Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Io was starving, shaking, their throat burning, their skin on fire. The sun hurt so badly, they couldn’t think but they were trapped, there was no way to get food, no way to alleviate the pain the burns caused them, they had found shade in the room they were trapped in with their love but what now?

Soft warm skin pressed against them, bringing comfort but also more agony as all they could think about was sinking fangs into it’s neck.

Dawn wouldn’t leave them, wouldn’t abandon them but he was in so much danger being so close, trying to help with their injuries, trying to find some way to help.

“Io, are you alright? You can hear me right? You’re okay…it’s going to be alright, Percy will find us, and it will all be okay. He'll get the others and they’ll all come for us.” It was so sweet, optimistic, soothing, but Io couldn’t even think of relaxing , not with the hunger that ate at their insides.

“Dawn…Sunlight you have to….you have to get away from me…go back into the sun where you’ll be safe…I can’t…” They looked at them, crimson eyes pleading.

“I’m not leaving you over here when you’re hurt!” Dawn met their gaze stubbornly.

“I’m not safe for you right now! I’ll bite you, I’ll hurt you!” They tried to move away from the smaller avian fear for it’s safety temporarily overwhelming their hunger.

“Then bite me, if that will help you then I don’t care! I’m not leaving you alone in the dark to deal with this alone, Io.” His expression was sure, steady, something that Io adored so much, how convicted it was, how kind.

“I can’t, I won’t.” They tried to move away, tears gathering in their eyes. “Not to you, never to you Dawn I..”

“Io, I know how vampire healing works…I know you won't get better without blood…” Dawn touched their cheek gently. “It’s alright, I’m not hurt, just take what you need Moonbeam…”

Io let out a sob and pulled it close, hiding their face in his hair with a soft whimper. “I don’t want to hurt you, I don’t want…”

“It won’t hurt very much….it’s okay, I trust you.” Dawn hugged the vampire gently not wanting to hurt their burns. “Just enough to help you, you can do it love.”

Io Pulled back wiping at the tears on their cheeks, their ear feathers drooping and pinned to the sides of their head, they looked unsure, vulnerable in a way that only Dawn got to see.

“I’m scared Dawn, I don’t want to hurt you, I don’t want to be a monster.”

“You could never be a monster to me Io, you’re just you.” Dawn took their face in his hands pulling them down for a soft kiss. “I’ll be okay, I’ve had so much worse, for people I didn’t even care about.”

“Okay…okay…” Io took a deep breath pulling the Canary close and tilting his head to the side carefully, their touch gentle even though their fingers were shaking. They leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to their pulse before sinking sharp fangs into their skin groaning as hot blood filled their mouth.

Dawn let out a soft squeak, holding onto Io’s shirt as they drank from him, the feeling was dizzying, but not exactly painful.

Io pulled back several minutes later, their tongue swiping over the bite to clear the blood away. “Are…are you alright?” Their burns were already starting to heal, the worst of them turning pink as the skin healed.

“Y…yeah just a little dizzy.” He leaned against them.

“I’ve got you Sunlight…” They held him close, moving to sit down with the smaller in their lap. “Now we just have to wait for Percy to see that we’re missing…and they’ll come find us..”

“They’ll come find us. Reyna and Volt will help and as soon as the sun is down Wolfgang will be able to help too. ” They hummed and nuzzled close, the blood loss making them tired.

“Rest love…I have you…it’s okay.” They held it close, their shaking slowly stopping. “I’ll keep watch, in case whoever put us here comes back.”

“You’re still hurt, I just need a minute…I won’t…leave you by yourself Io.” Dawn looked up at them, dark eyes hazy but determined.

“If you’re sure…the golden boy will notice quickly…they care about you.” Io leaned against the wall. “If someone else comes in here I need you to cover your ears, I can use my song to get us out of here.”

“Okay. “ Dawn leaned against them once more, closing their eyes for just a moment, their other loves would come for them, and then they would all be safe again, everything was going to be fine, even if he would have a new scar.

For it’s love it was worth it.

“Just stay close to me now Songbird….I don’t want you to be in harm's way.” They moved to put them at their side so they could move freely if they needed to but kept him under their wing.

“I’ll stay by your side, don’t worry.” Dawn stayed close.

“Good.” Io looked around the room. “I can’t do much while the sun is still up, this corner is the only shade in this room…”

“So then we just have to wait as much as we hate it.”

