Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“We arrived! We just docked! Welcome to Canarell Port!”

Most of the people from the ship stood up and started getting down. Since the voice that called in the announcement wasn’t enough to wake most of the sleeping occupants, the movement of those on board was the one that woke them. One of them, a male, blinked his eyes awake right when he heard the announcement and started to feel more alert when the ship shook a little. Finally, after a couple of hours sailing through the hostile ocean, he arrived at his first stop. It was the port for one of the many territories belonging to the Antarctic Empire. It was a short pit-stop really. He had already plotted his route immediately after he decided to leave his hometown.

His mother was sick and she was gone just a week ago. With no relatives in mind that he knew of, it was the only thing that motivated him to start a new life. But he also had his mother’s final wish to fulfill. So, he was going to the Badlands first.

He will have to find the square and maybe find somewhere he can stay temporarily. He had a beanie on his head, not really fond of the cold weather of the land. He was also wearing a jacket and a worn out coat, just to keep himself warm. On his back, he held the only thing that belongs to him, a guitar. It was a gift that he is not about to leave back there. He needed to find someone and he knew that the only way he can do that, is to set foot in this stop, no matter how much his instinct tells him that it is a bad idea.

“Hey!” He called out, waving at a woman who is calling out to people to buy the fish that she was selling by the port. “I’m new around here. Do you know where to sign up for the next?“

The woman raised her eyebrow at him, making him a little self-conscious. “Yeah, just walk straight ahead and go right. You’ll get to the town proper. Ask around.”

A small smile of thanks came to his face as he nodded. “Thank you! How much is one of those fried?”

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The Canarell Port is one of the main stops that people would pass to if ever they were planning to get either further in the Antarctic Empire territories or overseas towards another land not within the empire’s jurisdiction. The city in which it is located is called Canarell, which is named after the founder of the land. The land is within the plains, but is not too far away from a snowy biome, which makes small walks freezing, especially when there is an impending storm. It doesn’t really snow in the city, but it might as well be with the low temperature.

Since another ship has just anchored, business is flourishing. Making his way towards the town square with fried fish on a stick, the male looked around him and wondered why there were so many people today. It was not his first time on Canarell, but he doesn’t frequent the city enough to know if there are festivities on-going today. He had already asked around and it didn’t take him long enough to find the stand and sign up. He didn’t read the top part of the paper. All he did was write his name and sign it with Quackity.

It is still around 10 in the morning. Quackity’s small snack won’t satisfy him for his lunch and dinner. Luckily, there is a festival, just like he had initially thought. Eavesdropping on a few conversations gave him the information that they are celebrating the third day out of the five day celebration for the land’s founding. There is no need for him to worry about food, because the folk would pass around snacks here and there. He would usually take one or two when the basket was given his way. Food is not a problem, but he knew settlement would be one.

He decided to walk along the path. He has enough pocket money for food but settlement is a different story. He wasn’t planning to stay because he didn’t have enough money to begin with. A popular city like this was bound to have a place he can stay for a few days, at least before the next ship departs. 

The path led him towards a circular dome. The building doesn’t look too high, only standing four to five stories but is wider than any of the buildings in the entire city, if he wasn’t mistaken. There are pillars right at the two story high entrance, and it doesn’t look fancy. Even so, he can tell that the building is very used but also well-preserved. He can hear cheering from the crowd inside that piqued his interest.

There is a booming voice announcing that there is a competition that was about to start in a short while. Quackity decided he could come and watch at least. Besides, he can get more food while he is in it.

Only, that wasn't the case.

The only expectation that Quackity had when he entered the arena was to go directly towards the audience seats to watch and enjoy the show. Maybe have some more of the food that they were passing around for free. 

What did he get?

“Feeling tired, Quackity?”

A monotonous voice calling out his name that will definitely be the subject of his nightmares to come. It wasn’t immediate either. He had made a stupid mistake. This is probably just a nightmare. Maybe he will wake up soon and realize that this is nothing more than a horrible dream.

Or so he hoped.

When his instincts said not to come to Canarell, was this what it meant about why?

Chapter 1 end

Chapter Text

"Oooooooooh! Quackity’s fourth death is down by a sword!"

Opening his eyes abruptly, Quackity shot up from the bed in alarm. He huffed, gulping down the feeling of both irritation and fear running down his veins. The reasons why he was still somewhat irritated can be listed all in his hands. 

First, he should've listened when his instincts told him not to come here. How stupid can he be that he didn't even check the paper that he had signed up for. It was apparently for the competition in the battle arena. His plan was to write his name on the list of the next boarding ship departing overseas, which would leave a few days from now. He had written his name on the wrong paper. 

Add to the fact that he could've also forfeit if he didn't show up. Just his luck that the competition was just about to start and he entered just in time. Before he could even deny, he was recognized by the person on the stand from earlier. Anyone could see the shock in his face when he couldn't even back out. 

If he wanted out, then, he would have to pay. And… he doesn't really have the money to do so.

Next course of action? He fought without a choice.

He was also doing fairly well. Not really great in combat but he has great reflexes. He was able to dodge out attacks sent to his direction. He ducks in time, but that doesn't mean he wasn't scared. He’s not fond of arrows because he is bad at aiming. So, he had an axe and a shield at hand. He wasn’t carrying much with him at all, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. He moves swiftly whenever an attack comes. But everytime he does, he would often make short stops because the wind was too cold. 

There are trees planted around, which imitates small forests. He uses the trees to hide from enemies and the sudden blow of the wind. If the fighting doesn’t end soon, he will freeze.

Confidence rose up a little in him. He is the reason why five players have lost all of their lives. He thought that he was also going to win, only, he saw a pink blur from a far-away distance and the next thing he knew, he was opening his eyes back at one of the infirmary's beds. 

</3

He 'died' once by an arrow struck behind him apparently. It happened too fast and the only reason why he knew was because it was announced. It was an attack he didn’t expect. How could someone move even faster than he does? Then again, he should have expected it. He is in a competition after all, no matter how much he was fighting against his will. The problem came up when the same bloodthirsty guy didn't stop in marking him as his target again and again.

Since names were announced every time they lose a life along with what weapon was used to kill them, the stranger knew his name and would call it whenever he sees that Quackity is back.

"Welcome back, Quackity. My sword says hallo.”

Did he also mention how fucking scary it is to hear his name in that monotone voice?

Quackity was quite proud of how he was able to dodge out the attacks coming his way. He has no idea how much longer he can take it though. He is both freezing from the air and the adrenaline. Apart from another problem that he didn’t know it was possible for participants to actually change weapons. The shield that he had gotten earlier at the weapons room has a very low durability by now. A few more hits and it’s gone.

Hack. Hack. Slash!

Two hits of the axe and the shield was gone. The next attack, Quackity was down by sword.

</3 </3

His third death was something he’d never forget. The very moment he was back, he felt an arrow hit his side. It wasn’t enough to kill him so he surveyed his area to look for a hiding place. Running for his life, he took a small peek to see where the stranger was. Lo and behold, his enemy has a crossbow, of all weapons, as he sat at the top of one of the trees in the arena. 

A shower of arrows began to rain on Quackity as he took shelter to the nearest tree just away from reach. That was the moment he realized that Technoblade was toying with him. Yes, he finally knew his name because he could hear the crowd cheering and he is beyond terrified when he hears the audience chant his opponent’s name while he was being chased.

"Feeling tired, Quackity?"

A small chuckle escaped Technoblade that made Quackity respond with a small, scared squeak. He didn’t even realize that when he heard Technoblade’s response, he was actually just behind him. When he turned around, he was face-to-face with the bloodthirsty stranger. Before he could even scream in alarm, he was struck down with an axe.

</3 </3 </3

The fourth and the latest death that Quackity had experienced, Technoblade was just walking as he chased him down, axe ready while Quackity was running for his dear life again. He has no idea what the hell he should do in this situation. He’s just going to die with whatever weapon his predator has. He was being hunted and he was the prey. For fuck’s sake, all he wanted was to come to the Badlands, not have a fight to the death!

"I don't understand why you are running, Quackity. You do know you'll only get tired the longer we keep the chase, right?" 

Quackity didn't slow down at all. "Ahahahaha… Yeah, yeah…" He answered him, gulping down the fear that tried to envelop him. He is pretty sure that adrenaline is the only thing that is keeping him from freezing in panic on one spot. "B-b-b-but I don't think I'm getting tired! Matter of fact, this is regular exercise!" He answered.

It was a complete lie. Quackity was indeed feeling tired, even if he was still running due to the fear. True to his word, Technoblade caught up to him right when he decided to hide among the trees. He came from behind the tree he was in front of and that's where he was slashed by a sword… again.

</3 </3 </3 </3

There are five lives given to each player, and Quackity is down to his final one.

He didn’t want to go back, but he had to. He reminded himself that there was no way he could pay the money he would owe them if he backed out. He could just let Technoblade kill him really. 

Then again, there was a price for the winner too. Trembling still in fear, Quackity made his way back to the battlefield. Thankfully, he was able to grab another shield with him. He also had a backup sword in his inventory because the axe he is holding is just about to give up on him.

Shield held on his left and axe on his right, he jogged, looking around to look for where Technoblade could be. One arrow came to his direction, which only flew past the right side of his face. His eyes went wide as he felt his knees tremble. Fuck, that was so close.

He heard the sound of running from behind him so he turned around. But it was too late to do anything. All he can do is raise his shield up and hope he will survive.

There was a sound of impact, but Quackity felt nothing. He didn’t even realize that his eyes were closed. He took a peek, only to see another competitor in front of him that caught the blow with his own shield. The stranger had blond hair and an axe at hand too. 

“Hell yeah!” One of the people from the crowd caught Quackity’s attention. “Technoblade versus Dream!”

The rest of the audience cheered and began to chant their names.

Quackity took multiple steps back. Fuck, what the hell is going on? He was sure that he wasn’t even being intentionally saved. Whoever this Dream guy was, he wanted to have a duel with Technoblade. Beats him, all he wanted was out anyway. There weren't any other competitors in the field other than the three of them, he noticed. 

“Can you aim using a crossbow?” 

Quackity was just about to leave them but he stopped in his tracks when he heard a different voice speak. “What- you mean me?”

A short lived laugh was his response. The voice sounded almost hollow, like he was speaking through a mask on his face. “Well, yeah. I just came around to see what you guys were up to. While it was funny to watch the one-sided fight, it would be even funnier if the prey kills the predator who only happens to have one life in the entire competition, right?”

What the actual fuck?

For a brief moment, Quackity realized that Technoblade was just standing and watching them interact. Quackity was still standing right behind Dream and even he had no idea when they started to both just stare at each other down with their guards up. The tension in the air was so thick it was almost suffocating but the adrenaline rush from earlier was starting to dissipate little by little. He was still confused. Everyone has five lives, right? He listened to the rules.

When Dream says Technoblade has only one life, what the hell does that mean?

”Kind of unfair but it makes sense.” Dream continues, putting his shield away in his inventory for a brief moment as he fixed his coat. “He’s been winning the competition for years straight now. No one has beaten him yet.”

“Bruhhhh.” Technoblade finally spoke. “You speak like you don’t have a reputation yourself. The masked warrior from the Skylands. Could never mistake anyone with that creepy smile mask you have on.”

To Quackity’s surprise, Dream started to laugh. “What do you mean? I don’t know anything about the Skylands.”

Thud.

Quackity looked at the floor and saw that there was a crossbow that landed right in front of him and directly behind Dream. He was able to grab it and hide it in his inventory. He has no idea of the plan but he might as well survive for as long as he can. Is it even within the rules to team up against one opponent? Nothing was mentioned about it, so he figured that it wasn’t possible. He barely knew of the strangers either so he has no idea if it will work at all.

If Technoblade saw his movement, he didn’t give a clue that he did. “I don’t think the crowd lies, Dream.” With that, he charges, axe nowhere to be found because he had replaced it with a sword.

It was almost as if Dream was expecting the attack. He had his sword out too, clashing with Technoblade’s. He slid his sword to the side to repel the contact. Then, he raised his sword as he prepared to give back an attack.

“Run!”

Quackity didn’t have to be told twice. He ran, making sure that he was a few distance away from the close-ranged fight. He climbed up one of the trees to watch and see how the fight would play out. The battle currently happening is on par. Clearly, Technoblade was playing with him when he was against him earlier. With Dream, the pink-haired warrior was definitely fighting seriously.

Every slash of their swords were met with the opponent’s. They would both stop the onslaught at certain times, breathing heavily as they watched each step, predicting the other’s next move and finding a weak spot. There are times where Dream was almost killed if it weren’t for his flexible movements while Technoblade would be too, if he wasn’t agile.

He has no idea what he was waiting for really. Quackity is sure that the crossbow that he found in the floor earlier was from Dream. He gave it to him for some reason. If it were to be used as a distraction, he will have to see how he can implement that right? That will definitely give Dream an opening to end the fight.

Then, he saw the opportunity.

Technoblade wasn’t able to withdraw himself fast enough after an attack that Quackity finally used the weapon. He wasn’t a good aim, but he was able to hit Technoblade twice on his side.

It was also the opening that Dream was waiting for. The thing is, Technoblade was finally aware of where exactly Quackity is based on where the arrow came from. It was the only thing he wanted to know of. So while he covered himself up with a shield against Dream’s attack, he had his crossbow out to fire towards the third competitor in the arena.

Two shots from the crossbow and Quackity fell down from the tree.

</3 </3 </3 </3 </3

Chapter 2 end

Chapter Text

The infirmary was already quiet the moment Quackity gasped as he shot up from the bed. That was his final life in the competition, which means that he’s part is done. He might not have won but he can still kind of count it as a win for him. The only people in the arena were definitely better than he is anyway. He shivered slightly, gulping when he remembered how the fight had turned out.

He hoped he wouldn't have to see Technoblade at all in the future. No matter how much he thinks that it is fruitless to be scared because it was a competition and the death wasn't permanent in that case. He also knew that he would be crushed with no hesitation if he angered him. Besides, how the hell is he going to recover from the memory of being hunted over and over again? Just thinking about it makes him feel like he was walking in a nightmare.

Dream was okay. But he used him for an opening so that he can fight Technoblade on his own head on. He was just realizing now that the only reason why the other competitor saved him is so that he can use him to ‘double team’ Technoblade. With that, Quackity is sure that they are somehow the same.

Sighing, he stood up from the bed to fix the coat around him. All the fighting and running made him remember just how cold it will be later. Seeking temporary shelter was supposed to be his priority before the series of unfortunate events came to play its part earlier. He wasn’t the type to keep everything in his inventory, because he prefers that most of his things were being held close. He didn't want to lose anything and holding on to it or just seeing it brings him peace of mind.

His guitar is kept though. It has a high sentimental value to even risk getting it out and accidentally having it broken, especially with his current luck.

He placed the shield, the sword and the axe at the side of the bed he had just woken from, since he just borrowed them. Fixing his beanie, Quackity made his way out the infirmary, out the arena and finally back to the square. He couldn’t really care less who won in the competition. From what he had noticed earlier, he could be considered third place. Then again, there might be another person in there and he just didn’t notice. It didn't matter much now, unless he really did win. Things would be different because he can have more pocket money for his travel. He needed that after all.

Hiding the fact that he was still a little shaken, Quackity walked around to talk to the townsfolk to see if there is someplace that he can stay for a couple days. Unfortunately, the inns were fully occupied. He would have to walk to the next city if he couldn’t find one soon.

“Yeah, yeah! Sure fucker! Yeah, you can’t hit a child!”

The fuck? Quackity found himself sitting on one of the benches by one of the town’s landmarks, the fountain. He barely had enough stamina for a regular exercise and the competition was enough to make him tired. Sure, the fatigue always resets when the player 'dies' in it. Still, his muscles weren't used to the exertion, so he needs all the rest, thank you very much.

The loud screaming of profanities that he heard was starting to gather bystanders. Looks like he wasn't the only one interested in what is going on.

“Are you fucking test me? Pay up you little shit!”

There is no reason to intervene. Quackity has no business whatsoever with the ongoing fight but he found himself standing to confront them before he even thought about the next best course of action.

“Uh-” He cleared his throat. “How much does he owe you?” Fuck . He can’t do this. Why does it seem like he is looking for trouble the moment he stepped forward in Canarell? Even so, he's used to negotiating and getting away from trouble by using words. All he has to do is continue like he usually would.

The guy was definitely taller than him and he also has a muscular build. If anything, Quackity was pretty sure that he can receive a punch and he'll be down for hours. Unfortunately, he is now looking at Quackity. "It's not your fucking business. The fuck are you doing here?”

“Head’s down!”

Quackity was starting to see just how much bad luck there is in the city. Still, he hid the warning. Ducking down for a short while, he shielded his head as six or more forks, of all weapons, came raining down on them.

What the fuck?

When it stopped, he realized that he was being pulled to run. Even in the midst of the confusion, as well as the screaming of the people around them that he has somehow tuned out, he followed the direction.

“The fuck, Drista!” The child from earlier screamed at their apparent savior.

“Yeah, you’re welcome, Tommy. You always get into trouble. You even dragged another person!” A female voice answered the other right after they stopped by a small alleyway.

Drista is wearing a green hoodie that had its hood over her head. She also has a scarf covering half of her face, and sunglasses on her eyes. She’s wearing long, brown leggings and white running shoes. Her hair seems to be tied on a ponytail, but no one could tell when the hood is up.

Tommy is wearing a white and red striped shirt, pants and black running shoes. There is a yellow bandana tied on his right, upper arm, instead of his head for some reason. He had been cursing non-stop as Drista pulls his ear and reprimands him, almost like they have known each other in ages.

“Okay, what the shit.” Quackity muttered under his breath. “You could’ve paid the guy. Why the hell did you taunt him?”

The quarrel stopped for a short while. Unexpectedly, Drista was the one who found the situation funny as she laughed. “Oh yeah, you were dragged to the mess. I’m Drista, and he’s Tommy. We’re both looking for our brothers.”

“Hah! You mean you’re the only one looking for that fucking green boy!” Tommy cracked the bones in his knuckles. “One day, I’m going to bring him to his knees! Yeah, yeah, he’s gonna get it!”

Quackity let out a small sigh. If he wasn’t tired from what he had experienced earlier, he would join Tommy’s enthusiasm by asking who he meant. “Okay? I’m Quackity and I’m new around here. You guys from here?”

Drista shook her head. “With the stunt I pulled? Nope. I’m from Kratin in the Skylands. But that’s a hush hush secret. And Tommy’s just a few cities away from here. I came in to visit with my older brother. Thanks for saving Tommy’s ass by the way. He gets too hyped up when he goes to festivals in most cities. Besides, his brother is probably fighting at the arena right now.”

“Yeah sure. Wait, you said that his brother is fighting in the arena?” Quackity echoed. For some reason, that reminded him of what happened earlier. He tried his best to tone down the small shiver that ran down his spine. 

“Yep. Actually, if his brother is in the arena, my brother is probably there too.” Drista leans on the wall behind her. “There’s not much to do around here other than the festival, which makes it more fun. There’s free food, singing and dancing, but the last one only happens at night.”

Two brothers in the arena? There was just something about the way Drista talks that reminds him of someone. If she’s ever related to the very same person that Quackity thought of, he has to leave, pronto. Although, they are great companies. Besides, he was already getting tired wandering around cluelessly while also having a problem on where to settle later.

Tommy was grinning as he butts in the conversation. “We don’t have any shit going on, Big Q. So, we’re going with you!”

Big Q?

Why does it feel like he is being taunted in a way? Tommy is clearly taller than he is and Drista is only a few inches shorter than him. They were both clearly a few years younger than he is though.

Quackity shrugged his shoulders. He was just given a weird nickname but he finds that he didn’t mind it at all. “Why not? But we have to find your brothers. I was thinking of leaving the city soon.”

“So soooooooonn?” Tommy almost whined. “You can be, like, our bodyguard or something! Where are you going, Big Q?”

Should he even trust them? But Drista says she is from the Skylands. That territorial land is just a boat ride to the nearest Badlands territory. He had double-checked a map that he had seen back in his hometown’s library. Maybe he can ask Drista’s brother about how to get to the Badlands in the fastest way possible. Since they are kids and they are looking for their older brothers, there’s no harm done with going around with them, right?

“Planning on going to the Badlands.” Quackity replied. “But that’s gonna take days. Let’s all just go walk somewhere we won’t be recognized for now.”

“Oh! I know a place!” Tommy says. He didn’t even bother waiting for them. He just led the way out the alleyway they stopped in.

Drista just let out a sigh. “Come with, Big Q. We can at least give you a small tour or something. They have weirdly good food around here.Have you tried the potato delicacy they have here yet?”

Quackity followed them out. “Potato what?”

Chapter 3 end

Chapter Text

A plate full of various, cooked dishes featuring potatoes was actually what Drista meant when she said ‘Canarell’s potato delicacies’ earlier. If Quackity is going to be completely honest, there was no way in hell that he would know he is eating potatoes if no one mentioned it to him at all. That was how great the delicacy was. Add to the fact that they don’t really have a particular, or isolated name for each delicacy. If you mentioned it to them, it automatically means the entirety.

The potatoes were cooked in different forms, some were fried, others steamed and mashed but the same thing is persistent, no one can tell that they are eating potatoes. The difference between the potato and the final product in both appearance and taste are different each time. There are the sweet kind, those that were disguised to seem like meat and more. Overall, it was an experience that anyone will remember. 

He likes the deep-fried, crispy potato that was also soft, almost mushy inside and was shaped like a small ball, glazed with spicy sauce. There were two textures in one that he could feel in his mouth and he was delighted about it. They don’t serve it on a plate for more than three pieces for a person so he was slightly disappointed when he finished it.

“Oh, that’s actually a new one.” A nice lady explained to him when he mentioned how good it was. “We’re seeing if new people will like the new addition. We’re glad to know you do.”

It was at that moment that Quackity had added a new goal in his head after his travel. He wanted to know how to do that particular dish in the future and he will.

He still has no idea how he could go back in this beautiful city. The Badlands was his mother’s final wish so he was going. But really, no matter how temporary he wants to stay there and look for his dad, he wants to settle there for good. There was the urge of going and staying there that even he couldn’t explain.

It turns out that Canarell actually has a lot to offer when it comes to sightseeing. Other than the almost luxurious fountain at the center of the square, where Quackity met Drista and Tommy, they passed by the town hall, the lake that houses koi fishes, the three-story high library and the battle arena to name a few. 

The koi fishes were swimming freely around under them as they passed by the small bridge that spans across the lake, not really staying for longer other than when Drista was explaining where they are exactly. Quackity didn’t really see any glory in having fishes but he expressed his worry when the city is near a snowy terrain.

Tommy was quick to tell him that the water won’t ever freeze so at least the worry was gone as fast as it had appeared.

They stayed for an hour in the library, primarily because Quackity wanted to see how many books the city had. There was a time where he wanted to stay there for another hour because he wanted to read a book or at least borrow one, but they had to be kicked out because Tommy was being too noisy. He thinks that he could just stay in the library if he doesn’t find anywhere to settle later, he decided. There is no closing time and it is cozy inside. His town has its own library but it wasn’t as grand as in Canarell and really, it makes him want to stay there even more for a bit.

It was almost four in the afternoon when they were just about to wrap up. They stopped by the nearby bench, overlooking the only building that Quackity didn’t want to see again.

“And that is the final stop: the battle arena.” Drista says, putting on the role of being the tour guide the entire time. Since they have been walking for hours, they decided that the next bench they see is where they sit. And they did. She paused when she heard the loud announcement and the crowd’s chanting of names, no doubt the fighting is almost finished. “We can still hear the crowd so the fight might still be on-going.”

Tommy stood up, stretching for a little while before he approached one of the pillars from the building wordlessly, making Quackity stand up to follow him to get a closer look too. Tommy didn’t even mind that he was following him. “Canarell’s good with their hands. I mean, man, anyone can appreciate the details.”

It was rare for Tommy not to scream loudly in excitement the entire time they were walking. The library was him trying his best to be silent for an hour until he can’t bear it. In all honesty, Quackity knew that they could both relate to each other, except for the fact that he barely has the energy to keep up today. So now that Tommy is just here speaking quietly, almost like a whisper, made Quackity raise an eyebrow in confusion.

“Huh. That’s true.” Quackity replied, placing a hand on the pillar. From afar, he had seen that the building is just dome-shaped and it was too grand that he already knew what it was for. Upon closer look, the details on the walls, the way that the patterns work for the pillars and the small status that were at top of the pillars sent a shiver down his spine in appreciation. It was what made the building feel alive, a building that looked like a blank canvas from afar and a masterpiece of intricate yet patterned design up close.

There was one purpose for the building and it was not a good one but somehow, it still looked like a sight to behold.

Tommy grins at him and pats the pillar. “Right? I thought you’re a really booky-boring guy, Big Q. I didn’t know you can appreciate art. You’re really quiet too, you know?”

“Tommy, Tommy.” Quackity chuckled as he placed a hand on the younger’s head, even if their height difference is apparent. “We just met right? You already judged me? I’m kind of hurt, man. Haven’t really done any rest other than sit after arriving here so you won’t hear me be as loud as you.” He was grinning.

A loud, round of applause and cheering made them both pause. Quackity took his hand from Tommy’s head as he looked at the entrance.

Drista hummed from behind them. It seems like she made her way towards them without their notice. “Looks like they're announcing the victorious.”

“AH YES!” The announcer from the inside screamed. “GIVE YOUR HANDS UP FOR OUR ONE AND ONLY, UNDEFEATED TECHNOBLADE!!! TECHNOBLADE HAS WON!”

Quackity knew that he was probably pale by now, right when he heard that. It didn’t help that he can also hear the crowd chanting: “Technoblade never dies!” like a mantra.

Tommy was grinning, bringing his clenched fist up in the air as he jumped excitedly. “Hell yes! Techno won!” He turned to Drista, laughing. “Ooooh! I can’t wait to brag to that shitty green boi about Techno’s win.”

“Yeah, whatever, child.” Even with the sunglasses on her face, Tommy can tell that she was rolling her eyes at him.

“What the fuck?” Tommy frowned at Drista. “I’m not a child! I’m two years older than you! You get that back!”

As they quarrel, Quackity doesn't know how much longer he can stand unassisted. His vision was tunneling, almost blacking out as the familiar feeling of fainting enveloped him. He gulped, making sure to lean at least on the pillar that they were nearby to support himself. He was trying to reassure himself that the competition is a game and he didn’t really ‘die’ in it. 

He closed his eyes for a short while, trying to regulate his anxiousness via taking deep and slow breaths. When he opened his eyes, he was determined to get away, and fast. “Are we waiting for someone here? Should we go to the koi lake thing again?” Quackity says, in an attempt to stir away his focus somewhere else. He also tried his best to not sound rushed.

Tommy was the first person to give him his attention. “Oh! Right! I remember that they are selling something I want to let you try, Big Q!” Almost like he forgot the little banter he and Drista had, he was ready to lead towards the direction of where they came from. Alas, a voice stopped him in his tracks.

“Heh? Tommy? What are you doing here?”

Quackity froze on the spot. He knew that voice all too well. As if it didn’t make any matters worse, Tommy turns around to wave at the person, directly beyond him and Drista, since they are currently almost standing side by side.

“Techno, my pink-haired, unbeatable bro! Dream joined right? Yesssss, of course he did! We just heard you kicked his fucking ass! Hell yes!”

After he heard the confirmation from the younger male on who exactly was behind them, a small squeak left Quackity. It took a short while before he even found his voice to do just that as well as get some feeling back on his feet. He immediately made his way to hide behind Tommy, who only looked confused.

“Big Q, what the fuck?”

“Uh-” Quackity gulped, eyeing the pink-haired, which is the current main character of his nightmares just standing… there. He was peeking from Tommy’s shoulder. “We have met.”

Technoblade looked at Tommy then at Quackity. “I’m sorry?”

Drista has her arms folded in front of her as she watches both in interest and amusement.

“Y-yeah, uh right.” Quackity tilted his head at the side. “You’re that jerk-ass that kept killing me when you see me. The hell was that!? I lost to you!”

It took a few moments before realization sinked in. “Oh. Yeah. Couldn’t tell with the helmets on. And I do remember that you were in my way. Has to be done.” A pause. Then, a small smirk came up to his face as he looked directly at his prey. “Besides, is that the way to act from the very man who can actually kill you?”

Quackity hid behind Tommy in fear. “Tommy control your brother, please!”

“Wha- you guys aren’t making sense. You two know each other?”

Technoblade let out a small, deep chuckle. “Quackity, there’s no shame in losing to me. I’m unbeatable.”

Was he trying to reassure him or taunt him? Quackity has no clue. Besides, he is still fucking terrified.

“Quackity, huh. That’s not a native name from here.”

For fuck’s sake.

The additional voice is actually Dream, who is now walking towards them. His mask with the weird smile still on his face. He passed by Drista, and placed a hand on top of her head. The younger female was trying to remove his hand. He looked at the odd scene with Technoblade, Tommy and Quackity. “One second.” He says.

He turns his back to them and turns to his sister. “Drista, what the fuck are you doing here? How the hell did you even get here? Canarell is days fucking away from mainland!”

“I wanted to tag along to visit here, you know that!” Drista was screaming back at her brother. “I wanted to come to the festival! You and Dexter just can’t lock me up there. I can protect myself!”

Dream folded his arms in front of him, taking the stance of a parent reprimanding his child, except that he is her brother. “Yeah! With your stupid forks, of course! I told you to wait two weeks and I’ll have someone to get you!”

“And boring myself with nothing but practice right manners ? Fuck that!”

Technoblade was the first to sigh. “We finished our hours-long duel. I can’t believe that guy still has the energy to fight with his sis.”

Tommy started cheering Drista on though. “Yeah, Drista! Get his ass!” He was laughing at the scene.

Quackity just looked at Technoblade warily. He still feels his knees tremble in fear at the sudden eye contact they established so he averted his eyes to take Tommy’s attention instead. “Uhm- I’m taking my leave. You guys already found your brothers.”

“ What? ” Tommy paused and turned to him. “Big Q, you didn’t find an inn to get in. You can just come with us, yeah?”

Drista chirped in. “We’re going to the mainland here. You can come with! Besides, Dream and I can guide you to the Badlands.”

Dream nodded his head in response. “You did keep them away from making a scene. So yeah, we can do that. It’s the least I can do. Techno?”

Technoblade let out a sigh. “Do whatever you want.”

Quackity wanted to deny their help, but he knew he did need the information. A side-way glance at Technoblade before he found himself nodding his head. “Yeah, okay. Uh- sure.”

Tommy and Drista were the only ones who seemed happy at his response.

Chapter Text

“Make yourself at home.” Technoblade says, hands outspread to present the medium-sized hut that sat almost in the middle of nowhere.

After he agreed to come along for the meantime, Quackity followed Tommy as he eagerly led the way towards a temporary shelter that he and Technoblade apparently have just a few distance away from the city. It wasn’t a long walk away but it was really awkward. Dream was humming all the while, hands in the pockets of his hoodie that Quackity can finally see the similarity with Drista’s. Drista and Tommy were both in front, walking alongside each other as they quarreled every once in a while about the stupidest of things. Technoblade was quiet, but he had his axe out as they walked.

It was freaking Quackity out the entire time, but he tried his best to keep a level head. He purposely waited for the group to walk first for a bit, planning to exchange positions with Dream so that he won’t have to be way too near the pink-haired warrior. It did work and it did help him.

Now that they have finally arrived, he won’t have to keep up with the silence that has been following the three. Tommy and Drista were quick to get in, eager to rest their feet after the walk. Quackity followed them in and after him, Dream and Technoblade did too.

“Techno,” Dream called. “You won’t mind me cutting down some trees for firewood right?”

“Hm, no. Just get some from somewhere a little further than this area.” Technoblade replied. He was already making his way up the stairs from across the room.

Dream just waved his hand at him before he left the hut, without a word.

It was a little awkward to be in someone else’s house other than Quackity’s own from far away. This is better than staying in the inns, if ever they had a room for occupancy, as well as in comparison to not having somewhere to settle for the night that was fast approaching. The hut is not as small looking as it did from outside. He can immediately tell that they would be able to settle in without much of a fuss. Besides, just in case they needed space, he’s okay with sleeping just about anywhere as long as he won’t freeze before the night is over.

His back was starting to itch. He needs to have his own privacy even for a short while to give himself some breathing space. The coat he is wearing is helping with how cold his surroundings are, but he has been uncomfortable for a day and a half of travelling. Not to mention, he had been running around in the arena from a fight he couldn’t forfeit.

“So, Big Q,” Tommy called him. He was sitting on the couch. Drista was right across him on a chair. She seems content on just sitting there but at least her hoodie is down, revealing her hair tied up in a ponytail. 

Tommy pats the spot right beside him as an offer to Quakity. “Which city are you from? Wanna tell us why you’re going to the Badlands?”

Quackity let out a small sigh, finally sitting beside Tommy. “I’m actually looking for someone. It’s kinda personal, man. It’s a long trip up north and I got no idea how the hell I will get there. Still thinking if I want to settle there for good too.”

Tommy hums. “You can find whoever that person is then you can settle here! Techno’s a bit of an arse- no actually, he is a whole dick but he doesn’t really mind the company.” He leans back on the couch as he looks up the wooden ceiling. “I don’t stay here much, but he does. We’re all freeloading right now.” He says, laughing loudly like he usually does.

