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“You're not going to find him.” A gruff voice spoke, a gentle hand on his shoulder.
“Are you telling me to give up hope on my child?” He snapped, shrugging off the hand.
“No, he’s not. He’s telling you to take a break. We have the rest of the universe to look for the kid.” Another voice spoke softly.
“He’s fallen off the edge, the child doesn’t have all of the universe like we do.” He scowled, stalking off in a direction.
“If he’s fallen off the edge, then he is no longer an Angel, but a Fallen Angel. We cannot bring him back here.” The same soft voice whispered.
“Then we wait til sunrise. We’ll help you look for your kid. I swear on it.” The gruff voice spoke again, this time gentle.
“Tell the sun to hurry and rise the fuck up…” He grumbled, glancing over the edge. The sparkling yellow lights of the city illuminating the night sky, the stars nowhere to be seen. Light pollution, the humans called it.
“Wait for me, my son…”
~
“Did any of the carrots grow yet?” The Fallen Angel looked up from the pot of stew he was cooking.
“No, it’s too early for them to sprout.” The returning Angel sighed, bumping his head into the latter’s arm. “Hello, Tommy.”
“Hello, Tubbo.” Tommy grinned, his pitch black wings stark against Tubbo’s pure white. Something or someone closed a door and crashed into another thing, yelping out in pain.
“Ranboo, my beloved. Are you alright?” Tubbo disappeared through the hallway, coming back with another figure.
“Ello, Boo. Whatcha got there?” Tommy nodded at the small basket sitting in Ranboo’s clawed hands. Their nails cut so short, it would be a crime in the demon world.
“Mushrooms! I found them near the forest edge.” The White Demon held out the blasket to Tommy.
“Thank you, Boo.” Tommy took the basket and placed it on the counter, shifting his attention back to the pot on the stove.
“There’s something I need to say.” Ranboo nodded, taking a seat at the table, shifting their wings around the chairs.
Tommy made himself a note to craft stools for sitting later. “Yeah?”
“I saw smoke.” Ranboo grimaced.
“Human travelers. They’ll be gone by morning.” Tubbo patted Ranboo on the arm, comforting the Demon.
“No, they were not Human. I tasted the air, it was tainted with power.” Ranboo shook their heads.
“You sure it wasn’t one of us?” Tubbo asked, attempting a weak smile on his face.
“No. Neither of us go near the forest edge but Ranboo.” Tommy spoke, whipping his hands on a towel. Lifting the pot onto the table, followed by three bowls and spoons. “Are you positive it’s someone with power and not just a human high on potions?”
“I’m sure. I went deeper and nearly grazed a wall of spells. Old ones.” Ranboo glanced at Tommy. The trio had been living together far away from everyone for ten years. Their trust and love for each other runs deep as far as the core of the Earth.
A few years back, a drunk human had found Ranboo and Tubbo picking flowers. The two were going to surprise Tommy with flowers as a gift. But the human got bold and decided to harm Ranboo. Humans believe that Demons are spirits from Hell to haunt them. While Angels are there to protect and guide them to Heaven.
Tubbo didn’t protect the Human, but chose Ranboo, throwing a punch. Humans were quick to anger, they learned that day. Tommy was home cleaning when he felt pain and panic flare through the blood bond. He had rushed out of the house and killed the Human with his bare hands. Blood splattered all over his clothes and face. Ranboo and Tubbo almost died that night, scaring the fuck out their partner. When it came to intruders, he was there. Tommy was always there. Their leader and fighter.
“Then we stay away from the forest. These are going to be the last of the mushrooms until they leave.” Tommy sighed, pouring out the stew into the bowls.
“The important thing is that you're safe, Boo.” Tubbo smiled. The other two looked at each other before laughing, Tubbo joining in.
A twig snapped, right by the window. Ranboo’s head snapped in the direction. Tommy’s laugh now forced as he eyed the window. Tubbo’s smile fell a bit as he got out of his chair to lock the door.
~
“Where did you go off to last night?” Techno sighed, watching Phil stumble back into camp.
“There’s a small cottage near the edge of the forest. Not in the forest but by the creek.” Phil pointed with his thumb.
“And? It’s probably some Humans wanting peace and quiet. They would probably have a heart attack if an Angel showed up to their front door.” Techno poked Wilbur with a long stick. The Phantom Angel mumbling in his sleep.
“That’s where you're wrong, and I’m right.” Phil grinned. “I saw a White Demon inside eating dinner.”
“Why would a Demon be on the mortal plane?” Techno frowned, poking Wilbur harder with the stick.
“Stop fucking poking me with the damn stick. Why the fuck would you be on the mortal plane?” Wilbur snapped, grabbing Techno’s stick and breaking it in half.
“Especially a White Demon. They’re supposed to be killed at birth.” Techno leaned on Wilbur’s head, earning a smack on the back of his head.
