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“Can you go clean the three back tables? The last group got wasted.” He placed a wet rag in xyrs hand.
“Sure.” Xe slowly made their way towards the tables. Every few steps, xe bumped into something. There happened to be a fight, and most of the tables got moved to make room. The other guests in the pub were mindful of xem, guiding them through the mess when needed. Keeping things in order and in the same place was best for their blind friend. Which was why one of the rules was to keep it family friendly. There are three of them, who usually run the pub. Jax was in the kitchen, cooking food for tomorrow. Depending on who’s in the pub, Junior either serves tables or takes over in the kitchen for Jax. He, the owner of the pub, runs the bar and keeps an eye on the crowd.
“Lukas… There’s travelers outside.” Junior turned towards the door, moving the tables back into place.
“I'll look, if they look like the type, I'll send them away before you can even hear them..” Lukas sighed, reminding himself to watch the door. “Go into the kitchen and help Jax. Then you can have a break after, alright?”
Xe nodded, walking back to the counter with somewhat confidence. Bumping into the corner of the counter next to the gap. “⌇⊑⟟⏁, Oh… Sorry, Lukas...” Xe mumbled, swearing in ender.
“No need to apologize.” He patted xem on the back.
“Yeah… I know…” Junior sighed, going into the kitchen. Lukas eyed the gold band on xyr ankle. It still looked brand new as it was enchanted with mending. It took two years of slowly building trust just for Junior to tell Jax and him what it meant. It was a branding, specifically the End Queen’s brand. Xe said, every EndShade, even hybrids were branded. When the End Queen rises again, all those with the brand are supposed to go back home. For Junior, it's a reminder that xyr never be free and escape from xyr past. Xe usually covers it up with xyr pants to hide xyr dead name, “⋔⏃⍀⟟⏁⌇⏃” etched into the gold.
“Hey Lukas?” Jax poked their head out of the kitchen. Junior took one look at the door, and ran upstairs.
“Yeah?-” He turned around. Jax was making a face, the one where something means something else.
“Should we let them in? Jr just went upstairs…” Jax whispered, bending under the top to get a glass. If Junior went upstairs, then it meant xyr went to use the mirror to hide xyr eyes. The three of them usually try to hide their “imperfections'', as it bothers the travelers. He and Jax could take a few words before it hits too close to home, but Junior can get really sensitive about being blind.
“I’ll see, just act normal, and watch the stairs for Jr. I don’t want xem getting hurt.” Lukas nodded, hearing the bell above the door open. “Hello, can I help you?”
“Table for three, and one night?” The shortest spoke, long blonde hair tied in a ponytail poked out of his light blue bucket hat.
“Any table that’s open. One room or three?” Luckas kept his tone light while looking the group up and down.
“One.” He smiled softly, leading his trio to the back of the pub.
“I’ll be right with you.” Lukas saw Junior walk down the stairs and into the kitchen. He followed, closing the door behind him.
“Get them out.” Junior muttered, picking at xyr gloves.
“Can’t now, just offered them a room for tonight.” Lukas looked at Jax. They shrugged, going back to heating the food.
“Don’t pick at the gloves. Keep them covered, okay?” Lukas grabbed xyr wrists, pulling the gloves higher to hide the black skin of his EndShade hybrid friend.
“Here. Junior, take the plates out as he gets the drinks.” Jax poured three bowls of stew and put a loaf of bread on a large platter. Xe nodded, balancing the platter as Lukas held the door open.
“Three bowls of house stew and ginger ale.” Lukas placed the food on the table. “So, where did you travel from?”
“Lapin.” The one with that hat answered, his eyes light. “Got stuck in a snowstorm two days ago.”
“Welcome to the small town of Hocon. The town isn’t much as we’re still rebuilding, but everyone here is nice.” Lukas eyed the burly member of the group. There was a longsword strapped to his back and he was staring at Junior’s single gloved hand.
“Rebuilding?” The tall, lean EndShade hybrid looked up from their stew. Their face had a large patch of black and it seemed to be spread out on only one side of their body. Their purple eyes, black and white peppered hair, a dead giveaway.
Lukas shrugged, sending Junior back to the kitchen. “About… Nine- Ten years ago? A trio set off a bomb in the casino at the head of the street. It blew the whole town and half of the population off the grid.”
“Your arm and leg part of it?” The burly man grunted, nodding towards Lukas’ metal replacements.
“My arm got chopped off, cause I stole an apple, but yeah. The leg got caught under a rock.” Lukas fingered where the metal met skin. “Enjoy your meal.”
Lukas was watching the trio eat from the counter. The shortest one was also the oldest, some type of bird hybrid. Perhaps a crow? Or raven? The tallest was in fact an EndShade hybrid. He didn’t see a gold band around their ankle, when they went to the bathroom. The burly man, Lukas discovered, was a piglin from the nether. A hard, cold, battle-worn man. It looked like he was the leader, but the blonde did the talking. It was late in the night, and all of the regulars had left.
“Junior, mind taking their refills?” Jax put out three more bowls. “I’ll be mopping the floors, so I’ll watch.”
