Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

To be or not to be. Such simple words for fate, especially the fate of such miserable beings forced to tread the lands the gods watch over. 

Those who cannot bear the miserable fate will kneel till their knees give out. The only words uttered out of their repulsing mouths are prayers that weigh no more than the air they breathe. Promises of good deeds but none without a price, all greedy and never without the desire for more. 

Some will have not the greed of wanting but bearing the weight of countless burdens not knowing when to stop giving even when there is none left to give. 

Some turn against the ways of most and loathe the gods holding them responsible for what has been done. Justifying what they do by the will of the gods, only for the reason they haven't been struck down by the wrath of the divine beings.

No matter how much a god wanted to be rid of the pitiful beings there are regulations against contact with them. Only can you be in contact with them when permitted from the highest divine being. 

The Goddess of Death. 

The title holds more weight than the title of the Blood God himself would on the battlefield. 

Now. 

Techno wouldn't say he's afraid of anything but you try to sit through a gathering while being given an audience of the Goddess of Death. Just being there was enough to take enough years off his endless life span to last a while. Not only did he have to converse with other gods in matters he couldn't care less about but he was being given direct orders from the Goddess of Death. 

The large expanse of the room was enough to make him dizzy but seeing the number of other gods here alone was enough to make him sick. Everything was too loud, smelled too strong, looked too bright. The crown that laid atop his head was unusually heavy, the silk garments meant for the gathering were much too soft and too tight around the neck. The mask of a boar covered all but the large tusks that protruded past his slightly parted mouth. It was getting harder to breathe everything was too overwhelming.

"Blood God. "

Just two words and the room was silent. 

Just two words and Techno could hear his heartbeat in his head and stopped his erratic breathing all at once. Being lightheaded didn't matter at all when you are ordered to come forth by the goddess herself. 

He traipsed his way towards where he was called, stopped a few meters from where she stood, and bowed. A common and clear way to show respect but not among the other gods. Only showing reverence as he was wearing a stone face, showing no emotion even when he was just moments away from panicking. 

He only but glanced over the goddess, the large obsidian wings blending in with the dark that seemed to embrace her entire being seemingly matched the blonde on her right. Not only were the wings identical, both had a jewel shaped like a crescent heart and seemed to glow red as life itself. The large hat decorated with hanging ornaments of jewels and crows sitting atop the brim seemed to be mocking him. 

"You called? Your Excellency." Not much of a surprise to be fair he knew before he even arrived here he would be given direct orders. Honestly though why did there have to be a gathering there was no point to hear about the misdeeds of humans and the laughter of gods as they watched them crumble and fall.  Disgusting.

His boar mask did nothing to hide his scowl towards the other gods or the way he tensed as the goddess began to speak.

"Technoblade, God of War and Minor of Blood it has come to my attention you abandoned your duties to start a war.  Over potatoes. With a human child.  That is not all. Although I wish it was, Blood God. I've heard news...of a few petty war crimes that could put your head on a stake. Why must you go against the regulations set?" 

A few choking moments passed, the silence filled by murmurs from the surrounding gods. 

"No matter that, I can't overlook this any longer than I have already-"

The more the Goddess spoke the more Techno could feel her sharp heavy words pierce like well-crafted blades through silk and flesh all the same. At this point, Techno might as well have dug his own grave. He focused on a certain blonde who stood to the right of the deity speaking quickly in a hushed tone. 

The "Goddess's Crow" they called him. 

Ironic.  

Abandoning duties was severe on its own but being in contact with a human without permission? And a "few petty war crimes" was the least of his worries. He's a goner. 

That doesn't mean he regrets it, he might have left duty for months but those months of farming potatoes all day at all times were worth it. 

Every second of it.  

Especially eradicating those government heads, Techno was upset he wasn't the one who got rid of them personally. 

On the better side of things, now that he's dying, he can finally meet Sun Tzu. Finally, for how he's longed to meet him. 

While deciding death isn't so bad, he concluded he wouldn't exactly mind it and welcomed death with open arms. 

"-year of guiding souls, that is all." 

"........EHH??" 

Okay maybe. Just maybe Techno should have been paying attention. But to be fair he honestly thought the goddess would have just demanded his head. 

He would have much preferred that over guiding souls. And for a year??

Death quite frankly was more appealing and less  work. 

Guiding souls was work for the gods who were working under the Goddess of Death, and in cases like this used as punishment usually only for a few months at most.

Because the job was mentally draining from waiting and watching people die to have to get rid of them yourself. If their time was up, their time was up. No questions asked.

Not that he had much say. Especially after his apparent confusion, she repeated herself.

"For your crimes, you are sentenced to one year of guiding souls."

He was now kneeling head down and eyes shut, he grit out a few strained words.

"Thank you for your leniency. Your Grace."

"You are excused."

As if he needed any other words. He practically flew out of there with the blonde following close behind. The surrounding gods broke into a chaotic mess, both confusion and anger. Techno left the mess behind and raced to get out of the room to get outside and breathe. Everything from the boar mask to his clothing was constricting his breathing and uncomfortable. 

He pushed the lacquered doors open as if they'd wronged him and rushed as far out as possible towards and out the garden of the gods plain. Heading past the mountains and to the clearing, he once called home a floating island revered by the humans as to where the gods watch. 

Chapter Text

The far-off sounds of the city just beneath them concluded Techno's doom .  At this point, he's never going to meet Sun Tzu. They would've been the greatest of friends. Hand in hand, striking-

"Get up." 

-enemies down in sync. 

"Technoblade."

"Stop. You're ruining my fantasy. Go away." 

Oh, what he would give to meet him. 

A hand gripped around his ankle and started tugging. Not doing much to move him, but props for trying. Oh well, he'll just lay here for the rest of time. Then maybe the goddess will consider his death. 

"Gods, how are you so heavy?"

"I'm not heavy. You're just old." 

Technoblade was in quite the predicament if he did say so himself. His long-time friend has gone senile. How will he cope? He is also being dragged slowly to his said doom by his senile friend. 

"Phil. You never know, we could live up here and forget about all this being God's nonsense. How does retirement sound?? That's it. I'm retiring. Right now, this is my retirement." 

"Tech. Get up." The poorly suppressed chuckle betrayed his stern tone.

How cruel could he get? Honestly. Just one war. And everyone is upset. Not even Philza would let it go. It's not like he killed the kid or anything. Even if he did, war is his thing. Blood and war go hand in hand. How do you expect Technoblade, the God of Blood, Minor God of War, and Greater Deity of Conflict to not? 

"Technoblade." 

There he goes again. Using his full name, which he never does, and the unrelenting tone almost as if saying 'get up or else.' 

Techno sat up using his elbow to support his upper body. Only to have the unrelenting glare of the sun practically blind him. He grimaced and peered through his squinted eyes at the blonde.

"Philza, you're repeating yourself again. I told you to do the memory exercises. You know, with old age-"

"You can't just lay here and not do your work. And I don't have memory problems." 

Philza's feathered obsidian wings spread from behind him, obstructing the light emitting from the sun. Their expanse made it seem there was no sun and only endless darkness. Techno's eyes opened and adjusted with the dark. 

"So you CAN still be nice. I knew you weren't that mad. The whole time I was thinking, Philza. The God of Travel. Minor God of Death. Greater Deity of Wisdom. He's a great g- HEY HEY HEY HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

Philza uses his large expanse of obsidian wings to launch him and Techno a good 50 meters up from where they were. The only thing between Techno and a face full of dirt was Philza holding his foot. From what he could see, they were now just over the city below.

