Chapter Text
Screams and fireworks exploding deafens his ears as Tommy freezes in place at the chaos.
The scent of copper flows through the air as guts and blood splatter everywhere. Wilbur and Tubbo are holding Tommy back the moment they all saw the sword going through Quackity.
“LET ME GO! I NEED TO HELP HIM!” Tommy cries out, their communicators working at intense speed as the deaths of the audience increases. It’s a bloody massacre as his brother is losing himself each second passes.
He elbows Wilbur harshly as Tubbo’s grip loosening as the screams increase in volume. Immediately he throws a pearl down to the podium.
He lands in front of Sapnap and Eret. The adults on stage notice his presence and Tubbo’s recent arrival after his but not Techno, who is still focusing on painting the festival with red.
“You two shouldn’t be here!” Sapnap shouts at them, the tip of his horns glowing orange and smoke appearing above.
“Tubbo!” Schlatt exclaims, startling the young ram hybrid for a moment before Tubbo goes batshit insane. His hands grasping out to get a hold of the poor excuse of a father he got to either punch him or break his neck. Either would have done.
Unfortunately, Eret catches him in time to pull him back. Now Tubbo is the one struggling in a tight hold as he looks absolute feral. Tommy doesn’t care at all as he searches for the body that is Quackity.
Schlatt’s voice seems to snap Techno out for a second as red eyes zeros onto him. The aim of the continuously loaded crossbow changes its target to the president.
Sapnap is only able to drag Tubbo towards him and Karl while Eret shields George and Purpled, Sam is blocking Fundy from the bang. Color explodes around them as the disgusting smell of copper attacks his senses.
Blood splatters everyone, organs and intestines flying around. While Tubbo, Fundy and Purpled are safe from the horror, Tommy isn’t as he’s alone to witness the way Schlatt exploded with Big Q dead- unconscious in his arms.
He’s too shocked to move with his vision filled with color and the heavy scent of blood in the air. He can’t do anything but hold onto Big Q.
Wilbur had told him Big Q would be fine!- That locking him up was the only option!
Purpled was supposed to die ! Not Quackity!
If only Quackity didn’t show up-
If only you hadn’t left Purpled back there. XD
Tommy flinches at the sudden thought, he doesn’t even move when Sam shouts for him, a hand or two grabbing his sleeve to pull him off the podium when Techno makes a move to turn his attention to them.
The force of the pull startles Tommy as his grip loosen on Quackity. The body falls down with gravity as Tommy hurries to grab his hand only to touch the smoke coming out of the corpse.
“BIG Q!” Tommy yells in panic as the body in front of him seems to evaporate, his body turning into white smoke as all there is left in his place are feathers and blood.
He attacks the offending hands on his sleeve only to fail when Sapnap pulls him away. He struggles against the hold Sapnap has on him while Quackity’s name spills out of his lips.
Eret shoots a knowing look to the absence of Quackity’s body and helps Sapnap when Tommy was about to strike at the older.
“Quackity has already respawned, Tommy! He’s waiting for you!”
Like a switch, Tommy’s body goes limp in the hold of Sapnap. Blue eyes shining with hope .
So their little group parts away from the massacre. Everyone is in a haste except for Purpled and Tommy who they’re relieved that are breathing and alive. Although Tommy’s soul is nowhere to be found at the moment.
Light breezes of wind caress his bloodied blond hair as a reassuring gesture. His mind isn’t occupied by the fact Techno had looked at him like an enemy, that Wilbur isn’t with him and was still back there.
He’s the reason why Big Q had died .
If only he had not left Purpled out of spite of his selfishness, maybe Big Q wouldn’t have been mad at him.
It’s all your fault. XD
A strong breeze of wind passes him. The clouds formed together to paint a darker shade in the sky.
What was supposed to be a festival for Manberg turned into a massacre.
He allows himself to relax his muscles, going limp in Sapnap’s hold.
He watches as his vision blackens slowly while colorful explosions go off in the distance.
x
Purpled isn’t sure what to expect when he wakes up.
He didn’t think he would ever wake up at all.
Being left behind by Tommy had left a big impact on him. The sense of betrayal is the worst feeling in the universe. Ironic.
It had also been a rude wake up call back then.
Schlatt isn’t a nice person. He’s a dictator. With the bruises and bandages on Dr. Q is enough proof. When Purpled was captured, he experienced hell on Earth.
He had been tossed into Dr. Q’s former cell. He had been punished for his crime. He had felt the suffocating experience first hand.
Schlatt didn’t show any mercy while using his ability on Purpled.
The feeling of his lungs being crushed is painful but it didn’t happen. It felt real, the pain felt real.
His lungs are still intact but the same couldn’t be said for his body. Blue slashes across his skin, violet and blue bruises came next.
Purpled had refused to scream, he bit his tongue until he could taste the distinct flavor of blood in his mouth. Even when Schlatt had threatened to remove one of his eyes out, Purpled had stayed silent.
Is he doing too much for a human?
No, not human.
He had been left behind by a human.
He’s doing this for an Angel .
