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Techno glanced out the window at the snow that was delicately falling and gracing the horizon in a white sheet. The day had been slow and the cloudy weather and coming storm did nothing to energize the castle residents. The voices were quiet whispers in the back of his brain, it was one of those rare days where they blessedly left him alone. Phil had also let him relax. All of this should’ve made for the perfect day to do nothing but read and relax for once, but he couldn’t. Techno didn’t like not having anything to do. It made his skin itch uncomfortably and his hands twitch as they longed for the hilt of a sword.
From his judgment the storm wouldn’t get worse until later tonight, maybe he could sneak out for a walk in the woods. Well, he really didn’t have to ‘sneak’ out, he was king but Phil would argue against it and he didn’t feel like dealing with his dad, and emperor, at the moment.
The idea of a king and an emperor was lost on other monarchs, but for the Arctic Empire, it made sense. It was rooted in tradition, far from its original purpose and more for the formality now. When the Arctic Empire first came to be it was from a treaty from two separate, very powerful kingdoms, the Minecraft family that ruled as Emperors and a separated branch of the large Essempi nation ruled by a king. When they formed one kingdom both rulers kept their titles and pasted them on through the generations. Somewhere down the line the two families married into each other and merged the lineage. They continued the two different titles and simply gave the kingship to a member of the royal family or the king’s chosen heir.
Every once and a while Phil would bring up the idea of an heir, Techno would laugh stating he would never die and therefore wouldn’t need a replacement. He was twenty, that was nothing to worry about, Phil didn’t even adopt until he was in his late twenties. Techno had time, even if Phil would argue that the amount of fighting he was involved in would kill him early. Techno had listened to Tommy babble about him becoming the heir which was silly because the kid had stated on multiple occasions that he wanted to adventure and not be tied to a throne, he just liked the idea of having a better title than Wilbur. As if Techno would trust Tommy on the throne. He would grow up to be a great person, he was smart and cunning even if he didn’t act like it, but that didn’t mean he would become responsible. Techno had tried to convince Wilbur but his twin had no interest. “Take your time, you’ll find a better option than desperately asking your brother,” Not very helpful. There was no heir and there wasn’t a need for an heir so they left it at that.
Techno pulled his deep red cloak from where it hung. It was heavy on his shoulders but there was a comfort to the weight and the white fur that fluffed up around his neck and tickled his chin. Underneath the cloak he was plenty warm already, fleece jackets and a blue cloak were a staple for the climate, but he enjoyed wearing the cloak nonetheless. He took one of the ornate swords that were hung on his wall and sheathed it at his side. Then, he exited his room and out of the castle. One of the guards, Sam, was standing watch at the gate and gave Techno a look, Techno ignored him and the masked man didn’t try to stop him.
The snow remained constant as it drizzled down. The sky was cloudy making the courtyard and surrounding forest look darker. He figured a nice walk in the woods before dinner would suffice his urges for now. The trees stood tall and heavy with the snow that threatened to fall from its evergreen branches. He trudged through easily from his years in the Arctic he had built a resistance to its conditions.
The walk was peaceful, a nice contrast to his normally busy life. Techno was always one for his alone time so he basked in the presence of no one- ignoring the quiet chatter of the voices in his head, who had been pleasantly quiet today. At least they were.
Person. Danger. Friend? Help. Kill.
Chat continued on about someone even though Techno couldn’t see a single soul among the powdered land. He kept his eye out though because chat had better senses- he had no clue how. He let his hand rest comfortably in the hilt of his sword. He willed his breathing and footsteps to quiet. His years of hunting and knight training easily took over as instincts. He crept long enough where he had assumed chat was being paranoid and almost let his guard down. Almost.
Because chat was right, there was definitely someone. A figure stood tall in the shadows. They were shaking like a leaf presumably from the cold. They weren’t wearing many layers, a simple white shirt and dark jacket that could barely be called such. The only other noticeable feature of their outfit was a simple silver crown on their hair. Hair that was split down the center, half black and half white just as their skin. Their eyes were green and red respectively. They were clearly injured, red-stained the white shirt, and burn marks trailed their cheeks. They didn’t seem to register that Techno was there at all. Their eyes were staring void-like at the horizon.
Techno knew he could walk away, he had barely been noticed, but at that thought, chat yelled at him. He sighed. “Hello?” That got their attention. Their eyes darted over his figure. They stumbled back in an attempt to getaway.
“Please don’t- I don’t want to go back,” Techno’s looked worried.