Philza stood idle over 200 meters off the ground holding Techno by the foot and didn't plan on letting him so anytime soon.

"Philza. Phil. Phil. Phil. Come on Phillllllllllllllll."

Dadza

Whys dadza being mean?

This is boring

Yall chill please

EE

E

What's happening I just got here

wtf happened why are we upside down?

bruh

E

"Yeah, why's Philza being mean? Phil. Hey. Phil. Really, this isn't exactly dad behavior, Philza." 

"I will drop you."

"That is also not Dad behavior, Dadza."

The grip around Technoblade's foot was no longer there. He was now descending at a rapid pace. He closed his eyes and contemplated death.

At least now I can meet Sun Tzu. You'd think falling to death wouldn't take this long. Honestly, how long does it take to fall, a couple of hundred meters? 

Techno opened his eyes and looked up only to see Philza staring right back at him, unamused.

"We're here." Phil let go of him once again, only this time a few feet from the ground. He landed right on his back. Thanks to Philza's kindness, of course. 

"Where is here?" He got up and took one good look at their surroundings.

"Oh."

And turned right back around and started walking.

Philza turned several seconds after to run after Techno trying to escape the shackles of responsibility.

"Tech- Techno! Mate, c'mon. It's really not THAT bad."

"That's what they all say until they come back crazed and talking to themselves, voices in their head-"

"I mean, you already have those checked off so.."

Ouch.

Rude Dadza 

E

bruh

What did Dadza say I didn't hear

Oh, he meant us-

EE

"-and they took that personally." 

He continued walking away from the blonde. Well, mostly the village but him too. How many more near-death experiences until he can retire? Two just today should be enough. 

Sadly the day is not over. 

Anything could happen.

That was something for anyone else besides Techno to worry about. He was minutes away from retiring before any of this happened. Now look, he's being forced to guide souls and take care of his senile friend.

Now that he's down here once again. He's reminded how much he hates it. The slums are what they call it. The less fortunate, forced into poverty and to live in poor conditions. Nothing to their name and die from just about anything from diseases to starvation. Some cases are just corrupt humans.

He's reminded of the last case when a child, looking no older than 12, runs past him. Looking terrified and enraged all the same. Three adult men follow, pursuing the child. 

"A messenger will deliver a letter containing a list. We'll collect the soul, and they'll be the ones to guide them afterward." 

"Hey, wait wait wait. Who said I was doing any soul guiding?"

The audacity thinking Technoblade was even doing a shred of work. He was retiring. What's there not to get? R E T I R I N G. 

His thoughts getting cut off by said Messenger materializing out of thin air. This is just terrible.

"Here is the letter from The Goddess of Death." The messenger handed the letter to Technoblade.

"Goddess of Beauty, great to see you again."

"You as well, Philza. How have you been?"

There goes Philza with the exchange of pleasantries once again. At least it saves Techno from all the talking or most of it at least.

"It's been a while, Technoblade."

"Around a century, I'd say Eret."

Phil and Eret continued to catch up on whatever needed catching up. As time passed, Techno started getting bored and pointed towards the letter.

"Oh, that. Unfortunately, we have to get going, Eret."

"It was a pleasure seeing you both again. May we meet again."

She vanished as fast as they appeared, leaving the two other gods in silence.

"So, what's the letter say?"

Chapter Text

"There's not even that many."

"..."

Technoblade wasn't lazy. He wasn't. He was supposed to be retiring, okay? 

If this is retirement, he might have to start questioning his morals. 

After centuries of wars and death, he'd say he deserved it. 

Technoblade wasn't sulking either he just enjoyed laying on the ground, preferably ignoring Philza in the process. 

"Techno. Mate. We only have today to finish the list." 

Now that was new. 

Techno's head shot up in an uncomfortable position, his chin against his chest, and looked up at the blonde exasperated. 

"We only have today to finish THAT, and you tell me this now?! Great. That would've been great to know HOURS AGO." 

The blonde reflected Techno's expression with an exasperated sigh.

"I- You- Techno. 

You didn't even want to listen to me hours ago. 

I had to drag you down here just to get the list."

To be fair, Philza was right. Was he going to say that? 

No.

"Dropped. Phil. You dropped me down here. Don't think I'll forget that. I almost perished because of you." 

Philza responded to Techno's bitter declaration with a laugh and started reading down the list. 

The list wasn't too long. 

It was about ideal for a day's work, about twenty souls. 

To the right, it showed their descriptions. Once again no background information about them. 

Description being the standard. Sex, hair color, age, and height. Then where to find them. The first one seemed simple enough. 

Description: Female. Brown hair. 37 years old. 5'6.

The location seemed just over a hundred meters from where they stood. 

Philza started walking in the direction of where the soul was supposed to be. 

"Don't think just because you ignore me and start walking that I'm going to follow you. 

I'm not going to Philza. I'm staying right here. I am not moving from this spot. 

Not moving. Ever." 

Phil just kept walking, and soon after, Techno reluctantly followed.

From a distance, but still followed.

It's not like he was planning on working. He didn't want Philza to fall or something. 

The elderly are fragile, alright?

It was only a few minutes after walking they stopped, facing them was a small ...shack? They effortlessly slipped through the door and into the room. 

It held a few household items, such as a small clay burner and a line of simple pairs of clothes hung right in front of the entrance. 

There was an opening between the clothes which the gods passed through only to see a pitiful sight. 

A young girl was sobbing over an older woman's sunken and lifeless body, holding the woman's frail hand in her own. 

Her head pressed against the top of her hand as if praying for the life that was once there to come back. 

The pink hair was bright against the gray and washed-out surroundings.  

Philza was the first to move. 

As if immune to the sight before him, he placed his hand on the woman's forehead, and her soul came forth. 

The woman was no longer hollow and lifeless but was also not exactly full of life. That wasn't the most distinguishable change in Techno's opinion. The woman's eyes were now milk-white, and she was hovering slightly off the ground. 

She only quietly observed the girl crying over her body and placed a hand on her shoulder. She then whispered something behind her remaining like that for a little. 

She hovered towards the blonde god and bowed. 

"Thank you." 

The woman's voice was strangely empty and echoed through the room.

Philza then again placed his hand against her forehead. 

She was enveloped in crows, all silent besides the sounds of their wings against the air. 

Circling each other and the soul, the crows then flew out of the room, towards what Techno could only assume was the god's plain.

They left as silently as they entered, not that it mattered much. 

Nobody could see them. 

The gods left the young girl in silence.

Techno was the first to break the silence. 

"That was a lot." 

Techno would be lying if he said that was nothing or that he wasn't even slightly confused on what just happened.

"Yeah. It was." 

Philza reopened the list and started walking again.

"Phil. How'd you do that anyway? When you touched her forehead? Also the crows, I thought you said a messenger takes the soul or something?"

Techno was slightly interested, to say the least, doesn't mean he wants to work. He doesn't, but when you see something like that, you can't just not ask how it works.

Philza just chuckled, "I thought you weren't interested, Technoblade."

"I'm not. I'm not. I just, y'know-. I'm not the one asking, uh chat is. Chat is asking how that worked. I was just relaying the question." 

Bruh

We didn't say anything-

E

Who said that?

What did we say?

E

"Yep, they're demanding an answer."