But that doesn’t stop the creeping feeling of hatred for said angel. Maybe he did regret saving Dr. Q.
Especially when the date of his execution was announced.
On the day of his execution, Purpled sat underneath the podium. Hands tied, he reeks the smell of blood.
Imagine his surprise when he is laid in front of The Blood God.
The same figure that had found him and Dr. Q. The one that left him behind in favor of the doctor, the one that had listened to Tommy. And now, his executioner.
Purpled prepared for the blast, the pain. He had heard stories about how painful it can be at the start of one’s death but the next thing he knows, he’ll be alive.
Instead of the smell of gunpowder and white blast from the explosion, he is greeted by the familiar scent of the river and the familiar face of Quackity.
Purpled instinctively screamed for the older to get away before white paints his vision and the sound of ringing in his ear takes over.
He doesn’t remember anything after that.
Yellow eyes spring open to the sight of a white ceiling. One that contrasts from the dark and stone one he has been used to seeing. The smell of blood isn’t heavy or is the scent of alcohol lingering in the air.
It takes him a minute to realize he’s not dead and is now in heaven. The white blanket draped over him and bandages covering his left arm is enough hint to see where he is.
Quackity’s clinic.
But hasn’t Quackity-
Purpled bolts forward and immediately regrets it as pain erupts through his body. If his body can be split into two parts right now, one would be suspiciously numb while the other is… pain.
Judging from his almost mummified state, he might know why.
The peaceful silence of the room bothers him more than it should. Purpled turns his head around to observe the place to see that no one is there with him.
Looking down, his torso is heavily bandaged. The burns from the crossfire remain as an unfriendly reminder about his failed…? execution. Purpled sighs and blinks a few times before realizing that there is something wrong with his sight.
Thankfully… Or not, there’s a small mirror on the side of his bed. With a very small ounce of strength, he grabs the object and raises it to his face.
He should be screaming, thrashing, or crying. But it doesn’t make a difference about the scar painting the half of his face.
He used to hate the birthmark occupying his left eye, it basically screams “I am not human” and makes his life ten times harder than it should be. The mark is gone now but replaced by burnt flesh that doesn’t look like it will heal at any time in the future.
How long has he been asleep?
His hair is trimmed at the ends because it’s definitely shorter than when he last left it as. It had grown longer during his time being captive in Manberg. His hair is like a bird nest, a very badly burnt one.
He had lost a few teeth from the blast but judging from the nubs poking out, his alien genetics is kicking in. If only the same could be said for his… new state. Gunpowders are not his friends.
His eyes dart around the room for an exit, he moves to stand on his legs to nearly fall on his butt. But aliens regenerate faster than humans as he successfully stands on his feet.
He limps towards the closed door of the clinic and freezes when the doorknob turns and the door opens up.
A sight of pale blond hair the same shade as his had Purpled throwing a punch at the newcomer.
“WHAT THE FU-?!”
Tommy spits out curses and swears when he feels the impact. Fucking deserved. Striking blue eyes that lost its color glare at him with the intention to kill but dismissed when he recognizes Purpled.
Purpled would’ve fucking laugh if he believed in the startling flash of guilt in the other’s eye.
As if Tommyinnit would care about anyone other than himself.
“What the fuck are you doing out of bed?” Tommy growls and shoves the patient away from the door with surprsing strength (or Purpled had not recovered fully) and finally pushes him back down his bed.
“Where the fuck is Eret, isn’t she supposed to be here?!” The avian snarls angrily, very annoyed being in the same room as Purpled. Well fuck him too, feeling’s mutual bitch.
Purpled doesn’t say anything as he watches Tommy fuss around while doing unusual tasks. Refilling Purpled’s cup of water, checking the cabinet for medicines and clean bandages.
His communicator rang but Tommy just shot it a look before ignoring it completely, letting the annoying ringtone silences in his pocket.
“Can you change your bandages yourself or do you need a nanny?-“
“Cut the act, Innit. You ain’t fooling anyone.” Purpled hisses, his singular yellow eye sparkling with justified hatred and anger as Tommy just stares at him blankly as if he’s delusional.
“…I’m not doing this because you matter, dipshit. I’m doing this for Big Q.” Tommy returns the intensity of his stare with his own. Blue eyes becoming possibly duller at the mention of the doctor.
“W-Wait, how’s Doctor Q?” Purpled hastily asks, catching the twitch from the other at his question.
“… You’ve been asleep for five days already. At least you’ve woken up.” Tommy says the last bit with too much bite as Purpled feels dread upon himself. What does the bastard mean by that?
“Where is he?!” Purpled raises his voice as Tommy sneers at his attitude. He can see guilt appearing more clearly in the other’s eyes as well as the haunting look residing there.
“He’s not awake yet, dipshit!” Tommy growls, eyes feral as he shatters the cup in his hands. Blood spills onto the floor as Tommy curses before bandaging himself up.
“… He’s not waking up.” Purpled says, it hadn’t mean to come out as a statement on his behalf.
“ Yet .” Innit snarls at him. The avian stands up and slams the clean rolls of bandages onto the table near his bed.