And so they waited, trusting that their friends and partners would come to find them, for now just staying huddled in the dark corner of the room they’d been trapped in.

They would come for them.

Right?

Chapter Text

The burns Io suffered were healing slowly, the Vampire still curled around Dawn protectively, this place smelled familiar, like something from a long time ago, almost like it was from a dream, a nightmare.

Dawn was sleeping, blood loss dragging him under even though he wanted to stay awake, but Io was awake, looking at every edge of the room, every place that could bring escape.

The grates that let the sun into the cell were barred, so flying wasn’t an option and they couldn't get to the door to look at the mechanism, and they wanted Dawn nowhere near there alone, Io didn’t want Dawn here at all.

This place made their skin crawl with how horribly familiar it was.

They were pulled out of their thoughts by a scraping sound as the ceiling closed, shutting out the sun.

The noise caused Dawn to stir it's eyes opening blearily as the room darkened. “ What’s happening?”

Io moved to put Dawn behind them glaring at the door as they heard hauntingly familiar footfalls getting closer and closer. “Stay quiet Dawn, stay behind me.”

The door clicked several times as a small window at the top opened, a face appearing in it a moment later.

“Hello there little birdie~ I’m glad you didn’t die from the sunlight, little changeling. Where is the other little bird that was with you? Are you hiding it?” The man hummed from where he stood at the door, unbothered and casual despite the circumstances.

Io let out a growl and glared at them. “Who the hell are you?” They were on guard, keeping Dawn’s small form behind them.

“Do you really not remember me? I suppose the haze of turning took its toll”

The noise that ripped its way from Io’s throat as they realized who was standing there, who was speaking to them, was nothing short of feral, their fangs glinting in the low light.

“You.” They hissed out. “You bastard.”

“I can assure you that my parents were married when I was conceived.” Aloys tilted his head as he watched Io. “Oh I see, the little one is behind you, how sweet.”

“Don’t you dare even speak about him.” They growled. “Let us out of here.”

“I would if I could insure you wouldn’t fly away again little birdie, I went through so much trouble to get you back home again, I even brought your little bird friend with! So you’ll have company.”

“This…Isn’t my home.”

“But it is! It should have been, I had such plans for you, and the other little siren I sired but alas, they too fled from our home. But you Little Bird, you’re home now! And with such an interesting little friend.”

There was a noise from behind Io as Dawn pressed itself against the wall, his eyes were dark, pupils blown wide as it’s body trembled.

Io glanced back to check on Dawn, finding that the Canary was pressed against the wall, eyes glassy and far off, breath coming in ragged quick pants, he was not present in the moment.

It was somewhere Io could not currently reach.

“Dawn?”

“Is the little bird alright fledgling? May I be of assistance?” Aloys called from the door, voice laced with sickly sweet sympathy

“If you come near it I will tear your throat out with my teeth.” Io turned back to Aloys, their fangs bared.

“Well now that’s rather rude, and here I was bringing my dearest fledgling some food and blankets to make your temporary home more comfortable while you acclimate to being back home.” He sighed softly. “Perhaps I should let you think a bit more on your attitude before I assist you.” The latch closed “Perhaps I shall think of a good way to punish you for your rudeness.” and with that threat hanging in the air, Io could hear their footsteps retreating.

As soon as they were out of earshot Io fully turned to look at Dawn, their posture changing as they focused on their love.

“My love, Sunlight, Dawn please, please look at me, I’m here..I’m right here. Come back, don’t go where I can not follow.” Io carefully took it’s hands. “I’m here Birdie, feel my hands?”

Dawn’s eyes came a bit into focus as he looked at Io tears pricking the corners of them. “T..trapped, I don’t want, I’m not. Not a little bird. Not a…not a” their thoughts were scattered somewhere Io could not follow them, somewhere that dragged their love to panic.

“I know, I know my love, I’m here, It’s okay, we’re waiting for Percy remember? Percy, Wolfgang, Reyna, and Volt? They’re going to come for us. We're going to be fine, just focus on my hands, they’re in yours right? You can feel them.”

Dawn gave a jerky little nod squeezing Io’s hands tightly in it’s. “Your hands, my hands.” They got out as the tears made their way down their cheeks, though his breath was starting to ease.

“That's it, Good.” They squeezed back, three short times then one long squeeze. “See? Right here. I’m not going anywhere, just come back to me okay?”

