Archive of Our Own ^beta

By all means, Ranboo should’ve been a great assassin. The best of the best in fact.

He couldn’t teleport but his quick reflexes and impressive learning speed made up for it. He was equipped to handle a wide variety of weapons, had immunity to common poisons through frequent exposure, and even if the rain weakened him, Ranboo was still unstoppable in any other form of weather.

Thing was, assassins are generally supposed to kill people. Ranboo had never quite gotten to that part.

Spying and gathering intel was easy, Ranboo blended into the dark as if he were a shadow himself. Breaking and entering and stealing came like second nature.

Killing did not.

He always got so close too. Soundlessly snuck right past guards, unlocked rooms in record time, and found a clear shot at his target like it was as simple as breathing. Which with his training, it was. But that was the furthest he got. As soon as Ranboo had the chance, he always ended up backing out. The idea of killing made his gut twist.

His employers were never happy with that. They were rarely happy with him these days, always disappointed in his failures when he had such promise before. You were at the top of our recruits, Ranboo. What happened?

(Recruits was a generous word and not entirely true. Some joined of their own free will. The rest had nowhere else to go.

Ranboo was a hybrid who didn’t even know what half of him was, of course his parents didn’t want him. And when a child was unwanted, someone else scooped them up, put a dagger in their hand, and put them to work.)

Ranboo promised he would get better. He could do it this time, really. One more chance, I promise I won’t screw it up this time.

He was lucky. His past reputation gave him that second (Sixth really) chance. But it was the last. No more chances, Ranboo. Not unless you finish the job.

His objective was as simple as killing someone could be: Break into the Kingdom of Sun, kill their prince and if applicable, his personal guard too, then return.

Ranboo knew very little of politics as he had been worried of other matters as of late but if he was right about his suspicions, the Kingdom of Sun had a tense relationship with the Kingdom of Ocean. Killing their prince in a time like this would spur war, a war that would be pointless as Ranboo wasn’t from any sort of Kingdom. He was from the Outskirts, and the assassination wouldn’t be out of political spite but rather, out of obligation. Because Ranboo didn’t have any other options.

They wanted him to start a war. Ranboo wished he cared enough to demand a different job but he didn’t, and he wasn’t even sure if demanding such a thing would even do anything. He didn’t exactly have any power in this situation.

He would do what he was told and keep his head down, as he always did. Not a life he particularly enjoyed but beggars can’t be choosers after all.

Ranboo really needed to gain their favor again, and the best way to do so was by completing the mission without a hitch. All he had to do was kill some prince he didn’t even know.

For any other assassin of his skill, that should’ve been simple. Ranboo wished he were anybody else.

—

For a kingdom at the brink of war, the Kingdom of Sun was relatively easy to get into with the right information. Not as many guards as there likely should’ve been.

But that just made things easier for Ranboo. With the blueprints memorized, he easily traversed the castle grounds, ducking behind large statues depicting great warriors or behind the indoor shrubbery anytime the kingdom’s staff nearly crossed his path.

He held his breath as a maid and a knight strolled past, chatting easily with one another and none the wiser to his existence. With one hand, he adjusted the cloth mask covering the lower half of his face and pulled his hood a little lower. When his hands itched for something to do, he fiddled with one of his daggers.

Ranboo wasn’t nervous. Really, he wasn’t. It was just adrenaline, which was a natural response to being under pressure. He’s broken into places like this dozens of times now, why would he be nervous now?

It’s easy. Like riding a bike. Or, well, that expression didn’t make the most sense since Ranboo didn’t actually know how to ride a bike either. It’s more like… Lockpicking. Comes naturally.

This wasn’t like any other mission he had been given. He was always expected to take out a target, this was just… His only choice now. He couldn’t go back to being a spy or a thief because they already had plenty of those. They wanted an assassin, they trained him to be an assassin.

(“You can’t go back to stealing, Ranboo. You were built to be so much more than a common thief.”)

They never cared what Ranboo wanted. He stopped arguing the day he actually realized that.

Deep breath, Ranboo reminded himself, pushing his thoughts away. It didn’t matter, he had something larger at stake now. He needed to complete his job.

A quick check of his surroundings confirmed the coast was clear. Ranboo swiftly started to make his way through the corridors, letting instinct guide him on where he needed to go.

The Prince’s quarters were on the West Wing, five doors down. Ranboo counted before pulling up to the right door to find-…

Odd. No guards outside the door like he expected…

Ranboo hesitated but quietly opened the door, careful not to make a sound. The peek was enough to confirm what he dreaded: Empty. The Prince wasn’t in his quarters, and neither was his personal guard.

Which meant Ranboo had to go find him himself. Which made things a lot more dangerous and left a lot to go wrong.

Ranboo swallowed thickly. Figures the one job that mattered would go off script. But- nonetheless, it didn’t matter. Ranboo could handle a little hitch in the road. It was late, the Prince and his guard were most likely still on castle grounds. And as long as nobody knew about his existence yet, Ranboo would be fine sneaking around.

He just needed to be extra careful.

A scan of the first floor brought another wrench in the machine: The Prince wasn’t there either. And getting up the stairs unnoticed was a lot more dangerous than anything else Ranboo tried. Not a whole lot of places for Ranboo to hide in the stairwell.

His palms were getting sweaty but Ranboo sucked in another breath. This was fine. He could do this.

A search for a backup plan ended with Ranboo locking onto one of the windows. Calculating his chances, Ranboo deemed it the better choice and slipped out to scale the wall. He was lucky no guards checked below them, but Ranboo had to take his sweet time getting up to the second floor. He couldn’t afford to get caught, so whenever someone passed by the window, he was forced to hold his position.

A particular chatty pair of guards who stopped in front of the window for a minute had him sweating. His limbs shook with effort to keep him in place and when they left, Ranboo never felt so relieved. He managed to make it up the rest of the way and resisted the urge to flop on the carpeted floors despite his body begging for it. Ranboo did however, duck behind a particularly bushy shrub to rest.

He had to breathe shallowly to avoid noise against his desire to gasp for air. Ranboo laid his head on his knees and slowly pulled himself together. He wasn’t in the clear yet, he still had to find the Prince, actually assassinate him (Ranboo didn’t think he could stomach the guard too but if it came to it, he might have to), and escape.

Ranboo could rest when he got back. So despite his aching limbs, Ranboo willed himself to get ready to move.

Then, he froze when two sets of footsteps came down the hall, accompanied by two accented voices.

“You got some raspberry sauce on your chin, big man.”