Purpled, with confusion filtering his head, gets a good look at Tommyinnit.
His blond hair is all over the place, could be as worse as his. With dirt dirtying the shade of yellow and if you squint you can see a hint of blood decorating it too. His hair is longer, held up in a short ponytail by a green cloth… His bandana, most likely.
Innit’s wearing a white hoodie with red sleeves, there’s stitches on the fabric and dirt and blood along with them. Khaki shorts above his bruised knees, bandages covering his lower leg. Purpled can see a new bruise underneath the layer of white.
His face is swollen, the side of Tommy’s face carrie’s a big bruise that looked like it had been there recently and the light in his eyes are gone. The fire those eyes carried whenever he and Purpled crossed paths. Where had it gone.
What the fuck happened in merely 5 days?
“You stay the fuck in bed until Eret gets here. Don’t think of running away cause Schlatt will cut your head off himself.” Tommy hisses at him before shoving a bunch of potions and medical items into his sack.
Purpled can only nod to both of their surprises. Even with their rivalry, Purpled knows when to stop being a dick to someone. Tommy looks like shit. With his relationship with the doctor of DSMP, Tommy had basically told the entire population of the SMP about how much he cares about Quackity.
And for said man to not wake up and not knowing if he’ll wake up at all is torture for Innit.
He looks down at his own bandages. Quackity had taken most of the damage from the explosion and if Purpled barely survived death, what would that mean for Quackity?
“He’ll live. We’re making sure of that.” Tommy says, eyes glaring at the patient on the bed as if he could read Purpled’s thoughts before slamming the door close on his way out.
We . He said. It could be Tubbo helping him take care of the doctor. But then again, judging by the bruises on Tommy… He isn’t taking care of himself.
Purpled screams to the empty in frustration. He’s mad at everything. At why he’s taking pity on his carbon copy. At why he had saved the Doctor back then. At why he had been left to be harmed.
But he knew that if he didn’t save Quackity, he would beat himself to death.
Maybe it’s because of their abnormalities. Maybe it’s because of their background. But the last time he had checked, Purpled loathes the person that looks nearly identical to him.
Or maybe…
Purpled raises his more stable hand and pulls at his bandages until they finally loosens and falls limp on the floor.
The patch of burnt skin underneath isn't pretty.
Purpled continues to do the same thing until he’s half naked. Hand roaming across his injuries and reminder of his mistake… No, saving Quackity isn’t a mistake.
“What are you doing?!”
Purpled snaps his head back up to see Eret rushing towards him. His sense of awareness had lessened.
Unlike Tommy, Eret is still dressed nicely as always. With flowers decorating her brown hair that had grown a little bit above her shoulders. With the flowing cape behind her, draping over her white blouse and long gray skirt that nearly meets the red high heels.
Although through the sunglasses, Purpled can see stress lines starting to form.
Eret crouches down to hold up the used bandages before scowling at Purpled.
“What do you think you’re doing getting rid of your bandages?!” Eret scolds him but Purpled can only look at the older as his eyes start to unfocus on everything around him.
“Eret…” His burnt hand reaches up to the brunette, holding her arm in place.
“What happened when I was asleep?” His voice cracks , making it sound like a plea. Or maybe it is. He isn’t sure. But judging by Eret’s look, Purpled must’ve looked pathetic, basically begging to be informed of the latest situations.
“…Just sit down, let me redo your bandages.” Eret gently coats his injuries with healing potions and slowly bandaging them up to make sure they won’t get infected.
“Schlatt lost one of his lives to Technoblade… The whole festival had been a massacre with many lives lost.” Her voice sounded pained as Purpled can only guess who had been included in the bloodbath.
“… Many? Wasn’t it just me and-“
“Technoblade shot down the entire crowd.” Purpled freezes, he had overheard Schlatt talking on his communicator many times about inviting influencers to the festival… “B-But wouldn’t the outside have said something about it?!”
“Dream had pulled the strings. Hbomb had seen him and Punz killing off the ones that tried to escape. We can only assume that Dream’s connection with the outside is far greater than any of the victim’s for nothing that had happened to be leaked at all.”
Dream is one of the few that Purpled had been wary of. Especially when he had commanded Punz to befriend Purpled to stalk him. Does he hate him more than Innit? Yes. But what can he do? Stand his ground? Purpled is afraid of whatever presence that had sided with Dream. Hearing Eret’s confirmation about Dream’s relation with the outside had only increased his fears.
Punz had told him once during one of their conversations. The outside contains many paparazzis that are ready to kill to get anything trending. To cause drama. To cause chaos. Anything for attention. And yet for every single one of them to keep silent about the disappearance of many influencers? Only a god could’ve helped Dream successfully silencing them. Or maybe he is god. Who knows what Dream’s capable of?
“What about Schlatt?…”
“No one had seen him since the festival. But he is indeed alive because the security around Manberg has increased . He’s hunting for your head, Purpled. That’s exactly why we need to leave.”
“W-Where?!” Purpled asks as Eret stands up to help Purpled get dressed. She dumps a saturated purple hoodie over him and helps him stand on his feet.