Silence settled for a bit after that. Quackity has no clue on what to react to Tommy’s statement. He had already known that the child beside him is young. He just wasn’t expecting that he wasn’t really living with his brother.

It was a little calming and the thought of sleep was coming nearer than ever before for his tired self until both he and Tommy turned their attention towards the sound of shrink! in front of them. It turns out that it was just Drista, who is sharpening the ends of her fork with a whetstone.

“I’ve been curious.” Quackity paused. “Why forks?”

Drista looked up at both of them, weirdly enough or not, still wearing her sunglasses. “Because if I bring them, no one would suspect that they can kill. If I bring this...” She rose one of her feet up the chair as she took a dagger that was on her thigh holster to show them, before bringing it back down. “It’s ‘dangerous’ even if it’s hidden for some crappy reason. Forks are fun. They don’t expect the attack.” She places the dagger in the table in front of them, then continues to sharpen the edges of her ‘weapons.’

Quackity hums in response. “Huh. Makes sense.”

“The element of surprise is there, but it doesn’t really do much in terms of damage.”

All attention went towards the doorway to see that Dream was back. He doesn’t look like he did anything at all, but he was already on his way towards the fireplace to place some of the wood that he had cut down earlier. He still has his mask on and Quackity is starting to wonder what is up with the green hoodie siblings.

“You’re forgetting something vital, Dream.” Quackity says, as he watched him. “I actually agree with Drista here. Can you tell me why you think a fork doesn’t do much damage?” He was curious to know how Dream thinks so he brought up that question to hear his response. He is still a little irritated at him when he realized he was used earlier, but he is still scared at Technoblade to even have the energy to confront Dream with what happened at the competition.

“For starters, it’s a fork!” Dream replied, laughing as if he heard a joke. “A fork is a fork, it’s a utensil used for eating. No matter how much it’s sharpened to fit as a weapon, it won’t work.”

“So are rocks sharpened to be like blades and placed at the end of sticks as a weapon from old times.” Quackity countered. “They still did a lot of damage. I don’t see your point.”

Dream hums. “That’s true. They did that, but, you see, your example is flawed.” The sound of the match can be heard echoing right after he paused. When he saw that the fire was starting, he made his way over to them, standing right in front of Quackity. Even if he is wearing a mask, anyone can tell that he is staring down at him. “The size of the weapon does matter. The only way it was effective was because they were sharpened rocks placed at the end of a long stick .”

“You mean to say that my example was flawed because of the sizes? We’re talking about the sizes?” Quackity’s tone was confused. “Dream, you do realize that you don’t really need to have a huge fucking weapon to use to protect yourself against someone right?”

“It does matter!” Dream’s tone was a little playful, but Quackity can hear the competitiveness in his voice.

Somehow, it gave him the warm feeling of triumph even if he wasn’t victorious yet. He wasn’t even planning to engage in a debate about forks as weapons of all topics, but it just shows how much the masked guy in front of him is not used to defeat in a verbal argument, at least based on how he was answering him.

“Look, Quackity. If I were to use a sword at you and you have a dagger in any situation, I will win. You won’t be able to counter the sword with a small blade. And vice-”

“You cannot look me in the eye and say vice versa. You and I both know that you won’t lose if the roles were reversed.” Quackity was trying his best to keep down the smirk. “You will think of ways, Dream. There are plans to do it. If you have the element of surprise with you, there’s a high chance that you would win anything, no matter the weapon. Besides, if you want to do a lot of damage, look for weak spots.” He points at his eyes. “Blind the opponent with a dull fork and you will still emerge victorious. Same idea with the sword and the dagger. You can’t fight someone who has already played with your weakness. Who has a flawed example now?”

Silence settled in the air again. Drista is the same person who broke it, as she burst out laughing this time. “Dream? Losing in a debate? Holy crap, Dexter has to know this!”

Tommy was patting down Quackity’s shoulder. “Respectable! Big man has been defeated by Big Q! Dream, oh Dream! I can’t believe you lost twice today. Holy shit, you don’t have to remove the mask to let us know you’re crying from defeat! ”

Dream’s shoulders were shaking for a short while that made Quackity raise an eyebrow. Then, a high-pitched laugh, almost similar to a kettle emerged from him. “ What? Tommy, why the hell would I cry? It’s a debate. I’m not a kid like you.”

Quackity wanted to join in but the earlier itch was gone and was replaced by a dull pain starting to get up from his back to his shoulders. He gulped a little then, slowly stood up. “If you guys need me, I’ll be outside yeah?”

Tommy looked confused but gave him a thumbs up in response. “We’re gonna call you later, Big Q!”

After letting them know he will just be outside, Quackity immediately left, closing the door after him. It was twilight. If he were to guess, the time would be around 6 in the afternoon. 

It was also really cold and he can feel his whole system surpass down a shiver. He walked towards the side of the house, making sure that he was far away from the sight of the doorway. Even if he is freezing, he took his coat off of him slowly, revealing that he is only wearing a blue tracksuit. He immediately hisses a little in pain, cursing silently. Yellow feathers fell down the ground from both the coat and his back, making Quackity wince. He took a couple of breaths before he stretched his limbs.

He is sore and he doesn’t like the feeling of hiding. If he were back in his hometown, he didn’t have to hide. Now that he is away from the comfort of his home, he would have to hide the extra appendages emerging from his back: his small, yellow wings.

“Fucking hell.” Quackity muttered to himself. He reached for one of his wings, turning to the side a little to inspect each of their states. “It’s been a while since I last took flight… they’re so sore...” He clicked his tongue. He should’ve expected that the very moment he decided to cover them for his trip.

If only hybrids are accepted then he won’t have any problems. In a world that only thinks that his fellows were the cause of harm towards the humans, they aren’t and they seem to never be. He had heard of stories from the Badlands’ neutrality with hybrids. He just hoped those weren’t true at all.

He stood on his tip toes and placed his coat on the nearest tree branch that he saw. Then, he took a deep breath before finally taking flight.

-/-/-/-

Back inside the hut, there was a loud laughter and exchange of banter from Drista, Tommy and Dream. Technoblade was actually trying to fix the braid of his hair and failing upstairs. The hours of fighting that he had with Dream was tough. Wilbur was his only sibling that he trusts with braiding his hair and since his twin wasn’t around, all he could really do was remove the braid and comb his hair.

He had been there for a while now and he had heard the debate that Dream and Quackity had. It was amusing to hear them because they both brought forth good points. Technoblade wasn’t expecting that the very person that squeaked in fear every time he saw him could handle a debate with Dream. He knew Dream for a year and a half now. He knew that guy won’t give up that easily.

It was weird to not wear his original crown made of pure gold but he had to blend in with the locals. So, all he was wearing was a crown made from iron and painted by Tommy to make it seem like gold. He didn’t want to really wear it, he just needs to. He can hide his ears with his hair, but his ear flicks when he is interested in something isn’t a movement he can physically control.

That is one of the many reasons why Technoblade hated being a hybrid. In a world that only knew violence, he had to grow strong so that his brothers’ won’t get the shorter end of the stick, especially since their whole family are hybrids. They may reign the Antarctic Empire and be respected within their lands, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have to make an effort in hiding the qualities that make them half-humans when they visit cities that are further away in distance from the mainland.

Another loud wheeze came from downstairs that made the piglin hybrid sigh tiredly. If they didn't need dinner, he wanted to sleep.

He was just about to come down to prepare a simple soup they could all share, when he turned to the window. He forgot that he had actually left it open the moment he came in the room. It was starting to get even colder in his room so he went near it. Before he could close the window, he happened to peek out, only to see Quackity flying past his window up and leaving a trail of feathers.

Eyes wide slightly in disbelief, he leaned forwards to look at where their freeloader was. Technoblade saw that Quackity was flying through the air, slightly unstable but he was. He was flying freely, seemingly enjoying himself. 

His attention was caught by the wings behind Quackity. They were yellow and they shined almost perfectly under the moonlight. They were also in bad shape and he can tell that they were sore too.

One feather fell on the floor of his room. He leaned down to grab it. Then, he placed it on the table near his bed before running a hand on his face.

“Great. We have more problems now.” He muttered to himself.

Chapter End

Chapter Text

Mornings were usually uneventful for Quackity. He could vividly remember that his everyday routine would include harvesting from his little vegetable garden and selling half the harvest, cleaning the house, taking care of all the needs his mother has, and ending his day with wondering where he is going to look for someone who can nurse his mother back to health. It was difficult and he has always wondered how his mother can just accept her fate that easily.

For all he knew, his mother left his father when she was pregnant with him. She told him not to blame his father about her decision and he never did. The reason why she left was something she brought to the grave. She kept telling him that his father will be the one who will answer all his questions.

Her final wish was to seek him after she was gone. The only name she gave him is Sam.

This morning, Quackity woke up slowly. For some reason, it was not cold. He felt cozy and warm. He didn’t want to open his eyes to slowly get up and risk the comfort to go away. Yesterday was way too eventful and he was still exhausted.

Not all things last too long though. He can already hear the door open abruptly. Then, a hand began shaking him awake.

“Rise and shine, Big Q!” Tommy greeted.

When Quackity groaned and slowly opened his eyes, he was met with Tommy’s bright, grinning face. “Tommy?” He called him. “What’s up. What time is it?”

Tommy watched him sit up on the bed. “I dunno. 9 or 10 maybe. Didn’t check. Techno’s calling people down for breakfast. I’m going to barge in the big man’s room. See you later, Big Q!” He pats his shoulder again and then leaves.

He can hear the thumping of running feet against the floorboards before another door is opened. Quackity shook his head slightly in amusement, which died down when he saw what was wrapped around him.

He is wrapped in a blanket, just like what he had remembered last night. He also remembered that it was way too thin for his liking but he didn’t even bother because he fell right asleep. The reason why he was feeling cozy was because he also has a red cape on him apart from the blanket.

It was Technoblade’s cape.

/-/-/-/

Flashback

Quackity found himself wearing back his coat after he went for a short flight earlier. He was able to stretch out his wings, which means that he can bear another day straight without doing it. Being in the company of pure humans in groups is already scary in itself. His situation is far worse, especially since he is currently with a group including an undefeatable warrior. Add to the fact that he was also able to experience Technoblade’s ability first hand. Anyone can tell that his current predicament far exceeds dangerous if he ever gets found out.

He left the arena when he ‘died’ in it and he knew that the tour he had gotten with Techno’s and Dream’s siblings took them almost four hours. With the surroundings being really quiet, it left him alone in his thoughts as he flew around, not too far away to venture. It made him realize that Dream is also a good fighter, even if he wasn’t able to witness it.

Just having that conclusion also made him remember that he actually won against Dream in a debate. He was way too tired and uncomfortable to even realize that and he wondered where his confidence came from.

Tommy was still on the couch where he left him. The child is asleep now though, right when Quackity stepped foot back in the hut. That was probably the reason why he didn’t hear loud laughter when he returned, nor his name being called for dinnertime. The child has his arm at the back of the couch, the only limb that is preventing him from falling down on his seat as he stays asleep and sitting at the same time. It brought forth an amused expression on his face.

He approached him, taking the arm off of the couch and he laid him down slowly. He could tell that the position would be awful after a few hours so he knew that he had to.

“Even if you flip him over, he won’t wake up. There’s no use in being so soft with the kid.”

Quackity’s eyes were wide when he heard the voice. Turning to his left in alarm, he saw the pink haired warrior, standing by the small kitchen and was staring at him. He has no idea since when he was watching. The lack of knowledge is also starting to fuel his fear once again.

“Uh- y-yeah.” He would’ve cursed himself for stuttering but he can’t help it. “How many rooms do you have? I know Tom’s not gonna stay in the couch when he has a bedroom upstairs right?”

Technoblade hums, pointing at the table in front of him. “Ignore him. He’s going to sleep where he is. That glutton already ate more than his share of dinner earlier. Sit and eat.”

Still has his guard up, Quackity approached him slowly. Technoblade didn’t say anything more. All he did was gestured at the table with his head again, looking at the only bowl on it for a brief moment. The only time that the warrior turned his back on Quackity was when he saw him sit down on the chair.

The silence with Tommy and Drista earlier was welcome. This one is making Quackity want to get away as far away as possible.

He stared at the food in front of him. He noted that it was a mushroom soup and that it was also still hot. He took a spoonful to eat cautiously. He has no prior knowledge on who could’ve cooked the dinner, but it was delicious.

“Dream and Drista shared a room upstairs and I only have two bedrooms.” Technoblade says. He had just turned the faucet on and was washing the dishes. “Tommy’s staying on the couch so we have to share a bedroom.”

“I can wake Tom up so you both can share.” Quackity immediately replied. He has been keeping himself quiet the entire time. He wanted to hum appreciatively from how savory the soup is but he didn’t want to provoke the other. The statement that broke the silence was not something he was expecting either. “I- I’m a freeloader so it makes sense that I’ll be on the couch.”

Technoblade paused, turning to him for a brief moment before shaking his head. “You’re all freeloaders in my place. No exemption.” He replied, turning back to his task at hand. “And I’m going to give you one thing you wish for if you can wake him up. That’s how confident I am, Quackity.” 

Finding nothing else to reply, Quackity just hummed. There was no way in hell is going to say anything more. He was also sure that just accepting the fact that he will be sleeping in the room with his nightmare will cost little energy than panicking. So, that’s what he did, accept it silently without an argument.

What else is he going to say? He was already being fed dinner and invited in to stay with them. He isn’t going to say no. 

After dinner, he offered to wash his used dishes himself but Technoblade didn’t allow him to. So, he settled on the chair right across the sofa Tommy was sleeping on as he waited for him to finish.

Technoblade was drying his hand with a cloth when he came to see what Quackity was up to. “There’s a bag behind you with a blanket.” He told him, gesturing towards Tommy. “Follow me upstairs when you’re done.” He made his way up the stairs, the red cape behind him floating ever so slightly from the air beneath it as he walked.

Quackity turns behind him to get the bag, open it and grab the blanket. He looked up from where he last saw Technoblade but all he saw was a door being closed. He figured that will be the room they will share. He covered Tommy with the blanket. Then, he went up the stairs to follow.

The room wasn’t spacious. It looks like it was only made for one person alone and he knew that it is serving its purpose. However, they are sharing it now. There is a small dresser at the side by the wall, and a small cabinet beside it, right in front of him when he entered. At the right is a full-length mirror. And the left was the bed. If he were to be completely honest, the bed they are going to share is more than enough. 

Then again, he may or may not be the type of sleeper who hogs the space.

Technoblade took his cape off, but didn’t remove his crown. He sat on the bed, looking at Quackity. He laid down after a while. “Close the door and sleep. It’s late.”

“Oh yeah, okay.” Quackity closed the door behind him. He sat at his side of the bed, removing his footwear. He briefly wonders if he should remove his coat. It would be uncomfortable to sleep with it on, but he figured that it would help him with the cold of the night. He can’t have Technoblade see his wings either.

After Quackity settles, Technoblade turns the lantern off from his bedside table. The duck-hybrid was fast under the covers because it was too cold. Add to the fact that the familiar feeling of nervousness was creeping in. He heard a small thud at the table but he paid that no mind. He didn’t even notice that he fell asleep a few minutes after he turned his back on his roommate.

Flashback end

/-/-/-/

Quackity remembered that he didn’t even have a hard time sleeping last night. Technoblade’s bed was so soft that the moment he laid down, his fear didn’t really keep him awake.

Then again, he couldn’t really blame himself for being exhausted.

The cape around him is probably a gesture of pity. Quackity knew that he was not suited for the cold and Technoblade probably noticed that. It is the only reason that he can think of. Tommy didn’t even mention it so that is probably the case. There was no need for him to panic.

Bringing the cape with him, he finally stood up and went downstairs. He made his way towards the dining room where he saw Drista eating pancakes. She has her hair down, messy as if she just woke up, but her sunglasses were already on her face. She turned to him, and waved, before covering her mouth as a yawn came from her.

“Morning, Big Q. Slept well?” She asked, taking a piece of her food and continued eating.

Quackity sat down beside her, noting that no one is around other than them at the moment. “Yeah. I can say it’s the best in comparison to my sleep the past few days.” He took one of the plates. He was just about to take two pieces from the stack in front of them when Drista held his hand to stop him.

“Wait.” She says. She looked up the stairs and huffed. “Techno specifically said for you to wait or something. Don’t ask me why ‘cuz I don’t know either.”

Quackity raised his eyebrow but relented. “Okay, sure. And about that, I got his cape. He probably left it in his room earlier.” He says, bringing it up. He had it folded when he brought it. Until now, he has no idea if he should say thank you or not.

“Oh. My. God!” A loud voice came from upstairs that caught their attention. “Tommy, get out! You’re so annoying!”

“Yeah, yeah, like you didn’t say that a couple hundred times. We’re leaving soon, get up!” Was the response they heard that was also shouted back.

“Those two are more brothers than you both are siblings, Drista.” Technoblade entered from the back door of the kitchen, a plate on his hand with four stacks of pancakes on it. Then, his eyes turn to Quackity. “Oh. You’re awake.”

Quackity cleared his throat. “Yep, yeah. You… forgot your cape upstairs.” He says, raising it up and giving it to Technoblade. He can feel the awkwardness rise in him.

Technoblade took it, humming. Then, he placed the plate in front of him. “Right. Here. Eat breakfast. We’re leaving in a bit to walk in an hour. You better not had my cape dirty.” 

“No, I didn’t. And uh- thank you for this.” Quackity took the plate from him.

All the pink-haired warrior did was nod his head at the response he got before he walked upstairs to his room.

The plate that was given to the duck-hybrid was just four stacks of pancakes that looked a little lighter in color than the pancakes that were already on the table. Apart from that, there was also a side of peas. The pancakes tasted slightly different too and he never tried eating them with the peas. When he did though, the taste complemented well.

It was Drista’s turn to raise an eyebrow at the exchange. Even if she had a lot of questions, she stayed silent while she finished her meal without a word.

Chapter end

Chapter Text

Stories say that the main territorial land of the Antarctic Empire was established on the part of the land where the ice originated. It is located in the end of the world, a part where it was too cold for any enemies to withstand. A land where it was too far out that the people who built their settlement had to deal with natural predators given by nature yet still emerge victorious at the top of the food chain. The Antarctic Empire was dubbed as the land of the cold and the violent.

Having those ideas in mind, Quackity was a little concerned about what he had agreed on. He had been convincing himself that going with the little group that he had been with from Canarell will be worth it in the end. Of course, he has no idea how he will be repaying them after he is done with the business he has in the Badlands. Still, he knew that he would be able to think of something when that day comes.

He is more concerned about his own safety than anyone else at the moment. He is a hybrid after all.

It was a long walk towards the mainland of the Antarctic Empire. There are plenty of ways to get in the territory, but most of them included using animals as a means of transport. No blizzard was incoming, yet the polar bears used for transport were either fully booked or unavailable so they had to make do. It will be half a day’s worth of walking and it will be tiring.

They left at midday. It was the right time to walk towards a freezing cold, snowy biome. At least, that is what Quackity had been telling himself as they walked.

He was still wearing his coat because he is more comfortable when he is wearing it, apart from its main purpose of covering his wings. Tommy lends him his extra gloves, which surprisingly fits him. Apart from that, there was nothing else keeping him warm.

Dream and Drista were both wearing their hoodies and had their hands in their pockets. They were both wearing a scarf around their necks too. They seemed all right but Quackity can tell that they were freezing, just like him.

Tommy and Technoblade are a whole different story. Maybe it is the fact that they are both living in the mainland, but Tommy is an identical outfit that he had worn yesterday. The only additional thing that Quackity had seen him wear to keep himself warm is a red beanie atop his head. Technoblade is wearing an identical outfit from yesterday too, which consists of a long-sleeved, blue shirt, brown pants and boots and the red cape behind him.

Even with those, Quackity knew that they should be freezing. They didn’t show any signs of being bothered by the cold, however.

“ Technooo! ” Tommy called, not even two hours later in walking. “I’m hungry.”

Technoblade didn’t even bother answering his brother. Instead, he took something from his bag and tossed it towards Tommy, who caught it. 

It was an apple.

“That’s all you’re getting.” He says after a while. “Get more and you won’t get to eat later.”

Tommy stared at the food in his hand, looking a little offended as they walked.“You’re a fucking arse, man.”

Without batting an eyelash, Technoblade shrugged. “Sure.”

Dream took his scarf off wordlessly and wrapped it around his sister’s neck. Then, he made sure that Drista was walking right beside him on his right, and not leading like Tommy and Technoblade were doing at the moment. The duck hybrid is walking on Dream’s left. Everyone doesn’t seem to be in the mood for even the smallest of talks.

Five hours into walking and Quackity was slowing down. He could barely keep up. It started snowing an hour ago and his limbs were all numb by now.

“Techno.” Dream called, which was the first time the silence was broken between their group for hours now. “We should make camp. We can continue tomorrow morning.”

There was a small pause before Technoblade turned to look behind him. “Hm. How about an hour more and we will?”

Dream hums in response, glancing over at Drista and Quackity. “It will be sunset soon. It’s hard to set camp in the dark.”

Technoblade stopped walking, which made the rest of them stop too. He turned around, looking at all of their states. If it were up to him, he and Tommy can still walk until they arrive without a problem. The cold will be worse at night though. He let out a sigh. “Fine. Follow me.”

-/-/-/-

“ What? No, no, you don’t get it.” Dream answered, right after he heard Tommy’s question. “George’s really bad at PVP. Just hearing my voice screaming ‘C’mere’ George!’ and you’ll hear him scream! So when he said that I fell into his trap and I didn’t, I just lost it. It’s so funny!”

Tommy was laughing along. “You’re not any better! You lost to Techno. I’m pretty sure I can beat your arse too!”

“Sure, Tommy. You can try that. But I don’t think you can.” Even without his expression being shown, for some reason, everyone around Dream could tell that he has a smug grin just from his tone.

“Ha! Of course I can! Oh yeah, that’s right! You’re weak to the cold! I can defeat your arse when we get to the mainland!”

There are only two tents and the pink-haired warrior had explained that there will be someone who would set guard while the others sleep in. Even without him saying anything, Quackity knew that he would be included in the guarding duty, along with Dream and Technoblade.

Technoblade was already resting in one of the tents. He told them that he will be the first one in guard duty later so he needed all the rest he could get in the meantime. They were all sitting by the campfire within the temporarily set camp that Technoblade and Dream prepared so that they could rest. All four of them were still awake and are currently sharing stories. 

Dream turns to face Quackity after a short, wheezing fit. “So, I heard from Drista that you’re going to the Badlands. Why?” He asked.

Quackity shrugged his shoulder at him. “Wouldn’t you like to know it, green boy?” A huge grin came to his face.

A wheeze was his response. “ What? ” 

“I’m looking for someone.” Quackity replied with a small hum. “And I will. Then, I’ll probably either go back here or stay in the Badlands for good.”

“Really?” Dream says, shifting to lean his back towards the tree just behind him. “If ever you want to settle you can come with me and Drista in the Skylands instead.”

Drista turned to his brother, a wide smile on her face. “What- Dream, are you serious?”

Tommy gasped right beside her. “Wh- no no no! Dream! I offered him to stay here with us on the mainland!”

“It’s way too cold here! How the hell can you survive the blizzards?”

Quackity shook his head at their antics. “I’m still thinking about where to stay when the time comes, man.” He pats Tommy’s shoulder. “I heard that the Badlands has great spring-like weather. That’s the only reason why I want to maybe settle there.”

“Oh.” Dream replied.

Drista pushed her sunglasses up, which Quackity is getting used to seeing on her face even without the sun. “We have summer weather, Big Q! It’s really fun and warm!”

Quackity gasped at the thought. He actually prefers warmer weather than all the current cold he is feeling. “Oh hell yeah! I like summer!”

Tommy shook his head at the response. “What the fuck, Big Q?”

-/-/-/-

Quackity found out soon that being around Technoblade isn’t as scary as he had actually thought.

They were all well-rested when the morning came up. Quackity wasn’t woken up in the middle of the night. Apparently, only Technoblade and Dream alternated with the watch. When he woke up, the sun was already up. He also felt warm and cozy.

He is once again covered with Technoblade’s cape.

This was already getting weird but he has no idea how to ask the pink-haired, crown-wearing warrior. All he did was hand it over to Technoblade without a word. He happened to look at Dream’s direction and noticed that his attention was also towards him and Technoblade, even with the mask on. He has no idea how he was able to tell that Dream was confused, but the brownish-blonde warrior has a really easy body language to read so he figured that was the only reason why he knew.

Breakfast was mushroom soup, because Technoblade reasoned that it will sustain them for longer walking. There is something different in his soup again, because he can tell that the soup’s consistency was different from what is being consumed by the rest of the group.

Quackity has no idea if he was being conditioned like what he had read about what Pavlov did, but the gesture with the cape and the food that Technoblade was giving him were both delightful.

It was scaring him a little that he was beginning to think that Technoblade was actually being kind to him.

Unless… he actually is. 

In which case, he felt like an asshole in thinking that there was an ulterior motive underneath all the gestures.

Things turned a different route when they reached the mainland. Dream and Drista were actually planning to visit someone. Tommy just so happens to be the only person who wanted to lead the way so he went with them. Now, only Quackity and Technoblade remained together.

They were walking aimlessly around for an hour now and they have yet to speak.

“So...” Quackity finally started, cursing inwardly at the sudden awkward feeling rising in him. “...uh Tommy said you guys actually live here?”

Without a pause, Technoblade answered. “Yes.”

“But you live in the woods near Canarell?”

“Mhm.”

Quackity wondered if it was this hard to talk to Technoblade before. Then again, he realized that they didn’t really have a proper conversation before. “If Tommy’s a freeloader, then he lives here?”

Technoblade nodded his head. Then, he pointed at a nearby bench. “Yup. Now, sit down.”

Why does Quackity feel like he is being treated like a dog!?

He did sit anyway. It was just at that moment that he realized that he was exhausted from all the walking they did, as well as the hour more walk they did around. He barely paid attention to their surroundings the entire time either.

Technoblade sat beside him. “Tommy lives with my dad, Phil and my twin, Wilbur.” He says. 

“Oh...” Quackity replied, almost stupidly.

There was silence between them after that. It was still awkward but at least they were starting to talk to each other. He turned to Technoblade. When they fought, he remembered that his hair was in a braid. He just realized that they weren’t at the moment.

“Do you know how to braid?” He found himself asking.

Technoblade hums. “No.”

The answer gave Quackity the clue that he probably has someone braiding it for him. “Uh- do you have a brush or comb? I can braid it for you if you want.” He offered.

There was no answer for a long while that the duck hybrid was starting to regret even offering. Before he began to second-guess ever asking, Technoblade took a comb from his bag and handed it to him. Then, the warrior faced the other side to give Quackity full access on his back.

“Be careful. Don’t remove the crown.”

“Okay, I won’t.” Quackity didn’t notice the smile on his face as he began to braid.

Chapter End

Chapter Text

Technoblade did not know what made him agree but he did.

He never lets anyone touch his long hair. Tommy would ruin it, maybe even get scissors and attempt to cut them short. Philza had accidentally got one of his brushes stuck on his hair when he was a child. Their mother, the Queen who passed away two years ago, was the only one he had trusted. It took some time for him to trust Wilbur to even touch his hair, which only happened when they were both teenagers. He trusts Ranboo too, their adopted enderman hybrid, with anything, except his hair.

So why was he at ease, closing his eyes as he felt the comb slowly dragging away the small knots that had formed from their travels as Quackity ran it through his hair? It was relaxing and his companion was being really careful.

Letting out a small sigh, he looked at a distance, noting that it is already late in the afternoon and they will soon be experiencing another sunset.

“How do you know how to braid?” Technoblade initiated this time, curious.

It took a longer time before the duck hybrid replied. “My mom taught me how. I wanted to know how to braid. I always see her hair in it so I figured it's a good idea then.”

“Hm.” Technoblade hums.

“Why do you keep them long?” Quackity asked.

The piglin hybrid can hear the unspoken words after the question. “I am used to this length. And it is hilarious to see the horror on the enemy’s face when they realize that the last thing they are going to see is pink.” There was a smirk on his face at the response.

There was a loud exhale from behind him before Quackity began to laugh genuinely. “Oh! That’s actually- that’s actually pretty funny yeah!”

If the smirk on his face quickly changed to a genuine smile of awe at the laughter he heard, only Technoblade knows. “Heh. Right?”

Thankfully, Quackity was done braiding his hair when the piglin hybrid pulled back. There was confusion on both their faces, but anyone could read the alarm in Technoblade’s eyes. He stood up from the bench, looking around them, instincts flaring up and wondering where the danger was coming from.

“Techno?” Quackity called. “What the hell’s going on, man? Why’d you stand up out of nowhere?”

‘ Where is it coming from? Where is it coming from?’ Technoblade repeated to himself, inwardly. There was something dulling his senses and it was not a good sign.

The voices in his head weren’t helping either. They were displeased that the peace was interrupted. They were beginning to demand blood . They want it now.

His eyes were wide suddenly, finally pinpointing where the danger was coming from. He turned around to face it, but it was too late. Quackity stood up from the bench and approached him, his expression went from confusion to pain when Technoblade pulled him to the side. 

Only, the distance away wasn’t enough because the duck hybrid was still hit by the arrow.

Quackity bit his lip, refusing to cry out in pain, but he can feel the arrow currently dislodged on his left shoulder.

Clearly, Technoblade wasn’t thinking because his own instinct was screaming protect. He didn’t care that the attacker would get away, so long as he is able to tend to the injury inflicted to the duck hybrid. There is a way to track the person down, and he will be sure to get him once he is done. He barely acknowledged Dream when he ran past them to catch the attacker. Quackity goes first in his current priority.

He knew how first aid works and immediately took out his supplies. However, he also forgot that Quackity being a hybrid wasn’t something he had told him about nor was it a fact that he was supposed to know. 

“I’m taking the coat off, Big Q!” Tommy declared, right when he and Drista got near them. He was trying to help, and he knew that it was an injury that his older brother can easily take care of.

It was abrupt, because panic was in control, but Technoblade wasn’t able to stop Tommy from taking the coat behind Quackity, which made them feel as if time stopped when the duck hybrid made a small sound of discomfort after the action.

If it was a sound of pain from the injury on his shoulder or the bad shape of Quackity’s wings in their entire journey, only the hybrid knows.

Tommy dropped the coat on the ground in shock while Drista stared at Quackity that her sunglasses almost fell off her face.

All of them were in surprised, stunned silence, Technoblade and Quackity, most especially, were filled with panic as Quackity’s yellow wings were just shown to the entire townsfolk of the Antarctic Empire in the square.

-/-/-/-

Visiting King Philza, the royal leader of the Antarctic Empire, wasn’t something that Dream had been looking forward to. He already knew the entire hybrid family that was both hated and respected by the other empires personally, but they didn’t know what exactly he and Drista represented back from their own mainland. Of course they knew that he was from the Skylands, because he has built the reputation of being the strongest warrior and assassin from his place of origin and around the world where he conquered enemies standing in his way. However, he did not get the chance of revealing that he is in fact a royalty from the Skylands.

So is Drista. So is his twin Dexter.

The only reason why he had to keep it quiet was because the previous reigning King, their father, was strictly against hybrids coming in their country. It even went as far as executing them on the spot, or even burning them on the stake as an example. When he was a child, he had no idea what made their father think so. As an adult now, he still didn’t get it. Dexter and he had been planning to remove the mentality ingrained in their townsfolk that hybrids were the cause of chaos. 

The first step was to confess his identity in the form of a personal visit to Philza and the second step was the proposition of an alliance, which would happen in the future when Dexter visits himself.

“Dream.” Wilbur had greeted him when they entered. “Drista, please come in. Phil’s just finishing up.”

“Wil.” Dream greeted back. He shook his fellow prince’s hand. “Thank you. We hope we’re not intruding. King Philza must be so busy.”

Tommy was rolling his eyes at them. “Quit the shitty pleasantries, big man. I know Phil’s just doing old stuff anyway.”

Wilbur placed a hand on top of his brother’s hair, ruffling it for the sake of messing with Tommy’s hair as if it wasn’t already messy. “Come on, Dream. You and your sister have been visiting for a while now. Dad’s not going to shoo you away now. Tell me, how is Techno?”

It was a short interaction and that wasn’t where Dream’s concerns lie. He may be as confident as he can come across, but really, he had a lie ongoing for almost two years. Even he has no idea how he is going to slowly reveal his actual identity without even facing consequences or worst still, losing all of their trust. Obviously, he is nervous about how the entire conversation is going to play out.

Surprisingly, or fortunately for him, Philza actually had the suspicion about it. He was just waiting for his confirmation, which Dream had just done by taking his mask off to show only half of his face. A joke came out of the King calling him by his actual name, Clay, but Dream prefers his alias, just because he can roam around better even with his great reputation in duels.

Conversation didn’t even last for hours. After the short visit, King Philza had offered them to stay in the castle but Dream refused. So, Wilbur offered to let them use his cottage to use for the night instead. At least it will provide them warmth, not like the tents that they had stayed the night prior. Wilbur offered to lead the way, but Tommy insisted that there was no need. So, they immediately found their way back to where they left Techno and Quackity.

They were far off in the distance but Dream could see the two sitting on the bench by the square. He didn’t expect to see an arrow towards their direction.