“Oh no, Tubbo. I’m not falling for that again.”

“You actually do though!”

“No, I’m gonna wipe my face and there’s gonna be nothing there and you’re gonna act like that’s the funniest shit in the world. Uh uh, you have fooled me for the last time.”

“But-!”

“I’ve evolved, Tubbo. I am immune to your- your devious tricks now! I am the Future King, and I will not be made a fool of by you anymore.”

“…Alright, but when your Dad points it out, don’t come crying to me.”

A pause. “…Oh, you bastard-!”

“I can’t believe you fell for that again! That’s three times today!”

Ranboo’s grip on his dagger tightened. One of them called himself the future king- he found the Prince.

The Prince is walking right up to his hiding spot and has no idea what hides behind the indoor shrubbery. Ranboo has to strike soon.

His heart beats erratically in his chest. He can’t back out now but- it’s just-

Nobody told him the Prince was his age. They probably didn’t think it was important. To a good assassin, it wouldn’t be. It shouldn’t even phase him, the job hasn’t really changed at all.

It feels like it has though.

But Ranboo really can’t back out now.

The Prince and his guard are turning the corner where Ranboo is hiding.

The Guard looks around his age too.

The Prince and his guard are too busy arguing with each other to check their surroundings.

They seem so happy.

The Prince and his guard are passing him, and with their backs to him, it’s the perfect time to strike.

They’re just sacrificial pieces- that’s all his employers see them as.

It’s probably all he is to his employers too.

Ranboo shoves his thoughts away and goes in for the strike. His shoe squeaks against the non-carpeted outskirts where he was hiding and instantly, the guard whirls around and draws his weapon. Ranboo internally panics but kicks out, forcing the guard to land flat on his back. He cries out in pain and it echoes through the halls.

Act fast, Ranboo thinks as he goes for the Prince, who’s only now realizing something is terribly wrong. Aim to kill, make your escape as soon as it’s over, and whatever you do don’t hesitate-!

The Prince whirls around and locks eyes with him. Ranboo is met with bright, blue eyes that are filled with undeniable terror. The Prince’s life is no doubt flashing before his eyes.

The Prince is his age. The Prince and his guard are friends. The Prince was happy just a moment ago.

The Prince is scared to die.

And Ranboo does the one thing an assassin should never do.

He hesitates.

The dagger is raised to plunge into the Prince’s chest where it’ll be lethal. And if the blow somehow doesn’t kill him, the poison will. All Ranboo needed to do was strike.

But he stands there, eyes wide like he’s the one who almost got assassinated. Ranboo stares into the Prince’s eyes- who is a living, breathing person- and knows the Prince doesn’t want to die this young.

He can’t bring the dagger down.

Ranboo doesn’t hear the muffled shouting of guards down the hall or the Prince’s personal guard get back up. He only realizes the weight of his actions when the Prince finally unfreezes and scrambles back with a shout, but by the time Ranboo regains control of his body, someone tackles him.

Ranboo’s world goes black when he slams into the ground.

—

It’s not the first assassin they’ve encountered, and likely won’t be the last. It’s not even the first assassin that’s gone after Prince Tommy.

As Commander of the Royal Guard, Technoblade has seen and been in a lot of interesting situations. He’s been guarding King Philza for decades now, and the stories the two of them could tell could write a bestselling novel. Techno has considered that, in fact, but has refrained due to the fact that the people aren’t ready to hear about how reckless their King really is behind the soft voice and gentle smile he wields not unlike a mask.

But despite his experience, Prince Tommy has always found ways to surprise him.

Techno has dealt with a lot of assassins. He’s never seen their target advocate for them, but here they are.

Prince Tommy has been ranting for twelve minutes straight now, demanding there is no harsh punishment for his would-be assassin. Claims that he hesitated when he tried to kill him, and that enough is proof that this assassin is something different. Maybe someone good, just in a bad situation.

It’s giving Techno a headache. He tried arguing against the point earlier but is now regretting it, as it’s made Tommy more fired up than ever.

“-I’m not saying that we should reward him for trying to kill me, obviously,” Tommy says, like his statement has been easy to follow, “I’m just saying if he was skilled enough to break into the palace, we shouldn’t kill someone with those skills! We can- I don’t know, get him on our side? You’re always talking about turning our weaknesses into strengths, right, Techno?”

“That’s advice for combat, Prince-”

Tommy doesn’t let him finish. “He slipped by using our weaknesses but maybe we can use his knowledge to help improve our defenses! Plus, he didn’t actually kill me! I’m telling you, he hesitated! Tubbo, back me up.”

Next to him, Tubbo shifts in place. He used to be uncomfortable in meetings like this back when he first became Tommy’s guard, but has since shaken off the nerves. Now, he seems more conflicted than anything.

“I’m not- I’m not sure about this idea,” Tubbo says, “But Tommy isn’t lying. The assassin disarmed me when he first struck. He had a clear shot at Tommy but he didn’t take it. That’s why I had such an easy time taking him down.”

Tubbo pauses a minute longer. “As much as I hate to say it, I think Tommy might be onto something?”

“Yes! Wait- what do you mean you ‘Hate to say it’?”

“It’s kinda reckless, isn’t it?”

“Not if we do it slowly! We don’t have to trust him all at once!”

Techno doesn’t think they should trust someone who tried to kill Prince Tommy at all but apparently he’s the only one in the throne room who thinks so. Well, him and King Philza anyways.

King Philza hums beside him. His lips turn up into a sharp grin that Techno has come to dread. That’s his ‘I’m about to do something reckless and probably stupid’ grin. “It’s not a bad idea… How would you propose we go about convincing this assassin to join us in the first place?”

Oh, Techno is going to have to nurse the biggest headache tonight, he’s already feeling it.

—

Ranboo wakes up in a cell. He’s barely awake for a minute before everything dawns on him at once and curls in on himself, pressing his face to his knees.

The shackles on his wrists rattle the chain connecting to the wall as he hugs his knees. There’s no good way out of this one. Ranboo is a master of escape and trying to take alternative routes but the best options he has now are to break out and finish the job, killing the Prince, which he already knows he can’t do, or hope they don’t execute him and likely spend the rest of his life rotting in a cell.

So, nothing good.

Ranboo sucks in a deep breath, then lets it out slowly. He repeats the process a few times over until he feels himself loosen up enough to where he has a grasp on things. Then re-evaluates the situation in his head again.

