Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Before we get into this, I would like to share an official design for TimeDeo from this AU series! Made by yours truly

And now, enjoy the first chapter!!<3

The sun rose with its comforting warmth surrounding the magical forest. The morning dew clung to grass and flowers, giving the environment an innocent-like look. The sunlight reached the guardian's face, awakening him from his sleep.
First things that was heard was a yawn, followed by a twinkle of the guardian's wings as he sat up from his big, fancy stump-like bed and stretched. Pointy ears twitched as the sunlight tickled his face again.

He stands up from his bed, immediately aiming for his bathroom with eyes half closed, and tired. Reaching for the giant purple flower hanging from the open ceiling, he pours a bit of its water contents into his hands, and washes his face with it in front of mirror decorated with vines and roses.

"Another day." He hums.
The man's name is TimeDeo; the guardian of the magical forest he lives in. Not a simple guardian, no. TimeDeo was a fairy, a sacred creature who will walk on these lands for as long as the forest lives, and thrives. And despite being given such a responsibility at a young age, Deo was making the most of it. He was nearing 18 years old, and the forest had never been safer.

The guardian ruffled his chocolate brown locks, his fringe falling delicately over his fancy black antlers. Those things were hard to take care of sometimes, Deo was just a little toddler when they first sprouted, around the same time his ears started to sharpen into an elf ear shape. It was a difficult time for the boy..

Deo looks himself over one last time in the mirror, before heading back to his bedroom, where he changes from his night clothing to, in his opinion, an iconic orange sweater with a white undershirt underneath, before making his way to the bedroom door. On his way, Deo swiftly grabbed black sunglasses from his bedside table, and put them on without hesitation.
It was an accessory to the brunette for as long as he could remember. He wore them all day every day, only rarely taking them off. His eyes were an enigma; honey coloured orbs that brought warmth, and safety to whoever looked at them.
The problem was, Deo didn't want that. He wants to look threatening when he's protecting his forest. His black shades covered his eyes completely, shutting out the warmth, and everything nice his eyes brought.
It might have been oddly cruel, but it was really a small price to pay.

He also spared a brief glance at a familiar red hat that laid next to the sunglasses. Also an accessory that stuck by Deo for the longest time.
He smiled, "Once these things shed, it'll be your time again." He gestures to the black antlers growing out of his head. It was quite a challenge to part from his "Christmas" hat, as his ancestor called it. But Deo walked with his antlers with pride. Apparently it was quite rare for a fairy to sprout horns, antlers.. just anything besides wings. He heard that guardians with such magnificent features were stronger.. they tended to last longer in their praised place. That was Deo's goal already; Make the forest proud, and keep him around.

As Deo left his bedroom, he grabbed a belt from his wardrobe, strapping it on before reaching for his weapon. The Midas' Sword, the fairies called it. Forged by the forest itself, made from an evil king's spirit who once ruled over these lands. The sword that got the evil king to kneel in an attempt to beg for life as his own wickedness was used against him. Before the sword pierced his chest.

At least that's what the legends said.

Deo held mighty respect for this blade, having it passed onto him by his ancestors. Though, he never got to use it a whole lot, being already a good enough guardian as one can be. There was rarely an enemy. Which, in fact, bummed him out quite a bit. Sure, Deo liked the life of a docile fairy guardian, but he had the spirit of a fighter. He just wishes there was some action for him from time to time.

With a small sigh, the brunette fiddled with the sword, stroking the smooth enchanted metal along its blade, before sheathing it to his belt. Walking past a small kitchen, he leaves his humble house that stood under one of the bigger trees' roots.
The mornings were Deo's favourite. The air was fresh, the sunrise was a sight to see. One of Deo's favourite things though, was watching animals going out of their dens and homes to go for their morning walks, and hunts. Squirrels would chase each other in the tall, redwood trees, mighty deers would go to their favourite river for a drink. And birds would settle down on Deo's antlers, singing a tune as he walked.
And of course, he couldn't forget about his little fairy helpers that watched over the forest in places he couldn't be in. Little fairies that didn't quite have names, or any other purpose than to serve him, but he loved them with all of his heart.

Speaking of.. He should check on them!
With quite the pep in his step, the guardian set off along a familiar path, the flutter of his wings lifting him ever so lightly, adding an elegant touch to his stride. As expected, a few singing birds sat down on Deo's deer-like antlers, singing a familiar tune as a greeting. He had named the tune Crystal Dolphin, for no clear reason, really. It kind of made him think about the ocean. Bobbing his head along to the soft chirps of the birds, the brunette waved, or nodded at every animal he walked by as a greeting. He couldn't speak to animals directly, but the creatures knew the brave fairy who made sure their home was safe.

He looks down as he walks by a number of big, wide trees. They loom over him, as if they were watching his every move. He hums, stopping in his tracks by a few bushes. He stopped to think, but also to let a family of rabbits hop over the path to get to their food source. He smiled at them briefly.

"I should pay a visit to the Elder Tree later today.. What do you guys think?" His honey coloured eyes dart up to look at the birds who are still glued to his antlers. "Think he's going to replace me soon?" He asks, a sly giggle making its way out as the birds chirp frantically, and flap their wings. They look about ready to collapse from his question.
"I know, I know I'm irreplaceable. Best guardian in the past millennium, right? That's what he tells you about me."

He gets softer chirps in response; probably an agreement.
It was an honour being so praised by the forest, and especially the Elder Tree. After all, he knew best. He had been here since the beginning of the forest. Since it was only a small patch of green.
Sometimes it was scary though. A big responsibility has been forced onto his shoulders since he was a child, and it only got heavier as time went on, with everyone counting on him twice as much for being so strong. Sometimes he wished he could get away from it all.. maybe find someone, if maybe just a friend, or a-

"Hey! Leave those alone you dirty feline!"

A gentle voice snapped the fairy out of his thoughts. That was the voice of one of his precious helpers! Senses going on alert, Deo starts booking it towards the commotion, scaring the poor birds away. They probably didn't want to interrupt the guardian doing his job.
He runs past the wide trees, and into a part where the trees are as slim as thick rope. The treetops were decorated with pink leaves that reeked of late spring. A pond sat nearby, and around it were planted bushes with the most juicy fruits and berries for the wildlife around.
Wouldn't you know it, a havoc caused around food.

Deo's eyes landed on a clump of people all in one place. A few of his fairy helpers, and a.. a raccoon boy of some sorts? A hybrid? He hasn't seen those in a long time.
The boy had a head full of blonde locks, he was crouched in front of the bushes, fists full of berries. His mouth was a little dirty, probably having eaten a bunch already.
"They're not yours!" One of the small fairies chirped, tugging at one of the boy's blonde raccoon ears, to which the boy responded by waving his hand around, as if shooing away an annoying bug.

"First of!"

The blonde spoke, his voice was brash. That Deo could tell from that one sentence alone.
"I am not a feline, nor I am dirty! Raccoons are the cleanest animals alive, and they're dangerous canines!" The boy spat, blueberry juice dirtying the corners of his mouth as he hoarded some strawberries and blueberries into the pockets of the brown shorts he was wearing. His baseball shirt was all dirty too..
Deo stood still a little longer as the family of rabbits he had let pass earlier hopped away from the bushes. They hid behind his legs for a few moments, before disappearing completely. The guardian hummed, what a rude raccoon. Something was silly about him though, it drove him closer.

The hybrid couldn't be older than 15, or 16 years old. Which brings another question, what was he doing here alone? Didn't raccoons live in dens with their families? That just brings more questions.. If he was from around here, why would he decide to cause commotion, knowing full well the forest is at its peak with its guardian?
Few more questions and theories popped up in his head, before the guardian decided to finally step in.

This was no dangerous situation. The sacred weapon of the fairies wouldn't have to be used today. Just like every day.

With gentle steps, Deo stepped out of the blind spot, approaching the hybrid who was no doubt a messy eater. He heard gasps from his fairies, some of them cheering his name quietly.
He had caught the boy's attention with an "Actually," as he had stopped in front of him, his strong, lean figure casting shadow onto the younger boy.
"You're both wrong; Raccoons aren't canines. They're much closer to bears, so they belong to the Ursidae family."
The blonde stared up at him, blonde, fluffy ears flickering, and Deo swore he has never seen more beautiful eyes. He has, they were similar.

The boy had the brightest, ocean blue eyes. They were full of life, nearly sparkling as he stared up at the fairy. Deo lost his voice for a second, the pure feeling of awe making him go speechless as he was reminded of someone important to him.
But it didn't last that long.
"But you're right, raccoons are one of the most clean and hygienic animals." A smirk made its way to his face, crossing his arms. The boy's dark, clawed hands twitched a little bit, one or two blueberries falling from his grasp.
"You seem to be an exception though, raccoon child."

