Chapter Text
Theseus Craft was the pride and joy of the Kingdom.
Everyone adored the tiny child with golden blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Nothing like the usual dull muted colours of the civilians. His hair was brighter, more beautiful than that anyone had ever seen. Even though the kings hair was blonde even so it was nothing compared to little Tommy's.
Not only was he a beautiful baby he was a happy, happier than most. Yes he still cried but was heard laughing more often.
King Philza loved him so much. Even though his wife had passed in Tommy's birth, he still treasured the child. He was a little piece of Kristen that Phil could care for.
Prince and future army General Technoblade had been the one to name him Theseus. Probably because he was such a Greek mythology nerd. He wanted a brother that could spare with him, and he could go on about the books he'd read.
Crown-prince Wilbur was jealous at first, he thought that with Theseus around he'd get less attention. Except all his jealously disappeared when the first word Theseus spoke was a soft 'wilby'.
They all could not wait for him to grow up: they wanted to teach him, train him to be strong, love him. Even though another sibling and son was a surprise it was one that they had wanted to embrace.
Until the night they lost him.
Everyone was distraught, the Kingdom was never the same.
Nobody ever wanted to give up. They always hoped the miracle child would someday appear home. Which is why they lit lanterns every year on Theseus's birthday. In hope one day he would come return.
-
Tommy was five years old when he first saw the lights.
He had woken up in the middle of the night due to a nightmare. Tommy didn't want to go to his Dad considering he had shouted at him hours earlier. So instead, he slipped past his room and down the stairs.
Tommy became confused when instead of the usual silver glow of the moon the light of the windows was emitting more of an orange hue. Curiosity got the better of Tommy which prompted him to walk over to the window and try to look through. Without a step stool he couldn't see all that well, but he could not risk waking Dream if he went and got one out.
What he could see, was incredible.
Right in the sky was a clutter of floating...things. Tommy wasn't certain what they actually where but what he was certain about was how they were so so pretty.
His five-year-old mind could definitely say that this was one of the best things he's ever seen. Something Tommy wanted to see in person for sure.
Tommy was eager to get a better look, so he grabbed the windowsill and climbed up. Sadly, he couldn't see much more because of the ring of trees and rocks that surrounded his home.
Something caught his eye though, on the other side of the window was a small shadow.
Quietly, Tommy unlocked the latch and pushed the side of the window which didn't have the little shadow on it.
"Hello?" Tommy whispered, the baby teeth he lost caused his voice to whistle slightly.
It was too dark to see, and the shadow wasn't responding so Tommy carefully hopped down. He rummaged around in the drawers, trying to find a candle. Once he did, he next found a match and cautiously lit it.
Tommy knew he was not allowed to touch the matches, Dream told him that they were very dangerous! But this was a life-or-death situation!
Back over at the windowsill he placed down the candle and climbed up. Now with a better view he could see what the shadow was.
A moth.
Tommy had never seen this thing in real life, only read about it in one of the animal species books he had been given.
The moth was just sitting there, its wings beating gently. Tommy didn't really know how moths were supposed to behave.
However, once it caught sight of the candle it was over in a flash. The little thing flew around the flame but not close enough to get burnt.
"You're cute," Tommy held out his hand and the moth surprisingly jumped on, "I'm gonna name youuuuuu..."
It had to be a cool name.
Something people would hear and run for miles at the sound of it.
A fierce, strong battle name.
Aha!
"Clementine!"
"How do you like that name Clementine?" Tommy asked, and the moth nodded. Was that normal? Tommy wasn't sure.
However normal it was Tommy was happy, he had never had a friend before so this could be his first! They could do all the things he wanted to do with a friend like...like... A lot! A lot of stuff! Tommy just had to think about it first.
"You'll come back right Clementine?" Tommy paused feeling a little sad, what about Clementine house he wouldn't want to force him to stay away from his family.
The moth looked at him and his little head nodded.
Tommy let out a squeal of happiness placing the moth down and blowing out the candle. He wanted to watch the cool lights with his new friend.
-
Tommy yawned.
Today was going to be a long day, a long boring day.
He shoved off the covers and sat up with a stretch. It was too early; he deserves to sleep in once in while! Yes, that's right, Tommy's going to go back to bed and fall right back to sleep.
"Tommy!"
Never mind.
Tommy was up in a flash, he quickly jumped up and pulled on his jumper and a pair of socks.
"Tommy!"
"I'm coming!" Tommy called throwing open the door and hopping down the stairs.
There waiting for him smiling up at him was his father, Dream. Dressed in a light green cloak and a white mask covering his face.
Tommy had learnt not to be so scared by it.
"Morning," Tommy stepped off the last step and made his way over to the man.
"Morning," Dream grabbed Tommy's forearms and pulled him into a hug.
"Did you sleep well?" Tommy felt one of Dreams hands move to his head. His gloves running through his hair.
"As good as I normally do," Dream replied, pinching a piece of hair, and inspecting it. "I'll be going out for a while; I won't be back until this evening."
"Ok," Tommy nodded, squeezing Dream gently before he stepped away intending to go and make breakfast.
Well, that was the plan...
The hand that was previously gently stroking his head tightened. A sharp pain struck his scalp and Tommy was yanked back into Dream's chest.
"Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone Tommy," Dream tugged up his head so Tommy was forced to look at the smiling mask. When Tommy didn't respond Dream tugged harder "yes?"
"Y-yes Dream, I'll- of course I'll just be here- you know, I'll be here like usual," Tommy laughed awkwardly trying to ignore the stinging he felt in his skull.
