Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Waking up to the annoying squeak of my bed is almost comforting. It's better to know that I'm back in the facility that smelled like chemicals and not in another foster home. Although, the workers hardly treated you much better in the facility than in someone's home. At least here I knew I would receive one meal a day. I shift, turning to lay on my back, and sigh. I'm glad to be almost out of the system. I only have one more long and dreading year left since I recently turned seventeen.

As I creak the bed more, I slowly sit up and grab my rough-looking journal. I received the book from my mother before she left me in the facility when I was three. She knew it would help since she's an enderman and I'm half-enderman, meaning we both have god-awful memories. Reading the most recent page, I am reminded that it has only been a day back in the facility since my last foster home. The family was fairly kind which was a nice change, but because of my lineage, they decided I just wasn't the right fit for them.

As well as being half-enderman, I am also a half-bird-human hybrid. An awful mix of creatures, I think.

I make enderman noises, sometimes I have ender particles around me, I have tendencies to pick up dirt, I make twittering bird noises, and I have the possibility of growing wings. I'm afraid of doing all of those things as well as speaking. I haven't spoken in probably seven years. You sometimes have to learn to keep your mouth shut so your guardians won't hurt you. Whether it be mentally or physically, I learned that lesson the hard way.

Not only that, but my overall appearance is a turn-off for many foster families. I was an ugly being to look at, at least that is what I'm constantly told. My skin is half midnight black and half stark white with my hair to match. I have tear and water scars because of my enderman half. I either smell or take baths in lava pools if my foster family has access to lava and fire resistance potions. My eye is unnaturally bright lime green on the black side and ruby red on the white side. I'm also extremely tall for my age due to my enderman side.

Continuing to glance over my journal, I'm briefly startled into reality. There was a quiet knock at my door. It was a female voice, but I can't remember her name. "Hey, Ranboo. Mr. Anderson wants to see you in his office."

I quickly pulled on some "clean" underwear, socks, black ripped jeans that are too short for my tall, lanky body, a pair of red converse, and a worn black hoodie. I take quick strides to Mr. Anderson's office and knock on the door lightly.

"Come in, Mr. Beloved," he says as a bid of entrance. As if this was a routine, I sat on the hard wooden chair in front of his desk. "Mr. Beloved, I'm close to giving up on you. Nobody wants you." Um, excuse me. Rude.

"Honestly, there aren't many people who want a teenager, especially one of your... condition," Honestly, I probably wouldn't want me either.

"I'm calling an old friend who 'likes' to pick up creatures like you. He's probably not busy, so be ready to meet him tomorrow," Damn, a pity call. He'll probably look at me and then leave because I'm so gross-looking.

"Got that, Mr. Beloved?" I nod. "Good, go to your room now. Lucy will bring you food at some point today."

Chapter Text

"He's a half enderman and half human-bird hybrid," Mr. Anderson explained in a slightly disgusted tone. "He's really ugly to look at, I'm surprised you decided to come, Mr. Minecraft."

"I'm sorry you think that. I'm sure he's just fine." a man said, he sounded slightly pissed off.

I yawned, I didn't get that much sleep last night. I briefly knocked on the door as I really didn't want to wait nor listen to him talk about me like that anymore. I could feel my heart beating quickly, it always does that when I meet new people. That makes it hard for me to talk to folx, it's not that big of a problem anymore since I just don't talk. (folx is an all-encompassing term for all types of people)

Mr. Anderson gives me a bright plastic smile as he opens the meeting room door. I step into the white-walled room as Mr. Anderson leaves quickly behind me. I glanced at the man in front of me before quickly averting my gaze to the floor. He was good-looking and seemed fairly young, he had a bright smile. He had shoulder-length dirty blond hair. And wore a green and white striped bucket hat, a plain evergreen-colored t-shirt, and some black jeans. Surprisingly, he gave off a good vibe and that's always something in my book.

"Hello, mate. I'm Phil and you're Ranboo, right?" the man smiled brighter. I peek at him briefly and nod, but you can never be too careful. "You don't seem much for talking, but that's alright. That's how Tubbo was at first too, but then he realized I was taking him to Tommy," Phil chuckled.

I had forgotten that Mr. Anderson mentioned that he had fostered others "like me" before. "Since you aren't one for talking, would you like to hear about my family?" Phil asked kindly, I could tell he didn't want to pressure me into anything. I gave a half-smile and nodded.

He told me that he's a single father with four children who were all in the system. His oldest is a pig hybrid who loves to read, write, and learning how to fight. His name is Technoblade, but most people just call him Techno. I like his name because it doesn't sound like a "normal" name.

His next oldest is named Wilbur. He's not a hybrid, but he still sounds cool. He really likes music, playing guitar, acting, and messing with his siblings.

Tubbo is next. I like his name too. He is a bee hybrid who loves to garden, play video games, and play piano with Wilbur.

And finally, Tommy is only a few months younger than Tubbo, but he's not a hybrid. Tommy was chosen to be fostered before Tubbo but begged Phil until he invited Tubbo home, too. They had been best friends in the system and commonly came as a pair. He's very loud, likes video games, annoying his siblings, and learning to fight with Technoblade.

It was entertaining to hear all about Phil's family. It sounded like they had a good family dynamic and I feel a slight tingling of jealousy around my heart. They had something that I just knew I would never have. "Ranboo," Phil says. "From the short time I've been talking to you, I can tell you're a good kid. Would you like to come home with me?"

My mouth almost unhinged in shock. I looked directly into his sky blue eyes and nodded, smiling slightly. I looked away quickly after, I feel awkward holding eye contact for too long, but I wanted to get my point across. I so badly want what they have.

"Lovely," he smiles brightly at me. "Let me just sign some paperwork I filled out earlier while you go and grab your things. Meet back here, alright?"

I beamed at Phil and sped out of the room like the Flash.

Chapter Text

Since I had only been back a few days in the facility, there really wasn't much for me to pack up. Mostly just my journal and shoving the few pieces of my clothing into the bag. I slung the raggedy old light brown duffle bag onto my shoulder and dashed back out of the room. I skipped down the hallway and embraced the feeling of my pounding heart. It seemed like someone actually wanted me!

I take a deep breath and slow my pace before standing outside the meeting room door once more. It could be just like that last family, they seem to like you then throw you out once they're bored of you. Or it could be like other families in the past that seem nice and then just use you for the state money and free labor. I could feel a weight fall on my shoulders. I'm going to try to stay positive with this family, I hope.

I didn't knock and just opened the door quickly, stepping in. Phil gave a brilliantly bright smile and I did my best to give one back. We left the room out the back door that led to the parking lot. I followed Phil to a nice soft orange and white-colored van. (image at the top) "You can set your things in the back seat and then sit up front with me if you would like."

I did as I was told and sat upfront as Phil started the van. It was surprisingly well kept considering he housed a bunch of teenagers. The seat was a creamy white color and fairly comfortable. Phil glanced over at me as he started leaving the parking lot and said, "I'm really glad you decided to come with me. I do feel that you will be a great addition and get along well with everyone."

I smiled lightly and nodded to him. He returned his gaze to the road and then turned up the CD he had in the player. I was pleasantly surprised to hear Lemon Demon playing, they are my favorite artist and I didn't get to hear them often. I smiled and mouthed along to the lyrics of Cabinet Man. "I think you'll be happy to know that Wilbur really likes that artist also."

I could actually talk to someone about my music taste! I smiled a bit brighter as I continued to mouth the lyrics. The rest of the ride was filled with lip-syncing from me and Phil on occasion as well as filling in my journal to remember all the information that Phil told me. I feel really happy, it's been a while since I've felt that.

Chapter Text

I had apparently dozed off in the car as I woke up to a light tapping from a smiling Phil. "Welcome home!"

I gave a tired smile as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. Sliding out of the van and into the chilled March air, I grab my duffle bag. Out of chill, I made a light tweet noise, slapping my hands over my mouth hoping that Phil hadn't heard. Phil seemed to shift before turning to smile at me again, I hope it was nothing. Then I followed Phil up to the light blue two-story home.

Stepping into the home felt like a welcoming warm blanket after running about in the snow. It had oak wooden flooring and creamy slightly off-white walls. I could hear multiple loud but happy voices on the floor above. I followed Phil down a hallway to a door at the back of the house, glancing at the family photos on the walls as we walked. They all looked so happy. Phil opens the door saying, "This was the guest room, but now this is your room, Ranboo. Are you ready to meet the boys?"

I set down my bag on the twin-size bed in the small room. There was a dark wooden desk with a matching bed and nightstand. The sheets were white but looked lightly used. I turn back to Phil and nod. He smiles and yells, "Boys! Come meet Ranboo!"

It sounded like a herd of elephants running down the stairs. First to run into the room was a young blond boy with a brown-haired boy with antennae following close behind. After that was another brown-haired boy who seemed slightly shorter than me. And finally, the pig hybrid with pink hair entered the room. I felt self-conscious under all their gazes. And a bit crowded, too...

"Well, hello there Ranboob-" the blond boy started.

"Tommy, don't be rude! That's Tommy, I'm Wilbur, that's Techno," Wilbur explained, pointing at the pink-haired man. "And that's Tubbo!"

They sure seemed to be a rowdy bunch of boys. I gave a half-smile and waved at the group. "Do you not talk?" the boy named Tubbo asked. I shake my head at him nervously. "Hey, that's alright. I was just wondering."

"Wait, wait, wait! Were you born before April 9th, 2004?" the loud blond boy, Tommy, asked. I nod and he pumps his arms. "That means that I'm not the youngest anymore!"

"No, Tommy. You're still the youngest, he was born before you, not after," Technoblade corrects him teasingly. I smile lightly, I feel and hope that he and I will get along well.

"Well, let's leave Ranboo alone now to unpack," Phil smiled at the boys. They nodded and all filed out of the room, all except for the antennaed boy Tubbo. I waved at him briefly, what is he still doing in here? He walks toward me with his arm extended to touch mine. I recoiled, holding in a surprised chirp, was he going to hurt me?

"Sorry, I'm telepathic so I can hear your thoughts if I touch you. I don't have to if you're uncomfortable though," Tubbo says. Oh. I extend my arm to him. I don't know why, I guess I just wanted my thoughts to be heard.

He touches my arm. "Hello, Ranboo," he says without his mouth moving.

"Uhm, hi," I reply with a light smile. He looks at me with a surprised expression.

"Woah! I wasn't expecting your voice to be so low!"

"Really? I honestly don't know what my voice sounds like anymore. I haven't spoken in a long time."

"The way I hear your voice is how you would speak out loud," Tubbo explains, telepathically. "How long have you not spoken for? Sorry, if that's too personal, I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"No, it's alright. I haven't spoken since I was about ten-ish, so about seven years."

"Oh, damn. I'm sorry. Well, I hope you learn that it's safe to open up here. Maybe, you could even go back to speaking aloud. Sorry, that might be too optimistic, but I really do hope you like it here," Tubbo gives me a shy smile. I return the smile and he removes his hand from my arm. He turns and heads toward the door. "I'll let you unpack now. Lunch should be ready in about a half-hour. Then I can give you a tour of the house."

Chapter Text

I felt kind of drained after the interaction with so many people. Although they said I could unpack my things, I'm not sure I will just yet. Would it be worth it to put my few things away before having to throw them all back into the duffle again?

I decided to sit down at the desk and add a few things to my journal. I glanced back at older pages, the endermen language feeling welcoming. I could write in English too, but it was always a nice refreshing feeling to write like that in my journal. I'm startled by the sound of light footsteps entering the room. "Lunch is ready," Technoblade's gruff voice says.

I follow him down the hallway and into the dining room. Phil sat at one end of the dark wooden table, Tommy and Tubbo on the right, Wilbur and Technoblade on the left. That left the one seat at the other end of the table for me. I sat down, everything smelled amazing. The boys all looked at Phil and he nodded, everyone began to eat.

While looking at Phil I noticed something that I hadn't seen earlier. Phil had beautifully large cloudy-grey bird wings. He had them spread out from one wall to the other. They seemed almost angelic and looked so soft. I didn't want to be caught staring, so I turned back to the food in front of me.

It was a simple chicken noodle soup and some bread with butter. And although it was right in front of me, it felt as if it were illegal for me to touch. I felt my stomach grumble in hunger but also a slight nervousness. I'm guessing Tubbo could feel the energy coming from me because we accidentally made eye contact for a short second. Phil apparently got the message from Tubbo and encouragingly says, "That's yours, Ranboo. You can eat as much or as little as you want to."