Xe had been silent the whole night, not speaking a single word. Any time either Lukas or Jax moved suddenly, xe flinched or froze. Lukas knew the travelers were watching their every move, but so was he. You can never be too careful around new travelers.
Slowly, xe made xyr way towards the table. Avoiding any stray chairs by shuffling xyr feet first.
“Thanks, mate.” The winged hybrid passed the three bowls to his friends. Junior nodded, turning back around.
“Hold up.” The piglin grabbed xyr gloved hand. Junior froze, biting xyr lip.
Jax dropped the mop in the bucket and ran over to xyr side. “Let go.” They put a hand on Junior’s shoulder. Lukas tensed, ready to run from behind the counter to defend his friends.
The piglin snorted and pulled the gove off, revealing black skin fingertips. “End Queen spy…” The EndShade hybrid flinched, warily looking at Junior.
“Xyr not a spy. There’s no crime in being an EndShade hybrid.” Jax stepped in front of their friend.
“T…” The blonde warned his friend, his face looking grim.
“Not a spy, you say? Then what’s with the brand?” The piglin pointed at Junior’s ankle. Xe caught the other EndShade’s eye and looked away, guilty.
“Xe were born with it. I don’t see your EndShade wearing one.” Jax’s wings flared, the burnt feathers they kept hidden, peaking out.
“Cause our’s isn’t a spy, kid .” The piglin stepped closer to Jax’s face.
“Don’t call me a kid. I am far from one.” Jax’s face darkened, standing their ground. That comment hit closer to home than expected.
“Then what else are xe hiding? A pair of bright purple eyes?” The piglin growled, reaching for Junior’s eyes. Lukas finally lost it.
“TECHNO-” The blonde hybrid and the EndShade pulled their friend off of Junior. Xe was shaking visibly on the floor. Xyr hair was brushed out of the way, revealing one teary, glassy, green and gray eye. The black fingertips were slowly making their way up xyr fingers. Jax crouched right next to their blind friend, wrapping their wings
around both of them. Lukas ran to the front, finding the blonde in the same position.
“You're not a traveller…” Lukas spoke carefully.
“And you're not a kid” He gave a small smile.
Lukas looked back at Junior, who was still out of it. The black moving onto xyr hand. “Who are you ?”
“I could ask the same thing.” He shrugged, looking at Junior warily. The EndShade hybrid muttered something, looking at his friend, and then back to Junior.
Xe mumbled something in Ender, blinking. “ -remember you...” Xe turned xyr head towards Techno.
“Excuse me?” Techno lifted his hand to his sword.
“You were there… I was little. I ran into you on the streets. Right before the bomb went off.” Junior whispered, tears coming out of empty eyes. Phil looked at the piglin.
“I-” he stuttered, looking at the explosion scars on xyr face.
“I was so close to escaping..” Xe looked at the brand on xyr ankle.
“Guess someone got over his own head.” Lukas said blandy, his leg feeling numb.
Junior ignored the black patch on xyr skin, as it travelled up xyr arm. Acting quickly, the tall EndShade hybrid grabbed xyr wrist, and looked xem in the eye. “Repeat after me.”
Jax tensed, eyeing their hands on xyr wrists. Only when Lukas muttered calming words, Jax slowly tucked their wings back in, watching the EndShade's every move.
“⟟.”
“⟟-⟟.”
“⍙⟟⌰⌰.”
“⍙-⍙⟟⌰⌰.”
“⋏⍜⏁.”
“⋏-⋏⍜⏁.”
“⎎⏃⌰⌰.”
“⎎⏃⌰⌰.”
“⏁⍜.”
“⏁-⏁⍜.”
“⏁⊑⟒.”
“⏁⊑-⏁⊑⟒.”
“⟒⋏⎅.”
“⟒⋏⎅.”
“☌⎍⟒⟒⋏.”
“☌⎍-☌⎍⟒⟒⋏.”
“⟟ ⍙⟟⌰⌰ ⋏⍜⏁ ⎎⏃⌰⌰ ⏁⍜ ⏁⊑⟒ ⟒⋏⎅ ☌⎍⟒⟒⋏.”
“⟟ ⍙⟟⌰⌰ ⋏⍜⏁ ⎎⏃⌰⌰ ⏁⍜ ⏁⊑⟒ ⟒⋏⎅ ☌⎍⟒⟒⋏.”
“Remember that.” The EndShade released xyr hands., the black slowly receding back to xyr finger tips. “When I find out how to break those, I'll come back. I promise.” They tapped on the brand, standing back up.
“Techno, outside.” Phil ordered, watching the piglin open the door and walk out. “I'm very sorry about this. He's never like this. This End Queen brand was popping up recently, and many of them were spies trying to brand Ran.”
“⍀⏃⋏?” Junior looked up, head tilted. “⍀⏃⋏⏚⍜⍜?”
“Hello, ⋔⏃⍀⟟⏁⌇⏃. It's been years.” They smiled sadly.
“Were they the one you talk about all the time?” Jax looked at Junior, as xe nodded.
“You can keep your one night here if you control the pig.” Lukas crossed his arms.
“Thank you.” Phil bowed, going outside to talk to Techno.