"Well, if they must know, it's different for everyone. It's easier for me to let the crows take care of it because they like the Goddess of Death anyways. 

I just talk to their soul through their unconscious state to tell them it's their time. 

They usually come out on their own like last time but sometimes I have to resort to force."

"Force?" Techno didn't know what Phil meant by force but the look in his eyes. He doesn't think he wants to know. 

"Anyways, we have a lot more to go. Let's go, Technoblade."

"Who said I was going?"

"I did."

-

"I'm dying. I'm drawing my last breath Philza. Right now. Okay now. It'll happen any second now."

"You're not dying, Tech."

How much he wished he was, this amount of work is torture.

He voiced his thoughts to Philza.

"This is torture."

"You're not even doing most of the work. Shut it."

As much as Techno hated to admit it, Philza was right. 

He was mostly just watching Phil. Every time Phil told him to do something, Techno said  I'm learning Philza, let me learn. 

"Learning is tiring, and so is watching over my poor senile friend."

Philza laughed at Techno addressing him as his 'senile friend'. 

"I'm not even that much older than you."

"That's what an old person would say. It's okay, Philza. We'll get through this together."

"We still have one more. Come on."

"You said that ten souls ago."

"I said a few more." Philza refuted.

"Same thing." 

Techno was never doing this again. 

-

"It should be right around here. I think."

Techno doubted that. They've been walking in the same area for the past hour. 

"Can you even read properly? Is it your eyesight? I told you to eat those carrots-"

"My eyesight is fine. Technoblade. It's the stupid map."

"Oh yeah, blame the map. It's fine if you can't see properly. Hand over the map so we can be done with this already."

Techno swears Philza just can't come to terms with his old age. 

He pushes past Philza and continues to walk past where they've already been for the third time. 

"Let's just find this kid already and-"

Techno paused and lifted his foot. He might've just killed an animal. 

He felt the feeling of something under the weight of his foot and lifted it slowly. He wasn't expecting to see a young boy who fit the list's description perfectly or almost perfectly.

"Phil, I think I found him." 

Techno doesn't know why but he couldn't look away from the blonde.

He didn't expect him to look so young.

The list said he was 16. 

He's reminded of the kid who ran past them earlier. 

Oh.

"Yeah. He's the right one."

Techno couldn't help but notice the slight rise and fall of his chest. 

Oh.

Chapter Text

"Stop poking him. Technoblade."

"How else is he going to wake up?"

"We aren't even supposed to be in our mortal forms."

"Why are you going to crumble or something?"

Techno was getting pretty tired of his senile friend and his nagging. 

All he was doing was... simply waking the kid up. 

He could shake him a bit. 

To be fully honest. Techno thought he might break him or something. 

Have you seen how easily these things die?

"Phil, can't you do anything? Here I have an idea. Give me one of your crows."

Techno turned away from the kid and held his hand open, fully expecting Phil to hand over one of his precious crows. 

The crows perched on Phil's shoulder squawked in bewilderment.

Philza wanted to drag him back to the Goddess of Death by the ear and demand his head for that. 

"Technoblade."

"Philza."

Philza was not amused.

Philza was also extremely confused, the kid was supposed to have passed already, but he's still clearly alive and breathing.

He was also going through every rule of this profession, and Philza was pretty sure they'd done everything they were  not  supposed to do. 

He just stood and watched as Techno continued to poke the child in front of him.

"We're so dead." 

"You were halfway there anyways, old man."

"Shut it. And move over your prized cape is getting dirty."

Philza was only joking, but it did the trick. 

Techno shot up near-instantly and started checking the hem of his cloak.

"Hey! Don't lie about that. You know how much I hate washing this thing."

"What an odd way of saying it's your prized possession."

The blonde walked towards the other currently half-dead blonde. 

Once again, he placed the palm of his hand against the human's forehead.

Philza hadn't done this in a while but it was just as familiar as the last times. 

He shut his eyes and felt around in that state for the opening and caught it.

"Keep watch for a bit."

"What? Where are you-"

He vanished the second the words registered.

"Great."

                                                         ✦—————♛—————✦

It wasn't too difficult to find the blonde kid's conscious place.

The state of it was confusing, to say the least.

Most people don't have vast mazes in their conscious place, but Philza isn't one to judge.

He continued his search for the kid by flight. 

Faster than he would like. 

Unfortunately, he doesn't have all day to find him.

Luckily this space didn't seem to have any coverage that would prevent Philza from flying. 

He favored soaring past the extensive maze rather than walking through it, which seemed to have no end in sight. 

Philza, carried by his large obsidian wings glided through the space.

Flying was always a pleasant escape from just about anything. 

There was a slight pull from what he could only assume was the location of the kid. 

So it was just a matter of getting there. 

After a few minutes of flight, he could see the end of the maze.

The second he passed the last maze wall, he spotted a person curled up in the distance. As he got closer, the pull he once felt released. Philza could see it was indeed the kid.

He landed softly behind the blonde.

"Hi, mate."

                                                         ✦—————♛—————✦       

Techno was in a predicament.

His friend has just passed before his very eyes, and he's stuck with a slightly dead child. He started moving the said slightly dead body out of sight.

He knew the day would come when Philza would pass. He didn't know it would be so soon. Techno wasn't too sad about it, to be entirely honest.

He would just have a long talk with the Goddess of Death and demand they bring Philza back, or he's going to start wars on every land known to man. 

Whether it be land and resource disputes. Even simply the desire for influence and power. You name it Techno can and will see it through.

His war plans were cut off by yet again another messenger. Technoblade nearly forgot to shift back to his god form. 

Nearly.

"I swear you guys need to give a heads up or something. This is getting ridiculous." 

His usual monotone voice hid the dread he felt, as the situation set in.

Technoblade might've just dropped the body. 

Okay, that sounds bad. 

The kid is going to wake up with a headache.

Is it Techno's fault?

No.

"Technoblade. The list?"

"Yep. Got it right here for you. If you could kindly turn around for just 4 seconds, I'd appreciate that."

"Where's Philza? Did he ditch you? Oh man, this is great. He ditched you huh?"

"He didn't ditch me. He just left. For a little. He'll be back"

Techno was getting really tired of this guy. Him and his stupid beanie.

"Soooooo... He ditched you."

"No. Quackity. Philza left for a little. Why don't you go back to gambling? Or whatever you were doing a minute ago?"

"Just give me the list so- is that a body?"

Technoblade thinks this just might be the worst possible situation.

Quackity started walking towards the kid's body, so Techno stepped in front of him.

Umm

E

This is awkward

EEE

ACT DUMB

soooo...

"What body? I don't see any. Who's body?"

Not that dumb.

Quackity just responded with a look of suspicion.

"Okay... Well, just give me the list and tell me what a body is doing behind you. Technoblade."

What would Phil do? 

That was the first thing Techno thought.

The second was  Blood.

Technoblade took one hand and placed it on the shorter man's shoulder.

"Hey. Duck. There. Is. No. Body."

As Technoblade spoke, the grip on Quackity's shoulder increased until he was practically kneeling. 

"H-HeyHeyHAEYYY owowOW MAN. I know we had some ISSUES in the past-"

"You tried to kill me."

"Come on. I thought we moved past all that. You know the whole- OWOWOW, OKAY. Calm down, or I'm going to tell Sapnap."

You know, out of all the things Technoblade thought Quackity was going to say. 

That was not one of them.