Panic rose in him, which didn’t drop even when he saw that neither Techno nor Quackity were hit by it due to Techno’s instincts.

“What the hell?” He found himself screaming in alarm.

Before Dream could register what he was doing, he was already running towards the direction he saw the assassin on. He had never known of a time where he was able to run as fast as he is currently doing. His observant eyes noticed the movement from his peripherals, which prompted the thought of both pursuit and the action at the same time. The years-long training as an assassin gave him the speed he needed. 

His opponent, he could now tell that he is a male, stopped in his tracks and swung an axe from seemingly out of nowhere. It caught him by surprise. He had nothing on him to use as a shield, nor any weapon to wield and block. He didn’t even have any time to curse, but it was as if time slowed for that very moment.

“Look Quackity,” a brief flashback came to his mind. “If I were to use a sword at you and you have a dagger in any situation, I will win. You won’t be able to counter the sword with a small blade. And vice-”

“You cannot look me in the eye and say vice versa. You and I both know that you won’t lose if the roles were reversed.”

Dream was able to move to the side to dodge the attack. He looked around him, trying to see if he can find anything he can use as a weapon to attack, or maybe even shield himself. Those who naturally have inventory in their disposal are very rare, so he can tell that he is facing someone paid by a rich person.

“You will think of ways, Dream.”

‘Fuck.’ Dream thought to himself. It was a barren land apart from the trees at their current location. Nothing else he can use nor see because of the snow. He was able to see what he could do, however. He took a couple of steps backward, noting that the assassin in front of him was following him. There is no way he is going to turn his back towards the enemy. It was a good thing that he is familiar with the terrain from all the time he and Techno duelled for practice in the area. He leans down, taking a scoop of ice and throwing it, making sure that he will not miss before making a run for it.

“There are plans to do it. If you have the element of surprise with you, there’s a high chance that you would win anything.”

The short leeway gave him enough time to climb a tree and away from sight. He looked at his opponent, who was being cautious and holding out the axe in front of him in defense. Dream knew that the stance is familiar now, he wasn’t mistaken.

It was the same movement he had taught the elite assassins from his kingdom. A style only he knew of, and the ease of movement he had given their assassins- the exiled-elite ones.

Finally connecting the dots, he waited patiently for the assassin underneath him to either notice him or walk just through the very tree he was on. His teachings being used to target his friends is not something he is going to stand for. At exactly one step forward at the location Dream had pinpointed his opponent will stand on, he jumped from the tree, arms drawn back and fist closed tight before releasing the punch. Landing on the ground with ease, he stood up and looked at his current enemy. He didn’t only surprise the assassin, he made him unconscious from the force.

A punch straight to the jaw is ought to do it after all.

He leaned down and removed the bandana covering the other assassin’s face. There was no hint of a surprise when he recognized that it was one of their exiled-elite forces. It would only make sense that they will know what he had taught so long ago. Clicking his tongue, he stood up, carrying the unconscious person. The guy will get himself questioned for information but he knows that he has to see Techno’s and Quackity’s states first. Currently, there are two main questions in Dream’s mind:

Why is an exiled-Skyland assassin trying to kill Techno?

And…

In a dangerous situation like what he had experienced, why did he hear Quackity’s voice and debate response to him, of all people, and advice he has ever heard?

Chapter End

Chapter Text

“Fuck! You always get what favors you anyway!” A voice cursed through the phone.

“Wha- Hey! Language, Skeppy!” Another voice exclaimed in response. He is wearing a dark gray hoodie, a black overall underneath it, and black boots, all of which are outlined with red on the side or the edges. His tone was somewhat high pitched too.

Two maids, cleaning the porcelain decorations, looked at each other when they heard the exclamation. It was in no doubt a start of another argument from their empire’s heir and eldest prince, Darryl. For some reason though, he prefers everyone to refer to him as Bad instead.

It was an inappropriate nickname, King Sam had warned, but his heir was not swayed. No matter how much kindness Bad had taken from the runaway queen, he was as stubborn as he was. It was something King Sam and Bad’s brother, Prince George, both contempt and adored.

Then again, both the Prince royalties of the Badlands have inherited the stubbornness from their father.

Bad is currently on a phone call and it is not an odd occurrence to hear him shout or argue with the other person on the line, known as Skeppy. Several maids have tried their best not to eavesdrop, but it is a task proven hard. If you have a royalty heir in an argument within the vicinity, trying his best to stop his caller to stop using profanities and whatnot, it was impossible to not know something.

There was a pause, making both maids to tune in interest.

“Of course! I was planning on meeting up with you! Really! Wha- what does that even mean?! That doesn’t even make any sense! Skeppy!”

It just turns out to be the classic meet-up argument. At this point, despite Bad not even having met up with ‘Skeppy,’ the maids felt like they were hearing a divorce.

Even they have no idea who Skeppy was and what his relationship is with Bad. All they know is that they have been friends for a year or so now but all they have ever done is talk through the phone everyday.

There was a knock on the door, making both Bad and the maids with him to all stand up in alarm.

“Bad?” It was King Sam, the royal leader of the Badlands. The doors opened to reveal the King in his royal robes in shades of red, green and gold. His crown that was almost always atop his head was nowhere to be found. “Are you busy?” Beside him, stood Antfrost, the royal advisor.

“Not really.” Bad turns to him. He looked at his phone and hummed. “Skeppy, I will call you back, okay? We can talk later.” He didn’t bother hearing a response as he cut the connection. “If this is about the meeting with Manberg, I don’t mind that you stopped me from going alone, really.”

“No, no. It’s not about that.” Sam waved his hand, almost dismissively. He approached his son, turning to Antfrost for a split second to have the doors closed for privacy.

The maids in their current company were both ushered out.

“Bad,” Sam tried again. “Actually, it is about that. I do want you to take the meeting with Manberg on your own. At least, just this time.”

This surprised Bad. The reason why he was on a phone call with Skeppy was because Sam stopped him from going. There has to be one of the royalties in the empire, and Prince George was nowhere to be found. Prince Bad had always stayed around to take care of his duties, and the King would go to the meetings. Manberg was supposed to be Bad’s first meeting alone and was stopped before it even took place.

He wasn’t feeling good about the fact that Skeppy thinks that he just doesn’t want to meet up with him, when in reality, he wasn’t really permitted to come. Manberg has always been proud of their autumn like weather all year round, and it was something that Bad had wanted to come to experience. Skeppy lives there so he figured that he could come visit him after his meeting, which was cancelled. Now, his father is assigning him again for the meeting.

What made him change his mind?

“Okay?” Bad replied, confused. “Is there a reason why?”

Sam took a deep sigh, looking a little hesitant. “Did you remember when I told you about the queen?”

“Mother?” Bad echoed. “Yes. You told George and I that she ran away and was killed in pursuit years ago.” He paused. “Is there something that you didn’t tell us?”

“A lot of things.” Sam replied. “But it would have to wait. There is something I have to take care of first before I tell you all the details, Bad. Just know that there is a reason why I changed my mind and it has something to do with her. I will be staying here in your place. George will be here by tomorrow too, because I summoned him. After the meeting, you are to stay at Manberg.”

Staying at another empire made Bad confused, but he wasn’t about to say ‘no’ to something he had always wanted to do. Still, he had to ask. “What? Why?” Bad asked, standing up from the coach. He is more confused than upset. He looks at Antfrost, who only looks away as if ashamed. “Ant, did you know about this?” He asked. He had always considered the young royal advisor as one of his closest friends after all.

The small nod from the advisor made him feel a little betrayed. 

They both knew something that they are keeping away from him and George. But what is it?

“I assure you that it’s for the best.” Sam says, tone patient. “I don’t want to put you in danger. George is almost always gone and I want him within my sights at the moment. You are always here and everyone knows that. You will have to stay there.”

“That doesn’t answer anything!” Bad was beginning to sound upset. Now, he felt even more worried that there was something wrong. “First, you want me to stay here. Now, you want me to go because you want me to stay there and George to stay here. I can tell that you’re doing this for our protection. But protect us from what? ” 

The King stood up, effectively towering over the Prince. “Daryll.” Sam’s tone made Bad flinch. “I will take no for an answer. Not this time. You will go, because I said so.” He placed a hand on his heir's shoulder. “I promise I will tell you all the details when this is over. Prepare for your trip to Manberg in a few hours. After a month, you can ask me all the questions you want and I will answer them. Best-case scenario, I will call for you back within a few weeks instead. Take care.” His tone was softer at the end. He finally turned his back to him to make his leave.

The doors were opened by the guards from the other side for the King before it was closed again for Bad’s privacy.

Antfrost stayed standing for a few moments, looking even more guilty than earlier. “I’m really sorry, Bad. I only knew about it yesterday and I do want to tell you… I just… I can’t.”

Bad nodded his head in understanding. “I know you will if you can. I’m not really upset at you.” He offered him a small smile. “Go on. I know the King needs you by his side. See you after a month, Ant.”

“See you and take care, Bad. Say hi to Skeppy for me.”

Bad watched Antfrost leave his room. Phone still in his hand, he began to dial a phone number he had memorized by heart.

One ring, two rings… Bad was beginning to get impatient before the call was answered.

“Bad? Why the hell are you calling me?” It was George. His voice was both harsh and low, as if he had just been woken from slumber.

It is currently an hour before midday and Bad resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Dad mentioned that you are being summoned. Did he tell you anything?”

A long, drawn out groan came from the other line. “No. He won’t tell me anything. As far as I’m aware, you’re going to see your Skeppy, your bitch boy-”

“Language!”

“And I have to come and stay at the castle. Really fun.” Sarcasm was dripping off of George’s tone. “So yeah, beats me, Bad. You know how we’re all stubborn in the family but Dad isn't taking ‘no’s right now.”

Bad let out a sigh. Of course he won’t even get anything from his younger brother. All he wanted to do was live in his mushroom-inspired hut in the middle of nowhere, far away from the castle. George has always had the affinity for nature and the castle has always been noisy. Bad knew exactly where his brother’s hut is located, but he had already promised not to tell the King. 

“Yes, I can tell.” Bad replied. “But I thought he might tell you something. It felt like it was serious because he wanted me to stay at Manberg even after the one-week meet-”

“Wait.” The sound of shifting from the other line made Bad raise an eyebrow. “Dad’s making you stay at Manberg? What the hell? Isn’t Schlatt his fucking rival?” George sounded alarmed.

“But the point of the meeting is to make both ends meet right? I don’t think he would do anything.” Bad reminded him. “And I’m not staying in the castle either. I’m staying at Skeppy’s.”

George chuckled. “Oh yeah, you have your lover boy.”

“He’s a friend!” Bad replied, tone flustered.

“Sure.” George replied. There was a short pause before the younger heir sighed. “Be careful at Manberg, Bad. Our castle is safe and we know this. You’re more vulnerable at Manberg. Whatever the situation is that Dad’s keeping from us, we will find it out, yeah? Take care.”

Bad felt a smile surface on his face. This is one of the rarest moments where George would actually show how much he cares. So instead of them having a back and forth teasing, he let himself be convinced by George’s reassurance. “I’ll see you soon, Gogy.”

They both ended the call, both with things in mind to do: Bad to prepare for departure, and George to start his day.

Chapter End

Chapter Text

Panic was coursing through the duck hybrid’s veins as he looked on around them, afraid. He was the type of person who fights when adrenaline kicks in, but at the moment, he looked like a deer caught in headlights. He had already forgotten about the pain really. Since his wings were free of their constraint, they opened up slightly behind him, making the air take some of his feathers away. 

Tommy and Drista were still as shocked as Quackity was but they were both in awe.

Everything seemed to have stopped but Technoblade was there to remind them of their current predicament. “Close your eyes!” He whispered at them, swiping his hand to the right to open his inventory and throwing the invisibility potion on the floor to splash all over them.

The loud, crashing sounds of broken glass impacting the floor was enough to add even more attention towards their direction. It didn’t help that there are already other people who had seen Quackity’s wings earlier. Although it was the Antarctic Empire’s mainland, Technoblade and his family are the only hybrids their townsfolk accept.

Quackity is not family and he is in their land. Of course their people are bound to be alarmed, upset and angry.

“This way.” Technoblade made sure that he was holding and pulling along Quackity’s unharmed arm and led the way towards somewhere they could hide. They weren’t running, but they were walking at a faster pace.

Tommy and Drista followed along, making sure that they were still jogging at least, because they don’t really need to run.

The townsfolk barely had the time to react, which means that they probably didn’t even know that they were actually hunting down a hybrid along with their own princes.

It was obvious that they will be using the alleyway as a hiding place, but the villagers moved past it, thinking that they could find the hybrid if they took the main roads instead. They assumed that they were capturing a group of hybrids that relied on a temporary invisibility potion after all.

When silence settled for a moment, there weren’t any sighs of relief. “Of all the kinds of people, you’re a hybrid, Big Q?” Tommy exclaimed in alarm, looking over the street to see if anyone followed them.

Quackity turned sharply at Tommy as if he was annoyed, but his eyes were telling a different emotion, since they were both wide in slight fear. “Wha- what the hell exactly does that mean?” He shook his head. “How- Why aren’t you guys afraid of me being a demon who’ll kill you and shit?”

Drista leans to the wall behind her. “Big Q, there’s no way we are going to be afraid of hybrids. You guys are cool.” She replied. “Besides, you lost to Techno earlier in the arena. If you’re really a demon who’ll kill us, Techno can just carry you like a sack of potatoes.”

Quackity turned to look at Technoblade, who was actually staring at him since they got in the alleyway. “Is that true? You’re not gonna hunt me down just because I have these?” He asked, making his wings flutter slightly behind him.

The movement the duck hybrid did made him remember the injury. He winced, glancing over at his shoulder and tried to bring his hand up to hold his arm to grip it. He was met with resistance though, because Technoblade was still holding his arm. The pink-haired warrior lets go of his arm almost immediately. 

“Let me tend to that.” Technoblade offers. He rummages from the inside of his coat to get the medical kit. “And no, I won’t hurt you because you’re a hybrid. Why would you think I would do that?”

“Uh… because you killed me like a hundred times in the arena?” Quackity replies. He let Technoblade come closer to inspect his wound. He is not a stranger to pain, but it hurts like a bitch. He is thankful that it didn’t really hit his wings because that would be bad. He doesn’t really use them as much to fly around. Even so, he doesn’t want his ability to fly to be permanently taken away from him.

“Sure. I could definitely murder you the moment I find out you’re a hybrid. That’s a very well done analysis.” Technoblade rolled his eyes at him, sarcasm dripping off of his tone. He cleared his throat. “It really penetrated fully. Does it hurt?” He asked. He looks at Quackity in the eyes, suddenly aware of their distance.

They weren’t really that close that their breaths mingled but they were close enough to invade both of their personal bubbles.

It was supposed to be enough for Quackity to panic. Not too long ago, this man had killed him in a competition multiple times. How much longer must the universe test him of being worthy to come to the Badlands? He knew that his journey would not be easy, but this was too much. Despite having all those thoughts in mind, nothing really came out of his mouth. Weirder still, the distance between them was enough to calm him down from his earlier panic.

“Yeah, it kind of does. But I think adrenaline is making me a little numb.” Quackity responds as he watches Technoblade get to work. “And uh- you know pure humans really hate hybrids and you guys are pure right? So I figured that I’ll hide this while I’m travelling. You can’t really blame me for that.”

The pink-haired warrior hummed in response and teared his gaze away in favor of taking a dagger from his bag. He held the handle to pull it out of its holster and began to cut the wood. He couldn’t pull it out for the risk that Quackity will bleed out.

Quackity made sure not to make any noises as much as he could. He knew that they were still in danger and he is not about to hand themselves over to the humans. Technoblade, Drista and Tommy may be okay with him being one but the townsfolk sure as hell weren’t. His wings were flinching with him which was the only indication that he was in pain. They were still folded behind him though.

“I came as fast as I heard, what the hell happened?” A new voice came by, panting.

It was Dream, carrying a male on his shoulder.

Technoblade hums in acknowledgement when he hears Dream’s voice, pulling the first half part of the arrow from Quackity and throwing it on the ground. “The assassin guy shot our great friend here.” He says. He took a cloth to press on the wound that was beginning to bleed out. “Hold it against the wound.” He instructed the duck hybrid before doing the same thing on the other side where the arrowhead pierced through.

Quackity heeds the instruction. He gave a small smile at Dream before a wince took over from the pain that shot through him again. “Yo, Dream.” He greets. “Who’s that?”

Dream almost threw the unconscious person on the floor unceremoniously when he saw the injury. “What the fuck!? It’s not fucking poisoned, is it?” He asks, looking at the wound in alarm and completely ignoring Quackity’s greeting.

“Nope.”

“Sure?”

“Yep. Positive.”

There was a loud sigh of relief from Dream that made Technoblade turn to him for a moment. “Why are you asking?”

Dream placed the guy on the floor, making sure that they could see the bandana around his neck and the skull tattooed on his right cheek. “Elite assassins from the Skylands. Well, exiled, but they were a group of the best.” He let out a sigh. “These guys are trained to take down anyone they are assigned to for the right price and they do not fail.”

“Well, this is their first.” Technoblade says. His tone felt like he was trying to play it off like a joke, but Dream knew that the warrior was more annoyed. “Didn’t you say that those guys are already taken care of? How are they back?”

“As far as I know, the King had mentioned that: A, they are exiled for a reason and B, they are supposed to be gone really. Even I have no idea how they are back. Some survived and were commissioned to be hitmen.” He sounded worried as he glanced at his sister.

“So, are they targeting me?” Quackity asked, confused.

Dream shook his head. “I think they’re targeting Techno and you were probably caught in the crossfire. I have to wonder though, Techno has really great instincts with attacks so I thought both of you didn’t get any injuries. Did they act up again?”

It was as if there was something that Dream and Technoblade knew about each other that Quackity didn’t. From how they all came together in the arena just a few days ago, he was pretty sure that the three of them just met up on that day.

Was Quackity wrong of assuming that? Then again, it’s not his business to ask.

“Mhm. Yeah, too noisy.” Technoblade replied. He just double checked if Quackity was still bleeding out before he removed the pressure slowly, then started cleaning both the injury and the part around it. “Distractions everywhere, Dream. I was panicking when I couldn’t tell where exactly the danger was coming from. Quackity could’ve easily been hit on his chest if I didn’t pull him.”

Quackity could tell that Technoblade was telling the truth. They were both just resting on the bench and minding their own business. If asked, he won’t even deny the worry that came over him when he saw that the pink-haired warrior stood up and was suddenly on-guard over an unseen danger. “How exactly did you know that we are being attacked?” He can’t help but ask. 

“Instincts.” Technoblade answered simply. He didn’t even elaborate further and the duck hybrid thinks that the response is more than enough for now.

A small shiver down his spine made Quackity look on the ground as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. Dream was staring and he could tell. He has no idea why nor what expression the Skyland dweller has on his face. 

“Quackity.” Dream calls. “I’m pretty sure that the hitman is after Techno and I still stand by it. But right now, I’m having doubts.”

“Yeah?” The duck hybrid replies. He finally looks up to meet Dream’s gaze, or at least the equivalent of it when the blond warrior still has a mask on his face. “Why’d you think so?”

“You’re a hybrid.” Dream says simply. “I can see your yellow wings from behind you.”

“What about it?”

“You’re some kind of a bird hybrid, right?”

A nod. “Yeah. Why are you asking?”

“Nothing in particular.” Dream replied, waving his hand dismissively. “I just think that someone probably knows that you are a hybrid and they could be targeting you, that’s it. But like I said, I still think they are aiming for Techno.”

Quackity doesn’t find that reassuring. “You’re hiding something from me.”

Dream raised both hands in defense, chuckling a little. “What? No, I’m not. I told you, I’m like 90 percent sure the target is not you.”

“Big bro, Techno.” Tommy called from behind Dream, effectively interrupting their conversation. “I think we should go to Wilbur's place. Surely not safe here, anymore, man.”

Technoblade let out a small sigh. “Sure.” He wasn’t done patching up, but he knew that Tommy was right. He cleared his throat to try and dissipate the growing tension between Dream and Quackity. “We’re going. We’re all talking around the dinner table later, okay?” He says. He glanced from Dream to Quackity before sighing. He then removed his cape and wrapped it around the duck hybrid. “Here. We can’t have you freezing.”

Dream let out a small sigh. “Okay. Lead the way, Tommy.”

Quackity made sure that he will confront Dream. Right now, their safety must be their priority, so he followed them out, but not before Technoblade splashed invisibility potions at them.

Chapter End

Chapter Text

“I told you, it’s nothing.” Dream was starting to sound as if he was irritated.

Quackity had been bugging him with the same question over and over again. He was starting to sound like a broken record. He wanted to either throw him out the window or ask him to get to bed and sleep already. And here he is, sitting on the coach, a book at hand and trying to read while still entertaining the repetitive question he is getting from the hybrid.

Don’t get him wrong, he has nothing against Quackity. In fact, he kind of owes him the explanation. It was speculation on his part really, but it wasn’t that important. At least, he thinks that it isn’t.

Quackity was sitting right across from him, on a chair that he had taken from the dining room earlier. They had already eaten dinner together with Technoblade’s, surprisingly, great food that he cooked using the little to no ingredients that Wilbur had in his fridge. The moment that they were done, Quackity, without any pun intention, had been following Dream like a duckling. Dinner was two hours ago now, and the duck hybrid had been asking him for almost the same duration from then to now. 

“Well, if it’s nothing, why’d you word it like that?” Quackity asked, as if that was another question he has not repeated for more than a hundred by now. Or so, as much as Dream likes to exaggerate.

“Because I was in a panic and my brain makes up all sorts of scenarios in that state. Come on now, Quackity. How many more times should I have to repeat myself for god knows how long?” Dream turned his gaze up from the book he had on his lap. He wasn’t giving Quackity his full attention like he is doing now. And frankly, the irritation is getting under his skin so he had to. He knew of no one as patient as he is, other than Technoblade, and he is pretty sure that he can and will be able to handle any high pressure situations far better than anyone.

Right now though, Quackity is making him irritated as time goes on and he doesn’t like it.

The duck hybrid hums, a small pleased smile surfacing on his face when he sees that Dream is now looking at him and not the damned book. The smile made Dream sigh. “‘Cuz I’m not fucking stupid? You’re not answering my question straight. Of fucking course, I’ll repeat myself so much that I’ll annoy the shit out of you. Did it work?”

Dream can see the twinkle in Quackity’s eyes. For the umpteenth time, he is glad that his mask can cover every expression he has on his face. He could only roll his eyes, keeping his tone calm and neutral so he couldn’t give even more satisfaction to the other. “Not really, no. I just want to finish this conversation so you don’t have to waste your voice repeating nonsense.”

“Oh yeah?” Quackity held a challenging tone on his voice. “I’ve always been this talkative man. See Tommy? I’d like to say I could go worse.” He was grinning now. “So, tell me now or I’ll bug you for the rest of this time. You and I both know that I will be keeping my promise, yeah?” His wings from behind his back rose a little as if trying to make himself seem bigger before they folded back.

The Skyland dweller was looking at the wings behind the other, a little surprised when he heard the sincerness in the hybrid’s tone. Then again, he also had his proof from earlier. Quackity wasn’t even tired at all and Dream had been drained trying his best not to give in. “Fine.” He finally resigned. “Have you heard of the angelic tales from the story books?”

Quackity looked at him in confusion. “Are you talking about the angel Lilac?”

“Yeah, if you’re talking about the story that we remember them all via the names of all the flowers scattered around the world.” Dream nodded his head. “So you may have heard of the stories.”

“Uh, actually.” Quackity leaned back on the chair behind him, unfolding his wings slightly so he doesn’t get them crushed behind him. “I have only heard of the story from the angel Lilac. I heard there was angel Allium but I don’t remember much about them.”

“Interesting.” The Skyland assassin hums in response. “They say that the angel stories were written in books based on real events, Quackity. Did you know that?”

“No. Honestly, I don’t get how it has something to do with what I was asking.”

“I’m getting to that.” Dream interrupts him. “From another book that I have read those angels were actually hybrids, they say. Most, if not all, hybrids came from a winged hybrid ancestor. So at present, even if you meet up with someone that is half-bird, they can or cannot fly but they won’t ever have wings.”

Quackity hums as he listens. “I’m a duck hybrid and I can fly. But yeah, now that you mentioned it, I have never seen anyone I know that’s a bird hybrid like me with the wings...?” He was growing more and more confused. 

He sounded a little alarmed but Dream couldn’t see any fear in the hybrid’s facial expression nor body language. So, the assassin continued. “Humans back then thought that hybrids were demons. A lot still does nowadays. But before, they would rip out their wings as an example. I think evolution made it so some hybrids don’t grow wings I think? King Philza of this empire has wings and a lot of people think he’s probably immortal.”

“Why-” Quackity was unable to look at Dream straight at this point. “Why do I have them then? I’m sure that my mom is not a hybrid, and I haven’t met my dad yet. King Philza’s royalty so I get that he has wings but I’m not a royalty, man. Your info doesn’t answer anything.”

Dream sighed. “Well, that’s why I think it was strange, you know? Techno’s always had numerous assassins try to kill him upfront, well, stab him at the back but never in the company of other people.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Still sure that they were targeting Techno and it’s just a coincidence that you were there. Otherwise, why the hell would they try and shoot you and aim for your back right? Bird hybrids are super rare because you guys with the wings were pretty much extinct.”

“Right.” Quackity cleared his throat. “So, that’s why you didn’t wanna tell me, huh?”

It was Dream’s turn to tilt his head at the side a little, expressing his confusion. Did he somehow misread the situation when he was explaining? He was sure that he did nothing that would upset the hybrid. He isn’t sure if he is confused about the fact that his narration was understandable enough or confused because he can somehow tell that his companion at the moment is upset for some reason. “I didn’t want to tell you because it’s speculation.”

“Yeah, okay. Sure.” Quackity nodded his head. “Uh right. I’ll go upstairs or wherever. Good night man.”

Dream noticed the tone. Quackity was more than upset. He sounded tired suddenly, very different from the challenging tone that he had heard earlier. The knowledge that it was his fault made him feel guilty. He has no idea why he resigned and let him know his speculation. All he did was lay down facts he thought would be helpful.

He wasn’t even able to greet a small good night back because Quackity left immediately after the greeting. It was getting late so he understood him leaving. He glanced at the clock. They can talk in the morning. For now, he had to deal with the sudden guilt he is feeling and confusion. Why does he suddenly feel concerned?

-/-/-/-

Technoblade was just about to put away his cleaning supplies when he heard the door open from behind him. He was cleaning up his armor and making sure that they were polished.

“Tommy, we have three bedrooms here and you can always crash at Wil- oh.” Technoblade turn around just in time to see Quackity. “Quackity. Did you and Dream talk?”

“Huh?” It was as if the duck hybrid just noticed him sitting on the chair holding his chest-plate. “Uh yeah. We did.” He chuckled but he sounded tired. “I bugged the hell out of him. Do you mind if I go rest now?”

Technoblade shook his head. There was something different about Quackity right now than the past few days. He looked even more exhausted. He couldn’t blame him though. The panic from being found out that you’re a hybrid by the group you had been staying with as well as being hunted by the townsfolk is tiring. He gestured at the bed. “I don’t. Let me know if you need more pillows though. I can probably grab more on Wil’s cabinet.”

“Nah, nah, no need.” Quackity gave him a small smile. He made his way towards the bed that they would be sharing, again.This time, it was bigger than the first bed that they had shared. “Night, Technoblade.”

“Hm. Good night.”

Technoblade watched him settle on the right side of the bed. It was the same spot that he had occupied even back on the bed that they shared on his hut near Canarell. This time though, he didn’t even put up an effort of stopping the smile from surfacing his face when he saw the wings. They were caged for so long and the piglin hybrid felt bad that the other had to hide them. He can understand him to an extent. Honestly, his concern for Quackity was almost like he was concerned for Philza, in a way but also different. It confuses him to no end.

He let out a sigh of relief when he saw that Quackity wasn’t hurting himself from his position on the bed with the current injury he had. Technoblade patched up the injury with expertise and carefulness akin to a doctor. It was one of his strongest suits too and he is proud of all his skills.

Most of all, he is glad that the arrow wasn’t even poisoned. That would’ve been bad.

Technoblade can handle the cold only because he had been living in the empire’s snowy biome for so long now. He doesn’t need more layers. He knew that Quackity needed it so he took it upon himself to cover him with the blanket and his cape everytime. It was a gesture he never thought he’d do to anyone. He never did that to any of his siblings. Still, he found himself standing up and wrapped it around the duck hybrid. The response he got was a small relieved sigh.

He thought that Quackity was still awake. Apparently not. Technoblade did not know that he fell asleep fast.

He let out a sigh and placed his armor pieces at the side. He can continue cleaning them up tomorrow. For now, he sat at the bed and turned the lights off. It was now time to sleep.

Chapter End

Chapter Text

In the morning, Technoblade was the first one to rise, like he always does. He knew that no one would be awake at this time, unless of course Dream decided to get up this early too. He slowly blinked his eyes, glancing at the window to make sure that he woke up before the sun showed up. A small yawn came over him before he stood up to look at Quackity beside him. The duck hybrid was still asleep, covered by their blanket and Technoblade’s cape. His eyes are the only part of his body that can be seen from how covered he was.

Even his hair was still covered by his beanie. Technoblade could never understand why Quackity prefers them on, but he doesn’t bother asking him why. Besides, no one has seen his actual hair yet so it was fine.

A smile reached the piglin hybrid’s face at the sight. 

He would have to start preparing for breakfast soon. No one in their group knows how to cook that will be sufficient for all of them other than him. It was annoying but since he is the eldest of five brothers, he is used to it by now. Besides, Tommy is somehow spoiled by his cooking. His youngest brother doesn’t really eat anyone’s cooked meal other than his. It has always been annoying, but he kind of finds it endearing.

He made his way downstairs and into the kitchen. He was humming to himself, opening the fridge to get some vegetables. There wasn’t much that he could do with the limited food supply. He was pretty sure that Wilbur is staying in the castle for a while now. The house wasn’t dusty, but he can tell that it wasn’t as kept as when his twin would stay in it.

Technoblade looked up from the chopping board, pausing when he recognized footsteps. A small turn behind him for a split second and the sight that greeted him made him sigh before he returned to his task at hand, not noticing anything unusual. “Good morning, Dream.”

“Good morning.” Dream greeted back. He was wearing a plain white shirt at the moment. His hoodie was nowhere to be found. “It’s too early. How are you up?”

“I could ask you the same question.” Technoblade replies. “I’m always up at this time. How was sleep?”

“Great, actually.”

“Good.”

Dream took a chair from the dining room and sat right across the counter. He watches his duel rival as he pours the vegetables into a small bowl before getting the pot to fill it with water. “How’s Quackity?”

Technoblade hums. “He’s asleep. And he’s not lying down on his injured side so that’s a good sign.” Then, the pig hybrid couldn’t help but turn to Dream right after he placed the pot on the stove. “Wha- wait, one second.” 

Dream looked confused. “Yes? What’s up?”

Technoblade was staring at Dream for the entirety of three minutes before he closed his eyes to take slow, deep breaths as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Dream.”

“Hm?”

“We have known each other for what, a year now?”

“And a half, yes.”

Technoblade still had half a mind to, at least, have the stove on before he forgot. He walked closer, just so he could stare at Dream’s face and make an almost unwavering, eye contact.

Dream’s face. The Skyland dweller was not wearing his usual white, happy faced-mask.

“Tell me why you never mentioned you are Prince Clay?”

Dream had the audacity to look confused, before realization dawned on his expression. “Oh. Right-” He let out a short chuckle. “Uh, Drista and I happened to be, well, royalty. That was why we went to the King to talk about it.”

Technoblade let out another tired sigh. It is way too early in the morning for him to understand what is happening, as well as process all the sudden questions beginning to pop up in his head. He is thankful for the fact that the voices in his head are quiet in the mornings. This is one of the times in the entire day that he can actually think on his own, peacefully. “And yet you know I am a prince.” He paused. He went back to see if the water was boiling already. “You have your reasons so I get it. Is it for clout?”

Dream let out a chuckle. “Maybe.” He replies with a small grin. “Besides, the smiley face on the mask is kind of intimidating to the enemy. I think it’s neat.”

“Of course you do.” Technoblade chuckles too. He took the bowl earlier so he can finally start the actual cooking. “Did something happen last night? Quackity was a little too quiet.”

Silence enveloped them for a bit. There was a hint of hesitance before he heard Dream sigh. It was long drawn, as if there was something bothering him. The piglin hybrid braced himself inwardly. He is ill-equipped in the emotional department, but even he felt that it would be the subject.

“I may have said things that uh-” Dream cleared his throat. “Might have upset him? I don’t know.”

“What is it about?” Technoblade asked. Although he knew he couldn’t really help, he was curious.

“About my assumption yesterday.” There was even more hesitation. “And how I arrived at it. Should I apologize?”

Technoblade paused. “Uh- Dream, I don’t really know what happened between you two.” He replied, honestly. “But if you do feel guilty, I think you should.”

“Huh.” It sounded like Dream wasn’t about to elaborate what the actual subject was.

Technoblade hid any hint of curiosity he may have on his tone as he said, “You have a lot of time to make up your mind. He likes sleeping in.”