“Pogtopia. Tommy and Technoblade had agreed to let you stay-“ Eret looks back in surprise when Purpled pulls his hand away. Eyes wild with anger as he shouts.
“TECHNOBLADE?! HE SHOT ME !” Slamming a palm on his chest as a gesture to the injuries inflicted on him by the warrior. Eret grimaces as she struggles to keep Purpled calm.
“Purpled- Please! Techno had already explained and learned his lesson! He even killed Schlatt-“
“-And Quackity .” Purpled sneers and immediately regrets it when he sees the haunted look in Eret’s expression.
“…Quackity isn’t dead . Techno was not in his own state of mind at that moment. Would you prefer if Schlatt finds you instead?”
Even if Purpled hates it, his body cowers in fear. His knees immediately buckle at the name. His head fucking hurts. There’s phantom pain all over his body- His lungs- What the fuck is going on-
“Purpled! He won’t find you! I promise! Please, I’m sorry-“ Eret is there to catch him as Purpled slumped forward. His body is still shaking.
What’s going on? Why is he reacting like this?
The memories of looking up at Schlatt has him feeling nauseous. The pain of his airway being cut off. The pain of some invisible force on his back-
With so much on his mind that he completely forgot about Eret. Purpled had been dragged to Pogtopia without recalling any memory of it. Only the memories of his time in Manberg.
FUCK.
x
When Eret had seen Technoblade back in Pogtopia after making sure Quackity’s condition was stable. She had flipped her shit.
“WHY IS HE HERE?!” Eret’s scream echoed in the cave of Pogtopia, Fundy —the poor guy— had got to physically restrain her from attacking the warrior in front of them.
“Eret, please, calm down-“ Fundy pleaded. Technoblade had just stood there, eyes staring into the room that they had locked Quackity in.
Like a prisoner.
What made it worse was that based on the hole in the walls of Quackity’s room, big enough for someone to crawl out but would be painful for an avian, dry blood painting on the cracks on the cobblestone, Quackity had to dig through stone in order to save Purpled.
“Eret. You are on our grounds. Restrain yourself because I will not let you harm my brother.” Wilbur Soot speaks up, not a single hint of remorse in his tone. A single command to show his authority within the area.
“Wilbur, he SHOT Big Q! Why are you defending him?!” Tommy shouts, his hair is wild and shadows are under his eyes which are still red from hours of crying.
“I’m sure, Techno has his own reasons.” The older looks down at the younger, eyes sharp as if he’s silently commanding Tommy to stay silent.
“You’re just saying that because he killed Schlatt too.”
All eyes turn to Tubbo, yellow eyes shine bright through the shadows of the base but there is no light within them. His mouth is curved downwards as he walks up to push Wilbur away from Tommy.
“You NEVER liked Big Q. NEVER. And you damn well DID NOT CARE what happened to Techno.”
The brunette’s shout stunned everyone, even the enraged Eret and non reactive Technoblade. Wilbur did not flinch but his eyes narrowed further in an attempt to assess the shorter.
Tommy makes an attempt to hold back his friend but Tubbo grabs his hand on his shoulder and shields Tommy away from Wilbur.
“You’ve never cared for any of us. So why are you defending Techno?! We all know he’s in the wrong! Why do you hate Big Q so much?! I thought you were thrilled with him being our friend?!-“
“Because he’s becoming MORE than just a friend to you guys! He’s replacing me in your lives!” Wilbur screams at Tubbo, something he had never done. Silencing the ram hybrid in an instant and filling all of them with shock.
“You guys were supposed to go to ME when you needed help. I’m supposed to be someone YOU can rely on. I’m your brother! Not some stranger Tommy found in a cave!
I was happy you’ve found a new friend, Tommy. I was happy you’re opening up to someone, Tubbo. And I was happy you’ve found someone to care about, Techno. But not like this.
It’s supposed to be us four as a family! Quackity isn’t just a friend now! You’ve grown attached to him!
YOU left us out of nowhere! With a house and supplies and two tickets to THIS SHITHOLE. Do you know how I felt back then?
And YOU TWO. When he was gone, you both looked at ME and saw HIM! He was supposed to be the replacement, not me!
When we got banished from L’manberg, the nation that we’ve built, where was your Big Q then?
You two had become so attached to him that it’s not NORMAL. You left Purpled to die just so you can have him to yourself. You went and nearly killed your own father just so you could see him.
You two were ready to attack me if I ever so much as insult him. I’m your BROTHER.
His entire existence is WRONG. It’s annoying how much everything revolves around HIM. If only you hadn't fallen into that cave, maybe we could’ve had a future where everything went right! Maybe if he had just died back then-“
Eret had heard enough as she stomped forward to punch Wilbur in the face. Pushing Tubbo and Tommy back as she did so.
The next events had been a blur with Niki joining in to restrain Eret and Wilbur being shoved back into his room by Technoblade
Quackity had spilled all his burden and regret to Eret once. Having to be stuck in the past isn’t as wonderful as some said. It’s torture, to see dead faces and people you’ve fought with to see you as a stranger.
One thing Eret had remembered clearly was how tired and defeated Quackity had sounded.