"Good," Dream pushed Tommy away and let go of his hair, Tommy nearly stumbled but the back of his shirt was caught, "You're so clumsy."
Tommy turned round wanting to retort that that was NOT his fault, but the complaint fell silent out of his lips.
"Have a... have a good day Dream" Tommy mumbled wrapping his arms around himself. Even though he just hugged Dream he felt incredibly touch starved.
"Don't get into too much trouble Toms," Dream chuckled ignoring Tommy's flinch when he put a hand in his hair and ruffled it, "I'll bring you back that bread you like, the one without the nuts."
"Thank you Dream," Tommy smiled shakily reaching up and wrapping a hand around Dream's wrist, "stay safe".
He took Dream's hand off his head and patted his palm.
"See you soon," Dream gently rubbed Tommy's cheek as he walked past and hopped out of the window.
Tommy watched as he left and waited a couple seconds, just in case he would call wanting to come back up. That never came.
So, Tommy was left alone, his feelings conflicted. He should be used to this treatment it happens so often Tommy should expect it.
Whenever he was around Dream it felt like a cloud had covered his brain. Sometimes he'd forgot that in the nice moments there was always something worse to follow.
The happy feeling was always too good to be true.
As much as Tommy wanted to believe Dream whenever he did these things. When he told him, he was a more forgiving parent than most Tommy always thought: This just couldn't be the way people treat their kids.
Tommy cried in the middle of the living room that morning, the only witness was Clementine.
-
"Sapnap, Punz come on we gotta hurry up."
"Tubbo, we are going as fast as we can, it's not easy to jump across a roof," Punz said exasperated.
The trio were climbing along the tops of the castle after a bone aching climb up the wall.
"One goal gentlemen!" Sapnap half screamed, Punz jumped to shush him, "steal that crown!"
"Yep!" Tubbo grinned, this plan was absolutely fool proof. "Get past the fools, steal the jewels!"
They slowly approached where the throne room was. Thanks to Sapnap's once previous job as a waitor in the castle he knew where to go. Carefully, the group crawled along the glass and moved to cut open one of the panels.
"I'm gonna lower you down, ok?" Punz tied a rope around Tubbos stomach.
This shit was gonna hurt.
"I'm going," Tubbo dropped down, feeling Punz and Sapnap lower him closer to the group.
Then he thought...
Who the hell leaves a crown right in the middle of the room like this anyway? You would think they would lock it up somewhere safe?
That didn't matter, what did matter was getting that crown. Selling that could bring them a shit tonne of cash.
Once Tubbo was close enough he held up his hands prompting them to stop lowering him.
He reached down, hooking one hand around the crown, and silently placing it into his satchel. None of the guards in the room had turned round, probably not expecting anyone to actually try and steal the crown.
Tubbo was about to tug on the rope for him to get pulled up but he heard voices.
Uh oh.
The door swung open, and three people stepped inside. Tubbo was stuck still, perching on the crown stand.
"Uhum," someone with long pink hair coughed.
"What?!" The brown-haired man who had been arguing with the other blond man turned round.
"Look," the pink man pointed straight at Tubbo.
"Guys!" Tubbo shouted, "fucking pull me up."
In a flash Tubbo was being tugged up, just as the men and the guards ran up to grab him.
"What took you so long?!" Tubbo shouted as they began running, "I didn't know I had to wait five business days to escape from the throne room!"
"Sorry" Punz said as he tugged Tubbo onto the next roof, "we both got too shocked, you do realise who they were right?"
"Who?"
"The prince twins and the king you idiot," Sapnap hit the back of Tubbos head.
"Oh," Tubbo jumped off the roof and into a tree below. "So, who are they?"
Punz sighed heavily as they ran, the sound of hooves began to get louder.
"The blonde one is Philza Craft he's the king of this kingdom. The one with brown curly hair is Wilbur Craft-Soot first in line to the throne. His twin is Technoblade Craft he's the one with the pink hair" Punz spoke quickly as they ran.
"Dude, I knew you were from out of town but how the hell don't you know this?!" Sapnap said from Tubbos other side.
Tubbo was good a deception and lies.
"I don't know," Tubbo groaned, "I didn't bother to look it up."
"You're such- argh I don't know why we decided to work with you," Punz rolled his eyes.
"Just keep running, they'll catch up to us in no time If we don't gain some ground."
They both agreed and began to pick up some speed. Unfortunately, Tubbo made the mistake of turning and looking back.
"Oh my fuck that Technoblade dude is chasing us!" Tubbo screeched.
"Technoblade is chasing us?!" Sapnap looked behind in disbelief, "what?! This has never happened before!"
"Let's just keep going." Punz's expression was hard, but unease was obvious in it.
Tubbo gulped, being chased by one of the actual royal family members was scary sure. It was also a little exciting. "Technoblade is chasing me, this is the highlight of my life!"
It's not like he wasn't experienced. Yes, it's true he'd never stolen anything this big per say...
Apart from when he stole about 3 nukes, but we aren't talking about that.
"Dead end," Tubbo snapped back from mindless running to be face to face with a large cliff.
"Lift me up," Tubbo turned to the two. Punz and Sapnap looked at each other, sceptical, "Lift me up dammit and I'll pull you after! We don't have time to piss around!"
"Give us the satchel," Punz stuck his hand out.
"What?"
"The satchel, Tubbo, then we will lift you up," Sapnap's tone left no room for argument.