His employers won’t be happy with him if he returns without completing his objective. Ranboo doesn’t know what kind of punishment he’ll get if he goes back- they’ve never liked to hurt him as punishment because he was a prodigy but if he proves he’s not that anymore… He doesn’t want to know what will happen. And attempting to run away from them will be worse.

Ranboo’s best option is to stay where he is, in the Kingdom of Sun, and hope they think he was killed in his mission.

Ranboo doesn’t know enough about the Kingdom of Sun to know for sure but he doesn’t think they’ll kill him without trial, and if Ranboo pleads his case right, maybe they’ll just keep him in a nice cell. With a garden or something.

Assuming he’s able to win his case at all. Assuming they won’t just kill him for going after the Prince.

You didn’t even know his name. His head whispers to him. You spared him, risking your future in the process, and you didn’t even know his name. What does that make you?

After a long pause to think about that, Ranboo settles on that it makes him a bad assassin. Which, really, is what he’s always been so that doesn’t change much.

He forces himself to focus and take in his surroundings. His cell is nicer than he was expecting- it has an honest to god bed. With a frame, multiple pillows and blankets, and a decent mattress and everything. Ranboo’s never even had a bed like that before, he just slept on a mattress on the ground or bunkbeds in the past.

On top of that, the cell is clean. In fact, it smells like it was cleaned recently, judging by the fragrant scent he picks up. There’s a barred window with the sun shining through too, which keeps the cell warm but not unbearably so. Three of the walls are made of brick but the one he’s facing has long, skinny bars and the cell door.

If Ranboo weren’t in chains, he might’ve forgotten he was in a cell at all.

Footsteps drawing closer catches his attention. Ranboo scrambles to look more presentable, heart thumping in his chest as he rakes his fingers through his hair and flattens it. Someone comes into view and Ranboo holds his breath as they face him.

Speckled green skin and eyes with black sclera immediately scream Creeper hybrid. They’re tall- even taller than Ranboo- and muscular. Their worn golden armor suggests they’re a guard, maybe the prison warden, which Ranboo would ordinarily label as an immediate threat but the look on their face is… Open. Curious, maybe?

“You’re awake.” The warden scans him. Ranboo anticipates a lot of different questions he could ask but not, “Do you have any dietary restrictions?”

Ranboo blinks. “What?”

“Dietary restrictions.” The warden repeats. “Any type of food or drink you can’t have.”

“Uh.” Ranboo’s eyebrows pinch together in thought. Does he? He can’t think of any other than the obvious. “Can’t have pure water.”

“I figured. Enderman and all.” He nods to himself. “I’ll have someone fetch your meal then.” The warden raises his voice and orders someone out of his view. Ranboo stares, unsure of what to do or say.

“Right.” He turns back to him. “Would you rather be interrogated now or after you’ve eaten?”

“Now.” Ranboo says immediately, not wanting to delay the inevitable. He’s already dreading thinking about it, he won’t be able to enjoy whatever kind of meal they serve to prisoners thinking about it.

The warden nods, face abruptly shifting to a stonier expression. Some part of Ranboo is relieved- this makes sense. The hospitality confused him but this he knows how to deal with. It’s not comforting but at the very least, familiar to him.

“My name is Sam. I’m the warden here and I’ll be taking your first verbal terrogation on behalf of King Philza, Current Lord of the Sun, Living Nebula, and Protector of these lands.” Sam pauses. “State your name for the record.”

“Ranboo.”

“Full name.”

“It’s… It’s just Ranboo.”

Sam’s expression doesn’t change but something flickers in his eyes. Ranboo almost missed it but can’t decipher what it means, assuming it matters at all.

“Age?”

Ranboo hesitates. When was his last birthday? Did he miss it? Does he even remember the current date and year?

Sam’s looking at him weird. Just say something.

“Somewhere between fifteen to nineteen?”

Sam’s eyes narrow slightly. That wasn’t the right answer, was it? Come on, you were trained for interrogations, this can’t be hard.

“Noted.” Sam said at last. Something changed about him. Everything changes too fast, Ranboo’s having trouble keeping up. “Why did you come here?”

“You already know, don’t you?” Surely they knew. They had to.

“State it for the report anyways.”

They want to make you admit your guilt. It’s a trap. Ranboo silently gulps, anxiety biting at his skin. It’s a trap but not answering has to have consequences too. Maybe pleading guilty is the safest route.

“To-” Ranboo has to clear his throat before continuing, his voice coming out scratchy. “To assassinate the Prince and if applicable, his personal guard.”

“Who sent you?” It sounds more like a demand. “Who wants him dead?”

“I…” The last thing he needs is for his employers to come after them for not only failing his mission and getting caught, but snitching on them as well. “I can’t tell you that.”

“Was it the Kingdom of Ocean? Kingdom of Stars?” Ranboo doesn’t dare answer. “Why then? Why did they want him dead?”

“I- I can’t tell you that either.” That would be even worse than saying their name.

Sam’s arms cross, looking away with an indescribable look on his face. “…Very well then. How did you get in then?”

That question is easier. “Stayed out of sight of the guards, climbed up the side of the castle to get to the second floor.”

“Climbed up the- that’s a steep climb.”

“Believe it or not, I’ve scaled worse.”

Ranboo can vividly recall scaling a tower with nothing but a single stake, boots with good grip, and goggles. It had been pouring and Ranboo had dozens of minor burns afterwards.

It had been for training. They insisted he should be prepared for the worst.

“So you were sent to kill the Prince.”

“Yes.”

“But you didn’t.”

Ranboo finds the ground suddenly interesting. He ignores the burning gaze on him.

“Very well. End of interrogation. Your food will arrive momentarily.”

Sam leaves a beat later. Ranboo doesn’t look up until he knows he’s gone, then slowly sinks to the floor, rubbing his eyes as he does.

—

Ranboo pulls himself together once again as the food arrives. Another guard delivers it, wearing similar gold armor Ranboo has seen most other guards wear, though its a paler shade than Sam's.

They bring tomato soup and bread.

And it’s the best thing he’s ever eaten.

Warm, savory, freshly made, and full of so many flavors that his head is spinning from just a spoonful. Dipping the bread in the soup sends him to cloud nine.

It’s finished within minutes and Ranboo is stuck in a blissful haze afterwards.

—

“You have visitors.”

Ranboo sits up even straighter, baffled by the statement. He's only been awake for a few hours, spending most of that time trying to determine what his best course of action is, then reading a bit of a book that Sam provided for him. He didn't expect to be getting visitors anytime soon. “What?”