“I’m not going to take you back,” It wasn’t a lie, he didn’t even know where he didn’t want to be taken to get him there. “What’s your name?”
“R-Ranboo,”
What would Phil do? What would Phil do?
“Okay Ranboo, do you need a place to stay?”
Why did you ask that?
“I don’t- I can’t go back please ,” He sounded so desperate, so scared.
What happened to this kid? Help him. Protect. Kill him. Help.
“I’m not going to take you back, you’ll die out here from the cold,”
“No. No. No. I can’t go back. I can’t go back,” His voice devolved into panicked breaths and what sounded like enderman noises (was that possible?). He tried to step back but the other winced at his movement and kept stumbling back.
Techno had no idea what to do. He figured the kid would follow him and he could hand him over to Phil to do whatever he does to make children like him. He had no experience with panicked strangers in the woods and anything helpful that may have been saying was being too overcast by other voices to be heard.
Was it too late to run? He could just-
The kid collapsed on the ground.
-Maybe not.
On the bright side, an unconscious kid was much easier to handle compared to one having a mental breakdown. He walked over carefully and poked the kid's cheek just to make sure he wouldn’t bolt awake if Techno picked him up. Seeing no reaction he picked him up as gently as he could. His skin burned for being so overwhelming cold and Techno tried his best to cover some of his body with his own cape. For such a tall person the teen was light and boney, if Techno had to guess it was from malnutrition. Now that he was closer he could see the cuts better, primarily the large bloodstain that was still staining his once white shirt. There was also a plethora of other scars raised on his skin in stark white. He moved the jacket to see if there was anything on his arms. A patch of skin on his forearm was bleeding from scratches made from clawing harshly at the area, they were purposeful because they were directly over a tattoo, more specifically a serial number. Techno’s heart sank.
~*~*~*~
When Ranboo woke up he was confused because he was comfortable. He was never allowed to be comfortable. Even after tournament wins they’d only give him a handful of extra bread if anything at all. He was never comfortable. It felt foreign, like a strange, spoiled taste on the back of his tongue. He noticed the weight of blankets on top of him pressing him into a mattress. A mattress? He was in a bed? It had been so long since he slept in a bed, a real one not made of hay and a thin piece of fabric too short to cover his whole body.
Was he dreaming? Ranboo surely couldn’t remember how he got here. Or maybe he was dead. Both seemed to be the only reason he could be treated so kindly. He opened his eyes slowly, hoping in the back of his mind that he wouldn’t see the ceiling of his cell again. And he didn’t. As happy as he should’ve been it only made him panic. Where the hell was he?
“Nice to see you’re awake,” Ranboo nearly jumped out of his skin from the unfamiliar voice. Despite the initial scare, the voice was calm and welcoming, so unlike his handlers who were gruff and yelled bitterly. “Sorry, mate didn’t mean to scare you,” The voice was coming from someone sitting in a chair at his side. Ranboo was able to get a better look at the room now. It was grand, far grander than he imagined possible. The coffered ceilings had light-colored flowers painted in the squares. The room had large arched windows that looked over the snow. Ranboo was in a bed covered in light blue sheets with a canopy draping sheer fabric that cascaded over the sides. The walls were a plain crystal blue color, enough to complement but not overshadow the other furniture. It was unbelievable. A soft, white, velvet chair sat on the bedside with a kind-looking man in it. He wore a forest green robe that looked simple but expensive. He had a welcoming face that was worn with age, though he still seemed young. Blond hair was unkempt but still seemed neat (if that made any sense). He had large black wings with glossy feathers, similar to a raven, that were present proudly behind him. But what caught Ranboo’s attention the most was the gold crown on his head decorated with large green jewels. Had he not escaped? Was he with other winners? “I’m Phil,” Phil. He knew that name, though he wasn’t sure why. Ranboo didn’t respond, as rude as it was, too busy staring at the crown. “Oh my crown,” Phil said, finally noticing his gaze. “I think it’s a bit flashy but I have to wear it for the job,”
Phil must’ve noticed the confusion on Ranboo face- he was never good at hiding his emotions. “I’m Emperor Philza,” Emperor? Emperors were important. No, no, no. He can’t be here. He isn’t allowed to talk to important people. He’ll get yelled at. They’ll kill him. He can’t-
“Woah, relax I’m not going to hurt you,” So many people said that to Ranboo before, they all lied, but something about his tone made him sound so believable. “What’s your name?”