"Fine," Tubbo rolled his eyes as he pulled the bag over his head. He placed it into Punz open hand, "here."
"Good," Sapnap bent down, "hop up."
Tubbo nodded, putting one foot on Sapnaps knee and a hand on Punz's shoulder. They pushed him up just enough so that he could grab the cliff edge and have himself over.
"Right," Sapnap's face had turned red from the fast pace they had ran at and having to lift up Tubbo, "now help us up."
Tubbo looked behind the pair to see the guards closely approaching "sorry guys, but my hands are full."
Tubbo held his hand out showing the satchel that he managed to grab off Punz's shoulder.
"TUBBO YOU LITTLE SHIT GET BACK HERE!"
"I'M SORRY, I'LL BAIL YOU OUT OF JAIL SOON!" Tubbo stuck his tongue out and did a little salute.
"TUBBO!" He giggled as their shouts becoming just small sounds in the distance.
Being a kid did have its upsides, no one suspected him.
So yes, Tubbo did know everything about the royal family already. He only got Punz to explain it to distract him enough to guide them to the cliff.
The plan was executed perfectly.
It was all too easy....is what Tubbo was going to say until he heard a shout behind him.
"Little boy, stop running right now!"
And Technoblade was chasing him.
-
"Clem," Tommy tapped his fingers on the table, "I'm bored."
Clementine did nothing, not even react. Bitch.
He'd already listened to cat about a thousand times. As well as read all his books, cleaned the house and his room.
It was so boring in this place.
All he had to do now was pull a brush through his hair. It grew at an unnaturally fast pace.Dream wouldn't let him cut it so Tommy was just stuck with this insanely long mass of hair. Which was a bitch to brush.
He'd broken many hairbrushes in his life. They had a whole drawer dedicated to them.
While Tommy sat there yanking the brush through his locks, his mind wondered...It was his birthday soon. Meaning those lights were going to appear. For years he's been desperate to see them, today could be the day. If Dream let him go...
That may be hard.
Not just Dream, but the monsters that lived outside. Tommy was quite scared of what he'd been told.
Maybe he could actually ask Dream to-
"TOMMY!"
Tommy jumped at the unexpected call. He ripped the brush straight through a particularly large knot and hissed through his teeth.
He swiftly ran over, then threw open the window and looked down.
Dream was here.
Wasn't he supposed to come back in the evening?
Tommy didn't think when he let down his hair for dream to climb up. It was so unexpected.
"Um hello!" Tommy smiled as Dream stepped in.
Dream didn't respond, only walking back into the room and shoving his bag onto the table.
Tommy straightened up, rocking on his heels a bit. Dream seemed mad, probably best not to interrupt him right now.
"You didn't try to leave, did you?" Dream was facing away from him, holding an apple and a knife in his hand. He began to slowly curl the skin off.
"No of course not," Tommy tilted his head in confusion. Why was Dream asking him this? "I don't have a reason too."
"Good," Dream nodded slicing the apple.
Tommy let out a little breath, this atmosphere was not it.
"Actually...about...leaving..." Stop talking, stop talking, stop talking, "I wanted to ask you something,."
"What could you possibly want regarding that?" Dream snapped pulling a flinch out of Tommy.
"Well, you see, there are these lights that I see quite often- actually only once a year- and well- you see- I just- I just wanted to ask if maybe we could go and see them," Tommy sharply breathed in.
Dream seemed to pause and think for a long moment. He placed the apple and knife onto the counter.
"Oh, you mean the stars."
"The thing is they only light up on my birthday and that's very soon. So, they can't be stars. I just really wanted to see them."
Tommy hadn't looked up; he didn't want to see Dream. He heard his father move; he was coming closer. Oh, fuck he was coming closer.
"Tommy" he said in a sickeningly soft voice, "Look at me."
Reluctantly Tommy lifted his head and he wished he did not. He knew exactly what was coming.
Tommy's whole body jerked, his face stinging from the harsh slap that was pressed into his cheek.
"After everything I have done for you, this is how you want to repay me? Huh? I protect you, I feed you, I look after you. Without me you would be fucking dead because you're too weak to protect yourself. Do you know what's out there?!" Dream screamed in anger.
"No but-but i-"
"Exactly, you don't! You'll be eaten alive, monsters, criminals they'll all come and get you!"
"I just really want to go see them, you could protect me, couldn't you?" Tommy sniffed, tears already dropping down his cheeks.
"I don't know where the fuck this attitude of yours has come from, but I don't appreciate it," Dream looked so close to hitting him again. "I don't want to hear another word out of you about these stupid stars."
"They're not stars!" Tommy smacked a hand over his mouth, "I'm sorry- I'm sorry Dream- I'm so so sorry,"
He was so screwed; he would be killed.
Tommy put his hands above his head to block his face while he stepped back. Dream looked down at him and ground his teeth together.
"Do not ask again," He stepped forward, reaching, and grabbing Tommy into a hug, "I'm sorry I yelled Toms."
Tommy was expecting another hit, but the hug confused him even more.
"It's alright," Tommy rubbed his eyes harshly.
"I love you so much Tommy, you're the best son I could ever ask for," Dream grabbed Tommy's hair in a gentle grip, "I can't lose you."
"You won't lose me," Tommy sighed leaning further into the embrace, "I'll stay right here."
"Good. Now it's quite appropriate you mentioned your birthday because I was intending to ask what you wanted?"
"Um," Tommy removed his head from Dream's chest and looked up at the eyes of the mask, "you remember that one time, when you brought back that music disc- Cat. I was thinking possibly could I have another?"