Dream hums in response. “That he does.”

They stayed in companionable silence for a bit. Dream wasn’t really fond of coffee, and so was Technoblade. So the water boiled from the teapot that the assassin placed on the stove, beside whatever Technoblade was cooking, was used to make two cups of hot cocoa with milk. The skyland dweller didn’t even ask if it was what the piglin wanted to drink, because it was what they both prefer in the mornings after all. As Dream offered the cup of hot drink to his rival and friend, Technoblade gave a small ‘thanks’ before they both got busy in either their thoughts, or the task at hand.

The piglin hybrid knew that they had always been both quiet unless the situation calls for it. While he always talks in monotone, Dream’s tone has always been expressive. They were both more logical than emotional and they approach problems with solutions backed up with even more solutions in case of failure. It was how they understood each other and became fast friends who respected each other’s ability in every battle. The first clash of swords and every block of the shields made it difficult to defeat the other through strategy that they had to rely on who can provide exhaustion to the rival first. It made him remember how they actually met.

/-/-/-

Flashback

“Who do you think will win?” A voice came out of nowhere from the seat behind Technoblade.

It was the quarterly battle in the arena of Katrich, a city located in Manburg. Battles in arenas vary greatly, and Kartich’s competitions have always been about one on one battles, with a defending champion and a challenger. The latter would be chosen after multiple battles that they emerge victorious for the entire day. The championship battle will always happen at night, which is disadvantageous for both opposition because their only source of light are the lanterns on each corner of the ring.

The judges will be different in every battle too, and it just happens that Technoblade is one of the chosen ones for the championship, along with two more people he has no idea of.

One was named Dream, the other was Niki.

It was only fair that he had no idea of his fellow judges. It will prevent any biases after all. They couldn’t team up and in case there is a tie on either competitors, one judge will break it.

“Hm?” Technoblade responds to the person behind him, thinking that it was just one of the enthusiasts of the battle. “I will say that it would be the defending champion, yet the challenger poses a great threat.”

“Interesting.” The stranger had replied. “I have the same thought. Are you betting?”

“Me?” Technoblade echoed. “No, I’m simply here to enjoy.”

“I see. Well, looks like we’ll see how the battle will turn out huh?”

Technoblade nodded his head without turning his back. “Yes. I’m sure the judges will let us know the results after the fight.”

The battle came around and Technoblade found himself sharing pointers with the stranger he has yet to know. He never mentioned his name, nor did the other. They were both bringing forth points about how the defender had his strategy failing after the first few rounds, and that the challenger was just about to win.

“Let us now meet the juries!” The announcer’s voice boomed out loud, making the audience’s cheer stop. “Calling forth Niki!”

A beautiful, pink-haired woman stood from the other side of the stadium, a spotlight was on her to make sure that she was visible. She used her hand to place some of her hair back behind her ear before raising a cardboard, written on it was the name of the challenger, casting her vote.

“That’s one point towards our Challenger!” The announcer sounded excited. “Next up! We have Dream!”

Technoblade was a little perplexed when he saw the spotlight turn to him. But it was not yet his turn. So instead, he turns around. Lo and behold, it was the same stranger he was talking to, with the same smiley-faced mask that he had been wearing during their entire conversation.

The stranger, or Dream, gave him a wave before raising his own cardboard. Another point for the challenger.

As the announcer finally called out Technoblade’s name, the piglin hybrid couldn’t help but let a grin on his face as he turned to look at Dream and raise his own cardboard.

“The juries have made their choice! Our defending champion is overtaken by the challenger! Audience cheer!”

Flashback end

-/-/-/-

There was a small yawn behind him that brought Technoblade back towards his cooking. When he turned around, he noticed that Dream has his mask on already and that there was another person with them. 

“Good morning.” It was Quackity. He was rubbing one of his eyes, clearly still sleepy. He had Technoblade’s cape around himself, making the piglin hybrid stare. The duck hybrid also had a smile on his face directed to him that Technoblade felt his cheeks warm up slightly at the sight.

“Good morning, Quackity.” Technoblade replies. If Quackity sleeping with his cape was a sight he was sure he wanted to physically place in a chest to treasure forever as a secret only he holds, this sight of the duck hybrid still sleepy with the same cape around him was a better sight he felt honored to see. It made his heart race. Was it nervousness? Was it just the adrenaline speaking? Why does his cheek feel warm and how does it connect to Quackity? What is this feeling?

It would seem that the quiet has wrapped itself around them. It almost made him jump when Dream broke the silence. “Good morning! How’s your shoulder? Does it still hurt?” 

Quackity turned to Dream. His expression still showed that he is sleepy. The small smile he had on his face was now replaced with a small frown. Great. Technoblade finally understood that Dream really needed to apologize, for whatever reason it was about.

“My shoulder’s okay.” It was a straight to the point reply. There was no elaboration either.

Technoblade shook his head to himself as he gave his cooking his full attention now. Looks like Dream has to deal with something from the emotional department.

He is on his own. The piglin hybrid will just tune them out so he doesn’t have to interfere.

‘Don’t mind me. I am just the cook.’ He thought to himself.

“Quackity, can we talk on the couch?”

There was no reply, but Technoblade heard two sets of footsteps walk away. A short hum came from him. Giving himself a small taste of his cooked food, he decided that it was now time to make Quackity’s share.

Chapter End

Chapter Text

To be completely honest, Quackity woke up feeling great.

It was still very early in the morning. It was the first time that he had woken up that early ever since he had travelled away from home. He has always been worried and he had to take care of everything in the house. Since he travelled with the small group he is with, he never had to think of what to cook for the rest of the day. It was a nice change of pace really. He feels like he is being spoiled by the food he has been eating.

Don’t get him wrong, the food tastes great. It was so good that he feels he is going to miss the home cooked meal that Technoblade cooks when he finally reaches the Badlands. 

He thinks that the reason why he woke up early in the first place is because he had caught the scent of cooking. It was something that he wasn’t used to but it was also what he was looking forward to when he went downstairs.

Quackity liked to think that he and Technoblade are somewhat closer now. Unless of course he is the only one thinking like that. The pink haired warrior had let him braid his hair on the bench while they both shared something about themselves. Well, at least, before he got shot. 

He has observed that Technoblade has always worn his crown. He didn’t know why he did it, but he felt like it was fitting enough to just be… there. It fits him in a sense that Quackity doesn’t understand at all. He didn’t really have enough courage to ask. He didn’t want to pry either.

Honestly, he didn’t want to leave so soon, but Quackity knew that he had to talk to them about his journey. He wanted to stay in their company, he really does. His promise with his late mother has to come first though, even if he knew that he would have to leave half of their group in the Antarctic territory, since Dream and Drista offered to help him get to his destination.

And he really wanted to bring that up after breakfast, maybe right after he and Technoblade talk about why the pink haired warrior would always lend him the cape. It was a great morning until he saw that Dream was also around.

He has nothing against Dream. It just so happens that everytime that they would talk, he felt as if the other had been trying to dominate the conversation. Although that is not something Quackity minds, he has never met anyone that has treated him as someone ignorant over something. It made his day sour when he saw him.

“Quackity, can we talk on the couch?”

The couch. Again. The last time they were talking there was last night and he was subjected to something he would be pretty sure would scare Quackity everytime he tries to sleep at night. He was lucky enough that he was more upset so he was able to fall asleep. The information he had gotten from Dream is not something he will easily forget.

Still, he didn’t really give him any response. All he did was sigh and walked. Quackity sat at the couch, Technoblade’s cape still wrapped around him and giving him some sort of comfort and calm.

“What is this then?” Quackity asked. “Is there anything you want to talk about, Dream?”

Dream looked awkward just standing there. The duck hybrid wanted to make eye contact but with the mask on, he figured he’ll just look at the floor instead. 

“Uh-” Dream started. He sounded uncomfortable. “I- I just wanted to say I’m sorry.”

Quackity was confused. Did he hear that right? “What are you apologizing for?”

“About last night?” There was a short pause as the Skyland dweller cleared his throat. “I didn’t know that you were raised somewhere unaware of the state of uh- bird hybrids and all. I’m pretty sure that you might’ve felt like I was treating you like a child-”

“Damn right, you tall ass, green motherfucker!” Oops, that wasn’t what Quackity wanted to really say but he was way too upset last night and now it is seeping out. “I’m not a fucking child and ever since you, I don’t know, lost our debate, you have been treating me like some stupid fucking kid. I asked you one question last night and you couldn’t give a straight answer, man. What the fuck?” He took a deep breath. The wings behind him were slightly shaking because he was still fuming.

There were a few more minutes of yelling. Quackity had his arms folded in front of him, the cape still around him. Dream was taking in every word. He had his head bowed down, as if he was looking at the floor and like he was being reprimanded. There were no words coming from him to speak out, letting Quackity pour his anger out. 

“Okay, fine.” Quackity finally let out, panting a little as he closed his eyes. “I’m done. Look man, I don’t know what came over you last night and shit but I really accept your apology. I was just really upset and I needed to let all of that out. I’m sorry for yelling.”

Dream waved his hand, dismissively. “It’s nothing. It was my fault.” He fixed the mask on his face. “It was insensitive of me in trying to keep you in the dark about it. It was unfair. You’re our friend now, me and Techno’s. As well as Drista and Tommy really. And I was in a panic for our safety from last night, especially with Frank.”

“Frank?”

“Yeah, Frank.” Dream pointed on Quackity’s shoulder. “The assassin who shot you last night was that guy. I did some interrogating...”

Quackity has no idea why the way Dream says the word ‘interrogating’ was making the hair on his skin rise.

“...and found out that his target was me.” Dream let out a tired sigh. “And he just so happened to see a huge opportunity to kill the Blade too and so he took his shot, which well, we already know what happened.”

“So, uh- the assassin guy’s target was not me, nor Techno. It’s you?” Quackity raised an eyebrow.

“Pretty much, yeah.” Dream shrugged his shoulder. “Happens a lot. It feels like you have a bounty in your head for being one of the best for some reason. I’m human so that’s fair but Techno-”

“Are you guys done?” Technoblade peeked from the side. He had just removed the apron in front of him and held it in his right hand. “Breakfast is ready. I’m surprised Tommy and Drista aren’t awake from how much you were yelling Quackity.”

“Oh fuck.” Quackity muttered. “Shit- it isn’t sunrise yet?”

Technoblade shook his head. “Nope. Not for a bit more. But I prepared breakfast early. Come eat, your share is already in a bowl with potatoes. I’ll go and wake Tommy up. Dream, get your sister.” He nodded his head at them and made his way up the stairs.

Dream turned to Quackity and shrugged. “I guess we can talk more during breakfast or after.” He hums before going up to follow Technoblade.

Quackity was left on the couch for a while. He wondered what was Dream about to say earlier. Is it possible that Technoblade is a hybrid like him? Then again, there is no way that he could be one. He looked human to the duck hybrid and there doesn’t seem to be any evidence either.

He made his way towards the kitchen. Sure enough, there is a bowl of soup on the table and a side of mashed potatoes. He sat at the table, not starting yet because he had to wait for them. Hopefully it won’t be too long.

-/-/-/-

“So, you’re saying that you wanted to leave already?” Technoblade asked.

Quackity nodded his head. It was unfortunate, but he had to bring this up now or he would never. “Yeah. I have to go to the Badlands, man. That’s the only reason why I went away from my hometown.”

Drista and Tommy were both away. They had just finished breakfast and the two youngsters were both sent to run an errand by Dream. They were still in the kitchen. Dream was washing the dishes, Quackity was just finishing up in cleaning the table while Technoblade was still sitting on the chair.

“And like what Drista had offered, we’re still taking you there.” Dream reassured, turning around for a short while to face Quackity.

“Much appreciated, Dream.” Quackity gave him a small smile. Then, he turned to the pink haired warrior. “And I understand that you and Tommy are staying here. I mean, this is technically you’re home right?”

“About that.” Technoblade stood up. He fixed the crown on his head. He has the cape around him now, right after the duck hybrid returned it. “I was planning to come with your little trip. I had been putting off a visit to a city at Badlands. I might as well come.”

Quackity couldn’t hide the excitement on his face as he grins. “You will?” His wings were trying to open themselves to try and flutter up and down, but the duck hybrid was reigning the urge in. 

Technoblade hums, looking away from the sight. “You came all the way here when you don’t have to. Tommy has always been a handful and he seems to like you.”

“The more people the better really.” Dream added. “Besides, like I said earlier, you’re our friend now. Maybe when you’re done with the Badlands, you can let us know where to visit you.”

If Quackity was going to be completely honest, he wasn’t expecting to actually bond over and become friends with the two warriors he had been in with the arena. He still has no idea what he will do after he has fulfilled his mother’s final wish, but at least, he is glad that he is able to meet up with Technoblade and Dream, along with their siblings.

“I’m still unsure where exactly I will be able to find my dad.” Quackity mutters. “But it’s gonna be a long way, I’m sure. From here, I remember that I have to head to the city of Yatrach. Do any of you know where that is?”

Technoblade nodded his head. “It is not nearby and we need to board a ship there. We’ll take the polar transport on the day we leave.”

“Looks like we are heading for Manberg next.” Dream added, fixing the mask on his face.

Chapter End

Chapter Text

Three days later…

“Are you serious? Dream, you’re just gonna let her wear cat ears!?” Quackity was staring at Drista, who was laughing at his reaction while also giving him a thumbs up.

They were all on board a ship, which was heading towards the nearest port in Manberg. Quackity had the odd sense of deja vu when they boarded the ship, because of the similar interior, but it was gone when Technoblade led them towards the floor just underneath the top of the ship. The entire floor only has four rooms and the five of them are occupying one of the rooms just near the exit.

For three days, they have been staying in the ship in luxury. There was one instance where Quackity thought that the floor above them was off limits, so he was staying away from it. Until Technoblade had led him upstairs. No one was commenting on the fact that the duck hybrid had his wings out. So, Quackity took that as a nice sign and let his wings out without being cautious for once.

Dream only looked at him, tilting his head slightly. “I don’t mind her wearing it. It’s an added precaution. Manberg is the land of the hybrids so pure humans are not allowed in the country really.”

“Unless you’re fucking famous like the big men.” Tommy replied, pointing at Dream and Technoblade. “And I know Tubbo so I’m exempt too! Yeah!”

Technoblade didn’t even bother replying. He was busy double checking the contents of his bag. He has been on it for an hour now. Quackity had offered his help earlier but he was denied.

“Now, a few things about Manberg,” Dream started, attention directly at Quackity. “You can choose to show your wings or not really. The people everywhere in the entire empire wouldn’t bat an eye. Just make sure that when you are talking about Schlatt, it’s about high praises.”

Quackity raised an eyebrow, confused. “Schlatt? You’re talking about the King Schlatt right?”

Dream nodded his head. “Yeah, the proclaimed tyrant of the Manberg Empire. At least, that is what everyone is calling him.” He checked his watch. “Techno and I have some things to check out so we will have to separate at the square. Since we took this ship, we don’t really have to dock at Yatrich. We will be in Satyna, the capital.”

“Sa- wait, you’re just telling me that we will be landing in the fucking capital!?” If Quackity remembers correctly, the capital is where the castle is located in Manberg. It was like the mainland in the Antarctic Empire, except they have different terms.

“Big Q, I mentioned it to you last night.” Drista butts in. “You’re really sleepy last night so I was expecting that you won’t probably remember that.”

Quackity really has no issues in coming to Satyna but he has heard of Schlatt’s tyranny and he didn’t really want to suddenly say great things to someone he didn’t really know of their previous great acts.

He had resigned to the fact that there was no going back really. Besides, the capital has great transportation so it would be easier to come straight to Badlands. The faster that he can get there, the better.

When they got down the ship, Technoblade and Dream only led them towards the square, which wasn’t really that far. Drista wanted to come along so he was allowed. Quackity and Tommy decided to stick together, the younger wanted to meet up with Tubbo, his best friend.

“Here.” Quackity had remembered Technoblade told him when he gave him his axe. “Just in case you need it. Precautions. Take care, Quackity. We won’t take long and don’t venture into the forest near the castle, all right?”

After the duck hybrid agreed, Technoblade waited for Quackity to place the axe in his inventory before nodding his head. That was when he, Dream and Drista finally left.

Tommy was grinning when he saw them leave. He pulled up a crossbow, showing it off to Quackity. “Big Q, guess who owns this good shit?”

“What the hell, Tommy?” Quackity looked at the crossbow he had in his hand. They were in public so it was rude to get the weapon out. “Is that Dream’s?”

“Ding ding ding! Heck yeah it is!”

“Tommy?”

Quackity heard a soft voice from behind him. He saw the excitement in Tommy’s face when he saw whoever it was. So, the duck hybrid turns.

He saw another youngster. He is a hybrid just like Quackity, but he can tell that he was half ram just from the horns.

“Woah, Tommy!” He heard Tubbo exclaim. “You met a winged hybrid! That’s so cool!”

Tommy was immediately beside him, nodding his head eagerly. “Yeah yeah! Big Q, meet Tubbo! He’s my best friend. Tubbo, meet Big Q! He’s cool man. He’s hype!”

It didn’t even take a long while before Quackity was starting to chill with the best friends. They were laughing around and joking until Tommy went quiet as he looked around. It was a small gesture but it sent a small shiver down the duck hybrid’s spine as he somehow felt a sense of deja vu.

“By the way, Tubbo.” Tommy called, voice confused. “Where the hell are your guards? I can’t see them anywhere.”

“Yeah, about that...” Tubbo looked sheepish. “I kind of sneaked out because dad didn’t want me to go to the square today. The guards are probably looking for me now.”

“Fuck man.” Tommy groaned. “You know what, we should just lead you back to the castle. Big Q, you okay with that? I don’t want Tubbo to get shouted at.”

Quackity shouldn’t really have agreed. Then again, after learning that Tubbo is the prince and he didn’t even have protection around him, he knew that it couldn’t be helped. All he did was grin and nodded his head.

It was enough to make the youngsters giddy to be together for a longer time. Quackity looked at the horizon. It still looked early. Sure, they had already eaten lunch at the ship before they got down but it’s nowhere near a sunset.

There’s nothing that would happen if they went there and returned right after, right? So he agreed. He was sure that it wouldn't take long anyway.

Oh fuck, only if he knew.

-/-/-/-

The autumn air is cold as well as lovely. Bad had never been able to feel as free as he is currently feeling at the moment. He was always busy in the castle and he rarely had any free time. If he were to be completely honest, he would just spend his free time talking with Skeppy. His long-time friend had been his every day highlight. He couldn’t ever have the time to visit him, due to his duties. Now that the opportunity had shown itself in the guise of his own father protecting him from something, he supposed he would let the month of staying in Manberg worthwhile.

He had no way of telling his friend that he was royalty. Bad was afraid that Skeppy would cease to be his friend if he told him of that fact. There was no chance that he would let that happen. Just the thought of their friendship being over gave a little pang of hurt in his heart. So he had always settled for telling Skeppy that he was busy about the work that Sam was giving him. It wasn’t a complete lie- all he did is keep the fact that he is an heir.

Skeppy never suspected anything, at least, not on Bad’s knowledge. The Badland heir has never stepped foot in Manberg at all, nor has Skeppy to the Badlands. Their only contact is through voice and video calls. It was sufficient at that time but Bad also wanted to meet his best friend face to face.

Bad had just arrived at Manberg. He was given a place to stay in the castle but the meeting would officially start tomorrow. He was not greeted by King Schlatt because he was busy making sure that he had invited the empire’s nobles so Bad understood. He was able to meet up Karl instead, the eldest son and the heir of Manberg. 

Karl was different from how Schlatt is, based on how Bad remembered the King to be. Bad noticed that he looked a little aloof and had a friendly smile. He waved at him eagerly, as if he was a long time friend and not someone he had just met. It made Bad feel welcome. Noticing Sapnap just behind Karl was an added bonus of seeing a familiar face.

Unpacking didn’t really take that long. Bad always had his things organized so it was no tedious work. He wanted to take a short rest before snacktime. It was a long, one week trip from Badlands to Manberg. He is beyond tired.

The moment he laid on the bed in the guest room he was staying in, he felt his phone vibrate before hearing the ringing alert.

Skeppy was calling him. Bad sat up almost immediately and accepted the call.

“Sooooo, Bad.” He can hear Skeppy’s cheerful voice from the other end, making Bad smile. “Are you going to come visit me and when?”

“I’m free today. Skeppy. I just finished unpacking.” Bad replied. “I can come over if you want me to. I’m a little tired though.”

Skeppy was laughing. “Yes! Bad, you’re coming over?! Fucking finally!!!”

Bad was laughing along too. “Calm down, Skeppy. Also, language.”

“I’ll text you the address. I’ll see you soon, Bad!”

Bad nodded his head, even if he knew Skeppy couldn’t see it. “See you later, Skeppy.”

It was a short phone call but it was enough to give Bad energy and excitement. He could sneak out for now. He had his guards on a break so he could leave just for a short while. He can always send a short message via the phone later. It’s not like there is anything bad that is going to happen when he won’t be going anywhere else than to Skeppy’s place.

Looks like he jinxed it.

-/-/-/-

“You’re Bad right?” Quackity asked, looking cautiously at the crowd that formed around them. He had both Tubbo and Tommy standing right behind him. He has no idea how to fight, but there is no fucking way he is going to let them stand beside him at all. The adrenaline was a welcomed feeling, numbing him enough to stop himself from dropping everything and just run away.

This was not what Bad was expecting when he was finally able to get out the castle at Manberg. Skeppy had already messaged him the address. On the way there, he was suddenly surrounded by two assassins. He had heard commotion earlier, hearing a familiar voice screaming. He realized that it was Tommy then. He was just about to hide behind a tree but it was too late and he was noticed. He had his guard up but it was no use so he instead came running to try and aid Tommy and oh goodness, he noticed that Tommy was not alone. He is with Tubbo and another person who’s wearing a beanie.

This was not good. He is an heir, and Bad, Tubbo and Tommy are princes. 

Apparently, they were being ambushed by five assassins. Bad just happened to come by at the wrong time at the wrong place. They were also at a disadvantage because they were in a clearing at the forest, with no houses nearby nor people they could scream for help with.

Bad nodded his head silently. “Yes. And you are?” He replied. There was an odd sense of calm in the heir’s stance. There was no weapon to be seen but there was something in the air that was suddenly different. “Please stay back. When you see an opening, run with them.”

“What the hell? Fuck no!” Quackity cursed, making Bad turn to him sharply before looking back at the enemies. “I’m Quackity.”

“Language.” Bad whispered to him, as if he was reprimanding him.

Quackity looked annoyed for a short while, but his attention was taken by what the assassins were holding. They were all holding swords. All he had planned was to take Tubbo back to the Manberg castle with Tommy because the prince had lost his guards. That was it. Why does he always attract trouble? “Look man, we’ve been here for a fucking hour I think. You aint talkin so we have no idea what you want. You even got this guy involved.”

He was no fighter, but he knew how to dodge well. That wasn’t enough to protect anyone. All he has is the axe that Technoblade had asked him to hold onto and Dream’s crossbow, which the Skyland dweller had forgotten about when they left. He had to be really careful. 

“We’re only going to say this once.” One of the cloaked figures spoke.

Quackity gulped the lump in his throat.

“Give us the kid and no one will die.”

Bad stood up straight. He was still on guard, but he looked a little more relaxed. He was preparing to be a negotiator of sorts. “Which kid and why?”

Quackity didn’t have a good feeling about where this is going. Dream and Technoblade were both away and he was not sure how in the fucking world is he going to help fight off five assassins surrounding them. There was only him, Bad, Tommy and Tubbo. He has no idea how much of a fighter Bad is. He is basically a stranger not too long ago and now they are acquaintances because of their current predicament. He hoped Technoblade and Dream would finally come soon. They would notice that he and Tommy were taking so long. They had to stall. For how long do they have to? He has no clue.

Fuck, he hoped his shoulder doesn’t get too strained because he is still healing.

There was a short pause before the assassin replied, “The prince with the horns and you with the wings.”

Tubbo looked at the assassin when he realized that it was him that they wanted. His nervous stance earlier just vanished. Instead, he wore a blank facial expression, looking dead ahead. “So, they want me?” 

Quackity felt his heart drop when he heard that. Why would they want him too? He’s not a fucking prince and he basically has no value other than his wings. Granted, he didn’t have them covered right now. His wings were folded right behind him, twitching slightly from nervousness. Fuck, what does he do at this situation?

Even if they were behind Quackity and Bad, Tommy was standing right behind Tubbo, spreading his arm just over Tubbo’s back so that he could cover their back. The Antarctic dweller was sure that he would be the first person targeted when prompted, but he is not someone who will go down without a fight.

Technoblade had taught him how to use the sword.Tommy had his very own sword, forged specially for him, in his possession. He might not be as good but he knows enough on how to handle a weapon. He is not about to let Tubbo and his new friend be taken away. He knew his brother would come but if he might not, he will try his best.

All of them stood there, almost in a standstill. Quackity felt the sweat flow down at the nape of his neck. It was too silent that he could only hear the light blowing of the wind as well as the clock ticking from Bad’s watch.

Tick...

“Are you sure I can’t just come with you instead of, you know, getting both of us?” Quackity tries.

Tock…

He received no answer.

Tick...

Bad took a deep breath. “Can you at least tell us why?”

Tock...

Two of the assassin’s swiped their right hand at the side, taking their crossbows. They loaded it and pointed it at their direction.

Tick...

Quackity closed his eyes. ‘ Fucking hell, Techno, Dream, where are you!?’ He inwardly called out.

Tock...

The sound of spring can be heard echoing. Quackity opened his eyes to look at their captors.

Tick-

It was as if time paused when they saw one assassin froze in place before falling down, head pierced with an arrow.

Chapter End

Chapter Text

The time seemed to have resumed right at that very moment. Bad’s movement was almost immediate. Turning on his right, the Badland’s prince held a shield from his inventory and blocked the axe that the assassin had started to attack him with. There was a small click of his tongue, taking his sword as well and started making attacks of his own.

Tommy had his own sword out now too, clashing with an axe. He was able to block the attack. However, if it weren’t for Tubbo’s attack at the assassin with his own axe, Tommy would be unable to hold the block for too long. Both of them took their own stances, partnering to defeat the assailant right in front of them.

There was no thinking that needed to be done from how fast everyone’s movements came. It was almost instinctual.

Unfortunately, the assassin that Quackity was up against was the one with a crossbow. He was also within close range. The only advantage that he has is the fact that he has a weapon that he could surprise him with. He took Technoblade’s axe, and even if he wasn’t used to it, he was able to swing hard enough to cause injury towards the assassin.

Their enemies were not easily fazed, however. They were ready to finish all of them when they realized that they won’t be getting away without Tubbo and Quackity with them.

Bad was almost thrown off course when the assassin he was fighting off changed his axe to a sword. Now, their fight was starting to be on par.

Tubbo and Tommy were both defending themselves well, but it was only a matter of time until either of them would be unable to help the other.

Quackity wasn’t looking too good either. His injured arm felt numb and he has no idea when exactly he can hold out.

As if someone had heard his inner plead for help, another arrow came to aid. It flew past Quackity’s right cheek and his enemy right on his right shoulder, making him drop his weapon. When the assassin paused to remove the arrow, the duck hybrid was able to swing the axe and hit him, causing the assailant to fall down the ground, finally unmoving.

Coughing slightly from exhaustion that he wasn’t used to, Quackity turned towards the acquaintance that he had just made earlier and the youngsters with them. They were all just finishing up. A slash and a bash towards Bad’s enemy and the assassin was unconscious. Tommy and Tubbo used their combined forces to defeat their assailant themselves. A small sigh of relief came from the hybrid until he turned towards the direction where the arrows came from.

“You guys okay?” It was a male’s voice. The tone was slightly strained, as if he had just finished running towards them.

The newcomer was wearing a dark-looking armor. It looked sturdy and heavy but he was wearing it with ease. There was something about the armor that is also different, because it may have dark grey like color, but it was also shiny that it reflected a violet hue from it. He was carrying a bow and behind him was a container full of arrows. They were tinged with red. It was common knowledge that those were harming arrows.

And those were, well, illegal.

“Sapnap!” Bad greeted, relief showing on his face when he saw him. “I got caught up in a mess.”

“Yeah, I can see that.” The male, Sapnap, was grinning. He is wearing a helmet but you can still see some of his expressions. “I came by to help when I heard the commotion. Karl’s on the way. The first arrow was a stray. Did no one get hurt?”

Tubbo shook his head. “Other than the assassin that was about to fire at as, no one.” He turned to Tommy and clicked his tongue, raising both hands in defense at his friend. “Before you say anything, yeah, I will make sure that I won’t leave the fucking castle without a bodyguard again.”

“Damn right you aren’t!” Tommy says. 

He was starting to go on a full rant that Quackity was tuning out of. The duck hybrid was a little shaken over the fact that he almost died there, for real. This was a hundred times different than the fight he had in the arena, even if his fear of Technoblade then was still real. He was just about to place the axe back on his inventory when Sapnap came close to him, looking at the axe in awe.

“Holy shit.” Sapnap says. “You have Techno’s axe. How did you do it?!” He was not touching the axe but he was so close enough that he was in the hybrid’s personal bubble.

“Uh-” Quackity looked uncomfortable. “I uh- He let me borrow for protection. I’m travelling with them.”

There was another set of footprints starting to get louder as it approached. There was a loud panting as another male came and placed a hand on a tree a few distance away from them. “Okay, okay, Sapnap. You win. You run so fast.” He says, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his free hand.

The new person, or as Sapnap had mentioned, Karl, had fluffy hair. He is wearing a violet and green sweater and brown pants. He didn’t look threatening at all. In fact, at the sight of Quackity, he suddenly stood up straight and approached him, a friendly smile on his face. 

“Hello! I’m Karl!” He greeted, a hand outstretched towards Quackity.

Sapnap took a step back, turning to talk to Bad.

Quackity looked at the hand before taking it. “Hey Karl.” He greeted. He let a small smile on his face, thankful that at least Karl was not way too close like Sapnap was earlier. “My name’s Quackity. Thanks for the save.” He shook his hand.

Karl looked confused, tilting his head slightly at the side. “Save? You mean the arrow? Oh.” He let out an embarrassed giggle. “Actually me and Sapnap came around because he was teaching me to use the bow. No one got hurt right?”

“No, not really. The arrow actually saved us.” The duck hybrid replied.

“Woah really? What the honk?” Karl looked at Sapnap for a short while before turning back to Quackity. “I thought I hit someone so I got really nervous. I mean, the arrows were harming ones. And uh, we’re very far away...”

Bad placed a hand on Karl’s shoulder, making both of them turn to him. “Mr. Quackity here helped out in bringing Tubbo back at the castle even with the unfortunate events. We should let them stay indoors for the meantime. What do you think?”

Even before Karl could reply, Quackity raised both hands. “Yo, I don’t really want anything. Tommy said to escort the prince back so we did. It was fucking-”

A gasp before “Language!” can be heard as Bad interrupts.

“-bad that we had to deal with those guys but we don’t want compensation.” The duck hybrid finished as if he was not interrupted. “Me and Tommy have to go now. Pretty much sure Techno’s waiting for us.”

“Uh wait.” Karl still had his friendly smile on his face. “It’s been a while since we have more visitors. The royal meeting thing isn’t until tomorrow and that’ll be boring. You guys should come to the castle. At least until Technoblade comes. Please?”

He really should say no, he really should. But once he saw the pleading look that Tommy had when he turned to him, there was no other option other than to agree.

Sometimes he wonders why and how Tommy could influence him like this.

“Okay, we could stay for a bit.” Quackity finally agrees.

At least, he felt nice when Karl’s smile became an excited one as they all made their way to the castle.

-/-/-/-

“You didn’t get injured more right?” Technoblade’s voice was low and slightly above a whisper. It was as if he was saying a secret even if he wasn’t.

Quackity looked somewhat confused for a split second before he shook his head. “Uh no. I don’t think so.” Right after he replied, pain shot through from his shoulder to his back and down his arm, making him wince. “It’s nothing. Don’t worry.”

Technoblade took notice and then turned to look at Sapnap in the eye. “All I did was first aid but this idiot strained his injured arm. Do you have a medic that checked on him?” His tone was oddly calm, and it didn’t reflect the concern that he wanted to voice out.

The only person who came to the castle to take Tommy and Quackity with him was Technoblade. Dream and Drista were still on their way and they were not in a hurry because the Antarctic heir mentioned that he was already nearby anyway. The three of them had their own businesses to take care of so they left the two. It just so happens that he finished early. The piglin hybrid was worried when he heard from Tommy about the assassins. He thought that Dream was the person being targeted. Why were they attacking Tommy?

He didn’t know too much about the duck hybrid enough to judge him but from what his brother had narrated on the phone, the assassins were after Tubbo and Quackity.

Why?

Still, worry was what made him come to the castle as fast as he could. So here he is, worried if the duck hybrid was injured other than his shoulder. He knew his brother could take care of himself so he isn’t as worried about Tommy.

“Yeah. Doc said that he looked like he was healing nicely until the attack.” Sapnap shrugged his shoulders. He wasn’t wearing his helmet, but he still had the rest of his armor on. “He was given painkillers for the pain right after the bandages were changed and said just rest.”

