Chapter Text
Ranboo was the first to wake the next morning and he didn’t really know what to do. Normally Tubbo was up before Tommy and Ranboo but with the sleeping charm on his pillow, Ranboo was sure he would be knocked out for a while.
Ranboo turned to look at Tubbo, lit by the small nightlight on the wall, checking to see if his condition had worsened. Overall he didn’t look too bad. His face was still slightly flushed with a fever but the sickly yellow tint to his face was gone. He looked at peace, and Ranboo didn’t want to interrupt that. Which is why he tugged at the cloth of the pillowcase very gently and quietly, revealing the rune stitched by the hem. He had seen it last night as they were getting into bed but he had been too tired to look at it closer. Now though, he had time to kill and burning curiosity.
The rune itself was a fairly simple symbol: a triangle with jagged lines coming out of each point. Ranboo wasn't sure if he would have much luck with Googling it but it didn't hurt to try. He spent the next hour or so trying to find out what the symbol meant, with no results. Next, he tried different religious symbols, and somehow got lost down a rabbit hole of Norse runes. His research was interrupted by Tommy rolling over to look at him, eyes barely open.
"Ayup."
"Morning," Ranboo replied, not looking away from the Wikipedia article on his phone.
"What are you lookin' at?" Tommy asked as he sat up. "Texting hot girls?" Ranboo gave Tommy a flat, disappointed look before responding.
"I'm trying to find out what this symbol on the pillow means. I think that's what Phil used to charm it." Ranboo pointed to it as Tommy leaned over to get a better look.
"Well, it's just a bunch of zed's," Tommy said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
“What.”
“Look, it’s three zeds with the bottom of each one making the triangle,” He explained, tracing the shape made by the thin black thread. Ranboo stared at it for a moment longer before putting his head in his hands.
“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Ranboo groaned. “I spent over an hour trying to find out what it meant. I thought it was something mystical and historical and it’s actually just the snoring sound.”
Tommy laughed loudly as Ranboo pouted, though he quickly quieted as he saw Tubbo stir. Ranboo gave Tommy's arm a gentle smack and brought a finger to his lips but it was too late. Their brother turned to them an unimpressed glare and a middle finger that peaked out from beneath the blanket.
“Ooh, sorry Tubso,” Tommy said with a whisper. “How’re you feeling?”
“Like a goddamn train hit me,” Tubbo replied flatly. He took a deep breath then began to sit up slowly. Ranboo quickly put a hand on his back to steady him, though Tubbo managed to stay up on his own.
“It’s still a lot better than last night though.” Tubbo continued, “Last night was hell.”
“Good, good. Do you think you can walk?” Ranboo asked. Instead of replying Tubbo slowly stood, putting his hand on Tommy’s shoulder for balance. He made his way off the bed with wobbly steps, briefly pausing at the small step to the floor before continuing.
“Cool. Now what?” He asked, turning to the two still sitting on the bed.
“Guess we head out and see if the rest are up yet,” Tommy said, standing up and heading towards the door. Ranboo got up to follow, keeping a watchful eye on Tubbo in case he stumbled.
The three retraced their path from last night, making it to the den. There they saw Phil and Wilbur, and another man with bright pink hair, who Ranboo assumed was the man Wilbur ran off to talk to last night. Phil and the man were both reading while Wilbur typed fervently at his phone. The books they were reading, as well as the ones that were stacked high on the coffee table, were all old with various stains and cracked spines.
Phil looked up as the three approached, setting his book on the table. "Morning boys, how’d you all sleep?”
“Who’s this asshole?” Tommy asked, instead of answering Phil’s question. Ranboo shot him a glare but stayed silent, curiosity winning over politeness. Said ‘asshole’ looked up from his book to raise an eyebrow at Tommy, before returning to his book.
“Ah, yeah. Boys this is Techno, Techno this is Tommy, Tubbo, and Ranboo,” Phil said, though Ranboo paid less attention to him and more attention to the glaring match between Wilbur and Tommy. Phil must’ve also noticed, as he got up and stood between the two.
“Let me show you the kitchen, I’m sure you’re all hungry after such an... eventful night,” Phil said. He escorted them to the entry hallway, going down further to a door that led to a large kitchen and dining room.
“Feel free to anything in the pantry,” Phil said gesturing to the door in the corner before sitting at the dining table. Tubbo sat next to him as Tommy and Ranboo made their way to the pantry. “Tubbo how’re you feeling this morning?”
“I’m doin’ alright,” Tubbo replied. “Head still hurt but I at least don’t feel like I’m about to explode from a bomb in my brain.”
“I- um… That’s good! That’s good,” Phil finally settled on, choosing to brush past TUbbo’s odd analogy. Ranboo was unphased by Tubbo’s odd way of wording things, and he hoped it wouldn’t take Phil too long to get used to it. Phil addressed all three of them next.
“So… do you guys have somewhere you need to be?” Phil asked carefully.