This sentence seemed to have set off the younger.
"Hey, that's Big Man Tommyinnit for you!" He pointed a blue tinted claw at Deo, his tail wrapping itself around his own torso. A sign of fear?
Well, now he knew the kid's name is Tommy. That's one of his many questions answered.
Tommy then stood up abruptly, jumping to his feet, revealing his surprising height. He was only a few inches shorter than the brunette.
"The biggest of men you'll ever see in-" He paused. "Wherever we are."
Deo giggled, aware that the raccoon's cheeks were tainting a cute pink colour. So he also didn't know about the magical forest.

"Uh huh. Stealing is very big man-y."
Was the brunette taking this as a game? Most definitely. It's been a long time since he talked to someone like this.
"Stealing-? It's a forest, man!" Tommy recoiled a little, ears flattening ever so slightly.
"And I rule it." He didn't really.
"You gotta rent those bushes at my place if you want to eat their fruit." He tilted his head, the sunlight was reflecting in his sunglasses. It wasn't true, the berries were free to eat.. it was just funny.
"And that blueberry bush was rented for the rabbits you've chased away." Deo added. He saw Tommy tense at that, his fluffy ears now flattening against his blonde locks completely. He looked.. sad. Ready to cry, Deo could say.

"Uh.. I'm joking! It's all free. You've just scared them on accident." Deo didn't notice, but his fairies floated around his antlers, before one of them cheered. "It's true that he rules it around here, he's a guardian!"
And at that single sentence, the younger's eyes widened. There was a faint sparkle, as if he was fascinated, before his eyebrows scrunched up. The brunette tensed, taking a step back.
"You um, you okay, raccoon child?" He asked, tilting his head slightly, gently reaching for the younger's hand. He couldn't help himself with the nickname. Though, all of the blonde's playful energy was gone. Deo was only able to brush his hand against Tommy's, before, in a matter of seconds, he dropped the remaining berries from his hands with a quiet chitter, before running away from his spot by the bushes in flimsy sneakers.

Fairies sat down on his antlers as he was left stood there, arm outstretched. He got to touch the blonde's hand before he ran away. Did he get scared? Has he never seem a guardian before in his life? Or even a better question, does he know about forest guardians at all?
Deo scrunched his eyes underneath his sunglasses, staring towards the direction tommy ran off to. He cleared his throat.
"Well everyone," He looks up at the helpers who made themselves comfortable on his heavy pride, shaking his head lightly to get them off. "Let's get back to work, hm? I have some things to do myself."

He left the spring reeked forest in confusion as he waved at his fairies, and all the animals who could finally eat their breakfast in peace. Now he regretted going to speak to the Elder Tree.

Chapter Text

That sure was an experience for a beautiful morning, Deo pondered as he silently walked the path back. Maybe he shouldn't mention this to the Elder Tree. He doesn't want the raccoon boy to be chased away entirely.

The Elder Tree was like a father of this enchanted forest. He was the reason the forest had a magical aura to begin with, and most importantly; He gave the forest its guardians.
Deo was back near the big, wide trees, now going along a separate path that led in between them. He never liked the strange atmosphere. It was darker, though still pleasant, but colder. The more dense parts of the forest were places the brunette didn't visit a whole lot. After all, no creatures ever dared to disappear from the welcoming daylight into the scary shadows.

Despite knowing this place was safe, Deo was still cautious. He felt odd, a fairy in such a dark place. Though suddenly, the pendant on his neck glowed softly, and Deo halted, finding himself to be standing in front of the Elder Tree. The place was like a shrine; a clearing in the middle of the dense redwood trees where he stood.
Standing tall and wide, the tree's thick branches were decorated by rich leaves. The wood was old as time, yet still remained smooth, and gorgeous.

A pair of holes; the Elder's eyes stared down at Deo, and he froze.

"TimeDeo." He spoke, the bark splintering as it opened, serving as a mouth under a a branch that stretched forward, replicating a nose. And if you squinted hard enough, in a certain place above the mouth, the bark thickened, giving the tree a look as if he had a moustache.

At the mention of his name, the brunette swiftly took off his sunglasses, and clipped them onto his sweater, wings fluttering gently with a twinkle as he kneeled on one knee, ears lowering as well. The Elder liked seeing his guardians in all of their glory, Deo's warm coloured orbs would have to be exposed for a little while.
"Good morning, Elder Tree." He spoke, voice rising so the other could hear. Deo was facing the soft grass littered with mushrooms, his forced respect too high to rebel. He wanted to.

"Come closer, little one." Deo felt like the ground shook as he spoke. At the mention of the nickname, the brunette's ear flicked a little as he scoffed quietly. He stood up from his vulnerable position, approaching the Elder at a calm place.
"I've told you not to call me that." He said as he walked, earning a scratchy laugh.
"Ah, that's right! You will be an adult fairy soon. How time flies, I remember," The Elder Tree went on, the branches moving ever so slightly like arms. Deo rolled his eyes. This would come eventually.

"I remember when you were merely just a small baby fairy. So helpless, and eager to learn." Deo growled under his breath as he crossed his arms.
"And look at you now, all grown up. The best guardian this place has ever had. We're truly grateful." The Elder's voice was soft, but TimeDeo always couldn't help but catch a small glimpse of.. possessiveness.
"Tia would be proud of you."

The teen's breath stuttered, sparkly wings freezing before he stared up at his supposed creator with exasperation. How dare he? After leaving Deo to fend for himself at such a young age.. he dares to mention her. "Don't mention her around me, it feels wrong coming out of your mouth."
His ancestor, his parental figure, taken from him way too soon.
"Come on," The Elder cooed, extending a branch to wrap it around the younger; a supposed comforting action that instead, seemed threatening and possessive. "have you not learned to live with the cycle?"
Deo refrained from flinching away from the branches which were wrapped around his shoulders, signifying a hug.
"I've hated the cycle ever since you took her." He spat, paying no attention to the branches wrapping around him. Deep breaths. Sounded off in his head. No rebelling.

"Why, I had to. It's been happening ever since the beginning of guardians, and you know it. If I wanted you here, her soul had to pass on so you could take over." His voice stayed calm, surely having dealt with arguments like this before. "It's simply how life works. Even I can't change it."

I never asked for this.
Deo could only think, freezing in place when one of thinner branches traveled up his head, and wrapped itself around one of his black antlers.

"These have grown out well." The Elder Tree commented, tightening the grip on the piece of bone, but still keeping it somewhat gentle. It prevented the brunette from trashing away like a cornered animal.
"They are special, you take very good care of them." He added, the guardian feeling like he's been told this for the fourth time this week, even though it was only Monday. You're special, fairies don't sprout antlers or horns. You will be the best of the best. Deo's heard it all before.

That still didn't stop him from being cautious with the branches that had them in their grasp tangled pretty well. He cocked his head slightly away from the tree, wings flailing gently from growing panic. "I do, and they are still growing out before shedding, don't-" Panic seized in his chest as he felt the Elder bend it tenderly as a thinner branch brushed over the antler's bumps, and the smallest crack that appeared over time. "Don't you dare."
Deo's voice was threatening enough, though he wouldn't really dare openly threaten the Elder. No one would ever dare.
The brunette didn't want him to crack, or break it. The velvet has yet to be shed, and breaking them this early would hurt.

A small hum slipped from the gaping hole masked as a mouth, and Deo found his breath again when the branches left him alone, and retreated back to their original place. He resisted the urge to touch his prideful weight to make sure they were still there.
"Very good." Silence fell upon them for a short while. "Have you been to her shrine yet?" The Elder asked another question, moving right past whatever they just talked about, and whatever he almost did. The Elder Tree was supposedly wise, and omnipotent, although he acted oddly cold towards his best guardian. Deo sometimes feared that the old tree could read thoughts.. he had thought about running before.

But he played along for now, moving right past whatever just happened, just like the other.
"Not yet," Deo took a step back. "but tomorrow, I will spend more time there." He wanted to leave.
The Elder noticed his gentle retreating, the tree bark creaking as it stretched into a gentle smile.
"TimeDeo," He spoke, making the boy look up as he kept stepping away. "Don't be a stranger. I'll see you soon."
A firm nod was given, before Deo turned back on his heel to follow the path he came from, leaving the dark, dense forest. His ear suddenly flicked, earrings and piercings clanging against each other from the sudden motion, and he could hear the prominent, booming voice follow him, crawling up his back. It was a voice that had masked its true nature by an endearing tone.

"We appreciate you. Don't make me replace you."

TimeDeo made his way home quickly. He sat on a bench in front of his house, surrounded by a small farm of carrots and potatoes. The morning atmosphere lingered, disgusting peace in a place that was trapping him.
Deo's sunglasses were left clipped onto his sweater as he wiped at his eyes.
He would visit Tia tomorrow.

Chapter Text

Next morning, Deo awoke later than he had yesterday.