His name? What’s his name again? Ranboo? Was that it? “R-Ranboo I think,”
“Okay, how about you get some more sleep Ranboo,” Ranboo didn’t know if he could trust this man but sleep sounded so nice so he nodded. It didn’t take long to fall asleep, he didn’t realize how tired he was.
~*~*~*~
Phil said the kid- Ranboo- woke up. Phil said that Techno should be in the room when he wakes up again. Techno loved his father figure but that was the stupidest idea he’s heard from anyone other than Tommy in a long time. The last time that Techno tried talking to him he had a panic attack. But Phil was pushy and Techno was too tired to fight him on it. So now he was sitting in a velvet chair in one of the castle’s guest rooms. He had brought a book with him but it was obsolete at the moment, nothing but a grounding weight on his lap. The teen looked a lot different in sleep, much more delicate and breakable not that he wasn’t standing tall and shaking violently. If it were for the scars and matted hair Techno would assume nothing much of him. Most of his body was wrapped in bandages, the nurse said he was lucky to not have a collapsed lung from the deep laceration on his abdomen or died of bloodloss, though he had come quite close. Techno didn’t know exactly how a child ended up in the middle of the woods, half dead but he had a vague idea that settled unpleasantly in his stomach.
A subtle rustle came from the bed, it could’ve been passed off but Techno’s years of training made him alert to everything. Ranboo had shifted enough to rub his eyes tiredly. He looked over to the chair where Techno sat and scanned him over. Techno was an imposing person he’d willingly admit that as it was sort of his brand. Even though he wasn’t full piglin he had his long pink hair and pointed ears that clearly hinted at his hybrid identity.
“You’re not the same person as before,”
“I’m not,” He tried to sit up but winced in pain, he looked down at the wraps on his arms and his open button shirt that revealed dressed wounds. “I’m Techno,”
“What happened?”
“I found you in the woods last night. Care to tell me why or how you got out there?”
“He paused. “I-I don’t remember,”
“You don’t?”
“It happens a lot. Sorry,” Techno sighed. That made this a whole lot harder. “You’re not going to send me back are you?’
“Where?”
“The cell. Please I don’t want to go back,” His voice was desperate and Techno tried to ignore the pang of pity that sparked through him.
“No, I’m not going to take you back there I promise,” Ranboo nodded and tried to steady his breathing back down. “Why don’t you tell me something about yourself,”
“Oh yeah, I can do that. Um, I’m Ranboo, but you already knew that. I’m seventeen… I think. I really like animals,”
“I have a pet named Steve. He’s a big dog, looks more like a polar bear,”
“Really?” He seemed much happier with this topic of discussion and Techno didn’t feel better because the kid smiled, no way, that was chat.
“Yeah, he might wander in here, big loaf goes wherever he likes. He’s pretty chill unless he really likes you, he’ll probably leave you alone,”
“That’s cool. I think I had a cat once when I lived in a village. I don’t remember its name but it was really soft,”
“There are stray cats around the castle because Phil refuses to not feed them, if you ever walk the grounds you’ll probably meet one. Just avoid the raccoon, Tommy’s training him to bite Wilbur,”
“Tommy?”
“My younger brother, a real nuisance and very loud. Wilbur’s my other brother, less of a nuisance and less loud,” Ranboo nodded along. In the back of his mind, he wondered if he had siblings he didn’t know of. He had Edward, but that was a long time ago when his cellmates didn’t die every week and they were nice and helpful. “Speaking of which, do you have any family?” Ranboo froze like a deer in the headlights.
“I don’t think so,”
“Okay, well you can stay here for a while as you recover. I’ll find a more permanent room outside the guest wing,”
“Oh, you don’t have to. I don’t want to be a bother, it’s okay-”
“Relax, I’m the king and my dad’s the Emperor your not bothering us by using a room,”
“Okay, yeah. Wait, you’re the king?”
“Yes,” Techno stated matter of factly.
He pushed out the only thing he could manage today at the moment. “Cool,” Ranboo was a bit perplexed by the matter. Why did the royal family care about him, he was worthless.
“Just relax Ranboo. I’m sure Phil will talk with you later,” And with that, he slid out the door leaving the door cracked open and Ranboo sitting alone again.