Dream sighed loudly reaching and grabbing the apple to cut it up. He still kept Tommy close to him.
"That's a big ask Tommy, you know how long it took me to get that first one," Dream spoke sternly.
"Well, I just thought it would be better than the stars," Tommy mumbled softly, his hands shook as he fumbled with the button on Dream's robe.
"Tommy it's dangerous."
"Please, I won't ask about the stars anymore I'm really sorry. I just like the music...a lot," Tommy didn't mention the image of someone playing a guitar that flooded into his mind.
"Fine," Dream let out a long sigh, "I'll get you a new disc."
"Yay," Tommy smiled, wrapping his arms around Dream's stomach to hug him tighter.
"It might take a while, I'm not sure if I'm happy with you being by yourself that long," Dream grabbed one of Tommy's hair strands and twisted it around his finger. He had already placed the sliced apple onto a chopping board.
"I'll be fine," Tommy grinned although his smile was a little shaky, "I'm safe as long as I'm here; just like you said."
Dream seemed to stare at the hair in his hands for a long moment. A time that made Tommy feel uneasy.
"Alright."
"I mean I can always-wait really?"
"Yes, really," Dream nodded taking Tommy's head and pressing it into his chest. Then in a very light voice said, "I'll get you that stupid disc."
Surprisingly, he moved up his mask and kissed Tommy's head.
-
Tubbo was going to die.
From a heart attack.
He could barely breath, this being the most sprinting he's ever done in his life. How does one even outrun a fucking horse? Sure, he had a bit of an advantage, considering the thick winding trees and plants. However, a horse is a horse, one Tubbo is struggling to outrun.
That one guy, Technoblade, would just not leave him the absolute fuck alone. It was quite frankly pissing Tubbo off. Why the hell was he being so persistent?
It's not like Tubbo broke into the palace and stole the crown meant for the lost prince- oh wait, he did do that.
Yeah, a bad decision on his part but the cash it could come with was too much to pass up. Tubbo could think of a couple suitable buyers from the next town over.
There's that one woman who loves shiny thi- no he's in a chase it's not the right time.
Tubbo was definitely running out of time, his feet killed and his lungs burnt. Ouch. He would need to think of something fast otherwise he'd probably collapse.
Think. Think. Think.
Maybe it was a stroke of fate. Maybe the prime gods had decided to be kind. Maybe Tubbo was damn lucky.
Because, when he pushed a branch forward to get past it backed straight into Technoblade. Knocking him off his horse.
Tubbo was going to cry, he was so fucking happy. With the man off his horse it just made it ten times easier to get away....in theory.
Unfortunatly he wasn't out of the woods yet. The horse was chasing him.
Excuse me!??! The horse?!?! What?!?
Did this man enchant the horse with loyalty 1000 or something?!
So Tubbo still couldn't catch a break, all thanks to this dumb animal. It was a large horse with a chocolate brown coat and a light blonde mane. The horse was persistent. Seemed to know the task he was set and just how to execute it.
Tubbo was most likely going to pass out. It was inevitable.
He lost count a while ago but was pretty certain it had been about 7 minutes of chase. The horse showing absolutely no sign of slowing down, dammit.
Tubbo tried his best, yes being part goat did give him some advantages. Those being he was a little quicker than an average human and he had more stamina. However, he was still nothing compared to a horse even though it was obvious both of them were tiring.
The horse did previously have to carry a human on its back with it.
Tubbo kept running, further and further until...
He came across a fucking cliff.
Oh, he was going to be screwed. This didn't seem like something he would be able to avoid. The landform was high, not too high but enough to make it so Tubbo couldn't just jump down. Slowly climb down? yes. Fall? There were a couple trees and bushes but still too little to not cause injury.
The horse was coming, and Tubbo was running out of options.
He had to think fast.
However how easy that would be is hard to comprehend. Considering Tubbo was just done running through a long chase. No way would he be able to run again without passing out.
The horse was so close, just about to break through the forest in fact. Tubbo's hand tightened on the satchel strap.
"Stay back!" Tubbo shouted once the horse had breached the clearing. He tried to swing his arms around to somehow deter the horse.
It didn't work.
"What will you even do?" Tubbo laughed, he wanted to say it was because he had the upper hand. He was so damn nervous, "drag me back?"
The horse neighed and took a step forward.
"Stop." Tubbo took a small step back along with it, "stop don't come any closer."
The horse wasn't stopping, is this how his kingdom trains it's horses?! To kill thieves?
The horse grunted again snapping it's jaw. It had its head tilted in the direction of Tubbo's bag.
"Are you threatening to throw me off a cliff for this?!" Tubbo held up the bag in front of his face and shook it "What is wrong with you?!"
Ok so maybe holding up the object of his endeavours in front of his pursuer is not the right idea. The horse took the opportunity to snap it's jaw right onto the edge.
"Shit." Tubbo barely had a moment to speak before the horse began tugging.
No no no, Tubbo did NOT almost get lung damage to have some stupid horse take it from him. Absolutely not. So Tubbo did the only...logical thing he knew.
He tugged the fuck back.
Now Tubbo wasn't stronger than a horse, no way. However, someone once said, "determination can get you a long way" and he has a hell of a lot of that. Whoever said that basically saved him because somehow, he was managing to put up a good fight.
Except he wasn't thinking about the cliff.
Right till it was too late.
-
Tommy needed to find a way to prove to dream that he was strong. He wanted to go outside and see those lights so so bad.