Normally the answer would be yes, as they each had jobs to support themselves. However, the three had been planning a small “vacation” which was why they were at the party in the first place. Luckily they still had the next few days off to take care of Tubbo. But Phill didn’t need to know all of that.
“Nope!” Ranboo replied while searching the drawers for silverware. Once found he grabbed three spoons and made his way to the table, Tommy in tow with their cereal. As they ate Phil explained his plan for the day.
“Alright, we won’t start off with testing first, as I imagine Tubbo would like to wake up a bit before all that,” Tubbo nodded in agreement, still munching on his Fruit Loops. “So instead we’ll be hitting the books to do some research. There are also some forums online that we can look at but I’m not sure how much they’ll have.”
Ranboo perked up at this, wondering what websites they knew about. His search earlier as well as his many years staying up way too late on his phone led him to believe that there wasn’t any info on magic and spells online at all. Ranboo tried not to sound too eager as he replied.
“I can help with that. If you need that is…”
“Sure mate, the more the merrier.” Phil stood up from the table. “I’m gonna go ahead and get back to that now, actually. Feel free to join us in the den when you’re done.”
With that Phil left the room leaving the three of them to their own devices.
Ranboo was looking forward to learning more about magic. He knew it was illegal to perform it, and for good reason, but that didn’t mean he didn’t want to know about it. The rumors he had heard were scarce but fascinating. Stories of people who could create multicolored flames from their fingertips or sing songs that made you forget all of your troubles.
He’d also heard about a serial killer who teleported people’s hearts out of their bodies, to make their victims watch it beat as they died. He knew it was dangerous, he did, but that didn’t stop his brain from seeking answers.
“So you are you guys gonna help with research?” He asked the other two.
“Look, and I mean this in the nicest way possible: that is some dork shit,” Tommy said while still munching loudly. Ranboo should have expected that honestly, Tommy wasn’t really someone who sat for hours reading a good book. He wasn’t really someone who sat for hours period.
“Honestly it’s sorta rude for you to even suggest that I read with a headache like this,” Tubbo said, with no heat behind his words.
“Alright, fair,” Ranboo replied, standing to go put his dish in the sink. “Ready to head back in there?”
“I guess, yeah,” Tubbo said.
The three made their back to the den, finding the Phil and Techno in the same positions they were in earlier. Wilbur was now pacing the far side of the room, in a heated phone conversation.
“Look Q, I’m not saying he did it! I just want to ask him if he saw anything,” he said, pausing after as the other person assumedly replied.
“I guess that’ll work too. I know you’re just doing that as an excuse to talk to me more,” Wilbur said with a smirk. Ranboo got the distinct feeling he was intruding on something… personal. He was grateful when Wilbur quickly said goodbye and hung up the call.
“Sorry about that, just following up on a lead,” Wilbur said sheepishly as he noticed the three pairs of eyes on him. He sat back in his chair from earlier and resumed his typing. Ranboo and his brothers stood awkwardly not sure what to do next. Wilbur noticed and motioned to the furniture in the room: a couch, two chairs, and two bean bags.
“You guys can sit down you know,” he said with a teasing lilt in his voice.
Ranboo assessed the seating arrangement, looking for a spot with the least chance of an awkward discussion. Wilbur sat in one of the bean bags and Phil sat in a chair. Tommy was now occupying the other bean bag, as he had gracelessly flopped onto it after Wilbur spoke. He made his way to the other chair, though a withering look from Tubbo stopped him in his tracks. With the only spot left being on the couch next to Techno, Ranboo slowly made his way over and sat as far as he could from the man.
The group sat in silence, unnoticed by some and uncomfortable for others. Actually, Ranboo was pretty sure it was just uncomfortable for him. He sat unmoving, looking at the various books littered on the coffee table in front of him. He was able to make out a few titles but with the wear and tear, was unable to tell what most of them were. After a few minutes, Ranboo was startled as Tommy spoke.
“So is that natural?” Tommy asked, gesturing to Techno’s hair.
“Yep.”
“That’s unfortunate. It looks like Pepto Bismol,” Tubbo remarked, sounding tired of the conversation already and as Ranboo looked at him, it appeared he was already half asleep. Ranboo quickly looked back to Techno hoping that he hadn’t been too offended but Techno was still focused on his book. Without looking up Techno spoke.
“You know you can read what’s in the books instead of just the cover.”
Ranboo was grateful that Techno wasn’t looking as his cheeks tinged red with embarrassment. He grabbed the book closest to him not bothering to read the title. He settled into the plush velvet couch and began to read.
Phil broke the comfortable silence that had fallen over them.
“Alright, are you ready for some test?” he asked, turning to Tubbo only to find him fast asleep. “Oh.”
“I’ll wake him up,” Ranboo said, standing to make his way over. He gently put a hand on Tubbo’s shoulder, which was all that was needed to make his eyes shoot open. Ranboo gave his shoulder a squeeze.