It was so strange that someone so prominent- or anyone really- would care about him. He wasn’t special, he was a hybrid, though it seems Techno and Phil were too. But in the end, he was worthless, nothing, or maybe that’s what he was told to believe. He never really knew what the truth was or not. He tried to hold onto Edward’s words “ᓭℸ ̣ ᔑ|| ᓭℸ ̣ ∷𝙹リ⊣, ↸𝙹リ'ℸ ̣ ꖎ╎ᓭℸ ̣ ᒷリ ℸ ̣ 𝙹 ℸ ̣ ⍑ᒷᒲ. ∷ᒷᒲᒷᒲʖᒷ∷ ⍑𝙹∴ ╎ᒲ!¡𝙹∷ℸ ̣ ᔑリℸ ̣ ||𝙹⚍ ᔑ∷ᒷ” (Stay strong, don't listen to them. Remember how important you are.) but every day it was harder, every day without Edward was harder. After he was brought into his ‘new life’ Edward was his cellmate and he helped him adjust. It was comforting having another enderman with him and comforting him. But good things come to an end. Ranboo didn’t like thinking about Edward too much.
The door creaked open and Ranboo tried to suppress a flinch at the sudden noise, it was quiet but he was always too alert. There wasn’t a head peeking through the door however, instead, there was a large white dog nudging the door with his head. This must be Steve . Once he successfully opened the door enough he slid through. Techno was right Steve looked more similar to a polar bear than a dog. He was large and fluff and Ranboo wanted nothing more to hide in his face in the soft-looking fur. But he couldn’t stand up to the pet him and Steve apparently wasn't all too fond of most people- they had that in common.
Steve looked at him with dark eyes. For an animal, he seemed to be examining Ranboo with a lot of might. Then, surprisingly, he trotted forward to the bed and Ranboo. Steve stood by his hand and rubbed him with his wet nose. Ranboo giggled at the unfamiliar feeling before moving his hand to run his figures lightly through the fur atop his head. Steve seemed very happy at the notion.
Steve pulled back, for a moment Ranboo worried he did something wrong to make the dog hate him. But it wasn’t to run off, instead, he stepped back and jumped up onto the bed. He crushed Ranboo’s legs in the process but he didn’t really mind. Steve was a big dog and they were lucky the bed was bigger. Steve placed himself next to the teenager and rested his head on Ranboo, just height enough on his chest to avoid the injury under his ribcage. Ranboo had never felt more comforted, the warm, welcoming weight made his brain melt. How long had it been since he had experienced any time of affection? Probably too long. So he shamelessly hugged his arms around Steve's neck and nuzzled his face into his fur allowing himself to enjoy the bliss.
~*~*~*~
Techno and Phil were walking back to the room Ranboo was currently staying in to talk to him again. They felt bad to keep interrupting the boy but they needed to know more from the stranger. As they walked down the long halls of the guest wing they didn’t talk much, they’d reached a point where silence was acceptable and not awkward or uncomfortable. Still, Techno did need to tell Phil something.
“I think it was a ring,”
“A ring?” Phil asked, surprised. The Arctic had been ruled by hybrids dating back centuries so most prejudices against the group had been filtered before their time. Of course, this didn’t mean there weren’t bigots living amongst them. “How do you know?”
“The scratches on his arm were over a serial number,”
Phil’s shoulder sank. “Do you think he came from Manburg or Essempi?”
“I don’t think the kid would’ve survived walking that far, and either way it’s outlawed there too,” Illegal Hybrid Fighting Arenas, or Rings, used to be extremely popular in the Essempi nation but it fizzled out with waves of movements hundreds of years ago and it had been outlawed in Manburg from the start seeing as it was known for its hybrid inclusivity as well the Arctic.
“I’ll get scouts out to find some information,” Techno nodded. “Maybe the kid can give us information after we gain his trust,”
“It might not help, he doesn’t talk much but he said he has a bad memory,”
“Been through a lot?”
“Yeah,”
“It was nice of you to take him in. Maybe you do have a heart under all that bloodlust,”
Techno grumbled. “Of course I have a heart. Besides, it’s not permanent and I definitely don’t care about him,”
Phil suppressed an eye roll but Techno could sense it anyway. “Sure mate, you can tell yourself that,”
“Shut up,” He huffed and walked faster to get ahead, not willing to stand this bullying longer than he needed to. They reached the door that had been pushed further open than Techno remembered leaving it. He looked at the bed hoping that Ranboo didn’t wander off or get lost or killed- definitely not because he cared or was worried, that was chat. Chat- once again not him- seemed to have no reason to worry. Steve had managed to sneak himself into the room and climb in bed with Ranboo who was snuggling with the large dog.
“Now that’s adorable,” Techno rolled his eyes at Phil’s comment as he looked over his shoulder.