Karl and Bad were both summoned by the King a few minutes right after the piglin hybrid arrived. There was a slight tension in the air when Technoblade made eye contact with the Badland’s heir before they left for the summon. Sure, he and Dream were both rivals in duels and they see eye to eye on everything respectfully. In comparison to that, there was just something about the fact that the Badlands prefer knowledge than military power that irks the Antarctic heir.

They have always been secretive, preferring wisdom than their ability to fight. It was unlike the balance that the Antarctic had been aiming for.

There is always an air around the Badlands royalties that read ‘do not underestimate.’ Bad or Prince Darryl had that most especially.

And that was not something Technoblade would do. Not in a million years.

“King Schlatt offers his gratitude by the way.” Sapnap sounded awkward. “He wanted to have Tommy and Quackity as guests or something. He knows you’re coming so he could let you stay too. You guys have anyone else?”

“Dream and Drista actually.” Technoblade replied.

Sapnap raised an eyebrow. “Dream? What the hell is he doing here?”

“Originally, I had Dream and Drista to lead me to Badlands.” Quackity was the one who replied. “Techno and Tommy were going there for business too. They came along.”

“Huh. So that was what he was up to.” Sapnap let out a sigh. “Well, since they are coming, you might as well stay. The castle is safe. We have top-grade military power. I’ll lead you to Niki, she's going to tour you around.” 

As Sapnap started to walk to lead the way, Technoblade turned to Quackity again. He didn’t say anything, just looked on in worry before he started to walk alongside him. He is glad that Sapnap came to the rescue. He didn’t know what he would do if he found out Tommy or Quackity was taken.

Oh, he actually does know what he will do. He knew that all hell would break loose.

He always had his weapons ready for war after all.

Chapter End

Chapter Text

Dream looked out the carriage that they were riding on. He had to take care of some things in another city earlier so he had no choice but to leave right after they docked. He was busy trying to track down the group of assassins that had been targeting him. He had gotten vital information about them and he wanted to disband them forcibly so they won’t cause any more problems. At first, he didn’t want Drista to come with him. Even so, he knew that he couldn’t go there alone either. She was able to give out that reason along with multiple more. His sister is skilled and he knew that, but he still can’t stop the worry, especially since he finally relented earlier. Now, they were going back from Tenarol to the capital after an unsuccessful attempt.

His friend and rival, the other person he sees eye to eye with and respect, Technoblade, can handle himself in a fight with no problem. Tommy might not have much experience in actual combat but Dream knew that he might have been trained by his brother at some point. His own sister was supposedly trained in politics but somehow got her interest in fighting and warfare. She could create weapons even in the most mundane of things and can defend herself with no problems.

They could all protect themselves in a fight so it wasn’t supposed to be an issue. However, they were travelling with another person.

Quackity.

He had been thinking about the duck hybrid a lot for the past few days while they were all together as a group. He could never really get into humans’ habit watching, which is the term he uses whenever he refers to what he knows Technoblade usually does. He finds human existence boring to an extent and interesting only if they benefit him.

His twin brother is interesting because he knows that Dexter is fit to be King more than he’ll ever be. He was more laid back than Dream is, but he had the commanding aura to him that Dream could only rival with his own charisma. Drista is too, because of her own abilities that would never let anyone underestimate her. There were many more things that he could say about his siblings that really raised his fascination with humans. 

He could say that his friends are interesting in their own ways too which meant that he wasn’t really fully biased on his brother and sister. But then again, he could not really muster any interest nor could he hold longer attention to someone not really a part of his comfort circle of siblings and friends. Unless, of course, it came to fighting. He would always observe mannerisms because that will aid him in a fight.

It has always been weird to think that way, which he only realized when he talked with Cita, their cousin, when she mentioned it. But it was what allowed him to stay objective on every step of the way.

Then came Quackity and everything about his perspective somehow flipped.

Dream has always been the stubborn one. Sure, Drista would not stop telling him that she doesn’t want to attend any manners lessons anymore but she will still come. Dexter would complain about a lot of things but he would still do it. Dream? Oh, if there is something he doesn’t like to do, he would not do it. However, when he had his mind set on the things he wanted to do, he would not stop until he did it, no matter how difficult.

Quackity is unpredictable. He was like a wave coming from the current of the deep part of the ocean and coming to the shore. Dream is aware that it is coming, but he has no idea how high up it would be.

There are times where he felt as if he would drown, until he realized the wave wasn’t really that high up.

Everytime he thought more about it, the more he realized that he is not even on shore anymore and he is in the middle of the ocean- no land in sight.

Everything that screams objective became subjective. He started to think more while connecting emotions on them. He didn’t know if it is for the better or worse, but either way, Quackity is the root of his perception turned upside down.

The duck hybrid didn’t even have anything that made him stand out, other than the yellow, almost golden-colored, wings behind him. Before he even showed those out, he was average at most. If he was another person in the crowd, there was no way Dream would even turn towards his general direction.

He is confused, more than anything. How could someone that weak, vulnerable and unpredictable, also be someone that oozes stubbornness, confidence and intelligence?

Dream didn’t know why he wanted nothing more than to protect him from any harm. Since when was it also his priority other than also keeping an eye out for his own younger sibling? Was it also wrong to feel upset when he saw how Quackity and Technoblade became closer and closer as days passed by? And feel as if his chest ached when he somehow knew that the duck hybrid was upset with him?

He didn’t like the feelings that would always come by to twist his guts. It always happens when he is around Quackity so he tried his best to distance himself. Now that Quackity barely talks to him when the others are around, whatever bad feeling he couldn’t tell he was feeling, got worse. He knew that the duck hybrid is now part of their group, a friend to all of them. He didn’t want to say anything that he is unsure of. So, he kept quiet.

Dream has no idea what to do and how he should react. Ever since the debate, he had started seeing Quackity in a different light. How different? He admitted to himself that he used him to distract Technoblade on the duel, nothing more. But now, the more he got to know who Quackity really is, the more he wanted him to stay with them, with him.  

It sounded selfish for some reason and he was still figuring things up. He knew that he would have to do what he could do best for the meantime: track all danger and throw the threat away from them so he can protect. Not only could he assure himself that no one would get hurt, he would also be able to give himself some more time to ponder.

“Aren’t we going to go faster?” Drista asked.

Dream turned to Drista, finally getting back from his thoughts that started to plague him. “Uh, not really. Techno’s on the way. He can handle this.”

Drista nodded his head in understanding. After a short while of silence, she looks out at the window too. “When can we tell Big Q that we’re royalties? I don’t want him to flip the crap when he finds out that all of the people he’s surrounded himself with are princes, a princess and heirs.”

“I know.” Dream replied. He let out a deep sigh, looking at his hands. “Honestly, I’m not sure. Techno didn’t even tell Quackity that he’s a hybrid either. I think we should wait until the threat is gone for good.”

“You do know that you guys are setting us all up, right?” Drista clicked her tongue. “Big Q’s a really great guy, even if we only met him recently. He’s not fit to come to our usual, crappy lives full of threats everyday since he’s our friend. I don’t want him to get hurt, Dream.”

“I know that.” Dream replied, nodding his head. He turned back to the window again, watching as houses passed by like a blur. He remembered the injury on the hybrid’s shoulder. A brief flash of anger entered his mind at the memory of the assassin that dared attack Quackity. “I know.”

-/-/-/-

Something was off.

Quackity had engaged Sapnap in a conversation. The royal guard was pretty much chill in the duck hybrid’s opinion, which was ironic once he also found out that Sapnap is a blaze hybrid. There were a lot of things that Sapnap told him. Some of those were why he had harming arrows while it was illegal. Apparently, the royal guard of Manberg had crafted those himself per Schaltt’s orders. The duck hybrid learned from him that Karl is the eldest son and the heir to the throne after Schlatt. 

He didn’t have to throw teases towards Sapnap’s direction because from the way he was talking about the heir of Manberg, he could hear the fondness in his tone and he could see the blush on his face not explainable by the castle’s temperature.

Quackity, despite himself, felt jealous. He wanted to meet someone who can talk about him the same way Sapnap does with Karl. The friendly prince was so lucky.

He also knew that he and Sapnap would be great friends just from their short interaction and he is right. They were walking through corridors upon corridors as they talked, until they got to the kitchen and met up with one of the most beautiful women that the hybrid has ever seen.

“All right, we’re here.” Sapnap says, gesturing at the only person in the room they are in. “If you need me, just let Niki know. I’ll rush over. I have to go see Karl now.”

Technoblade nodded his head while Quackity smiled at him. “See ya later, man!”

They both watched Sapnap leave before they both turned towards the sound of a mixing bowl making contact with the ceramic counter. The female hybrid washed her hands and wiped them on the nearby cloth, before she made her way towards them, a kind smile on her face.

“Hello! I’m Niki!” The female, Niki, offered her hand at him. She had light pink hair, almost similar to Technoblade. She had noticeable elongated ears atop her head. A rabbit hybrid. She was also wearing an apron, clearly busy with either cooking or baking.

From the smell of pastry in the air, the duck hybrid could tell that she was baking cake.

Quackity shook her hand, smiling in greeting. She seems really nice. “Hey, I’m Quackity.” He says.

Niki nodded her head at both of them. “Yes, I have heard. You and Prince Bad were able to come by and save the prince from a kidnapping attempt. How heroic!”

“Wha-” Quackity raised an eyebrow. “Bad’s a prince? Holy shit that’s so cool!” He was grinning. Bad didn’t look like he was one, at least, that is how the duck hybrid sees him as. From the way the prince moves, he seems more like a trained royal guard, just like how Sapnap is.

Niki giggled at his enthusiasm. “Yes! It was his first visit here at Manberg, which was why His highness was a little disappointed for the lack of guards at the time.” She narrates. “Please come along. Sapnap must have told you that I should tour you around right?”

“Yes please!” Quackity replied. He turned towards Technoblade, who has been silent the entire time. He even looked bored and uninterested. The entire place looked like a really, huge castle from outside and even if he didn’t really know how to feel about the empire’s leader, he was still excited to have the opportunity to get around the interior.

Technoblade hasn't muttered a single word after he decided to talk to Sapnap. He would look once in a while towards him, which he pretended not to notice.

Quackity didn’t want to assume anything. But from the way the pink haired warrior would look at him in worry, it made his heart race. 

Which is already a problem by itself… until he realized that he felt the same for Dream.

He’s not stupid, he knew the feeling of love. But right now, it was not something he needed. And even if he does, the feeling won’t ever be mutual. They were both humans who both just happened to care way too much about him. Maybe he was confusing love over appreciation…

Technoblade always make sure that he was eating a fair share of food, while Dream would always engage him in small talks here and there that would get heated the moment they got way into the debates. The pink haired warrior tried his best to not look as if he cares, but he would see the appreciation and fondness in his eyes when Tommy would do something both stupid and annoying. He has heard of every stern instruction Dream would throw at his sister, but at the end of the day, they would both bond over battle strategies that Quackity had never understood about why.

They were both too kind to him, despite meeting in a weird circumstance. They treated him like he was one of them, like he was human despite the wings that he had hidden for the sake of his own protection. They protected him, each in their own ways. That was why he was starting to fall deeper.

And he couldn’t help it. 

It was a headache-inducing mess, so he would usually ignore the feeling. Conflicted feelings of crap should not be something he should focus on. That was why he wanted to leave for Badlands immediately.

He would notice Technoblade’s concerned glances as well as Dream’s kind gestures here and there that made him want to stay more with them, even if he knew it was unreasonable. His goal should be straight to the point. He respects his mother’s final wish so he would fulfill it.

Feelings he couldn’t express for the two he knew won’t feel the same way is just going to cloud his judgement. So, he continues to ignore them, stopping himself from assuming anything and hoping his heart could bear it.

Just a little bit longer. Just until he reached the Badlands and finally cut the contact for good before he fell even deeper with no chance to get back up.

“...so you don’t really need to worry! The walls around the castle have always protected its occupants. We do take pride in our military power.” Quackity was pulled back as Niki began to narrate over the history of the walls as they walked.

Quackity nodded along. He was only half-listening as Niki pointed towards the statues they pass by, a quick history about the generation, upon generations of how the country came to be.

When they stopped at the final statue, Niki’s smile was fonder, more serene like.

“And this is the statue from our current ruler, His highness Schlatt.” She paused. “Other empires would call him a tyrant but really, if it weren’t for him, other hybrids from across the world would still be afraid of going out. He made sure that hybrids will be protected in this land, giving us equal opportunities and freedom. He was able to unite us all unlike the other leaders from the past. We are all very thankful for him...”

“Oh...” Quackity replied, looking at the tall statue before them. He had only heard rumors about Schlatt and hearing the facts from Niki made him change his opinion about the ram hybrid leader of Manberg. If he has done so many great things, why was he still called a tyrant?

But of course, he already knew the answer. The other empires wanted to paint him in bad light. Because he was a hybrid.

“Anyway, do you want to have rooms across from each other? Tommy wanted to stay with Tubbo so they will be having a boy’s sleepover of sorts.” Niki says. If she noticed anything different about Quackity’s current mood, she didn’t say anything.

Quackity wiped his forehead, moving the stray hair away from his face and back in his beanie. He half succeeded, half failed, as the action did make his hair in but there were still some that were left. “I think rooms just across each other will be nice.”

“Okay! Please follow me.” She led them further inward, going upstairs. She is an incredible guide- her smile didn’t falter nor did she sound as if she was tired narrating about every little detail. She greeted them a ‘see you later’ after she saw Quackity and Technoblade settle in their own individual rooms after a while.

Quackity, all but laid on the soft mattress. He looked at his right, which looked empty as he settled on the left side of the bed. He knew that Technoblade was just in the room near him. Ever since he went away from comfort, he has been in far more trouble than it was worth. It was either him that was the problem, or it was the people he has been with. Or maybe he was just overthinking.

-/-/-/-

“Your highness.” Antfrost called, kneeling on one knee as he kept his head low on the ground. “We bear news.” He was accompanied by two other soldiers, each one of them doing the same before their king.

The king was wearing robes of green, red and gold. His crown was as present as it always was. He was facing his throne, when the soldier entered. “Go on.” King Sam says, turning to them.

“Her death was confirmed to have been more than a week from now.”

A shuffle of robes echoed at the silence of the room. “What? What about Alexis?”

“There was no child bearing the name, your highness. But she was living with a hybrid child for the entire time she was away. It could very well be him.”

“Do you know his location yet?” Sam’s voice was soft, as if afraid to know the answer.

Even without seeing his face from the lack of lighting from the King’s current position, Antfrost knew the tone of worry. And so, he cleared his throat. “No, but your worries were confirmed. The Subtarey Empire have been found out to recruit the exiles of the Skyland Empire. A recent report of an assassination attempt on the hybrid child happened at the Antarctic Empire.”

King Sam took multiple steps forward, expression morphed into a mixture of worry and determination. “Please, find him and bring him back to me. I know he has questions and I’m sure Giselle never told him anything.”

Antfrost nodded his head. “We are currently tracking out some clues. At the moment, it seems that they were planning on heading up north from the Antarctic Empire. We are trying to confirm the rumors of a winged-hybrid sighting at the Manberg Empire.”

“They?” King Sam echoed.

“Yes, your highness. If the sources are to be trusted, we believe that Alexis could be travelling with the skilled assassin from the Skylands, Dream, and the undefeated warrior from the Antarctic, Technoblade.”

“Father? Who’s Alexis?”

All four occupants of the room turned towards the far-side of the room. No one had noticed the second prince came in and so, everyone was caught off guard.

Sam looked guilty, raising his hand to dismiss his soldiers. “Antfrost, we will talk later. Please update me with everything.”

“Of course, your highness.”

When they left, Sam finally turned to his second son. George doesn’t normally wear his crown and cape at all, preferring to wear his usual violet coat with embroidered patterns of mushrooms on them. At the moment, his son was wearing what he was supposed to, as a crowned prince.

“Well, are you going to answer me?” George sounded impatient, and for good reason.

“Gogy, look.” Sam took a step forward towards him. “I can’t explain it right now. I don’t want to put you all in danger I-”

“All you have to do is tell me who this Alexis is! You’re being overly secretive. If you think I’m as oblivious and completely obedient to you like Bad is, you’re wrong!”

“George, please-”

“No, listen to me, dad!” George was fuming, which was unusual. “I’m not some freaking child anymore! You never told us why mom ran away and for what? All you did was keep everything to yourself. Now, we’re both here fighting over who the hell Alexis-”

“He’s your brother!” Sam finally lost control, spilling the truth. “The only hybrid that would’ve been the prince in thousands of generations in this country.”

“...What…?” George sounded dumbfounded.

“I didn’t want anyone to find out, okay? At that time, our people didn't accept hybrids. They wanted to kill Giselle after Alexis was born… I don’t- I can’t bear it, George, I can’t...” Tears pooled at Sam’s eyes.

For once in George’s life, he finally saw how tired his father looked. “But why didn’t you tell us? We could’ve helped!”

“No, you won’t. You won’t be able to.” Sam shook his head. “I made a deal. I don’t want to break it. If I am the only one to bear it until the grave, then I will, to keep you all safe.” He turned around, attempting to leave.

“This leaves more questions, please, dad!” George attempts to call him.

He was silenced by the King’s determined glare. “This discussion is over, George. Please don’t tell Bad either.”

The only sounds that can be heard are the echoes of footsteps fading away as the prince was left in the room alone.

Chapter End

Chapter Text

When nighttime came around, Niki came by to knock on Technoblade’s door first. He opened the door for her. She knew exactly who he was, but he was thankful for not saying anything at all. He was hoping to talk to her earlier but he didn’t have the time. Besides, Quackity and Niki looked like they were going to be close too.

“Oh. I’m not expecting you to open the door, Prince Dave.” Niki greeted, a little sheepish.

Technoblade shook his head, raising his right hand to stop her. “Please, call me Technoblade for now. I wanted to thank you for not spilling anything to Quackity earlier.”

“You’re welcome, Prin- erm, Technoblade. Quackity is not referring to you and Tommy as princes so I assumed that he doesn’t know.” She whispered, turning briefly at the door just behind her. “If it’s not too much trouble, would you like me to know why?”

“All right.” Technoblade opened the door wider. “Come in and we’ll talk. Just for a short bit. We can’t let him hear.”

Niki gets inside the room. It was one of the few furnished rooms that she did not handle the cleaning of, which means that she never had the liberty in getting in the room herself. The most prominent feature was the small chandelier in the middle of the room. The bed was still made when she looked at the right. There was also a long, L-shaped couch, on the left side, with a small coffee table in front of it.

King Schlatt liked to give his guests the best rooms, at the same time, show off how minimalist the rooms were. He had always thought that it was best that way, because it would clog the room if there were way too many decorations.

Technoblade gestured for the couches and Niki decided to sit on the edge. “Where to start?” He asks himself, letting out a small groan.

Niki watched him sit down on the other edge of the couch.

“All right. It all started at Canarell...”

-/-/-/-

Dream and Drista finally arrived. Since they arrived riding a carriage, a lot of the servants were perplexed about their late arrival. They had assumed that they were there for the meeting for tomorrow, until they realized that it was the prominent, skilled brother-sister assassins from the Skyland Empire. 

Despite the misunderstanding, they were still both led inside the castle. There wasn’t much conversation between the siblings, as well as their guide. Both of them had experienced coming into the castle far more times that they could count. The silence stayed only because there was nothing to talk about between them. Add to the fact that it was their first time to see the servant.

If there was something that they both heed, they both know not to say anything in the presence of a complete stranger, especially in familiar land.

Dream had taught his sister that it was already natural for anyone to be wary of spreading information in a foreign land, but they had to be extra careful when they already knew the place all too well. They had both gone on a debate with the topic, which he won by a landslide (dare he must say) but he had always told her it was easier to let your guard down once at the first sight of familiarity. Hence, the extra carefulness needed.

In the life that they lead, they may be humans, but they felt like hybrids being hunted day by day. That was one of the reasons why Dream and Drista understood where the hybrids are coming from. They understand if they suddenly become defensive and maybe hostile to them. It was only fair, their pure human ancestors have done a lot of shit that they are now facing the consequences of.

It was one of the things that Dream wanted to change in their empire. But it is not a one day’s work. Dexter and he had been going through their plan ever since the elder twin got the kingship. It will take time but the sibling royalties of the Skylands knew that it would be worth it.

They were led towards the dining area. The servant had explained that they will be led towards the guest rooms right after dinner. Dream only nodded his head. Sure, they arrived late, but it would seem like they arrived early for the last meal of the day.

“Did you ever talk with King Schlatt?” Drista asked, curious. She sat on the chair that was right in the middle of the table, on the head table’s right side.

Dream sat right beside her, on her left side. “I have. Very charismatic man. We play chess whenever I visit him.”

“Huh. Of course. You like chess.” Drista replies. She looks at the rest of the empty chairs. “Looks like there’s a lot of guests. I wonder what’s the occasion?”

“I think there’s going to be royal meetings for a week. But I’m not sure. Techno said that Prince Bad is here so that might be the reason why.” Dream says. He took his communicator, checking if Techno had sent him a message yet.

“Dream?”

At the sound of his name being called, Dream turned his head towards the direction where he heard it. It was Bad. He was giving him a big smile and a small wave. Dream stood up and made his way towards one of his friends. Bad had his arms outstretched for a hug which the assassin took it to himself to hug back.

“How are you, Bad? It’s been a while!” Dream says, right after he pulled back.

Bad’s smile never left his face. “Yeah! You know I don’t really leave the castle. It’s the first that I actually came here alone.”

“Alone?” The assassin echoed, turning to his sister for a brief moment before his attention got back to Bad. “So, King Sam isn’t around?”

“No, he isn’t. He never told me why.” The prince of the Badlands replied. “I really can’t say it out in the open...”

Dream waved his hand in front of him. “I get it. We can talk somewhere else after dinner.” He sat back on the chair that he was back earlier.

Bad took his own seat right across Drista, who waved at him. He only nodded in return. “I had no idea you are travelling with a really nice hybrid, Dream.”

There was a short silence. No one can be heard other than the assassin’s small, worried sigh. “Can you tell me how he is?”

-/-/-/-

The entire dinner time was unbearable.

At least, for Techno.

He has no idea if Dream could tell that he was in a really bad mood, but he can tell that Dream was in the same mood as he is.

King Johnathan Schlatt, the emperor ruler of the Manberg Empire, father of Prince Karl and Prince Tubbo and a known tyrant, has been interested in Quackity the entire dinner time.

Don’t get him wrong, Techno does not care if the King would engage them in a conversation. But from the way he was addressing the duck hybrid, it was as if he was showing way more interest.

“Please, refer to me as Schlatt.” The King had said. It was something he had never let anyone, not even his nobles and his late wife, to refer to him at all. It was always King or Emperor, the latter was something you can use if you want to be in his favor.

Quackity only nodded his head, looking slightly awkward at first. He gave him a polite smile and responded with. “Okay, Schlatt. I’m Quackity.”

There was light chatter around the dinner table. They were not the only ones eating too. The King had his rightful place in the head table, sitting beside him on his left and right, are his sons. Some of the nobles were sitting next to them. Quackity sat at the opposite head of the table, Technoblade on his right and Dream on his left. Drista and Tommy were both beside their brothers and Prince Bad settled to sit right beside Tommy. He was supposed to be sitting across the younger assassin, but Tommy made him move seats.

Techno noticed that Quackity seemed to be getting comfortable the longer they stayed. Karl had been engaging them in conversations, which the duck hybrid is more than willing to respond to. Some of the nobles were also intrigued, asking where he was from, among other questions that Quackity answered honestly.

They never asked about the wings. Technoblade can see that they had no intention of doing it either. They were more respectful than anyone the Antarctic heir has ever met amongst the humans and that was saying something. 

There was a time that the ram hybrid leader had asked Quackity if he liked to play chess, which the duck hybrid replies in a positive tone. It was also the time when the duck hybrid finally started cracking jokes, which earned him laughter from everyone. It felt lively, so the piglin hybrid played along.

Then again, the chess part was the only clue Technoblade got that Dream is in the same pissed off and irritated mood as he was in.

Still, they can’t really do anything. When dinner ended, Technoblade only walked along with them as a group, Niki was their guide back towards their rooms. There was a bitter taste in his mouth that he just couldn’t get out. The talk with Niki earlier provided some realization that he knew he won’t ever come into terms with on his own.

“Is that what you’re actually feeling?” He can hear her voice echoing in his mind.

He had let out a tired sigh then, before nodding his head.

There was silence and what she said had haunted him the entire dinner contemplating if it was true. “Are you sure that you’re not just in love with Quackity?”

He was in denial. But seeing the back and forth banter that Schlatt and Quackity had at the dinner table, he can somewhat accept it now.

He is in love with Quackity.

-/-/-/-

Jealousy is such a foreign word- a foreign feeling he never gets to encounter.

Well, not anymore.

Dream knew the raw emotion of flowing envy in his veins at dinner earlier. Envy is such a strong word, such pure unadulterated emotion that when you let it settle in your very core, could make you do cruel things.

And if he were to be completely honest, he was at a loss.

Envy is different. Dream did not desire to do anything cruel, no, what he wanted was nothing of the sort. And yet, if he calls it jealousy, was it safe to say that it was love? Or was it an obsession?

His desire was far more deeper than he could ever have thought it would be. If it was love, why would he feel as if he was drowning? Why does it feel like he was getting overwhelmed yet he wanted to keep coming back for more? He wanted Quackity, but not in the sense of obsession. So, he, at least, knew that it wasn’t that. He wanted him to be happy. But was it considered love?

He sees him happy with how he interacted with Schlatt and the rest of the hybrids around the table as if he was truly at home. But why does it feel as if there was something pulling at his heartstrings saying that this wasn’t where the duck hybrid should be?

That this place… wasn’t meant to be for him?

There wasn’t really much time after dinner. They were all exhausted, each for their own reasons. Since Quackity had decided earlier that they would have rooms just near each other, the section where their rooms are, were only accessible by them and Niki, since she is their current guide. Tommy would be staying with Tubbo, so he was the only one that didn’t come with them.

All of them exchanged evening greetings before they all went to bed.

Dream doesn’t like concluding something he was not sure of, but he knew that he was getting close to the answer that he had been seeking.

-/-/-/-

“It was my pleasure to meet you in a very short amount of time.” Schlatt says, moving the knight forward.

It was early morning. Quackity had already taken a short nap the previous day that when he slept last night, he woke up in the morning earlier than usual. He wanted to walk around so he did. He didn’t expect to meet the King so early but he wasn’t about to decline when he was invited for a round of chess.

“Ah.” Quackity replied. He was looking at the board, preparing for his next move. “You don’t really seem like shit, like everyone else says about you. I mean, not that I think that you’re that bad-”

Schlatt raised a hand to stop him, shaking his head as he chuckled in amusement. “Being painted in bad light is fucked up but I’m used to it. I have a saying that if you can’t handle the hate, you can’t handle business.”

Quackity hums, finally moving his bishop. “I’m not really one for business but I get what you mean.” He looked up, grinning. “Check.”

“You’re a smart guy, pumpkin.” Schlatt compliments, slipping into the nickname that Quackity had been hearing him refer to him. “And honestly, with what you said earlier, it would be a shame for you not to stay.”

The duck hybrid watched Schlatt take his bishop with a pawn. “I’m not that smart. And I won’t be gone. I was just looking for someone up north.” Quackity replies. A smirk surfaced on his face as he moved the rook forwards. “Checkmate.”

“Huh.” Schlatt looked back down at the chessboard. Sure enough, his king was cornered both by the Quackity’s queen piece, which he didn’t notice, and the rook he just moved. “Well, five rounds of chess and you win three. Chess seems like child’s play to you.”

“What? Hell no!” The duck hybrid shook his head as he let out a short laugh. “It’s a hard game to learn. It took me ages to know how strategies work.”

“Self-taught?” Schlatt’s tone was curious.

Quackity nodded his head. “Yeah, self-taught.”

“Oh?” The ram hybrid king raised an eyebrow at him. He leans forwards, fingers interlaced in front of him. “Do tell me… do you play any instruments?”

“What made you think I can play?” It was Quackity’s turn to raise an eyebrow at him.

“Just guessin’” Was the response he had gotten. “I’ve never heard of anyone who plays chess who can’t manipulate an instrument, or at least knew how to sing.”

The duck hybrid sighed and nodded his head at him. “I do play an instrument: a guitar.” He looked at the window from behind them, noting that the sun was higher up in the sky than he had remembered. He stood up slightly in panic. “I uh- I think I have to tell the others that we’re leaving soon.”

“Tut tut.” Schlatt raised a finger at him. He stood up, height difference evident between them which the King didn’t mind. He took his time to dust the non-existent dirt from his suit. “What kind of host would I be if I let you leave without eating breakfast? Follow me.”

Chapter End

Chapter Text

Breakfast was uneventful, other than the shared glare that Technoblade and Dream had. That was the first thing that Sapnap had noticed. Bad had told a servant that he would not be joining breakfast for some reason, so he wasn’t there to converse. The Prince of Badlands mentioned he was going somewhere and left that even Sapnap, one of his friends, didn't know where. 

The Manberg royal guard was standing right behind the emperor, watching over the surroundings as well as the guests around the table. Sapnap knew his best friend more than anyone, having been friends practically since birth. There was just something about the atmosphere that Sapnap felt the urge to grimace. He noticed Dream’s shoulders were tense, so was Techno’s. All around the room were small talks seemingly like short icebreakers and hushed whispers. He is glad that he didn’t have to talk at this moment. He wouldn’t want to deal with that.

He is curious though, about Quackity. Dream and Sapnap weren’t given the chance to talk yet since he was busy guarding Karl. He knew that Dream was here for business, or whatever it was. He might be able to corner his best friend to talk about it later. But not here, not in the dining room where the emperor, his sons and their guests are currently gathered.

There was nothing really weird about the duck hybrid, well, other than the wings he has. Sapnap only knew one winged hybrid in his lifetime, King Philza of the Antarctic Empire. Now he knows two. He wanted to know where he came from and what he was doing here? Why was he being treated as if  he’s someone to be protected by two of the most dangerous and strongest warriors of their generation?

Even the Emperor of Manberg was treating him like a very important person.

Just who was Quackity and how is he able to charm his way like this?

He stopped his musings when the duck hybrid looked like he was about to stand up, smiling as he nodded at Schlatt. 

“Thank you for the wonderful breakfast, Schlatt.” Quackity says. “I think I will see the garden for myself with Dream and Techno if you don’t mind?”

Sapnap raised an eyebrow as the tension disappeared from the warriors’ shoulders.

Schlatt nodded his head. “Of course! If you need anything, Niki is at your service. Give her a call anytime, pumpkin.” The emperor’s tone was sweet. Sapnap couldn’t see his face but he shuddered awkwardly at the nickname.

Just like that, the tension was back in the air. If glares could kill, Sapnap is sure that Dream and Technoblade would have left the emperor on the floor after murdering him in cold blood.

Quackity doesn’t seem to notice. Did he just winked at Schallt!? “Yeah, sure! Thanks again, sugar spice!” He chuckled before turning to Dream and Technoblade, gesturing for them both. “Let’s go?”

Technoblade was the first to rise, teeth gritted. “Excuse us, Emperor.”

Dream hums, but he doesn't say anything.

Quackity stood up first, followed by Technoblade and Dream. They left without another word. Drista, Tubbo and Tommy stayed in their seats engrossed in their own conversation, as well as the rest of the visitors the King of Manberg had. The Emperor continued the exchange of ideas with his people, the little royalties didn’t even bother tuning in at all.

Schlatt leans backwards a little, leaning to his right side where Sapnap was standing. “Don’t mind Karl for today. Go follow them and tell me what they were up to.”

“Yes, your highness.” Sapnap replies, nodding his head. He did a small bow as he finally left his place there.

Just who is Quackity really? He has to know.

-/-/-/-/-

“No, Quackity. You’re going to get yourself hurt.” Dream shook his head.

Quackity narrowed his gaze at him. “No I’m not! Quit protecting me like some damned damsel in distress. I’m not one!” 

Technoblade sighed as they walked. There was only silence when they left the dining room. At least, until Quackity broke it and started asking Dream if he can train him in using an axe. The duck hybrid had a keen eye then, since Technoblade has always been better with a sword than an axe, while Dream’s specialty lies on the opposite. “Why do you want to learn how to use an axe when you have used them in the arena before?”

At his question, Quackity’s attention was fully his. “Emergency purposes! I can’t go half-assed anywhere without getting my ass kicked every time. Got played by the blade until mister smiley masked man arrived then. I was shot and I was almost killed! I can’t keep relying on one of you to save me again and again.”

Technoblade raised an eyebrow at that. It was a valid reason. “Dream, if you won’t teach him how to use the axe, I will.”

Dream stopped walking. He stared at Techno’s back, right until both Quackity and Technoblade stopped as well. “No.” He replied. If he had his mask out, he would probably be glaring.

At least, that was what the other two were thinking based on his body language.

“No?” Technoblade echoed. “Why?”

“Just…” Dream trailed off. “Well, I- look. You can’t do it here because it’s foreign territory. If it was back in the Antarctic, sure. But here? Just no.”

Quackity was quickly irritated. “Fucking no, Dream? Really? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Are we back to treating me like a stupid kid again?!” 

Technoblade is definitely one moment away from stepping back and letting the two quarrel again. This time though, Dream wasn’t making any sense. “Is there a reason why you don’t like to teach Quackity? And don’t give us the same reason as ‘he will get hurt.’”