“You ready for some tests?” he asked quietly, still wanting to give Tubbo time to adjust. Tubbo responded with a hum, before nodding his head toward Phil who then went to his desk in the corner to prepare. Ranboo noticed Techno get up out of the corner of his eye. He saw him start to clear some of the books from the table, and went to assist.
Phil came back to the table and laid out his tools and supplies, a few of which Ranboo now recognized from his reading. He saw a pill bottle with a scratched-off label, ‘ROASTED WALNUT POWDER’ scribbled in sharpie on the side. He now knew that roasted walnut powder could be used as an activator for a spell, depending on the incantation and where it was applied on the spell caster. He saw a jar filled with murky liquid next to it labeled ‘WHISKY+CARROT JUICE’. Ranboo scrunched his nose upon reading the label and hoped that the concoction was not meant for consumption.
He sat back down as Phil began his tests, watching closely to see if he recognized any of the magic used from his studying. The book he had read was easy enough to understand, however, it seemed to be more of a warning guide than anything instructional. He now knew of some substances that were to be “avoided at all cost” but the book didn’t say much about their practical use. He wondered if all magic books were like that, to obfuscate the true instructional intent behind them.
His thoughts were interrupted as Phil let out a small hum. The same red beam from last night shone out of his hand and on Tubbo’s head. Ranboo didn’t notice anything different but it was obvious Phil had some concerns.
“How’s your head feeling?” Phil asked, doing a terrible job of feigning nonchalance.
“I mean, it hurts the same way it did yesterday, just not as overwhelming,” Tubbo replied.
“Okay. Do you think it would hurt if I touched it?”
Well that was a weird question, though Ranboo supposed he should adjust what he considers weird given that they were dealing with magic. He saw Tommy sit up from his relaxed position on the bean bag, now tuned into the conversation. Ranboo’s eyes met Tubbo’s, who gave him a worried look.
“I don’t know,” Tubbo finally replied, though he was quick to continue, “I’ll test that myself real quick.”
Ranboo held his breath as Tubbo slowly raised a hand to his head. With one finger outstretched he gently pressed it, then quickly pulled away as if he had been burned. Tubbo took a deep breath in, clearly trying to control his reaction.
“Yes. Yes it does,” he hissed through gritted teeth.
“Well… fuck. Okay.” Phil turned to Techno and Wilbur, “Do we still have that one pair of gloves?”
“The pick-pocket ones?” Techno asked, seeming to follow Phil’s train of thought.
“Yeah, those ones.”
“Then yeah, they’re still in the Warehouse.”
Ranboo was slightly distracted from the situation at hand as he put two and two together. Surely they weren’t talking about a warehouse for storing magical items? A whole warehouse!? Ranboo’s mind swirled with the possibilities as Phil continued.
“Welp, looks we’re going on a field trip lads.”
“Wait, are you really bringing them there!?” Wilbur asked incredulously. Ranboo decided to not take it personally. Tommy, however, did not.
“Fuck you too, fuckass!” he yelled at Wilbur. Tubbo backed him up with a lazy middle finger in Wilbur's direction. Phil ignored them both as he replied to Wilbur.
“You know we can’t take anything out without a deal.” Phil continued, exasperated, “Maybe if someone hadn’t gotten drunk and flown the Vespa over downtown this would be a different situation.”
Wilbur looked to the ground with shame. “I already apologized for that.”
Phil softened, “I know Wil, but now we have security measures in place that would be a pain in the ass to break.” Phil turned to the boys as Wilbur continued to pout.
“Alright, ground rules for the Warehouse. Well, one rule actually: don’t touch anything.” Phil looked each of them in the eyes as he spoke. “That’s the only way I can guarantee you won’t be maimed or cursed, got it?”
The three of them paled at his words. They briefly looked at each other to confirm that yes, they still wanted to go through with this, before each nodding at Phil. Phil brightened, clapping his hands together.
“Perfect! Everyone go ahead and grab everything you’ll need,” Phil added on, “Oh Tech and Wil, you’re coming with, just in case.”
Wilbur gave a dramatic groan as he stood, while Techno merely sighed and closed his book. After a bit of shuffling everyone now stood waiting for Phil’s next instruction. Phil started to make his way toward the kitchen, Wilbur and Techno following. The boys stood confused for a moment before Wilbur made a gesture, beckoning them to follow.
Phil led them to a small room, where a large wooden door with an intricately carved frame and no doorknob stood in the back. Ranboo noticed the small blade sticking out of the frame right before Phil cut his thumb on it, causing blood to pool on the tip. Phil, using his blood-soaked thumb, traced a circle onto the door. Ranboo watched as the blood seeped into the wood, disappearing before a doorknob materialized from seemingly nowhere.
“Ready boys?” Phil asked. They each gave an unsure nod.
“Okay, then let’s go.”
With that Phil opened the door, revealing the portal behind it.