“You have visitors. Two of them.” Sam replies. Ranboo can’t get a read if that’s a good or a bad thing. “Be on your best behavior.”

Ranboo nods absentmindedly, not like he’s in a position to be doing otherwise.

There are a few possibilities that come to mind of who it could be. Ranboo is due for an audience with the King, but something in him doubts that he would be put on trial here. They would probably take him to a courthouse or the throne room for that.

However despite all of his wildest imagination, Ranboo never considered the very people he was supposed to be assassinating to step into view.

Standing tall and wearing a ruffled white shirt with a gold colored vest and black slacks is the Prince. A pair of gold wings are folded neatly behind him and those same brilliant blue eyes no longer look at him in fear, but with intrigue.

Beside him is his Personal Guard, who dons gold and blue armor on top of white clothes, and has a sword and shield strapped to his hip and back respectively. He has purple scales speckled on the left half of his face and on his hands, as well as dark horns curving backwards and a scaly tail. If Ranboo had to guess, he would say dragon hybrid.

Unlike the Prince, the guard is far more wary of him, but still studies him like a cat he’s just met, testing to see if he’s going to lash out or not.

“Hey,” the Prince greets, “What do I call you?”

“…Huh?”

“You almost killed me but didn’t, I want to know your name.”

Is he about to get yelled at by the Prince? It doesn’t feel like it but he doesn’t know what to call this otherwise. It has to be a confrontation. That’s the only thing that makes sense.

“Ranboo.”

“Hello Ranboo.” The Prince abruptly starts grinning. It doesn't look malicious. “Nice to meet you Ranboo. I quite like that name, it’s fun to say. I could call you ‘Ran’ or ‘Boo’ as a nickname too. Or ‘Ranboob’. Can I call you ‘Ranboob’? That would be quite funny, I think.”

“I- would rather you didn’t actually.”

“Worth a shot.” The Prince paused. “I’m Tommy by the way. Prince Tommy if you want to be formal about it, most do. It’s respectful or some shit.” He jabs his thumb towards his guard. “This is Tubbo. He thinks you’re going to shank me the next chance you get.”

“I didn’t say that.” The guard- Tubbo- frowns. “I just said we should be cautious since he tried to kill you.”

“That’s exactly what I said. You’re being all overprotective and shit.”

“Well forgive me for doing my job.”

Ranboo blinks. They’re bickering like brothers. He didn’t know guards and Princes could even have a relationship like that. Princes are supposed to be all high and mighty, aren’t they? Prim and proper, not swearing wildly and throwing lighthearted jabs at their personal guard.

Princes certainly don’t visit their would-be assassins while they’re awaiting trial.

“So, Ranboo,” Prince Tommy keeps saying his name like that. He doesn’t know what it means. “How do you feel about towers?”

Tubbo shoots him a look. “Really?”

“What?”

“That’s what you’re going with?”

“It’s a perfectly good question to ask!”

“If we’re trying to gauge-”

Tommy cuts him off with a groan and rapidly waves him off. “Fine, fine, I’ll come up with something else, happy?” His eyebrows crease together in thought before a light sparks in his eyes. “Ranboo, how do you feel about the Queen in the Kingdom of Moon?”

Tubbo nods approvingly at that one. Tommy mutters something under his breath about towers and valid questions, earning a light punch in the arm from his guard.

It's... Not a question he expected them to ask, far from it in fact. The only explanation Ranboo can think of with them asking this question at all is that they’re testing him somehow. He searches his history knowledge, trying to remember exactly what he’s heard about her.

“She’s a single ruler,” Ranboo replies unevenly, watching their faces and ignoring the feeling like his skin is crawling under their gazes. “Has only been in two major scuffles when it comes to warfare. Neither were started by her but she finished both, coming out as the victor. They say she’s- kind, but deadly. Like- a poisonous flower. Some have even called her the Grim Reaper.”

Prince Tommy’s eyes light up, then seems almost cocky about it. “She’s gonna be my mom y’know.”

“Mother-in-law.” Tubbo corrects, seemingly knowing Prince Tommy is going to roll his eyes before he does.

“Still.” He scoffs. “Anyways, what do you think of that Ranboo?”

“Sounds nice?”

“It is nice. Now, what do you think of towers?”

Ranboo has no idea why they’re asking him all this but there has to be a reason… Right?

—

If there was a reason, Ranboo doesn’t know it.

The pair asked him seemingly nonsensical questions for an hour and a half before leaving him exactly as confused as he was before.

Not once did they seem hostile or revealed any sort of ulterior motive behind it all. In fact, both were weirdly… Comfortable with him?

Maybe it was to throw him off guard. Or some of those questions were code or revealed more than he meant them to.

That has to be it.

—

Ranboo is told the day after he receives visitors for the first time that he has a scheduled hearing with the king in a week. It gives him well over enough time to think about how he’s gonna get the best outcome of his situation.

On the same day, Prince Tommy and Tubbo visit him again. And continue to do so every day until his hearing with the king.

The visits somehow get more baffling every time.

More random questions with the surprisingly serious one thrown in at random intervals. Asking about his family, his friends, training- things that would reveal his intentions. Though, there isn’t much to report on the former questions, if Ranboo ever had a family, he never knew them, and he can only really think of one person he would call a friend.

He hopes he’s doing alright, wherever he is.

However other than that, Prince Tommy and Tubbo just seem to hang around him. They bring snacks to share, talk about what they’ve been doing, Prince Tommy complains about his princely duties, Tubbo talked about prototype technology for a solid hour once, and they stay over longer.

An hour stretches into three, then five, seven, and suddenly the pair spend half the day with Ranboo, the only thing stopping them from entering his cell being Sam.

For meeting them through his own failed assassination attempt on them, they’re being friendly for seemingly no reason.

It has to be because they’re trying to get answers out of him. There’s no other logical reasoning for it.

Which is really too bad because Ranboo actually enjoys their company.

—

The night before his hearing, they stay over until midnight and only leave because they both need to sleep. Tubbo leaves first, waving him off and wishing him a goodnight as usual but Prince Tommy stays behind a bit longer. He seemingly waits until Tubbo is out of sight to ask a question suddenly that catches him off guard.

“Why didn’t you kill me?”

It's the one question he's never asked before and the one that Ranboo knew would be brought up eventually. He just didn't expect it to be now.

Prince Tommy stares at Ranboo as he fumbles for an answer. He has never looked so serious before, even with the other questions.

Ranboo doesn’t know what the right answer is. So he tells the truth.