“No, it’s not,”
“Come on, let’s not wake them up,” Phil tugged Techno along and closed the door quietly behind them. Techno’s heart was not warmed by the sight at all and he definitely wasn’t getting attached to someone he had a single conversation with.
~*~*~*~
After three days Ranboo was deemed healed enough to walk around. It was freeing to be out of bed and walking around but strange at the same time. He was so unused to being able to walk freely, almost every room he entered felt restricted. Phil had to tell Ranboo he could leave the room and didn’t have to stare at the door longingly. He looked sad when Ranboo said he wasn’t allowed to leave his room and that he’d get in trouble. It took some time for Phil to explain his room wasn’t a cell, Ranboo still didn’t completely understand the concept. Part of ranboo was still waiting to wake up from this dream and be stripped of his happiness- a feeling he wasn’t used to but enjoying.
Something quite daunting about the castle was its size. He had gotten lost several times, which was only elevated in number by him being unable to remember how he got places. He found his way back eventually but it took some time.
He spent most of his time with Phil who was very nice to the point it was almost uncomfortable. He was always so helpful and reassuring and overall kind, it wasn’t something Ranboo was used to in authority figures. Techno was much calmer- distant? . Sometimes Ranboo could feel his stare but he’d always look away before Ranboo could catch him. Oftentimes they wouldn’t talk, at least not long conversations, and instead sit in company which Ranboo enjoyed, it was comforting but not overbearing. He was finding the castle very pleasant as he grew more and more used to it and the beginning anxiety dwindled down to a quiet hum compared to a tidal wave.
He had met Tommy which was… eventful.
( “There is no way you are that tall. I refuse to believe it. How’d you do it?”
“I don’t know,”
“Stop harassing Ranboo Tommy, please,” )
And he met Wilbur which was thankfully less eventful.
( “You must be Ranboo. I’m Wilbur or Will. Care to explain how you got onto my balcony without going through my room,”
“Honestly… I have no idea,” )
And they were falling into a routine. Ranboo moved to a different room. He was still unsure how long he was staying there, mentally preparing himself to be thrown at the moment they realized how worthless he was. He lived his days out simply. Wake up, try to remember anything he could, be greeted by Steve outside his door, get breakfast, listen to Tommy complain about Steve liking Ranboo more than him, go to the library or walk around. Then in the evening he’d have dinner and relax in his room. It was unfamiliarly domestic. His days were happy as long as he remembered everything when he woke up from a calm sleep, which didn’t always happen.
Ranboo blinked, his eyes opened tiredly. How long was he asleep? Why was he asleep? Why did everything hurt? The room he was in was dark and familiar, filled with harsh, painful memories, the ones he willed to forget but never could. His limbs felt heavy.
“Oh look, the freak finally woke up again,” A man with a foul tongue and rotted teeth leaned against the stonewall, casually picking at red on his yellow nails. Two other men were next to him matching his casual pose and annoyed faces. “Took you longer to respawn this time. Maybe we have to condition you,” He sneered, reveling in the panic that filled Ranboo’s eyes. The events from what felt like moments before crashed back into his head as the fogginess of respawn faded. He was killed, stabbed. He could feel the pain thinking about it. It was a never-ending loop, different deaths coming into mind.
No. No. No. They can’t do it again. He wished he wouldn’t respawn anymore. “Don’t worry, we’ll make it painless kid. After all, this is about the pearl, not your pitiful lives,” He moved forward. Ranboo needed to getaway. He needed to run, something. He pushed himself from the bed and into the corner. There was nowhere to go, he was trapped between a wall and an armed man ready to kill. He didn’t want to die again. Tears seared down his face, the burns didn’t even bother him anymore. “Stop crying freak, you’ll respawn,” That was the opposite of reassuring- thought that was doubtable his intention.
The sword came closer, piercing him with searing pain. He cried out and they did nothing but laugh. The blade was drawn out and then mocked him as he sank to the floor pushing on the wound as blood seeped through his fingers. It hurt, it hurt, it hurt. He wanted it to stop through death but he couldn’t handle another respawn. More tears fell and his skin bubbled up from the irritation. They kept laughing, it was ringing in his ears.
“Why don’t we speed it up for you,” A sword came crashing down to his head. He screamed.
Everything was too much. Cold sweat dripped down his forehead and clammed up his hands. He threw the covers off him to escape the feeling of suffocating that stung his skin. His whole body was shaking and burning with an unpleasant pain that made his nerves dance. He could breathe. Dear gods, he couldn’t breathe . The world was moving in and out of focus as his mind was split between a hundred different memories and abstract concepts that he couldn’t quite reach out and understand.