They had moved them away from the wall slowly, able to access the cell a bit better now that the roof was closed, but they suspected that the roof closing and the way that man had been speaking to them both had triggered this panic. Dawn didn’t react well to being referred to as ‘little bird’ Io knew that much.

“I’m right here Dawn, I won’t leave you.” Io assured them, keeping their hands in theirs, they didn’t try to pull it closer, letting Dawn have space. They were trying to make it feel as least trapped as possible.

Dawn squeezed Io’s hands back as he took a shaky breath, slowly coming down from his panic. He was still trembling, but at least he had come back to Io from the dark place it had gone to.

As Dawn finally calmed and slumped against Io, letting them hold him, there was a noise. An ominous clicking filled the small cell as the roof began to reopen, sunlight slowly beginning to filter back in.

Io wouldn’t have enough time to get back to the corner, the one spot in the cell that was out of the sun.

They bit down hard on their lip to keep from crying out in anguish as the sun's rays hit them burning their still healing skin, the pain ripping through their body like wildfire.

“No!” Dawn tried to pull Io back to the corner, back to safety, away from the fire that ripped through the crimson feathered avian, but it was slow going. Dawn was not very strong to begin with and the panic they had just experienced had sapped even more of their strength.

Io let Dawn move them, helping as best they could despite the pain, instinct driving them away from the sunlight. They fell in a heap in the shaded corner of the cell Io’s own trembling, now joining Dawn’s.

“Oh gods, what do I do? What…” Dawn’s hands flittered over the larger avian as they tried to think of a way to help.

The last thought Io had before the pain pulled them into unconsciousness was that they hoped Dawn would be okay, that they would stay close and safe.

Dawn tried their best to tend to Io, taking off their cardigan to drape it over the vampire shielding them from more of the light that now filled the cell.

They tended the unconscious vampire carefully, even as the sun finally set and they did not wake.

In their worry Dawn failed to notice the footsteps had returned, failed to notice the sound of a lock mechanism turning, and the cell door opening slowly.

They were wholly focused on trying to help Io, the burns that now covered their partner causing them great distress and worry.

They gently moved their hair from their face checking the damage before suddenly, strong hands gripped the small avian ripping it back from Io and up onto it’s feet.

A large hand clamped over his mouth and the last thing Dawn knew before he fell into utter darkness and agony was sharp fangs sinking into the delicate skin on the side of his neck.

Chapter Text

Dawn was floating in a sea of agony and confusion, he couldn’t get his thoughts to form properly, every one cut off as the pain took it’s mind again.

They were laying on something soft, they could tell, but it did little to alleviate any of the pain that their small body was wracked with.

Someone was apologizing, someone had his head on their lap, soft gentle fingers making their way through his hair and ear wings.

It was nice, they sounded pretty, but sad, why were they sad? It vaguely remembered who it would be but couldn’t quite bring the name to mind but They definitely shouldn’t be sad.

It didn’t want them to be sad. He was vaguely aware of…liquid? hitting his face. Was someone crying? Yes someone was crying, it could feel the droplets every so often as it’s brain came back to consciousness for split seconds.

But the pain was too much for it to stay awake slipping back into the quiet dark of unconsciousness.

Io was holding Dawn, their eyes red, their cheeks raw from their tears and the sun burns that covered them. Aloys had brought them blood, potions, blankets, The cell was more comfortable, the skylight shut tightly.

But they couldn’t bring themself to drink any of the blood, despite the burns and pain they were in, not when they had woken to find Dawn in this state. The one thing they feared, this hell, this unlife, forced upon another person that they loved.

Aloys had explained to them when they had awoken that this was punishment, consequence of Io’s own rudeness. Io couldn’t stop apologizing to Dawn, their own pain their own anguish didn’t matter, their actions had caused their love harm, that hurt them more than anything.

Dawn kept whimpering, kept making soft pained noises, soft mumbled words that made no sense.

It’s eyes were shut tight, and Io knew that they would never see the beautiful gold that filled their irises again, the next time their love opened their eyes they would be glowing crimson.

The next time their Sunrise would open it’s eyes it would be on a world that they would never get to feel the sun's rays on their wings again. Never again fly amongst soft clouds as the sun lit the world.

Their light, their Dawn, would now forever be cursed to the night as they were. The thought made them feel hollow, made them feel like a failure in protecting their loved ones again.

The man that had changed them, that had ripped them away from every person they had loved, the life that they knew, had stolen yet another thing from them.