How he had to beat up unwilling contestants during his time locked away to the point of traumatizing them badly. The guilt he had felt, the dread that had built upon him, and pent up frustration.
‘Maybe, I should’ve wished to be dead in the first place.’
And now Wilbur Soot is blaming Quackity for trying to save him from a future of being a revived dictator?
He had expected this behavior from Technoblade. The one that had taken everything away from Quackity in his first life.
The avian is not dead, thankfully. Everyone had been stressed and in a panic to care about how many lives he still had left. The message announcing his death had been drowned in the many notifications that had dropped during the festival.
But it did not stop Eret to make sure the message was there. Surprisingly, above the rows of death announcements of the guests were one message written [Moderated]. Quackity’s name was nowhere to be found.
If it wasn’t stressful enough to know that someone is aware of Quackity’s death and had blurred it out, Quackity is in a coma as of late.
He blames himself for not coming home sooner, he could’ve stopped Schlatt from capturing Quackity as the old ram clearly knows not to mess with Eret regarding his family name.
If it weren’t for Quackity, Eret wouldn’t have seen the benefits of being a descendant of the strongest man known on Earth. Having a reputation meant so much in his family and it was overwhelming for him to the point that he refused to acknowledge his family. Maybe if he could not make people respect him as a royal, then he’ll make them know not to provoke him.
If he had kept his old mindset, he would’ve taken Dream’s offer and had gotten rid of the lives of his friends.
If that happened he would never forgive himself.
He’s grateful that Quackity had started the clinic and gathered medical supplies in one place. Eret knows that Quackity had prepared for the aftermath of the festival as Purpled wouldn’t have survived without them.
Speaking of the kid…
Eret glances warily at the alien next to him on their way to Pogtopia. Purpled had removed all of the bandages on his body, revealing the burnt scars covering half of his face. The ones on his torso are hidden by the plain purple hoodie and black sweatpants.
They’re taking a route to the forest, away from the main path. Eret had originally planned on staying away from the two sides as he is only trying to help Quackity, but after the explosive aftermath and what happened to his friend, it is difficult for him not to side with Pogtopia.
As they arrive, he can feel Purpled tensing up behind him. Eret offers his hand to reassure the kid. Eventually, Purpled takes it and they enter Pogtopia.
Tubbo is there to greet them. He and Purpled stare at each other for a while, Tubbo’s yellow eyes hardening before he nods, gesturing for them to go down. Eret had heard of the conflict between Tommy and Purpled, he did not think it would automatically be the same for Tubbo and Purpled though.
“What happened to him?…” Purpled reluctantly asks him and all he could do was shake his head.
It sucks but Eret isn’t sure what has happened either.
Just like Tommy, Tubbo has many injuries and bruises that are not from the Festival but rather after that. When he had asked, they all answered they got them from sparring. Which doesn’t make sense as the two had been very dedicated to using bows and archery during combat. You do not get a black eye from arrows.
And of course they meet Technoblade right after.
Purpled immediately latches onto his cape, his body shaking instinctively under the crimson gaze of the warrior. That had only made Eret’s opinions on Technoblade worsened.
Technoblade looks surprised at the presence of Purpled but eventually moves out the way for them. His red eyes look anywhere but at them as he knows that he and Purpled should not be speaking to each other at all.
So further into Pogtopia they go.
The air around is tense. Especially with everyone present in the hideout. Tommy, who he had seen on his way to Purpled, is sitting on a rock while his whole body is slumped forward, hands gripping his blonde hair tightly while mumbling words under his breath.
Wilbur is leaning against the wall, still in his everyday attire. He’s pinching the bridge of his nose, distress clear on his face. While Niki is next to him trying to reassure Wilbur of something.
Fundy is on the opposite wall, his hand in a book while his ears are downwards. Showing that he’s worried through his hybrid instincts.
Eret makes a move to ask about the tension but Purpled tugs him by his sleeve.
“Can we… Go check on Quackity?” He asks in a hushed whisper, avoiding bringing attention to himself as the others are occupied with their own thoughts.
Eret nods and they walk to a room with a broken iron door —Eret may or may not have physically broken the offending piece of metal—. Inside is a single bed with indoor plants around to keep him company, Beside the bed is a stool where Tommy usually occupies and above are shelves filled with healing potions which Quackity would not approve of.
Speaking of Quackity…
There he lays on the bed. From head to toe, he’s covered in bandages that had to be changed every day. His wings are slightly crooked but none of the avians in here knows how to fix it —except one who refuses too—. His eyes are closed, and had been closed for some time. His breathing is shallow as he’s not doing so well.
Eret had thought being immortal was one of the greatest gifts of all. He is proven wrong.
He can only watch as his heart clenches while waiting for Quackity to recover.
Quackity had been hit with a big explosion from the firework and got stabbed right after, it would take him a little longer to wake up.
Purpled’s breath hitches when he sees the avian. But he did not say anything, as he just stayed there and watched.
“Eret, a word?”
The brunette scoffs but overall turns to look at the voice. There stands Wilbur out of his previous thoughts, the bruise on his face is still visible.
