. “I’m afraid this is where we part.”

     Techno, on the other hand, was frozen still, watching as the people he considered close companions cried because of him. Chat snarled and bit at his consciousness, trying to break his mental hold. Instead, his mind shut down with the reins of control in his grips, as the gravity of the situation hit him. They hate him. He watched in horror as the skin on Ranboo’s face and hands became raised and irritated. Tubbo dropped one of his hands that was curled into his dark jacket.

     The brunette frown deepened. “It’s sad, isn’t it.”

     The ram’s scarred hand curled before he whipped around with a fire blazing in his eyes. He chucked a small vial filled with a sickly green liquid at Dream, who hissed and covered his face. Niki grabbed Techno’s forearm and dragged him next to her and the teens. Her other hand held a strength potion that she swiftly downed. As soon as he was in vicinity, Ranboo smashed another bottle that held an orange potion this time. Fire Resistance. In mere moments, they were shoved into the magma that formerly trapped them.

     Niki’s hand was a constant for Techno, keeping him at least somewhat grounded. The superheated molten rock flowed around, but never hurt the people who were in its embrace. The group’s magpie hybrid swims farther ahead and suddenly vanishes from the lava. His husband follows soon after. The pair of pinkettes continue until they also slip out of the lava. 

     Sam stands tall, trident held in a white knuckle grip. He glares at each member, landing on Tubbo last. “I should have expected this from you all. This is technically a serverwide crime. So, if you wish to make it out of this ordeal alive, drop all your weapons and put your hands up.” The creeper spoke harshly, spitting the orders at the perpetrators. “Now!” The pronged end of the trident was glistening, the reflection of the flowing lava almost reminiscent of blood. 

     Someone huffed while Tubbo stepped forwards. Rage simmered just below the surface as the significantly shorter male approached. He pulled something from the rift that was his hotbar. A large cylinder that tapered off on one end materialized in his hands. A nuke. Despite being smaller and younger than everyone else there, everyone shied away slightly as Tubbo snarled at Sam. “Sam. If you don’t move, I can and will blow you sky high the moment you walk out of this prison after you respawn. And trust me, we will walk out of this alive, but you? I can’t say the same for.”

     Ranboo walked up next to him. “That’s not a threat, it’s a promise. Persus is not one to play around when it comes to people he considers family.” He put out a clawed hand, palm up. “Hand over the keycards and we’ll get out of your hair.” It was a demand, a nonnegotiable one at that. With an expert twist of the wrist, Sam used the butt of his weapon to hit the enderman’s outstretched paw. He snapped the limb to his chest. “ Fine. Then we’ll play this kind of game. ”

     The magpie opened his wings, wingspan spanning far enough to hide his companions from view. Lowering himself closer to the ground, Ranboo gave a powerful flap and launched himself at Sam. He barreled into the other man, claws slashing. In return, he was similarly reached for by sharp nails. This was not a fight for honor or items, this was a fight for family. For kin. 

     Niki let go of Techno, only to quickly grab Tubbo and drag him away from the two brawling just a few feet from him. Techno let out a soft hiss as Sam caught Ranboo’s face, just under his vibrant red eye. Blood started to well up in four clean rows, lines ending just before the edge of his jaw. The enderman hybrid recoiled from the hit, only to let out a feral sounding growl and dive back at his opponent. With a final inhuman screech, Ranboo used his claw to rip through Sam’s throat. He panted and growled as a message rippled across the server’s comms. 

Awesamdude was slain by Ranboo.

     “Fuck.”