In silence, he stared at himself in the mirror again. The slightest dark bags rested under his warm, exposed eyes. They didn't go well with the soft freckles that peppered his cheeks, nose, and the tips of his ears. What the Elder Tree had told him still lingered in the brunette's mind.
You're special.
Deo's hands made their way up into his hair, ruffling it until they were caught behind his antlers.
We appreciate you.
Deo glared at himself, his hands hooked around the black coloured bones, and he pulled to both sides. He hates it. But he loves it. He loves the forest, he loves protecting whatever lives in it. But he hates the cycle of his kind. He hates the feeling of being forced to stay.
The thought that his successors will have to go through it as well.

Deo's hold on his supposed pride tightened, before he suddenly let go as his wings fluttered, registering the sudden twinges of pain. No visible cracks were made.
With a sigh, the guardian left his home again to start yet another day.

After greeting the forest fauna, Deo took a different path. He walked the path leading behind his house, and further into the forest. Birds settle on his antlers once again, and as if sensing his distress, their tune becomes soft, almost melancholic. Rabbits hop around his feet for a moment, before running off towards the direction the brunette is heading.

He comes to another, a little smaller clearing. The treetops, which were creating shadows looked like as if they parted to let the morning sun shine right onto whatever the boy was approaching.
In the middle of the clearing stood a rock. The top bit was carved into the shape of a small, faceless fairy. The mossy rock was covered with vines and flowers.  Behind it stood a few smaller rocks, though those weren't important.
"Hi." Deo says quietly, stepping closer to it. Though, he stops for a brief second to bow his head. This simple shrine had more of Deo's respect than the Elder Tree could ever have. After all, he comes here to remember the good times. When everything was easy, and he thought the world was a perfect place.

"Haven't been here in a while." Deo says, touching the rock with gentle hands. He brushed away some of the moss and vines to reveal a small flower symbol carved into the center of the shrine, before taking off his sunglasses. "I've missed you."
In the small moment of grief, Deo's ears lowered, before he sat down.
"I hope The After is treating you well."

He sat there in silence for a while, only him, and the birds that have gathered to sit on the trees, singing to the fairy. The wind blew softly, and the brunette looked up again.
"What do I do? Tia.. he's ruining me and he knows it. He knows that I.."
Nobody responded, of course.
"I just want to have my own life." Deo went on. The only times he would open up his heart would be right here.
"Did you want it as well? Did you feel sad knowing I would go through the cycle too?"

The wind grew warm, and the fairy chuckled. "Of course you did. Having been forced to leave a seven year old to fend for himself. It's brutal."
But that's just how guardians worked, wasn't it? He had been forced to understand that since he was a child.
"I know my purpose." Deo's hands brushed over the green grass he was sat on. This place was truly beautiful. It deserved his protection. And yet..
"And yet.. I want more."

He just wants to spread his wings, and be free.

"Am I selfish?" He spoke into the deafening silence, one hand gently grasping the soul pendant around his neck. "I practically owe the forest my whole life. Would it want to see me branch out?" The brunette hummed. A rabbit hopped close to him, and Deo couldn't help but pet the animal. It leaned closer. "And be happy?"
His mind awed at the adorable creatures that depended on him.

Speaking of those adorable creatures..

Deo suddenly spotted a raccoon. Not in the trees or on the ground, no. The thing was sitting right on top of the shrine, munching happily on a berry without a care in the world. A little irritated by the animal's position, Deo stood up from his spot on the grass, and approached the old rock.
"Hey!" He called, settling his hands on his hips as his brown eyes fixated on the raccoon. "That's rude. Get down, you-" He waved his arms, motioning the raccoon to shoo it away. And it did without too much hesitating.

It looked up at him with its black eyes, chittering as it finished eating the berry. Was Deo really going to assist a raccoon now?
"Where's your den?" He kneeled to look less threatening. "Are you lost?"
The fairy watched the raccoon's tail flick, before it ran towards the rocks behind the shrine, and jumped on top of one of them. It looked down, as if it was looking at something, or someone.
Deo looked back at the shrine, before glancing at the raccoon again, and following quietly. And then it hit him; he had spotted a raccoon tail peek from behind one of the smaller rocks. No ordinary raccoon was this big.
His eyes brightened. Tommy.

Deo walked around the rock carefully. And there, really was the raccoon boy sitting on the grass, and cowering. The raccoon ran off, leaving the two alone.
"Um.." He started. "Hello?"
Tommy's head snapped towards the direction his voice came from. His ears were pressed against his hair, and his blue eyes twinkled with fear.
He stammered out a whine, immediately moving slightly to get away, but the fairy was quick to act, raising his hands to appear non-threatening. Although after he had put on his sunglasses again. "I-It's okay! I remember you from yesterday!"
And at that, the hybrid seemed to stop whatever scrambling away he had been planning, tilting his head as he looked at the older boy.

A scoff escaped him. "Oh, it's just you, you fucking.."
"Tommy, right?"
The blonde flinched lightly. "How do you know my name?" He asked, shifting away slightly, wanting to make some room for the fairy.
Deo giggled. "You've told me yesterday." And an "Oh." From Tommy followed.
Silence overcame them, before Tommy motioned with his hand to the older to sit. Deo did so carefully, afraid of scaring the boy away again.
The raccoon boy fiddled with the grass, while Deo looked around the place awkwardly.

"So uh.." Tommy's voice trailed off, ears flicking upwards and tail waving slightly in the grass. "You come here often?"
Soft pink hue covered the other's cheeks, his own ears lowering as he responded. "Yeah, I do." Suddenly, he froze. "Wait-" Deo quickly faced the boy. "How much have you heard?" His mind went on alert. How long had Tommy been sitting here? Had he heard the whole conversation Deo had with no one but himself?
Tommy shrugged. "A lot." He shrunk back a bit, fluffy tail wrapping itself around his waist "You uh, you don't look dangerous."

"Dangerous?" Deo questioned. Although he always wanted to look intimidating and dangerous to his enemies, this really wasn't a moment for that. Deo wasn't even armed with his powerful sword. "Where'd you get that from?" He asked, genuine confusion lacing his voice, gaze never leaving Tommy's gorgeous eyes. They calmed him.

Tommy's fear seemed to spike at the question. "U-Um.." He stuttered, eyes looking around the forest as if the answer he was looking for was hidden deep within it. His eyes never settled back on Deo after that.
"My f-friend Dream knows all about guardians.. He- He says that you kill on sight, and how- how merciless you are.."

The fairy in question lost his breath for a moment. Guardians, and killing on sight? Guardians don't attack unless provoked. And even then, they don't go for the kill.. and even if that were true, how would- what was the guy's name, Dream?  How would he know about that?
"Is that why you ran away from me?"
Earning a meek nod, Deo hummed, leaning back against the rock, looking at Tommy warmly, though he couldn't see.
"Tommy, I'm literally a source for info that's actually true." The brunette chuckled playfully while Tommy pouted. "Are you interested?" The question was endearing, inviting the younger the world of guardians.
"I guess.."

They've spent the last few minutes talking. Tommy sometimes asked stupid questions, but they made Deo laugh, so he didn't care all that much. Tommy's questions then got a little serious in a lighthearted matter.
"Why don't you fly?" He suddenly asked, getting Deo's attention. "What do you mean?"
Tommy pointed a clawed finger at his wings.
"You've got wings n' shit, yet I've never seen you fly. You just walk like a boring person." He asked, tilting his head to the side. The brunette only hummed, a small, troubled thought forcing his way into his mind. Despite his thoughts being a mess, Deo responded calmly;
"I can fly, I just prefer not to. I guess.. Walking works just as good, doesn't it?"
He wasn't lying. It's been a while since he's flown around the forest.

Deo had missed it. The smallest feeling of freedom as he dodged branches and trees with extreme agility, his wings twinkling, and dropping the gentlest fairy dust around, giving the place an even more magical vibe.
He hasn't done that since he was left all alone.

"That's just weird, innit... If I had wings, I'd fly all day!" The blonde's brash, yet somewhat soft voice pulled Deo out of his thoughts. He gave a nod, gazing on the grass they were sat on. It was understandable, flying really was amazing.
"But," Deo said, dragging the word on. "You're a raccoon." A giggle escaped him when Tommy's fluffy tail flicked, and he crossed his arms.
"Oi, nothing bad about being a raccoon!"
As the brunette expected, the young blonde let out a string of curses, before calming himself again with a playful laugh.

Silence settled over the two boys, Deo trying to think about the other a bit more, figure where he might be from. Or who this 'Dream' guy who's spreading lies is. He knew it would be better to ask directly, but he wasn't sure if Tommy trusted him this much yet. It would be pleasant if he did. Deo liked talking to the raccoon boy.