“Spill it.”
“Not with him around.” Wilbur scowls, glaring at Purpled who did not falter at the older.
“If you have something to say to me, say it now. Purpled is a part of Pogtopia too.” Eret says, Wilbur sputters a little, obviously taken back.
“And who decides that? You?!”
“I have the coords to this place, I can rat you guys out to Schlatt because of what your brother did to Quackity but I’m not. So watch your tongue.” He counters as Wilbur has no choice but to give in.
“Dream dropped by earlier. He said that there’s a spy within Pogtopia. Judging from your statement, I can exclude you and him from the suspect list.”
A spy ?
No wonder the tension had been so high. After the festival, everyone had been awkward around one another and now full on paranoia it is.
“And how are you so sure he’s telling the truth?”
“Dream had been with Tommy and I from the start. For Schlatt to pay him to leave us is a great deal.”
“You’ve been buddying with the guy that tried to take down L’manberg?” Eret hisses at his friend. Wilbur simply waves him off, saying it’s not a big deal.
It’s official.
Wilbur’s losing his goddamn mind.
“Purpled, you stay here. I’ll go talk to Niki.” Even if he hesitated, Purpled lets him go and sits down on the stool next to Quackity.
He finds his friend at the far corner of the base. She looks up through her blonde hair, sadness and worry filled those hazel eyes of hers.
The moment she’s within his range, Eret pulls her into a hug. She holds onto him tightly before having to let go so she can look at him.
“Niki, how have you been?”
“Everything’s been awful, Eret. Absolutely awful.” Niki cries to him, it breaks him to see her like this. Back then she would spread happiness to everyone with her own but now, seeing her so down is just… wrong.
“Wilbur- He’s not himself. Wilbur would never hurt his brothers, he would never shout or hit anyone-“
“Niki, breathe. Tell me what happened.”
“Yesterday- Wilbur and Tommy got into an argument and he hit Tommy.”
That would explain the bruise on Tommy’s face. Eret can feel his fist clenching in anger while his blood boils. Just as he’s about to turn around to find their insane friend, Niki pulls him back.
“He didn’t mean it! Wilbur wasn’t himself! Everything about him was wrong ! The way he speaks, the air around him, his eyes- they weren’t Wilbur’s!”
Niki’s family had all been merpeople who had escaped the ocean to go on land and lived there. She had been banned from the ocean for using a forbidden potion to grant her legs. But her instincts remain.
Merpeople have incredible hearing and the ability to read others. They are best at reading body languages and hearing as those were the only ways to communicate with aquatic animals.
One of their specialties is hearing one another’s heartstrings.
Eret, Niki and Wilbur had been close friends since they were kids but each of them drifted apart because of their own responsibilities. He still remembers the shocked face from Wilbur when Niki was able to point out who was Techno and who was Wilbur even after Wilbur had made Techno look exactly like him.
“It’s because your heartstring is different, silly!” Niki laughed like it’s a well known fact among them.
“His heartstring is the same but it’s not! It used to be such a calming tune and now all I can hear are broken notes to his song.” Niki sobs into his chest as Eret pats her on her back.
Eret hums a tune that he knows is his heartstring. Niki had described to him what his heart had sounded like once and hearing it would calm her down. It also calms him down.
Eventually, Niki’s breath evens out as she looks back at him.
“Please, I don’t care if we get L’manberg back. We have to get Wilbur back.”
“We will, Niki. We will.”
x
“Now where the fuck am I.”
Quackity growls into the empty space around him. He recognizes the place, it’s the one he had ended up in after Dream —The first one— sliced his neck.
Quackity raises his hands up to eye level and winces at the scar painting them. He wonders what his face is like now with additional scars to his signature one. There’s no light or reflection around him though.
But he can still walk around while not looking down. Everything is pitch black and he hates it. There’s no light but he can see himself just fine but the area is the color black. There’s no darkness or shadows, just black.
His heart panics a little as the thought of him dying for real. He cannot die now after XD had given him a chance at life. A chance to see everyone happy. A chance to make everyone happy.
Surely not? Ranboo had killed him once and he respawned right after!
So why, why is he here again?
“Fuck fuck FUCK.”
And so Quackity runs. He doesn’t know which direction he sprinted off to. His legs just take him wherever. Anywhere with light or color. With people.
The more he runs, the heavier he feels. His wings almost seem like a burden on his back. He tries to flap them to gain speed but they lay there uselessly. And Quackity realizes the problem.
He tries to reach his back and look for the strength in his wings. The same ones that had survived through many years of untreated injuries and not a single preening but had managed to move regardless. Yet they’re unresponsive at the moment.
Feeling conflicted between checking on his wings and finding an exit, Quackity chooses the latter and continues to sprint. Even if his legs start to hurt and his sight starts to become blurry. Quackity keeps running and running…
He doesn’t know how long he’s been running when suddenly light attacks his vision and suddenly the darkness is gone. Replaced with a scenery that looks too good to be true.
Blue sky and green grasses. Flowers decorating the landscape and the soft wind brushes pass him. As if a weight had been lifted, Quackity slumps forward and allows himself to fall onto the grass.