But Io couldn’t bring themself to even try and find a way out, they just wanted to hold Dawn, to comfort them as best they could as the turning caused them so much pain. Their own pain a dull constant ache in the back of their mind as the emotional pain took up their mind.

It wasn’t often that this froze Io so wholly, but the stress, the trauma, the injury they suffered rendered them just unable to do anything but tend to Dawn, to try and keep them as safe and comfortable as they could.

To keep Aloys away from them.

Speaking of said bastard of a vampire, he kept checking in on the two of them, becoming increasingly annoyed that Io refused to drink, refused to even attempt to heal their wounds.

“This tantrum will need to end eventually little one, you’re a fledgling not a child.” He chastised them from the door. “Besides, now your little friend will never leave you, age will not take him from you.”

Io refused to answer him no matter what he said to them, no matter what he threatened.

He wouldn’t expose Dawn to the sun, not while he was turning, so they were safe from that punishment at least.

But the thought that Dawn’s changing had been a punishment, a consequence of Io's own actions, that this could be their fault.

Percy and the others would no doubt be looking for them but would they still care for Io when they found out? Would Percy still carry affection for the creature that had caused this hell to be brought upon their Sunrise.

Would Io lose both of their loves to this? Would Dawn even love them when they awoke to find what loving Io had wrought? Would they lose the budding friendships they had just now allowed themself to indulge in?

Would they leave Io to their fate with Aloys? Only taking Dawn away from this place.

Wolfgang would be able to help the fledging vampire, Dawn would be more prepared for life as a vampire than Io had ever been.

Io looked at their love as the thoughts of self hate swirled and festered in their chest.

They would not blame Dawn if he hated them for this.

Perhaps being left in this cell, while Dawn was saved, would be what Io really deserved?

Perhaps being Aloys’ experiment and pet was all that they deserved.

As long as they could get Dawn out, away from Aloys, away from harm? They would accept any manner of hatred or distrust from the people they had come to call their lovers and friends.

Dawn deserved the world.

But Io could not help but think that for this and all the hurt they had caused their love, Maybe this cage was all that they deserved.

Chapter Text

The first thing that Dawn was aware of when he opened his eyes was the unbearable thirst he felt, the burning aching that consumed his throat. Oh, he had done this before, he could tell what had happened, he had been turned. He couldn’t exactly remember how but he knew that once again he was a vampire.

The second thing it noticed was that Io was playing with his hair, a far away look on their face as they did so.

“I..Io? Thirsty.” They managed to get out, snapping the violet haired vampire out of their stupor as they nodded and reached over to grab a bottle of blood for him.

He sat up slowly, whining as his body protested the movement, before grabbing the bottle and uncorking it, greedily drinking down its contents. The blood soothed the ache in their throat and helped him slowly come back fully to his senses.

He looked over at the tanager with a smile before frowning when he saw the state they were in. “Io? There’s plenty of blood bottles there…have you eaten? Your burns are still really bad, and your eyes, oh darling you’ve been crying.”

“He..he did this to you because of me.” Io couldn’t meet his eyes. “I don’t deserve-”

“What? Io, moonbean what are you talking about.” Dawn reached for them.

“How are you not furious with me? How are you…” they looked away from him. “I caused this, for you to bear this curse.”

Dawn frowned and grabbed Io’s face making them look at it. “Io, you didn’t do anything, That guy that took us did, and I’ve been a vampire before this isn’t exactly new.” He huffed softly. “The only thing I’m upset about is that you’re hurt and not taking care of yourself.”

Io looked at him crimson eyes wide. “You’re not angry?” they sounded shocked, though relieved.

“At you? Of course not Io.” he hummed. “Now will you let me get you cleaned up?”

“Aren’t you tired? You just turned.”

Dawn hummed softly. “Nothing I can’t handle, you fed me.” They smiled at them. “Now let me take care of you”

Io nodded slightly then pulled dawn’s cardigan from their lap. “You might want this back.”

“Oh! I forgot I took it off to cover you.” It took it with a hum and slid it on.

Io looked down at their hands “do you think…Percy will be angry with me?”

“Why would he be?” Dawn held a blood bottle out for them.

Io took it and rolled it between their palms, not opening it yet. “I’m…because..because I caused this?”

“Io we went through this already love, you didn’t do anything wrong. That guy, whoever he is, is the one that did. Please Drink that for me Moonbeam?”