Dream clearly didn't think he was strong enough, he just needed to prove it.
But how.
"Come on Clem, supply me with some ideas big man," Tommy mumbled to the moth that was sat on the edge of his pen.
Here was the list, thus far:
1) Beat Dream in a 1v1 match.
2) Kill a monster.
3) Showcase good sword fighting skills
Not a long list, not long at all.
It was frustrating, Tommy wanted to prove himself so bad. He was sixteen for fucks sake. Surely Dream will let him leave at some point?
Tommy doesn't even care about the monsters; he just wants to go and experience life.
Also...even though Tommy didn't want to admit it, he wanted a friend. So so badly. Someone who he could relate to and was someone his age maybe. Yes Dream is his friend but having your father as your only friend feels a bit sad.
Of course, Tommy was grateful for everything Dream has done for him: Kept him safe, cared for him, raised him.
Unfortunately, Tommy is a free spirit.
It is not easy to contain someone with such a personality. Tommy wanted to run and have fun. Do everything he could never do being stuck inside the stuffy tower.
Quite often he would sit outside the windowsill wishing he could just lower himself down. That was foolish. Tommy knew how much trouble he would be in.
Dream had..hi- disciplined him before it's likely he'll do it again. Tommy just thought, maybe there was a way to get Dream to listen.
He said he wouldn't be back for a while, right? What if he just...left? Tommy could probably get back before Dream did.
The last time his father went to go and get a disc it had taken three weeks. Dream had told him he had to travel all the way to a mob spawner. Tommy had no idea what those were. Anyway, it took Dream a long time and the lights were supposed to come in a few days.
He has time to go...
How will you get there?, a voice in his head supplied.
Now that was a problem. Tommy had never been outside, how the hell was he going to find his way. He assumed there must be a village somewhere. Or just someplace where they release the lights.
He sort of knew the direction...kinda.
Tommy would need someone to guide him, but how would he find someone in the middle of the woods?
Crack*
What?
Crack*
"Clem here," Tommy ran and put Clementine on the counter, "stay."
Crack*
Dream always asked Tommy to let his hair down so something was off. This was not Dream.
Crack*
Tommy ran to the kitchen and grabbed a frying pan.
Crack*
He was going to show Dream that he was strong.
Crack*
Tommy positioned himself to the side of the window and waited.
Crack*
A hand landed on the windowsill and a body hauled themselves up. Water dripping onto the wood.
A monster? Sea monster?
Whack*
"Oh my god I knocked him out!"
-
Tubbo thought he was going to die...again, as he fell, he smacked straight into a deep pool of water.
His body stung like hell. This was like a belly flop but ten times worse. At least he had something to break his fall.
No broken bones as of now.
However, the horse fell as well. That's a problem. Considering the horse might have died. Tubbo wasn't the kind of guy to want a horse dead.
He lay there for a moment, floating in the warm water. A frog landed on a lilie pad by his thigh.
"How close is the horse?" Tubbo turned his head to the amphibian.
Ribbit*
It puffed its chin out and blinked. Was that a sign?
"I should get up shouldn't I?" Tubbo slowly sat up, his skin stung like hell. Little red blotches began to form up his arms and the backs of his legs.
The water was going to be a problem, Tubbo stood up and rung out his clothes, it probably was going to leave a trail. Can horses track trails of water?
Never mind, Tubbo was just going to have to run and find a spot to hide in. Fast. Not so quick it would alert the horse mind you.
Considering it survived...
Tubbo hoped it did.
Once he was out of the pond Tubbo began to slowly walk. The running from before made him unable to go quickly again. As well as his breathing had barely calmed down, especially after the shock of falling into water. Tubbos muscles ached meaning he'd definitely have to stop very soon.
So when he heard the huff of a horse a little mile off he knew he was screwed.
Being part goat made his hearing slightly better. His ears not being like a normal human.
Fortunately for him, he was goat. Otherwise, no way Tubbo would have heard the horse at all.
Tubbo definitely couldn't run, but the horse hadn't noticed him yet so all he needed to do was sneak away.
So off he went, slowly, slowly slowly.
Not bringing attention to himself was the most important thing for him to do.
Maybe even dropping in the water masked his scent a little bit? Tubbo didn't know in all honesty. But what he did know was how important it was he got away.
Imagine all the things he could buy once he sold the crown.
Tubbo did feel a little bad, he was stealing the long lost princes crown. That was wrong. However, it shouldn't have been so unguarded.
Plus some random lost prince meant nothing to Tubbo, the kid would have probably grown up to be a pompous asshole anyway. Maybe he was doing the royal family a favour and in doing that he can feed himself.
Tubbo cared nothing for the royal family, probably going as far as hating them. Why do they have the right to live in luxury while others struggle? Tubbo was anti-royalty if that was a thing.
Tubbo would NEVER associate himself with one of them EVER!
Going on a tangent about the royal family was probably a mistake because he'd just lost sight of the horse. How? I guess we'll never know. Even with this... minor... set back Tubbo still needed to find a good hiding place. A building of some kind.
So Tubbo kept moving, still keeping a degree of cautiousness.
He moved through the forest almost jumping out of his skin at every crack of a branch and shift of a leaf.
Tubbo was doing fine...until he heard rhythmic smacking on the forest floor. His ears flicked to pick up the faint sound.
Oh, shit the horse was coming right for him.
Quickly he prayed to the prime gods that he was going to make it far far away. Then Tubbo ran, ran, ran, ran, as fast as he could in the circumstance.