“You’ve arrived!”
Even as his body protests against moving again, Quackity sits up immediately at the new voice to go eye to eye with—
Chocolate brown and ocean blue eyes.
“What the FUCK?!-“ Quackity crawls backwards, as far away from the he-look alike as possible.
There stood him. But at the same time it’s not him. With the blue beanie he had abandoned long ago on their head, the two pairs of tiny wings on the side of his head were missing. His attire is the same as the time he arrived on the DSMP in the first timeline. And his wings on the back looks perfect .
It’s a mixture of his past and current.
“We apologize for our appearance. It’s been so long since we’ve taken the form of… Anything!” Their voice sound like a chorus of multiple voices at once as they laugh. Like the sound of gentle wind passing by. Then it clicked.
“Y-You’re the voice that lives in my head!” He sputters out and points an accusing finger at the other.
“That’s right! We were so happy to have found a vessel! We’re sorry for not being able to be there and help you out recently… It’s just, Lady Death had told us to find out more about you and we did!” They did a little twirl, showing Quackity their form of him. Jealousy sparks within him at their wings.
“Lady Death?…”
“Yes! Lady Death! We love her! We must thank her for saving us, or else Khorne would’ve executed us!” They wave their hand around without giving Quackity the whole context which is fucking annoying.
“Ah right- Khorne is the Blood God. Lady Death is what her title says. We’ve never gotten along with the Blood God.” And they pout like a child. Before the sky starts to turn dark. Stars come out and illuminate the sky.
“Ah! Lady Death!”
Quackity feels her before he sees her. The grass underneath him starts to wither and so do the flowers. But even so the florals around his lookalike still remain the same.
He sees a tall woman wearing a long black dress that hugs her figure and sun hat with a veil covering her face but fails to cover her gentle smile. Long wavy black hair that reaches past her shoulders and a dead rose decorating her hat. Her shoulders and hands were covered in black laces with a murder of crows on top.
Even with the effects of her appearance affecting the scenery and florals, the wind did not falter from its calm rhythm nor did the smaller god seem bothered by it. They have their head bowed in front of Lady Death in respect.
“My, Anemoi, your vessel has wandered out of my realm and did not wait for me. I’m hurt.” Her voice is gentle and holds no threat to it. The crows on her shoulders cawed in union while flapping their wings to mock offense.
“Lady Death! Please forgive our mortal- immortal?- vessel!”
“Please, call me Kristin. It’s alright, Anemoi. I’ve wanted to talk to Quackity here.” Kristin? As in Philza Minecraft’s wife? That would explain why the crows seem familiar.
“Wilbur had told me things about you.” She smiles as she crouches down to his level. A large hand reaches out to hold his chin up to look her in the eyes. Her eyes are brown like Wilbur’s but a darker shade through the veil.
“All good things I hope.” He can’t help but grunts out, and she laughs. While the third party seems to be distracted with the crows flying onto their shoulder.
“Yes, he’d told me about how good you were at being his rival. Imagine my surprise when I saw him a few weeks ago looking so young.” Kristin murmurs the last part sadly and Quackity finally understands.
“Y-You’re not affected by my wish?!-“
“Of course not. I’m on equal grounds with Dexter so his powers would not affect me. But the lower ones…” Lady Death turns a sad eye to Anemoi who is oblivious to the attention on them.
“Anemoi was killed by Khorne. We gods eat one another or live long enough to gain power. Dexter and I were the ones who manifested first so we’ve been alive longer than the universe.”
Hearing their name spoken, Anemoi turns their eyes to the two of them and blinks before laughing.
“We were surprised when Lady Death told us that we were killed. But hey, she never lies to anyone! And apparently, she sent us to come to you to escape our execution. Having a vessel means we won’t be able to use all of our powers but we’ll obtain a personal realm where no one can attack us!”
Kristin hums in agreement and pats Anemoi on the head, the wind suddenly speeds up as they laugh.
Quackity winces in distress at seeing how his face is able to make such expressions.
“Your vessel is Philza right? His title does make it obvious.”
“Oh, Phil! He’s sure is. Although I would prefer you call him my husband. My little murder here is very fond of him. When we first met, he took one of my injured crows under his care and after centuries we’ve finally started a family of our own!” Kristin says lovingly, the crows around her puff their feathers out proudly and caw at her, making her blush and bats them away.
“I’ve only made him my vessel after he reached the thirty fifth year of his life, since then my powers allow him to live long with me.”
“So is he an immortal too?” Quackity had known Philza was old but not that old.
“No. His lifespan had been lengthened for him to live as long as me. But that does not mean he gets infinite lives like you.” Lady Death pokes him on the nose and Quackity bristles while she laughs.
“I must thank you Quackity, while most would’ve wished to fulfill their selfish desire, I would too. But you, you had created a second timeline to give everyone a chance. My three sons have never been so fond of someone before.
It was painful for me to see Techno grow up seeing himself as a blade, a weapon protecting our family and never seeing himself a part of it. It hurts me deeply when Dexter approved of Khorne taking advantage of his mindset and was able to manipulate many of his actions.