“I just don’t think that it is a good idea here in this castle.” Dream replied. There was no other explanation. He went silent after that.

“You know what? Fine!” Quackity was glaring at Dream. It only took two steps and he is within Technoblade’s personal bubble, holding him by the wrist. “If you don’t want to, you could’ve just said so. Techno’s gonna teach me how to use it instead. Come on Techno.” He was starting to walk, pulling the pink-haired warrior with him.

Technoblade looked awkward but he didn’t say anything. He let himself be led away. But not without one last glance at Dream, who let himself be left alone.

Dream watched them walk away, shaking his head a little in disagreement. He had been having a bad feeling since yesterday. He has no idea where it was rooting from. He let out a tired sigh. Better to have Quackity upset at him than pass on a worry. 

“Dream.” A voice from behind him called out, making him turn around.

It was Sapnap, head slightly tilted at the sight as he walked towards him. His stance was clearly confused, yet intrigued. “Where’s Quackity and Technoblade?”

“At the garden to spar.” Dream replied. He didn’t elaborate anything further nor did he sound as if he wanted to talk about it. 

Sapnap raised an eyebrow. There was something different about Dream, yet he couldn’t quite place out what. There are other concerns at the moment. “Aren’t you worried?” He asked. Sure, there’s nothing to worry about. Then again, they are talking about Quackity sparring with the Technoblade, which is Dream’s rival, who also happens to be one of the two people acting as the duck hybrid’s bodyguard.

“I am worried.” Dream replied. He turns to look at where Quackity and Technoblade had disappeared to. “But not because of that. Did you notice something weird is going on?”

“Huh? How weird?”

“Weird as how Schlatt treats Quackity, that’s what.” Dream says. “And how your servants seemed to be taking a very big interest when we arrived.” It felt a little relieving that he was telling his best friend about his worries. But at the same time, he has no idea if he really should tell him. Sapnap is still part of Manberg, after all.

“Are you sure you’re not just overthinking, Dream?” Sapnap crosses his arms. “I mean I know how it is being targeted most of the time but there’s a lot of visitors and everyone is trusted by Schlatt.”

“Are you sure?” It was Dream’s turn to tilt his head to the side. “Maybe I’m overthinking, but I’m worried. I am prepared for what’s coming, if there is. My gut feeling was never wrong before. Let’s hope it is.”

-/-/-/-

“I can’t believe you fucking lied to me!”

“Hey! Language!”

Skeppy huffed, throwing his left hand in the air in his usual fit of irritation. He is in his living room, right hand holding the phone while he was on call with Bad. His friend was supposed to have visited him yesterday, but he failed to update him on his whereabouts. It got him worried. He had been trying to call him the entire time, resulting in countless missed calls on Bad’s mobile. He was sure that Bad only saw his calls and voice messages in the morning. The audacity of his best friend to call him during breakfast, almost half a day’s worth of time, made him angrier.

“Look, I’m so sorry, Skeppy.” Bad said from the other line. “I didn’t mean to. I was at gunpoint yesterday while I was going to your house. Well, crossbow-point, more like. People had advised me not to pass by the forest near the castle but I did. I’m sorry...”

“What do you mean, crossbow-point? Is there someone trying to kill you? What the fuck did you do Bad!?”

“NO!” Bad exclaimed. 

Skeppy heard a loud sigh at the end.

“I’ll explain myself more later, okay? I’ll still come over. I don’t think you’ll get it if we’re both talking on the phone. Is that good?”

Skeppy hums, pretending to think about it. Truth is, he really wanted Bad to come over. They have never met physically. He just wanted to finally see the other face to face. Now that Bad is in Manberg, which was a rare opportunity in and of itself, they have to hang out even for just a day. He had so many things to do that he had to cancel them yesterday. He is planning to cancel them all again today, just for Bad. “You know what, fine. Bring me a peace offering and you can come.”

“Really?” The hope in his best friend’s tone made Skeppy smile.

“Yes, really.” Skeppy rolled his eyes, but his tone was fond. “Now, get here or I will drag your ass here myself.”

“Yes, okay. See you, Skeppy!” There was a short giggling from the other line before the call disconnected.

Skeppy shook his head in amusement, looking at the phone in his hand. “See you later, Bad.”

-/-/-/-

Karl had just finished breakfast and was on his way back to his room. He was humming, looking around the castle that he has been living in his entire life. Being the son of the Emperor, it was the first time in generations that they have an heir without hybrid characteristics. Karl looked like a normal human, but he was very clumsy. Sometimes, an airhead, while other times, awkward. He is known to have a very bad short-term memory, which is why Sapnap’s only task was to be with him and guard him at all times.

They talk a lot. Karl remembers that the first time they met, Sapnap was a very short-tempered teenager. They used to quarrel all the time, unable to stand each other. It wasn’t until they found common ground that they were able to hold conversation. After that, they seemed to have the same interests. If Karl is interested in Sapnap in a different way than everyone expects, only he knows of it. But to know if his personal royal guard liked him the same way, he would never know. He never asked.

“Prince Karl?” A voice called out, taking Karl out of his daydreaming.

“Yes?” He said, turning around and giving the person a warm smile. He may be walking, but he was also starting to daydream there so he was glad for the interruption.

The servant smiled back, bowing before him. “If it is not rude, may I ask where the royal guard is?”

Karl waved both hands in front of him. “Ah… please call me Karl and it’s not rude. Don’t worry.” He hums. “I’m not sure where he is. But he’s just around after Dad had him run errands.”

The servant nodded her head. “Thank you very much, Prince.” Another bow. “I am one of the new employees in the castle. I was tasked to clean Prince Tubbo’s room. Can you please show me the way?” 

Karl nodded his head eagerly. “Yeah, of course! I’ll lead you there.” He began to take the lead, looking behind him to see if the servant was following him. “What’s your name, by the way?”

“My name is Tyra.” 

Karl hums in response. They didn’t exchange any more words after that. The heir of Manberg was busy thinking about when Sapnap would be back while they walked. It didn’t take a long while before they arrived.

“Here’s Tubbo’s room. See you around Tyra!” Karl eagerly waved his hand at her, about to turn around to get in his own room. He had been trying to read a book he had received a month ago.

He heard a small gasp. “Wait, Prince!” Tyra called out, stopping Karl. “I- was the door always open?”

Karl looked at her, raising an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Tyra pointed at the doorknob. “| was about to get the key from my pocket and realized that the door didn’t need to be unlocked because it already is.”

“What?” Karl asked again. He steps forward, the servant stepping back herself. He turned the doorknob and it was open. Opening the door wider, he plans to inspect why the door was open in the first place. Tubbo always locks his room’s door after leaving, especially if it was every meal. He would never forget to lock it. Unless, someone unlocked it and is currently inside.

Before Karl could turn around to the servant, he felt a blunt object hit him on his head from behind. He was unable to react, falling down on the ground without making another sound. 

“You should have been careful, my liege. You never know if something’s gonna happen.”

It was what Karl last heard before his vision immediately blacked out.

Chapter End

Chapter Text

“You’re doing it wrong.” Technoblade clicked his tongue. He took the axe from Quackity, holding it with both hands. He relaxed his shoulder, making sure that he had both feet apart and his stance was right. “You have to hold it either with your dominant hand above or below, depending on how you’re going to strike. A downward attack will have your hands positioned like this,” he explains, right hand on the upper part of the handle. “And an upward attack will be the opposite.”

Quackity watched closely, looking at the positioning of Technoblade’s hands. “So I really have to use two hands for a battle axe, huh?”

“Yup, especially with my battle axe.” Technoblade handed the axe back to the duck hybrid. “When you’re used to it, you can try one hand-wielding. Right now, you need your non-dominant hand to help support you so you won’t fall over and lose balance. Capiche?”

Quackity nodded his head. “Okay, I think I got it.”

Technoblade hums. “Good. Now, try it on the pole.”

Taking a deep breath, Quackity relaxed his shoulders. Technoblade had been teaching him all about the axe since half-an-hour ago. He had learned a lot of techniques, based on the explanation the pink-haired warrior had. There is no way he can apply all of them at his current skill level. Still, he is aware of the different kinds of axes that he could encounter and he will be ready to wield any of them, theoretically at least.

Technoblade’s axe is a double-hand wielding, battle axe. It meant that Quackity needed to learn about holding it with both hands. His stance earlier was off, definitely nervous about it having two sharpened edges. He was also warned that he has to be very careful, since any attack he gives off, can be countered back to hurt him, if his enemy was more skilled than he is. It was the exact same problem that he had when they were ambushed. Even if they were able to survive and tell the tale, he was sure that he may not be so lucky the next time.

Then again, he is hoping there won’t be a repeat of that.

Quackity narrowed his gaze a little before finally swinging, hitting the pole in the middle. He took the axe back right after, bringing the sharp edges on the ground.

“Good, good.” Technoblade nodded his head in approval. “It didn’t feel like you put too much strength, right?”

“Huh.” Quackity looks at the axe. Then, he turns to give Technoblade a smile. “Yeah, it doesn’t. Thanks, Techno.”

Technoblade averts his eyes. “You’re welcome.” 

Quackity has no idea what is wrong with Technoblade. He wasn’t sure when exactly he noticed it. But there are times where either the pink haired warrior would talk to him and other times just completely averts the start of conversation. Then again, he can tell that Technoblade always had his guard up. He and Dream have always been expecting any form of attacks ever since Quackity met them at the arena. He had been attacked twice, and his shoulder had healed enough that all he is only reminded of it from a dull pain of soreness sometimes.

He could understand them in a way. Sure, he was not the primary target, but seeing his wings became a yellow neon sign, shining bright to his possible assailants. Then again, he had been expecting this outcome when he decided to leave his hometown. At least, he could remember just how much humans and hybrids were living there in almost perfect coexistence.

“Okay, Quackity. Enough.” Technoblade says, placing a hand on Quackity’s right hand. He took the axe from his hand. “Rest up before lunch. It’s been two hours. Proper rest is also included in training.”

Quackity didn’t even notice that they had been on it for two hours. He looked at Technoblade, in slight confusion first before nodding his head. “Yeah. Okay.”

“You were in the zone.” Technoblade says. “Seemed to be in deep thought but also paying attention to what I was saying. What are you distracted about?”

“Huh, what?” Quackity raised an eyebrow at him. “Yeah, it’s nothing. I guess I was too harsh at Dream when he didn’t want to teach me. I should probably apologize.”

The pink haired warrior merely shrugged. “You guys fight like kittens. It was getting annoying. You two should talk.”

Do they really fight as much as Technoblade as mentioned? Quackity never realized. Maybe Dream didn’t either.

“Yeah, I think so too.” Quackity agreed. “But we need to talk too.”

“Heh?” Technoblade raised an eyebrow at him. “What for?”

“You’ve been quiet around me. Well, quiet-er.” Quackity shrugged. “It was like you’ve been avoiding me since we got here.”

“Look, Quackity.” Technoblade placed a hand on the duck hybrid’s shoulder. “Talk to Dream first and then we’ll talk.” He raised his axe, handing it to the other. “Second round? I’ll use my sword.”

It was as if the pink haired warrior was avoiding the subject, especially when he just told Quackity to rest and then suddenly wanting to spar again. Then again, Quackity found himself nodding his head. He grinned as he took the axe. “You betcha! I’ll kick your ass!”

-/-/-/-

Sapnap was getting worried. He has not seen Karl the entire day other than breakfast. It wasn’t a long time when he caught up to Dream to talk to him. His best friend had retired to his room right after they had talked. He didn’t know what Dream wanted, but it didn’t look like he wanted to join Technoblade and Quackity at the garden. So, he took it upon himself to watch them.

The spar he had watched could be described as nothing more than spectacular.

He knew that Technoblade was rumored to be the Blood God because of his natural talent in any weapons, especially the sword, while also leaving pools of blood in the battlefield as if it was massacre. What he didn’t expect was Quackity to be a fast learner, on a battle axe owned by the warrior with him, let alone take on every instruction that Technoblade had and replicate it as it was described.

Sapnap only watched for an hour. He knew that he had to update Schlatt about what they were doing in the garden so he did. Schlatt seemed like he didn’t care. But from the longest time that he had been serving the emperor, Sapnap can tell that he was more than interested. For what reason, he had no idea. He couldn’t really just ask the Manberg leader straightforwardly.

After reporting, he had to look around the castle to see Karl. There was something really wrong when he realized that the heir wasn’t around for lunch or dinner. Worse, when he asked some of the servants, nobody mentioned seeing him around. Schlatt didn’t even seem to notice that his son was skipping the meals. He was enamored by the conversation that he was having with Quackity while giving off smug looks towards the death glare that Technoblade had been giving him and the tension ever-present on Dream’s shoulders, indicating his irritation.

The entire night was dedicated to looking for the prince. Nobody but Sapnap was taking it seriously. Everyone was busy with their own thing, especially since there were visitors for the kingdom. It was not looking good, and the gut feeling he had had turned for the worse.

There was one more area that Sapnap had not searched yet. It was the servant’s room. Although it was unlikely that Karl would be there, the royal guard is not taking any chances. If he was taken, he had to make sure that he was able to look for the heir everywhere and make sure that his hunch was right.

It was already showing early signs of morning. He hoped that he would find Karl before dawn or he would be screwed. 

He made his way towards the kitchen, where Niki was.

“Niki.” Sapnap greeted, looking at the window outside. “Good Morning.”

“Good Morning, Sapnap.” Niki gave him a small smile. “What’s wrong? You aren’t usually up this early.”

“Yeah, long story.” He replied. The look on his face must be an indicator that something has happened because Niki looked worried. “Do you keep all the keys for the servant’s chambers? Those that are vacant.”

Niki nodded her head. “Yeah, I have copies of all of them. Why do you need them?”

“Called it by gut. I think Karl has been missing. I need to check the entire castle to know where he is.”

“And you think that he might be in the servant’s rooms?”

Sapnap nodded.

Niki wiped her hands on her apron. She removed it and placed it on the counter. “Okay. Tell me where you last saw him while we get there okay? I’m not sure if anyone has ever used the vacant ones but we have to think rationally.”

And so Sapnap told her every detail. Niki was nodding along at his story. It didn’t take them long enough to reach the part of the castle where the servants stay. It was nice that there weren’t a lot of people around the castle, especially at dawn. There was just enough to prepare for breakfast in a few hour’s time.

Niki made a small detour to her room to take the keys she kept there and then began to lead the way towards the vacant rooms.

“Do you want to split up to cover more ground?” Niki asked, about to split the keys into two groups.

“Yes, please.” Sapnap agrees. “If it means that we can find him quickly.”

Niki gave him some of the keys. “Those unlocks the doors from the right. I’ll take the left. Let me know if you found him. If not, we’ll alert the emperor.”

That would be the worst-case scenario. Sapnap hoped that he didn’t have to resort to that. He will be royally screwed, as well as maybe kicked out of his job. It was stupid of him to be away from Karl’s side when he, clearly, needed him the most.

Door by door opened. There was no sign of Karl in any of the vacant rooms that Sapnap had been opening. Little by little, he was slowly being filled with dread. He didn’t want to think of what could happen to the heir. He just wanted to find him.

He came to the last door on his side. Unlocking the door, worry weighing heavy in his steps, he opened it and stepped in.

“Please, you have to help me! Please, whoever you are! I need Sapnap. Please call him.”

It was Karl, tied up on a chair and blindfolded. 

Chapter End

Chapter Text

Technoblade couldn’t sleep. Even so, he decided to lay there and only get up two hours after dawn, wondering why he was feeling as if something was amiss. He had been coming and going in this castle for as long as he had known Schlatt, which was five years ago, right when the latter was crowned King. The prince of the Antarctic Empire is well aware of how strong the walls are that currently houses them. Reinforced with the world’s strongest metal, netherite, it was impenetrable.

Even if he knew that he should be able to let his guard down, he can’t help but feel uneasy. He is not about to throw his gut feeling out of the window. It was the thing that had always kept him alive while he was being hunted or challenged at every turn after all.

The voices were still silent, which Technoblade is thankful for. It was easier to think without the constant overlapping noises in his mind that he had to constantly deal with. They may tell him useful information, but most of the time, they want him to follow them to the path of destruction and offer them blood.

He is not called Blood God for nothing and that was the reason why.

Technoblade had made up the bed he slept on, used to the fact that he lives mostly on his own ever since he decided to live in his small hut back near Canarell. Breakfast was coming soon and he was not about to miss it.

Making his way out the room, his ear flicked a little in discomfort. He was so used to hiding them flat before placing his crown. A force of habit that made him unable to even admit that he was a hybrid like Quackity is. It doesn’t mean that it was comfortable, rather, it was not. He was just way too used to it that it felt wrong not to cover them.

‘The duck is not in his room.’ One of the voices says.

Great, the silence the prince wanted was gone just like that.

‘Yes, yes.’

‘Tommy? Where’s Tommy?’

‘The little gremlin is gone, Techno.’

‘Gone? He’s gone!’

Technoblade was fast on his feet. He has no idea what’s going on. But there was no way the voices would just tell him that Tommy is gone when he isn’t.

“ What do you mean? Tommy’s with Tubbo. ” Technoblade mutters under his breath. It may have just been morning, but he didn’t need anything to wake him up more except for the sudden pump of adrenaline caused by the slowly, accumulating panic.

‘No, he’s not.’

‘Yes, he is.’

‘Drista is with them.’

‘Technoblade, they’re taken.’

‘They dare get your brother, Techno.’

‘Blood for the Blood God.’

‘Blood for the Blood God.’

‘Blood for the Blood God.’

Technoblade ignores the beginnings of the chant in his mind. He immediately knocked on Dream’s room. “Dream? Dream, are you awake?”

There was shuffling at the other side of the door. The door opens, which reveals Dream’s face, who was yawning. “Techno? Do you need something?”

“I’m not sure.” Technoblade replies. His facial expression gave no clue to anyone that he has been hearing the chant of a thousand voices screaming for blood. “I have a bad feeling about Tommy, Tubbo and Drista.”

Dream seemed to have composed himself after hearing that. He opened the door a little wider. “What happened? Is it the voices?”

Technoblade never told his assassin friend about the chanting, but he should’ve known that he would know enough about him anyway so he knew he’ll just ask in the future. It is not the current priority. “Yes. The three are gone. I have no idea when, where and why.”

The Skyland prince nodded his head. He donned in his trusted hoodie and mask. “Okay, we should be able to find Niki in the kitchen by this time. We look for her and ask where they were last in. Use that as a clue.”

Technoblade could see that Dream was level-headed even when it was his sister possibly missing. He hopes he can keep the same composure as well. He wouldn’t like them to see the reason why he had a red cape to begin with.

-/-/-/-/-

Quackity looked around them as Schlatt and he walked along the corridor. “I’ve never seen a material that sturdy.”

They were once again walking together. It seems to have become a habit of sorts. Quackity woke up a little earlier than dawn and Schlatt would too. They were just about to head to the garden, right after they had finished five rounds of chess. Quackity lost 2-3, which was a close call. Schlatt had been praising him earlier as well.

“Of course.” Schlatt replies. He took a step forward towards the walls and touched them. “They’re the pride and glory of the nation Manberg. Reinforced with netherite, it’s impenetrable. Not even for a century, pumpkin.”

“Emperor Schlatt.”

Quackity and Schlatt turned to see Sapnap, who looked panicked as well as out of breath. “I bear news.”

He would normally sound awkward when he calls higher-ups with honorifics, at least that is what Quackity had noticed him before. At the moment, he looked like something was of dire importance.

“Well? What is it?” Schlatt sounded impatient.

The duck hybrid also noticed that there was a slight edge of anger in his voice.

“I’ve just heard that Prince Tubbo, Prince Tommy and Princess Drista are gone from Prince Tubbo’s quarters.“ Sapnap finally says, straightening his back. He looks ready to get whatever punishment he is about to face.

“What!? How? You were in charge of them.”

Sapnap shook his head. “Emperor, I may be in charge of the entire fleet but I am not in charge of their security. I have been searching for Prince Karl. The heir has been missing for a couple hours. I have just found him tied up in one of the servant’s rooms. You have me in charge with Prince Karl w-with all due respect sir.” The voice break betrayed the tough act that the Royal Guard had.

Schlatt looked even angrier. “Well!? What the hell are you standing here for!? Look for the person in charge, bring him to me and get everyone to look for them! This is a national emergency and royalties missing under my security fucking compromises my country! GO!” 

The royal guard nodded his head. Quackity has no idea how Sapnap was able to run with the heavy looking armor on. Then again, if he was to be shouted at like that by Schallt, he would probably do the same. 

“Hang on. Drista and Tommy are royalties?” The duck hybrid asked. He knew it was not the time, but he didn’t miss the honorific, even in such an emergency.

Schlatt turns to him, anger still in his eyes but his expression softens. “Yes, and now that their security is compromised under my jurisdiction, the other kingdoms’ respect for this country because of the reputation I built for years is gone to shit. Fucking hell.”

Quackity only nodded his head. He can confront Dream and Technoblade later. For now, he knew that there are more pressing things at hand. If he can help, he definitely would. Tommy and Drista were like his siblings in a way by now. Tubbo was a kind person to him too. “Okay,” he replied. He didn’t know what he looked like but he could feel determination in his veins. “Can I help to look for them?”

The Manberg leader shook his head. “You’re a guest, pumpkin. I’m not letting you. They should be found out before even their brothers find out they’re missing.” His response was succinct, sure. 

“What the hell? I’m not just gonna stand here and do nothing.” Quackity replied. Eye contact was maintained- brown eyes to brown.

The ram hybrid clicked his tongue. “Suit yourself. First, you are coming with me on the throne room and wait for my incompetent people. Information first.”

“Uh yeah, of course.” The duck hybrid nodded. He fixed the beanie on his head as he followed Schlatt. He knew he was dropping everything for people who were practically strangers. But they were kind to him, even if secrets stayed unspoken until today.

He had to confront Dream and Technoblade about Drista and Tommy. Are they really siblings or are they just covering up the royalties’ identities to prevent them from getting hurt? He wanted to know and he will.

-/-/-/-/

King Sam was standing on the balcony of his room. He had been looking for his son for so long. His youngest, his third-born child, was forced to live with his wife and run away from the castle because of a rumor he couldn’t quite take control.

“Demon! The Queen is a demon!”

The townsfolk were none-the-wiser. They thought the Queen to be a demon even when she presented herself as a human. One mistake was all it took and the secret was out. She was not fully human, she was a hybrid. Darryl and George never showed the physical attributes of a hybrid. Alex, however, showed wings. 

Banishment. That was what the townsfolk wanted. They were all right about the eldest and the second child to stay. The Queen and the youngest have to leave. As their king, he had to relent and let go. 

There were no apologies. Tears were shed but no words were exchanged. The place they were supposed to be banished to was dangerous. It was at the land far, far east- right near the prison that housed a hundred criminals waiting for the day they were freed from it.

He didn’t want them to die, but the possibility was so high. He had to make a deal. 

And it was a deal he is going to keep secret up to the grave.

“King Sam.”

Sam turns around to look at Antfrost, who bowed when they made eye contact. “What is it? Did you find Alex?”

“Yes. It would seem that there is a winged hybrid named Quackity travelling with Technoblade and Dream that meets the description. They are currently at Manberg.” Antfrost replies, straightening his stance. “I have some of the fleet preparing to come to the nation. Is there any other steps you would like me to take, your highness?”

“Come in peace.” Sam replies. “Tell them I am looking for him to be summoned here immediately. If you come into contact with Bad, let him know of the situation. Any orders that may counter mine, ignore.”

Antfrost nodded his head, but his face showed guilt and confusion. “How about Bad? Is he going to come with the fleet back too?”

Sam nodded his head. “Yes. I want them both back. Make sure that they have to come back before two weeks. Notice the necessity, Antfrost. I trust you.” 

“Of course, you’re highness.” Antfrost bowed again. “Anything for the royal family.”

“Dismissed.”

Antfrost paused before nodding his head. He looked like he wanted to say something but Sam didn’t even care nor bothered to ask what it was. The royal adviser and guard took his leave. 

Sam watched as he left his room. He is tired, even more than the years he had to deal with the court and the mess that happened almost 21 years ago. It may have been a long time ago, but he is sure that one day, it will still backfire. George has no care of the crown and his eldest has proven to be capable. If the townsfolk have not accepted his youngest, who knows what could happen?

He looked over the balcony over the numerous oak trees planted overhead. His deal will catch up to him soon. The safety of his children has always been his priority. His wife might be gone by now but he knew that she would understand the necessary sacrifice he is about to give.

-/-/-/-/

“Dream?”

The Skyland assassin turned around to see Sapnap. 

There was smoke enveloping him, but the blaze hybrid doesn’t seem to notice. “Look, I’m sorry about your sister I wasn’t-”

Dream raised a hand to stop him. “No, Sapnap. It’s not your fault. This is a problem. We all need our heads to look for their location. Can you tell us what’s going on? Schlatt won’t tell us anything, will he?”

Technoblade only looked on, frown set deeply on his face. His arms are folded in front of him as he watches Sapnap. He respected the hybrid as a fighter, but if he was the reason why their siblings are missing, he is not about to let him off the hook. Still, he didn’t say anything.

Sapnap noticed his silence, but he knew that Dream was still asking him a question. “Schlatt has summoned everyone in the throne room. No one’s permitted other than his fleet.”

“Which includes you?”

“Duh, especially me.” Sapnap sounded as if he had calmed down. The smell of burning clothing wafted between them but the smoke enveloping the hybrid was gone. “Niki is in there too so if you’re looking for her in the kitchen, you won’t find her there.”

Dream hums in response. That was something that he had anticipated. They won’t be allowed in, which makes it a clue that something is really going on. There was something else that he had been wondering…

“Where’s Quackity?”

Sapnap’s eyebrow rose in suspicion at the simultaneous question the princes had asked. He would have to ask his best friend what’s going on later. “He’s with the emperor,” He replies. “Says he can help bring them back. Looks like he’s getting some serious VIP thing with the King, you know?”

Technoblade took a step forward. “Bring us to them.”

It was an order.

Sapnap looked nervous. He knew the ability that the Princes before him held, but he had never seen Technoblade in action before. He cannot disobey direct orders of redirecting both of them away from the investigation though. He turned to his best friend, almost as if he was pleading not to let him do just that. “Dream, you know I will risk getting fired. I’m in huge shit since Karl and-”

“Sapnap, you know we have a better chance.” Dream fixed his mask in front of his face, a gesture he does when he is confident.

Technoblade was looking at Sapnap without any expression on his face. Despite what he was saying earlier, it looked as if he was also trying to keep a level head. It was greatly appreciated. The blaze hybrid would have no idea how he was going to keep himself together. There was just so much happening: Karl went missing for hours, found him and now the royalties were gone.

Sapnap sighs. “Fine.” He replies. “But you will stay in the room I will put you in. I can’t disobey Schlatt, but I can’t ignore my friend either.” He offered them both a smile. “Come follow me.”

If the emperor won’t let the older brothers help out, Sapnap might as well step in. It was their fault they went missing under their watch. It was only fair to let them help than to keep them away. Besides, even if wanted to see the blood god in action, he is not about to risk being on the opposite side of his blade.

-/-/-/-

“These stupid brats! What do we get from getting this stupid kids anyway?” A male voice echoed in the dark room.

The only light source came from the fire crackling from the fireplace. There was nothing much to see. There was one bed in the corner of the room, where three teenagers were sound asleep. Occasionally, the sound of chains can be heard echoing, as one of them moves from their slumber.

“We get the money that is promised of us.” Answered a female’s voice. It came from a figure sitting on a chair right across the fireplace. She doesn’t seem to be facing it, rather, she was looking at the bed, where their ‘visitors’ were chained on. “Prince Tomathy of the Antarctic Empire, Princess Drista of the Skylands and Prince Toby of the hybrids from Manberg- they are proper warriors even if they are royalties. We got them all in one fell swoop.”

The male scoffed. “Of course we got them scot free. For now, at least. The glory could once be ours again, when we get the end of the bargain.” He was standing at the side of the door, watching every move, both from those asleep and those awake. They were not the only ones in it, but their voices can be heard by everyone in the room.

“Yeah,” she replies. “We will get our son back with this too. Not for long now.”

The male nodded his head. “Not for long now.”

Chapter End

Chapter Text

Karl is shaken up. He had no idea how long he was tied there, not seeing anyone but he was very sure that someone was in the room with him for a few hours before he was left in the next hours. He is glad that he was found out by Sapnap, who looked relieved when Karl saw him after the blindfolds were off. For sure, he will have the scolding of a lifetime by his father.

He had no idea who the maid was. He had forgotten what her name was. Even so, he is glad that he remembered her from her appearance.

It was hard not to, especially when the maid does not have a hybrid characteristic that physically manifested. He will be able to tell who she was. Hopefully, it will be able to help out whoever was behind all this.

Sapnap had asked him about all the details. Karl told him everything that he knows. He is not stupid. He may have bad short-term memory, but he has a keen facial recognition. 

The Royal Guard had been patient with him. And he has no idea how else he would be able to tell anyone what happened other than Sapnap.

He may not remember her name, but he told Sapnap what she looks like. Blue eyes were the most prominent. She had a fair complexion, and black, curly hair tied in a ponytail. She had a soothing voice, which she had used to fool him. 

How could he be so stupid? He should’ve waited for Sapnap to finish the errand that he ran for his father. Maybe he didn’t have to be caught in this kind of mess. Maybe, the maid would not get in trouble.

“It’s not your fault, Karl.” Sapnap’s voice echoed in his mind. “If it’s someone’s fault, it was mine. I’m sorry I’m not around when I should have.”

“But it’s not your fault!” Karl remembered himself protesting. “It won’t be yours. You weren’t there!”

“Exactly. And if you won’t blame me, then blame the maid, all right? No one wanted this to happen. It’s not your fault. And if it isn't mine, then it isn’t ours, okay?”

Karl stood up from his bed and began to pace in his room. He had promised Sapnap not to open the door for anyone other than him for the meantime. He is sure that the meeting that his father had gathered out of nowhere was not only for him, but also for his missing brother and guests. 

There is nothing that he can do now other than wait. Sapnap will be filling him in on what actually happened anyway. He’s just currently stuck in his room for his own protection, while they settle all affairs without him there. He wanted to talk to their guests too, especially Quackity, since he seems like a great person. Maybe when the crisis is over, he will get the chance.

-/-/-/-

“You fucking idiot!” Schlatt’s voice can be heard echoing in the throne room.

Everyone was silent. Quackity was looking at the maid in front of them in slight pity. He then averted his gaze, not wanting to get in between the current exchange.

“I promise you, Emperor, I didn’t know where the prince was at all today.”

Sapnap entered the throne room right then and there. There was a narrowed look from his gaze. He had remembered exactly what Karl had described the maid looked like and he had relayed that information to Schlatt before the meeting began. He is glad that Karl was safe now and he is sure that he won’t let him out of his sights anymore.

“Silence!” Schlatt stood from his throne. He is well aware of the downward gazes his people had. He didn’t care. They knew him and he only got this angry when anyone he cared about was in trouble. They also knew what he was capable of. Now, added to the fact that not only was Karl missing for almost the entire day yesterday, he also had his other son and guests missing now, worse case scenario, kidnapped. “Oh I got proof. You think I will go ahead blaming shit outta nowhere?!”

He turned around in Sapnap's direction. The Royal Guard looked as if he was trying his best to conceal his anger. “Sapnap, tell them what Karl told you.”

“Of course, Emperor.” Sapnap nods his head. “New employees have heard of the heir’s bad memory and underestimated it.” He steps forward so that he will be seen by everyone. He stood right beside Schlatt, who was clearly fuming.

There were no signs of relief from anyone in the room, even if it was Sapnap who was about to speak. He is the leader of the army, apart from being the Royal Guard. Even if he is more lenient than their Emperor, he was not the leader for nothing. Besides, he was well known to be one of the best warriors in their generation, even if he was not on par with either Dream or Technoblade. 

If there is a proof, then, they can all tell where this is going. It was a betrayal of the throne.

It will either be lifetime in prison or beheading.

“A maid asked to accompany the heir. When refused, she asked if he could lead him towards where the younger prince’s room is. The door was open upon arrival and when the heir looked in to investigate, he was knocked unconscious. The name was not remembered, but her appearance was pretty much mentioned...” Sapnap paused, looking at the maid.

The maid’s expression was aghast. She looked like she was not expecting such a complication. She remained silent, however, knowing full well that she will be given a chance to speak when she pleads for her non-guilt.

Sapnap was not done. “The heir had described her as fair complexion, blue eyes, curly hair-”

“I admit it!” The maid closed her eyes, turning her head at the side. “I only did it because I was forced to. They’ll kill my family!”

“Who? Who threatened your family?” Sapnap asked.

“They call themselves the Elite Skydwellers. Please believe me! Emperor, I only did it because my family was in trouble. I don’t know anything else! They said they would kill them if I didn’t give them information. If- if I didn’t give them entry. I swear-”

“You gave them entry in my castle!?” Schlatt’s voice echoed. Pure anger in his stance, he was glaring. “You do realize that you have betrayed the throne right? No matter how much stupid trouble your family is, you know what you have done!” He looked at everyone in the room. No one was meeting his gaze. “Let this be another lesson to everyone. Betrayal to the throne is betrayal. I decree lifetime in prison, because I’m merciful. If Sapnap and my people are not able to find the prince and his friends by sunset, you will be beheaded tomorrow morning. Get her out of my sight!”

