Chapter Text
It had been about two weeks since Snow was brought to the Underground. Her wounds were mostly healed from the attack, and she was now somewhat conscious and coherent enough to question where she was. And with that, Halo contacted Sam and told him to get Zephyrus and the kids and come as quickly as possible.
While Tubbo would have preferred not waiting to see her, they were forced to wait for Phil to arrive first so that they could bring him along. He hated it, having to bring a hero to their outpost, questioning their mother who was apparently a villain?
That was something to get through his head. His mother. A full blown villain. Killing people just because she wanted to and could. After immediately finding out about it he'd been too detached to really process what that meant. He was technically her enemy, the one who would bring her in for those crimes. But she was his mother. And she'd been killing people regularly apparently since her appearance as that said villain. Even with nearly three weeks to process that news after he'd recovered, he was still incredibly.. well, split, about that.
He knew she'd done bad things before, both to him and to other children. She was cold and distant to other children around them in the labs, forcing them to do tests and not bothering a single moment to make them feel better. But with Tubbo and his friends? She'd latched onto them. While everything was fuzzy since he was little at the time, he had a suspicion it had to do with the fact that Tommy hadn't always had bee wings.
Hell, Tommy hadn't even been a hybrid of two different things before if he remembered correctly. Tubbo sighs. He loves her, his mother, Snow Angel apparently. She'd always been there for them, comforted them, held them, let them cry. He missed it, but he'd moved on. How was he supposed to react now? He was the man in the chair, he led them, took care of them when he had to, stepped in when he needed to. He'd learned to take care of himself. He hoped she'd be proud. He hoped that she would let him continue to be independent. He loved her but he'd moved on already. Her coming back has incredibly shook his resolve. With the others undoubtedly wanting to go back to being under her wing; what was he supposed to do now?
Torn. A simple word that could be used in a lot of different sentences. But for Tommy, Alexa and Mark, it meant they couldn't choose. Unsure of whether or not to feel happy mom was back, or angry because she had become something they were against, angry that she was a villain.
Mark had already somewhat made up his mind, choosing to wait and see what she would say before jumping to any conclusions or making accusations, despite the fact he had done his own research on Snow Angel, he wanted to give her a chance to explain. He was never one to just choose sides anyways. By no means did that make him less upset about the whole situation, he was far from it actually. But for everyone’s sake, he was choosing to keep it to himself for now, at least until they got some form of answers.
Tommy on the other hand, he'd been angry for the past two and a half weeks, only smiling when he was working or someone asked him if he was alright. He hadn't decided what it was he wanted to feel when they made it to the Underground, dragging Phil back to the hospital. He had remembered when he got his bee wings, a result of the tests mom had done... 'Mom', he keeps calling her that, but he isn't sure if he wants to, not till she explained what the hell is going on. He tried to ignore it, the nagging in the back of his mind, the instincts that wanted nothing more than to have that old sense of safety back, to have his old flockmate back. He pushed it away, buried it in his anger and his want for more information.
Alexa was, well, she hadn't been her usual bubbly and happy self since finding her. She would still throw a smile at people every now and then, but she had been staying unusually straight faced. There weren't words to describe how she felt. She just couldn't get her mind off mom.. or Ethan. So she had opted to stay neutral to everything, only reacting when she needed to, did the work she needed to get done, and tried to be reassuring when people asked if she was alright. She tried her best for the two and a half weeks they had to wait for Snow to be coherent again, because that’s all she could do.
Halo was pacing outside the room, too many thoughts on his mind to really take notice of the group coming down the hallway. Nothing was wrong with her, but she had only woken up an hour ago and was very aggressive. He really shouldn't be surprised, but he was very startled by suddenly being pulled by the wrist to a very angry looking Elytrain Pure Blood.
When they arrive at the medical area Phil lets them know his intention of staying out of the room at first so that the kids could speak to Snow first. He doesn't want to aggravate her, especially considering he's an Elytrian Pure Blood messing with another Elytrian Pure Bloods flock after not seeing them for a while. And a Hero at that. Villains aren't too fond of people like him. He folds his wings and stands out of the way when they enter.