Tommy, out of boredom suddenly reached for a loose branch that hung from a rather big tree, fiddling with it in his clawed fingers, before he started to slowly snap it in half. Deo perked up at that, hidden eyes fixated on the branch.
"What are you doing?" He asked, eyebrows furrowing in concern. Tommy gave him a shrug. "I'm bored." He stated plainly, snapping the branch, and leaving it hanging by the thinnest bark. Deo sighed.

"Tommy-" He said, glancing at the broken branch., then back at the teen in question. "Why did you do that?"
The blonde held a defensive tone "I was bored! Here, do you want it or something?" He scoffed, tail ruffling as he showed the broken wood to the fairy. He giggled.
"Actually." He stated, moving to kneel in front of Tommy. The younger held down a flinch from the sudden movement.
Deo took the branch in his hands, cupping his palms around it to cover the whole broken area.
"The fuck are you-" Tommy butted in of course, but Deo shushed him. His eyes closed underneath the shades, and he fell silent.


The sudden quiet was strange, Tommy wasn't a fan. He kind of felt bad for breaking the branch now. Was this a punishment? Not talking anymore? He liked talking to the guardian.. maybe he was an odd guy with issues, but Tommy liked him. He liked his voice. Deep, and soothing. Reassuring, and warm
He still held the branch, his breath turning even, and focused. Now Tommy was slowly beginning to question the boy's sanity.
Until small sparks of yellow, and orange magic started to fly from out of his cupped palms.
What the fuck? He could only think, not daring to say it out loud. He had already been shushed once.

The inside of the fairy's palms seemed to glow with magic. Warm light encased the brunette's tender hands, intensifying for a single moment, before the magic was sucked back into his palms. Tommy stared in awe, and in absolute utter confusion.


Deo opened his eyes with a quiet exhale, as well as his hands. Tommy leaned closer to see what he had done.
The branch was back together. As if the other had somehow glued it together. But there was no sign of a crack either. It was like the clumsy raccoon never broke it.
The younger snatched the branch from the other's gentle hold while also sort of pushing him away slightly.
"What the fuck? How did you?" He inquired in confusion, cradling the wood in his hands tenderly. "How the fuck did you do that?"

Deo laughed in response, rubbing his cheek which gained a little awkward blush to it. "It's a fairy thing. I protect the forest after all." He giggled, wings fluttering with giddiness. He didn't expect to show this off today.
"You can-" Tommy stuttered, tripping over his words as he let go of the branch, letting it fall back into its proper position. "You can heal shit?" He stared at the brunette, concentrating a lot to not let his jaw fall.
The burnette nodded. "It works on animals too."


Tommy stared in awe. This fairy guy was so cool! Though he'd never say it out loud, he was really interested in what he was all about. He seemed to have some things left to say. Wait, why was he standing up?

"Where are you going?" Tommy borderline whined, arm nearly shooting out to grasp onto the boy's sweater.
"I remembered I've got some things to do. I've gotta run, Tommy."
The blonde really liked it when he said his name. Actually, speaking of..
"Wait, you dick! You haven't even told me your name!" He called, getting up from the grass just in time for his guardian friend to turn around to face him. He smiled.
"Oh, my bad.. It's Timedeo!"
Ti- what?
Tommy leaned against the rock. "Hell's that kind of a name? You're bluffing, bitch" He smirked, tail swishing against the smooth surface.

The teen in question chuckled. "It is my name! What makes you think I'm bluffing?"
Really? He was asking such a question?
"Well let's see.. My name is Tommy. And you are fucking-" He waved his hands around. "Mister fairy Timedeo guy."
Sure, maybe it was a guardian thing, but the blonde simply refused to believe it. The brunette rolled his eyes playfully. He fell quiet, as if deep in thought.
"You have a point. You got me." Raising his arms in defeat, Tommy's ears perked up, eyes prominently shining at the thought that calling the bluff was good.

The distance between them wasn't so small, yet the other still decided to whisper.
"It's uh.. My real name is Justin." He added even more quietly; "Although, I go by Timedeo for the forest."
And that was all he said, before waving a hand with a warm smile. "I'll see you soon, raccoon child."
Tommy was left standing near the supposed shrine.

What just happened today? He's met the guardian, had a good time, gotten to know some things.. it was still hard to grasp that Dream would lie to him. Guardians were so cool! And they could heal wildlife too?
And this fairy's name in particular was Timedeo. Well, Justin was his real name. The blonde still had more questions to ask, yet a new one sparked brightly in his mind.
Why was he going by 'Timedeo' for this forest?"

He whined, tail curling around him. He missed the boy already.

Maybe he would go here tomorrow as well. Yeah.. Tommy would go back here tomorrow.
For now though, he had to quickly go back. With a chitter, he staggered out of the enchanted forest.
The cabin he had been forced to call his home stood far from Deo's magical home.
Tommy hoped Dream was still out in town. He didn't want to know what would happen if he knew the blonde left the small cabin.

His fears were confirmed as the door creaked open before he could even open it himself. Above Tommy, rang a voice that made him whimper, and flinch. A voice similar in warmth to Deo's, yet it didn't make him feel safe.

"Tommy."

"H-Hey Dr-"

A hand curled around the collar of his battered shirt.

"What's the rule you've broken today?"

"Don't u-um.. don't leave the- the house e-ever.."

"Correct. Let's get inside."

Before Tommy had a chance to walk, his head was slammed against the doorframe, and he cried out.

And then, the world turned dark.

Chapter Text

Run.

His mind didn't focus on anything else.

Just run.

Battered and tired, he ran through the enchanted forest, running from nothing in particular. At least not anymore. His bruises ached, and his wounds were reopening from the way the boy strained his body as he ran.

He ran to one place, the one place he felt safe in. The enchanted forest, where the fairy guardian resided.

Where his friend lived.

He ran, and ran, trying to get to a familiar place, until he collapsed. Shallow breaths escaped the raccoon's lips as he laid on the soft, forest grass. his arm had been caught by a rock, before it slid down, leaving a faint blood trail behind. All sound and vision left the boy as he lost consciousness. With a simple sentence floating in his mind;

You broke the rules.

"Flowers?" Deo raised a brow as a bouquet of flowers laid at his feet. Raccoons, rabbits and a small fawn looked up at him with wonder in their eyes.

"You want me to.." The boy smiled, crouching down pick up the bouquet. "Bring it to her?"

The small animals made a bunch of noises, before moving their heads in a way that resembled a nod. Deo giggled wholeheartedly, giving each animal a small pat on the head, before standing up again, tenderly holding the bouquet.

How those little creatures managed to put something so beautiful together? He didn't know.

"She'll love it.. Thank you!" He waved, before he began to walk down the path behind his house once again. Deo was glad the animals sort of just gave him something to do. He didn't feel like wandering aimlessly, nor did he feel like visiting The Elder Tree. That was a big no for a long time.

As the teen walked, a familiar feeling settled in his stomach. Yesterday had gone quite well with Tommy. He wondered how soon he'll see the blonde again.

What Tommy said about his wings still made the brunette think. Last night, he'd found himself sitting on the roof of his house under the giant tree. His wings had twitched with anticipation the whole time he sat there, begging to be spread and used after many years. Deo didn't even think he could fly at this point.

A shiver ran down Deo's spine. It was quite cold today, wasn't it?

Either that, or he had a bad feeling.

As he entered the clearing of the shrine once again, the brunette, now cautious, stepped close to the shrine.

"Just stopping by." He mutters as he sets the bouquet of flowers in front of his ancestor's shrine. "It's from the wildlife, I think they miss you, Tia."

A weak chuckle made its way out, before the late spring breeze took over the silence. Deo breathed in, but exhaled a bit shakily.

Something is off.

Honey orbs trailed around the environment immediately, until they caught a stain of red. Blood red on one of the rocks behind the shrine. Worry spiking to high levels, the fairy went on guard as he slowly approached the rock. More bloody stains revealed themselves to him as he did so. Many questions were popping up in the boy's head left and right. Has someone invaded the forest? Was the fauna in danger? Where is Tommy, and is he safe?

Deo's mind wanted to grab for his sword, but decided against it. After all, what if that was one of his animals' blood? He would only scare the poor thing. So as quietly as he could manage, he approached the commotion.

What he saw made him speechless right there as his breath stuttered. On the soft grass laid a familiar raccoon.

Tommy. He thought, kneeling down to the unconscious blonde.

"Tommy?" He spoke softly, though he didn't get a response. A faint whimper was heard when Deo gently touched the boy's cheek.

Now he was noticing just how badly injured Tommy was. Few streaks of blood were running down his forehead, probably leading from a head wound. He had a fading black eye, more cuts and bruises on his face too. By god the brunette didn't want to see just how much more there could be on his torso.

From what he could see though, the blonde had dirty bandages on his forearms, possibly covering up more damage. His shirt was all dirty too. And when Deo checked lower, he found a twisted right ankle.