I nod shortly and pick up the spoon in front of me. I take a small bite of soup, it tastes so wonderful. I continue to eat spoonful after spoonful until it's all gone then, I eat the buttered piece of bread. I glanced around the table and noticed that I was done before anyone else. I apparently was hungrier than I had first thought. Then again, I hadn't had a meal since yesterday according to my journal.

"Woah, dude! You ate so fast!" Tubbo comments. Everyone turns their heads toward me and I blush at the sudden attention. Well, it wasn't really a blush, it was more so a darkening of the white side and a slight lightening of the black side.

"He speedran lunch! Way faster even when I wanted to play video games!" Tommy agrees.

I put my eyes back on my bowl, it was really awkward under everyone's gazes. My fuzzy little purple particles surrounded me as if I were to teleport. I think they felt my discomfort and saw the particles, so they went back to eating. "Do you want any more, Ranboo?" Phil asks kindly. I was still kind of hungry but I shook my head no. I felt a little more comfortable again so the particles left, I did like their feeling though.

Soon after, everyone finished up their meals. Tubbo mentioned there being a tour of the house, so I glanced over in his general direction. He must have seen me looking, he smiled saying, "You ready for the tour, Ranboo?"

I nod, getting up from my chair, extending my hand out to Tubbo. He took it happily. "Yo! Can I help with the tour?!" Tommy yelled. I felt kind of wary of Tommy. I'm sure he's nice but I've had quite a bit of excitement today.

"Not this time, Tommy. I'll take care of it," Tubbo smiles. "You forgot that I can hear your thoughts while I'm touching you."

"Oh. Yeah. Thank you though. Like I thought, I'm sure he's great, his energy is just a bit taxing," I explain. Tubbo nods and brings me back down the hallway towards my bedroom. He stops very shortly in front of an opening.

"This leads into the kitchen. There is also another doorway by the dining room," We walk into the kitchen. The floor is an off-white colored tile, the walls are the same as the rest of the house, and the cabinets match the dining table. Then we walk back out of there and go straight. It's the living room. It had a fairly large tv, several gaming consoles, and some comfortable-looking brown-ish couches. There was also the front door that I came in from. Then, Tubbo led me back to the hallway. We stopped about halfway down.

"This is Dadza's office. He streams video games on Twitch as a job," Tubbo explains as we step into the small-ish room. It had a nice three monitor computer set up and there was some art of Phil on the walls.

"What does streaming video games on Twitch mean? And is Phil, uh, 'Dadza'?"

"Yeah, that's our nickname for him. Also, the short of it is he plays video games for most of the day. People watch his content online and he gets money from it. Whether it be through donations, subscribers, or bits."

"Oh, okay! That sounds kind of fun," I smile at Tubbo and he nods. I follow him out of the room and slightly farther down the hallway. We stop in front of a door and he briefly explains that this is one out of two bathrooms in the house. After that, he leads me back through the hallway and up the stairs.

"This first door here is my room," Tubbo explains. The walls are the same white as the rest of the house. There is a twin-sized bed with green sheets, a gaming pc, several ukuleles on the wall, a keyboard, a dresser, and a closet. He also had several succulents on his window shelf.

"Your room is cool."

"Thank you," We went one door down. "This is Tommy's room." His walls were a light red color (not quite pink), he also had a gaming pc, darker red colored sheets, a bookshelf, a dresser, a closet, and a window.

"Is his favorite color red?" Tubbo nods and leads me back out of the room. We head another door down. As we entered, I could just tell this was Wilbur's room. The walls were a blue-ish green color (a/n his signature stream outline color), his sheets were white, there were several types of guitars on his walls, a keyboard, a gaming pc, a bookshelf filled with records, cd's, and books, a dresser, a closet, and a window. "This is Wilbur's room, right?"

"You would be correct. How did you know?" Tubbo asks sarcastically. He led me out of the room once more and to the third to last door. "This is Techno's room." The walls were light brown, multiple bookshelves filled with books, a gaming pc, a twin-sized bed with red sheets, a dresser, a closet, and a window.

"Feels fitting for him, I suppose."

Tubbo leads me past one door, explaining that it was the second bathroom and to the final door. We walked into Phil's room. There was a queen-sized bed with green sheets, two windows, a bookshelf, a dresser, and a closet. The walls were also the same white as most of the house. It was a fairly plain room compared to the others but I had guessed it was because most of his stuff was in his office downstairs.

"And that's the end of the tour!" Tubbo exclaims telepathically.

"Thank you, Tubbo."

"Do you need help unpacking? And do you want to play video games or something or do you just want to chill until dinner?"

"I don't need any help, thank you. And thanks for the offer but I'll just chill in my room."

"Alright! Well, if you need anything feel free to ask," Tubbo smiles and heads to his room while I head downstairs to mine.

Chapter Text

The rest of the evening was fairly lowkey. I spent most of my time in my room, I was pretty drained from interacting with so many people. I had added a bit more to my journal, mostly about everyone's rooms. You can learn a lot from what they have on their walls and how they have the room set up. The rest of that time was spent staring at the ceiling contemplating everything that had happened.

I mean, was this even really happening? When are they going to toss me to the side? They seem so nice and welcoming, but is it just their facade? Will it be okay because Phil is literally a hybrid?

Near 9 o'clock, I realized that I had left my toiletries at the last foster home. So, I had to ask Tubbo to get me an extra toothbrush which he did gladly. After that, I put on a worn grey t-shirt and shorts. Then, I decided to turn in for the night, turn off the lights, and lay in bed.

The silence was nice but the nagging voice always came to ruin it. Always saying that things would never be any different and they were only being kind for now. I decided to argue with it tonight until I was startled by my door opening.

In the room walked in Tommy, he was sniffling slightly. He must have forgotten I was in the room because he walked past the bed and to the window. He opened it quietly, letting in a chilly breeze and beautiful view of the night sky. The blond boy seemed to gasp in awe of the stars as he continued to sniffle quietly.

I knew that eventually they wouldn't want me anymore, but in this moment I wanted to spread some kindness. I got up from the bed, stood next to the boy, and put a hand on his shoulder. He jumped slightly and rubbed at his teary eyes.

"I'm sorry, big man, I forgot you were in here," Tommy turns away, my guess in embarrassment. I just rubbed circles on his back, I really didn't mind comforting people. "I like to come here to see the sky after a nightmare. It calms me and this room is away from everyone else, so they can never hear me break down..."

I bring him closer to my side, continuing to rub circles on his arm now. "I'm supposed to be a big man, y'know. And sometimes I don't feel like a big man... I don't know why I'm telling you this. You probably don't even like me."

He was in the system too, so it was understandable to have to feel like you have to always put on a brave face. I suppose I called it, I knew this kid had a softer side... Oh no, emotional attachment already...

I decided to pull him into a hug, trying to be careful of the tears not burning my skin. I honestly really felt it for this kid. This was one of those times I wish I could speak, but I really hope he got my message. After a long few minutes, I let go of him.

"Thanks, Ranboo," he smiles painfully.

I give a small smile mouthing the word, "Anytime."

That night, I felt accomplished in helping someone and hopeful for the future.

Chapter Text

Reminder: Everything is completely platonic. It is only friendly/brotherly/family stuff, not shipping! If you're weird, I will not be afraid to delete your comments!

I woke up the next morning extremely disoriented. It took me a moment to realize that I was in my newest foster home. The semi-familiar colors of the walls and desk. My arms were also held tightly around something, or as I realized, someone.

(Completely platonic, friendly/brotherly embrace) My long noodly arms were wrapped around the loud but nice blond boy. I guess we fell asleep hugging while I was comforting Tommy last night. My stomach has this weird feeling and I notice the numbness of my left arm under Tommy.

I began running through the best ideas of how to get out of this without waking up Tommy. I had never been in this situation, so I didn't really know what to do. I could slide my arm out slow or I could do it fast. I could try to roll Tommy off my arm, but that would most likely wake him up. Would twisting my arm make it easier to take out?

To my relief, Phil opened the door as slowly and quietly as possible. The older man smiled, shaking his head slightly. I tried to give him a pleading look, having a hard time making eye contact. Thankfully, he got the message and came to wake up Tommy.

He shook the boy lightly, softly saying, "Tommy, get up. You have to get ready for school, bud."

It took a moment but Tommy groggily nodded to Phil. Soon after Tommy begrudgingly left the room. Phil chuckles, "I wonder how that happened."

I shrugged, lightly smiling. "Do you need your laundry done? I noticed that you didn't put anything away."

I suppose I did. I don't even remember the last time they were washed. Which I realize I don't remember things well, but still its probably been a while. I shrugged and mouthed the words, "I guess."

"Alright, I'll get to that. Okay, bud? There is cereal for breakfast downstairs," Phil explains, grabbing the duffle and swiftly leaving the room.

I sat quietly chewing my cereal. I decided to eat some Creeper Crunch and I had this weird feeling that spaghetti would make it so much better. The only other person at the table was Wilbur. Techno had to take Tommy and Tubbo to school. I was about to get up when Phil walked into the dining room.

"Hey, Ranboo. I noticed that most of your clothes are pretty worn and that you don't have that much clothing either. Do you want to go shopping for some new clothes?"

Someone was actually offering to buy me new clothes? Normally I just got leftovers and hand-me-downs. Even if I get thrown out eventually, I'll have new attire that will last a while. I nod slowly, hopefully not looking too excited. It had been so long since I got to choose what I like.

"Great! Wilbur, do you want to come as well?" Phil smiles. Wilbur glances up from his phone and nods. "Alright. Once Techno gets back we'll all leave for the mall. You look around Wilbur's size, do you want to borrow some of his clothes for the day?"

They're already bothering with getting me new clothes, as well as offering to borrow some of Wilbur's? I look in Wilbur's general direction. He shakes his head as if in permission. If Wilbur is alright with it, then I guess I'll borrow something. I give Phil a thumbs up and put my dishes away.

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About fifteen minutes later, I'm in the orange van wearing a baggy tan colored sweater and black ripped jeans. Phil was driving, Techno in the passenger seat, and Wilbur was to the left of me. Lemon Demon was still playing, happily mouthing the words to the song. (a/n *Two Trucks fades in*) The drive lasted no longer than twenty minutes.

"Alright. I need to get a few things in electronics. Techno comes with me. Wilbur, you'll go with Ranboo to the clothing stores. Text me when you're ready to pay," Phil instructs. I felt a little anxious that I wouldn't be near Phil. Why would I be nervous to not be by Phil? I've been so independent for so long.

I hop out of the van with Wilbur, following close behind him. I had never gone to this mall before or a mall in general. This would certainly be a new and stressful experience. We walked into the closest clothing store.

"So, you fell asleep hugging Tommy. How did that happen?" Wilbur prompts, smiling. I made a gesture of zipping and locking my mouth, hopefully, he understands that I mean it's a secret. "Alright then. Well, the men's section is over here. Grab anything that you want to try on, I'll stay around that area."

I agree and head into the men's section. I need new of basically everything. There was this half-basket half-cart/trolley thing that I grabbed to put my things in. I grabbed two packs of underwear and socks in my size then headed to look at pants. I grabbed a variety to try. There were black stretchy ones, blue stretchy ones, black ripped, blue skinny, grey sweatpants, etc. I head over to shirts. I grabbed some Hawaiin shirts, some plain colored ones, some sweaters/sweatshirts, and some graphic tees.

After gathering everything, I headed to the changing rooms. Some pants were too small or didn't look right. Most of the shirts I needed in a smaller size, I'm mostly legs with a short torso. After changing back into my borrowed clothes, I put things back where they were supposed to go and switched some things out for different sizes.

The last thing I wanted to get was a winter jacket. I push my cart over to that area. I noticed a lady probably a few years older than Phil. I guessed that she was looking for a jacket for her son. I began skimming through the jackets in my size. Suddenly the lady showed up at my side.

"What are you doing here?" She asks impatiently. Her face looks pinched in pain, probably because her blonde ponytail was too tight. I pointed to the clothes in explanation.

"Excuse me, speak when you're spoken to," She crosses her arms. I didn't know how to explain that I couldn't speak. I hadn't really had to deal with this in the past. I make an "x" with my fingers over my mouth.