"You think I'm scared of him? The most he can do to me is kill my dog. Actually. Touche. I don't want him touching my pets."

Techno released Quackity's shoulder and the shorter man rolled his shoulder with a groan.

"You try to kill a guy one time, and suddenly he hates you."

Chapter Text

-Philza's first observation of the blonde is how reserved the kid was, then his  vulgar  vocabulary and-

"Birdman. That's your name now. Are you a bird? Yeah, you're a bird. Right? Yeah. Did you kidnap me? This is a weird ass place, by the way. Not to criticize... well kind of. Well... It's to criticize. Wilbur is going to be upset if he sees I'm gone. I'd be very afraid if I were you, shaking in your... What even are those? Sandals? I know they aren't practical at all." 

-How much he speaks. He's seen loquacious people, but he thinks this kid is the most talkative by far. Not that it's much of a bad thing, he just needs to drag the kid out. 

Soon. Philza sighed.

"We'll make sure this Wilbur person knows you're gone. You don't know why I'm here?"

To say the least. 

This was a weird and rare occurrence. Most people would instantly know who Philza was, not by name, of course. The Angel of Death most revered him as. The blonde in front of him didn't seem to know, which was odd.

He also didn't seem to know he was supposed to have passed. Also odd.

"You mean why you kidnapped me? No, I don't. Am I supposed to? For all I know you's a wrongun."

It took a lot to keep from laughing, the kid was incredibly amusing. He couldn't help the slight quirk of his mouth. 

"You're. And I didn't kidnap you. You know you're supposed to be passing right now. But you haven't. Why?"

Philza was concerned as to what led up to his passing from the state his body was in but didn't push it. The boy didn't care to look at Philza the first hour he was here. He assumed the kid caught sight of the large scythe Philza carried around. Long black handle, ends of dark green, and sharp curving blade. 

The kid was facing him, the result of Philza landing behind him.

Tense and fidgeting, his demeanor betraying his bitter tone and harsh words. He almost looked like a kicked puppy if it weren't for the look in his eyes. Untrusting and rigid with irritation masking fear. Too knowing for his age but still a glint of uncertainty and desperation.

Philza sighs and leans forward. The slight tip of his hat cast a shadow over his face. Followed by a clink of metal and emerald. Small blond braid falling from his upper back to over his shoulder. Large red, green, and black beads decorated with even larger red tassels, angle forward with a clatter. His large hands claw-like, colored ash almost as if gloves. Large obsidian wings spread and display behind the blonde man. A dangerous glint in the man's blue eyes. 

"You're not dead."  Yet.  His mind betrayed his words for a second.

"Yeah, no shit, glad you figured out that one."

Philza laughed. It wasn't the airy, heartful chuckle he used just moments before. It was menacing. The tone seemed to threaten every ounce of Tommy's being. The younger went from spitting sharp remarks and insults to being still. The blonde trembled as Philza brought up his scythe.

"HEY HEY HEY HEY MAN, WE CAN TALK ABOUT THIS..! THAT THING IS DANGEROUS DONTCHA THINK?!?"

                                                                             ✦—————♛—————✦

Today is quite possibly the worst day in Technoblade's time of existence. Here he is in all his glory, carrying an oversized child over his shoulder. His friend is possibly dead, and to top it all off. He's working overtime. 

AND his prized possession. His magnificent cape was dirty. 

He was going to have one long talk with the Goddess of Death. 

You'd think people would find a grown man carrying a half-dead and beaten child over his shoulder would cause for at least some concern.

Not a single glance was directed towards him or the child.

The town was also obviously poverty-stricken. There were homes but all were of small size. Most he saw were covered in soot and grime, even the floor he walked on was filthy. He walked in the opposite direction of most, groups carrying pickaxes and wearing somber expressions ranging from mid-age to children, no old folk.

He was removed from his thoughts when a calloused rough hand grasped his upper arm and stopped his movement. He looked to his left to see one from the group face covered in soot, brown hair, and rimmed glasses. A lengthy brown trenchcoat, covering a yellow sweater. He wore an angry expression. Techno couldn't tell if the hate-filled eyes were directed at him or filled with hate towards the world. He'd assume both, but he did seem upset towards the pink-haired man.

The hand gripped his upper arm with Techno could only assume was aggression. The brown-haired man spoke first. 

"That's my brother you got there. Hand him over." 

The man's words held a considerable amount of hostility but couldn't hide the way his voice slightly trembled. Techno noted the heavy accent and the way the other held himself even with the significant difference in just about everything. The man looked at the god like he fully believed he could and  would  kill him. If Technoblade didn't need the kid he would've handed him over to save himself the trouble. Or, just get rid of the brown-haired man for even attempting to harm him. But duty calls. Techno shook off the man's grip, charged past the others around them, and ran. The brown-haired man yelled after him and chased, but Techno clearly held the advantage. It only took a few more minutes of a jog to lose the other. 

Technoblade made his way to the alley behind what he could only assume was a pub and laid the kid down. More like dropped, but it got the job done. The loud environment was taking a toll on Techno. He could already feel the start of a headache. It was a wonder how he didn't have one already, from his friend disappearing on him, leaving him to watch a half-dead child. Then said half-dead child's supposed brother chasing him halfway across town. Today was a day alright, and Techno wanted it to be over already. 

He crouched down and sat up against the walls of the alley. Eyes trained on the blonde kid in front of him. He took his cloak and laid it over the kid, not that it bothered Techno or anything. It's just cold out, and the kid didn't have much coverage in the first place. The cloak engulfed the blonde, completely covering him and Techno felt a pain in his chest.

This is it. The great Blood God is dying from heart failure, who knew he'd die this way. Even Philza outlived him, and he thought he'd be the one to die from some old people disease, not him. This is tragic. 

Technosoft

E

Technold

Child

Dropkick it

EE

"Chat shut up, let me die in peace."

Techno took a break from dying and continued to look at the blonde kid.

The blonde looked young, younger than he thought. Under all the grime and scattered scars and bruising was a boy. Techno hated to admit but looking at the kid made him regret many things. It made him think about the wars, all of them. The wars he started himself or on the behalf of others. He thought about all of those he forced into poverty. Those that lived just as the kid in front of him had. Living but not quite alive. The boy made him regret the blood that stained his hands and path, the voices that demanded-

A drunkard burst out of the pub door landing on the hard concrete with a thud and a shout, taking Techno away from his thoughts. A man with a shaved head and weird glasses yelled something Techno couldn't quite pick up because of the noise from inside and the accent. Sounded oddly familiar but he didn't care much to think about it. The drunkard got up onto unstable legs and walked away, not without slurring a few insults and curses back. The man turned to walk back inside but stopped when he spotted Techno and the blonde. He stood there half-turned and staring until his eyes slightly widened with recognition.

"Ayup. He alright?" Simple question but the voice held caution and warning. Techno knew what he was implying. Probably thought he was the reason the kid was in the shape he's in. Techno wondered if the man knew him, but by the look the man was giving him, he would assume so.

"As alright as he looks."

"Why don't you come in for a drink. On the house." 

The man's voice held no question and was full of hostility. He fully turned and re-entered the pub leaving Techno against the wall.