“That I do know, that man is the one that changed me.” They uncorked the bottle and drank down the blood.

Dawn smiled as they drank. “Thank you, love. So…the person that took us is your sire? well…I guess ours now.” He touched the bite on his neck wincing slightly.

Io finished the blood and hummed softly. “I don’t remember a lot about my turning, I was…tied down? I think? It’s blurry.”

Dawn picked up one of the potions that had been left and uncorked it, sniffing it slightly. “This is regen, maybe it will help with your burns?” He offered it to them.

Io took the potion and drank it making a small face at the acrid taste of it. “I do remember being chosen out of several prisoners? They took me from one place to a castle, but I was blindfolded for most of it. I don’t know why I was chosen, there were several other avians with that group. Castle…Rothmore is where I was taken, I can remember that.”

There was a noise as the window on the door opened once more. “I could answer that for you if you’d like Birdie.” Aloys hummed from where he stood.

Io hissed and moved Dawn behind them again, wincing as the motion aggravated their still healing burns.

“Oh good! Your little friend is awake and doing well! And you’ve fed! What a good little bird you’ve been, Io.” He all but cooed at the Avian.

“Fuck off, don’t speak to me like I’m a pet.” Io hissed at him showing their fangs.

“Ah, ah, ah! Now you wouldn’t want me to have to punish the both of you for your rudeness would you? Honestly if you would just behave appropriately I would be able to let you both have more freedoms in the castle. As for your question, my dear king at the time wanted to see what would happen if we turned Sirens! A very interesting experiment indeed and you my dear came out beautifully, a lovely fledgling. And you’ve survived quite a long time despite everything!”

Io shrank back from the range of the skylight covering Dawn with their body and glaring at Aloys but staying quiet as they explained, even though the way they spoke of them infuriated them to no end.

“You were my first changeling, I really had hoped to raise you properly. I never expected you to flee, and then when I asked the birds where you had gone they told me you’d been executed! Really a waste of such potential.” He hummed. “But now you’re right where you’re meant to be! And as soon as you stop this silly rebellious arc I can start teaching you all the things you and now your little friend need to know about being a part of the Rothmore line, as my fledglings of course.”

“So what, you’re just collecting Sirens to fulfill some weird family fantasy?”

“Not, quite. I’m still very interested in how Vampire Sirens work, it's an interesting question if you ask me.”

“If you’re that interested I could give you a taste of what my song does to people.” They straightened slightly.

“That would be ill-advised little one” He tilted his head. “You would be punished for it, and by extension your little friend, as well as the fact that using your song on me won't get you out of your new little cage.”

Io glared at him but said nothing, one of their hands going behind them to grip Dawn’s hand tightly letting it know that they would protect it.

Dawn squeezed their hand tightly pressing itself against their back to almost hide in their wings.

“You’re quite protective of the little bird aren’t you.”

“Don’t call it that, we have names you bastard.” Io growled at Aloys.

“As do I! May I introduce myself? I’ve been terribly rude haven’t I? Aloysius de Rothmore at your service, though you may call me Aloys. And you my dear are Io! And considering the information my little spiders have brought me, the little canary you keep hiding from me is Dawn, your paramor I assume by how you get so prickly about them.”

Io glared at him “you got what you wanted by turning me, no matter how many times you burn me I’m not going to bow down and be some dog for you, I’m not Kazha and you are far from being Asher.”

“Now why in the world would I want to be Asher? And perhaps burning you won’t teach you manners but I’m afraid you showed me all your cards with how protective you are of the little canary Io, you really should learn not to show people your hand. I don’t have to hurt you! I can punish you through the little one.”

Io growled letting Dawn press closer against their back. “Lay a finger on Dawn and see what happens. You won’t like the results.”

“Won’t I? Perhaps some more time to contemplate your circumstances will help your manners.” he hummed as he shut the window on the door again, walking away.

A few moments later the skylight opened once more filling the room with sunlight and trapping the both of them in the tiny corner, Io’s nose and cheeks getting a bit burned as they did their best to keep Dawn away from the sun, there wasn’t really room for the both of them in he tiny corner.

Even when they turned to look Dawn over their wings ended up singed, the fresh agony causing them to flinch and draw them in as tight as they could.

“We could take turns being on the outside of the corner, I don’t want you hurting…” Dawn touched their face gently.