"It's rude not to speak to your elders. And look me in my eyes when you're speaking to me! Oh, of course. You're a hybrid. You stupid hybrids are always causing problems! You're probably going to steal all that too!" The lady yells. My eyes widen and I shake my head furiously. I would never steal anything!

"Oh yes, I caught you red-handed! You were going to steal this! You damn hybrids. Why can't you go back to your labs?! Oh, wait. Even they don't want you!" She yells. I cover my ears at her sudden loud voice. I sometimes forget how much people hate hybrids.

"And now you're acting as if I were the problem! Stupid Hybrid!" Smack! The right side of my face burns. Suddenly a guy around my age appeared.

"What's going on?" he asks.

"This hybrid was harassing me, Jacob!" She lies, feigning hurt. Still shaking my head, I try to give the guy a pleading look.

"Dumb hybrid harassing my mother," He grumbles. Smack! I don't understand! I didn't do anything wrong! I understand I'm a hybrid but that doesn't mean I'm bad! My heart is beating out of my chest, I'm so scared that they're going to hit me again.

"WiLbUr!" A scratchy enderman sounding voice escapes my lips.

"Ugh! Your voice is disgusting too!" the guy cringes. A few moments later, thankfully Wilbur appeared.

"What's going on Ranboo? Are you alright?" His face is ridden with concern. I shake my head furiously. The pain in my cheek and throat starting to bring tears from the pain. I can't cry or it will hurt worse.

"This hybrid was harassing me!" the lady exclaims loudly, making me cover my ears again.

"Sure doesn't seem like it, ma'am. We'll be going now," Wilbur grabs my arm and the cart. Once far enough away from them, Wilbur says, "Techno is just outside of the building waiting for you. He will take you to the car and I'll have Phil come to pay for your things."

I shakily nod and head out of the building.

Chapter Text

Third Person POV

Tommy has had an interesting past.

Everything about Tommy has been closely tied with Tubbo, fortunately. Ever since they were children, their birth parents would have the two boys hang out together. While this does sound nice, the reasoning as to why isn't as happy.

Both of their parents were alcoholics. One set of parents would watch the two boys while the other set got drunk. They would swap back and forth constantly, hardly any rest for the adults and the boys.

Sometimes the babies were even left by themselves while their parents chugged down their booze. On those occasions, when the adults got home, they were mistreated because of the noise the baby boys caused. Hitting them, scratching them, not feeding them, and on occasion tossing them. The boys knew bruises many years before most kids did.

By age three, -much too young- Tommy tried to stand up to their parents with the few words he knew. Being in the households that he was in, he knew mostly swearing and angry words. He couldn't understand why he and his basically brother were being treated in those ways. Seeing the happy families on television made him jealous, even if that wasn't an emotion he could understand yet.

This caused a drunk outrage from both sets of parents. There was screaming, from the adults and/or children, it was hard to tell. Things were being smashed; at walls, at tables, at photo frames, at the kids, at each other. There was enough noise and chaos that the neighbors eventually called the police.

To this day, the boys still have scars from this night, whether they remember them or not.

This caused the boys to be put in the foster care system. The two boys were practically inseparable because of their trauma as well as their baby-born friendship. The caretakers understood this quickly and showed them to parents as a "package deal."

The boys were thrown into many different living situations for around the next seven years. Some were good, some were bad, some were just okay. Sometimes the parents were nice and taught the boys helpful lessons. And other times, they were just used for the government money and ignored. They hardly stayed in the same school long enough to make any friends.

Tubbo tended to stay quieter and stay in Tommy's shadow. While Tommy was rather loud and boisterous because that's the type of people he grew up with. The two were walking contradictions of the other. Although, they were still brotherly best friends nonetheless.

Both of their opposite personalities were problems depending on the household. Tubbo was too quiet, why wouldn't he speak up? Tommy was too loud, would the kid ever shut up and stop swearing? Sometimes, the parents were concerned that they would be bad influences on their other children.

The near-constant negativity toward the two boys made them cause a lot of trouble. Their trouble-making was brought to the foster parents, the foster siblings, the caretakers, as well as sometimes even teachers and students. It was mostly just harmless pranks, but it was an issue to the people around them.

Then, Tommy met Phil. The head caretaker couldn't handle the constant calls and issues with this troublesome child. Tommy took most of the credit/blame (depending on who you asked) of their pranks unintentionally. So, he was sent to meet Phil, who was known for taking in one of the most unwanted children in the past.

The two got along quite quickly. Tommy felt safe with this young man and Phil understood the kid. So at age ten, Tommy went home with Philza Minecraft. There was some certain hesitation, as he would be leaving Tubbo behind, but forgot about it through his excitement.

After about two weeks of endless begging, Tommy had convinced Phil to meet with Tubbo as well. He being brought home nearly only three hours later. And now, the boys have lived with Phil, Wilbur, and Techno for about seven years.

Tommy has had an interesting past.

The start, not great. The end, much better.

He still has violent nightmares.

Chapter Text

I should've handled the situation better.

I've been hurt worse, why did two slaps break me down so quickly? Why did I yell? My throat hurts so bad. It feels like something scratching and scraping down the insides of my throat. My head still pounds as well, the echo of my voice bouncing throughout my skull.

I should've handled the situation better.

My cheek still stings slightly and tears prick at my eyes as Wilbur recounts how he found me to Phil and Techno in the van. "Oh, Ranboo. I'm so sorry, mate," Phil sighs.

"Your throat must hurt," Techno glances back at me. I nod, feeling drained. "Do you want some tea once we arrive home?"

I nod to him thankfully. I hope that helps, at least for a little while.

I should've handled the situation better and my throat wouldn't hurt.

"Was it my name that you shouted?" Wilbur asks. I nod. "Ah. I wasn't certain. Since you haven't spoken in a while and there was an enderman twang, it mostly sounded like a garbled mess."

I feel my cheeks heat slightly and I don't know why. I shouldn't be ashamed of the fact that my voice sounded like that after so long.

I should've handled the situation better and Wilbur wouldn't have had to have heard my disgusting voice.

----------

I sat quietly on the couch sipping the tea the Techno made. Techno and Wilbur were playing a game on the Xbox, quietly bickering back and forth. Phil was in the laundry room taking off the tags of my new clothes and putting them in the wash. He was supposed to stream after he was finished with that task.

I wasn't exactly sure what I should be doing. Normally, I would be doing tasks non-stop. Whether it is cleaning, food shopping, or occupying the foster parents' children, I always had something that I had to do. At my most recent foster home, according to my journal I mostly just mindlessly watched television with their other children.

Lost in my thoughts of what to do, I finish my tea. I decided that I could do the dishes and figure something out from there. I head to the kitchen, there were plenty of dishes in the sink. I set my mug on the counter and open up the cupboard under the sink. Thankful that there were cleaning gloves that went up close to my elbows. For some reason, they were pink with blue, yellow, and white polka dots, this seemed odd since there were no women in the household. (Oh adoptive Ranboo, you are so close-minded, my friend.)

I turned the water to warm and found a cleaning brush that I put some dish soap on. (I can't say dish soap irl, I say it dish shoap lmao) I also grab a towel and place it on the counter next to the sink. The sink is divided into two halves and in the half with the dishes, I fill it with soapy water. The other half is for cleaning the dishes.

I quickly get into my rhythm of rinse, scrub, rinse, dry, repeat. The repetition puts my mind at ease and distracts me from the pain that still lingers in my throat. I'm so in my zone that I don't even notice Wilbur walk up behind me. "What are you doing, Ranboo?"

I set down the dish I was holding and raised an eyebrow at him, wasn't it obvious? "Ah, I asked the wrong question," Wil chuckles. "What I meant was, why are you doing the dishes? Someone else could have done it. You should be chilling out anyways after what happened at the mall."

I glanced around the kitchen and set my eyes on a pad of sticky notes and a pen. "I don't have anything better to do." I write to him.

"Oh, I see. Well, why don't I help you with drying the dishes, so you can get done faster? Have you heard of a video game called DigCombine (Minecraft but not because uh... you get it)?" Wilbur asks, grabbing the towel off the counter. I shake my head no.

"Well, why don't Techno and I teach you how to play?" he smiles lightly. "After we're done, I mean."

I shrug and nod. Why not?

Chapter Text

Once we finish the dishes we head back out into the living room. Techno was sitting in the middle of the couch extremely focused on what he was doing. The game seemed very block-like with blocky animals and pixelated items. "That's the game we'll be teaching you, Ranboo," Wilbur explains. Techno looks toward us with a raised eyebrow.

"'We' will be teaching Ranboo, DigCombine? I never agreed to this," Techno sighs.

"Hey, the kid was literally doing chores because he didn't know what else he could do," Wilbur shakes his head disapprovingly. Techno rolls his eyes but nods. He moved over a seat so I could sit in the middle, I guessed. I sit criss-cross on the center cushion and am immediately handed a cold Xbox controller. "Start up a new world, Techno, would ya?"

"Yup."

"Alright. So, you see that left joystick?" Wilbur asks, I shake my head in confusion. "Joysticks are the rounded lever-like parts on top of the controller."

I've seen people use Xboxes before but had never used one myself. I never knew there were specific names for each part. This might take a bit longer than Wil first thought.

"Well, alright. Let me explain each part to you first. I should have asked if you'd ever used a controller before," Wilbur sighs. It sounded like a sigh of disappointment, whether it be about me or himself, I wasn't sure. "Right. So now you know the right and left joysticks. The plus-shaped button below the left joystick is called a d-pad, you thankfully won't use this much for this game. Then the buttons above the right joystick are 'Y', 'B', 'A', and 'X' which all do different things. Then there are the left and right triggers, which look like gun triggers, hence the name. And lastly, above the triggers, there are the bumpers. Got all that?"

I nod. I'll certainly try to remember. Wilbur will probably have to teach me all the buttons again tomorrow.

"Okay, good. The left joystick helps you move around in the game. If you push it forward, you'll go forward and if you pull back, you'll go backward. Same with left and right. See, like this," Wilbur demonstrates. His thumb goes forward on the joystick and his character in the game moves forward. Understanding, I try it myself. My character moves forward, backward, left, and right with ease.

"Exactly! Now, the right joystick helps you look around. It has the same mechanic idea, except instead of forward and backward it is up and down." I follow Wilbur's demonstration, getting the idea pretty quickly. I decided to try walking and looking around, which turns out to be pretty easy.

"Wil, get him in a hole or something, it's almost night," Techno says. His character is in a dark area which is illuminated by what looked like torches.

"Of course. Look down and use the right trigger to mine the dirt below you," Wilbur once again demonstrates with his character. I dig three blocks down just like Wilbur did. "You're getting the hang of it! Now look up and place a block above your head using the left trigger."

I smile lightly. It was nice to get along with someone. And I was surprised to notice how warm it felt to have an older brother figure. Two older brother figures, Techno just wasn't helping as much.

I was disrupted from my thoughts as I felt a weight lift from the couch. Techno stretched and left the room saying, "I'll go make lunch for us."

"Thanks, Tech!" Wilbur smiles. "Okay. It should be daytime now. Try getting out of the hole. Just press 'A' to jump."

I complete the task with ease. Thanks to Wilbur, I basically understood everything that I could/needed to do with his simple instructions. I was proud but surprised by myself for picking it up so quickly.

"Hey, high five?!" Wilbur, smiling, puts his hand up. I smack it, the noise somehow perfect. "I'm so proud of you! There are a couple of last things that you need to know. The 'B' button is for crouching. And crouching can help you stay on a block when you're building. Next, the bumpers go through the spaces on your Hotbar. That was where the dirt was earlier. And lastly, the 'Y' button opens up your inventory, where you can move things to and from your Hotbar."

I use each button as Wilbur explains, it seems easy enough. "Anything else?" I whisper. It is almost completely silent.

His eyes widen in surprise then crinkle back into a smile. "Well, there is crafting. That's how you create different objects and weapons. I'll explain things as we go."

I nod, smiling in determination.

Chapter Text

Wilbur is a really good teacher. It's nice that he explains things while he shows them on the screen. And if I don't get something, he shows it to me again with no hesitation. It's been really fun and quite simple to pick everything up.

After about ten minutes or so of playing, Techno walks back into the room. "Lunch is ready at the table. I made mac n' cheese," Wilbur nods, pausing the game. "I'm going to run a bowl into dad's room."