Tommy, oh my Tommy. I wish I could’ve done something rather than being trapped here in my realm and waiting for updates from Phil. Whatever feud between him and Dexter’s vessel had gone too far where both were unable to turn back. I could only cry when I saw Tommy’s third arrival in my realm but he was taken away from me again, back where there would be no protection for him.
My little musician… Wilbur, he lost himself to the tactics of Dexter and had to pay for his actions. His soul was deeply damaged that it split itself in two, one stayed with me while the other refused to leave the station. I couldn’t watch my son, with all of his memories back in the limo so I sent Ghostbur back.
I was surprised when Phil came to visit me a decade ago, with no recall of the events of the Dream SMP. Our eldest was twelve then he said and that all of them were fine. I couldn’t believe what he said but time progressed like normal.
When Wilbur didn’t come back after the date of L’manberg Independence, I was getting suspicious of what to come. Of course, a few weeks ago he came, all of his handsome features and in his L’manberg uniform. I finally knew what happened. He had told me about how he died to Punz, losing his first life instead of second. I was happy to know that someone was preventing his death.
That someone was you, I learned from Wilbur. He had ranted about a new individual in my three sons life, how Tommy started to behave like a child more and more did he give into his hybrid instincts. Techno had started to feel emotions and saw the bigger image to himself than just a blade. Even Wilbur had never talked about someone that long ever since Sally.
I could not thank you enough… I know that it is my two eldest that have sent you here. Dexter had always held a dislike towards me for associating myself with mortals, creating a weakness among us gods. If it weren’t for him, my two sons would never hurt you.
I cannot ask you to forgive them, but please, as Lady Death, I want you to give them both a second chance. A second chance to be happy. I cannot ask you to fix everything but please don’t give up on them.”
Kristin kneels in front of Quackity and bows, startling the small avian as he frantically tells her to sit up. Her crows had hopped down to do their own bows. When Kristin looks at him again, there’s tears in the corner of her eyes.
Quackity knows how it feels like to be so helpless when it comes to seeing your loved ones hurt.
—— He screams his voice hoarse, the heat is nothing to the pain bubbling inside him at the sight of green disappearing underneath hot lava. ———
—His fist clenched on his sides, Quackity bites his tongue until he can taste blood. His eyes on the ground as Tommy is sent to exile. ——
“I’ll help them, I’ll save everyone. Although I’ve already failed Tommy and Wilbur…”
“No you haven’t. Wilbur is just conflicted while Tommy isn’t sure how to gain control out of his hybrid instincts.” Kristin quickly says.
“Hybrid instincts?… Tommy and I are both avians, how come?—“
“Your instincts are long hidden, even we cannot bring it out.” Anemoi speaks up, they bring a hand to touch his wing in demonstration and he violently flinches away from their hand.
“Tommy recognizes you and Tubbo as a part of his flock. Unfortunately, when Philza brought Techno away for training, Tommy had misunderstood his brother’s actions as abandoning him. While Wilbur was dealing with leading a nation and raising two teenagers, his actions were harsh and controlling.
Your instincts are still there, but only one remains. You recognized Schlatt as your flock but it was unhealthy. After his death, Sam, George, Sapnap and Karl became a part of your flock. But you’ve drifted apart from your fiancée and isolated yourself away from your family.
In this timeline, you recognize Tommy, Tubbo, Purpled, Fundy, and Ranboo as your flock don’t you? It’s natural for a parent to want to take care of their fledglings.”
And it does make sense, Quackity looks at the fond look on Kristin’s face. He shouldn’t have scolded Tommy like that. Quackity had rejected his hybrid genes long ago but it’s still there. Just hidden.
“Mom?”
The two gods and immortal freeze at the new voice. One so similar to the two out of three. Kristin slowly turns around and her expression is shock.
“T-Tommy?!”
There stood the teen. Not the one Quackity had been used to for the time he’d spent in this timeline. No, it’s the familiar dull cyan eyes and blond hair with white streaks. Shadows under his eyes and bandages across his face. The green cloth tied around his neck, above his worn and bloodied baseball t-shirt. His belt is filled with potions and a couple of daggers. His leather gloves to hide the scars from his previous torment. The lack of red wings behind his back is enough to tell…
This is his Tommy.
“Who the fuck is that?” Tommy growls out in anger and points at Anemoi, who took the form of his past and current self.
“Tommy! How are you here?” Kristin shields Quackity out of sight while Anemoi fumbles with an answer.
“After the bitch boy revived me, everytime I sleep I end up in your realm, Mom. But you were never there. Today, I just wandered off and saw you here. Now why does that bastard look like Big Q?!”
Quackity clutches onto one of Kristin’s fingers which were large compared to his figure. He did not want to confront his past haunts. He had forgotten about his future to go to the past.
Kristin had told him about a second timeline being created, did that mean the first one is still there?! If higher gods were not affected by the time shift, does that mean their realm wouldn’t be either?
Fuck fuck fuck, Quackity needs to respawn now. Or else he would never allow himself to leave again.
FUCK.