Techno wasn't going to follow for no reason, but he'd be lying if he said, he wasn't even slightly curious on how this man knew the kid. So after a few seconds, he followed. He pondered leaving the kid on the ground but decided against it and picked him up into his arms, supporting his back and his legs as his face rested on Techno's chest. The blonde still covered in his cape, Techno walked into the pub and spotted the empty bar a few feet directly in front of him. The surrounding tables grew quiet as Techno strode towards the bar. He placed the kid in a seat against the wall and sat keeping eye contact with the man from before. 

"Look's like you've had better days, brute."

The second the words left the man's mouth, Techno was already standing hand gripping the shorter man's shirt, holding him in place. He felt a blade pressed up against his back not enough to cut, but enough for the threat to be present. He caught a glance of the wielder, pink short chopped hair, and ...an apron. He looked past her and looked around to see everyone there still and weapons in hand or just in sight looking directly at him. 

The woman behind him spoke in a harsh tone, "Let go."

Technoblade did exactly that. The second he did, the knife left his back and he sat back down. 

The bald man smirked at him. 

"A little advice for ya. Don't mess with the guy who pours the drinks."

Techno huffed at him and suppressed a scowl. He looked around in his peripheral. Most were back to doing whatever they were doing, still obviously on guard. He looked back towards the man in front of him.

"Don't suppose you fancy any juice? What'll it be, Rosey?" 

Techno had to say this guy's choice of naming is terrible. First, he name's a Pub, Pub. Now he's standing here calling the Blood God, Rosey. This would be humiliating if it wasn't so amusing to Techno. It took every ounce of self-restraint to hold back his laughter. But, he kept his straight face and monotone speech. 

"Wine."

Now Techno isn't one for talking. But, he also couldn't hold alcohol very well. It only took a few seconds for a cup half full of red wine and a smaller cup of water to be placed in front of him. The surroundings stilled almost with anticipation and Techno knew this was a test, the second the man asked what he wanted. The second the cup made contact with the wood. The man watched as Techno took the larger cup of wine and drank it at once. The water was left untouched. He chuckled as he took the cups away and placed them to the side. The air lightened as the man behind the bar placed his hands on the wood and leaned forward. 

He outstretched his hand and spoke with less distaste. 

"The names Manifold, Jack Manifold."

Chapter Text

Techno was currently following the man "Jack Manifold" who had introduced himself moments before, with the added company of the pink-haired woman that Jack introduced as Niki. She was currently following behind Techno staring daggers into his back, clearly on edge. It didn't hide the way she sent concerned looks towards the blonde in his arms. They had walked up the unstable stairs against the right wall of the pub and down the long hallway. Multiple doors to both sides as they walked. After a bit of walking, the man stopped in front of a wooden door. The door creaked loudly as the man opened it and stood away from the room. 

"You can stay here for the night, don't mind the noise too much."

The man left with a grin, Niki following close behind.

Techno deemed the place acceptable. 

Well-- not really. 

It was loud and smelled strongly of wine, liquor, and the faint stench of body odor. He couldn't tell if the headache was from the events from early today or the drunkards downstairs. 

Techno walked father into the room and set the blonde onto the singular bed. He fixed the cape to cover the kid and ignored the way his chest panged at the sight. 

EE

Technosoft

Pretty sure the kid is drooling on it-

EEE

heart attack arc pog

E

He wasn't soft. He just--didn't want his cape to get soiled.  

That's it. You can't blame him for not wanting his prized possession to get dirty.

The kid was in a poor state too. 

It would make anyone sympathetic, not that Techno was. 

He wasn't. 

Not that he wouldn't make Philza check out his injuries after Techno drags him out from wherever he is. Just looking at the blooming bruises scattered across his thin form had Techno in a melancholic mood. 

He pulled his gaze away from the kid and sat down in the chair slightly across the room.

Exhaustion immediately pulled at his limbs, and irritation pounded in his head. It was like his body was fighting against and for it simultaneously, which was an entirely new concept to him. 

God's don't get  tired. 

Fatigue  was foreign and quite frankly unwelcome he hated the heavy feeling in his limbs and the droop of his eyelids. He couldn't sleep, it would be great to switch to his god form for just a bit and recover. 

But, the idea of having to explain just how he just vanished and involuntary human interaction was not something Techno particularly enjoyed. Techno was vulnerable when asleep in his mortal form, unrivaled conscious sure, but he wouldn't give one an opportunity. 

In the event that someone just happened to stroll into the room, they're staying in of course, but Technoblade wasn't going to take that chance. Never. 

He wouldn't-

Now Techno noticed a few strange things-- for one, the light. 

He took a minute to adjust to the brightness. It's not supposed to be bright out until another few hours. Next was how stiff his shoulders were. He rolled his neck only to have it pinch uncomfortably. 

It was quite bothersome. 

Standing up, he glanced over at the clock, VIII XIV. 

Shit.

So much for not taking that chance.

Technolate

This is boring

E

Where's dadza?

EEE

Who's there?

Techno picked up knocking from outside and stalked silently towards the small boxed window. He was close enough to hear talking, he kept his back to the wall and peered through the grimy window. 

His eyes landed on a tall brunette that was speaking, the man looked furious and extremely tired. The bags under his eyes formed like dark bruises. His wild curls looked matted and unkempt. The frantic look in his eyes betrayed the way his body hung heavily, almost as if he'd buckle any second. 

Techno thought something was familiar about the large trenchcoat and rimmed glasses. 

If he was being honest, he didn't care much. He just wanted to get out of the pub. Sadly, the hospitality didn't cover the stench of liquor and the persisting headache. Which somehow, even without the lively downstairs, remained. He left the window and walked over to the bed where the blonde was currently resting. Techno stood there for a second, trying to figure out why. Why was it every time he looked at the kid, Techno felt like he was dying?

He hauled the blonde into his arms and used the cape to cover the kid. Techno didn't want to leave without paying or showing some form of gratitude, but he couldn't be bothered to wait. 

It's not as if he didn't have any  human  currency on him or anything, as if Technoblade, the God of Blood, Minor God of War, and Greater Deity of Conflict, would be caught without any currency. 

He just... couldn't be bothered. 

Yep. 

That's it. 

He made his way down the unsteady stairs and through the door the... bartender? used when he found them. Techno could still hear the dispute happening out in front of the pub, or at least it sounded like an argument.

The last words Techno heard before he left the side door of the pub were drained and enraged but cautious. 

Almost calculated in the way, the unknown man spoke words laced with venom but not to provoke the man.

It was said in warning. 

Hauling a human kid up to the Gods plain was simple enough. Now that they were there--Techno had absolutely no idea where the goddess would be at this time. He didn't even know how he was going to explain the situation. 

To begin with, they have some kid that's gripping onto his own soul and isn't letting go. His senile friend decided to take it upon himself to drag it out of him. Said senile man disappears, and now he's stuck babysitting the kid. 

...Sounds about right.

He recites the story a few more times and settles on blaming it all on Philza. 

"It was all Philza's idea...yep. All Phil. I had absolutely nothing to do with it. Nothing at all." 

It was a pretty convincing argument, the fluency, expressiveness, and eloquence. Technoblade was somewhat of a shakespear with words, if you will. 

"Nothing to do with what?" 

A light questioning tone split through Techno's rambling. 

Techno whirled around towards the voice behind him and made eye contact with a certain blonde wearing a smirk. 

It took Techno a moment to process the sight of the presumed missing blonde man in front of him. Then another. 

"Heyyy...Philza--What are you doing here?"

Techno attempted to smile but, at most grimaced and stood awkwardly leaning, hand propping himself upon the white, polished column. 