I head to the dining room table, the thought of mac n' cheese making my mouth water. Wilbur walking close behind.

Techno POV

I'm glad the kid seems better after what happened at the mall earlier. I'm surprised at how well he was picking up the game. When we taught Tommy and Tubbo, it took so much longer. Maybe it was because they were younger, yeah, that's probably why. I mean they were ten years old and major trouble makers. I knock on dad's door, mac n' cheese in hand.

"Come in," he says. I step into the room and hand him the bowl. "I'm muted by the way. How's Ranboo doing?"

"He seems to be doing much better now-"

"I'm glad," dad sighs.

"Yeah. He tried doing dishes earlier because he didn't know what to do," I chuckle. "Wilbur ended up helping him finish up. Then Wilbur started teaching Ranboo how to play DigCombine."

"Well, I'm glad he's not trying to do chores," he half-laughs.

"Yeah, I'm honestly surprised by how quickly he's picking it up. Well, have fun streaming and eat your mac n' cheese," I give a small smile and leave the room.

Ranboo POV

Wilbur and I sat down at the dining table and started to eat. Techno joined us not long after. It was probably just the boxed stuff, but the mac n' cheese was delicious. After I finish eating, I tap Techno. He looks at me, I point to the empty bowl and gave a thumbs up.

"I'm glad you like it, Ranboo," Techno gives a very small smile.

I sat patiently waiting for the two to finish up. Once they were done, we brought our bowls to the sink and headed back out into the living room. Since I had gotten a hang of the controls, Techno, Wil, and I started to work together to gather materials.

The next couple of hours felt like minutes. We built a small wood house with beds and chests for each of us. We mined for a while having enough iron to make a chest plate each. I for some reason kept finding diamonds instead of iron, so we each had a diamond weapon and a helmet. Then, Techno had to leave to go pick up Tommy and Tubbo.

The drive from the house to the school must've been pretty short because they were back within 15 minutes.

"What is up, Wilbitch and Ranboob?!?!" Tommy shouts as he enters.

"Shush, Toms! Dad is streaming!" Wilbur whisper-shouts.

"Oh whatever, you dumbasses," Tommy grumbles, putting his bag away.

"Oh hey! You're teaching Ranboo DigCombine?" Tubbo asks. I nod, still semi-concentrated on mining iron.

"Yoo, I love me some DigCombine!" Tommy says. "Can I play?"

"I want to play as well!" Tubbo chimes in.

"Tubbo can play 'cuz there is one more remote. Tommy, you're not allowed," Wilbur teases.

"Oh, Wilbur! You asshole, why can't I play?!"

"I told you, you aren't allowed," Wilbur says, straight-faced.

"Oh, both of you. Tommy, you can have my remote," Techno intervenes, handing the remote over.

"Thank you, Technoblade. You are the biggest man."

"I thought that I was the biggest man?" Wilbur whines.

"Not anymore. Technoblade is my bro, my brother, the biggest of men."

I chuckle almost soundlessly. Tubbo notices and sits down in Techno's now empty seat. "They're funny, aren't they?"

"Yeah. I'm not used to seeing brotherly bonds like this, I suppose. Or, I guess, acknowledging it."

"I get that," Tubbo smiles, logging into the game.

Until dinner, it was continuous banter between everyone. Wilbur had to leave for an evening college theatre/acting class he almost forgot about. Phil ordered pizza after he finished streaming and decided to watch a movie. There was a whole argument between watching Hamilton or Moana. We ended up watching Moana.

We retired to our own rooms after the movie ended. I had a basket full of laundry to put away as I arrived. A reminder that I didn't handle that situation as I should have... I end up dumping the clothes into the closet. I figured when I was told to leave, it would be easier to pick up.

I add some details about the day to my journal and get ready for bed.

Chapter Text

The air was cold and my body felt heavy like lead. The chair below me felt as hard as a rock. The area was pitch black, a small torch lit the dark world just barely. Their words felt like icicles being stabbed and twisted into my chest.

Unwanted (Stab)

Useless (Twist)

Ugly (Stab)

Unbearable (Twist)

Selfish (Stab)

Worthless (Twist)

Unloved (Stab)

Their faces were featureless, but I knew who most of them were. The faces of past foster parents, their children, people from the system, past "friends." Most significantly, the Minecraft family, they all spat words and phrases of hate and distaste.

"I'm sorry!" I cry, my voice echoing through the vast void.

This angers the familiar figures more, their weapons stabbing and twisting further.

We didn't want you.

You're a charity case.

We don't need you.

There's plenty of other children.

We don't love you.

We have others we care about more than you.

Why do you continue?

Further and further until the ice plunges into my heart and lungs. I scream out in pain and fear. The words echoing around the endless blackness. I clench at my chest, tears stinging my eyes. I can't breathe.

Chapter Text

Tubbo POV

I sat at the dining table eating my Creeper Crunch. Tommy sat next to me eating his toast. Techno was probably getting ready so he can take us to school and go to work. Dadza is probably getting ready as well, he likes to say goodbye before we leave. Wilbur and Ranboo were both most likely asleep.

As I was washing my bowl, I felt a mass amount of sadness and fear. My best guess is either Wilbur or Ranboo was having a nightmare. More likely Ranboo than Wilbur because his nightmares had ended ages ago. I think it would be best if I were to go check on him.

I left the kitchen and headed down the hallway. As I was arriving outside his room, I felt pain. I could hear heaving breaths and light sniffles. Whatever was going on in his dream must be pretty bad.

I swing open the door, Ranboo's figure shaking on the bed. There was a slight smell of burnt flesh. Shuffling over to his bedside, I touch him gently. Rubbing gentle circles on his back, I say "Ranboo, you need to wake up."

He bolts up, gasping awake. He realizes someone is touching him and jumps away. "Hey, you're alright now. That nightmare wasn't real."

He glances at me, nodding slowly. I could feel the fear and pain ebbing away slowly. I don't know what happened during his time in the system, but whatever did happen caused this pain. I remember having nightmares at first too, but never as bad as Wilbur or now, Ranboo. "Can I give you a hug?"

He nods, scooting a bit closer. I hopped on the bed next to him and gave him a comforting squeeze. The smell of burning flesh is more prominent now. Leaning back and grabbing at his hands, I noticed that the scars on his face were opened. Crying hurts him, I understood. He's like our neighbor Jack Manifold, who is also water intolerant. "Do you want to talk about it?"

He seems hesitant but nods. "I was stuck in a cold void with past foster parents, their children, people from the system, past "friends," and you guys. You all said awful things to me," He takes a deep breath. "It felt like being stabbed with multiple icicles over and over until they pierced my heart and lungs."

My face scrunches. "Jesus Christ. Whatever we said, know that it's not true at all." I hug him again. "We want you here and you matter, alright?"

He nods and gives a small tight smile.

Ranboo POV

While I appreciate his comfort, I can tell it's all lies. What they told me in the dream is what is true.

"Do you want some cream for your burn scars? Or do you want a lava bath? Our neighbor is a blaze hybrid and so he has a lava pool and fire resistance pots in his basement," Tubbo says.

"Both would be great."

"Alright. Well, gather some clean clothes and I'll go talk to Phil about it," Tubbo smiles brightly and leaves my room.

I just don't understand why they're being so kind to me. It's all a front so they can use and hurt me later. I turn from my thoughts to the task at hand. I clamber out of bed, my muscles and body feeling tight. I grab a lavender-colored t-shirt, a black zip-up sweatshirt, some black skinny jeans, underwear, and socks from my closet.

I headed towards my door and started walking out. On the way out, I got caught by Phil. "Hey, good morning. Ready to head over to Jack's house?"

Jack is such a normal name for a hybrid. Techno, Tubbo, and I all have weird names while we're all hybrids. I nodded to Phil and began following him out of the house.

The house was significantly smaller than the Minecraft household. It was a sky blue one-story house that I assumed had two bedrooms at most. We walk up to his steps and Phil knocks on his door.

"Ayup lads! What can I do for the two of ya?" Jack asks. For a hybrid, he was pretty normal-looking. The only out-of-the-ordinary things were that his hands had a golden tint to them and he was radiating heat.

"Well, Ranboo here is also water intolerant. We were hoping that we could use your lava bath," Phil explains, a kind smile gracing his face.

"Of course! I'm glad I'm not the only one like this around here anymore!" the blaze hybrid chuckles. "C'mon in!"

We follow him through his house down to his basement. I was greeted by the sound of the happy bubbling of lava. Jack grabbed a towel from a cupboard and led us to the lava tub.

"Alright, you can set your stuff over there Ranboo," he says pointing to a chair. "And here are two fire resistance potions. They're each eight minutes long and to keep track there's a timer on the side of the tub. Soaps are on the side of the tub as well."

"Thank you so much, Jack. Ranboo, we'll leave you to it?" Phil asks. I nod and the two leave the basement. Jack mentioning something about making tea. I strip from my pajamas, drink one of the potions, set a timer, and got into the lava.

It's been a very long time since I've had a full tub of lava to just float in. Normally -if they had access- I would just use a bucket full of lava and do a weird combination of pouring lava and using soap. This felt really nice.

Chapter Text

A week passes without incident. Phil signs me up for classes at Tommy and Tubbo's high school. Where I will be starting there next week. Phil took me to get some supplies and books. We stopped by the bookstore that Techno works at and I found a book about hybrids that I asked Phil to buy. I wanted to learn more about each member of my family.

Family? Is that really what they are to me? I've literally only been here for a week. There is no way I can think like this. They wouldn't want me around for too long anyway. I have no doubt they'll kick me out eventually.

Once we arrived back at the house, I sat on my bed and began to read about pig hybrids.

'The most common features of a Pig hybrid are their pig-like ears, pink-tinted skin on the legs, and pig-like hooves/feet.

Pig hybrids are known to be fairly territorial. They have their specific space that is marked as theirs. In this area they may become more hostile, depending on the hybrid and/or gender, if it is disturbed.

There are also Piglin hybrids that are very similar. The only difference is their need/want for golden or shiny items. They are known to squeal/oink when given golden items as a gift.'

Was Techno a Pig or Piglin hybrid? Phil had said he was a Pig hybrid, but I did notice a few golden items on his bookshelf. I suppose I could ask him directly later. And good to know not to mess with his room, not that I would anyway. I took down a few notes for later. Next, I read about bee hybrids.

'The most common feature of Bee hybrids are the antennae that sprout from the head.

Bee hybrids are known to be empaths and telepaths. Empaths can feel other people's feelings and emotions, this is more amplified in the hybrids than in human empaths. Bee hybrids' telepathy works most commonly through touch, but some records have seen touchless as well.

This has never fully been documented, but there have been instances where the hybrid can influence memories. It is unsure whether this means to change memories or perhaps resurface old memories. Or even help forgetfulness, it is unsure.'

So, could Tubbo help me with memory problems? I wonder if that is something that is self-taught or you know you have this ability right away. This could be a huge thing for me. I will definitely have to chat about this with Tubbo. I note it down, just in case. Y'know gotta love my reliable memory.

'The most common features of Bird hybrids are their ability to grow in wings as well as chirp/tweet.

Bird hybrids have certain instances where their "bird brain" or "bird instinct" takes over. While growing in their wings, they tend to cling to a parental/older person figure. Growing wings tend to be painful and tiring. Before sprouting, it seems as though there is a painful rash on your back. Sprouting can take between an hour to six hours before fully grown, based on documentation. And, it varies when you will grow wings depending on the hybrid.

Another instance of the "bird brain" is that there is a need to make a nest  during March . This is because it is nesting season for actual birds during this time. This is also a need during the time of wing sprouting. The nest is most commonly created out of pillows, blankets, and other soft items like clothing. The size of the nest can range depending on what size the room is and/or how many hybrids will be in the nest. It has been noted that Bird hybrids tend to flock together, no pun intended.'

I assumed because of my Endermen half that I wouldn't be able to grow wings. Though, according to this, I could potentially sprout wings. I hope that my wings could be as beautiful and powerful as Phil's. Also, it is March, so I wonder if Phil will make a nest soon. I'll just have to wait and see, I suppose. I write some brief notes and finally onto Endermen hybrids.

'The most common features of Endermen hybrids are their bright green or purple eyes and skin that is partially or fully black.