Tubbo knew he was going to struggle, having ran before he was losing energy. Fast. Especially since a horse was going to be much faster than him.
So that plan to find a hiding place was going to have to undergo sooner than later.
He sharply turned left running through a much thicker part of the forest.
Then dived into a bush.
He crawled further when the horse got louder. Pushing past lots of vines and thick leaves.
It was a relief when the horses grunts turned much fainter.
Just to be safe Tubbo kept crawling. He felt disgusting. his clothes were wet with water and sweat, dirt covering his hands and knees. When he got home he'd definitely have a shower.
After a little while he finally pushed through and into a clearing.
"Oh," Tubbo whispered in shock.
He was now kneeling in a completely isolated circle of land. Tall cliffs with a few waterfalls and vines littering along the rocks. A small stream flowing through and ending in a pool further on in the space. There were no trees, but multiple plants and flowers.
What stood out most of all was the tower...A fucking tower just in the middle. What?!
Tubbo was not unfamiliar with finding random structures it's just that this was nothing he'd come across before.
So, the only natural solution was to explore it.
Tubbo once at the bottom of the tower had a dilemma. How was he going to get up?
An idea presented itself when he looked at his satchel. Tubbo opened it up and pulled out two arrows.
This seemed like a bit of a long shot. If this worked Tubbo might be able to find some supplies in the tower that could be useful. Like fresh clothes.
He dug the arrows into the stone and hauled himself up.
This was already beginning to feel like a shit idea. Tubbo knew he was lacking energy so why did he think he could climb a tower?!
Well now he is started there's no going back is there. If he does not want to fall a few feet that is.
He continued to climb, breathing a sigh of relief when a window came in sight. With a smile on his face, he threw his hand over and dragged himself up.
Then everything went black.
-
Tommy was freaking out.
He really hadn't thought this one through because now he has some random person on his floor.
Dream would be so mad.
He had no idea what to do. There was no way of contacting his father, so Tommy is stuck to deal with this himself.
"Clem," Tommy whispered to the moth on his shoulder, "What do we do."
The moth blinked.
"I agree," Tommy mumbled. He slowly moved closer the pan tight in his hands. The person he just hit was lying face first on the floor.
Using the pan handle Tommy carefully tilted the person's head. They seemed young.
They also seemed to be part goat?
Tommy had never really met another person meaning he was uncertain if this was normal or not?
The boy had brown shaggy hair with little horns peeking out. His ears were not like Tommy's, they were fluffy instead.
This is weird.
Could Tommy go to prison for this? No the boy was breaking into his house it's just self-defence. Right?
While Tommy was inspecting the intruder Clementine flew off his shoulder.
"What is it Clem?" Tommy followed the insect to it landing on an unfamiliar bag.
Slowly, Tommy manipulated the boys body to pull off the bag from his shoulder. Wouldn't want there to be a weapon or some shit. That was Tommy's justification for snooping inside someone else's belongings that is. Dream always called him a racoon when he was younger, because apparently he kept stealing things and hiding them in his room. Tommy doesn't ever remember doing that.
Anyway, that's not the point. Right now, the point was opening the bag without some sort of explosion occurring.
Tommy carefully unlatched the front and flipped open the flap.
As soon as that was done, Tommy, just to be safe, jumped back. Nothing seemed odd about the back neither was anything jumping out of it. So Tommy deemed it safe to just have a peak.
He stuck a hand inside the bag and pulled out the first thing it came into contact with.
A bag of circle things...
Now what in the fuck are these?
Tommy had never come across such circular highly pastel balls before. Was this a gift from the Prime Gods? Dream had never brought him something such as this before.
Were they....were they edible?
Letting curiosity get the best of him; Tommy stuck two fingers inside the drawstrings, of the mesh bag, and pushed it open.
He took one out and sniffed.
Hm, a little sweet?
The thing was a light pink and when Tommy stuck a nail inside and split it in half it was white.
Should he taste it?
.......
"NO!" Tommy shouted throwing the bag across the room. The little balls scattered across the floor, some rolling under the table and others getting stuck in the gaps of the floorboards. This was when Tommy knew he'd fucked up. The boy was waking up.
For a small second, the goat-boy managed to lift his head before it was slammed back down with a frying pan.
Oh shit, did Tommy just inflict a double concussion?
He definitely should not have done that.
"Too late now," Tommy tutted, scolding himself.
Ah well when he wakes up Tommy will apologize...if he wakes up.
Tommy was then to realise he still hadn't gone through the whole bag. The next item he pulled out was something much more recognisable than the pastel balls.
It was a crown. Arguably the most extraordinary thing Tommy's ever seen.
Made of silver leaves and branches which twined around each other with little pink flowers. There was also a mix of tiny star shaped jewels which a few hung lower down.
This was definitely a crown fit for someone important.
Tommy shouldn't try it on.
No way should he even dare move to place it onto his head.
No way.
Not Tommy innit.
And he out it on his head...
"I'm curious!" Tommy gestured widely when Clementine gave him a look.
It did suit him, and it did fit. But it was in no way his. So, Tommy put the crown back into the bag and clasped it closed. Opting to leave the pastel things all over the floor.
When he moved to put the bag back an idea struck. Perfect blackmail. Henceforth with lack of thought Tommy went and shoved the bag into an empty plant pot. Not his best hiding spot but not awful.
The next issue was what to do with the boy. No way could he just let the kid roam free once he woke up. What if he attacked him? All humans were evil according to dream, so Tommy didn't want to take any chances.