Tubbo almost bursts down the door, which causes the injured party inside to snap to attention and screech in a threat. Her wings fluff up as she glares at Halo first, not noticing the kids behind him at first.
"Answer me dammit!!! Where AM I?!" Her words are near screeching volume as her eyes stare down Halo with the promise of death if not answered. It's a look many truly angry villains all shared. Though they may all share the look, it's feared because of its truth. Tubbo freezes up at the sound and the expression. The anger isn't unfamiliar to him, she'd always use the tone with children or teens that were rowdy and didn't listen. Even if he's familiar with it that doesn't mean he is used to it, or likes it for that matter.
Halo, still not really processing that the Hero and the kids, was startled by the sudden yelling, causing him to jump and turn to face the villain. He went to say something but was stopped finally taking notice of the kids in the doorway. Mark seemed nervous, his expression held it all. The confusions, the worry, hurt, slight anger, everything he was feeling. All in one simple expression. Unfortunately for Tommy, it wasn't so simple.
"Oi, shut up!!! You don't get to ask questions!!" He hadn't even thought about what he was going to say before he said it. His voice cracked with anger as he yelled, his eye brows knitting together as he scowled at her. He couldn't help it, he was upset and didn't know what to think anymore. He had packed it all up for so long, forgotten about it almost, but now she had the audacity to come back? As a fucking villain who has killed people no less? What the actual fuck!?
Alexa kept her eyes trained on the ground, the yelling causing her to flinch and her ears to pin back to the sides of her head. She couldn't bring herself to look up, she knew she would cry if she did, and she had already cried so much in the past four days, it was starting to get annoying. She just kept her breathing as steady as she could, backing up and hiding behind Tubbo and Ranboo slightly as she made sure her breathing didn't become ragged.
Like a switch being flipped, she recoils from Tommys raised voice, wings flattening out and her eyes widening. She finally turns her gaze to the kids and finds herself breathless, only capable of making a choked chirp in response. "T- Toms?" She whispers the name as if it's sacred. Her mind is screaming ‘flock’ at her. Her gaze moves onto the other kids. Tubbo holds tightly onto Tommy and Mark's hand. Is there a villain in front of them? Or their mother?
Tommy flinches back at the nickname, his whole 'tough guy' facade faltering as his breathing becomes heavy. He straightens himself, gaze falling to the floor as he struggles to keep tears back. Mark turned his head slightly, looking down and to the side. He took a deep breath, squeezing both Tommy and Tubbo's hand to get them to calm down. His own tail gently brushing against Alexa's shoulder. Alexa made a few chirps and clicks, wings ruffling as she tried her very hardest holding back the tears that were threatening to spill from her eyes. She leaned her head against Tubbo's shoulder, she made a sort of sad or concerned whistling noise.
Snow forgets about the others in the area, her sights only set on the kids in front of her. She doesn't even bother holding back her tears when Alexa chirps at her. Through her tears she repeats a long lost tune to them, the calming sounds she'd repeat like a song when they were younger.
"Kids- You- You have no idea how much I missed you- It's been so long- I-I've been looking for you everywhere after you disappeared!" She fiddles with her hands, anxiously picking her nails as she looks at the ones in front of her. "I'm- I'm sorry I left you behind, forgive me please.."
Alexa was the first to let out a choked sob, first to let the tears fall, first to teleport over to her and hug her. Repeating some chirps and coos, she buried her face into Snow's shoulder as she silently sobbed. Tommy reached a hand out to stop her before she teleported, but was too late. He stared at them for a moment, struggling to keep a straight face as he looked at Tubbo and Mark before going to stand next to Alexa.
"I don't think a simple 'sorry' can explain what the hell is going on.. mom." Is all he said as he rubbed Alexa's back, a sad yet angered expression on his face as tears ran down his cheeks. Mark looked to Tommy and Alexa, then to Tubbo, squeezing his hand slightly as if to ask him if he wanted to go over and see her as well. Just waiting to see what he wanted to do before moving.