There is very little known about Endermen hybrids, although they are some of the most sought out by scientists. They are known to have certain Endermen tendencies such as being able to pick up chunks of grass, make Endermen noises, and have purple/green particles.

The only other "commonly" known thing is that they are allergic to water. And their skin will burn when in contact with said liquid.

It has also been considered that they may be able to teleport, but no studies or articles have said this to be fact.'

It seems I am not the only one who doesn't know anything about me. This is also just all the information that I already knew about. I note down the fact that I could be able to teleport. Glancing over my very brief notes, I'm startled by a knock at the door.

"Time for dinner, boob-boy," Tommy smiles tauntingly. I send a small smile back and follow him out of the room.

Chapter Text

I took a deep breath trying to wake up. The normal chaotic air of Saturdays seemed to be missing. There was surprisingly no scent of pancakes or people having a shouting match over whose turn it was to pick a show. Maybe the novelty of living here was starting to wear off? With a heavy sigh, I struggled with myself to get out of the warm bed. Standing up, the stagnant chilly air velcroed to my body. March weather sucks.

I tugged on a maroon-colored turtle neck and black jeans. I opened my door and walked down the hallway only to be stopped by Tommy popping out of Phil's office. I began to feel concerned due to the pained expression on his face. I set a hand on his shoulder with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, Ranboo!" Tommy whines. "It's that time of the year again!"

This is one of those moments I wished it didn't hurt to talk. Of course, I knew that I could have Phil sign me up for speech therapy or just ask him to help me. The only problem was, I wasn't fully sure that I could trust them yet. It seemed like it was too long of a facade, but maybe that was the ploy. And considering how Tommy was acting, this could just back up my theory.

I decided to just rub his shoulder for comfort as well as hoping he would continue.

"It's nesting season, Ranboo!" he continues to whine. "Phil's a bird hybrid so every March he makes a nest out of blankets, pillows, and shit like that. He drags us in there too! It's so annoying! He's currently got Techno in there, obviously because he's the favorite. Wilbur and Tubs are hiding out in their rooms until Techno gets one of us. I recommend hiding out in your room or with one of us for a couple of days."

I nod to Tommy in understanding. I was wrong about the ploy, at least for now. Well, I guess what that book on hybrids said was true. It didn't say anything about a bird hybrid being clingy toward another person, however. Which seems a bit odd to me. Maybe most bird hybrids lived with other bird hybrids like the book said, so they don't feel the clingy need?

All of sudden my stomach began to grumble. I didn't have any food in my room like the others did because they snuck snacks up there. "But I'm hungry." I mouthed to Tommy.

His eyes widen briefly in recognition and nods. "Let's get something for you, big man. And maybe sneak some snacks for later."

I made toast while Tommy grabbed snacks. The light sound of calm humming was seeping into the kitchen from the connected living room. I hadn't thought much about it, but I guess Phil is in there. Which I suppose is why it was "safer" to stay in a room.

The two of us "snuck" back to my room where Tommy stuffed the snacks in my room and left to hide back out in Phil's office. This meant I was left to my own devices for the next several hours. I had two options: read or read, well that's just one option, actually. I pulled out my journal and once more fell into nostalgia skimming over the endermen language. After a while, I began reading some of Techno's books that he let me borrow. He seemed to insist that I read either his Greek mythology book or a book titled "The Art of War" first. I took his advice and began reading "The Art of War."

Later on, after some mostly uninterrupted reading -the only break being for an Oreo (cannibalism???) snack break- I heard a knock at the door. In pops a slightly disheveled-looking Wilbur. "Phil was wondering if you want to hang out with him for a bit. If not I can go snatch Tommy."

Phil wanted me in his nest? I assumed he would only want his family there. I nod skeptically and set down the borrowed book. I left the room semi-following, Wilbur, until he departed up the stairs. I step into the living room hesitantly, accidentally creaking the wood flooring.

Phil perks his head up making a small twittering noise, face softening into a small smile. He was surrounded by pillows, blankets, and our clothing just as the book and Tommy said. I was pretty certain that I saw the shirt that I wore yesterday. "I wasn't sure if you wanted to join me. I'm happy you came! Come on in!"

Stepping into the nest slowly, I sit next to Phil. I once again marveled at his gorgeous shimmering grey feathers. Without much thought, I went to touch the extremely soft-looking wings. And they were indeed superbly soft.

"They're lovely, aren't they?" he chuckles. That's when I realize what I've done and quickly pull my fingers away. "Oh, I don't mind, Ranboo. I don't mind if you touch them."

I go against my rational brain and listen to my impulsive brain. The feathers were just so wonderful and the silkiness of it was calming. So calming to the point that I began to doze where I sat. Phil clearly noticed and pulled me close as if it was instinct.

He pulled his fingers through my dual-colored hair. It didn't take much before I fell asleep in Phil's comforting embrace.

Chapter Text

I woke up feeling kind of achy in my back, calm, and slightly disoriented. Then came the sight of familiar pieces of bedding, still slightly blurred due to my tired eyes. I must have fallen asleep on Phil funny, I guessed. However, the feeling of calm overwhelmed the ache at the moment.

"Did you sleep well, Ranboo, mate?" Phil's voice says from above my head. The sudden realization that I was still laying over on his lap caused me to go rigid.

He said he wanted me in the nest, so it should be fine, right? What if he was just saying that to gaslight me later? He's nice though and has done so many things for me. It could be a facade. It's gone on for too long to be a facade. You never know what their agenda is, keep yourself safe. (a/n this is just Ranboo going back and forth with himself)

I take a deep breath and sit up, nodding at Phil. It was genuinely a nice nap other than the back soreness. I must have slept for about two hours judging by the placement of the sun. It was mid-afternoon when I entered the nest and now it seemed to be early evening.

"I'm glad you had a nice sleep," Phil smiles then chuckles. "You want to come help make dinner? This is the only time that everyone will come out of hiding."

Sure, why not, I nod. We decided to make steak, green beans, and tater tots. We work together nicely and Phil doesn't have to instruct me as much as he does with Tommy or Tubbo. This is due to the fact that I have some basic cooking skills.

Phil was slightly more in "bird-brain" still as he was consistently chirping and twittering. I never heard my biological father do anything like this but it felt familiar and comforting. I had the urge to copy it but restrained against my instincts and stayed quiet. I'd hope that Phil would ignore the small grunting noises I was making to keep myself under control. During this time as well, the pain in my back continued to worsen for seemingly no reason.

After I set the table I headed down the hallway to Phil's office to get Tommy. I told him it was time for dinner and he thankfully went upstairs to inform the others. Tubbo flies down the stairs with Tommy on his tail, Wilbur skips every other step, and Techno saunters down with his usual strange elegance. Once everyone gathered at the dinner table, the normal chatter became background noise in my head.

I tried eating a few bites of dinner but the pain in my back crossed my body in waves. It hurts so much that the thought of food makes my stomach feel sick. I couldn't lean back in my chair either, it was just too painful. It was hard to pinpoint exactly where the pain was coming from. And it's just painful enough that it has that odd itchy feeling. All of a sudden there is a hand on my shoulder which shoots a wave of hurt through my whole body.

"You doing alright, Ranboo?" Tubbo asks. "I felt like there was a lot of pain coming from you."

"Oh yeah. I'm fine, just feeling a bit off. I'll be fine, don't you worry about it," I lie to him. He seems skeptical but nods and heads back to his dinner. I notice everyone's eyes on me, so I take a bite of food and the chatter begins once more. The pain becoming more and more painful every minute longer.

After everyone finishes eating and cleaning up the dining table, Tubbo asks, "Which one of us do you want tonight, dadza?"

There was no hesitance, "I want to hang out with Ranboo more tonight. As long as that's alright."

What could go wrong? I could probably fall asleep like I did earlier and hope that the pain goes away by morning. I nod and head back into the nest with Phil following close behind. Both of us sit down trying to get comfortable. I could hear everyone else's footfalls as they headed back to their "hiding" places.

"Are you sure you're alright, Ranboo? I know Tubbo talked to you but you know you can always come to talk to me," Phil says, looking concerned. I'm about to whisper my answer when I feel it...

*** Gore/Blood ***

I could feel the skin on my back crack and split. The pain is so much that it knocks the wind out of me. I could feel the warm blood trickle down my back as I cry out in pain.

"Ranboo! What's wrong?" Phil cries. I try pulling off my sweater to show him whatever was going on. It hurts so much to even move but Phil understands and pulls off my shirt. Phil gasps and pauses looking at my bloodied cracked skin.

"What's happening, Phil?!" I rasp. The pain in my throat from the unuse of my voice was hardly noticeable compared to my back. The pain was overwhelming but I could hear someone dashing down the stairs. The person asks the same thing I did.

"W- I- Ranboo is growing wings!" Phil says.

From surprise and fear, I pass out.

Phil POV

"What?! What do you mean? Will he be alright?" Tubbo exclaims.

I look down at Ranboo. He seems to have passed out due to pain. Something about this seems wrong. When I grew my wings, it wasn't this painful. Who knows what these could look like considering the fact that he's an endermen hybrid as well. Maybe that was why it hurt so much because his body was anticipating the growth of wings?

"He should be alright," I reassure my son. It's all we can hope for.

"Is there anything I can do?" Tubbo asks, taking a deep breath.

"Get some wet and dry paper towels so I can clean up the blood."

Tubbo rushes back with what I ask. I carefully dab at the places where the wings began to break through. Never did I expect to have to help someone else through growing their wings. I was proud of Ranboo for pushing through this pain, something that I hope he never experiences again.

*** Gore/blood warning over ***

Ranboo POV

"Ughhh," I groan when I wake up. I feel something heavy on my back but I assume it's a blanket or Phil's arm. I am thankful to notice that the pain in my back was now just a dull throb. I lift my head slightly to glance around the room when I notice everyone staring at me from the edge of the nest.

"What's up?" I rasp, now noticing the slight pain in my throat. I decide to sit up so I didn't look so useless on the ground.

"Ranboo, look behind you," Phil says with a proud smile.

I look behind me and see grand midnight-colored wings. They had a dragon-like structure but what would have looked like frog's feet were satin black feathers. They were extremely large even bunched up. The wings were easy to move as if they are another arm or leg on my body. I stand up and stretch the wings. They end wall to wall, about a 25-foot (about 7.62 meters) wingspan. I gasp in quiet amazement, did these really come out of me?

"Welcome to the family, Ranboo."

Chapter Text

"Welcome to the family, Ranboo," Phil smiled at me brightly. I stretch out my wings again and allow them to flap lightly. Even with the small movement, there was a decent gust of wind. It felt so natural and odd at the same time. Almost as if I was always supposed to have them but my body only realized I needed them now.

I was broken out of my trance by the feeling of someone sitting down slowly next to me. I could easily guess who it was since I've been living in this house for a little over two weeks. I turn to face Tubbo carefully, pulling my wings in once more.

"You alright, Ranboo?" Tubbo asks out loud but places a hand on my forearm.

"Yeah, just a bit surprised I guess. I knew I was part bird but I had guessed that my endermen side overpowered it," I explained to Tubbo, him repeating what I said to the rest of them. I took this moment to use my other arm to touch my wings. They were velvety soft on the feathered parts and interestingly smooth on the "skeletal" part.

Then I suddenly feel a sinking feeling in my stomach. What exactly does this mean for me? Do I need to learn to fly? Will I have a "bird brain" too? Will I have all the same tendencies as a normal bird hybrid? Will this be more of a burden to this so far kind family? Will they still want me after this? I take up so much space already but with the addition of these huge wings... Will they take me somewhere to get me tested? What-

Tubbo sighed, I had forgotten that he could hear everything that I was thinking. "Ranboo, don't worry. I'm sure that Phil can answer a lot of those questions for you. And we want you here, we do! We would never take you somewhere to get tested. You... are... safe... here!"

"You- you do w-want me he-ere?" I rasped, trying to speak normally.

(a/n this is an awkward time for Mellohi to be playing...)

Tubbo pulls me close, his warmth a comforting feeling. "Of course, we want you here! Phil adopted you after all!"

Tommy then ran into the nest and was pulled into the hug as well. It wasn't long before Phil and Wilbur followed suit. There was a bit of hesitation from Technoblade but he shortly joined in as well. I was thankful for their kind gesture. It's been a long time since I've really felt welcomed somewhere. While I still am a bit hesitant about the whole thing, I think I can learn to trust them.