“You okay?” Jax picked xem up and into a chair. Xe shook xyr head, eyes focusing and unfocusing. “Take your time. Just come to us when you're ready.”
Junior made no show of responding, just staring off into the distance.
“Just because you know each other, doesn’t mean I trust you.” Jax looked Ranboo up and down. “I’m watching you.”
They nodded, waiting for Jax to walk away before slowly approaching Junior. They sat on the floor, a mere foot from the chair. Neither of the two moved until, xe lifted xyr hand to them. Ranboo looked at it and gently closed their own hand around xyrs.
“Leave ‘em alone, Jax.” Lukas rolled his eyes, grabbing their arm and pulling them away. “Ranboo’s not going to do anything bad to xem. Phil said they rarely choose violence.”
“I still don’t trust them…” Jax mumbled, tucking their wings in closer. Lukas sighed, once Jax made their mind about something, no one could tell them otherwise but Junior.
“Could you get the things on the list? We’re running low on supplies.” Lukas slipped a piece of paper in between Jax and Junior.
“I’ll do it…” Xe said quietly, feeling for it and folding the paper in half. “Come on, Ranboo.”
“Be careful. Don’t lose each other!” Lukas called out, watching them open and close the door.
“Where’s Ranboo?” Phil came down the stairs, bleary eyed.
“They went out with Junior to get supplies.” Jax said in a flat tone, moving their eggs around on their plate.
Phil froze at the bottom of the stairs. “Oh shit… I didn’t warn them about the EndShade spies at the edge of town…”
“They're not going to the edge of town. It’s alright, the shop keepers will know to watch them.” Lukas reassured him.
“If you say so.” Phil still looked worried.
“What’s on the list?” Junior tucked a stray strand of hair behind xyr ear. The tails of xyr blindfold fluttered in the light wind. Xyr had worn the second glove on xyr other hand to draw less attention.
“Carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, and pork. There’s also a list of flowers.” Ranboo read the list, pulling their hood lower to hide their hair and eyes. A glance at Junior, no one would know if they were an EndShade hybrid, but Ranboo’s features were more noticeable. They couldn’t do much about covering half of their face. They just had to hope that no one would pull the hood off.
“The veggie stand is the first on the left.” Xe noted, easily moving around the town’s people. Many of them seemed to know Junior and walked out of the way, letting the blind EndShade walk freely to the stand. Ranboo just followed behind, his height also a very big dead giveaway.
“Here for your order, Junior?” The shopkeeper spoke, noticing xem walk up. Xe nodded, accepting the covered basket.
“A new friend?” The shopkeeper looked up at Ranboo.
“An old friend who came to visit.” Junior said in the same quiet tone.
The shopkeeper, who was a short old lady, nodded and leaned closer to the duo. “Word spread that there’s a group, specifically four EndShade spies looking for hybrids. You'll hear them before you see them. As for your tall friend, have ‘em hang close to the blacksmith, the welders aren’t as tall, but he’ll blend in, height wise.”
Junior nodded, xyr mouth set in a thin line. Xe thanked the old lady and motioned Ranboo to follow. “The butcher’s right next to the smith, so it’ll be easy for me to find you.”
“I’ll keep watch.” Ranboo lowered his head.
“Go where the smoke is, tell them my name, and they’ll hide you. If they're stubborn, promise them a free meal at the pub.” Junior muttered.
“Will do.” Ranboo nodded, walking towards smoke as xe walked to the next booth over.
“Here for pork, Junior?” The butcher grinned, showing off his missing front teeth.
“Yes, the same as usual.” Xe put down the basket, to stretch. The crowd behind xem thicken, doing what Lukas told all of them. Everyone knew everyone as they all lived in a small town. Every month, for the price of one free meal at the pub, the only pub in town. Everyone would have to try and do their best to help out Junior and hide xem from spies. Aside from a few, Junior was deemed the nicest in town, so everyone was willing to help.
“Here’s your pork. Anything else?” The butcher passed over the pork wrapped in brown paper.
“Do you happen to have a spare?” Junior pointed at the bacon. “It’s for Gray’s new puppy.”
“Have you seen the new pup? I put a bit more in there for the others.” The butcher handed xem another bundle.
Junior thanked him, and walked over to the blacksmiths. Xe spotted Ranboo shining a set of throwing knives. Nodding at the other workers, xe acted like xe were picking something up.
“Are the knives done?” Junior muttered, picking one up.
“Across the street, four of them.” Ranboo whispered, still shining the last one.
“How much for the whole set?” Xe asked loudly, looking at the owner.
“Hundred fifty-six cin.” The owner looked up and winked. She pointed at the counter and went back to work.
“I’ll leave on the counter.” Junior left a coin on the table, making a show. Xe could tell the group of spies were eyeing them and were slowly moving closer. “No need to wrap them, I have spots on my belt.” Junior slipped each knife in their correct pouches. The set was xyrs, and xe did send Ranboo with them. The knives and along with the dagger hidden in the bacon was xyr’s.
“Let’s go visit Gray and her puppies.” Junior grabbed Ranboo’s wrist and pulled.
“Wait for me!” They shouted.
“Try and catch me!” Xe cheered.
“God’s… You're fast. You also happened to lose them, so good job.” Ranboo panted, stopping in front of the flower shop.