“Ranboo?” He flinched harshly at the sudden noise intruding the buzz in his ears. Was that his name? He knew that voice. How did he know that voice? “Ranboo,” It wasn’t a question anymore and despite the deep, monotone of the voice the tone was trying to be more comforting. “Can you hear me?” Ranboo nodded timidly. He had curled his knees to his chest and his hands were scrambling for purchase in his hair as a reminder that it was real, it was all real. “Okay good. Can you take deep breaths for me?” He tried to, he did but it only came out as wheezes and choked out coughs. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, he willed them not to fall; he didn’t want to deal with the pain. “Do you know where you are?” Ranboo thought for a moment. It was a good question, one he had no answer to so he shook his head no. “You’re in the castle, no one here is going to hurt you,” He wanted to believe him, he wanted to so bad but the memories. He couldn’t be sure, what if they… “Keep breathing. You’re not with those people anymore. They can’t hurt you,”
“B-But, they- they killed… They’ll come back. They always come back. Please I don’t want- I can’t die, again. Please ,” His voice was scratchy and it hurt to talk but he needed to say something, let them know why he couldn’t trust them.
“They’re not coming back. I’m not going to let them get to you,” It sounded like a promise which was reassuring. “Can I- Can I touch you?” Ranboo didn’t like the idea of physical touch most times but even the idea of a grounding presence was enough for him to lung forward and lock the other in a hug. The other was clearly not expecting that reaction but didn’t pull away which he was thankful for. The tears that threatened to slip earlier came out and seeped into the fabric of the sleep shirt the other was wearing. He smelled of wood and iron and his clothes smelled of fresh linen and vanilla. Ranboo held onto the things he could hear, feel and smell to try and ground himself.
He calmed down eventually. The tears stopped, though their sting remained, and his breathing evened out. He pulled away from the hug, only to finally be lucid enough to realize he was hugging Technoblade. The Technoblade.
“You okay?” Ranboo nodded hesitantly. “Why don’t you get some rest. I’ll get Steve in here,” He patted Ranboo’s head and stood up to whistle out the door, it not taking long before the large dog Steve barreled in happily. Quickly, it made its way to Ranboo and snuggled into his side. If Ranboo wasn’t so tired he’d have been uncomfortable with being vulnerable and falling asleep in front of ‘The Blade’, but he trusted him enough to ignore the never-ending uneasiness in his stomach for now.
~*~*~*~
Techno stood at the doorway watching a sleeping Ranboo. He looked over his features, much more peaceful in sleep though he still looked scared and red burns streamed under his face from tear tracks. Phil came up behind him silently, Techno sensed his presence but did move his eyes.
“Is he feeling better?” Phil asked, keeping his voice hush.
“He's still asleep. I’m praying he doesn’t have another nightmare,”
“Poor kid, what did they do to him?” It was posed as a rhetorical question but Techno gave an answer anyway.
“He told me ‘I can’t die again’ Phil,”
“Do you think they-”
“With the shortage of enderpearls a few years ago, I wouldn’t be surprised,”
“But that shortage was five years ago, that would mean. . ,”
“He was eleven,” Techno finished the thought.
“Fucking bastards,” Techno nodded in agreement. What monsters lived under their rule and got away with that. The more he thought about it the angrier he got.
Kill them. Protect. Save Ranboo. Revenge.
“I’m proud of you,”
“For what?”
“Helping him,”
“It’s no big deal, means nothing,” He grumbled.
I like him. Technosoft.
“Techno could you please just admit you like him I don’t know how long I can stand the denial,”
“I’m not in denial Phil, there’s nothing to be in denial about,” Phil rolled his eyes. Maybe he was right but Techno wasn’t going to tell him that, he’s not risking his pride and reputation for that. “I’m going to get some regen for his burns, yell if something happens,”
“Oh yeah,” Phil says sarcastically. “You defined hate him,”
“Shut up, you literally adopted three children from the streets by saying ‘I like you, you’re mine now',”
“One, that’s not what I said; two, your taking after me so you can’t be talking,”
“Phil you’re going to ruin my reputation,” He half-heartedly protests as he walks off. He’s not soft for the kid. He’s Technoblade and Technoblade isn’t soft for anyone. Definitely not.