Chapter Text

"You know, since I'm a bee hybrid you would think that I would have wings right? Like insect wings, but I don't! And it's not fair since you're part endermen, human, and bird. Couldn't you just pick one? Preferably the one without wings." Tubbo complains.

"Bo, really? I flew you out on the roof to complain about not having wings. Are you kidding me?" Ranboo sighs and chuckles.

"Boo, really? Why would I kid you? I would never!" Tubbo scoffs, teasing.

"I know this isn't the same as you having wings yourself, but I could always take you flying," Ranboo suggests.

"I would love that, Boo. Not tonight though. I would like to admire the stars with you." Tubbo smiles, glancing at the hybrid.

"I would watch stars with you anytime, Bo," Ranboo sighs contently, smiling also.

Chapter Text

"Ugh, we're out of milk," Ranboo sighs. "No cereal for breakfast today."

"We're out of milk? Dad, we need to go to Tescos for milk!" Tommy shouts.

(Just realized I was writing in the third person. Whoops...)

"Why do you have to shout so early?" Wilbur whines, shoving some bread into the toaster. He had a long night at his musical studies college class. All of his classes are in the evening, but last night was particularly long and boring.

"Hjehjehhej! I'm always loud, William!" Tommy teases. Apparently, this was a trigger to Not-Morning-Person-Wilbur and began to chase Tommy out of the kitchen.

"Don't you dare, Tomathy Isn't It!" You could hear being shouted up the stairs.

"Why do I deal with them?" Technoblade sighs.

Ranboo shrugs, "I just said we were out of milk."

Just then Phil walks into the kitchen. "You guys can go walk down to Tescos and get some milk. All five of you. Here are twenty dollars."

"Cool. Thanks, Phil," Ranboo smiles.

"Let's goo! We're going to Tescos, boys!" Techno shouts. As if it was routine, all the boys ran to the coat closet, were getting shoes on, and heading out the door single file. Ranboo wasn't used to doing this routine but he quickly followed suit.

And Wilbur totally didn't forget about his now cold toast in the toaster.

After some joking, pushing, and shoving, they made it to the Tescos parking lot. There happened to be some carts/trolleys near where they were walking. Tubbo and Tommy made eye contact, smiling mischievously. It wasn't long before the older brothers clued in as well. Ranboo was a bit confused by the sudden mischief in their eyes. The boys suddenly took off toward the carts, Ranboo jogging closely behind.

Wilbur vaulted himself into one of the two carts, Techno readying his hands on the handle. Tommy and Tubbo pushed each other as they both got into the second cart.

"Cart race! Ranboo, push us!" Tubbo shouts, smiling wildly. They all had huge grins on their faces, even Technoblade had a smirk gracing his lips. Ranboo chuckled at their antics and lined up with the younger boys' cart.

"This will be a fair and clean race. The first cart to that light post wins," Will explains. Techno and Ranboo nod to each other. "Ready? 3... 2... 1... go!"

And the boys were off. Techno was flying across the parking lot until Ranboo remembered how to run properly. The two were close, Ranboo with long strides and Techno with his powerful legs. Tubbo, Tommy, and Wilbur were whooping and shouting with excitement and cheer. They all loved the feeling of wind rushing at their faces.

They were neck and neck until they were about ten feet (about 3 meters) away from their goal. Ranboo reached his full potential and sprinted toward the post. Techno breathing heavily, tried to speed up but was severely out of shape.

Ranboo, Tubbo, and Tommy won the cart race.

Whooping and shouting in celebration. The boys got out of the cart and gave each other high fives, Ranboo being heavily praised for his "athleticism." Techno and Wilbur acted like sore losers for a moment before joining in and congratulating the boys.

"That was so fun!" Ranboo huffed, slightly out of breath.

"That was fucking awesome, dude!" Tommy chuckles.

"Alright, let's go get some milk for you Ranboo," Techno pats his back, a ghost of a smile gracing his lips.

The brothers walked into Tescos. Immediately Wilbur, Tommy, and Tubbo veer off in the opposite direction than the milk. Techno shouted that they should be at the front within five minutes. He would have normally followed to keep an eye on the troublemakers but stayed with Ranboo. He didn't want to leave the enderman by himself because of the last time. (Stupid Karens!)

The duo went to the dairy aisle and found the milk they were looking for. They meandered through a couple of aisles very briefly before heading to the meeting point. They didn't have to wait long before they could see and hear the trio chuckling loudly.

"99 cent beans, Ranboo," Tubbo explains, giggling. The can of beans was very dinged up and seemed like it had something leaking out the bottom of it. It was Heinz brand refried beans. Techno and Ranboo scrunch their noses in disgust.

"Oh come on! It's only 99 cents!" Tommy begs, seeing their expression. Ranboo shrugs, he doesn't care enough about what those boys were planning. The boys paid for their findings at the self check out and left Tescos, heading home.

They totally didn't stop at the McDonald's to get ice cream on the way back. They all agreed that it was a very successful trip.

Chapter Text

Somewhere in the inner mechanics of the world, the blurred lines shift. Almost as if the timeline were to be altered in such a sense that it could be a large or small shift. It simply could be whether or not someone gets drunk on a night they originally didn't or perhaps meeting a god in your dreams. All of this is unknown to the players of the game of life.

Should we tell them?

Of course not. They'll see it in their own time. We can never interfere unless it is dire.

"They'll see it" meaning that this is a large shift this time. Right, sir?

*Voice chuckles* Maybe, son... This- Something big is coming. I-I don't when but this could change everything.

Sir! You can't be serious! You've never been this concerned about a shift before. W-why can't we tell them?! This seems like it could be dangerous!

I told you we can't interfere!

If this doesn't go exactly as the timeline predicted, I will have to interfere.

*Gasp* Goddess! Of course. If you deem it necessary, we will interrupt!

Of course, Goddess! We will keep watch for you!

Don't be too eager. This might be something that I, alone, need to take care of... 

*She has left the space* I-I didn't know that they had a son... I'm glad he's now under the care of Minecraft, he did well with The Blood God.

Chapter Text

I woke up feeling odd. My body just felt wrong. My chest felt heavy but my back felt light? My mouth hurt and I almost felt cold or maybe not a temperature at all?

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, hoping the feeling would just go away. I had to feel well to celebrate my very first Halloween! If I didn't feel up to trick-or-treating, I think Tommy and Techno might murder me.

Those two go all out for the holiday. Costumes, decorations, treats, and carving pumpkins, everything about this was the most important thing of the year. And honestly, I think this is the only thing that those two can actually work together on, it's fascinating.

Getting out of bed I noticed that the dark skin was significantly paler than normal. Could this also be a part of why I'm not feeling right? I'll get dressed and then I'll check it out in the bathroom mirror. I decide to wait to put on my vampire costume until later, so I pull on a pumpkin-decorated jumper and some black jeans. The jumper was a surprise gift from Techno since it was my first Halloween.

I didn't know what to be for Halloween and so Tommy told me that I should be a vampire. I apparently look the part according to him. This is a little odd to me as I have wings, no fangs, and not fully pale skin. However, I think Tommy knows best about this holiday, so I went with his suggestion.

As I opened my door, I could hear "Monster Mash" playing from the kitchen. I'm guessing that Techno was already making his pumpkin pancakes because something smelled interesting. I've never had pumpkin-flavored things, so I don't know if they are good or bad. It didn't smell very appealing, but I'm willing to try it, I suppose.

I step into the bathroom and shut the door behind me. My eyes glance up to the mirror. I gasped, fear filling my veins. The darkened skin was almost the same stark white as the other half. My wings were gone entirely. Both of my eyes were a deep rosy red and I had fangs.

What the hell is going on? I know I said I would be a vampire for Halloween but I didn't mean literally! Was I cursed? Did Tommy and Techno pull an extremely elaborate prank? I think my best option is to go ask Techno what the heck is going on.

I sped walked down the hallway but it felt different. It was almost as if I glided, my feet not entirely on the ground longer than half a second. I tried my best to ignore it and made it into the kitchen.

"Good morning, Ranboo, do you want some pancakes?" Techno asks, flipping one of the fluffy orange-colored cakes.

"I-uh sure Techno. I have a question. Uhm, did you or Tommy pull a prank on me or something?" The pancakes honestly didn't smell that good but I had to act semi-normal. Plus I could never say no to Techno.

"Bruh~ No, I didn't. Tommy might've, why?" Techno looked up at me. I opened my mouth and pointed to my fangs as well as my missing wings. Confusion was ridden on his face. "You mean this isn't part of your Halloween get-up?"

"Wha-? No! What the hell is happening to me?!" I shout panicking. Techno turns off the stove.

Suddenly Tommy enters the kitchen. "Ayup lads, what's going on here?"

"Ranboo has become an actual vampire?" Techno supplies.

"Eh?!?!? You don't want my blood, do you?! My blood it's so prec- No no no! My blood it's soooo disgusting, I bet you wouldn't even want to try it! Eheheheh," Tommy exclaims.

"I mean, human food doesn't smell very good but, like, I don't crave to bite any of your necks... yet." This was all very confusing. Why did stuff like this always happen to me?

Then the rest of the family stepped into the kitchen. Tubbo looked mildly confused, Phil looked concerned, and Wilbur looked like he was waiting for a drama tv show to start playing. Abruptly, Tubbo turns to me and asks, "Ranboo, why can't I feel you?"

He can't feel me? This is actually happening. This was actually happening! I'm mostly dead because I'm an actual vampire! What the actual hell?! "I-uh-I Tubbo! I- I'm a vampire!"

Wilbur's face falls, "What?"

"I don't know! I just woke up as a vampire! Don't I look so weird?!" I began pacing the kitchen. How was I supposed to go back to school after this? Would I actually burn in the sun like other vampire tales? Would I eventually want to drink their blood? Would I turn on them?!

To be continued...?

Chapter Text

Wilbur's POV

After the long family hug, I had to head out. I was meeting my boyfriend, Jared, for coffee before class today.

I walk into the quaint shop. The place smelled of coffee roast and fresh pastries. It had light pink walls with many framed photographs. My friend Niki ran the place, so not only was the place lovely, I was able to support her business. I sat down at our usual dark wooded table, glancing at the door impatiently.

"Hey, Wil!" Jared jingles the doorbells. His normally floppy periwinkle hair was brought up into a ponytail and he was wearing some Tally Hall merch.

"Good morning, babe. The usual?" I stood up, reaching for his hand. He nods and we order our drinks. This time of day wasn't usually too busy, so we had our drinks within a short matter of minutes.

We sit at our table as Your New Boyfriend begins to play. Jared chuckles, "She loves to play the song, especially while you're here."

"I mean, the more people that hear my music, the better, I suppose?" I sip my drink.

"I suppose," he smiles. "But wouldn't it be better if you changed the gender of the person you're actually talking about?"

"Oh, you think because you're so cute that I could just go change the song?" He blushes. "I mean, I would but the song has so many listens already that I think it would be weird to change it now. But, do know that any future songs about you will have the correct gender."

"You're new girlfriends an arsehole! Yeah, I've met Sharron! Of course, I've met Sharron!" Jared sing-songs. "Doesn't that sound so much better?"

Nearly spitting out my drink, I say, "Of course, dear."

He rolls his eyes. "Well, dear, how has your new brother been? Has he been fine with your dad's hybrid business?"

"Oh, Ranboo? He's been fine with it, I think. Turns out that Ranboo could actually grow wings too, so that happened last night. They're huge and are so unique looking. They're like nothing I've ever seen on hybrids before. What about Karen, how has she been doing?"

"Well, that's certainly a wonderful surprise. You should send me a picture of them. I want to see them, plus I think my dad would love to see them too. Since, y'know, he's an enderman hybrid fanatic. Oh, and Karen is the same as usual. Trying to cause trouble with her partner."

We continue to catch up for a while and then we both head off to our classes. I love getting to see him. I should really be making more of an effort to have him over or go on dates. I could bring him to meet Ranboo sometime, I have a feeling the two would get along.

Chapter Text

"I'll be honest Ranboo, I'm not entirely certain how your bird brain will work. I don't remember much from when I grew wings or how I acted. You'll probably be clingy like I am," Phil thought aloud. My heart pounded a bit harder after that comment. It almost made me lose my appetite, but growing wings took a lot out of me so I ate the pancakes anyway.