Tubbo nods as Snow hugs Alexa back tightly, burying her face in her fledgling’s hair, whispering apologies to both of them, not knowing what else to say. He steps forward, dragging Mark with him, giving him a look that tells his roommate that while he's apprehensive, he misses no one more than their mother. Snow clings to the feeling of reclaiming her family, her chest hurting with the amount of relief and fear of everything. The fear that her still being alive puts all her children at risk and the relief at finding them in the first place. Her wings pull at the bandages and restraints around her wings, wanting nothing more than to wrap her children in a curtain of white security.
Alexa just stays like that for a while, she couldn't tell if any of what she was saying. All the apologies were genuine. But she could care less at the moment, all she wanted was her mom. The same could be said to Tommy and how he felt about the apologies coming from Snow. But he cried regardless, he couldn't help it, how could he not when his mother and little sister were in emotional turmoil. Mark just followed alongside Tubbo, the feeling of wanting to cry getting stronger the closer he got to them. He blinked rapidly and cleared his throat to try and get rid of the feeling. "H-hey... hey mom...."
Hearing more of her children she looks up, then she opens her arms and beckons all of them to join her. Even if they're angry at her, she knows more than anyone that they want it, they did this back in the lab too after experiments. "C'mere- I don't have my wings but my arms are just as good-" Tubbo doesn't hesitate once she does that and he jumps forward, wrapping his arms around her and Alexa, not managing to keep in his tears, but his sobs and shaking he keeps under control. He moves a hand over to grab onto Tommy's again, even if he's comfortable being with her, she's still a murderer in his mind.
Tommy instinctively grabs onto Tubbo's hand, finally giving in and hugging her, wings spreading out and covering them all as he tries to hold back sobs. There was a little bit of hesitance from Mark as he got closer, he couldn't see her as a murderer, but that's what she was. He hugs her regardless of how he feels, just happy to know that the only one who gave a shit about them when they were younger was ok.
She chirps and hoots as they all round up around her. She missed them so much. And she's not afraid to say it. "My children- I missed you all so so much. I'll answer any questions you ask of me-" Tubbo buries his face into Snow's shoulder before looking at Tommy, understanding that he'll ask the question everyone wants to know, now that they've been given the prompt.
"Why..." Tommy paused, he wanted to know, why wouldn't he? He just hated hearing the words coming out of his mouth, and he knew Alexa wouldn't be happy hearing, but he just had to know.
"...Why have you become a villain?" Alexa tensed at his words, part of her wanted to elbow him in the side for having said anything in the first place, but the other part wanted desperately to know why as well. Mark hadn't been the least bit surprised by what Tommy had said, just glad he didn't have to say it. Tear streaks stained his face as he tried and failed to grasp how they had gotten to this point, mind still fuzzy from the night they found Snow in the alley.
Snow shakes her head and holds them all tighter, even as Tubbo and Alexa tense. "To hunt him. To protect other kids that lived on the streets. I only kill those who deserve it. I've never harmed anyone innocent." Her wings fluff up. "The title was given to me, but it was faster to build myself as a formidable foe than to take my time becoming a nuisance. No offense to vigilantes, but no one is going to send their strongest heroes after a nuisance." She coughs a laugh. "I thought I failed when you all suddenly disappeared a few weeks ago. I thought I lost you to him again."
Alexa tensed again, but it was more like a flinch, but it caused her to unintentionally teleport away from her spot. Tommy and Mark looked at her with confusion and concern, ignoring the fact that Snow has been surveilling them, Alexa's only response was a shocked and quite terrified look. "So... So h-he is back?" She was shaking, trying her best to keep her breathing under control as her wings fluffed up.
"Hey, we don't know for sure, just- just breathe ok?" Mark tried to calm her down from his spot behind Toby, he was still holding onto his hand and he knew he wouldn't want to let go. She did try to keep her breathing under control, closing her eyes and trying to push away the last memory she had where Ethan was alive. She didn't want to relive that memory again.. not again…
Snow remains slightly solemn, hateful to make her child feel like this, but knowing it's necessary. "He's been back for a while, just under a different name and face, but I swear I won't let him hurt you, I won't even let him touch you if I can help it." She chirps at them. "No one will touch you under my watch." She coos and hoots. Phil winces from the other side of the door as he listens to that.