~*~*~*~
Ranboo was walking the grounds. He had been giving an overwhelming amount of freedom and he loved to use it to his advantage. Despite the assumed chill of the Arctic and the snow that almost always caked the ground in white when the sun was out, it could be quite lovely and warm. Techno always makes him go out with a coat just in case but often he’d shrug it off halfway through his walk. The sun was high in the sky making Ranboo assume it was nearly noon. Ranboo bummed a quiet room to himself, he never knew where he learned it but it was engraved into his mind and calming to hear. He walked along the clear stone paths of the frosted garden. Techno had mentioned there were cats there often and he desperately wanted to meet one. He could see their paw prints in the snow and the dishes Phil had left out for them but never the cats.
As if fate was listening to his thoughts, he heard a padder ahead of him. He looked to the noise to see a black cat sitting on the path ahead of him. It was a lovely cat, despite living outdoors it looked clean and fur soft. If Ranboo knew it wouldn’t scare it away he’d reach out and pet it. He notices small white patches on one of its ears and around one eye. It reminded him of himself.
“Hi,” He said softly. He’d probably cry if he scared the cat away to be honest so he was very careful. The cat seemed used to humans because it had no issue walking up to him. He rubbed its head on his leg and looked up with pleading eyes. Ranboo let out a breathy laugh and kneeled down to give the cat it’s wanted pets. The cat pawed at his legs and purred from the attention.
After some more attention, Ranboo stood up, to which the cat meowed as if offended. “I’m sorry, I have to go in for lunch,” Techno would be angry if he didn’t eat lunch- he didn’t like him skipping meals and always said he had to get used to eating three meals a day compared to his three meals a week he was used to- but he felt bad leaving the cat. “I’ll be back I promise,” The cat meowed and Ranboo gave him a head pat as an apology and moved back to the castle.
Lunch was soup and bread. Ranboo didn’t know simple food could taste so good until he started staying at the castle, everything was amazing and didn’t taste like cardboard. Not to mention each meal was different and the bread wasn’t stale. The group of royals and him didn’t often eat together, they all came in at their own times to grab a portion from the warmed pot on the table. Ranboo tended to come in last and talk with the server who came to take the empty pot. They were really nice but he couldn't even remember their name (and at this point, it would be uncomfortable to ask).
He had finished most of his soup and was now nibbling contently on his bread. He felt a warm pressure on his leg which started him. He dropped his bread into his empty bowl and looked down under the table, only to find a familiar cat as the culprit.
“How did you even get in here?” The cat made no effort to respond, it only took Ranboo’s notice as an invitation to jump on his lap and lay down. “You can’t be in here, what if Techno gets mad,” Phil had told him jokingly that Techno could never get mad at him but he didn’t want to risk it.
( “I don’t want to bother him. What if he gets mad?”
“Kid,” Phil said deadpan. “I don’t think Techno could be mad at you if he tried. He doesn’t even hate Tommy and you’ve met Tommy. Relax,” )
“I’ll get mad at what?” Ranboo shot up from looking at the cat. Techno landed against the tall door frame with his arms crossed.
“Oh! Hi. Well, there was this cat, and- and he followed me inside. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to really-” He was speaking too fast to be understood.
“Chill Ranboo. What is this about a cat?” Ranboo sighed and listed the cat from his lap. The cat stretched so that his arms and head peaked over the table top.
“They just followed me inside. I didn’t know I swear, I’ll bring them back out too,” He knew he was still talking too fast from panic but he couldn’t control it.
“It’s fine, it can stay. Phil’s practically adopted the cats around here anyway,” Ranboo visibly relaxed. “I’d give them a name though,” He walked off again. Ranboo laughed, his only thought being that Tommy would be so jealous.
( “That isn’t fair! Why can’t Henry stay inside?”
“Because Henry is a cow Tommy,”)
~*~*~*~
Techno sighed. He shouldn’t be so nervous to talk to a kid who’s been living with them for a month, but it was… important? Was that the right word? He was only giving Ranboo a journal to help with his memory problems, but it still felt really personal. Techno did not handle confrontation or communication very well. But now he had been standing outside the East Library for almost twenty minutes and if anyone was watching they’d definitely think he lost his mind. He just needed to get it over with, like ripping off a bandage. He was overreacting, everything would be fine.
He pushed the door open a crack just to peek through and make sure he wasn’t interrupting anything. He wasn’t, Ranboo was sitting down reading an old book Techno had recommended to him. The cat he had decidedly named Enderchest was curled on his lap.
Ranboo! Do it. Come on pussy. Ranboo!