'he's not exactly human' his brain supplied.
That was true, the boy was some strange human goat crossover.
But still, he needed to prove he was strong. That entailed not making any mistakes or taking any chances.
So using all his strength, Tommy dragged the boy and pushed him into a chair.
Dream never kept anything like rope in the house, to Tommys knowledge but will find out soon enough this is not true, because he was too scared Tommy might "trip on it". Dreams words not his. It seemed like a dumb reason, but Tommy was never one to question him. Dream is usually ways right.
There was one thing Tommy did have however, his hair.
So even though it was crazy, Tommy began to wind the hair to tie the kid to the chair.
Prime he hopes this works.
-
Tubbo had been in some strange situations yes.
This was by far the strangest of them all.
He remembered trying to steal a crown off the royal family then getting into a long elaborate chase. Pissing off a horse and falling off a cliff. Finding a mysterious tower and climbing it.
To then be struck by a frying pan...
Twice.
Tubbo really should have thought it through, of course the tower wouldn't be empty. Of course Tubbo wasn't going to be lucky.
When he finally managed to open his eyes Tubbo found he couldn't move. Was this rope? No, it was too soft to be rope, it didn't leave any indents in his skin. As well as the colour was not like rope, it was a brilliant golden colour.
Hair.
Tubbo for one had never been tied up by hair and two never seen hair this colour. Most people Tubbo knew had darker colours and if they were blonde, it was very dull. This was an unusual shade. Very uncommon.
Tubbo tried to tug his wrists, if both his hands weren't tied, he could probably go into his bag and grab a knife...
Oh shit his bag isn't on him. Fuck.
Tubbo shook his head a couple times to try and clear the dizziness. He blinked a couple times and could finally see the room. There was a single light above him and everywhere else was dark.
Creepy.
Prime, Tubbo was so screwed. What if this was a secret base of the royals? He's too young to get arrested. How will he ever start a family, have kids, have grandkids....shit Shit shit. Tubbo's going to fucking die.
Barely even realising it, his breathing was picking up. He kept struggling and pulling at the chair which kept him tied. The more oxygen he seemed to inhale the less easy it was to breath. Tubbo screwed his eyes shut trying to concentrate.
Doing this meant he didn't notice the figure moving closer.
"Calm down," a gentle hand rested on his cheek which had Tubbo stopping completely. "Breath."
Tubbo sighed, slowly inhaling oxygen properly again.
A second hand landed on his other cheek. Holding him extra carefully. It was a foreign kind of touch, not one he'd felt in a long time.
The hands on his face moved to trace his features. Their thumbs moving over his nose and across his eyebrows. Then Tubbo felt soft fingers touch the base of his ears...and oh shit they were scratching them.
Instantly Tubbo melted, was this his weakness button or something? Tubbo had never felt this calm and happy before.
Wait...he's tied up.
"GET OFF OF ME!" Tubbo screamed lurching his head back and slamming it into the head of his captor.
They lurched back hitting what sounded like a desk of drawers.
"Ouch you fucker," they hissed.
"YOU DON'T GET TO TALK YOU HIT ME ACROSS THE HEAD WITH A FRYING PAN!"
"YOU BROKE INTO MY HOME!" they shouted back, Tubbo tried to squint to see their face, but they were looking down. A hand positioned over their forehead. "IT WAS SELF DEFENSE DICKHEAD!"
"God your head is so fucking hard," they hissed standing up straight and walking into the light.
Any retort Tubbo had went silent when he finally got a look at the person who had hit him with a pan.
They were wearing dark black cropped trousers(pants) and a red knitted cardigan. Underneath he wore a simple white shirt.
What stood out the most though was the fact that the hair was his. Golden blonde hair sprouted from his head and cascaded down his shoulders. It continued to where Tubbos wrists and ankles were tied up. How much hair did this guy have?
What also stood out was his bright blue eyes. They looked...familiar. Someone Tubbo might have seen before.
The boy was still trying to rub his head, as if that would do anything. Tubbo scoffed.
"What?" The boy snapped, for someone who looked like they could come out of a fairy tale they had a sharp tongue.
"Nothing nothing," Tubbo rocked on the chair and tapped his fingers "gonna untie me boss man?"
The boy sighed, dropping his hands, and looking at Tubbo. "No can do."
"So, if not that," Tubbo tilted his head, "mind telling me your name?"
-
"Tommy."
"Hi Tommy," the boy gave him a blinding smile, "my name's Tubbo."
"Nice to meet you Tubbo," Tommy had never exactly met anyone other than dream. He had once read a book on how to great people but it felt odd in this situation.
Because Tommy kind of took him as a hostage and all that.
Tubbo scowled at him tugging at the restraints around his wrists. A feral rage seeming to take over him.
"Listen here bucko, you're going to untie me, give me back my satchel, get me an ice pack, and then let me be on my merry way," Tubbo was breathing harshly in anger, to be bested by some dumb ass tower boy.
Tommy smirked, placing one hand on the arm of the chair, and leaving forward, "You're asking a lot for being the one tied up."
This was fun, Tommy could never have the upper hand with Dream.
Tubbo spluttered maybe he was not expecting an answer like that? Did Tommy say something wrong oh he should apologize-
"You suck, let me go." Tubbo struggled "and give me my satchel."
"Not until you hear me out," Tommy backed off and opened the curtains to let lighter in. Once he did that he moved and sat on the drawers.
"I don't want to hear you out; I want to leave."