The fairy held himself back from giving into panic as he finished observing the younger hybrid.

"Shit.. Hang on, Toms.." He lifted the mentioned up quite easily due to him being very skinny; which only increased Deo's worries. 

All he could think was; Who could've done this to Tommy? Are they here? Is the forest safe..?

As Deo stood up with the boy secure in his arms, he briefly glanced around the area, before he took the path that led to his house.

Tommy's blood dripped from his wounds, staining Deo's hands, and the grass they walked on. The brunette glanced down at the raccoon as he sped up, although he was a little tired out already.

"Almost there, sunshine." Deo's wings fluttered, acknowledging the nickname that came out of nowhere. "I'll take care of you, you'll be okay."

When the fairy felt like his arms were weakening, he sped up again. Although suddenly, he felt very light.. as if the ground below just vanished.

Deo's ears flicked at the gentle twinkling sound around him, and he looked down. He wasn't on the ground.. He was flying!

Now even more speechless, the boy froze in place, kicking his feet lightly. Why had he started flying so suddenly?

Maybe that's enough questions for one day, he can accept this. He is a fairy after all.

Deo felt almost free as he was flying back to his home. Wings that haven't been used in years, finally spread, and working. Fairy dust sprinkled from them, giving the area Deo flew by its long forgotten magical atmosphere. For once, the guardian felt free again.

Though, as nice as the moment was, he had a lot of worries, and responsibilities right now.

First thing Deo did when he arrived to his house was place Tommy on his bed carefully. Never once letting his wings rest, the brunette flew around his house to get the things necessary to treat the raccoon. He even tore off the flower top from his water source, but it was okay, because the stem grew another flower right after.

Deo placed everything on his bedside table. First, he cleaned Tommy from the blood that had begun to crust on his skin. It was mostly on his face, arms and even his ears. He had to take off Tommy's battered shirt too after making sure the boy had no major wounds on his torso and abdomen. 

Deo's eyes widened slightly, and he reached with shaky hand to take off his sunglasses. Tommy's body was literally decorated in various patches of browns and purples, and a very nasty slash that stretched over his side. He had to take care of that quickly.

"Oh Elder.." He sighed, speechless. "Who had done this to you?" The teen pondered as he took off the dirty, loose bandages on Tommy's arms. 

The desperate need for more information was soon taken over by the pressure this situation had inflicted on Deo. He began to do whatever he could to patch the younger up. The bruises and cuts on his arms looked like they had been taken care of well enough, so he simply just rubbed a few drops of healing potion on them, before wrapping them up in new, clean bandages. The blood dripping from his head seemed to have come from a very measly cut.. All Deo did was wrap his head up, he could check for a concussion once Tommy is awake.

Then, the fairy focused on the gash. After it was clean, Deo had to sew the wound with shaking, unsteady hands. More blood leaked from it as he did so, staining his hands, and the sheets, but Deo really couldn't care less about that right now. Tommy didn't even wake up while this was happening. The only reactions Deo got were a few small whimpers, and pained noises as well as occasional twitches of the blonde's injured body.

It took a while, but he was eventually done with the sewing bit. 

The stress was getting to the poor guardian. He sweated as he dabbed mushed up echinacea leaves on the patched up wound to protect it from infections. Deo wrapped up Tommy's abdomen afterwards with another bandage.

"Great." Deo sighed heavily as he eyed his guest, wiping the sweat off his forehead. 

Deo only had the twisted ankle left to treat. That was easily taken care of, all Deo did was place Tommy's foot on a few pillows, and wrap it up tightly. Ice rested on top of it.

To end things off, in a wave of new worry, Deo took off his orange sweater, and wrapped it around the younger boy. He couldn't risk a sickness as well.

Finally, the brunette could rest. Or so he thought.

Of course the stress hadn't lessened.

It just now hit him that he literally has Tommy in his house, he has no idea who had hurt him in such ways, and if they are still in the forest, unless this happened somewhere completely else.

Deo held back a desperate whine as he sat on a mushroom next to his bed that served as a small chair, bobbing his leg. He felt horrible, he didn't want to leave Tommy all by himself in case he woke up, but he also had to check if everything was okay outside.

"Tommy.." He spoke softly into the silence of his lonely home. "What do I.."

Before Deo could even finish his sentence, his gaze fell to his hands. They were still stained with a little bit of blood, but..

"How the fuck did you do that?"

"It's a fairy thing.."

"You- You can heal shit?"

Of course, how could he forget? He could help the healing process with a little bit of magic.

Deo stood up from where he was seated, once again looking down at the raccoon who had managed to keep the most calm, and relaxed expression. As if he was just asleep after a good day.

The brunette frowned.

He caressed the blonde's cheek again, as if a simple touch like that could heal, before he settled on placing careful hands on both of his cheeks. If he inserted enough magic, it would spread around the whole body. No matter the cost, it was worth a try.

As soon as Deo closed his eyes, his palms began to glow with a familiar warm sensation. 

Now, after so much pressure and quick treatment, the brunette was already pretty tired. This was already taking a lot out of him.

As his focus intensified, Deo slowly pressed his forehead against the other's.

The cut under Deo's left hand was disappearing.

A weak grunt left him, a noise that should have resembled satisfaction, but really it was a sound that more resembled exhaustion. His hands shook, sweat seeped from his forehead, Deo felt like he could cry. The healing was taking something from inside of him, and it was giving it right to Tommy.

The room was swallowed in orange light, this was more than the boy could handle. He wasn't an adult fairy, he shouldn't give so much, oh god it was too much for him.

A raspy, weak noise that sounded like a whine left Deo's mouth as the light disappeared back under his palms, and right into Tommy. Pale and weak, his knees gave out, and the guardian was met with his floor before he could even catch himself with trembling hands.

He couldn't sleep. He thought, I can't.

A feeble attempt to get up was made, but he only fell on his side once again. 

The brunette's wings twitched, having been used too much in the past hour after so many years.

Deo gave into the caving exhaustion just as tears bubbled up in his eyes. A faint trail was left on his cheek as he slept, trembling slightly.

At last, he managed to make sure his best friend was safe.

Chapter Text

The morning breeze never felt better. The weather of the mid spring of April left a cold, yet a very warm wind blowing the green leaves and blooming flowers around.

A fairy guardian loved by every creature started this day with a blast, flying elegantly, and spreading twinkling fairy dust around with beautiful, butterfly-like wings.

"Watch out below!" She shouts in delight to little animals watching her. A hedgehog barely gets away before she lands on the soft grass. Her green dress adorned with flower petals flows gently with the breeze.

She sighs.

"I could do this forever.. Now what's the agenda today, hm?" The fairy lady turns to look down at the hedgehog that was still nearby. Rabbits hopped close as well. 

But she suddenly gets interrupted by a hoard of small, bright voices all around her. Small fairy helpers, her sisters, she calls them, gather all around her, flying around frantically.

"Tia! Tia!" They cry, the mentioned guardian only giggles wholeheartedly.

"Relax, sisters! Don't strain your poor little bodies this early in the morning. What's happening?"

The fairies take her advice, although some panic still seeps into their voices.

"The Elder Tree wants you, he's created another one!"

Another one.

That's what Tia takes in mind from their frantic words. Immediately, she takes off towards the dense part of the redwood forest. She flies with speed, and elegance at the same time. Her long, pink hair flows behind her softly. If not for such a serious matter, it would've been a sight to see, and enjoy.

"Elder!" She calls as soon as she arrives to her destination. "My sisters, they said.."

"They have spoken the truth." His voice booms, and the wood cracks, and groans. Something like fear mixed with anticipation flashes in her features. 

"Take a look, he is waiting for you." The Elder Tree encourages the guardian, who meekly approaches the tree's roots. To her shock, there, indeed, laid a child. Wrapped in the old tree's leaves that gave off a feeling of protection, and sleeping soundly. A silent one right from the start.

"B-But.." Tia stutters as she looks up at the elder again. "Have I not been good? Why the replacement?"

"Tia.." He mutters.

"Don't be like that, you know how this works. I've worked hard this time.. You'll see."

The tree watches as the puzzled guardian cradles the small boy. She only had seven years left to serve the forest as best she can.

Above her, the Elder Tree speaks once again, voice turning soft, and proud of his own work.

"I believe in you, Tia. Take good care of Timedeo."

As unfortunate as the news is, Tia is in fact happy. She has always wanted someone to care for as her own, and see them grow. Motherly instincts were always in her, but now she is putting them to good use.

The boy, Deo, was growing nicely. He was a bright child. Granted, a little quiet at times, but Tia knew he would get shy here and there. He had the most bright, honey coloured eyes Tia has ever seen, and chocolate brown hair. Even at such a young age, he looked like a guardian that fauna could cling to. He looked like the embodiment of the words Safety and Protection.