“Absolutely not, you stay where you are, I’m fine, I can handle the pain.” Io moved to cover it with their wings.

“What If I don’t want you to?” Dawn frowned up at the tanager.

Io let out a little laugh despite themself. “That's too bad, I’m not letting you feel pain for my mistakes.”

“You haven’t done anything wrong, Io.” He insisted but relented, letting them protect him from the sun. “The others will come for us soon, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re close to finding us right now.”

“I hope so, I just want you out of here.” Io pulled it close, pressing a kiss to his hair.

They stayed like that Dawn wrapped in the safety of Io’s wings as the sun left small burns on the Tanager’s exposed skin, until a few hours later the sun finally dipped low enough in the sky it was out of the skylight. The darkness that slowly enveloped the cell was a welcome relief to both Avians.

Io relaxed slightly letting Dawn out the shelter of their wings slowly once they were sure he wouldn’t be burned.

Not long after the sun had fully gone down the two would hear noise from above the skylight, soft wingbeats, almost too quiet to be heard.

Then the sound of at least two people walking up to the Skylight, Io put Dawn behind them again as they stared up at the bar, when a familiar face suddenly appeared, tanned freckled skin haloed by blonde hair and bright blue feathers.

“Oh thank the gods, Io! Is Dawn down there with you?” Percy’s voice was soft, barely above a whisper to avoid alerting anyone that might be around.

The Canary rushed out from behind Io, looking up at the skylight with a wide smile, crimson eyes shining in the dark. “I knew you’d be here soon!”

If Percy noticed the new vampiric features of his boyfriend he said nothing, just breathing a sigh of relief at the sight of their partners both safe and for the most part unharmed.

Wolfgang peeked into the skylight a moment later as well grinning at Dawn. “Like we would let you go missing without coming to get you.”

“Wolfy!” Dawn smiled at them both. “Are Volt and Reyna here too?”

Percy had set to work trying to pry the bars up Wolfgang helping them with them. “They’re looking for a way into the castle in case we can’t get these bars to budge. Are you both okay?”

“We’re okay! Io has some burns but they kept me safe from the worst of it.”

Io flinched slightly staying in the corner, the self doubt, the worry, their blaming themself for Dawn’s current vampirism, they were worrying their lip with one of their fangs eyes at the floor.

Dawn noticed almost immediately upon looking over at Io, a frown appearing on his features before it grabbed their hand again. “The person that took us bit me, he’s the one that changed Io in the first place.”

“I noticed the eyes, We can talk about it once we get you out of there, I’ll have to get you some tinted glass for the bakery huh?”

“You’re not angry with me?” Io couldn’t stop himself from blurting out their eyes snapping up to meet Percy’s cerulean ones.

“Why would I be angry at you? You’re not the one that bit Dawn, you wouldn’t do that, without permission anyways. We can talk about this once you’re out alright? I want you both safe before anything else.”

Io nodded before looking at the barred skylight watching the avian and vampire work to free them.

Dawn held their hand as they waited.

The people that cared about them had come at last, they wouldn’t be abandoned, and soon, they would hopefully be back in their own nest, their flockmates and partners safe and sound with them.

They were still loved, despite their self doubt.

Chapter Text

Percy was seething, having returned home from a stupid mission he hadn’t even wanted to be on to find Io’s home broken into. The carefully designed space that they and Dawn had helped set up, that had finally started feeling like a safe place for Io, was empty and cold, the doors broken on their hinges.

There was broken glass from several potion bottles, the smell of weakness potion filling the once cozy space. Worst of all was the fact that he found both of their coms still set on the table at the edge of the nest, charging.

The rage, worry, and horror he had felt was palpable, there had been no blood, no sign of great struggle yet his loved ones were gone.

He went to Reyna and Volt first asking them to help him find them, before the three of them headed to look for Wolfgang, his dogs would be helpful in tracking them down.

The four of them had taken a moment to get supplies and get ready to go, Percy spending most of the time pacing, one of Dawn’s feathers held in their hand. Their thoughts on nothing but getting Dawn and Io back safely.

When they had found them, relief had filled his whole chest, even when he had noticed Dawn’s newly vampiric features, all he was focused on was the fact that It and Io were safe, alive, mostly unharmed.

Now he and Wolfgang worked to pry free the bars that closed off the cell and Volt and Reyna looked for a way into the manor.