Maybe Techno could walk away unnoticed and he can pretend it was never going to happen…
“Oh, hi Techno,” Too Late.
“Hey, Ranboo,” He walked into the room and Ranboo placed his book down on his lap closed with the page folded.
Do it. Blood. E. Come on. Ranboo!
“Ranboo, listen,” Ranboo shifted nervously. His eyes darted to the floor.
Now you’ve scared him. Bad. Ranboo! Run while you still can.
“You didn’t do anything wrong,” He backtracked. Ranboo's shoulders relaxed but he still avoided eye contact. “I actually, I got you something,” He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. Ranboo’s ears perked up in excitement. His tail waved and swooshed audibly against the fabric. “I know that you have- I don’t know- those, memory issues or whatever. I figured you could use a book to help I guess,” He pulled it from his red jacket pocket. “It’s whatever, I-“ He was pushed back from a force. In his awkward rambling he didn’t notice Ranboo move forward swiftly for a hug. Techno’s hands hovered in the air, unsure what to do. They had hugged before but that was more in the sense of ‘I’ve gone into autopilot because this kid is crying and I don’t know what else to do (Will called it his “dad mode” which earned him a slap in the back of the head).
“Thank you! Thank you!” Ranboo squealed in excitement, a few stray enderman noises coming out naturally.
Happy. Ranboo. Sonboo. Hug him. Memory Boy.
Techno moved a hand to pat his back.”No problem,” He felt the smile on his face. “This doesn’t mean I like you,”
Ranboo didn’t pull away from the hug but laughed. “I know,”
~*~*~*~
Ranboo had met Tubbo multiple times, he was very nice and often called Ranboo ‘my beloved’ (Tommy hated it) which was strange but not unwelcomed. But this was the first time he was meeting him in a formal setting, this was his first time in a formal setting at all. Apparently important people from Manburg were coming by to discuss ‘random political shit’ according to Tommy. The king (president? He was called both) was coming as well as his vice, Ranboo couldn’t remember their names but he knew they were written down in the journal he held tight to his chest. Tommy had been talking about the visit all day because Tubbo was stopping by for the first time in a week and that was far too long for them to be separated.
( “I’m not the clingy one Wilbur you bitch, it’s Tubbo.” Ranboo didn’t believe that. )
Phil had been nice enough to commission him a few nicer shirts and suits for occasions like this and one in the future, a sentiment that almost made Ranboo cry. He was wearing a loose poet shirt and dark blue dress pants that are nicer than anything he’s ever owned before. Techno nudged him in the shoulder and he stood up straighter in response, clutching his book a little tighter. Being pulled from his thoughts allowed him to notice the carriage pulling up to the castle front. Their journey was faster than usual due to the lack of snowfall for the past few days. They all stood in a line youngest to oldest, placing Phil in front then Wilbur, and so on. Techno had insisted he’d be next to Phil because he was king, Will countered with him being Phil’s heir and technically being older than Techno, a fact the king wasn't happy about. Tommy was practically vibrating with excitement.
The carriage had barely stopped when Tubbo came racing, nearly tripping over the steps. He hugged Tommy who muttered how clingy he was but made no effort to pull away. A man with horns much larger than Tubbo’s and a suit decorated with a flag pin and red tie stepped out accompanied by a shorter hybrid with small duck wings and a beanie over his head. Tommy and Tubbo had already scampered off, Ranboo would’ve followed but Techno said it was a good idea for him to meet their allies.
“Good morning Schlatt,” Phil smiled and extended his hand to the horned man. That was his name! “And you Quackity,” He nodded to the other. Schlatt shook his hand and smiled.
“Hello Philza,” Ranboo noticed he smelled faintly of booze and came off as intimidating but his voice was sweet. Schlatt looked over to Techno, eyes widening as he caught the other teen behind him. “You adopted another kid Phil, I thought you said you were done with that,”
“I didn’t adopt another kid, that’s Ranboo he’s-”
“He’s my ward,” Techno interrupted. Ranboo shot his head to the side. His what? “He’s been staying with us for over a month,”
“Ah Ranboo, Tubbo’s mentioned you. Thought you’d be shorter,” Ranboo didn’t respond, still in shock about Techno’s words. Does this mean he’s staying in the castle permanently? A ward. Ranboo turned to Techno, Phil, Schlatt and his vice had moved inside. Techno looked over to him eye to eye, gave him a faint smile, and walked off. Ranboo beamed and followed, standing a bit taller.
Did he have a family now?
If so he was glad it was with them.