Speaking of the young fairy..

He comes running into their home in excitement, something small behind him flapping.

"Tia! Look what I have!" He calls, getting the older's attention immediately.

She smiles at him, the kid's got soft freckles beginning to pepper his face after spending all day outside in the sun. She loves him so much

"What's gotten you so excited, hm?" Tia coos as the boy's smile grows. He points at his ears.

"They're almost like yours! And wait for it.." He then turns around, revealing his very own little, transparent wings on his back. They flutter with each move he makes, as they are very young, just like Deo.

Tia takes a note of the boy's ears beginning to sharpen, and extend. It happens around the age of four or five, just like sprouting wings.

"That's fantastic, sparkle!" She cheers, and kneels down, allowing Deo to run up to her, and let himself be held. 

"I'll fly high, just like you.." He sighs, excitement still very clear in his voice as he presses himself further against his mother.

"Can we go train now?" He suddenly asks, his tiny wings fluttering again at the question of flying. He gets a giggle out of Tia. 

"No no, Justin.." She says. Having sort of adopted the name Justin as a nickname for the boy. Simply to just settle a family atmosphere between them. She didn't want to call him by the name the Elder Tree had decided to give him.

"Not yet, sweetheart, you need to give them time. They'll grow stronger, and bigger soon. Just be patient." 

"But I want to.. I can do it! I'm strong!" He whines.

"I know you are, sparkle." Tia soothes Deo, hugging him closer. 

"Then how about this.." She hums, moving the boy to sit him on her lap. "We're going to go outside, you'll hold onto me, and I can take you flying. Would you like that?"

Deo looks at her, honey orbs glowing as he gives a small nod.

"There's my little boy." Tia rewards Deo with a small peck on his forehead, getting a giggle out of the boy. He leans closer once again, before Tia gently nudges him.

"Wait for me outside, alright? I'll be out in a bit."

And without a word, the child jumps off her lap, running outside again with his tiny wings fluttering behind him. Tia is happy.

She is going to miss her little sparkle so much.

"No- Don't touch that, Justin!" A stern voice, followed by a familiar lady stops the younger fairy in his tracks as he averts his eyes from the blade that he'd wanted to get his fingers on

"I just wanted to look at it!" Deo pouts, his ears now almost fully developed into their proper shape lowering. 

Tia holds the bridge of her nose. The now six year old boy was nosy. He was a curious child, who liked taking a closer look at swords. And now she had caught him getting too close to the sacred Midas' sword.

"I told you to wait outside for me. Come on, sparkle, out we go."

"Tiaa~!" Deo whines, keeping a playful tone as he's led away from the ancient blade by his mother.

"Don't call me that, I'm big!" His wings spread behind him, he obviously tries to look big. But he's still just a baby fairy. Thankfully, Tia laughs softly at her boy's antics. 

"Of course, I forgot we're going flying today. Only big fairies do that."

The boy's wings were beginning to get colour in them. There was a mixture of colours, but they were still underdeveloped to make out their colours. But they were developed enough to fly short distances."

I'm a big fairy!"

They fly through the forest at decent speed. Deo has trouble keeping up at times, but he's a little fighter boy. He always catches up.

Until they were flying higher, and higher, and his wings were getting too strained.

"Tia!" Deo whimpers, wings fluttering quickly as he tries to fly higher to follow the older guardian.

"What's wrong, sparkle?" Tia asks nonchalantly, though she is ready to step in to help. 

"I- I can't.. I can't go higher! Tia-!" The kid breathes heavily, panic settling in his chest as he forces his underdeveloped wings to flutter harder. The faintest twinkle is heard while he does so, fairy dust falling from them like a heavy rainfall. His wings can't handle the weight of his body while going upwards.

"M-Mom!" He cries as he kicks his feet in the air. He's slowly losing height. Deo looks up at the one he called for.

Just the sound of her little boy crying out mom makes her swoop in to help him. She grasps both of Deo's hands, and begins to fly upwards again, letting the child's wings flap as much as they can in their exhausted state. That way, he can still feel like he's managed to make the height mostly by himself with small help.

Tia sits him on a thick branch of one of the taller trees, before sitting down herself. They're high up, the view overlooks almost the entirety of the magic forest they inhabit. 

With a dragged out whimper, the young boy shuffles close to Tia, holding onto her arm tight as tears bubble up in his eyes. She understands his distress, and rubs comforting circles into the kid's back.

"You did amazing, sparkle." Tia says genuinely. "I'm proud of you."

"B-But I didn't make it the whole way up here.." Deo argues. He has trouble looking past little mess ups.

"Your wings are still growing, Justin. And what you've accomplished right now is outstanding for how young you are."

The young fairy takes those words to heart. He still doesn't feel fully proud of himself, but he knows he's making progress.

"Now," Tia hums, securely wrapping her arm around Deo. "You know what we are, don't you?" She asks, cooing silently as the child looks at her with those bright eyes of his.

He gives a nod. "Guardians."

"Correct, now, look around."

At the indication, Deo does look around, and he can't help but feel amazed at the sight he's seeing. They're so high up, he can see almost every inch of the forest! An orange tint stretched across the sky, as the sun almost sets, giving the trees more of a silhouette look to them. The warm breeze of spring air makes his wings flutter in delight.

Tia's voice brings him out of his thoughts.

"One day, all of this will be yours to protect." She motions with her hand, glancing down at Deo. "You'll serve the forest well, and make the Elder Tree proud."

At the mention of the elder, the boy seemed to shiver a little. He wasn't very fond of him. Maybe it was just because of the idea of a living, talking tree.

Tia continues.

"When I go, you will take over, and keep all the fauna safe."

Deo perks up at a specific part of that statement. Eyebrows furrowed, he stared up at his caretaker. 

"You won't go soon.. will you?" He asks timidly, some fear seeping into his voice.

Tia's heart crumbles, a little bit. She doesn't know what to say.

"I can't tell for sure." She says. "But I'll always be with you, wherever you go." To make herself clear, Tia tenderly touches the boy's chest, right where his heart is.

"I promise you that." 

The child wastes no time hugging her once again. He does not know all about his kind's life cycle, and such a tender moment had made him even more confused.

For now, Deo focuses on whatever is happening right now. Small fists grasp onto Tia's dress. 

"I love you." He says softly.

Tia smiles as tears make their way into her eyes. She hugs the boy close. She doesn't want to let go.

"I love you too, my autumn sky."

One year left.

What a peaceful night to have around. Crickets sung their cricket song to the moon. It was a lullaby to all fauna.

Some fairies had trouble sleeping though.

A seven year old boy whimpers softly from under his blanket. He's clutching his head as it throbs with pain a child shouldn't endure.

Deo's fingers brush over the tiniest stumps that had appeared on his head since he turned seven. Terror runs through him, but he tries to stay calm enough to think. 

Maybe he had hit himself on the head, and those were just bumps from the hit?

Another aching throb drags a choked up whimper from him. He doesn't want to be alone. Something is happening to him. Deo wants Tia. He wants his mom.

Sluggishly, the boy gets up from his bed, wings stretching as they shiver from fear and cold. He reaches for his comfort item; A red "santa" hat, Tia had called it. She found it by the forest's edge one day when she did her occasional clean up of the area, and brought it home, along with some black shaded glasses. Deo fell in love with the items immediately. Both of them are too big for him though.

Even so, the child puts the hat on as his head feels like it's pulsating from the sudden warmth. 

Quivering, he makes his way out of his room, and into the main area of the house the two live in. It was like a kitchen, and a living room all in one.

He sees the older fairy rearranging some jars with herbs on a shelf.

"Tia.." He whines, getting her attention immediately.

The mentioned turns around, her features lighting up with puzzlement, and worry.

"What are you doing up, Justin? It's really late." 

Deo only whimpers quietly in response, reaching a hand to touch his head. He's rewarded with another sharp ache that makes a sob rise in his throat.

"H-Head hurts a lot," He mumbles, too sleepy and upset to explain himself properly. "There's s-something-" Another sharp ache, this time it felt like it came from his skull. The boy nearly collapses as the pain intensifies. 

Tia, who had been observing until now, was quickly by his side. "Oh sparkle.. Come on, we'll sit down, yeah?" She hums with worry as she leads the young child to a sofa made of old wood, and soft, fuzzy moss. They sit down, but Deo's head immediately falls to the side, and rests against Tia's arm.

"Have you hit your head when you were playing?" 

"Don't know. H-Hurts so much.." He complains. Another merciless ache flashes in his head like lightning, and Deo cries out, curling on himself, and closer to Tia's comforting warmth. 

To the child's growing fear and horror, the pain suddenly becomes constant. Throbbing that came from his skull, and something pushing against his skin. As if something wanted to rip his skin open.