Whoever had taken them would pay later, for now he just wanted to be able to properly check on the wounds he could see on Io, and Hold both them and Dawn close, hide them in his wings even if just for a moment.

When the bars finally pulled free he dropped down almost immediately, quickly crossing the cell to the two wrapping them both in a hug.

“Gods, fuck I was so fucking scared, Io’ place was a mess, and I couldn’t find you and your coms were sitting on the table charging still and-” He held them close. “Whoever did this is going to pay.”

Io let themself sag against Percy, soaking in the safety they felt in his arms for a moment. “We cant..we need to get out of here, I’ll tell you about who he is later Percy please. I don’t want Dawn near the bastard.”

“fine…I-” The cell door burst open as Reyna came in dragging Aloys by the shirt, the vampire’s nose already bleeding from what they could only assume was a well placed punch. “Found this asshole trying to slither his way out of here.”

“If you would kindly unhand me, being attacked in my own home is rather rude.” He straightened and fixed his shirt. “As well as interfering with a person's Fledgling. well…Fledglings in this case.”

Percy was on him in seconds hand fisted in the front of his shirt. “You kidnapped two of my faction you fucker, what makes you think I won’t kill you myself? Or at the very least drag you to Asher to deal with.”

“Now now now! Io, is mine thank you, though the little canary was an accident at first, I couldn’t very well leave the little thing there.”

“I don’t fucking belong to you!” Io said in outrage, the only thing keeping them away from Aloys being their want to keep Dawn away from him. Wolfgang’s presence at their back was already bothering them even though they trusted it, knew the other vampire wouldn’t hurt either of them.

“But you do! In a way, I did make you after all little birdie.” He was so unbothered by Percy’s aggression, by the threats. “By all means take me to Asher but I’m afraid this will cause him quite a bit of paperwork….though I don’t think it counts as kidnapping when you’re simply retrieving a wayward child.”

Percy’s grip tightened. “Io doesn’t belong to anyone but themself.” he glanced over at his sister. “Reyna get Dawn and Io out of here, tell Volt to come meet me down here, and you and Wolfgang get them home.”

“Why can’t I stay and help you take care of this bastard?” Reyna frowned.

“Because I need you to protect them, Io’s hurt, and Dawn can’t fight, besides, I really would rather not have you see what I’m going t-” He stopped as a small hand gripped theirs, Dawn looking up at him, newly crimson eyes pleading.

“I want to go home, we can tell the prince what he’s done, and you won’t get in trouble with the council for getting involved, I want to go home Percy, with you and Io and Wolfgang. I want…I want to go home.” tears slid down their cheeks making the anger vanish from Percy as he let Aloys go shoving the vampire away harshly and pulling Dawn close. “Okay…okay..”

“I’m afraid I must object to them leaving, as they are MY fledglings.”

There was the sound of flesh hitting flesh as Percy’s fist hit Aloys’ cheek sending the vampire to the ground, the small bit of blood from Reyna hitting him turning to a slow but steady trickle. Percy glared down at the Vampire as he put Dawn behind him, wings flared out and cerulean eyes blazing with anger.

“They don’t belong to you, you fuck. You can’t own people.” His feathers rattled with their anger, his wings blocking out the moonlight in the cell casting Aloys in their shadow as the vampire looked up at him from the ground.

Aloys grunted when he hit the ground looking up at Percy as the avian stood protective in front of Io and Dawn, Wolfgang moving to shield them as well.

His wings were still flared, looking equal bits angelic and terrifying as he stood over the vampire who had managed to make it to his knees.

“We are going home, and if you EVER touch them again, if you ever so much as breathe in their direction, I will rip you limb from limb with my talons, do you understand?”

Aloys looked up at Percy then at Wolfgang who was staring daggers into them.

“Very well, I suppose I can respect you wanting to take them back to the birds, but tell me, what will you do when they need training you can’t provide? Surely you see the flaws in this plan of yours.”

“That's for them to decide and for us to figure out, without dealing with your bullshit.” He motioned for the others to leave the cell, keeping them hidden with his wings until they were the last one in the cell, before shutting Aloys in once they were all out, locking the Vampire in the small cell. “Let's see how you like being trapped.”

The cell wouldn’t hold them for long, not with the metal grating above torn up, but it would hold him for long enough.

They didn’t stop, there was no heartfelt reunion as they rushed out of the castle, they all just wanted to get home, most of all the singular thought between Dawn’s partners was getting it somewhere safe, getting him as far away from danger as they possibly could.