Tommy had to go to school, Wilbur was meeting with his boyfriend, and Techno had work. That left Tubbo, Phil, and I at home. Tubbo stayed so he could translate for me. I mean, I was trying to use my voice more, but sometimes it was a bit easier to have someone speak for you.

"I hope this really isn't that much of a burden to you, Phil," Tubbo translates for me.

Phil takes a sip of his coffee and sighs. "Ranboo you are not a burden. If I didn't think I could take care of another kid then I wouldn't have come to meet you. I wouldn't like to think of that outcome for you. I'm happy and I'm certain the other boys are happy to have you here." Tubbo nods and squeezes my hand.

"Thank you, Phil," I whisper, giving him a small smile.

-------------

The first couple of days went about as well as I thought that they were going to go. I was very clingy. Tubbo literally could not be out of my sight before I started to panic. I could tell it was very tiring for Tubbo, but he and I both knew that I couldn't do much about it.

And now it's the night before my first day at an actual school. I'm not sure what to feel. I'm kind of excited because I actually get to go to school, but I'm also kind of dreading it? Tubbo and Tommy never seem all that excited to go, so maybe it's not as cool as the movies show. I don't know...

I'm dragged from my thoughts of school to the present. Sitting cross-legged on the couch in a buttoned-up purple shirt and ripped black jeans. The kitchen was bustling while Phil and Techno made dinner. Wilbur's boyfriend and his dad were coming over to eat so I was expected to dress "nicely" or whatever. I mean, I am excited to meet them, just not to be wearing a semi-uncomfortable shirt.

There was a knock at the door and I stood up. Wilbur answered the door and hugged his boyfriend, saying hello to his father. Jared looked nice, I like his periwinkle hair. He seemed like someone that I could be friends with. His father, however, looked nothing like him. His hair was brown, dusted with grey. His face pinched into a frown, age lines covering his face. He also oddly wore a lab co- This can't be good.

They've finally come to take me away. I'm going to be sold and then tested. This is it for me. I knew everything was too good to be true. I should just let it happen. The sooner I can leave this painful life, the better.

And then he came over to shake my hand. My stomach began to feel ill.

"I'm Dr. Garry Membrane, but you can just call me Garry, sonny. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ranboo!" the man was clearly trying to smile, but it looked much more like a grimace. I shook his hand but said nothing, my throat was too sore from trying to talk earlier. "Does he speak, Phillip?"

"Uhm," Phil clears his throat uncomfortably. "He's getting used to speaking again, yes. His throat hurts from trying to... practice earlier."

"Ah, yes, I see," he eyed me suspiciously. "So, Wilbur, do tell me what kind of hybrid Ranboo is?"

"Not to be rude, Garry, but that is none of your business," Wilbur says, blankly.

"Yeah, come on dad. Dinner's about done, why don't you sit down now, yeah?" Jared sighs. Garry looks away from me and heads to the dining table. I follow a moment after and sit down next to Tubbo.

"We're having chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and there are some rolls. Enjoy!" Phil says as he brings the last pot to the table.

I put a bit of everything on my plate. And I did want to eat, it smelled delicious but Garry just put me on edge. I don't know if it was just the lab coat or if it was Garry as a whole. As I pushed the food around my plate, I could feel his eyes on me.

"You good, Boo? I can feel your anxiety." Tubbo asks.

"Garry. I don't know what it is, but something about him just doesn't feel right."

"It's probably just his lab coat, no need to worry. It's just Jared's dad."

"I know I shouldn't worry... It's just... I don't want to go anywhere near someone like him." I really don't get why he's setting me off so much. I was never in a household with a man like him. I've never even really been to the doctor before. This has to be something else.

"Boo, I'm positive that man can do no wrong." Tubbo tried reassuringly. "You can always go to your room. I can explain to Dadza and I'm sure everyone else won't mind."

"Yeah. I don't think I can stick it out... Try to save me some rolls for later, please. Thanks, Tubs."

I leave the table as calmly as possible. Several questions were flung at me about where I was going, but Phil de-escalated the situation quickly. I'm just going to go lay down.

Garry's POV (uh oh...)

He is perfect.

He is so tall.

His eyes are so lovely.

His skin is so unique. Nothing like I've ever seen before.

His wings are stunning.

He is such a beautiful hybrid.

After I finish eating, I excuse myself to go use the bathroom. I walk down the hallway quietly and carefully, I couldn't disrupt the poor little thing.

I open his door and see Ranboo sleeping or at least resting on his bed. Oh, he's so beautiful. I pull a teleporter from my pocket and softly grab his shoulder. I push the button and we're suddenly in my lab. I swing open one of my cages and gently place him inside.

I can't wait to really see what he looks like.

And then I head back to the Minecraft household.

Chapter Text

"I wish it didn't have to come to this." A very tall curvy woman with dark hair wearing an inky silk dress and large-brimmed ebony hat spoke. She looked kind but had an air of sadness around her.

"What's going on? Who are you?" I ask. I look around at my surroundings, it is a completely white area that seems to stretch on forever. "Also, where am I?"

"Welcome to your dreamscape. The longer that you stay here and the more effort you put into decorating, the sooner this place will be a safe haven. I'm Kristen, goddess of death and dreams." the woman said.

"Ah, o- that would make sense why I'm able to speak without my voice being terrible. I'm Ranboo, but I'm sure you already know that. Why am I here with you right now?" I could feel my heart trying to beat out of my chest, I'm speaking to a goddess. Feeling a bit faint (if you can feel faint in a dream), I will myself a couch to sit on. Surprisingly it works and I sit down.

The goddess swishes her hand around, a chair appearing in front of her and she sits down. "As I told Phil, I'm not supposed to speak of the timeline with mortals-"

"Wait, you know Phil? Well, I mean that would make sense, but you've spoken to Phil?" I raise an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I meet with him in dreams every once and a while, but that's beside the point." The goddess looks slightly annoyed but in a playful way. "Anyway, something has gone wrong within the timeline, something major. And it has to do with you."

"Jeez. So, there was a reason that I didn't overdose? Dang, what could be so important about keeping me alive? I'm just a waste of space and I'm surprised Phil has kept me around for so long... I don't know why I am admitting any of that to a stranger." I look away from the woman.

"This is a safe space, I won't say anything. However, in reality, you have been taken by Garry and that was not supposed to happen. It really throws things off, you were supposed to be doing something else. And this could really screw up the timeline." Death explains to me.

"What was I supposed to be doing?" I look back at her.

"I can't say much, but you were supposed to meet someone very important. And so because of this drastic misplacement of the timeline, I have to put you where you are supposed to be. The person is already aware of your arrival. When you wake up, everything will make sense."

"I still don't quite understand. How can meeting someone change the timeline so much? I'm so insignificant, how can I be that significant on the timeline?" I put my face in my hands. "Why does this have to happen to me?!"

I feel the couch sink down under the weight of another person sitting down. She places a hand on my shoulder and says, "If you weren't significant, then you would have never met Philza Minecraft. However, you have. He and his family, as well as I, care about you a lot. I don't know how to make you understand that, but it's the truth."

"If it's words from a goddess, then it must be true," I grumble.

"You'll be awake soon. I wish you the best of luck. And if anything goes wrong, you'll be seeing me again. Good dreams, Ranboo."

Chapter Text

*Chuckles* This shift might be an opportunity that we never saw coming, young one.

You mean we don’t have to worry about the shift after all? Are you sure everything will fall back into place? This seems too simple, sir.

Not back into place, no, better than that. It can’t be handed to us exactly, but with a mild amount of work and some other hands, things should work out in our favor. *smiles*

This is wonderful news, sir! The new recruit is nearly fully trained now and could be of great use! ...That one is mighty powerful, sir. I’ve never seen one quite like him before, he picked everything up so quickly. The higher-ups really made a fantastic choice.

Good news to hear, son. I’m glad you were a guest asked to go watch his training… I just can’t believe that we finally have everything coming to fruition.

Of course sir, me as well… Oh, but what about the time traveler, sir? We’ve been taking notes on him, wouldn’t he cause some problems?

Something about the shift has done something to him. I doubt it will be difficult to get him on our side. *smirk*

O-oh, of course, sir! You know far better than I do.

You act as though you are still brand new. You’ve been at this for a millennium.

Well, sir, it certainly hasn’t felt like that long… Plus you have seniority, so you know better than I would.

Trust your instincts, kid.

Karl’s Journal

Something is going wrong.

My powers haven’t been working as they have in the past. On occasion they don’t respond, they travel me to random places (with and without command), and it just feels straight-up wrong to use them! Feels… corrupted? 

The universe must be imbalanced right now, that could be the only explanation… That could also explain why Kristen met with me. She normally never interferes, but she requested I travel with someone very specific.

I don’t really understand the relevance of this person and why we have to go to the Palace in The End. She gave me a description of the kid, his name, and his current location. I’m curious about what business a seventeen-year-old kid could have there?

I suppose it will be nice to catch up with the Ruler. They always have great advice about magical things, so they may be able to answer some of my questions or recommend me to someone who might know. Plus they make some amazing chorus fruit tea. 

Location of kid: Garry Membrane’s Lab

Description of the kid:

-Half black and half white skin tone

-One red eye and one green

-Tall

-His name is Ranboo

Chapter Text

I never once thought that the brave and funny Technoblade would ever pass away from cancer. While it is a bit silly, I really did believe "Technoblade never dies", well at least until he was of old age. Technoblade has been one of my favorite content creators for a good while now. He was one of the only people I watched for Minecraft content until I found the Dream SMP in September of 2020. He was one of those people that made me continue to love the game that I grew up playing. It's just crazy and mind-blowing to me that I'm even writing this out. And I'll be honest, I have cried about it. I was honestly trying to find a youtube video to distract me and then the tears just came. It really doesn't help that one of my family members just passed on Saturday, so I'm still trying to come to terms with that. It will certainly be odd to finish out this fanfic when one of the main characters isn't even alive anymore. (And I'm not saying that I won't finish this story out, it will just be odd to write about Technoblade)

Techno, you changed so many people's lives. You helped a lot of people through both your charity work as well as your ability to make people laugh. I truly believe that you are one of, if not, the best Minecraft Youtuber out there. Not only were you great at the game, but you also made it fun to watch. Even as you are gone, I'm sure that rewatching your videos will bring great joy to me as well as to your viewers. Please, rest in peace, king.

With love, sincerely,

Tom

Chapter Text

“C’mon, Boo, we have to go check on Micheal!” Tubbo smiles and grabs my hand. Or at least I think it’s Tubbo? It doesn’t quite look like him. He’s got the same poofy light brown hair and small stature, but he’s missing his antennae. Instead, he has dark brown goat-like horns and some terrible, but healed, scars on his face. He seems more grown-up, not that he isn’t mature now but more… Phil mature. I think this is Tubbo, but just not my Tubbo.

Walking along with “Tubbo,” I notice the surroundings are almost entirely unfamiliar but also as if there is a sense of deja vu. The area kind of looks like a combination between the countryside and a large city. The building style constantly changing or is half blown up. We pass a dirt hut that has a sign that says “Tommy’s house” in smudged dirty writing. There’s a Tommy in this place too? Who else is here?

My lips move without my control. “I can’t wait to see our boy.” Tubbo smiles and nods excitedly. Is this what my voice should sound like? Dang, I’m cool. However, this whole situation is odd, it’s almost like I’m just along for the ride but it’s also in my body from a different timeline? Or dimension, or something? What in the DigCombine is going on right now?!

As I keep looking around the area, things seemed to start blurring until my vision fades to black. Then, I start regaining feeling in my, well, everything. My back aches. My eyes open to an unfamiliar sight, I’m in a metal cage in a laboratory. The stereotypical kind with walls painted white, cool white tile on the floor, and some weird beakers next to a computer on a desk. Then I glance to my left to see a young man sitting next to me.

“Oh! I’m so glad you finally awoke!” the man exclaims nervously. He was wearing oddly colorful pants and a sweatshirt with a spiral design on the front. He was also wearing steampunk esk goggles on his forehead and multiple watches on his left arm to match. His brown curls were a mess and he was tanned but clearly a white guy. I can’t tell if this is going to be the sweetest man I’ll ever meet or the most insane. “I’m Karl Jacobs, I’m a time traveler! I was sent to help you by Kristen. It really is a pleasure to meet you. I hope I can be of your most helpful service!”