“I didn’t want to.”

“Why not?” The only word that could describe his tone is challenging. Pushing for a proper answer. “What makes me so different from anybody else you’ve killed?”

“I…” Ranboo sucks in a breath. “I’ve never killed anybody.”

Prince Tommy blinks at that. “Thought you said you’ve been an assassin for years.”

“Three years- yeah.”

“You’re an assassin who’s never killed anyone?”

“Mmhmm…”

“Wow…” He snorts after a beat. “You’re a pretty bad assassin.”

Ranboo lets out a silent breath in relief. All things considering, that went better than he thought it would. “So I’ve been told.”

"Well, I'm gonna head off to bed." Prince Tommy lets out a big yawn. "But thanks for not killing me and all."

"I don't think you should thank an assassin for failing to kill you."

"I'm the prince, I can do what I want." Prince Tommy says as-a-matter-of-factly. Ranboo can't suppress the laugh that leaves him and when he does, he gets an almost starry eyed look. "Don't think I've ever heard you laugh before!"

"Sorry." Ranboo says on second nature, but the prince waves him off.

"Don't apologize for laughing. It's nice, you're not a bad dude, Ranboo."

Ranboo would beg to differ but instead responds with. "Neither are you."

Prince Tommy grins and wishes him a goodnight before finally leaving. Ranboo finds himself missing the pair's company even after being alone for only a few minutes.

It's only natural, he supposes. They're some of his only interaction he gets during the day other than getting his meals from Sam and engaging in small talk. Not to mention, the only thing Ranboo does miss about being with his employers is how little he was alone. Talking with Prince Tommy and Tubbo only reminds him of the one person he really misses.

Under different circumstances, he might even consider the pair his friends. Of course, he's not sure if they really feel the same way but... They do spend a lot of time with him, so maybe he's wrong?

Ranboo hopes he's wrong.

—

Ranboo wakes before the sun does on the day of his hearing. Anxiety twists in his chest, draining the ability to rest properly out of him. Instead, Ranboo impatiently waits.

He watches the sun rise, the sky turning a brilliant orange color as it touches the horizon, and feels the warmth on his skin.

Even if they’ve shown mercy to him so far, Ranboo still braces for the worst. An attempted assassination is still an attempted assassination, and it was the Prince no less. There is still a very real possibility this will be the last he enjoys of the sun.

Hope still remains, a stubborn flame that refuses to go out, but Ranboo can’t afford to feed into it yet. Not until he knows for sure how the king feels about him.

He watches the sky for around an hour before guards come to collect him. A few unfamiliar faces but Sam is among them, and if nothing else, he has been kind enough to him.

He is released from his chains and put into new ones, simple ones around the wrist and connecting to each other. Ranboo takes one look at them and subconsciously thinks of ten different ways he could slip out of them. He has to push the thoughts away, reminding himself that escaping is the last resort. He’s safer within the Kingdom than he is outside of it.

Still, Ranboo has to focus on keeping his cool every step he takes towards the throne room. He is surrounded on all sides as the double doors open and reveal a long room, a handful of people scattered in a semicircle, and at the very end of a golden carpet, is the King himself sitting on his throne.

King Philza, in all of his glory, with an unreadable expression on his face.

Ranboo is usher forward until he is a mere ten feet away from the king. His resemblance to Prince Tommy is more than apparent, bearing both golden hair and a pair of wings on his back. Unlike his son however, his wings are jet black and his eyes are deep gold, shining as if they are suns themselves.

Beside him, a tall guard with long, pink hair tied into a braid that hangs off his shoulder watches Ranboo carefully. His eyes are blood red and his hands are folded behind his back.

Ranboo’s gaze flickers around, half the room is filled with guards, the other half has people dressed in fancy clothes which can only mean they’re officials of some kind, but it stops on more familiar faces. Particularly, that of Prince Tommy and Tubbo, who smile and wave with varying enthusiasm.

It catches Ranboo off guard enough that he nearly jumps when King Philza clears his throat to catch his attention. He sheepishly meets his gaze, and King Philza gazes back, almost looking amused. No- definitely amused.

“It’s Ranboo, right?” King Philza asks. Ranboo rapidly nods. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“I would’ve hoped they were good things but uh,” He rattles the chains. “I think we both know otherwise.”

“On the contrary,” The king leans in, one hand on his chin, “The initial report might’ve been but I’ve heard otherwise not just from my warden, but my son and his guard.”

Ranboo’s eyes flicker to the people in question. Sam simply nods at him while Prince Tommy and Tubbo are giving thumbs up.

“You’ve been cooperative, one of the best prisoners we’ve ever had according to Sam. Prince Tommy vouches for your integrity, Tubbo vouches for your humanity- the way I see it, you may be an assassin but either you have somehow tricked everyone around you into thinking you’re a good person, or you really are.”

King Philza pauses. “Say you were in my position, Ranboo. An assassin lies before you, one who successfully infiltrated your castle without being detected yet did not finish the job they were sent to do. You hear the news, already subconsciously imagine what such a person must be like, only to have all of your expectations averted. Before you is not a man, but someone younger who still has a chance to change. You could give them that chance, but doing so holds its own dangers. What do you do?”

Ranboo frowns, wringing his hands. More questions he doesn't expect. He suspects this is a theme with the Kingdom of Sun. “With… With all due respect, King Philza, I can’t really answer that question.”

“Because you’re biased?” He guesses.

“Because I’ve never been in your position.” Ranboo replies. “I’ve never had to consider an entire kingdom’s fate. I’ve never had a son, much less one who was targeted. I’ve never been in a position of power so I can’t really answer that question properly.”

King Philza is grinning now. It’s a spitting image of Prince Tommy’s expression he’s seen several times now.

“My son tells me you’ve never killed anybody, why is that? Why be an assassin if you never kill?”

“It’s what I was trained to be. But I never wanted to kill anybody so… I didn’t.”

“But you’re a good fighter? Quick on your feet, sharp mind, good form?”

“So I’ve been told.” Ranboo’s eyebrows furrow together. He’s never had a hearing before but this feels different than he imagined it would go.

“Excellent. Ranboo, how would you feel about training to be a guard for the Kingdom of Sun?”

Ranboo’s mouth drops. “I- excuse me?”

“You’re excused. Literally, I’m excusing you from your crimes, or lack of really. Can’t condemn an assassin who’s never killed, can I?” King Philza has a spark in his eye and despite appearing so expressive, Ranboo still can’t tell what’s going on in his head. “You could leave and do whatever you want, but with your skills I’d be willing to pay a substantial amount for you to work for me. How about it?”