“Shall we pay it a visit?” Wilbur brightened, his body going ghostly as the sun started to rise.
“That’s the one thing you want to do this morning?” Techno looked at his twin.
“What? There’s nothing to do in a forest. I would rather fight a demon for a change.” Wilbur shrugged.
“Be my guest. I’m not saving your ass.” Techno shrugged, his demonic wings stretching behind him.
~
“Ranboo? You alright?” Tommy looked over his shoulder, a wet rag in his hand.
“I thought I heard something.” The White Demon mumbled, a hand on their shirt.
“Come on, bossman. Tommy will protect you.” Tubbo scoffed, flinging water at them.
Ranboo shielding themself with their wing, the droplets sliding off. “Alright, alright.” Throwing their shirt to the side, they waddled into the water.
The creek water was keeping them cool against the summer heat. The chirping of birds and splashing of water was soothing to the three.
If they hadn’t found each other, Ranboo would have been dead for something he can’t control. Tubbo would have been the youngest war general in history. And Tommy would have been locked away. They each had a dark past to hide, and most of it wasn't even shared.
“Tubbo? Could you let go?” Ranboo grunted, trying not to eat Tubbo’s feathers.
“Never. You’re my prisoner.” The Angel smirked, hugging Ranboo tighter. He closed his fluffy wings around the demon, arms pinned. Ranboo rolled his eyes, spinning them around and into the water.
Tubbo squaked in alarm, his wings going wide as he fell into the creek. Ranboo’s laugh was cut short as he too, was pulled under.
Tommy chuckled from the rock he was sitting on. His shirt drying in the sun, along with Tubbo’s and Ranboo’s.
Tubbo emerged from the surface, shaking out his wings. “My wings are waterproof like yours, you dickhead.”
Ranboo only laughed harder, coughing as Tubbo threw water at him. The Angel’s wings slick against his back as the water dripped off.
“Children?” An unknown voice spoke, causing Tommy to jump. His wings flared, making him look bigger than he was. Walking back into the creek, he stood in front of Ranboo and Tubbo.
“It’s just three kids playing in the river.” Another voice spoke, walking out from the shadows. Their body transparent, and two stumps where wings should be jutted out from their back.
“We’re not kids. Haven’t been one in years.” Ranboo snapped, hiding Tubbo between them and Tommy.
“Is that so?” A third spoke, landing on the rock Tommy was on minutes ago. Their white wings spread out for balance.
“Leave us alone. We were here first, and this is our home. You have no right to be here.” Tommy growled, covering Tubbo with his wings. A White Demon and Fallen Angel usually scared people off, but having Tubbo with them changes things. Most would kill Tommy and Ranboo to “save” Tubbo.
“Come on, we’re just being nice. Might as well as be friendly. We’re going to be neighbors soon.” The Phantom Angel spoke.
Tommy snorted. “No one wants to be neighbors with a White Demon or a Fallen Angel. Leave before I make you.”
“And what are you going to do about it? Three against two, seems unfair don’t you think?” The first voice walked out, their black and red Demon wings spread out for Tommy and Ranboo to see. A display to bring fear.
Ranboo stiffened, they had always hated their own kind. Ever since their parents tried to kill them when they were sleeping one night. “I’d listen to him, Blood Demon.”
“And you should listen to yourself, White Demon.” The Blood Demon hissed, walking past the Phantom Angel and white winged Angel.
“Are you threatening my partner?” Tommy frowned, a hand behind his back. Slowly, he grabbed a loose feather. The feather hardened into a small blade, just sharp enough to draw blood, but do no harm.
“Maybe I am, Fallen Angel.” The Blood Demon sneered, their fangs shining in the sunlight.
“Then remember our names. You have doomed yourself.” Tommy snarled, throwing the blade at the Angel, watching the feather hit its mark.
Tommy and Ranboo covered Tubbo, flying off into the sky. The trio disappeared over the trees.
The Blood Demon flew up, scanning the skies for a figure, but none were found.
“Techno, come look at this.” Wilbur called from below. “It’s a feather, but a blade.”
“There’s something sketched in the metal.” Phil pointed, the wound in his arm no more than a thin red line.
“Theseus, Lethe and Janus. All Greek names.” Techno mumbled, reading the greek lettering on the blade.
“They said, ‘Then remember our names.’ Why should we?” Phil looked at Techno.
“We just started a war. They told us to back off. We bit back.” The Blood Demon groaned, his wings slumping a bit.
“So, we’re going to pay for what we said?” Wilbur asked softly.
“In due time, yes.” Techno turned towards his twin. “This will end in death, and only death…”
~Five Years Later~
“Essempi is rumored to have two Angels and a Demon.” The soldier next to Phil spoke, a hand on their sword.