“GRAY!” Xe shouted, walking into the store.
“JUNIOR- JUST FIND WHAT YOU NEED AND I’LL BE THERE SOON-” A voice shouted from the back.
“I'VE GOT THE PUPS SOMETHING!” Xe put the bacon on the counter. “Read me the list of flowers.”
Ranboo fumbled for the paper, nearly ripping it. “Daisy, Lilac, Cornflower, Rose, and Alliums.”
“All easy. How many each?” Junior cracked xyr hands, setting the basket on the floor near Ranboo.
“It says ‘Jr, just get as many as you want of each kind. More than ten on the roses, please. -Lukas’”
Xe sighed, “Fine… GRAY, START THE TIMER!”
“3! 2! 1! GO.” A girl appeared with a wolf pup in her hands. Junior ran off, heading to the roses.
“New here? I’ve never seen you around.” She looked them up and down.
“Just visiting.” Ranboo nodded at Junior, who had a handful of roses and dropped them off at the counter.
Gray nodded, counting the roses. “Everytime xe gets here, I start a mental timer for so long it takes xem to collect all the flowers. As you can see, Junior somehow memorized the whole layout of this place. No matter how many times I change the order of flowers. Xe can just feel xyr way around. I’m pretty sure xe can smell each flower.”
“DONE!” Xe put a single flower on the counter.
“New time, two minutes and three seconds.” Gray had already tied the flowers together and placed them in the basket.
Junior grinned, handing the single flower to Ranboo. It was a small, black one and had a cold feeling to it. “It's a wither rose. Pretty, yet dangerous. The petals do hurt.”
Ranboo took the flower xyr hand and looked at it. “Thanks.”
“They’re not very subtle…” Ranboo muttered, hearing four sets of boots follow them to the pub.
“I wonder what’s for dinner… We spent all day at the market.” Junior nodded, hearing the footsteps coming closer.
“It’d be faster if I carried you there.” They grinned, taking bigger steps.
“I’ll race you then.” Xe smiled back. This is gonna hurt, but it’s for the best. “Your legs versus an ender pearl?” Ranboo stared at the dark green orb sitting in Junior’s palm. Pain flashed across their face. “You have yourself a deal.”
“Ready? 3, 2, 1 GO!” Xe threw the orb and braced xemself. It was rare for an EndShade hybrid to use an ender pearl, as it’s not an easy object to obtain. An ender pearl itself is the heart of an Endshade.
“You used… You had…” Ranboo closed the pub door behind him.
“It hurts me too, to use one. A life just to throw our trail off-course. The spies are going to find us eventually, but to give us more time.” Junior whispered, putting the basket in front of Lukas.
“Got everything? What happened out there?” He noticed their grim faces.
“I had to use it… To throw the spies off our trail…”Junior held out xyr hand, a thin layer of green slime on xyr finger tips.
“You had to do what you needed to do…” Lukas looked at Ranboo, who still had his hood on. “I suggest you don’t take that off, if the spies are coming here.”
They nodded, walking up the stairs, probably going to talk with Phil.
“Those spies are standing right outside.” Techno walked in, sitting at the counter, unaware of Junior next to him.
“Junior, go get changed for your shift.” Lukas put out an order. It was close to the dinner rush, and he needed xem to help out. Xe gave a stiff nod and ran into the kitchen.
“Was I… Sorry…” Techno muttered, shame written all over his face.
“Don't apologize to me. Your first impression wasn't the best, especially for xem. It'll take some time for xem to get used to you, depending how long you stay.” Lukas shrugged, waving to the regulars.
“Phil wants to stay longer… To help you guys out… If I had the choice, I would have left yesterday.” Techno mumbled, wiping the glasses dry.
“Then you'll have all the time to make it up.” Lukas heard the bell above the door ring. “Welcome. Any table that's clean is your pick.”
“Thank you.” One of the EndShades spoke, his voice rough.
“Shit…” Techno clenched the towel.
“Relax. Junior has hypersensitive senses. So by the time they'll sit down, xe'll know and run through the back to warn Ranboo.” Lukas turned to ask Jax for bowls of stew. “Four more. They're here, be careful…”
“Noted. Have Techno go upstairs and use the bathroom to tell Phil to watch his wings. Gray told me they also hunt avains for their wings.” Jax’s eyes darkened. “Keep a really close eye on Junior and Ranboo.”
“Techno, could you bring this into the kitchen?” Lukas pushed the basket closer to the piglin.
“Will do.” He lifted it with ease.
“They’re still sitting there… It’s almost time to close, what are they waiting for… Jax muttered, their head peeking from the door.
“Kick 'em out. I saw one give Phil a look.” Techno rolled his eyes, trading places with a pawn.
“Mate, your queen..” Phil groaned, watching Junior snatch Techno’s black queen.
“Thank you. Checkmate.” Xe grinned, feeling the cross on the queen’s head.
“Excuse me, what do you think you're doing in my pub?” Lukas called out.
The spies were no longer sitting in their booth. Three stood next to each other, behind Techno and Phil. The last one had locked the door.
“The End Queen rises.” One whispered.