With a flick of his wrist, King Philza commands the guards to release him from his chains. Sam steps forward, unlocking and letting them clatter to the ground. Ranboo has yet to regain the ability to think properly, already feeling himself buzz with a hundred different questions he can’t seem to voice.

Ranboo prepared for the worst case scenario but apparently he should’ve prepared for some of the better ones too. Because he’s experiencing one of them now and doesn’t know where to go from here.

But the king is offering him not just a job but pay and presumably, a place to stay as well. And since Ranboo can’t really leave in fear of his employers catching up to him…

He accepts. As confusing as it is, he accepts.

Prince Tommy and Tubbo cheer loudly. Ranboo’s head spins from all of it.

—

Once he’s finally alone and in his quarters, King Philza stretches his wings out to their full length, then gives them a few test flaps. All while he can feel his personal guard’s gaze trained on him.

“You got something to say, mate?” Philza rumbles, thoroughly amused. He glances behind him, seeing Technoblade lurking by the entrance, arms crossed. “Go on. Out with it so you can stop sulking.”

“I’m not-” Techno cuts himself off with a huff. “I’m just… Wary about your decision. I agree that he can’t be convicted for crimes he didn’t commit but is it really a good idea to hire him? We still know very little about him.”

“Are you worried he’s dangerous?” Philza raises a brow. “He’s a kid, Techno.”

“A kid who got the closest to killin’ Tommy without being detected.” Techno points out. “He knew how to slip by our defenses and was skilled enough to follow through. He’s talented but he’s also a threat. He temporarily took down Tubbo and nearly got to Tommy. And you’re still willin’ to take that chance with him?”

“Sam, Tubbo, and Tommy all vouched for him.”

“Sam’s got a soft spot for kids and Tommy and Tubbo are one.”

Philza laughs. “Well his answers convinced me too.” When Techno huffs again, Philza persists, “I think you’re forgetting I have experience in this matter. And it worked out last time, wouldn’t you say?”

Any of Techno’s arguments seem to die on his tongue. That’s one thing he can’t argue against, given last time it was Techno himself in that situation.

Philza turns back again, shedding his coat. “Besides, I’m going to have my best man train and keep an eye on him.”

“Oh, good.” Techno says, then after a second to really think about what he just said, “…Wait a second.”

Philza shoots him a wild grin. “Good luck, mate!”

—

Ranboo is given his own room. He doesn’t share with the other guards, no. His own room.

And that on its own wasn’t too big of a deal. Maybe he has his own room because they’re still worried about his loyalties so it’s to protect the other guards. And he’s had his own room before but not like this.

His new room is twice as big as his last one. He has more than one window and they’re bigger, and he has a balcony and a bed that’s twice the size of his last one and multiple armoires and nightstands and-

And so much space that Ranboo doesn’t know what he’s going to do with it. Even if he had any of his previous possessions on him, it wouldn’t even begin to fill the empty space he’s been given.

“Hey!”

Ranboo startles and spins around on his heel. Tubbo is in the doorway, giving him a small nod. “Nice place. Tommy wanted to see it too but apparently he’s got some meeting to attend to so it’s just me.”

Ranboo looks around the room again and back at Tubbo. “Could you pinch me real quick?”

Tubbo laughs but obliges. Ranboo doesn’t wake up when he does.

“You’re not dreaming, this is real.” Tubbo tells him, then his face brightens. “You gotta see the balcony, over here!”

He rushes for the balcony, pushing open the glass door leading to it. Ranboo follows and nearly drops his jaw at the view of the city.

The sun makes the roof of the houses sparkle like they’re made of gemstones rather than sandstone. He can see half the kingdom from where he is, making him feel much smaller than he usually does, in a strangely good way.

“It’s nice, isn’t it? I haven’t gotten used to it and I’ve been here for years!” Tubbo tells him, leaning against the railing. “I hope you stick around. I think you’ll like it here.”

“I still don’t know why the king would recruit me.” Ranboo admits. A small weight is lifted off his chest when he does.

“It was Tommy’s idea.” Tubbo hums. “But Phil was open to it as soon as he made his case. But it’s not much of a surprise really. The royal family has a habit of picking up strays!”

“Strays?”

“You, me, Techno- probably some others too, I doubt we’re the only ones. People who have nowhere else to go.”

“How-…” Ranboo gives him a stunned look. “I never told you I had nowhere else to go?”

“You didn’t have to. I could tell.” Tubbo meets his gaze steadily. “Takes one to know one, right?”

Ranboo opens and closes his mouth, unsure of what he could say. When the silence persists, Tubbo faces the kingdom again and says nothing. Ranboo does the same and they sit in the silence.

It’s comfortable in its own way.

—

The pink haired man he saw with King Philza before is none other than Technoblade, Commander of the Royal Guard. His lower half is that of a piglin and he has long, pointed ears that Ranboo missed before, both being nicked.

Ranboo finds all of this out at six in the morning, when Technoblade wakes him up, introduces himself, and tells him that he will personally be conducting Ranboo’s training and that they will be starting in half an hour.

Ranboo scrambles to put on some new clothes, finding plenty of simple shirts in his armoire but in varying sizes. Once he finds the one that fits him well enough, he races down to the training grounds where he was directed to go, and finds Techno already waiting there with two sparring swords in hand.

“You’re on time.” Techno informs him, and relief fills his chest. “Wasn’t expecting that. Most of my previous trainees are late on their first day.”

“It might help that I have previous training?” Ranboo offers, getting a huff and a nod from Techno.

“Could be.” Techno agrees. He tosses one of the training swords and while Ranboo almost fumbles, he still manages to catch it. “Let’s see the extent of your training then. Spar with me.”

Ranboo sucks in a breath but settles. He might not understand the trust Tommy and Tubbo have in him or having a room that can house more personal possessions or being given a chance like this, but he knows fighting. It comes to him easily, so as soon as he’s found his center, he strikes.

Ranboo has always been told he’s good at fighting, and given how long he lasts, he hopes Techno would say the same. Techno, however, is better.

Ranboo and Techno spar a total of seven times before they break for water and some mild snacking. Ranboo has ended up flat on his back for six out of the seven times, with only the seventh being a tie because Techno needed a drink.

“You are good,” Techno says, but it feels incomplete.

“…But?”