He pondered where to put his other hand but settled on just having it hang by his side. 

He watched as the older man turned to take a look at their surroundings and analyzed his reaction as it dawned on him. 

To put it mildly, It was a mixture of pure panic and rage. 

The blonde turned back towards Techno slowly. 

Shortly after an unwelcome staring contest, Techno broke eye contact first, and the column was suddenly interesting.

"Technoblade." 

The man's tone was unforgiving and, if Techno didn't know any better he'd assume he messed up. 

But he did know better, and that's exactly the reason why they were in the god's plain, to begin with. Well not really but, it worked out either way.

"Why exactly are we in the god's plain? With the human child? Even if you haven't been in this type of work before there are lines not to cross, obvious LINES-"

Techno continued intensely staring at the interesting--yep interesting column. It wasn't like he chose to even do this type of work. 

If it was up to him he wouldn't even be here, he'd be back at his shared home with his emotional support polar bear and back to starting his retirement. 

But no, his emotional support extrovert over here decided to take it upon himself to talk to the Goddess and have a debate over his "war crimes" and his punishment for them. 

He could scoff at the wording. 

So he eradicated a couple of government heads. 

What's the big deal? 

The opposing sides wanted them gone anyway might as well make it easier for both of them. 

Sure it started a bit of war but, war is where Technoblade, 'God of Blood, Minor God of War and Greater Deity of Conflict' thrives. Whose decision was it to make, Techno the God of War if he can't even war in the first place? 

"-Where's the kid anyway?" 

Techno looked from the column to glance behind him to see the blonde kid that was once there, gone. He looked over to meet Philza's gaze. 

One second passed. Two. Five. 

"You have to be kidding me." 

The winged man started pacing, only breaking eye contact to mumble incoherent worries.

"Philza." The blonde didn't answer and continued pacing.

"PHIL...Phil I can explain-" Raising his voice seemed to grab the man's attention. He was met with an infuriated gaze and Techno thought if he kept looking like that worry lines weren't going to be the only show of his old age.

"You're telling me you took the human kid here, left him UNATTENDED. While my wi- the goddess IS STILL PRESENT? We're dead. This is the end. Out of all the possible places you chose, it had to be here."

Now Techno was downright pissed. 

If the way his jaw was clenched enough it ached, and how his fists were clenched to the point he drew blood wasn't enough to show that. He thought Philza was gone and so the best decision for him at the moment was to go see the Goddess. Guess Philza didn't see it the same way. 

Techno didn't know what he hated more. This whole situation or reading one of their love letters to each other because the old man in front of him couldn't make out the words on the page. Why couldn't he just get one of his crows to do it for him?

They're always talking anyways. 

What's teaching them how to read?

"-st we have to find the kid."

"No shit, glad you figured that one out." Techno wasn't resentful. He wasn't. 

Philza took one last look at him and turned to start walking.

"Might want to not, sleep sitting up next time. Takes a toll on the shoulders."

Nope, he was resentful. Not to undermine how perceptive the blonde was, but Techno was still irritated. So, no he wasn't going to give Philza any recognition for noticing the ache in his shoulders. 

He soon followed after the blonde.

Techno didn't exactly know his way around the gods plain, to be fair he didn't like being here in the first place. Too...godly. Exactly why he hates the Temple of the Gods. 

...No he's not angry because they didn't add his cape to his statue. He just doesn't enjoy the entirety of the Temple. They got his mask wrong too.

Since Techno didn't know his way around. He was stuck once again, following Philza, well...more like--running after Philza. 

They've passed everyone he'd assume was on the floating island, or at least expected. Traversing with Sapnap was enough interaction to last the rest of his lifetime.

He wasn't exactly paying attention. 

He was more focused on not losing sight of a particular winged blonde. 

After a few seconds of an angry one-sided conversation, Techno continued on his way, choosing to ignore the angered shouts of the black-haired man behind him.

They only had a few more areas, at least he hoped. 

Techno was proven right when they arrived at the large garden. He heard piercing laughter and saw the way Phil's wings slightly raised and hitched when he stood at the entrance. 

Techno slowed his pace and made his way over to the twisting vines covering cobblestone, creating an arc indicating the start of the garden and pathway. 

The sight of the blonde sitting on an oak bench farther up the hill accompanied by two others. 

A shorter brown-haired boy was sitting to his left. Wearing a simple plaid green long sleeve button-up covered by a leather vest, fur protruding from the sides. Simple brown pants accompanied by large boots, rimmed with fur as well. 

Techno was surprised he didn't seem uncomfortable in the slightest. Considering what he was wearing and the unbearable heat. He seemed to be speaking enthusiastically about something, gesturing all over with his hands and grinning wildly. 

The other was taller and clothing a bit excessive. Purple fur overcoat fell past his large boots, which seemed to add to his height. 

A shirt, a lighter shade of purple underneath the overcoat, over the shirt was a black cinch belt and black pants. Jewels and green orbs decorated the outfit finished off with a sharp crown. 

Techno watched as the brown-haired kid chased the blonde and the taller extravagantly dressed stranger stood and watched, breaking a smile a few times. 

He missed Phil treading towards the bench in long strides and once again, Techno ran after the man. Well, not exactly. It was more of a brisk walk, the same thing he supposed. He stood slightly behind Philza in silence as they continued to watch the scene in front of them unfold. 

The brown-haired kid was putting the lanky blonde into a chokehold while the other could do nothing but yell curses.

"Big man- TU- Big T-" 

The blonde stopped with a cough that sounded slightly exaggerated but, Techno wasn't the one in the chokehold here. 

Techno got a better look at "Big T" to see curling horns protruding past his shaggy hair and drooping ears. 

His hair seemed to hide the ears pretty well. The horns--not so much. His hair also covered most of a large burn mark that heavily disfigured the right side of his face. Only the lower parts of the burn where the shaggy hair didn't reach were noticeable. 

The two continued their quarrel with slight aggression and banter, the shorter having an obvious upper hand. 

A few seconds passed and Philza cleared his throat. The profanity died on the blonde's tongue as he slowly craned his neck up until it looked uncomfortable. 

The shorter just stared back at Philza or in his direction, Techno couldn't tell from the hair blocking the upper half of his face. Another few seconds of silence passed until he released the blonde. 

In which the kid fell straight on his face, once again yelling curses and light-hearted threats. The chaos from before was quelled, and all that was left was Philza's disapproving tone and warnings. 

"Tubbo. You can't strangle humans, don't look at me like that--Tu- HEY I saw that. Don't give the kid ideas."

Today was already a long day.

Chapter Text

Gods are not born. Gods are created. 

Created to fulfill the duties given to them. 

Some bring hope, others fear. No matter that the divine seek nothing but reverence. Some view it as burdensome most humor the mortal's offerings and prayers. The Goddess of Death, Minor God of Immortality, and Crowned Deity of Fate watched over the mortal plain. "The Overworld." 

It's a shame The Goddess could only do so much, too many burdens to bear. The crushing weight of responsibility, even in death, could only be shared with one other. The Underworld could only be dealt with for so long. DreamXD the God of Order, Minor God of Truth, Greater Deity of Life, and ruler of "The Underworld". 

All for consonance.

Most mortal's that revere God's, fear The Underworld as a place where the sinful go and never leave. The afterlife is embraced by many as a reward the Goddess of Death grants them as they pass the confines of their pitiful lives. 