“You cannot escape the End Queen.” Another pointed at Ranboo’s hooded figure. “Hiding hybrids is against the rules.”
“Suffer the consequences.” A third pulled out a whip, the others revealing their own weapons.
Junior flinched, eyeing the whip uncoil. Ranboo stiffened, sliding something from the inside of his sleeve.
“Woah, no need for violence. I’m sure we can talk this out.” Phil offered a soft grin on his face.
“Line up in the front, even the kid in the kitchen.” The rough one ordered. They obliged, putting Techno on the outside while Phil stood between Ranboo and Junior. Jax stood the closest to xem, arms crossed.
“Two birds? And what looks like a piglin? We’re getting good money tonight, boys.” One laughed, standing in Techno’s face. “And what do we have here? Kids?” He harshly lifted Junior’s chin, moving away xyr hair to look at xyr eyes. “Gotcha… An EndShade” He turned to Ranboo, yanking the hood off. “Why isn’t it another EndShade. Grab the girl, she’s worth more.”
The one with the whip lashed out aiming close to xyr face. Junior flinched, taking a unsteading step forward.
“You brat, c’me here.” He hissed, grabbing xem by the collar.
“HEY!” Jax shouted, slapping the man holding xem.
“You’ll pay for that, bird.” He spat, motioning another member to grab them. “Pin the birds, and knock out the pig.”
“What about the metal limbs?” One of them grabbed Phil and forced him to his knees.
“Tie em. If the EndShades don’t work with us, then you know what to do.”
“Woah, wait! You can’t-” One of the men threw a glass of water at Ranboo’s face. The smell of burnt skin filled the room, a slight hiss coming from their face.
“Boss, the birds are tied and put in the cart.” Another walked back in. He just shoved both Jax and Phil in the metal cage. “Fox’s dealing with the piglin.”
“Good, help me with these two.”
“Ranboo… It’s okay, I’m here.” Junior whispered, looking at the burn. It smelled worse than it was.
“MOVE!” The whip cracked again, scaring xem. “Being hard to get, aren’t ya?” Boss grabbed at xyr neck, slamming xem against the floor.
“JUNIOR!” Lukas screamed, biting the hand covering his mouth.
“Stop! Please!” Ranboo begged.
“Then drown her.” Boss placed a bucket full of water in front of them. Ranboo froze, their hands shaking before reaching for Junior.
“It’s okay… it’s not your fault…” Xe whispered, looking them in the eye.
“Boy, do it now. Or it’s your turn. Put the kid with the birds.” Boss ordered, watching Ranboo hesitate.
“I’m sorry… “ They closed their eyes, shoving Junior’s head under the water before pulling xem out. The sound of burning flesh resumed. Xe choked, coughing up water as xe clutched xyr face.
“Throw em the cage with the split. Dunk that one again, before chaining.” Boss forcefully pulled Ranboo up and away from xem.
"NO!-” They screamed, watching xyr head go back under. A metal muzzle went over their mouth, causing Ranboo to gag.
The right side of xyr face burned. It was faint, but it felt raw. Xyr hands were tied behind xyr back with stone cuffs. The metal muzzle was cutting into the side of xyr cheek, drawing the sharp tang of iron.
“I'm sorry Junior…” Ranboo whispered. The men had taken off the muzzle when they started choking on the metal bit in their mouth. “I know you can't talk, but please forgive me…"
Not being allowed to speak, Junior found a small gap and slid xyr fingers through, faintly touching their hand.
“I- I'm so sorry…” They whispered again, voice thick with guilt.
“Welcome to the Portal to the End.” Boss smirked, pulling the chain on Techno's cuffs.
Never thought I would be here again… Phil thought, shoving his old memories away.
“NO! STOP!” A familiar scream echoed, the smell of burning flesh followed.
“Here come the honored guests.” Boss’ eyes gleamed in the dim lighting.
Jax struggled, spotting Junior half awake. Ranboo was supporting xem on one side, while xyr were being dragged forward. Xyr hair was dripping wet, and everytime a water droplet landed on xyr skin, xe flinced.
“One last time, EndShade. This time, you have an audience.” Boss crouched, putting the bucket on the floor.
They looked away, as one of their captors put their hands on top of Junior’s wet head. “I’m sorry… I really am… “
“Ranboo- What are you?!-” Phil spoke slowly, his eyes going wide as he watched the scene unfold. Quickly as possible, Ranboo shoved xyr head in the water again, droplets burning the back of his hand.
“RANBOO LET GO!” Techno screamed in his gag, counting the seconds. They gasped, pulling xem out of the water.
“Don’t think we forgot you.” Boss slammed their own head in the water.
“Hey! HEY! THEY'RE GOING TO DROWN!” Jax shrieked, tears falling down their face.
Boss pulled Ranboo out, their body limp. “Wait here, and pull them in once they wake up.” He laughed, falling backwards into the portal.
Phil took a step forward, before being pushed back. “If you don’t let me do something, they’ll die.”
The men looked at each other and grimly nodded, letting Phil through.
“Come on, kid. Don’t die on me.” Phil muttered, pushing against Junior’s chest. Seconds later, xe coughed up water, choking on it. Phil sat xem up, before moving onto Ranboo. As soon as they coughed, Phil was shoved back into line.