“But,” Techno has to think about it. “You lack something. Not technique or anything physical but… Drive. You lack drive. That’s why I keep beating you.”

Ranboo blinks. “Drive?”

“A reason to fight.” Techno clarifies. “Why do you fight, Ranboo? What do you fight for?”

“To survive.” Ranboo answers immediately, then it dawns on him. “Which I… Don’t need to worry about as much anymore…”

“Exactlyyy. Without that reason- that drive pushing you to win- you won’t be able to beat me. Not unless you find something new.”

“Well… What drives you to fight?”

“Protecting the king and his son.” Techno answers without a second thought. “They’re the reason I’m here, I owe it all to them.”

“Huh…” Ranboo blinks. “Must be nice.”

Techno hums, snatching up his sparring sword again. “Ready for round two?”

Ranboo down the rest of his drink and does the same with a nod. “As I’ll ever be.”

—

A week passes quickly and Ranboo finds him busy for almost every second of it. Turns out there’s a lot to be done now that he’s going to be staying within the Kingdom of Sun.

From six to eight, Ranboo continues his training with Techno and tries to figure out what his drive for fighting could be. After that, it’s breakfast, then Prince Tommy and Tubbo seek him out and drag him on adventures.

It’s a proper tour of the castle grounds his first day, then shopping for clothes the next, decorating his room a little, several trips out into the city, and slowly, Ranboo grows to know the kingdom little by little.

It’s an odd new normal to get used to. His training is far shorter and less intense; He’s given more free time than he knows what to do with; and for whatever reason, Prince Tommy and Tubbo still hang around him. Which again, is nice, they’re the best part of his day, but Ranboo doesn’t really know what to do with it.

They’re… Friends, he thinks? Is it normal to become friends with people after only two weeks? Ranboo’s only had one before, he’s a fish out of water when it comes to these things.

Prince Tommy and Tubbo don’t act like it’s abnormal though. They show him all the best parts of the city and talk about the future like he’s definitely going to be a part of it.

It’s not until Techno says something that Ranboo truly grasps just how close they’ve gotten.

“Do you trust me?” Ranboo blurts out in the middle of their break. He’s been wondering about it for quite some time now given Techno’s wary yet curious attitude towards him. He’s a little easier to read than his king.

Techno gulps down the remainder of his drink and answers, “I trust you enough.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know enough about you to know if you were given a better deal to betray us that you wouldn’t do it.” Techno hums. “But I can tell you like it here. And Tommy, Phil, and Tubbo all put their trust in you, and I trust them.”

Ranboo looks down at his hands as he fiddles with them. “Do they really trust me or are they just… Hoping for the best outcome when it comes to me?”

“Can’t say for Phil but Tommy and Tubbo? No question they trust you.” He cracks a smile. “They can hardly keep your name out of their mouths whenever you’re not around. Haven’t seen them that excited about someone since they met each other. They like you, it’s easy to see that. They want to know you.”

Ranboo didn’t look up. “I’m not sure they should know me.” Though, he couldn’t deny the feeling was nice.

Techno just shrugged, picking up the sparring sword again and taking test swipes in the air. “Maybe, maybe not. I’m not you, I can’t say for certain, but I can say that they won’t back down from a little trouble if that’s what you’re worried about. Once they’ve latched onto someone, they don’t let go.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“Worked out so far. Just don’t break their hearts, Ranboo.”

That’s the last thing he wants to do. Ranboo is just anxious about the possibility of not getting a say in the matter.

—

Ranboo had a whole week of peace. He should've known it wouldn't last forever.

Ranboo startles in the middle of the night to alarm bells ringing loud and clear. His first instinct is to grab his weapon but when no apparent danger is clear, he yanks his bedroom doors open and sees a flurry of guards rushing back and forth.

Ranboo is paralyzed for a split second but shakes it off. He searches the crowd for some kind of sign of what they’re dealing with but none of the guards look injured, only geared up and ready for a fight.

“Ranboo!” A familiar face skids to a stop by his side. Sam gives him a once over, checking for injuries, before nodding to himself. “You‘re fine too, good. Let's keep it that way, go get armored up.”

“Why? What’s going on?” Ranboo searches him for clues but comes up empty. No injuries, no apparent sign of what they’re facing other than it implies a fight.

“A possible assassin was spotted in the lower end of the kingdom.” Ranboo’s blood runs cold at the mere idea of it. “Could be a false alarm but we still have reason to believe that whoever sent you may want to finish the job, so we aren’t taking any chances.”

Ranboo’s throat goes dry. He should’ve known- of course they would send someone to finish the job when he couldn’t. He should’ve prepared for this, warned them- done anything but lose his touch over the past few days.

“Any leads?” Ranboo presses, ignoring how his palms sweat. “Did they see anything?”

“Cloaked figure scaling the walls, nothing more. As far as we know, they’re still in that sector. No ID yet, but the figure was reportedly tall, thin, and wore a blueish purplish cloak. That mean anything to you?”

It sparks something but Ranboo can’t quite visualize it. On the tip of his tongue, but he still has to search his memories in order to find the answer.

“Well,” Sam says when he doesn't get an answer, looking back at all the guards passing by. “If you find out anything, let someone know, alright? Most of the guards are headed towards where the assassin was seen but you should stay in the castle since you’re still in training-”

Realization hits like he’s been kicked. Ranboo abruptly straightens up, mouth hanging open with a name on his tongue and yet, he can’t say it. Because he has to know first, and if they were sent to finish his job then-

“Where’s Prince Tommy?” Ranboo grabs Sam’s shoulders. Dread curls in his chest, followed by something protective. “Right now, where is he?”

“P- Prince Tommy?” Confusion swirls in Sam’s eyes. “He’s stationed in his room, not allowed to leave. Why, is something-!”

Ranboo doesn’t have time to explain, he bolts in the direction he knows will get him there the fastest. Sam yells after him but Ranboo ignores it, focusing on the time sensitive matter.

Because if it really is who he thinks it is, then this ‘Sighting’ is nothing but a red herring. Meant to draw away the forces from the true target. Which means that he’s already closing in on his target, like a hawk circling its prey, and Ranboo has no time to spare.

Ranboo bursts through Prince Tommy’s doors, weapons drawn. He’s met with almost exactly the sight he feared: Tubbo struggling to get back up from taking blows in all the right places, Prince Tommy slowly stepping back with panic in his eyes as a cloaked figure approaches, and the figure doing a double take when he sees him.

“Ranboo? You’re still alive then?” His old friend asks. His tone may be flat but his tail wags a bit, giving him away.