“No, please! Have mercy Emperor!” Tyra screamed, trying to get away from the hold that two soldiers have on her. “Please! I told you what I know!”

Schlatt ignores all the pleas that he can hear and turns to Quackity, who was standing a few distance away behind him. 

Quackity looks on guard. He had pity in his gaze at the maid that was just dragged out of the room, but he didn’t say anything. It was an issue of the castle that he was not affiliated to, even if he was also a hybrid. He doesn’t belong here so he is not about to dip himself into how they deal with things. However, that doesn’t mean that he can’t feel pity towards her. 

“Schlatt.” Quackity called, turning to him to see that Schlatt was actually looking at him with an unreadable expression. “I think I have heard of the group.”

The Emperor hums, looking like he was trying to calm himself down and failing. “Yeah? What do you know about them?” 

Quackity sighs. “Well, not much. But those guys had attempted against mine, Techno’s and Dream’s life just a few days ago. Dream knows a lot more about them than I do. I remembered that he said that they could be the elite skyland assassins that were exiled years ago. That's all I know about them.”

“Sapnap, you know about the exiled assassins right?” Schlatt says, turning to his Royal Guard. “If Dream mentioned it to Quackity, surely, he would have told you.”

Sapnap nodded his head. “I know a lot about them. They are more than capable enough in the art of killing. But since they had kidnapped the royals, I believe they have a different reason why. Do you want me to get Techno and Dream?”

“What? No!” Schlatt had his eyebrows furrowed. “If they find out about this, then so be it. But we are not saying shit to them. We will have our own investigation and we will find them on our own. They got my son. I am not about to sit here fucking idle.”

There was not a single sound of muttering can be heard from the crowd when Schlatt finally gave them his attention. “Everyone! I want all of you to find out my son’s whereabouts. I don’t care whatever it takes but remember a hefty reward awaits those that can find them. Do not let the townspeople know about this. Question the bitch if you have to.”

-/-/-/-

Bad is nervous.

No, there was nothing to be anxious about but he is. Scratch that, there is a reason why. If anyone is going to ask him what it was, he is not about to tell that person that easily.

It isn’t definitely because he is about to meet Skeppy face to face for the first time after a year of knowing each other.

Definitely not.

He took his time to get there. It was not exactly walking distance, but it was near the main square where most businesses are so it wasn’t that far either. He didn’t bring anything with him, other than his sword for his own protection. Skeppy doesn’t know that he is royalty, and he wanted to keep it that way.

He has no idea what to expect when he gets there. He and Skeppy had been exchanging small back and forth banter about which one of them was taller than the other. He wasn’t really interested in that at all. He was just wondering if the Skeppy that he had met through a friend and had been talking to through phone calls for a year now is different from the person he is about to meet.

Bad is definitely not nervous at all.

He didn’t expect to see a large mansion standing before him in the exact same area that Skeppy had instructed him to come to. It wasn’t as big as the castle that he was staying back in the Badlands, but the size of the house that he is currently in front of was maybe a fourth in size, which was immense in and of itself. 

Mustering enough courage, Bad finally knocked on the gates. He waited for a bit before a tired sounding Skeppy came from the door. “Who is it?”

“Skeppy?” Bad felt as if his throat had been constricted for some reason. “It’s Bad. I uhm- sorry I’m late.”

There was a loud rustling from the other side of the door, which made Bad’s eyebrow rise. It didn’t take long before the door burst open and Skeppy was looking at him straight in the eye. They stood there in slight awe, looking at each other as if they were seeing something impossible happening before their very eyes.

It was Skeppy who moved first. He opened the gate, stood a few meters away from Bad, before finally taking the remaining space in between them to give a him a hug.

“Bad!‘ Skeppy was practically rubbing his face on his friend’s face in affection. “You finally made it!”

Bad was still frozen there before giggling at Skeppy’s oddly affectionate gesture. He returns the hug. “Skeppy! Of course! I told you I will come over right?”

Skeppy pulled back slightly, looking at his best friend. “I still can’t believe you fucking made it!”

“Language!”

“I can’t believe it took us a year before we met personally.” Skeppy replied, ignoring Bad’s lecturing tone. “Come in! I had the maids prepare brunch. I told them you were coming over.” Skeppy took a step back and ushered Bad inside.

Bad only noticed that he had a smile on his face when he realized that his cheeks had started to hurt. He took a small breath, before finally following his friend inside. They have a lot of things to catch up on, something that a year talking through the phone will never compare to.

-/-/-/-

“Hey Sapnap.”

Sapnap turns around to look at Quackity. “What’s up?”

They have just finished the throne room meeting. The soldiers were ordered by Sapnap earlier about their strategy to cover more ground. Since it has barely been a day, he knew there was no way that they were able to get out of the nation that easily. Karl’s disappearance was used as a distraction for the Royal Guard and he felt stupid not realizing it sooner.

Schlatt left the throne room without Quackity right after his order. The duck hybrid only stayed there not because he was not given any invitation to leave, but it looks as if he was staying to offer his help whenever he can.

“This isn’t prying,” Quackity started. “But you’re the type of person who will not betray your friends right?”

Sapnap raised an eyebrow. “Of course not. Why are you bringing that up now?”

“Oh fuck sorry. I didn’t mean any offense, man. I was just asking.” Quackity raised up both hands in slight surrender. “And based on your answer, I’m pretty sure that the question you asked Schlatt earlier, well, you have already told Dream and Techno about what’s going on, huh?”

Fuck. Was Sapnap that readable? Or was Quackity just quick to notice?

Quackity looked at the soldiers that were already leaving the room. “Don’t worry, there’s no way I’m telling Schlatt. I just want to know if I need to explain myself on why I’m here in the first place. I hate making people worry.”

Sapnap sighed in relief. Well, that is one problem down in his book at least. “Y-yeah. I told Dream and Technoblade about it earlier. They’re in the room nearby, listening in. They needed information, and I’m not about to directly disobey so it’s the only solution I can think of.”

“Huh. Okay. That’s quick thinking, Sapnap.” Quackity nods his head. “There’s actually a favor I wanted to ask you with. Do you know of a spot in the castle where we will be out of earshot?”

It was a weird request, especially because Quackity is basically a stranger that just so happens to take Dream’s, Technoblade’s and even Schlatt’s trusts seemingly in a heartbeat. Sapnap knows nothing about him, nor was he able to talk to him other than when he had guided them the first time they had arrived. 

Quackity looks as if he had noticed his hestiance, because he was looking at the door just across the hall. Sapnap felt a little nervous. It was the same room where he had asked the warriors to stay in after all. Did the duck hybrid actually find out that fact earlier? He was pretty sure that Schlatt wasn’t able to realize it at all, especially since he was taken by emotion.

This is dangerous. But he can’t really feel any hostility at all.

So instead of saying no, Sapnap found himself nodding his head. “Yeah, I know a place. Is this favor going to help?”

Quackity turned to him and nodded his head, not really responding verbally.

“Okay. Come follow me.”

Chapter End

Chapter Text

“Where have you been?”

Quackity let out a sigh when he heard the voice. He turns to look at Dream, who was standing there with his arms folded in front of him. “I’ve been around. I was in the throne room earlier at the meeting. I figured I needed to help.”

“Help with what?” Dream asked. “It’s been hours. We were waiting for you at the dining room to eat breakfast with.”

Quackity raised an eyebrow at the response. He didn’t even notice that they were in the throne room that early. He had to stay there, and ask for Sapnap’s favor somewhere they couldn’t be heard. His newly acquired friend was more than shocked at his request, but it was something he thought was worth it. “Help with finding your siblings. I assume you already know, since I have heard you were in a room nearby.”

There was a visible pause in Dream’s stance, making the duck hybrid sigh. “Yeah, I know about that too. I asked for Sapnap to take me to Karl earlier to ask for more information. There wasn’t a lot really. I thought I should let you know that.”

Dream nodded his head. “Schlatt won’t be giving us any information. You were there too, we heard from Sapnap. You weren’t talking but I can tell that Schlatt has been valuing your opinion.”

“Jealous?” Quackity can’t help but say. He had a grin on his face, and his left eyebrow was raised. “But yeah, I made a rushed decision and asked if I could help without telling you. I figured Sapnap will update you anyway. I guess he won’t be able to do that right now.”

“Why? Is it because he is with Karl?”

“Mhm. Said that he won’t let the heir get out of his sight or something.” Quackity says. He looked at Dream, who didn't seem to say anything more. “Where’s Techno?”

“He’s in the garden. I’m about to go there too, if you want to join me.” Dream offered.

Quackity weighed in his options. The favor that he had asked was something that he wanted to accomplish with Sapnap later. It meant that he didn’t have any time to ask either of the warriors he was with to train him in using the axe or sword in actual combat. They were all running out of time. He wasn’t stupid. He may not have any idea on where his friends are, but surely they will be able to find them.

So, as much as he wanted to join them and spend time with them for that matter, Quackity had to set all of those aside to fulfil what he had promised: to help out.

“Ah- nah, Dream. I’m cool.” Quackity gave him a smile. “‘Sides, I think Techno wants to spar with someone he’s on par with. I’m actually tired. I’m gonna hang around in my room if you need me.”

Dream looked hesitant and frankly, the duck hybrid couldn’t blame him. They weren’t able to tell him that Drista and Tommy were royalty and that was fine with him. It wasn’t exactly a lie if they just didn’t mention it to him. The subject just didn’t come up in any situation. Still, it would’ve been nice if he was aware. After this entire thing was finished, he was sure that he would be talking to them. 

“Yeah, okay, Quackity.” Dream finally said. “If you need anything, we’re at the garden and planning. We still need to know what other information you got from Karl.”

Quackity nodded his head. “Of course, man. I’ll see you after the rest time, Dream.”

Dream hums and finally walks towards where Quackity had just come from. Quackity watched the other before heading inside the room he was staying in. He looked at himself in the mirror from top to bottom, looking at the wings that settled right behind him. They were free, just like when he was back from his hometown, that hiding them during the start of his journey had been a distant memory. He can’t help but feel that Manberg was where he belongs, even if his mother specifically told him to seek for his father in the Badlands.

After everything, he hopes Schlatt wouldn’t mind him staying here, unless his father wanted him to stay on the land he had been tasked to go to.

First line of business, he had to go to Sapnap. Lying to Dream about getting information from Karl earlier and the lie that he had just said about resting was to give him and Technoblade relief. There was something else that he was planning on doing. 

There was a knock on the door, making Quackity turn towards its general direction. It couldn’t have been Dream, since he had watched him leave. Unless, the Skyland warrior had forgotten something then-

“Quackity, it’s Sapnap.”

“The door is open.” Quackity replies.

Sapnap opens the door, wearing his entire armor. The helmet that he had not been wearing when he was not on a mission or around Karl, is worn this time. He was looking at the duck hybrid before he entered and locked the door behind him. “I got their message.”

Quackity locked eyes with him, his stance frozen, clearly not expecting the news. “They responded?”

Sapnap nods his head. “Yeah, they did. As stupid as that favor was, it worked. Karl was left with a way to contact them. They were willing to negotiate with you instead of with the Emperor.”

Quackity let out a shaky breath. So, his idea worked, somewhat.

“That was what Karl told me, at least.” Sapnap looked confused. “But if that was the favor, why did you ask Karl in the form of a letter? You could’ve just told me and I can talk to those assholes that dared touch the heir-”

“It’s fine, Sapnap. I was thinking that they would be more willing to talk and listen to the heir than the royal guard of one Emperor Schlatt.” Quackity says, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Besides, it was a long shot. I thought they wouldn't be reaching out so I tried to build communication with them. At least this way, we’ll find them quicker.”

Sapnap raised his hand towards him. “Here’s the letter. Karl told me not to open it and said that it’s for you. I can’t open it since it’s sealed anyways so don’t worry, but he wrote whatever it was quickly so let me know if you can’t read it.”

“Thank you, Sapnap. You can go now, man. I’m sure you don’t want Karl out of your sight.”

Sapnap nodded his head. “Yeah, anytime man. Thank you for doing this. I know Dream can be a bit, well, too much- I should know. I’m his best friend. You’re my friend now too, and I can see why they seem to respect you. But whatever you’re planning, you have mine and Karl’s number now, I think Karl wrote it there. Tell us if you need help. All I know from Karl is that you were given some instructions to do under a day. I’ll help out in buying you some time in case people find out you’re missing. Good luck, man.” With those final words out and two pats on the shoulder as a final form of ‘good luck,’ the blaze hybrid grins at him before leaving the room.

Quackity waited until he could no longer hear any footsteps. He locked the door when he was sure. Then, he went to sit on the bed, finally tearing open the slightly, crumpled envelope. Then, he took the piece of paper inside it. It reads:

```

Quackity,

‘I asked them who they are like you told me in your letter. They called themselves Elite Skydwellers and they told me they will agree to negotiations as long as you go alone. You need to go towards the square, and find a man wearing black overalls with red highlights. Bring him with you and a guy with a blue shirt will tell you where to head to next, whatever that means.’

‘I don’t like lying to Sapnap, Q, even if it’s my brother and his friends’ safety at stake. But you told me not to tell him anything so I didn’t. He is protective of me, since I’m an heir, I know. I told him vague things, just so that he won’t think I’m hiding something. I hope that’s okay.’

‘He’s more confused than anything about this whole thing. I’m hesitant too, but I know that you feel somewhat responsible because of what happened a few days ago too. So I tried my best. They only answered who they were. The rest of the questions that you have for them, they were silent and said that they will answer in person.’

‘I hope you can reason with them like you said in your letter. Good luck, Q. Please stay safe and don’t do anything stupid.’

‘P.S. If you are not back under 24hrs, I will assume the worst and will definitely tell Dream-y and Tech. It’s all the time I can give you, I’m sorry. I heard from Sapnap that they're highly protective of you.’

‘P.P.S. I heard from Sapnap that father seems to value your opinion so much. If dad trusts you, then so will I. Please take care.’

~Karl

```

After reading the letter, Quackity let out a loud, heavy sigh. At least it was confirmed that the group of people that threatened the maid were the same as the ones that had taken the royalties. Karl was not there in the throne room, and there was no way that Sapnap would tell the heir that they knew who they were dealing with, somewhat.

He had gambled that Karl would be left with a way to communicate to his kidnappers assuming that they were the same group- which they were. Quackity had always known that he was the type of person who would usually just jump in the face of trouble if it meant that he was saving someone from it. He met Tommy and Drista that way and became friends with them and their brothers along the way. 

He had to look for that guy in the letter that Karl told him too. The only guy that he had seen with a black overall with red highlights was Bad. He has not seen him since breakfast and it’s currently almost midday. If they were looking for Prince Daryll, or so he had heard, and he was not in the castle the entire time Quackity had gotten up, then the information about finding him in the square would be accurate.

It also means that they still have eyes inside the castle. The question was who is it?

Quackity was getting tired of needing protection. He is scared shitless, but that was not something his stubbornness was letting him dwell on. Tommy, Drista and Tubbo were all younger than him and he somehow felt responsible for them, even without any prior connections to them.

He may not be able to protect himself at all, but he has some kind of plan at least. It was not a fully-fleshed out one, but it was better than having to jump in without any prior knowledge. 

Listening in to Dream and Drista talking about battle tactics and overhearing the conversation between Technoblade and Tommy about weapon handling, combined with every other conversation with the warriors, were some of the things that Quackity had taken and added to his knowledge.

He still has Technoblade’s axe and Dream’s crossbow in his inventory, if things go dire.

Quackity stood up from the bed. He turned towards the door that he had locked. That will give him time to reassure his friends that he had just fallen into a deep sleep, unaware of any future knocking. He grabbed his old, long coat, sighing softly as he wore it to cover up his wings. He turned to the window and opened it. He checked outside first before jumping out. 

It’s time. 

He hoped that neither of the warriors don’t mind his own form of disappearance, just for a little bit.

-/-/-/-

The sight from outside the carriage was a blur, not that Antfrost was interested in watching what comes and goes from his field of vision. He had been given orders to get the winged-hybrid that was apparently King Sam’s long-lost son, Prince Alexis and Prince Bad, the heir to the throne. It was what had been ordered to him so he had to get there as fast as he could.

There is a fleet with him, but from riding the carriage that he is currently doing, he would be able to arrive a day faster than their people. He wanted to be given a bit more time to explain what is going on to both the Princes of the Badlands first. He didn’t know why bringing the fleet was necessary, but he figured that King Sam was just being careful. There was just something amazing in every King of their country, in different generations, that knows what is needed in a situation. There was once a time where a King had to lead a country and its economy, despite being in a war. That King was King Sam, and the Badlands prospered in his reign.

It was like the Royalties have their own form of guardian angels, or unspoken evil that protects them from harm, which was scary but was not proven. And if it was, no one knows anyone who had.

Antfrost’s family have been serving the Badland royalties for generations, but he had only been in position for a decade, which was not enough time to know what happened 20 years ago without the word of advice passed to him by his mother.

Apparently, hybrids have tainted the pureness of the Badland’s royal blood. The townsfolk didn’t like the hybrids, because they feared that the Kingdom would fall into uncontrolled chaos, so they rioted, wanting the Queen and the youngest born to be killed. Townsfolk agreed to exile them instead, accepting that the oldest was capable of being the heir and the second prince having no interest in claiming the throne- both of which showed no signs of being a hybrid physically. 

They didn’t care, but cared enough to threaten to overthrow the royalties from their position if the Queen and the youngest prince were not to be exiled. King Sam did his best to compromise, but it was the best that he could get. Antfrost was not yet the royal guard and adviser then, but he was aware that there was one final resort that the King had done.

The public have never heard of King Sam’s greatest regret. It was something that Antfrost’s family’s continued pledge of servitude under the Badland’s royalty that made them aware and only them.

King Sam’s deal to protect his late Queen and their youngest son and the very deal that he wanted to keep to himself and a few others to the grave were the same. But it was so vaguely known to them that they only knew that the King had made five conditions under it and not the specifics. They didn’t know to whom the deal was made and the consequences have yet to surface. The King wouldn’t tell Antfrost anything, even if he had been serving him for a decade now.

He only knew things here and there. If Bad and George were both upset at their father about keeping things from them, they had no idea that there was still a lot that the King had swore to himself in secrecy, even from him, his royal adviser and royal guard. But it doesn’t matter. He will still serve loyal to the throne, to the current King. No matter what happens, their royalties will be protected under his watch.

Chapter End

Chapter Text

6 hours…

Quackity looked around him. He remembered that this was the same square where Dream, Technoblade and Drista had left him and Tommy. He has no idea how he is going to look for the guy that Karl had described. He only knew one person that fit that description, and it was Bad. Even if he thinks he is right, how in the world is he going to find him in this state?

A few more aimless walking around, Quackity was getting nervous as minutes passed by. He knows that Karl and Sapnap are going to give him more time, but he isn’t even sure how far away the negotiations are going to go. He is still also very scared, but his resolve, somehow, is stronger. If anyone had told him back at Canarell that he would risk his life in exchange for the siblings of the same guys who he had fought in the arena, he would’ve laughed at their faces.

Now, he is feeling nothing but determination.

He turned his head towards the direction that he heard hearty laughter. Quackity has no idea if he should follow it, but he might as well do, since there really is no point in staying in the square when he is already gathering weird stares just from standing with nowhere to go. He found himself standing in front of one of the most beautiful houses, a mansion more like, that he has ever seen. He has only really seen a lot of houses that were amazingly decorated, and the castle of Manberg is the most grandiose residence he has the pleasure to stay in for a night. Although a lot smaller than the castle, this mansion was still fit as a competitor.

“It wasn’t all that bad, Skeppy! Really!”

Quackity lets out a sigh. He had just heard Bad. He hopes his luck continues until later.

He knocks on the door. There was a brief pause before he heard another voice responding to him to wait. A few minutes later and the door opens. He was not Bad, but the description that Karl had given him was vague enough that he was sure that this person could be the second one he had to find. Like what it said, he had to look for a person wearing a blue shirt and this guy fits the description.

“Oh, it’s you.” The stranger says.

Quackity couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at him. “Uh, do I know you?”

The person approached him and almost in a whisper said, “You’re here for the negotiations right? Come in. We’ll leave after dinner.” He opened the gate and stepped a little backward. A welcoming smile surfaced on his face and he offered him a hand. “I’m Skeppy, welcome to my humble abode. Very nice to meet you, Quackity!”

This is definitely luck, but now at least the duck hybrid knew that it was the bad type.

Quackity thought that this guy would only be telling him where to go. He didn’t know that he would be accompanied by him and Bad. Then again, when Bad asked why they had to go somewhere, he had no idea what he would say. He didn’t really think that far ahead.

“Uh yeah. You said we’re leaving? Where exactly are we going?” Quackity knew that he should be cautious, but he did take Skeppy’s hand for the handshake.

Skeppy raised an eyebrow at him, but the smile didn’t leave his face as he took his hand back. “Wouldn’t you like to know? Don’t worry, I’ll get Bad and we’re going. Just make sure to give your best and not tell him anything. Or you’ll lose your negotiation means. Come in!” He turned around and didn’t even wait if Quackity would follow him or not. It seems like he already knows that Quackity will anyway.

He followed him in, closing the gate behind him. Taking a deep breath, he plastered on a smile. Best not to let Bad know anything like Skeppy mentioned.

“Bad! Take your stuff, we’re gonna go now!” Quackity heard Skeppy say from beyond the door he has yet to enter.

“Oh! Okay! Give me one second!”

The duck hybrid took that as a cue to get in. He had to go through a lot of progress to get where he has to go, it seems like. He really hoped these elite assassin bastards let go of the kids or so help him.

-/-/-/-

12 hours…

“And you didn’t tell me this, because?” Sapnap asked, pacing around the room.

Karl couldn’t even look at him in guilt. He tried his best to keep it a secret. He really did. He was just not expecting that Sapnap had another person on the inside- that he had a person in direct contact and Quackity somehow found the spy that was giving the royal guard his information.

“Because Quackity told me in his letter that he needs to do this. He knew that it would be dangerous if there were more people involved and the assassin guys only agreed if it was him who would negotiate-”

“All the more reason to have told me, Karl!” Sapnap turned to him and snapped so suddenly that made the prince flinch. “We just threw him in the crossfire! You know your father had been attempting negotiations with them and throwing shit like this will result in an all-out war! You know what would happen!”

“I know… I’m sorry.” Karl mumbles. He sat on the side of his bed, arms folded in front of him. He let out a shaky sigh. He had just made a friend from the duck hybrid, someone that he could level in energy with. The thought that it was him who was responsible with Quackity being in danger was a guilt he couldn’t bear. Sniffling, he raised a hand to wipe away the tears that had started to fall.

Sapnap turns to him and bit his lip. He tried his best to calm himself down, having just realized that he was making puffs of smoke everywhere. The blaze hybrid didn’t dare sit on the bed, for fear of burning it down. Instead, he placed a hand on Karl’s shoulder. “Karl, look at me.”

Karl only closed his eyes and slowly shook his head.

“Karl, please?”

It took a small moment of waiting but the prince finally did.

“We’ll get him, okay? He’s in danger but we will get him. Just please, if there’s something this important, tell me?”

Karl slowly nods his head. “Okay, I will, Sapnap. I’m sorry.”

Sapnap gave him a small smile. “I will go and tell Dream and Technoblade about this. Do you want to accompany me? You can show them the letter too if you still have it.”

“Yeah, I still have it.” Karl took a small piece of folded paper from his pocket. “I kept it with me so no one will see.”

“Okay. We should go.”

Sapnap and Karl left the heir’s room and into the hallway. This will be another secret and the royal guard is somehow roped into this now too. He would have to act as he was supposed to, and tell the Emperor a little and only what he needs to for now. It comes as no surprise that their emperor was quick to anger, and would definitely proclaim war once he caught a whiff of this. They had to be careful for now, telling Schlatt only when they really, really , have to.

Actually, scratch that. After Sapnap and Karl talk to Dream and Technoblade later, the royal guard will tell Schlatt everything. The Subtarey Empire had been plotting against them for so long that he was sure they were ready to take siege, if that is what the Emperor of Manberg will order them to do.

-/-/-/-

15 hours…

Green eyes opened, but was unable to see anything because of a blindfold covering the eyes. Drista immediately noticed that her movement is restricted so she made sure that she was only making little to no movements. She didn’t want to alert whoever was around her that she was already awake. This is bad, she can tell that they were captured for some reason. She should’ve known that she shouldn’t have accepted the drink that she was offered with in Tubbo’s room. No other maid or servant has ever done that in Manberg- its Emperor always told them to eat and drink only when they are near the dining room for their own safety.

Whatever was in those drinks, Drista knew that it knocked them out for a few hours, maybe a day, she’s not sure. All that she knew was that she had to make sure that they are unaware that she’s awake. She can feel that he is in between two bodies. Based on the feeling, or lack of it, Drista deduced that Tubbo and Tommy were both still unconscious.

She is so glad that he had forced his brothers to help her in building tolerance to sedatives. It was the best decision that she has ever made. Now it was time to know what her environment is and then maybe plan. Whoever they are, were careful. Blindfolded and hand bound, Drista is also sure that their weapons were taken too. Just their luck. 

Drista tried to feel for whatever she could in her surroundings. It was quiet, but she could hear light footsteps walking around the room. Definitely not alone then. Two sets, then three, and four. Eyes shut tightly, she focused on all the sounds she could hear. They are in a room with four, maybe five, occupants. She’s also in bed with her friends, not soft at all, and it will definitely feel uncomfortable in a few hours.

If she’s not careful, she will alert them of her awake status. Drista knew that she would have to lay low and wait. For how long, she is not sure. But she is sure that whoever had taken them, will not stand a chance against her and her companion’s brother, that’s for sure.

Hopefully, Tubbo and Tommy will stay quiet once they regain consciousness. She has a feeling that these people had some questions waiting to be answered and she is not willing to risk shit.

-/-/-/-

18 hours… 

This entire journey was the most interesting travel that Skeppy had done in his whole lifetime. They are in a carriage, which was done to make sure that Bad stays clueless. Bad is his friend, and he wanted to make sure that he knew nothing about what was currently happening. He wanted nothing more than safety for his best friend, but his line of work has aligned to this. The negotiation bit that he had threatened Quackity earlier with didn’t really mean anything. He didn’t want Bad to hate him before everything was through. At least when the reveal finally comes up, he’ll accept all the hate.

He just wanted to spend a lot of time with Bad for the meantime.

Quackity had followed his instructions and Skeppy was glad for his cooperation, even if it was not a willing one. He was a spy so he’s really not supposed to have a say in this matter. But for all hell’s worth, he has way too much emotional connection to this shit than he’d like to admit.

They stopped halfway towards their destination since it was past midnight when they stopped.

“Why are we stopping here?” Quackity had asked him after he had pulled him aside.

Skeppy only gave him a smile. “Patience, ducky. We’ll get there in the morning.”

And that was their conversation since Quackity went in his own tent and was asleep right after.

He stayed for a bit since he and Bad had been arguing, like they usually do on calls, except now they were face to face that he can’t help but feel happy to let the other win instead of making a longer back and forth. It ended up with him pretending to be asleep until his friend finally fell asleep as well.

They had tents up and they had another person to keep watch so all they really had to do was rest up and continue in the morning. He had given Sapnap the information that he will be leaving to get to the Subtarey Empire last night. He didn’t mention anything about being with Quackity and Bad. They have to figure that out on their own.

A few more hours passed by that, and Skeppy wanted to smack his forehead when the Manberg royal guard hadn't yet made the connection at all since he was not asking him about anything. So, he contacted him again just a few minutes after they stopped, just away from Quackity and Bad’s earshot. Satisfied that he had given Sapnap enough information, he hoped that they could catch up with everything they’ve got.

Skeppy’s goal now has changed, he has to make sure that whoever is coming for them, will be able to catch up. He hoped that Vulpes really knew what he was doing because he sure as hell didn't.

Clicking his tongue, he turned to his side and tried his best to sleep. He had been awake the entire time since they stopped and he knew that he really should. It was almost dawn and he needed at least a wink of sleep.

-/-/-/-

22 hours…

Bad has no idea what is going on. He had some suspicions but he really couldn’t ask Quackity because he seemed like he had no idea what’s happening. Skeppy had led them towards a mansion that his best friend had mentioned was one of his. 

Skeppy had excused himself right after leading them towards the basement for some reason. All that his best friend mentioned was that there was something that he wanted to show them but they had to wait. That was almost 30 minutes ago. Now, his best friend is nowhere to be found and they are surrounded by five men pointing crossbows in their direction. They were forced to have their backs exposed to these guys.

They didn’t take his weapons, then again, he would also have to hide to be able to get it from his inventory. They will be able to know if he ever tried something risky.

Bad didn’t know if Quackity had weapons with him. If he ever does, he wonders which one of them is going to make a move first. He had to be alert. 

He didn’t want to get Quackity in danger, even if they are currently in one. He just wanted to know where Skeppy was. He wanted to know if his best friend had led them towards where the enemies were. He trusts his friend, and will still continue to do so. He knew there was a reason why they were there and why Skeppy had led them here.

“So!” Quackity had a cheer to his voice, making Bad raise an eyebrow. “Which one of you guys do I have to talk to? I’m here for an appointment, you see!”

They didn’t get a response. Bad figures as much. Now, it was time to think of what to do-

There was a set of footsteps that started to approach them. It wasn’t quiet or faint. In fact, whoever it was, made sure that their footsteps can be heard by both Quackity and Bad.

“There’s really no need for a flair of dramatics. This introduction has been done a long time ago, right, Prince Daryll and Prince Alexis?”

Bad and Quackity didn’t have to see the person who spoke. They both knew her just from her voice…

“Speechless? I understand. Now, don’t worry, the kids were already released. But both of you are staying in exchange. Did you tell Bad that, Quackity?” She continued.

Quackity was the first to say something. It was what made Bad realize that he didn’t mishear this person. It was quiet and shaky, Quackity only muttered one word, too.

“Niki?”

-/-/-/-

23 hours…

Just a few minutes away, Skeppy has been pacing back and forth as he waits.

He had just heard from Sapnap that someone will be coming. Who they would be, Skeppy will know when they arrive.

Imagine his surprise when he saw who were mounted on two horses that were rapidly approaching him, Dream and Technoblade. 

Uh oh. That can’t be good. Well, it would be good for them, but not for the people that he had been spying on. The problem would be if the people inside somehow found a way to best them. He had already risked his name from being known. He cannot let the guys he’s spying on know that it was him who was giving Manberg the information. It wasn’t because he was scared for his life, no. It’s because there was no one else capable enough to do the same work he’s doing from Schlatt’s army that he knew of. Sapnap could be one, but his name and face is well-known that it was not going to work.

He decided to meet them halfway, just so they won’t be heard approaching. Skeppy waved at them, and he was glad that they stopped for a bit.

“Skeppy? What are you doing here?” It was Technoblade who asked.

Dream was silent. The Skyland assassin was looking at the direction where Skeppy came from and not paying him any mind.

“I…” He cleared his throat. “I was the spy that Sapnap mentioned. Had to meet you here to avoid them knowing that you guys are getting there.”

Technoblade nods his head. “Good. You know where they’re hiding them?”

“Quackity and Bad are in the basement. There are double stairs once you enter through the front if you want. From the back, you’ll end up entering the kitchen and there’s stairs to get on the second floor but you’ll end up in the second living room there. There’s a lot of people from there so that’s a head's up. You need to get to the left hallway from the kitchen to get to the stairs going to the basement. They also have a couple of people staying guard too.” Skeppy says, pointing at the mansion that he had led them in. 

Technoblade nods his head at him, clearly taking notes for their possible points of entry. Skeppy is glad that he was level-headed, or looks that way if he wasn’t. He couldn’t look at Dream and say the same. If pure, barely-concealed, uncontrolled bloodlust can be seen in the air, Skeppy was sure that he wouldn't be able to see from how blinding it was and all of it was emanating from Dream himself. It made the smiling face on his mask even more terrifying.

“I don’t really care what you guys do there, just make sure that I was not the one you got the info from until they’re all wiped clean. I can’t let them know it was me. The kids are safe too. They gave them to me unconscious and told me to deliver them back or something along the lines.” Skeppy added.

“Don’t worry. They will be safe. Make sure our siblings are safe.” Dream said, eerily calm, before he got down his horse. A brief flash and he is now holding his sword. “We’ll make it quick.”

-/-/-/-

Niki was sure that everything was going to plan. She got what she needed and wanted and it was time to leave. She just didn’t expect for something like this to happen. She should’ve known the spy was still alive even after she had double-checked their ranks.

Now, the entire room was silent. In fact, the entire mansion was silent. Eerily so. There was a commotion upstairs that no one had checked. Their entrance and their exit from the basement is the same. The door was gone, having been kicked out of its hinges. The hallway beyond it was dark, but there were two silhouettes standing there.

Silence enveloped its arms around them before a brief laughter echoed that caused confusion to rise. "You wanted power. Is that it?" It was Technoblade's voice. Monotonous enough that never failed to mask his every emotion. He stepped into the light and away from the shadows, followed by the person wearing his all-too familiar mask showing a permanent smile.