"He... He k-killed Ethan mom.." She said while shaking, Tommy and Mark's heads falling to look down at the floor. "He-he tried to help us- he tried to get us out-" She sobbed, trying and failing to hold it back.
"I-it's my fault, h-he came to get me, b-but I couldn't leave them behind.." She fell to her knees, shaking and crying as she thought back on how her brother died, the real way he died. She would never be able to get the picture of his face out of her head, she hadn't been able to since hearing he's under a new name.
Snow stares for a moment with sad eyes. After a moment she carefully removes the children from her side and, wincing, as she sits up, she moves to kneel next to Alexa. "Your brother may be gone, but you did it to save three more. I'm not saying they're a replacement, but they're here for you as well. You may have lost one but you have three more." Despite Phil's guilt for listening in on a conversation he probably shouldn't be listening to, at least now he knows who Alexa is. What happened to Ethan.
She looked up at Snow, tear streaks stained her cheeks. Her eyes held so much sadness yet so much relief as she nodded, leaning into her shoulder again. The others just watched, Mark rubbing Tommy and Tubbo's backs as he sighed. He and the others knew she carried so much guilt for that night, but could never convince her it wasn’t her fault. Alexa seemed to realize something after a moment, she looked back at Snow with an unreadable expression, looking quickly at Mark and the others before looking back at her. She leaned up and quietly whispered something to her.
Snow's eyes widen in surprise as she looks at Alexa. Her wings fluff up and with a smile she releases a long cooing hoot in happiness. She has to physically restrain herself from getting up and dragging the two of them together. Instead, she picks up Alexa and hugs her, constantly chirping. She even forgets about the pain of her injuries as she moves back over to the bed and sits back down, still holding her daughter. Her chirps don't stop and her wings are now open as far as she can get them around the bandages. "I want you all to know I love all of you. So much."
Alexa smiles, giggling as she coos and chirps back, her tail faintly wagging behind her as she is carried. "Love you too." Mark hums in agreement, looking over to Tommy who looked conflicted about something. After a few moments of just holding on to Snow Tommy nudges Alexa, giving her a look, she frowns and moves to sit next to her.
"Um.." Tommy started, gaze falling to the floor again. Tommy let out a sigh. Looking at his soulmates and his sister, he stepped back so he could get into Phil's general line of sight, making a hesitant gesture for him to come in as he spoke. "Mom... There's someone that needs to speak to you...."
She tenses up a little bit as she notices the kids starting to act off. "Wha-" Her sentence cuts off when she sees Phil walk into the room. She doesn't immediately launch at him in an attack, but she does let a deep threatening hoot rumble in her chest. Her gaze lasers in on him as she narrows her eyes and her wings fluff up to make her seem bigger. Phil pauses in his advance, in return to her threatening howl, he lets out a low rumble build in his own chest.
"I'm not here to hurt you or arrest you mate. Only question." With the threatening air, Tubbo holds a little tighter to Mark's hand. Even though he hasn't talked much he hasn't needed to. Now though, he's terrified of the two forces of nature clashing in the middle of the room.
"Mom! Please, he just wants to help." Tommy said quickly, raising his hands as he made a cooing sound to try and convince her. "He really does want to help, just- hear him out.. please..?" Alexa nodded in agreement, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. She made a few clicks and coos as she gave a hesitant smile.
"He's been helping us since we found you in that alleyway... He just wants to know what happened." Halo sighs, deciding to stay out of the room altogether. Opting to scroll through his tablet, looking for any recent news feeds on Snow again. Coming across a live news feed soon after and deciding to watch it for a bit.
Angel just glares at Phil, not bothering to acknowledge the kids at that moment. The only thing keeping her back being her wounded wings and the seething pain in her body. As Phil backs down and lets his rumble die down, she returns the favor, but her wings stay puffed up and her arms are kept firmly wrapped around her kids. She's already trying to plan an escape for them. She can't save herself, too wounded for that, but her kids could probably make it. A hero would keep them for questioning or bait, and even if she's never heard of Zephyrus using these methods, she doesn't trust it. "What questions."