Others fear the afterlife and deem it a punishment for their wrongdoings. 
The Underworld is crowded with wicked mortals that have passed, and are forever dealt with there. Watched over by XD, their retribution awaits. 

                                                                         ✦—————♛—————✦

"Tubbo, stop."

"What? I didn't do anything!" 

"I- Tubbo. I will punt you stop."

"It wasn't even me that time! It was Ranboo."

The blonde leaned slightly forward, looking at the taller, and glared. 

"No, it wasn't."

His face betrayed the statement by the sudden quirk of his mouth, which only made the blonde glower at him suspiciously.  

"Whatever, Ranboob."

Ranboo turned at him, face exasperated and mouth open to retort.
Tommy only smirked in triumph at his expression.

"What gonna tell your moms? Hmm? Please do and refer to me as 'Big Man Tommyinnit the biggest of men, after Philza Minecraft'." 

"Oh! You have written back to them, haven't you?" 

Tubbo leaned forward, almost an exact mimic of the blonde behind him staring Ranboo down. 
The taller of the trio turned away and glared at the grass in front of him.

"Forgot."

"Ranboo."

"What."

"Ranboo. After the hundredth time, I would've believed you. But we're getting close to three hundred times you've ignored them, Boo. You can't just ignore them anymore." 

Tubbo's expression softened throughout his insistence. The shorter lingered in the same position as if waiting for the taller's counter to his statement. The taller just let out a huff and turned away, crossing his arms across his chest and tilting his head up in defiance. Tubbo only sighed at the act of "defiance". The enderman just looked like he was seconds away from throwing a tantrum.

"But- Tubbo— You know how they are, they won't leave me alone. I left to be on my own, not to be...coddled a full world and a half away."

Ranboo stopped his waving hands to pinch the bridge of his nose and finished with an irritated look. 

"You put this upon yourself, Boo. They care about you. I can't imagine what they thought when their youngest ran off and became a god. Can you imagine if Micheal did that? Letters be damned I'd drag him back home." 

The brunet finished with a huff and seemed to mimic the enderman in front of him. 

They all seemed to forget the man standing in front of them and stilled as he clapped. Philza only laughed at the sight of their bickering, blue eyes crinkling with amusement. The God rolled his shoulders, large obsidian wings flexing out at the motion. He looked down at the three kneeling, knees to the ground, certainly aching after the scolding but made no move to stand. 

He sighed and motioned for them to stand, then walked off towards the pink-haired God. As the god walked away, he could hear their bickering continue behind him.

"Hit me with that tail once more, we're gonna have a problem, boob boy." 

"How many times must I correct you. It's Ranboo. You unruly-"

Gods. Philza now fully agreed with Techno. Retirement sounds great. Maybe a castle somewhere in Antarctica or a small cabin in the artic. Somewhere cold would be great for Steve, Techno's polar bear. 
The God smiled at the thought, for how he longed it.

"We have to tell her."

Oh right. That. 
Philza was torn from his thoughts and placed in the present. They had a slight problem, being a certain brash blonde. He leaned against the pillar opposite the other God and glanced back at the group behind him. He smiled a bit more at the sight. He turned back to see the other God do the same, it was only a slight quirk of his mouth but he knew the other was amused. 

"We do."

The blonde's words caught the other's attention as red eyes stared into blue.

"She isn't too busy around this time I believe—  shall we go?" 

Philza leaned off the pillar and turned on his heel to begin walking towards the structure. Techno cleared his throat and the blonde turned once again. Only for the pink-haired man to stare back at him and tilt his head to the side. He tilted his head as well, not understanding what the other was implying. A laugh caught in Techno's throat but he soon covered it with a cough. 

"You're forgetting we need to bring the kid as well, birdbrain." 
The taller mocked. He grinned and pointed his thumb in the direction of the kid. 

"Wha— I knew that." Philza squawked in protest. The blonde started walking towards the group, the other followed close behind and taunted him.

"Yeah, sure you did." 

"I did."

"I believe you."

"Shut it."

They continued their short walk to the group and immediately regretted it. The two were back to their bickering, Ranboo watched seeming unbothered as the others turned physical. Uncoherent arguing as Tommy had his hand to Tubbo's forehead keeping him from himself in arm's reach.

"You can't overtake the government with bees."

"I can, and I will."

"Tell me when you do, put Shlatt's head on a stake for me will ya?"

Tommy's vitriolic tone made Tubbo look at him confused and curiously as if to tell him to continue. The blonde laughed bitterly, resentment heavy in the resonance of his voice. He let go of Tubbo, letting his arm hang to his side.

"You mean to tell me the God's don't know?" 

The surrounding god's stayed silent, and the blonde looked at them as if they all grew a second head. Exasperated and sputtering, he shook his hanging head. It took a second for him to collect himself and lift his head again, he glanced at the silent gods again and sighed. 

"By any chance, does corrupt goat guy ring a bell?" 

Tommy just sounded weary at the conversation. 

"We know the corruption of mortals, but we don't get involved-" 

Philza sends a provoking look towards Techno, his gruff voice dying out mid-sentence the blonde finishing it with a snide retort.

"-most of the time."

The pink-haired man scowls and looks away, seeming irritated with the conversation change. 

"We aren't talking about this again."

"Oh, so you start a war, and we can't talk about it? Okay."

Technoblade bristled at the words but didn't make any move to look back or retaliate. Tommy looked between the two and took the silence as his chance to start questioning.

"So the gods don't know ANYTHING that's happened in the past? For prime's sake...you're right above the heart of the city. How-."

The blonde looked more than exasperated at this point. The gods could only give him a sheepish smile back or a grimace in the blood god's case. Ranboo just looked out into the distance. Seeming bored although his upturned pointed ears showed interest in what he was saying.

Tommy looked between them all and facepalmed. 

The blonde took a moment to stand there muttering, hand resting on his forehead. Philza could only make out a few incoherent words. After some time and awkward eye contact with the other gods the blonde sighed and plopped down on the grass with his head in his hands.

"Okay. Okay. Where to start...You don't even know the start do you?"

Tommy looked between the silent gods with an irritated expression.

"I'll take that as a no. How do you not know? The entire city is right under you I- Okay. I'm going to skip the boring bits and just get on with telling you the history of the place."

He looked up at them for compliance as Tubbo sat down to his right and got silent nods from the others. Tommy sighed again and ran a hand down his face contemplating the situation.

"So it all starts with Esempee. Some fuckos decide to slap a name of a piece of land and deem it theirs, the usual. After a while, more people start to join. It's all fine. Everyone does their own thing, the land expands from just a singular home, everything was good until a group showed up. From what I've been told it was originally just a singular person everyone seemed to have an issue with. That grew when he had others join after him. They created a nation. The nation they called L'manburg."

The blonde finished his sentence with a sad smile and a wistful expression, a one of longing. Philza sat down little ways in front of him as the other two chose to keep standing. The blonde took a second and continued on.

"You can imagine what they thought of the new nation. Hated it. What it stood for. Of course, with conflict between nations, war follows. It started simple, a threat here and there. Bargaining then a warning, but L'manburg stood. Wilbur told me the story of L'manburg more times than I can remember. He really likes to recite the declaration of independence, though I think it's quite funny. Not much of a declaration of independence but a way to poke fun at the opposing side." 

Tommy smiled as he reminisced, on old times Philza was assuming. He cleared his throat, seemingly caught onto his ramble about this "Wilbur" guy. 