With a desperate wail, Deo squirms as his head twitches. Tia lays a hand on his back, and the other leans into the touch needily. Something was wrong. Very, very wrong.

She considers taking Deo's hat off, to examine his head for any injuries, but soon, the hat falls tilted on its own after his constant shifting around.

Tia takes the courtesy to take it off completely. And for a moment, she is speechless. There, on Deo's head, something black is poking through his skin ever so slightly. The boy's skin around the area is raised, tracing the shape of whatever is trying to break through.

Oh my god.

"T-Tia..-" The boy wails, unable to speak further due to the amount of burning pain he's in.

The fairy in question shushes the boy, holding him tenderly.

"Breathe, sparkle, can you do that for me?" She nudges her hand into Deo's. "And hold onto my hand tight. Everything will be okay."

And Deo does so, gripping Tia's hand so tightly even she is surprised by his strength.

But she seemed to have an idea about what was happening.

The pain intensifies again, and the poor boy moans in despair. His throat feels tight from his cries, he feels like he's going to choke.

Something pushes against his skin again, and it actually tears a little bit. Deo whimpers loudly both in fear and pain. Trickles of blood begin to roll into his face, but Tia is quick to wipe it away with her own hand. 

She takes another peak. The black pieces of what looked to be bones were more exposed, as they managed to pierce the skin. She can only do so much to help her poor child.

She speaks into the strangled noises leaving Deo.

"Sparkle.. Can you hear me?" She gets a feeble nod along with a sob in response.

"I know it hurts, but I'm going to need you to clench up. It'll be over sooner. Can you do that?"

Tia hears Deo whine in terror, and he squirms once again.

"I know you're scared. But have to trust me. I promise it'll be over soon." 

Tia's heart aches hearing such a young child cry. No seven year old boy should have to go through such pain. Even though she knew her little autumn sky would have to experience greater pains later on in life..

But to her surprise, Deo actually manages to clench his body, and unknowingly begins to push.

My little fighter boy.

Whatever is trying to break out from under his skin suddenly bursts out in one swoop motion. Deo lets out a cry, but keeps on pushing. He's gripping onto his mom's hand like his life depends on it.

The black pieces of bone sprout up, as if they were growing rapidly, before suddenly coming to a halt. 

The elder fairy is left speechless at what just grew out of the boy's head.

Antlers.

Black antlers that had grown out of his skull. Antlers that always look majestic on deers, and other hoofed animals who have them. Deo's were the opposite; covered in gore, and blood.

Before Tia even speaks a word, the child in her lap grows weak, and he passes out with tears trailing down his red cheeks. His head is weighed down by the weight of the black bones. Tia supports his head by resting his head on her chest. She's shaken up.

"Is this.. What you were talking about back then?" She speaks into the sudden silence of their home.

I've worked hard this time.

"Was it worth it?" She cards her fingers through Deo's hair, hearing him whimper faintly. 

"Putting him through so, so much pain.. Only for your satisfaction?" 

Tears bubble up in her eyes. She knows what's awaiting her. For that reason alone, she hugs the boy close. She never ever wants to let go.

"Oh Justin.." 

If only she could be with her boy forever and ever. They would be a perfect little family.

Tia looks up, tears are rolling down her cheeks. She curses the one who's responsible.

"I love you so, so much, Justin. My autumn sky, my sparkle, my little fighter boy.. Stay strong, and never, ever give up."

…

"He is ready." A deep voice booms throughout the area.

"Your time has come, Tia." 

Somewhere in the enchanted forest, a house under a big tree's roots glows with powerful magic.

A little boy is left on a bloody sofa all alone. In his hand, he's clutching a glowing pendant. Not once realising what has happened, as he peacefully sleeps after such suffering.

A fairy's life had come to an end tonight.

When Deo awakes the next day, he's confused, and in pain. Albeit the pain was just a dull, faint throbbing. His head feels heavy, and there is a pendant in his hand..

But no Tia.

Where has she gone? She was with him just last night when he..

At the thought of what happened last night, Deo reaches with his hands to touch his head. They're met with something rough, and quite tall.

He bolts up. He staggers from how fast he went for his weak body. He's clutching the pendant as he runs outside into the morning breeze. Deo approaches a small pond by the house, and looks down.

Aside from a tired face staring back at him, there are.. black antlers sticking right out of his head. They're covered in grime, and crusted blood. Deo feels revolted at what he's seeing. His breath quickens.

"Tia-?" He calls, looking around the area. No response was given to him. Deo held back a whimper as the pendant glowed softly in his grasp. Without a word, he decided to put it around his neck, and keep searching.

"Tiaa!" The boy searches around their house, but finds no signs of his parental figure.

"M-Mom!" He calls again, rather loudly. Nothing. Just silence, and the singing of birds.

Tia would've bolted out of whatever room she was in if she heard the younger call her that.

The Elder Tree, maybe she's there?

With some newfound hope, Deo gathers whatever strength he has, and begins to run straight to the clearing the Elder resides in. The dull, occasional throbbing made it harder to run along with the new weight on his head. 

It felt like the forest was empty.. With only him being the only inhabitant.

"Ah, Timedeo! My most prideful work yet.." Deo can already hear the Elder's rambles as he makes his way towards the clearing. He doesn't see Tia anywhere.

"W-Where's Tia?" He asks, not bothering to hide whatever despair and worry his voice carries.

"Tia?" The Elder repeats. "Why.. She has passed on like everyone before her. You have her around your neck." The Elder Tree motions to the pendant that still glows. Deo shakes his head in confusion. 

"What do you mean? Where is she?" He grasps the pendant again.

"I told you, she has passed on. You are ready, therefore, I had no need for her anymore. She is no longer with us."

Now, Deo is still a seven year old boy, but he understands words such as Pass on..

"W-What?" He stutters, approaching the tree with slow, trembling legs.

"I must say, I'm quite proud. You've sprouted your pride with no complications. And so fast as well! You'll truly be the best of the best."

Deo listened only faintly. He remembers an old tale about very strong guardians. Instead of having only wings, they also had antlers, or horns of some sort.. Tia told him that tale.

Still, he doesn't listen. He still has trouble grasping the Elder's words. 

"She's-" He hiccups. He's standing in front of the tree's visible roots now.

"She's gone?"

"Why, of course. It's a cycle guardians go through. Tia was your ancestor. She taught you how to be a guardian." The parental relationship wasn't supposed to happen.

The boy wipes his eyes, before breaking into full cries. He collapses in front of the root's, and cries into the soft grass below him. The crusted blood on his face moisturizes with his never ending tears.

"Come on, little one.." The Elder Tree says, as if he was scolding him.

"You'll grow up to be a fine guardian. She has taught you well, hasn't she?"

The boy cries harder at that, sobs wracking his body. He didn't even say goodbye. He hadn't known. The last thing he did was pass out in her lap..

"It's okay." A deep voice booms above him. Deo feels a thin branch wrap around his shaking shoulders. It signified somewhat of a hug.

"You have us. You need us, and we need you. Your life goes on."

Deo's head collapses from the weight his new antlers are putting on his head. His cries don't stop. They don't stop for a good while. All the child does is cry. He cries for his ancestor, he cries for his friend. He cries louder for his mother as he clutches the glowing pendant in his hands.

In his ear, he hears a simple sentence.

"Welcome to the cycle, Timedeo."

Chapter Text

Rain lightly tapped against closed windows. It wasn’t very heavy, it was rather gentle, melancholic.

Contrasted with the deep, raspy breaths that were heard inside of a familiar humble house, the sound of rain was pleasant company.

The breaths are rather.. pained. Exhausted. And familiar.

It takes Timedeo a while to realize those breaths are his.

His eyes fluttered open. They're a little dull, but he doesn't know.

His body felt like jello. Like one wrong move could send him back to the floor. He's shivering.

After blinking a bunch of times, he realizes he doesn't have his sunglasses, but finds them quickly after a quick, blind search with his hands.

He cradles them as he slowly stands up, and makes his way to his bathroom.

He could've gone today without looking at himself in the mirror.

Despite his body still shivering, Deo sees his own eyes- dull, missing their warm glow. His face is pale, and weirdly his ears just stay lowered as if they had no energy of their own. And those sparkly, always spread wings now sat tucked against his sweater, as if they were shy to be seen. And to top it all off, his hair was a pure mess from being passed out on the floor.

To say the least, he looked pathetic.

His fingers still tickled lightly with the overuse of magic. They felt sensitive, everything Deo touched felt overwhelming. His hands were cold, and pale.. 

After washing his face tenderly using his purple flower, he then moves to his hands before noticing the dried blood that he was washing off.

Tommy was still here.

He had completely forgotten about the poor hybrid!

As fast as he could, which wasn’t exactly fast, Deo bolted out of the bathroom, and carefully approached his bed. While he was in the rush, he didn’t notice something on his antlers had begun to peel off.