It's more of a harsh statement than a question. When Phil doesn't appear to have an immediate answer, Tubbo pipes up, trying to lessen the tension by letting her know that they are aware of who he is and why he's here. "What happened. We wanted to know what happened."
Alexa twitched nervously, she wanted the two to get along at least for a little while for the questions to be answered. Her wings ruffled some, puffing out slightly as she looked between the two. Tommy was just as nervous, these were the two adults -Pure Blooded Elytrian adults- who wanted him and the others safe, he didn't want them to fight. That'd be like watching your parents fight- 'Parents?' That was a strange thought, but it seemed oddly... right? Well, they were both more like parents then his biological ones were, but he still missed them dearly..
Tommy turned to Alexa with an odd expression, catching her attention, he looked between Snow and Phil quickly before looking back. Making a few odd combinations of chirps, whistles and coos that didn't seem to make sense to either of the older Elytrians, but made sense to Alexa. Who, in turn, looked between the two with a confused expression, repeating back the combinations while also throwing different ones. Everything seemed to stop, however, when a loud and alarmed gasp came from Halo in the hallway.
Mark's attention perked at this- well, everyone's did really, when he came rushing into the room and over to Zephyrus with a frantic and slightly panicked expression. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but this is important! Zephyrus, it's about your colleague Dream..!"
Snow practically snarls at the mention of the hero Dream, grip immediately tightening uncomfortably around her children, tight enough to probably leave small bruises but not enough to break through skin with her claws. She doesn't even seem to notice the exchange between the two youngest. But Tubbo sure does.
"If that bastard comes anywhere near here I'll rip his fucking throat out with my bare hands and watch him drown on his own blood. Injuries or no that motherfucker can and will die by my hands." The reaction has Phil startled. Snow Angel has never been known for liking heroes, but she's never been known for outright despising them enough to target murder. He looks between where Halo is and Snow. That doesn't matter. His eyes narrow slightly. She's threatened to murder a hero and Phil knows she's very capable of doing so, if she gets up he'll probably end up having to restrain her, and if that fails.. Nope, not thinking about that, the kids would absolutely despise him for the rest of their existences.
He shakes his head and turns slightly towards Halo, still prepared for a fight if one breaks out. "I'm a little busy, is it important? Dream can handle himself." He ignores the angry(and is that.. fearful?) hiss from the hospital bed. Tubbo, who's curiosity and worry is growing, would very much like to get up and investigate what has the other vigilante worried. He'd also like to talk to Tommy and Alexa about whatever the fuck they're chirping about because unlike Mark, he doesn't have even a slight understanding of those chirps and whistles, even though he's lived with them basically his whole life. Though it's pretty obvious to him that they're talking about Phil and Mom.
Tommy, Mark and Alexa seem to be confused, and slightly worried at the reaction their mother gave. Alexa mumbling panicked curses and saying others things that were otherwise indecipherable. Tommy doing the same but a bit louder. Halo simply stumbled over his words too much at Snow's threat and at what was currently transpiring with the green Hero. So he simply turned the screen to the others to let them see what was happening, the tablet's screen seeming to grow in size so they'd all be able to get a good look.
And there it was, live news coverage of the green clad Hero, making his way towards a building that was heavily fortified by people on the outside. The reporter saying something about how he was yelling- practically screaming at the people inside the building to let his soulmate go, apparently the audio wasn't quite working well enough to pick up what he was saying. Suddenly, in one swift movement, the smiling mask that had been covering his face for as long as he's been a Hero, was thrown to the ground and broken, revealing the scarred face of the man. The man.
The same man whose face had been haunting Alexa's memory since she was little. Her breath hitched as she watched his eyes begin to glow a violent toxic green, her heart rate spiking quickly as she finally understood her mother's threat. Tommy and Mark seemed to sense Alexa's panic, even as she spastically started to teleport to random places in the room before finding a corner to curl up in. "no... No, no no NO!!" She screeched in an Enderman like way, shaking and hyperventilating as she tried and failed to calm herself. He really was back…
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