"I guess we'll get nowhere then," Tommy shrugged, a little smile tugging at his lips. It seemed to infuriate Tubbo.
"You're a little shit," Tubbo seethed. "When I get out of here, you'll be sorry."
"Oh" Tommy raised an eyebrow, "whatever you say Tubso."
"What did you call-"
"Anyway," Tommy clapped his hands together, "I need your help."
Tubbo went completely motionless, this probably was a bad idea.
"What with...?" Tubbo asked cautiously.
"Do you know anything about the floating lights?"
"You mean- you mean the lanterns?" Tubbo tilted his head in confusion.
"Exactly!" Tommy snapped his fingers together and nodded, "that's what they are."
How could Tommy be so stupid. It was staring right in his face and he never seemed to realise.
"What about them."
"I... want you to take me...to go see them" Tommy said slowly.
"No."
"What do you mean no?" Tommy gaped.
"I mean, no I will not take you to see the lanterns." Tubbo said firmly.
"But why?" Tommy whined slumping forward in defeat.
Tubbo really did not want to tell him he was actually wanted in the kingdom and was trying to run away.
"Because I have no reason to." Tubbo turned up his nose.
Tommy thought for a moment, bingo "I'll never give back your satchel."
"You wouldn't dare!" Tubbo hissed.
"Oh, I would." Tommy grinned running a hand through his hair.
The two stared at each other for a long moment. Neither blinked.
Until Clementine went and flew into Tubbo's face.
"Fuck, what the fuck is that?" Tubbo thrashed to get away from moth. Clementine was unbothered, flying back over to Tommy and hopping into his hair.
"Oh," Tommy grabbed the moth pit of his hair and held it in his hand, "This is Clementine."
"You have a pet moth?!"
"Yep," Tommy smiled, "that's not the point."
"Right...My satchel," Tubbo exhaled, "how about this, I take you to see the lanterns then you give me my satchel?"
"You take me to see the lights, bring me back here safely. Then I give you the satchel." Tommy corrected.
"Fine." Tubbo sighed, "untie me."
"Let's pinkie promise on it." Tommy jumped off the drawers and walked to Tubbo with a hand extended.
"I can't move my hand." Tubbo laughed, Tommy felt himself go red.
"Oh right, ahahahah."
"How about we make a pact." Tubbo suggested.
"How do we go about doing that?"
"You come here, put your forehead on mine. Then together we vow to help each other succeed till the agreement is over."
Tommy was sceptical, "You won't...head butt me again, will you?"
"No no no" Tubbo laughed "I promise usually I head butt out of affection.... usually."
Tommy sighed "Fine, let's do it."
Tommy approached Tubbo and kneeled down. Tubbo bent forward to connect their foreheads. They both closed their eyes.
"I Tubbo, swear to take Tommy to see the lanterns in the kingdom then help him return safe" Tubbo waited for tommy to start but he never did, "Now you go."
"I Tommy, swear once returned home, will give Tubbo back his satchel. I will also do my best to protect Tubbo until this deal is done."
Tubbo smiled, opening his eyes to see Tommy smiling back.
Tubbo was only doing this for the crown, nothing else.
"I'll untie you now."
"That'd be great."
-
Dream almost couldn't believe the absolute nerve on Tommy. Hadn't he taught him better?
Why would Tommy ever want to leave, why was he so fascinated by those stupid lanterns?
It made no sense, hadn't Dream raised him to have zero connection to his actual family.
Prime this was going to suck. Getting the disc was going to take forever. Of course, Tommy just had to ask for something like that.
Dream kept moving, he'd already made a great amount of ground in the couple hours he'd been gone. He was planning on stopping in the kingdoms main city before setting off to find a disc.
That kid was so ungrateful. Dream couldn't wait to get home and drill it out of him.
As he walked something moved in the corner of his eye.
Dream quickly whipped his head around...
"A palace horse?" Dream tilted his head. What was a palace horse doing all the way out here? "Tommy."
"TOMMY!"
-
"Come on Tommy it's going to be fine!" Tubbo shouted up. He'd already used his arrows to climb back down the tower. Now he just needed to coax Tommy down.
Tommy was scared, he'd never done this before. Never tried to actually leave the tower.
He took a breath; this was what he wanted. Now he had the opportunity to do it, he must take it. Otherwise, it may slip through his fingers and never happen again. Then he would be stuck with Dream...
What a nightmare that would be.
"I can do this," Tommy mumbled, clutching his hair tightly.
"Tommy come on, we don't have all day!" Tubbo cupped his hands around his mouth to shout up.
"Coming!" It was now or never.
And Tommy jumped.
It was freeing, it felt like he was flying. Prime he'd never felt like this before. So, in control.
For a moment he was completely content, until he almost touched the ground.
"Come on Tommy," Tubbo was acting like he was a cat he had to convince to come out of a tree, "just a little more."
Tommy looked at him wearily before putting one foot on the ground.
"Holy shit!" Tommy jumped to place the other foot and then touch it with his friends.
"Have you never left here?" Tubbo asked but Tommy was too occupied to reply. That was answer enough.
Tommy couldn't believe what he'd been missing. He grabbed a handful of dirt and fiddled with it in his palms.
"Oh prime, Tubbo look!" Tommy ran over to the stream and jumped in without hesitation.
"Tommy! - ah never mind." It was quite endearing to watch. Tommy really looked like a little kid. Like a kid he should have knowledge of. "Come on Tommy, if we want to find a place to rest tonight, we should leave now."
"Alright." Tommy smiled, let's go.