In front of them now stood Technoblade, the Blood God and Dream, the Sly Assassin of the Skylands.

“Negotiations are over. Betrayal is never a good thing, Niki.” Technoblade clicked his tongue. “Now, we want a call of surrender. We’re very kind that we are letting you live if you let them go.”

"I want to see White Flags." Dream’s voice was quiet but a small tilt of his head made the mask on his face move a little as well. The small movement made his eyes visible, showing how angrily he was glaring.

"WHITE FLAGS OUTSIDE YOUR BASE, TOMORROW AT DAWN OR YOU ARE DEAD!"

There was a cold chill that ran down the spine of everyone who had heard the threat, consisting mostly of the people Dream had deemed enemies as well as Quackity and Bad. The Prince has always shown a cool demeanor that had always reflected his calm yet charismatic personality. No one has seen him this angry. No one.

A small 'heh' came from Techno. "Too bad you failed." A direct contrast to Dream's angry voice, yet still equally as threatening. Although his tone of voice seemed to be a lot less serious, the chuckle that escaped him sent forth goosebumps from everyone in the room.

“We already know that Subtarey Empire is behind all this.” Technoblade continues. “And as we speak, Manberg is close to proclaiming an all-out war. Surrendering has its perks, really.”

They were both the best warriors of the generation, garnering victory from hundreds and thousands of duels and blood trailing from their past. Everyone in the room was comparable to a miniscule existence present before immortal beings.

Dream and Technoblade were basically Gods among them. And those that they have deemed enemies, have angered them.

There was no way around it. They knew that they had just angered the Gods.

Tick...

Tock...

Tick...

Tock...

The final chime of the clock indicated that another hour had just passed.

24 hours…

Chapter End

Chapter Text

Blood for the Blood God.

Blood for the Blood God.

Blood for the Blood God.

Blood for the Blood God.

It was carnage at this point. Technoblade has no idea which one of their enemies left a red stain of their life-giving, red-colored liquid on his white shirt. He was pretty sure that there were parts of his cape that were also wet with the same thing, but it was hard to see as it was already red. It will stain, of course it will. Right now though, all he cares about is to remove everyone in his way and the voices agree. Protect. Protect. Protect. Get Quackity out of harm’s way.

Their siblings were already out of danger. Technoblade was free to let loose, save another person that he never thought he'd care too much for.

It was the very first time that he and the chorus of voices he has is in agreement.

Everything went quickly. He and Dream weren’t really thinking about being quiet or sneaky at all. If they made a loud ruckus, then they did. He was sure that they had to be somewhat careful, since they could risk Quackity being in more danger than he was. But the voices wanted to see red, and red they will see. Who was he to deny them now?

The entrance to the mansion was guarded, and then it wasn’t. The second floor had men that looked skilled enough with swords. Well, down they go, like where every great empire goes.

At some point, there was a blackout. Technoblade was sure that it was not their fault, nor was it their idea. If it was these guys’ doing, then, they had placed themselves in even more disadvantage.

He may have won countless battles and blood, almost a century’s worth of bloodline, had been spilt in his way in a massacre birthed by war. Just an individual crowned as dangerous because of his hybrid blood has found himself in battles he prepared for because of humans’ threats that he always thought will go through. Times have passed and preparation has made him stronger. And so if asked how he had slaughtered everyone with eyes full of intent to kill him as he saw them in the dark, his only answer would only be one word: potions.

A few minutes was all it takes. For him, it felt like a lifetime in just that brief passage of time.

No words were exchanged, yet somehow, he and Dream were in complete sync. Rivals that have dueled so much had found harmony fighting alongside each other. It felt almost natural even.

When they stepped a foot forward after he had kicked the door away from its hinges of the basement, Technoblade had felt the odd sense of calm anger filling him up where the early bloodthirsty rage had left him.

There was no movement in the room right after he had uttered those words. He had been staring at Niki dead in the eyes, which the female hybrid didn’t break. The look in her eyes- there was no surrender. Technoblade knew that look, it was similar to every opponent he had in the past when they thought they won, that they had the upper hand.

“Well done, Prince Clay and Prince Dave.” Niki had a hint of a smile on her face. She was not backing down, but she was stepping back slowly. “The gods of this generation are each running frantically away from their past. Tell me, how did it feel like killing all those men up there? Red spilling everywhere, the smell of death must have been exhilarating. It must have felt like home, didn't it?”

“You’re not one to talk.” Dream says, voice sounding calmer now. After the anger of his declaration a moment ago, this tone made even Technoblade feel a chill run down his spine. 

“You changed everything, cut and colored your hair, changed your name. You were always so different when I trained you. You train until you can’t move because of a goal you wanted to achieve. Then, you got exiled. Being the enemy on this side must have given you a step towards revenge, Nihachu.”

One last footstep from Niki echoed in the room. A glint of a metal appeared for a brief second before finally appearing for everyone to see, but not without her pointing the dagger’s sharp edge on Quackity’s neck. She placed a hand on the duck hybrid’s shoulder in an attempt to make him stop moving.

“Do not call me by that name.” Niki says, dagger dangerously steady and almost close enough to pierce where it’s pointing. “You forget your place, Dream. The capabilities of those assassins your brother exiled, you saw them firsthand. Everything that we know, you have given us knowledge. Our exile made us stronger, made us gain knowledge your kingdom had banished. You know I won’t regret a blade on his neck.”

Technoblade didn’t dare move from his position, and he noticed that Dream didn’t either. He watched the dagger intently, at how Quackity instantly froze in place.

There were only five men in the room each pointing their crossbows in their direction. Everyone else in the mansion was completely annihilated. The calm facade he has masked his growing anxiousness. This is dangerous, but not completely unexpected.

He watched as Quackity made a nervous gulp, something that Technoblade noticed the duck hybrid did when the other knew he was about to face something head-on. “This is a complete misunderstanding right? I’m not a prince. Just some rare winged guy in the middle of this complete shit. I’m here and I’m what you need, well, along with Bad. Sorry man.” A pause. “Look, Techno and Dream probably went here to get their siblings. They’re released guys. I’m here as the switcheroo.”

It was the first time that he had spoken during the entire time after their arrival, Technoblade noticed. He seemed to be planning something but what it was, he has no idea. 

“How about we do it like this.” Niki says, ignoring everything that Quackity had said. She looked at Dream and then at Technoblade. “White flags raised on the Skylands, Antarctic, and the Badlands before dawn tomorrow or the youngest Badland’s prince is dead?”

-/-/-/-

He’s a prince?

What in the ever-loving God does that mean!?

Quackity wanted to ask for a confirmation or some kind of explanation on how the hell Niki knew he was one, or she just had the wrong guy. For all he knew, he was technically just a random guy with wings that could fly , just like King Philza, the bravest man he has ever known. That was it.

But a prince?

Fucking hell.

Giselle, his mother, had mentioned that he had to look for his father that goes along with the name Sam. He thought that it was strange, that she had never told him anything about his father at all those times.

So his father was actually King Sam of the Badlands, Prince Bad is also his older brother, and he’s a fucking prince, apparently.

So Prince Clay and Prince Dave were Dream and Technoblade, which is which, Quackity will be sure to ask later. He had time to ask more about this, for now, he had to think of how to get away from this situation. He did freeze up, but for some reason, his mind was still coming up with a plan, something that can be done in a split second without even letting anyone know but somehow managing to act almost instinctively.

Bad is a prince trained by sword, Quackity remembers someone mentioned that fact. Even when he looks unarmed and plain, without a trace of intimidation in his stance, Bad most likely had a sword still in his inventory, if he has that.

There was no plan. He and Bad didn’t really talk about anything before they came there. He figured that Skeppy, or whoever the fuck, would really just leave them when they got there and he did. He has no idea who Skeppy was to Bad, but he somehow felt betrayed for the prince. They looked like they were the best of friends too, maybe even more, at least, that was what Quackity saw.

So, him saying that it was a complete misunderstanding earlier, it was for him to see if Niki was really paying more mind to him, her hostage, or towards the challengers and Bad and his possible saviors, Dream and Technoblade.

Niki ignoring everything that he said had made him realize that her focus wasn’t really towards him. It was also the deciding factor of the actions that took place in the next moment:

One. Quackity ducking down instead of moving sideways, to, well, get away and risking getting his face sliced by the pointy weapon.

And two. A brief flash of light that dissipated just as immediate to see Bad pointing his sword on Niki’s neck, while both him and Quackity were now out of her dagger’s stabbing reach.

“How about surrender now instead of waiting for white flags to rise in your empire? Or we will spare you no mercy?” He heard Bad say.

It was the most badass thing that Bad has ever said that the duck hybrid heard of. Holy shit, he’s going to make sure to remember that.

Quackity realized that he had his eyes tightly closed until he heard the loud clanking of crossbows hitting the floor as they were dropped. Opening his eyes, it was the first time that he has ever seen so much anger reflected on Niki’s face. She didn’t say anything, but she had both of her hands raised up in the air in surrender.

She looked like she knew when she was defeated. Quackity looked down at the floor to see that the dagger was also dropped on the ground. 

And well, sitting on the floor also made him realize the stinging pain on his face. He raised a hand to wipe away what was dripping down on his chin. Glancing on his hand, he realized that he was cut on his face, as expected, and he was bleeding.

What he did was really idiotic, dumb, stupid and everything synonymous to that. But at least, he knew that his action somehow made them survive.

Relief washing through him, Quackity turned to look at everyone in the room with a grin, even when his vision was blurring. “Huh. Looks like I didn’t fully duck that one.”

And then he let himself fall unconscious.

-/-/-/-

The moment Antfrost had arrived, he was greeted by a grumpy and tired looking Emperor of Manberg. He was offered rest right after stepping foot, but at his mention of importance, he was ushered to meet the leader immediately. The conversation was completely more civil than what the Badlands’ royal adviser and guard was thinking, especially since the Kingdoms were known rivals for so long.

“King Sam had sent me with a fleet to arrive a days’ worth after my arrival here.” Antfrost had told him.

Schlatt nodded his head as if he wasn’t surprised and turned to Sapnap, who was only standing on his right side. “Did you get any news from my shitty brother?”

Antfrost had always wondered why Manberg had no known royal adviser, but he figured that was none of his business. He figured this conversation that he is unwillingly eavesdropping on is no secret so he stayed silent.

“Yes, Emperor. He will be arriving in three hours’ time along with them, safe and unharmed. Dream and Technoblade had gone to the base of operations where they were held. What are your orders, emperor?” Sapnap asked, facing right ahead.

A grin slowly surfaced on Schlatt’s face that brought forth fear from Antfrost. “So, royal adviser of the Badlands, Antfrost was it?”

“Yes, your majesty.”

“I don’t know what your King wants, or what the hell he’s planning. But if he is sending a fleet to my country, to my kingdom, that means that you are giving us men at disposal for the right of alliance right? Does he know that I’m planning on doing something?”

This confused Antfrost. “Emperor Schlatt, with all due respect, our heir, Prince Bad, came here for that reason. We have been planning to solidify a possible alliance. If the fleet that our King had tasked me to bring here were for your added defense, I was not told. But the plan for the alliance stays true. I did not ask for more details. I was merely told to come here on his orders and so I have fulfilled it. I would still need to talk to Quackity, however, but seeing as he is not here, I would like to know where his whereabouts are.”

A boisterous laughter echoed in the throne room. Schlatt let out a loud sigh. “Quackity? Ah, yeah, that pumpkin . He was escorted by Dream and Techno to the Badlands. I was told your Prince was on his way with them too.” The emperor leans back on his throne, watching Antfrost’s expression. “Now, good, good. Your Prince and I had talked but there was no reason for an alliance then. Things change, so I agree. No longer does rivalry stand forth if there is a common enemy, right?”

Antfrost nodded his head. “If you don’t mind me asking, what made you change your mind, Emperor?”

“Listen very closely to what I will order for my fleet, Antfrost. You’re very blessed to hear this order.” Schlatt didn’t avert his gaze from his visitor, but the words he would utter were not for him, it was for Sapnap. “Sapnap, get a dozen of our fleets ready. I hereby declare war against the Subtarey Empire. Send messengers to the Antarctic and the Skylands. We bring siege to those bitches! Make them regret ever going against me , against what is mine !”

As Sapnap left to do as he was ordered, Antfrost could only stay there, wondering if this was his King’s plan all along as Schlatt’s laughter echoed throughout the room.

-/-/-/-

The passage of time was really weird. One moment Quackity was in the arena, and now, he is in a land transportation with a pain on his face right after facing a near-death experience in the hands of a person he had met and thought he could trust.

He couldn’t even wince, since he knew that he would hurt himself even more. He already had bandages on his face. Was he glad that they survived? Yes. But did he regret moving downwards instead of sideways? Yes, yes he did.

Blinking his eyes awake, he noticed that it was darker. They arrived at that place at midday, he was sure. How long was he out?

It was a quiet ride. He didn’t have to look who was beside him, since he deduced it could only be Bad. Dream and Technoblade were both sitting right across them. Both were still awake, but only the pink haired warrior was looking at him.

“I wouldn’t lay on your left side for a few days at least, if I were you.” Technoblade says, voice as quiet as a whisper.

Quackity let out a small chuckle, bringing Dream’s attention to him too. “So, we survived huh?” He says, voice sounded as if he had just woken up, and he has.

There are a lot of first times on this day, but this situation was what made him stare towards the two in awe.

It was the first time he had seen Dream without his mask. His eyes were green that stood out even more under the gleam of the moonlight that somehow showered more light to reflect some of his hair too. He had a worried look in his eyes, but there was relief in the smile that he sent him. He looked happy to see him awake, at least, Quackity hoped that smile really was directed to him.

It was the first time that he had seen Technoblade without his crown. It brought forth a weird feeling to him. The warrior has his head tilted slightly at the side, waves of concern coming forth from him in waves. His face showed a sense of calm, but he was looking at Quackity in worry. There were long elf-like ears on the side of Technoblade’s face. He was a hybrid, just like Quackity.

They were showing him their vulnerability, or they were comfortable to show him what they have always kept. It made the duck hybrid feel special.

The relief in the stance that Dream and Technoblade had when they saw him awake, Quackity was going to treasure those. He will keep the sight close in his heart, especially knowing now that they were genuinely concerned for him. He realized that he really didn’t need to see Dream’s face, nor did he need to know that Technoblade was a hybrid. He accepted them even when they kept the fact that they were royalties, and apparently he was too, without him knowing. 

Seeing them focused on him, remembering that they went after him to save him at that moment. He could pretend, just this time, that they returned the feelings he has for them both. 

Just this once.

Quackity didn’t know when exactly it started, but he only knew he was crying when he heard his sobs, a hand was on his head, ruffling his hair, Technoblade, and another was wiping his tears away, Dream . He is safe. He is alive.

God . He wanted to tell them he loves them. But he couldn’t say a thing.

No words were exchanged between them three. Just the sound of sobbing gradually calming down and the comfort that was shared in silence.

The carriage finally stops. Quackity looks up to see where they have arrived. He couldn’t really tell where he was, but he was sure that this was not Manberg.

Dream looked at him and turned to the view from outside the window. In the distance stood a castle. Even from a distance, the duck hybrid could tell that it was grand.

“We didn’t know that you were the lost Prince Alexis until Niki told us that you were.” Dream says, turning back to him. “There was a rumor of stuff going about the lost hybrid prince that the Badlands had exiled. Well, Technoblade and I didn’t know any specifics. But you mentioned that you were looking for someone in here right?”

Quackity was sure that he looked confused. “Yeah, I’m looking for Sam, my dad… What do you mean here?”

Technoblade gestured at Bad, who was asleep beside the duck hybrid. “We’re now in the Badlands. Welcome home, Quackity.”

Final Chapter End

Chapter Text

King Sam had remembered his hesitance. He had remembered that he made a deal with the leader of the Nether. He had stated his conditions. He doesn’t care about what the consequences will be. He will bear with it all when the time comes, for his Queen, and his youngest.

“I am King Sam of the Badlands, signing my actual name.” After he told her the conditions.

He didn’t really know who she was. All that he knows about her is that she can grant hopes or wishes with the price of the same value to her. His desperation made him find a way to contact her to make a deal, using the means to summon communication with her based on the instructions left by King Sam’s late parents and previous King and Queen of his Kingdom.

He remembered that she smiled when he finished and she snapped her fingers, making a necklace appear out of thin air, hovering in between them. “Taking and agreeing to all the conditions stated and returning after all of it was fulfilled to take the payment due. Empress Ignis of the Nether Quartress, signing my actual name. King Sam of the Badlands, then so be it.”

King Sam remembered looking at the pendant. He raised his hand, palms open upward towards her. “Empress Ignis of the Nether Quartress, then so be it.”

That was the deal that was made with agreement from both royals. The necklace fell from the air and into King Sam’s hand.

“Until then, King Sam.”

-/-/-/-

“Condition 1: No ill-will relating to magic or curses shall befall my Kingdom, Prince Daryll and Prince George, and my people.”

George looked out the window from his room, brows furrowed in thought. It was already dark out, and the clock had told him earlier that it was almost dinnertime. He was able to get a hold of Antfrost’s mother, Charlotte, who was the Kingdom’s royal adviser before their current. He was able to invite her for lunch earlier. King Sam had told him that he won’t be joining him for lunch so he figured that it would be the perfect time to be able to get some answers.

“The Queen was exiled along with your brother.” She told him, then.

“So, they weren’t killed while they were escaping?” George’s tone sounded foreign towards his own too.

“They were supposed to be killed on sight, but the King was able to make a compromise.” The previous royal adviser had offered him a sad smile. The second prince decides that he didn’t like that expression. “King Sam made his decisions in the Kingdom’s best interest, and always have, so did the generations of royals before him. I know you wanted to ask him questions but you asked for me, young Prince, so I will answer to the best of my knowledge.”

George remembered glancing at the food in front of him. He wasn’t in the mood to eat what was laid right there, more interested in what he could feed his ever-growing curiosity. “Can you tell me what really happened that night? I just want to know- I want to understand.”

Their entire conversation was filled in with the past. He learned of the confusion of their people, the wrongfully directed hatred for hybrids, the sacrifice of their father for the sake of compromise, and the hint of the deal. George finally had all the pieces that fit together. It was still vague and their father was really the only one who can answer his questions for specifics. But even if he won’t say anything about this, he promised himself that he will stay silent for now.

He was wrong in putting doubt in his father’s love towards them. He knew that there was a reason why secrets were left unspoken, but he didn’t anticipate something so... selfless.

“If His Highness asked, it depends on you if you will tell him that I told you all that.” George had heard Charlotte say when the air was a little too quiet. “A piece of advice, young prince, please, there are things that have to be left uncovered. I know how you kids could be- you have gotten your father’s stubbornness after all. For your safety and King Sam’s continued protection for you three, please do not ask him for anything more until he tells them to you himself.”

The stubbornness was something else, George decided. It was generally a bad trait any person can have, and he admits that after meeting Quackity, all four of them have it. However, King Sam had always been overprotective of them and he can’t help but feel useless and helpless. A burden that heavy on their father’s shoulders… he has no idea how to remove that worry.

So, he did what he thought he would never do: knock on Bad’s room. George hesitated, after the third knock. Maybe this was not a good idea. But then, with what he had just learned earlier, he couldn’t bear to keep it all to himself.

“Come in.” George heard, right before he hesitated again.

The second prince opened the door, entering Bad’s room. “Hey Bad, you busy?”

“Huh? George?” Bad looked up from his desk. There were two stockpiles of papers on it but the eldest ignored it when he came in. “Not really. Do you need something?”

“Can I talk to you? It’s about Dad.”

Bad stood up and motioned for him to follow. They soon found themselves sitting beside each other on the heir’s bed. George wasted no time as he told Bad what he had learned. When he finished, Bad wrapped him around in a hug.

“I know how you feel. I have been curious and I wanted to know what happened then. But I never had the courage to ask Dad either. I’m sure he’ll tell us what we have to know when he can. We’ll worry about the future when it comes, Gogy. Don’t worry. I’ll be here for you.” George can hear the fond smile on his brother’s tone, making him feel relief. “And for our newly-met youngest, Quackity.”

Bad pulled back slightly to pat his brother’s head, ruffled George’s hair and he gave him another, reassuring smile. “Thank you for letting me know. We’ll find a way to know what the specifics of the deal was and how much it was worth. I know we’ll do.”

Comforting conversation like this happens once in a blue moon, especially from the back and forth banter they always had. At this moment, George knew that he was lucky to have someone like Bad as an older brother, which he will never exchange for anything in this world. “Thank you, Bad.”

“Anytime, Gogy. Let’s head to dinner?”

“Yeah, sure. You should tell me how the first meeting with your boyfriend went.” There was a grin on George’s face.

“Hey! Skeppy’s not my boyfriend!”

And just like that, their own form of normalcy had returned and George felt way better.

-/-/-/-

“Condition 2: Queen Giselle of the Badlands and Prince Alexis shall be protected at all cost during their exile.”

“Huh?” Quackity looked at his eldest brother in confusion. “My small town has been the best! I used to play outside along with the other hybrids. The view of the ocean is amazing as hell too! We should come visit it sometime! I’ll tour you guys around!”

“Wha- Language!” Bad sighed at him. There was no use in stopping his brother from using curse words when he’s this old anyways. “And that’s a great idea! We could go there for a short visit!”

George rolled his eyes at him. “Whatever, Bad. You have duties in the Kingdom.” There was a grin slowly appearing on the second prince’s face. “You won’t be able to come if you’re busy!” 

“No fair!”

“To be fair,” Quackity interrupts them. “You can always ask to visit there with your boyfriend in the future and do....” He was smirking mischievously. “...you know...”

There was laughter from George and Quackity.

Bad was red-faced at his brothers’ teasing. He had dealt with George’s continued teasing, but now, he can’t believe that he had to deal with double the teasing this time around. “Skeppy’s not my boyfriend!”

George wiggled his eyebrows at him. “So, you admit it! Q, didn’t say a name~”

Their conversation became a series of teasing with Quackity and George holding the edge of the table and their stomach from laughter, and Bad shaking his head in denial, blushing furiously until the tip of his ears.

King Sam was watching them from outside the open door for the youngest’s room. He was glad that his sons are getting along well. He left them to get inside his own room. He will have to ask Quackity about how the last few days have been when he started staying in their castle. He can always do that later.

-/-/-/-

“Condition 3: In the event that Queen Giselle dies before I meet Prince Alexis, no ill-will relating to magic or curses shall befall him.”

A loud knock from the door came that Quackity looked up from his guitar. “Door’s open. Come in.”

King Sam opened the door and entered the room. “Alex- er- Quackity.” He greets. “Are you busy?”

Quackity shook his head. “Nah, I’m not. Just trying to tune this guitar.”

King Sam walked towards him, looking over at the slightly worn out instrument. There was silence between them for a while, only the sound of light plucking of the strings can be heard.

“How was she before she...?”

Quackity was smiling fondly, holding his guitar to stand on the floor in front of him. “She was amazing. She taught me a lot of things. She has an amazing voice and we would often sing together when she doesn’t feel too sick. Very protective too.”

“Sounds like her.” Quackity can tell that his dad probably remembers the past when she was with him from his tone of voice.

“You know, she always told me that she was the one who left and I shouldn’t blame you ever.” Quackity says. “I always asked her why you were never around and she keeps telling me there’s a reason why. I have to be patient and she will tell me why she left when the time comes...”

He didn’t know that he was crying until he felt arms wrapping around him in a hug and his eyes were blurring. “And when she- she was on her deathbed, all she could tell me was to look for you. To look for the man that she loved so much until the end of her life. ‘Quackity, look for him, look for Sam and he’ll tell you everything. I’m sorry I couldn’t lead you to him myself.’” He was slightly shaking as he sobs, recalling what Giselle had told him verbatim. “I miss ma so much...”

King Sam nodded his head. “I miss her too. I’m so happy that you are here now, with your brothers, with me, with us. You’ve been forced to take a dangerous journey alone- I’m so sorry.”

Quackity sniffled and shook his head. “No, please don’t be. I met a lot of great friends along the way. And there was nothing you could do. You have done enough, dad.” He finally wrapped his own arms around the King, returning the hug he had hesitated to lean towards earlier.

The King was taken aback. This is the first time that he had heard his youngest call him dad. When he arrived, he could remember his slight hostility, calling him by his honorifics despite being a part of the family.

He never thought that hearing Quackity say that he had done enough was something he needed to hear until after he heard it.

“Thank you, Quackity.”

Quackity nodded his head. He wanted to start opening up about how he currently feels about Technoblade and Dream- how confused he was and to know if the conclusion he arrived at that he currently harbors the feeling of love equally towards the warriors was the right choice despite the possible rejection he will feel in the future. But he decides to let the moment pass. After all, the only certain thing that he knew is the rejection he will receive anyway. Another situation will emerge and he definitely will.

-/-/-/-

Condition 5: Finally, only when the Kingdom whole-heartedly accepts Prince Alexis will I take all the consequences that you will give me. 

The King of the Badlands took the necklace from his pocket and looked at it. It has never left his person ever since the deal had been made. He never really once inspected it during all those years in which it was in his possession. Remembering that he had accepted it in a shade befitting a void, it was now clear, reflecting some of the light in its glass-like surface.

“It’s been a while, King Sam.” A voice called from behind him.

There was no hint of how she got in the room. No changes in the air, nor the feeling of her sudden appearance was startling. She felt like a steady, calming presence in the room. The King knew what she was here for, and why she reappeared now.

“Yeah, it’s been a while, Empress Ignis.” He greeted back. He turns around, finally facing towards her. “I would assume that you’re here for the deal?”

“Yes.” Empress Ignis confirms. “But not in the way you think.”

-/-/-/-

It was after dinnertime. Dream and Technoblade came in to visit the Badlands after leaving their siblings in the Skylands. The meal they had was less than eventful: King Sam had just explained that the townsfolk had accepted the lost prince, Quackity had been teasing his eldest brother, Dream and George were bantering about one of the many duels that they had before while Technoblade had been enjoying the food that Quackity had made for dinner in silence. 

After that, King Sam had excused himself while Bad had offered them to stay, which the warrior princes were thankful for.

They were all gathered at the living room, taking turns in narrating stories. Quackity was the most talkative one, directing the conversation mostly, which his brothers’ didn’t seem to mind.

Dream watched how they interacted, his worry dissipating from the past few days that he nor Technoblade weren’t around the duck hybrid. It hasn’t sunk in for him yet, that they weren’t travelling anymore in search for Quackity’s father in the same territorial land that they are currently on and the fact that the duck hybrid was also a royalty like them. All of the journey they did feels like it was yesterday.

Technoblade was silent beside him and the Skyland Prince had no idea what was going on in his rival’s mind. 

“Quackity.”

The duck hybrid turns to Technoblade in confusion. Dream did too.

“Was wondering if I could get my axe back.”

Quackity grins at him. “Oh yeah. You know my room right? Door’s open. It’s on the desk.” Then, he turns towards Dream, nodding at him. “Your crossbow is on the desk, too. Do you guys want me to get them?”

Dream shook his head, before standing up. “No need. We can get it. Thank you.”

Technoblade stood up too.

Dream led them towards the west wing, where he knew the royal chambers were, from how much he had been visiting Bad all those years ago. He and Technoblade were in companionable silence, comfortable to be around each other even without Quackity with them. He still thinks that he is his rival, not just in battle and wits but also towards the duck hybrid. 

It didn’t take them long to locate Quackity’s room, since it was just across from Bad’s. They were both able to gather their weapons.

“Don’t you think it’s weird?”

Dream raised an eyebrow at Technoblade’s initiation of conversation. “What is?”

“That King Sam retired to his room right after dinner. He always entertained guests and never failed a pattern.”

“Hmm.” Dream hums. “I don’t know, Techno. He might just be tired. Besides, Quackity has been an excellent host. Uh- and so are Bad and George.”

Technoblade was staring at him for a whole minute before he shrugged. “Alright. If you say so.”

They left Quackity’s room and made their way across the hallway. The moment they passed by King Sam’s closed door, Technoblade laid a hand on Dream’s shoulder, stopping him completely. His rival placed a finger against his lips, gesturing for him to keep his silence.

He was about to ask why they stopped when he heard an unfamiliar voice from inside, making him stand still.

“What do you mean?” He heard King Sam say.

Dream didn’t like that they were eavesdropping, but he couldn’t bring himself to pull away either.

“Condition 4, do you remember what that is?” The Skyland Prince can now tell that it was a female’s voice.

There was silence for a small while and Dream thought they had been found out.

“Condition 4: In the event that Prince Alexis is on the gravest of danger, he shall survive, as seen fit. You told me. He survived the gravest of danger his life would have encountered. And that has already happened before you made the deal with me.”

“How is that possible?!” King Sam exclaimed from the other side of the door. “Did you lie to me? How were all the conditions already fulfilled?”

“You have been careful with your wording, your highness. Specifics were necessary after all. You just didn’t know that it had already passed, however.” Another pause. “But that’s nothing of import, so let’s move on. I’m here to permanently seal the deal, leaving condition 4 intact but without all the consequence nonsense attached.”

“What- what do you mean?”

“No consequences but all the conditions fulfilled will be over except for condition 4. You get away without the need for payment. Isn’t that great?”

Dream’s eyes were wide. Are they talking about Quackity? He didn’t know a deal existed with a condition like that and judging from it, there were three more conditions that were left unmentioned. What the hell was going on?

“King Sam of the Badlands, you don’t even have to agree on this one. Fate has a lot of funny, and stupid ways, but it keeps things interlaced. You are free of the deal, but it doesn’t free me. At least, not yet.”

“Why? What can you gain from this?” King Sam’s voice was barely audible, but Dream was sure he and Techno were still able to hear it.

“You will know in due time, your highness. You don’t even have to hold onto the necklace anymore.” There was a bright light coming from the inside that flowed out of the gaps of the door. “Conditions fulfilled, consequences nullified. Condition 4 will stay as I see fit and end when the time comes. Empress Ignis of the Nether Quartress, signing my actual name. King Sam of the Badlands, you are free. Then, so be it.”

It was at that moment that Dream decided that they had heard enough. He gestured for Technoblade to follow him away now, since they could be caught at any minute. All that they were planning was to take their weapons back. He didn’t expect for him and Technoblade to learn something about a deal that was rumoured the King of the Badlands had made- and a specific condition at that.

They were just about to turn a corner when Dream felt the air still. Beside him, Technoblade has stopped, glancing at Dream.

“I knew that someone would be listening in on the conversation I have with the King today. What I did not know was for it to be the two princes of another kingdom.”

Dream can tell that it was the same person King Sam was just talking to. He was just about to turn around, but he felt as if something was stopping him.

“What do you need from the King?” Technoblade asked, eyes narrowed and glaring at the distance.

Whatever force was stopping Dream from turning to face Empress Ignis, he can tell that Technoblade was affected too.

“Don’t play dumb with me. You have already heard about it.” Empress Ignis has a hint of a smile on her voice. “I would love to ask for any hopes or wishes you might have. Unfortunately, that is not what I am here for.”

Dream heard her footsteps as she approached. He can feel her presence right behind them, right in between, but he can’t turn his head towards her enough to be able to see her.

“You're done talking with the King, why are you still here to confront us?” Dream found himself asking.

“You tell me, Prince Clay of the Skylands, what do you think of what you two have just heard?”

Dream glanced at Technoblade at the corner of his eye, who looked annoyed at being unable to do anything but listen. He wasn’t feeling anything in particular, just slight confusion and curiosity.

“Huh. Fascinating.” Empress Ignis says, seemingly having noticed something despite Dream’s silence. “No matter. Let me leave you both with a piece of advice for the road.” A pause. “Remember that nothing happens by sheer coincidence. Follow and trust your instincts. Vague as that may be, consider it as a small gift from me. You will need it. And Prince Dave of the Antarctic Empire, grant me a favor and say my greetings towards your father. See you both soon.”

With one snap of a finger, Dream felt her presence leave. Her disappearance had allowed them to move freely. Whatever it was that had them bound in place earlier, it was gone. Yet, Dream can still remember her words very clearly. What does that mean?

Technoblade sighs, axe disappearing with a faint light. He had just placed it in his inventory. “Looks like we have to deal with the elephant in the room.”

Dream looks at him with a raised eyebrow. His own crossbow disappearing in the same light that the axe was enveloped earlier.  “You mean how King Sam knew an Empress from the Nether?”

“No. That’s not our concern right now.” Technoblade hums. “I don’t think King Sam would appreciate that we know the deal and tell his sons if we do. We should forget about that for now. I don’t really care. What I want to know is, do you love Quackity?”

Without the mask on, Dream felt oddly exposed. It was as if his heart was out in the open for his rival to see in all of its bareness. Technoblade was looking at him straight in the eye too and he couldn’t get himself to look away.

“What’s it to you? Techno, I know you do, too.” He has his eyes narrowed.

In which, Technoblade’s response was to chuckle. “Yeah, that I do.”

A brief silence passed by them.

“Looks like we’re gonna be rivals for his attention now, huh?”

It was Dream’s time to laugh. “Yeah. This is a duel I can’t lose, Techno.” He offered his hand to him in a handshake.

Grinning, Technoblade took his hand. “And it isn’t mine either, Dream.”

As they shook each other’s hand, they both knew that they had just accepted each other’s challenge: winning the heart of a certain duck hybrid.

Under Four Roles Book 1 End