“Boss said the shades first.” The shortest of the three men grabbed Ranboo, throwing them into the portal. They disappeared with a pop. He lifted Junior and jumped in, both of them gone with another pop.
“Sorry guys, but non-shades need to be knocked out.” One of the two grinned, holding the butt of his sword.
“What the fuck ” Phil slammed his hands against the door. It wasn’t that they were stuck in a cell, but where the cell was.
Techno mumbled something, but it was muffled by the gag around his mouth.
“I have no clue where we are, or where Ranboo and Junior went?!” Phil raged, his wings protesting against the metal binds.
“That’s great Phil… Really is, but uh… Care to figure out what that is?!” Jax nodded at the cell across from theirs.
“I change my mind- WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS THAT?! ” Phil screamed, turning around to find two pairs of glowing eyes.
One pair was bright purple, and the other was bright green with a slightly dimmed gray eye. No one spoke, silence falling over them like a sheet.
“Didn’t Ranboo have purple eyes…?” Lukas blinked, making eye contact with the purple pair.
“Yes, but if you didn’t hear. EVERYONE IN THE END HAS PURPLE EYES-” Phil pulled at his hair, annoyed and definitely going crazy.
“P-phil…?” A soft voice whispered.
“Ranboo…?” He gasped, looking down the hall.
“In here, wait-” A tall figure walked closer to the bars in the dark cell. If it weren't the fact they had pointed ears and glowing eyes, Phil could have cried.
“Is Junior with you?” Jax eyes lit up, watching the single green eye come closer to Ranboo. Xe still had the muzzle on, which made sense why xe weren't talking. Besides the chunk of metal covering half of xyr face, and the softness in xyr eyes, Junior was completely different. Xyr hair reached xyr shoulders, no trace of brown streaks. Xe also had glowing eyes and pointed ears. Xyr EndShade hybrid patches had grown larger, covering xyr whole arm and leg.
Slowly, xe reached out of the cell, xyr chained hands stopping halfway from xyr cell to Jax’s.
“I miss you too…” They reached, just able to touch xyr fingers.
“I overheard the guards saying something about being sold.” Ranboo spoke, hestiantion in their voice.
“It’s better than being here…” Lukas curled into a ball against the wall. Techno sighed, closing his eyes.
The guards were only half right on being sold. A fancy looking Endshade visited once and talked quietly with one of the guards.
“Phil… She pointed at us… What does that mean…?” Jax asked, watching the Endshade hand a bag over to the guard.
“What we didn’t expect…” Phil whispered, eyes wide as the guard opened the cell door.
“Get up.” The guard ordered, shoving Techno out of the cell.
“Where are you taking us?!” Lukas pulled away, refusing to move. Ranboo and Junior watched silently from their cell, hiding in the shadows.
“A place where I don't have to deal with lowly hybrids anymore.” The guard snapped, slapping him hard.
“Lukas… Move…“ Jax muttered, waiting for their friend. “What about them?” They looked at Junior, fear written
all over their face.
“Endshade trash. Traitors. Left to rot, until the Queen deals with them.” The guard shrugged. Ranboo subtly sat closer to Junior, their head bowed. Xe let out a low growl, scaring the guard.
“Come on, move it. I don't want to be here longer than I need to.” The Endshade crossed her arms, walking away.
“Yes ma'am.” The guard bowed. “You're going to pay for that.” He looked xem dead in the eye. Xe grinned under the muzzle, letting a breathy laugh.
Ten Years Later
“Phillllllllllll! Tommy and Tubbo are fighting again!” Jax shouted, lifting the bowls above their head.
“Oi! Get out of the kitchen!” Lukas nudged them out, bringing in dirty dishes. “Both of you go outside and play. Shoo.”
“Okay!” Tubbo grinned, grabbing Tommy’s hand and opened the door.
Eight years ago, the EndShade lady let them go, bored of their company. They came back to a warm welcome from the town's people and a burnt down pub. With help and time, the pub was rebuilt bigger. Techno and Phil chose to stay and help out until trouble called. Tubbo and Tommy were orphans that Jax found in their storage. They offered to help the two, and Tommy punched them square in the face, leaving a bruise. There are days where they close the pub to remember who they lost. The people in town quickly caught on and now it's a weekly thing where everyone takes the day off to mourn. They have no evidence that Ranboo or Junior are dead, but without them in their lives, it feels like death.
“WILBUR- STOP READING AND HELP-” Lukas shouted. The teen slammed his book shut, and sighed.
“Whatever…” He mumbled, wiping the table and picking up glasses. Wilbur was Phil’s kid, found him near the forest in a basket, he said.
“So lazy. I wish xe were here…” Jax muttered, washing the bowls and adding them to the growing pile..
“I do too, but all we can do is hope for the best.” Lukas sighed, walking out of the pub.
“Let's go get cookies from the bakery!” Tommy shouted, waving the stick in his hand.
“Do we have any money?” Tubbo asked, dodging the stick.
“I've got enough for two sugar cookies.” Tommy rolled his eyes, throwing the stick down an alley.