“Purpled...” Ranboo steps forward warily, chest heaving and not because he just sprinted. “Long time, no see. I wish we reunited again under better circumstances.”

Purpled grins, shrugging as he slowly corners Prince Tommy. “It’s far from the worst, right? You really had me going there, I thought they killed you. Once I finish the job, we can get out of here, yeah? I’ll tell them you did it and they’ll get off your back for a while, sound good?”

Ranboo swallows and raises his sword. Purpled’s grin drops.

“Ah.” Purpled says. “It’s like that, huh? How much are they paying you then?”

“It’s not about that.” Ranboo keeps his voice as steady as it can be, even if he wants to shake so badly that it hurts. “I can’t let you hurt him. He’s my friend, Purpled. They both are.”

Purpled’s pointed ears flatten against his head. “Funny,” He says in a tone that suggests it’s anything but. “I thought I was your friend too.”

Ranboo takes a step forward, then another. Prince Tommy is staring at him but Ranboo has to ignore him or he’ll get distracted. “It doesn’t have to be like this.”

“No, you know what? It’s fine.” Purpled’s eyes narrowed, gripping his own sword a little tighter. “It’s fine because once he’s out of the way, you’ll stop acting so dumb. Then we’ll get out of here and forget all about it.”

“Purpled-!”

“I have nothing else to say to you.” Purpled replies in a bitter tone, raising his sword to strike Prince Tommy down.

Ranboo bolts forward but knows he won’t make it. I have to make it, I have to make it, I can’t let him kill Tommy- I have to get there in time!

It happens in the blink of an eye. One minute, Ranboo is too far away to save him and the next, Ranboo hears his ears pop and he’s standing in front of Prince Tommy, watching Purpled’s blade get ever closer.

Nausea hits him and he can’t block the blow fast enough. Prince Tommy shouts something, Purpled abruptly looks horrified, and no one can stop it before searing pain rips across his chest and sends him to the ground.

Ranboo groans, curling in on himself as Purpled takes a step back. Hands are on his shoulders but Ranboo’s head spins too badly to decipher who’s. He’s too busy mentally assessing the damage and trying to figure out what just happened.

As someone sits him up, Ranboo raises his head up just in time to see Purpled get tackled by- Tubbo by the looks of it?

Ranboo shakes his head and looks down at his chest. It’s a lot redder than it should be, blood soaking into his nightwear- Aw, I actually liked these clothes…- but Ranboo doesn’t think it’s fatal. He thinks. He’s like, 90% sure. Maybe low 80% at the worst.

“Hey!” A furious voice hisses to him. “I did not spend all of that time getting everyone to see you’re a decent fucking person just for you to go down like this. You aren’t dying on me, you tall fuck.”

…Ranboo might be out of it but there’s no way that isn’t Prince Tommy talking to him. Is he the one stabilizing his shoulders then?

Ranboo checks over his shoulders and blinks owlishly. It’s definitely Prince Tommy but his eyes…

“Like suns…” Ranboo murmurs faintly under his breath. “They’re glowing- you’re glowing.”

“Yeah.” Prince Tommy doesn’t seem fazed by it in the slightest. He’s still glowering at him. “It’s because of you, fuckhead. Hold still for five seconds, I’m taking care of that thing.”

Prince Tommy gestures to his wound, then carefully lays a hand on the worst of it. Ranboo hisses in pain at first but then, Prince Tommy’s hand begins to glow and suddenly the pain starts to drip away until he can barely feel it.

Ranboo blinks again, cranning his head to get a good look at it. “Huh… I didn’t know you had healing magic.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” Prince Tommy tells him. “This and Tubbo have kept me alive through countless assassination attempts, it should do the same for you.”

Ranboo hums. “Thank you, Prince Tommy.”

He scoffs. “Just call me Tommy, dammit. You saved my life, drop the honorifics.”

"Makes us even then, huh?"

Tommy stifles a chuckle but ultimately looks relieved.

The fog in his head gets clearer by the second. Ranboo blinks, eyes training off to Purpled and Tubbo locked in a stalemate, with Tubbo on the offensive and Purpled taking defensive. Which is… Odd for Purpled because he always takes the offensive. Did something happen? Is it because he nearly killed me instead of Tommy?

The doors burst open, revealing Sam and a dozen guards behind him. They’re quick to back Purpled into a corner but before a single one of them can lay a hand on him, he disappears.

Shock ripples through everyone else but Ranboo just murmurs, “Stasis chamber” loud enough for Tommy to hear so he can relay it to the rest of them.

The assassin is gone, everyone is safe. Ranboo slumps forward, feeling exhausted, and darkness overtakes him.

—

When he awakes again, Ranboo is in a hospital bed. It’s bright outside, the open window temporarily blinding him until someone moves in its way and his eyes adjust to the new lighting.

He recognizes the figure after a beat. “Tommy?”

“Finally, you were out for hours.”

“He was stabbed.” Tubbo points out, who sits on a chair pulled up on his other side.

“Yeah but I took care of it, he’s fine now.”

“Still got stabbed.”

“Is everyone okay?” Ranboo croaks out, slowly sitting up. All the other beds around him are empty. “Was it just me then?”

“Just you.” Tubbo confirms. His eyes light up after a beat. “I didn’t know you could teleport! Why haven’t you done that sooner?”

“Teleport? I can’t-…” He trails off, remembering suddenly appearing in front of Tommy out of nowhere and taking the hit. “Oh. That- that’s never happened before?”

“Well it quite literally saved my life so thank you, Ranboo.” Tommy grins at him.

Ranboo quickly waves him off. “It’s really not a big deal.”

“You saved his life, Ranboo. That’s a pretty big deal.” Tubbo counters. He gives him a light nudge. “C’mon, let us praise you and your cool new power, you know you want us to.”

“I don’t know about-…” Ranboo trailed off when Tommy and Tubbo both gave looks, wiggling their eyebrows at him. He choked back a laugh and rolled his eyes but concedes in the end. “Only if you want to.”

The two of them immediately exploded into an incomprehensible tornado of words. Ranboo couldn’t stop himself from laughing this time, and by the time he stopped, his face hurt from smiling so much.

Ranboo thinks he has a pretty good reason to fight now. Not just for the life he has here, but for his new friends who make him feel right at home.

“Ranboo!” Tommy asks, catching his attention once the heat has died down. He’s grinning at him again, eyes almost as fiery as the sun. “How would you like to be the second personal guard to the prince of this kingdom?”