“And the Antarctic Empire is rumored to have the Angel of Death, a Phantom Angel, and a Blood Demon.” Phil smirked. “Are the squads ready?”
“They are yours to lead.” The soldier bowed, running off to his own group.
“You look like you're going for a walk.” Phil nodded at Techno, who wore only a simple white shirt and breeches.
“I don’t need armor or a weapon. I am the weapon, Phil” The Blood Demon rolled his eyes, poking at the air around him. “Wil, I know you're there. I can feel you.”
“Fuck off.” Wilbur huffed, appearing on Techno’s right. Just like his twin, Wilbur wore no armor, but a simple short sword strapped to his side. “Remind me why we're on the side that’s got a higher chance of winning?”
“Cause I said so, and I don’t like that Dream person from Essempi.” Techno stared at the horizon, where the enemy laid camp.
“You don’t like anyone who wants a government, even if it’s a democracy.” Wilbur waved a hand, dismissing the conversation.
“Democracies are where it gets worse. Are you kidding me?” Techno snorted, giving Wilbur a shove. “That’s besides the point. Are we ready to start a new war?”
“For you, Techno, the world.” Phil grinned, pulling both of the twins underneath his arms. “Come on.”
~
“Remember your deal, Angel.” Dream handed him an axe. Its name etched into the worn leather handle. Axe of Peace.
“Remember that you promised not to hurt them.” Tommy snapped back, feeling the thin steel band around his neck pulse.
“Watch your tone.” Dream’s one visable eye narrowed, shoving out of the tent. “Do as you're told.”
Sighing, Tommy walked over to where his partners stood. All of them wearing the same identical steel band, a curse carved into the metal. The curse kept them bonded to Dream.
“Any ideas yet?” He muttered, slipping his hand into Ranboo’s bandaged one.
Tubbo shook his head, “The books don’t say anything about breaking Curse of Binding. Only how the curse works.”
“We need to find someone decades old.” Ranboo mumbled, shifting their wings uncomfortably. The Curse of Binding had kept them up at night, leaving them jumpy and wary. Every small snap and crack was a second of a very needed nap.
“As long as we stick together. We’ll get through this together.” Tommy hugged Tubbo with a wing, pulling his partners close. “The sun’s starting to set…” He could almost hear the soft whistling of the kettle he left on the stove at home. The boiling water left out cold and the tea losing it’s taste.
~
The war horn sounded, marking the beginning of the bloody war.
The three patrons of the Antarctic Empire cheered, leading their army with grins.
The three patrons of Essempi flinched, leading their army with grim looks, no glimmer of life.
Swing after swing, bodies fell.
Swords sang.
Blows landed with a sweet crunch.
Screechs of pain.
Cries of victory.
One rose above all, laughter found in a field of pain.
Blood drenched the ground, puddling at the patrons’ feet.
The sticky red liquid clinging to their clothes.
Their weapons.
Their skin.
Their wings.
The bright color of lust and passion, had stained everything it touched.
~
“The three patrons of Essempi.” The Angel of Death from the Antarctic Empire nodded, his katana slung across his back.
“And you're the three patrons of the Antarctic Empire. Angel of Death, Phantom Angel, and Blood Demon.” The Fallen Angel from Essempi gripped the handle of the Axe of Peace.
The other two patrons stood stiffly by his side. The Angel of Chaos holding an axe twice his size in hand. The White Demon loosely held a bastard sword. Their wings tucked in tight, as they towered over the other three patrons.
“You know your stuff.” The Blood Demon shrugged, blood dripped from his two-bladed sword.
“It’s tradition. Surprised you haven’t done your own.” The Angel of Chaos raised an eyebrow.
“Theseus, Lethe and Janus.” The Phantom Angel whistled, leaning on his spear. “Phil, Techno, and Wilbur.”
“Pleasure to meet you on the battlefield.” Lethe smiled, not quite reaching their eyes.
The two parties went silent, looking each other over.
Theseus tried to hide his flinch as Phil’s eyes landed on the steel band around his neck.
“HEY!” Janus cried, doging WIlbur’s swipe.
“Attack my twin, and I will attack you.” He snapped, advancing forward. Behind him, Techno and Lethe were exchanging hits. Each hit harder than the last.
“Well?” Theseus raised his axe towards Phil.
The Angel of Death sighed, drawing his katana. “Go for it, mate.”
Angel versus Angel. Demon versus Demon.
Soldiers from either side stopped fighting to watch their patrons battle. Neither side losing nor winning. They fought equally in strength and grace. Not one move out of place, every step and hit practiced.
“How’d you fall off?” Phil grunted, nearly misplacing his foot. He was getting too old for this, but starting fights and finishing them was a thing he did.
“Trying to make small talk?” Theseus snarled, taking advantage of Phil’s stagger to slip in a feather dagger to the arm.