Okay, he’s the sweetest man. Do I trust him entirely? No… Maybe? I just can’t take him seriously with that outfit. I nod with a smile at him but avoid eye contact. “Oh! Also, Kristen had one of the Watchers heal your vocal cords while you were asleep. So, you should be able to speak now, no problem!” Karl explained happily. My eyes widen in surprise. At both the fact that my voice was healed and I can speak again but also that something called a “Watcher” was what healed me. I’m not complaining though.

“Ahem!” I cough and clear my throat. “Thanks for helping me out, Mr. Jacobs.” This feels so great! I can’t believe I can finally speak again! I don’t know how much I’ll actually talk though. I’ve been silent for ages, will I ever get used to the fact that I can talk again? What if even after all this when I go back to- who are they to me? Do they actually feel like the big f word… Already?- my family and they don’t want me to talk anyway? This healing might have been a big waste…

Karl snaps his fingers in front of my face. “You okay? You zoned out for a bit there.”

“Oh, sorry, Mr. Jacobs. I was just lost in thought… So, how are you going to get me out of here exactly?”

“You can just call me Karl, Ranboo. So, you know I’m a time traveler, right? Well, I can send us forward a few seconds while also bringing us to a new location. So, we’re going to do just that and get you where you were supposed to be in the timeline. All you have to do is grab onto my arm and try not to throw up when we get to the location.” Karl explains happily, all anxiety from before has left his voice. I nod and grab his arm.

All of a sudden, it feels like I’m being thrown to the ground or wall. This is not an unfamiliar feeling but certainly an unwelcomed one. The room fades in my vision as a spectrum of colors is blended into my view. The whole thing seems hypnotic, almost safe, but still a sense of anxiety.

I can’t tell how long it has been until I’m thrown onto a red rug.

3rd Person POV

The two landed in a marvelous large hall. The floor was black and white marble with a velvet red rug that was the length of the ginormous hall. The walls have intricately designed onyx-colored panel molding with the leftover space colored a creamy off-white. The ceiling was 20 feet (6 meters) tall or higher. To top it all of, the crown molding was highly detailed as well, it was painted a lovely lilac color. This place was clearly meant for royalty or at least someone who was highly wealthy.

Karl watches as Ranboo takes the whole place in. He had already been here before hundreds of times, so it was fun for him to see Ranboo’s reaction. Ranboo was in awe, his mouth unhinged as he drunk up the view. The time traveler smiles, “Isn’t it beautiful?”

Ranboo picks his jaw up from the floor and nods. 

“This place is… incredible,” he says breathily.

As Karl hears footsteps, he turns Ranboo toward the noise. There was a figure walking toward the two, authority filled in their steps. They smiled and said, “Welcome to The End Castle.”

Chapter Text

Still 3rd Person

“Welcome to The End Castle.” The person smiles. 

They are beautiful.  

They were clearly an enderman (a/n just assume that enderman are fairly humanoid) with their smooth dark skin and the same color hair to match. There were definitely some grays starting to come up at the roots within their short hair. However, the way they stood made them seem still quite young, but wise beyond their years. Their eyes a dark wine red color. They wore a suit and skirt combo outfit. The top was fitted with a marshmallow white button-up, pearl gray vest, and a dark navy blue jacket while the bottom was a silk skirt of the same color. To complete the outfit they wore navy blue flats, amethyst earrings, and a small but intricate crown that was also fitted with amethyst.

Ranboo’s POV

Holy crap! I’m meeting the Ruler of The End! (a/n when I read this out loud, I accidentally read it in a Sonic voice lol) I try to turn to look at Karl but he had already left. This is the person I was supposed to meet in the original timeline?! What the fu-?

“And who are you, young one?” They smile calmly.

“I’m Ranboo Mark Beloved, Ruler,” I try to bow gracefully.

They pause for a moment before saying, “Wow, I-I can’t believe I’m getting to see you so… grown up.” The person smiles sadly, eyes seeming misty. “I’m your parent, Imbra Elude Beloved.”

I stand completely still. I can’t fucking believe what I’m hearing! All this time my parent was here in this wonderful palace while I was stuck abused and going from home to home for most of my life?! Great to know they’re alive, I guess? I don’t give a crap about my biological dad because he left my parent, but my parent was here the whole time! They could have taken care of me. Even if they’re the Ruler of The End and probably really busy, I could have had, at the minimum, a nanny who could constantly take care of me. 

“Y’know, I wrote every day in my notebooks to remind myself that I had a child out there. That even though I didn’t want them here, I knew they were safe somewhere else,” they say sadly, possibly a twinge of regret in their voice.

“Y-you didn’t want me? You didn’t want me?! All because you didn’t fucking want me, I had to go through so much shit ! You have no idea what kind of hell you put me through.” 

My face burns.

“No, n-n-no! It’s not that I didn’t want you , it’s that I didn’t want you here . It’s that I didn’t want you to grow up underneath the pressures of being royalty. I hated it as a child and I didn’t want to force you through that,” Imbra sighs. “But, I never knew that instead of getting you away from the hell here, your life would be hell elsewhere. And I understand if you don’t forgive me, but I am truly sorry for what happened to you. I’m sorry that I didn’t keep you here instead where I knew you would have been loved and cared for.”

There are so many thoughts running through my head, but the main thought was; that at least they had good intentions for me. I may have hated being the son of royalty, but at least here I would have had people care about me and I wouldn’t have as much trauma. I understand their decision, but I’m also so upset about what could have happened to me instead.

“I accept your apology, I guess. But, you aren’t forgiven yet.”

“I understand,” they nod sadly. “Well, I can show you to your room. Then later I can show you around the palace and possibly tea after? That way we can catch up. You can vent to me about everything, I just want to be here to listen.”

“I’ll take your offer of the room, but maybe on the other stuff. I’ll see how I’m feeling about things later.”

Chapter Text

I ended up going along with Imbra on a tour of the castle. The place was massive and beautiful. The architecture was thousands of years old but still seemed to have a modern touch. We engaged in small talk. They mainly just explained what each room was and who had stayed in the castle before. After that, we sat down in the library to have some chorus fruit tea. It was interesting to see that they made the tea themself and not some random servant.

“I have a question for you.” I know they said that we could catch up, vent, or whatever, but I’ve had something nagging at me since I woke up in that cage.

Imbra smiles politely. “I’ll gladly try my best to answer any of your questions.”

“What are Watchers? Like what do they do? Are they nice?” They seem to be pretty powerful if they can heal seemingly with a snap of their fingers. And possibly from afar too, because Karl didn’t mention actually seeing the Watcher, he just knew about it.

“Ah, Watchers. They’re not commonly talked about, so it would make sense that you wouldn’t know who they are. They should be talked about more since they are technically a part of each government,” Imbra mumbles the last part into their sip of tea. “The Watchers do many things. They work under every leader of each land, but mostly here in The End. That’s due to the fact that they are born and recruited here. The Watchers’ jobs are to watch over the ruler, protect the ruler, take notes on important events or meetings, watch over the timeline, and on occasion they are warriors. They are quite interesting people to look at. They have beautiful purple wings and are quite tall.”

“Like how tall? Us tall or taller?” It’s a dumb question but I have to know.

“Taller. They’re up to twenty feet(6 meters) tall.”

“So, they could theoretically heal someone’s vocal cords?” I just want to confirm what Karl said. Not that I don’t believe him, I just want to be certain.

Imbra nods, “Yes. They could. They have some quite powerful magic, they just mostly choose not to use it or use it for healing like you asked about.”

I take a long sip of tea. “Interesting.”

This part of the conversation came to a kind of awkward conclusion. I don’t know what else to talk about. Do I really want to talk about my trauma right now anyways? I don’t even know Imbra that well yet, I think it would quite odd to open up now. And do they even want to hear about my trauma or were they just trying to be polite because I got angry? I don’t know what to do. How do I keep a conv-

“Can I ask you a question now? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to,” they take a sip of their tea.

“Ask the question and then I’ll decide whether or not I want to answer,” I shrug. I’m not trying to be rude, exactly, it’s just… I’m having a hard time cooling my anger.

“Well, I guess it’s not really a question but rather something I’ve been wondering about… Well, you see… Endermen don’t exactly have a gender. Obviously, we have the means to reproduce, but we’re not men or women like ‘most’ people. So, I just didn’t know if that’s how you presented yourself or if you were forced to gender conform.”

“How did I not know about the genderless thing?” I mumble. “Well, I didn’t know about Endermen not having genders. I guess I was conformed to be male, I hadn’t really thought about it before… What does that feel like for you?”

Imbra pauses for a moment, taking a short sip of their tea. “Ah, well, for me… I just feel like I don’t fit into the society boxes of man or woman. I kind of feel like both and neither at the same time. Some days I feel more feminine while other days I feel more masculine and sometimes I feel both or even androgynous. It just depends on the day or sometimes the people I have to interact with.”

“Huh,” I reply. Well, now I’m just confused. Welp, guess I’m going to have a gender crisis now.

Chapter Text

???’s POV

Wandering down these halls day after day seems so useless! Every hall looks almost exactly the same, there’s not even a hint on how to get out of here! I just want to get home, away from here as soon as possible. While I’m walking, looking for any kind of clues, I hear two of the head Watchers of the timeline division talking. I stand as close to the doorway as I can and turn invisible.

One of them chuckles, “This shift might be an opportunity that we never saw coming, young one.”

What is the shift? They keep talking about it during my training while they think I’m not listening. It seems extremely important, but Xen is saying it’s an opportunity. When they were talking about it before it seemed like a bad thing, but now it’s good. What is going on?

The younger starts talking, “You mean we don’t have to worry about the shift after all? Are you sure everything will fall back into place? This seems too simple, sir.”

Thank you Xolani! You’re asking the good questions.

“Not back into place, no, better than that. It can’t be handed to us exactly, but with a mild amount of work and some other hands, things should work out in our favor.” Xen says, he sounds like he’s smiling.

What in the End are they talking about?

“This is wonderful news, sir! The new recruit is nearly fully trained now and could be of great use! ...That one is mighty powerful, sir. I’ve never seen one quite like him before, he picked everything up so quickly. The higher-ups really made a fantastic choice.”

They’re talking about me? This could be my perfect escape! Whatever mission they need me on, I can just get out of there! I should be able to pull out my tracker and then escape through a portal, easy-peasy! This is going to be a lot easier to escape from than I originally thought. I can finally go home and visit Phil and see my cats! Suddenly, I realize I’m no longer listening to their conversation and tune back in.

“-ome other news, is that the Ruler’s child has returned home,” Xolani says.

I didn’t even know the Ruler had a kid, to be honest. Then again, I’m not in the End much, except for right now.

“Yes, I’m aware, hence why I believe everything will fall into place. We’ll have the time traveler and the new recruit capture the child. Then, we’ll force the Ruler to step down and hand over their kingdom to us . We have been waiting so long for this, Xolani! We have to take this chance to receive what was meant to be ours finally! Nobody can get in our way! Not the goddess, not the blood god, and definitely not Minecraft !” Xen shouts excitedly.

“Of course, sir. Finally, our Great Honor.” I can tell Xolani is smiling.

They’re going to force me and some other guy to kidnap someone! And that someone is the child of the Ruler?! There’s no way I’m going through with this. I’ll convince this time traveler guy to work with me to protect this kid. Whatever the Watchers want is not worth the Ruler and their kids’ lives! When I arrived at their headquarters, I knew their system was wrong. I didn’t realize that it was evil.

I can still get home… wait. They mentioned Minecraft! As in mine and Phil’s family name!? This is way more important than I was just thinking. If he’s involved then he definitely knows this kid. If this kid is important to the goddess and to Phil, then the kid is now 10 times more important to me.

I will protect this kid no matter what, that is my new goal. 

Getting home can wait.

Chapter Text

This story is being discontinued. I thank everyone who has read and commented on my story. Seeing those really made my days. I really don't interact with this Fandom a whole lot anymore and I've been so busy with college that I have not had the time nor motivation to complete this story. I might at some point post the summary of the rest of the story, but we will see.
I really did think that I would come back someday and bust out the rest of the story with one long final chapter, but I've decided to stop holding that possibility above my head. Especially with what has come out about Wilbur recently, I no longer feel comfortable writing about his character or him in general.
I hope you all understand and I wish you all the best. Thank you for journeying with me and my characters. It has been an honor.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Crackers