Dawn wanted to be safe, their partners to be safe, they just wanted to go home, to their little house, to their nest which would take a squeeze to fit them all beautiful they cuddled up close they could fit, or maybe to Io’s nest, if the tanager felt comfortable being there after the kidnapping.

For no all anyone was worried about was getting back to Avian territory safely.

Chapter Text

The flight back to their home was a quiet one, Io in bat form curled against Percy, their wings too damaged to carry them until they had time to heal. Volt had offered to carry them, but Io hadn’t wanted to be touched by anyone but their partners at that moment.

The sun sickness and burns made them so much more vulnerable than they wanted others to see.

Similarly, to keep up with them Wolfgang was also in bat form curled up in Dawn’s sweater.

Volt and Reyna flew behind them watching their backs as they headed back for home.

Io didn't shift back when they arrived at their apartment, hiding their face in Percy's neck and staying quiet.

If it bothered him he said nothing, just letting them stay close.

“Volt, can you fix the door? I only have one hand right now.”

“Yeah I’ve got it.” The larger Avian set to work fixing the doors as they all went inside.

They all set to work cleaning up just enough so they could all pile into the nest, they would give Io, Percy, and Dawn some alone time later, but for now they all piled on top of each other, Io and Wolfgang shifting out of bat form.

Io fit themself against Percy, still hiding their face, Dawn fit itself between Percy and Wolfgang one hand reached over to hold Io’s who clung onto it’s hand tightly. Volt and Reyna perched at the edge of the nest close to their flock but in a place they could defend them if they could.

Percy pressed a kiss to Io’s hair, their hand running over their back with a hum. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”

“I..don’t understand, you just…forgave me? For putting Dawn in so much danger. I drank it’s blood, I got it turned by that monster. I could have gotten it hurt worse.”

“Yet you protected him, kept him safe as best you could, literally burned your wings to keep the sun off of it.” he hummed.

Dawn squeezed Io’s hand. “I already told you I don’t blame you, we were kidnapped, yes he was after you initially but he could have left me here. Aloys was the one that did those things, not you Io. “

Io looked up, their hand tight on Dawn’s. “You really don’t blame me for what happened?”

“Of course not!”

The others piped up as well assuring Io that no one blamed them for what had happened.

Io teared up and hid their face against Percy again, their shoulders shaking slightly as they sobbed quietly, the relief that filled them causing the extreme reaction.

Percy didn’t hate them, they were still so loved and they weren’t quite sure what to do with that information.

After a while Wolfgang, Volt, and Reyna left to give the three some privacy, Io couldn’t help but feel relief. They cared for their small flock, sure but at the moment they just wanted Dawn and Percy. They didn’t want so many people to see them be so weak.

Percy held Dawn and Io close the two of them still holding hands over him tightly. Io had stopped crying but still hid against Percy, taking solace in his steady presence.

“Moonbeam, will you drink a blood bottle or eat a heart for me? I know those burns can’t feel good. “ Dawn’s voice was gentle as it squeezed Io’s hand again.

Io nodded from where they were against Percy but made no moves to detach themself from where they clung to their partners.

Dawn hummed and got up slowly, going over to one of the chests and pulling a bottle free. “You’ve gotta sit up sweetheart.”

Io sat up slowly looking up at Dawn as he brought over the bottle.

“There we go moonbeam, drink that for me okay?” he sat back down next to Percy.

Percy sat up as well “will you let me preen your wings love?” He touched their shoulder gently.

Io took the bottle drinking it slowly, they nodded at Percy’s question, spreading out their damaged wings as best they could.

“Oh Moonlight…” Dawn frowned at the state of their wings, its hand reaching out to touch them gently.

Io shuddered at the touch. “They look worse than they are, and it was worth it to keep you unburned.”

Dawn moved around them to kiss them softly, being gentle with it’s touch as to not disturb their burns. Io leaned into it’s kisses and touches eagerly, ending up being pulled so that their head rested in its lap.

Percy took out a small bottle of healing potion before he set to work sorting out Io’s wings, their touches gentle and loving. He made sure each of the brilliant red feathers were laying properly, dabbing the potion on the worst of the burns to help them heal faster.

Io started to drift off, the combination of Percy’s hands in their wings and Dawn’s fingers in their hair finally making them relax.

And for the first time in days, Io slept peacefully, lulled by their partners’ touch.