“Nice try, mate. A little to the right, next time.” Phil grabbed Theseus’ wrist, making him drop the dagger. “I get bored of hearing metal against metal. Hurts the ears, y’know.” He shrugged, sidestepping.
The Axe of Peace landed centimeters away from Phil’s primaries. A second too late, his feather’s would have been clipped.
“I got careless when I was little.” Theseus muttered, a hesitation in his next blow. “Left my dad and brothers behind. Felt bad about it for a bit.”
“What made you stop?” Phil asked, something in his chest ached. This blonde looked oddly familiar.
“When I realized they were never coming to find me. Found my partners instead.” Theseus narrowed his eyes, the hesitation gone.
Phil’s heart pounded, the cracks clicking back into place. “Oh… my little angel… We never stopped looking for you.”
“W-what…? What are you talking about?” Theseus stumbled, watching Phil drop his weapon with a thud.
“Hello, son…” Phil smiled weakly.
Theseus gasped, his own weapon falling to the ground.
Phil reached out his hands, catching him as he ran forward. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
“NO! TUBBO! LET ME GO!” Lethe screamed, fighting against Techno’s hold. “YOU CAN’T- TOMMY!”
Theseus whipped his head around, eyes landing on the spear sticking out of Tubbo’s gut. “No…” He shoved Phil back, the Axe of Peace back in his hand. “FUCKING LIAR!” Running, he rammed into Techno, throwing all of his weight into the Blood Demon.
Lethe burst out of his arms, their own sword passing through Wilbur’s chest. “Get away from my partner.” They growled, pushing the blade deeper.
Wilbur whimpered, stumbling into Phil’s arms.
“Tubbo… You can’t- Please… Don’t leave us… Not yet…” Theseus clutched Tubbo’s bloody shirt.
“Bossman… Hey… Boo…” Tubbo mumbled, a hand weakly reaching for Lethe’s face.
“I’m sorry… I promised… and I couldn’t…” Theseus shook.
“Look… at- me, T-Tommy…” Tubbo’s breath hitched. “You did- g-good… Take- care of h-him… Ranb-boo…” The light from the Angel of Chaos’ eyes dimmed. His final breath taken.
“No…” Tommy sobbed, his eyes closed shut as Ranboo pulled him in. Tommy’s hair on the back of his neck stood. Quickly, he grabbed Ranboo’s sword and blocked the incoming weapon.
“How dare you kill my twin…” Techno hissed, tears streaking down his face. Wilbur’s body laid across Phil’s lap, his head bowed.
“Your twin killed my partner!” Tommy spat, shielding Ranboo. “YOU FUCKING LIED TO ME.”
“Mate… Let me explain…” Phil stuttered, his hands raised.
“NO! LET ME TELL YOU, BITCH.” Tommy screamed, ignoring Ranboo’s hand on his shoulder. “They said they would come find me, but THEY NEVER CAME BACK FOR ME. I just lost my best friend, my partner, my soulmate. SO, BE MY GUEST. FUCKING TELL ME!” He huffed, anger coming off of him in waves.
Phil and Techno flinched, alarmed to see Tommy so mad.
“Tommy… I wasn’t lying…” Phil muttered.
“Prove it, bitch.” Tommy snarled, his arms crossed.
Phil started humming softly, the tune so soft Tommy could barely hear it. “Your hands protected the flames…”
“From the wild winds around you…” Tommy whispered, finishing the childhood song. “It really is you…”
“I’m sorry mate…” Phil embraced Tommy again, running his hand through the Fallen Angel’s hair. “We tried looking for you… but your trail disappeared years ago…”
“Did it work?” Tubbo chripped, wide awake and bright eyed. Ranboo stood next to him, their arms crossed.
“I hope it did. That fucking hurt…” Wilbur groaned, sitting up as he wiped the dust off his back.
“I TAKE IT BACK! YOUR A FUCKING LIAR AND GOD!” Tommy shrieked, his wings flapping in alarm.
“Nah.” Techno shrugged, picking up Wilbur’s spear and bending it in half. “It’s called having acting skills, and clearly Tubbo has them.”
“You guys knew?” Tommy deadpanned at Tubbo and Ranboo.
“Duh. You were just in denial. Kinda obvious…” Ranboo shrugged, watching Tubbo pick at the tiny seam of the collar.
“Boom. Curse of Binding who?” Tubbo grinned, tossing the metal hoop into the distance.
“Wait, do mine. Dream’s right there.” Tommy bent down for Tubbo to undo his. “And… BULLSEYE!” He cheered, watching the collar he threw a tad too hard, wack Dream in the forehead. Knocking the man out for probably a few hours and a severe case of amenisea.
Once Tubbo got Ranboo’s off, the trio faced Tommy’s family.
“Ready to go home?” Phil held out a hand.
“Bring it on, old man.” Tommy grinned, holding out his own for Tubbo and Ranboo.