His panic was soothed by the sight of a familiar golden raccoon laying on his bed.

Tommy looked somewhat better. He had colour in his face, and despite having endured such horrible injuries, he looked relaxed, almost okay. 

Deo was relieved to see his overuse of healing magic worked out in the end and didn’t affect the boy in a bad way. He might suffer great physical exhaustion and weakness, and maybe his magic might be weak for a while.. But it was worth it.

A warm, fuzzy feeling sparks in his chest, and he lightly smiles with a shiver as if his magic was responding to it. It made him feel something, maybe a deeper attachment beginning to build up, something worth continuing to live entrapped for.

Deo lightly caresses Tommy's cheek. The boy unknowingly leans to the touch, making the fairy's chest tingle with love. This emotion, Deo felt like he lost it so long ago. With Tia being the only person he loved, before she was taken away from him.

All he wanted to do was lay down beside the raccoon, and keep him safe and warm like a guard dog. Or well, a guardian.

But he remembered a very important thing from when he first found Tommy.

The intruder, Tommy's attacker.

They could be still roaming around the forest for all he knows! They could be searching for both of them, or just Tommy.

He knew he had to do something, and fast.

As Deo straightened up, he thought further.

If he were to find someone, he wouldn't stand a chance. Right now, he feels like he could collapse with the most gentle shove. He's never felt so fragile before… And he doesn't like it.

But still, he shouldn't sit here and do nothing, right? He should at least check around.

As the brunette made his first step, his vision blurred, and his head spun. He groaned, before quickly reaching for a wall and leaning against it.

Herbs. He thinks.

He carefully makes his way over to the familiarity shelf in his bedroom. He had a bunch of herbs, plants and mushrooms in small bottles for any specific uses. He decided to go with maca roots, as that would give him an energy boost he would need.

After powderising it, Deo decided to make tea out of it. While he waited for that to cool down, he got some things ready for Tommy as well. He changed the ice pack on his twisted ankle. He was happy to see his magic practically pushed the recovery into the last few days. The swelling was gone, and it didn't even look twisted. As if the wound was never even there. Same with the nasty stitched up wound on his side.

Smiling lightly, the guardian walked back into the kitchen, and decided to sit down on a stump-like seat by the window. 

As he drank the tea, his mind wandered, and his ears flicked. The sound of rain was relaxing… Deo likes rainy days.

It's gonna be okay. His thoughts assured him.

Everything will get better from now on.

After Deo was done with the tea, he stood up again, although he waited a bit for the maca roots to do their magic. His energy was slowly replenishing, it'd be enough to get him through today.

Letting out a big exhale, Deo headed back to his bedroom, and carefully opened a wardrobe that was made of old oak wood. Since he had given his sweater to Tommy, he'd have to dig out something else to keep him warm outside.

The brunette eventually decided on something, it was a simple green cloak with golden stripes along the edge, and a hood. Enough for a short walk outside, right?

The rain sounds loud in his sensitive ears as he takes one last look at Tommy. It makes his thoughts rush prior to calming him beforehand.

With a silent promise of returning, Deo puts on his sunglasses, and leaves the house.

Hopefully, he won't run into any intruders.

Chapter Text

The door opened, and the fairy guardian walked out into the rain. It wasn't too bad of a rain shower. Still, he would rather not get too wet. He adjusts the cloak so it sits comfortably over his wings. He'd rather keep them hidden in this rain.

But as soon as Deo reaches for the hood to pull it over his head, he groans. He was unable to cover his head, because his antlers were in the way.

What a great start to the day after just waking up from the world's most uncomfortable nap.

Now that he thought about the antlers, he could've sworn they were itching..

Though he still ventures forth despite the cold rain. 

First, he makes his way over to Tia's shrine. The place looks oddly beautiful in rainy weather. The shrine itself is shiny when it's all wet, the wet surface glistening. Tommy's blood had already been washed away pretty nicely from the rocks where Deo found him. 

The brunette overlooked every inch of the area, speeding up his steps to get everything done faster. This area seemed clear though. It didn't even look like someone had been here recently.

Deo returns to the area his house is in, all the while the fatigue that had been weakened with the tea was slowly, but surely coming back to him.

As well as the itching.. Deo's eye twitches as he feels the itch that seemed to come from his antlers. Maybe he knows what's happening, but he ignores it for now.

"Timedeo! Timedeo!" His ears pick up the sudden calls. He spots a few of his small fairy helpers frantically flying towards him.

"Relax! Please," Deo shushes them as they fly around his head in distress.

"Calm your worries. What's wrong?" He asks, looking at no fairy in particular, knowing they'll respond all at once.

"We scouted the area.."

"We saw a strange man with a green hood!"

"He snuck around the forest's edges, but he left!"

The brunette tensed as soon as he heard that. His eyes fixated on the forest background.

"Was he armed?" 

"With a diamond axe, and a shield!" The fairies sang back.

The rainfall got harder, soaking Deo's cloak wet as he listened to his fairies.

"He kept saying a name.. Tommy, Tommy~" 

A shiver ran down the boy's spine from that. Their voices altered to sound like a man Deo felt like he heard at least once in his life. Was that Tommy's weird friend? Dream?

"Lead me to where you saw him, please."

The fairies lead the brunette deep into the eastern part of the forest, near the forest's edge. This place is always overgrown with mushrooms, and accompanied by groups of fireflies, but they are hiding from the rain right now.

"He was here?" He asked as he walked along the thick trees that served as a border from the outside world.

His tired eyes then spot a small opening in the border. As if someone forced their way in.

A shaky breath leaves Deo as he recalls a faint memory from the past.

"How did you get here?" A nine year old boy with wings and small antlers stood by the forest's eastern borders.

"I- T-There was an opening…" A second boy responds. He looks to be around six or seven years old. He has raccoon features; a clear sign of a hybrid.

"An opening? Where?" The fairy's ears lower, his eyebrows furrow behind his big sunglasses.

"Tommy! Tommy~ Where are you?"

It was a memory so so faded and faint, yet it explained everything perfectly. Someone tore their way through his magic roots with an axe. And that someone was Dream. It all made sense. That's why Tommy felt familiar… And why the fairies' voices sent cold chills down his spine.

They have met before right here.

The brunette touches the poor broken roots and twigs delicately. His fingers tingle with warmth. He's tired, but he has to seal the opening once again. Deo squints his eyes, and hovers his hands over the broken wood, smiling lightly as he sees his fairy helpers join in to help.

Dream's axe must be really strong to be able to cut through magic like it's nothing.

Too strong.

"Do you live here alone?"

That sinister voice sounded off in his head. Deo remembers… It used to haunt him until he forgot all about that encounter.

"I like your antlers, little buck."

Deo's breath stuttered. The roots were slowly tangling into each other. 

"Antlers are a great decoration to a wall."

Panic stricken, the brunette gasps as his eyes open. Dull, honey coloured eyes scout the dark, rainy environment. He wasn't here.

"Come on Tommy, let's go home."

Deo glanced back at the opening. It was finally sealed once again.

"Thank you…" He feebly thanks the small fairies.

"Keep an eye out, okay?" Is what he says before turning back to leave the area. He hears a few small cheers as he leaves.

A shiver runs down his spine as he walks. The rain totally soaked his hair thanks to his inability to put on a hood. The memory resurfaces, but Deo refuses to let it replay in his mind. 

His antlers itch once again, it's getting unbearable. The brunette groans as he reaches up to touch them with his hand.

It comes down with a piece of bloody peeled off something in his hand. He sighs. Velvet.

It was that time of year again. Deo feels more of the black velvet fall off in wet chunks as he gets closer to his home.

Unfortunately, it's not falling off fast enough. The itching stays, and the brunette grows frustrated. So despite being tired, he does what every animal with antlers would do.

He starts to ram his head against whatever tree he walks by. The tree trunk rubbing against the velvet makes it fall off faster. It was the only way the boy knew how to do this as he was forced to learn it all alone. The first time, the velvet shedding scared him. And for a good reason, it's not like your hair becomes a matted mess of gross bloody chunks every day.

By the time Deo reached his house, his antlers were almost clear from any velvet, but there was still some left.

Groaning in annoyance, the boy shakes his head, shaking off all the water like a dog. It caused the velvet to just hang above his face.

He rubbed his head against a tree trunk a bunch more before the itching finally died down.

He forgot all about the wet, bloody velvet that still hung from the black antlers, not realizing how scary he must look right now. He still enters his house anyway. It's been a while, maybe Tommy was up.

Deo entered his house quietly, preferring to not make a lot of noise. He shivered as he carefully walked towards his bedroom.

He realized the fact that the raccoon hybrid in his home was awake and aware too late. Tommy saw the nightmarish image of a boy with bloody bits in his hair and face, and screamed.