“OW- What the hell, kid?!” A masked figure held Tommy's stick. His other hand holding his arm, a line of blood trickling down.
“I'm sorry, man. I didn't see you there. Y'know, no one can see you if you're standing in the dark alley. Who knows if people can see you.” Tommy shrugged, not sorry at all.
“You little shit.” The masked man walked forward, leaving the dark alley.
“Tubbo… R u n.” Tommy whispered, sprinting straight into the crowd, Tubbo close behind him.
“HEY!-” The stranger ran after them, shoving people out of his way.
“Tommy, what did you do?!” Tubbo looked behind them, losing sight of the masked person.
“That guy’s got some issues- HEY!” Tommy slammed into someone, stumbling back onto the pavement.
“Oh-Sorry there, here.” The stranger held out a hand, and Tommy grabbed it, only to be polite.
“You were in my way.” Tommy huffed.
“Sorry about him. But, uh we have somewhere to be.” Tubbo laughed nervously, eyeing the crowd behind him.
“More like he was in the way…” The taller stranger mumbled, their hood pulled low.
“HEY KID!” The masked man slowly made his way towards Tommy and Tubbo.
The stranger Tommy ran into grabbed his arm, and hid him behind them. Tubbo caught on and hid behind the taller stranger.
“You need something?” They asked, watching the masked man slow to a walk.
“Yeah, the kids behind you. The little shit stabbed me with a stick.” He presented the stick.
“Where did you get stabbed? I don’t see any blood on you or on your clothes.” They tilted their head, looking the man up and down.
“Whatever, it's none of your business. Just hand over the kid.” The man walked closer. It would have been more intimidating if the masked man was taller than the hooded stranger.
“I’m not going to give you the kids.” They said flaty.
“Hand them over, or I’ll kill you” The man threatened. A crowd started to gather, waiting for the hooded stranger to speak. Tommy saw the flash of coins passing hands.
“You think you could kill me?” They snorted.
*Vwoop*
“Say that again.” A netherite dagger sat in their hand, purple particles coming out of it. The blade was so clean, Tommy could see the dirt on his face.
“I- I changed my mind. You can have the kids.” The masked man backed up, fear laced in his voice. Seconds later, he dashed off, the crowd opening up for him to get away.
“Don’t get into any more trouble, got that?” The dagger disappeared with another pop.
Tommy and Tubbo both nodded. Standing close to each other.
“Good, then our job here is done.” They looked at their companion. With a curt nod, they both disappeared in a cloud of purple particles.
“That never gets old.” Xe breathed in the cold air.
“You scared the lights out of him, Junior.” They scoffed, letting down their hood.
“But it was fun… I’m just glad the kid’s not hurt.” Junior whined, pulling xyr hood down as well.
“Yeah, yeah.” They waved their hand. “It was cool…”
“SEE! You admit it!” Junior laughed, wincing at the snow around xyr feet.
They disappeared and reappeared at Junior’s side, picking xem up. “Come on, let's go back to the cave. Don’t even try hiding the burns from me, I can see them.”
“I’m not sorry about it…” Xe grumbled, pulling xyr pants lower to hide the burns anyway.
“I know you're not.” They teleported to a cliff side. They left Junior near the fire to go find bandages. When they got back, the fire was already lit. Junior’s blind eyes looking out into the distance.
“Hey Ranboo…?” Xe spoke, hearing them walk towards xem.
“What’s up?” They opened the can of salve.
“Do you- Do you ever miss them…?” Junior whispered, xyr voice almost drowned out of the crackling of the fire.
“Was it the kids you saved back there?” Ranboo muttered, applying the salve on the burns.
“Was it that obvious? They reminded me of Jax and Lukas… How they were always so reckless when they were little. I was always there to watch them, though…” Xyr laugh cracked, tears gathering in xyr eyes. “Shit…” Xe grabbed a strip of cloth from xyr pocket, tying it around xyr eyes.
Ranboo saw a flash of metal in the corner of their eye. The firelight was reflecting off of Junior’s metal hand brace. Replacing the three fingers xe lost years before and supporting xyr weak wrist.
“How’s the shoulder?” Xe nodded, the metal plate peeking out of their shirt.
“The same. It’s sore…” Ranboo flexed their arm, hearing the metal click..
“Yeah… Just like my heart.” Xe muttered, curling into a ball against Ranboo’s leg.
“Tommy! Tubbo! Breakfast!” Techno called, hearing steps walk into the bathroom.
“Mate, leave ‘em alone.” Phil sighed. The two had come back to the pub yesterday out of breath. A few scraps here and bruises there, but nothing out of the ordinary. Not until Tommy started talking about them. The two strangers who saved him from being killed yesterday.
“Morning , Phil.” Tubbo yawned coming down the stairs.
“Good morning Tubbo.” Phil put a plate of food in front of the yawning child. “Where's Tommy?”
“Tommy? He wasn't in bed when I woke up.” Tubbo shrugged, shoving scrambled eggs in his mouth. Phil
stood there stunned, Tommy wasn't in bed…?
“Up here again? You're going to get spotted someday.” Ranboo appeared next to xem, holding onto the edge with dear life.
“No one climbs trees anymore. Not in the winter at least.” Junior shrugged, tugging the hood closer to xyr face.