"Anyways, L'manburg obviously couldn't do much so, the nation inevitably fell. Skipping all the old people, and government parts. L'manburg then became New Manburg- I know so original. During all this, more land was claimed and named. Time passed, and not much later came the rise of Pogtopia. Rebellion, uprising, revolt whatever you call it, Pogtopia was what remained of L'manburg. The wrath and call of retribution."

Tubbo seemed to find interest in the last sentence when his posture straightened as the blonde paused. Tommy took a breath and looked back up from where he was pulling at the grass under his hands.

"Pogtopia was annihilated. What's left is barren land. People were massacred during the destruction as assets of the rebellion. The L'manburg flags left were burned. Every trace of the rebellion and nation was destroyed. Then New Manburg became not only the standing nation built from L'manburg but the government that ran it and the government that's here today."

The last sentence was laced with resentment and spoke heavily with hatred. Tommy scoffed and continued as the still silent gods watched.

"It's not only New Manburg. Thank prime, I only frequent around New Manburg. Although it's quite away from the higher district, the elitists call it the slums. We call it Manburg. Snowchester is alright when you get past the cold. I lived down in Logstedshire with Wilbur but he didn't like the place. Called it unsuitable for living in or whatever. I didn't like it too much either, but it's all I knew-"

The blonde paused smile slipping from his face replaced with a scowl.

"And I'm rambling again. Anyways you get the idea, Esempee to L'manburg. L'manburg to New Manburg. Then Pogtopia. New Manburg and other places stay standing." 

Tommy finished with a huff crossing his arms over his chest, still scowling at the other gods.

"Don't forget Las Nevadas and Purpled's UFO or-"

Tubbo was cut off by Ranboo leaning down to gently knock heads with him. The shorter only frowned at him as Ranboo smiled and stood back where he was.

The group stayed silent even when the blonde stopped his tirade towards the nations. The silence was interrupted moments later by a certain pink-haired god. 

"That is why anarchy always prevails."

"Tech- No."

"Yes?"

Philza glared at the god, his facade fell as he broke into a grin. The other gave a small smile in response.

"You're right, but we're not having this conversation right now."

The winged god stood up, reaching towards the sky as he stretched his wings. He glanced over to Tommy as Tubbo was moving over towards blonde to pull him into an embrace- or chokehold, Philza couldn't really tell. 

Tommy seemed delighted at the anarchy statement. Philza quite frankly didn't want to find out why. It's obvious the boy is mischievous and a force of nature. He doesn't want to test how intense that force can be. Before he could get any ideas, Phil walked over to cut him off and placed a hand onto his shoulder. 

"Well- boys, me and Technoblade here have to borrow Tommy for a bit."

The group collectively protested. Tubbo instantly clung to the blonde's arm, scowling at the God. 

"You had your Tommy time. It's my turn."

"Mate- We'll be right back, seriously. I only need to borrow him for a bit."

"You said that last time and I didn't see Benson for a month. I'm not handing him over, old man." 

"You threatened Quackity with him. You're the reason Las Nevadas is located on the moving island."

Tubbo, the mature god he was. Simply stuck his tongue out and turned to the taller to his right. 

"Boo, Philza is being mean again."

"And what do you suppose I do about that?"

The taller drawled looking downwards, sounding almost bored if it wasn't for the smile that ghosted his face.

"Fight for my honor or something. We're husbands."

The shorter god stated the fact that it was a definite reason to wage war against the older god. Ranboo took one long glance at the blonde god, his eyes calculating as if considering his chances. 

"Fiances. No, thank you. I'd rather not take my chances against the lover of the Goddess of Death. I'm content with not perishing anytime soon. I doubt Techno wouldn't get to me first if I even tried anyways."

"Yeah, yeah. You're lucky you're rich."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"You'd be surprised."

Ranboo sent the shorter a perplexed look and settled on not asking any further. Whilst the other settled on not elaborating. Tommy looked between them bewildered and arm trapped in the confines of Tubbo.

"You guys are getting married? And you didn't care to invite me? I'm hurt."

The blonde feigned sorrow, head tilted, and turned away from the other two. 

Philza cleared his throat, causing the group to look up at him or down in Ranboo's case. 

"Back to borrowing Tommy. I'll bring him back after I'm done with him."

The brown-haired god looked up at him skeptically, his gaze doubtful.
After a few seconds, he let go of the blonde with a huff.

"You better."

He sent a look to Techno and went back to grinning at the group as the other god started walking away. He followed, taking Tommy with them.

The group made it to the pillars before the blonde started conversing again, it was more of a one-sided conversation, but it didn't stop him.
Not that the winged god minded much, the other didn't seem to either. 

It was an abrupt change in the environment but not unwelcome. The plain was more empty than usual. Ordinarily, there would be at least a handful of gods conversing with one another. 

Philza wouldn't put it past the God of Protection and the God of Corruption to be attached at the hip, spending all their time together. But, it was extremely abnormal to see neither there, even alone. 

The garden wasn't much of a walk to the large timber and cut masonry building, carved limestone columns larger than the God of Creation himself. Back where this whole situation began and hopefully where it concluded as well. 

Techno, the front of the group, pushed the lacquered doors open as the three filed into the building. 

The interior is a complete difference from the exterior, intricately carved limestone columns. Timber shades darker than the surface, dark marble floor. The expanse of the building would have made Philza dizzy if he hadn't been here so many times. 

The height of the room almost made the ceiling look like the sky. The lime plaster fresco consisted of a mural of the gods, a beautiful thing. The Goddess in the center of it all, under was XD dark shades followed by light never clashing. Surrounding gods brought the mural together displaying their abilities, the extent of most at least. The mural always felt empty even considering the vast amount of god's on it, there was always something missing. 

No matter how much the god pondered it, a conclusion was never made. 

The group made their way through the large open space, the blonde following silently behind. Philza didn't know what caused him to become silent, but an astonished look in his eyes as he swiveled around and gaped at his surroundings pretty much answered it. 

The god chuckled at the sight and turned to look forward, slowing to a saunter even as Techno strode ahead. The group made it to their destination in mere minutes, the pink-haired god waiting at the large lacquered door. He held an irritated look, his posture rigid, but he looked everything besides vexed as they approached. The blonde stopped slightly in front of the door and turned. 

He watched as Tommy continued to look around, amazed at their surroundings almost running into the god in the process. Philza only smiled at the sheepish blonde as he stepped back. 

Philza turned back around and stared at Techno, the other took a second and gave a small nod. Just barely noticeable, a small tip of his head but enough. He looked at the large bronze cast door, the small detailed portrayals of gods carved into the smooth surface. The details were dark almost stark black with age, the door itself was a dark color, almost black as well in the dim lighting. He looked over the details once more and raised his fist to knock.

"You may enter."

The voice belonging to the Goddess of Death herself reverberated through the empty hall before his knuckles even got the chance to make contact with the door's surface. 

The blonde stepped aside to let Techno push open the extensive doors, following after him into the dimmed room. He looked behind him to watch as Tommy strolled into the room leisurely, not giving his surroundings even a second glance. 

It was odd. 

It was completely different from how he was seconds before he almost looked bored. The room was only slightly dimmer than the extensive hall. The room was large and decorated. The walls beside them had hung tapestries and dim torches. In midst of it, all was the Goddess shrouded in shadows and covered in black garments. The only color was a red heart on her sternum. The two gods took a knee and synchronized, "Goddess."