“Isn’t that the kid you saved yesterday?” They pointed at a small figure running through the snow.
“Sounds like him, why?” Xe turned towards Ranboo.
“Cause he’s being chased by a person with a sword…” They coughed.
“Oh… You stay here, then.” Xe sighed, jumping off the tree. “Keep watch for me, since you can actually see.”
“Just go save the kid.” Ranboo called out, watching xem teleport.
“Oh my god, man. Leave me alone! I DIDN’T EVEN DO ANYTHING!” Tommy yelled, running towards town square. He didn’t even talk to this man, when he walked by. Seconds after Tommy walked past him, the man ran after him. In hand, a ridiculously large broadsword. “I DIDN’T EVEN LOOK AT YOU?!”
The armed man didn’t return an answer, Tommy stopped running to turn around.
“Surprise, motherfucker.” He raised his sword above Tommy’s head.
Tommy screamed, so loud that he could hear the birds fly away. He raised his arms to cover his face, waiting for the sword to strike home.
“You really need to stop making trouble, kid.” The stranger from yesterday grunted, holding the broadsword against their small dagger. “Stay here. Let me deal with this real quick.” They disappeared along with the armed man. Seconds later, they reappeared, blood on their hands.
“You're still here…” They said, shocked Tommy listened to them.
“You saved me twice. I respect that. Tu
boo says someday no one will be there to save my ass.” Tommy shrugged, gratitude shown in his eyes.
“I never got your name, kid.” They leaned down, pulling a cloak from their bag. “Here, you should've brought a coat, if you're going to cause trouble.”
“I’m-” Tommy pulled the cloak closer, getting the chills.
“TOMMY!” A voice shouted from afar.
The stranger looked up, ears twitching. “Nice to meet you Tommy.” They slowly walked away, inching closer to the woods.
“I never got your name-” Tommy reached out, his hand going through the air. He swore that his savor smiled at him before disappearing.
“Tommy, what were you doing out here? Who was that person? Did they hurt you?” Phil fussed, picking Tommy up.
“No, Phil! They were the one I was talking about yesterday. THEY SAVED ME AGAIN!” Tommy grinned.
Phil sighed, What am I going to do with you, Tommy?
“Said his name was Tommy.” Junior breathed in cold air.
“No last name?” Ranboo looked around, waiting for the hare to come out of its burrow.
“Nah. He's probably Phil's, I thought I heard his voice shout ‘Tommy’ before I left.” Xe fiddled with xyr dagger.
“Phil's got kids now?!” They turned around, missing the hare. Xe shrugged, throwing the dagger at the escaping hare.
“I can’t see, Ranboo.” Junior sighed, feeling for the dagger in the snow. “I don’t think so…”
“Are you ready to visit tomorrow?” They placed the dagger in the xyr hand, the dead hare in their other.
“It sounds harmless… But my gut thinks otherwise. What if they don’t know who I am? I look different…” Xe muttered.
“Stop overthinking it, and let's go make dinner.” Ranboo’s ears heard the faint whisper of footsteps.
“Philllllllllllllllllll! Can I go outside now?” Tommy whined.
“Did you clean your room? Phil looked up from braiding Techno’s hair.
“Yes, I did. Tubbo, tell him.” Tommy elbowed his best friend.
“He shoved everything under his bed-” Tubbo deadpanned, ignoring Tommy.
“Let ‘em go out, Phil.” Techno flipped the page in his book.
“Be back by dinner rush!” Phil shouted, the door closing.
“What should we do Tubbo? My best friend. My best buddy.” Tommy skipped, clearly overjoyed by something.
“Dunno, you still have the spare change?” Tubbo shrugged.
“Yeah, you want candy?” Tommy grinned, holding out two cins. Tubbo returned the grin, and the both of them ran towards the small shop.
On the outside, the shop was deemed bland and boring. But on the inside, the shop was full of color. Bursts of lemon yellow there, and hints of baby blue here, and a dash of lime green. The owner of the store, Nikki, was also a sweet person. Her soft pink hair was tied up in a bun as she organized the jars.
“Hello! She spoke cheerfully, hearing the bell above the door ring.
“Hello, M’Lady!” Tomy bowed. It was obvious he liked her. It didn’t take long for Nikki to look at Tubbo and laugh.
“Sir Tommy, what would you like this fine morning?” Nikki giggled, watching Tommy go red.
“Whatever you can get with two cin. Make it double.” Tommy put the two coins on the shiny counter.
“Do you have any red ones left?” Tubbo asked, finishing his last one.
“I’m not giving you any. Nikki gave these to me.” Tommy held his candy close, narrowing his eyes at Tubbo.
Tubbo frowned, giving him a deadly yet calm stare. “Give. Me. One.” He held out a hand.
“Okay. Okay!” Tommy gave him a piece, scared of his own friend.
“Thank you!” Tubbo smiled, pocketing the candy. “Did you hear that?”
“Hear what?-” Tommy raised an eyebrow.
“FUCK OF- AHH!” A scream came from the woods behind the duo.
“Yeah… I heard that…” Tommy mumbled.
“Come on, let's go see what happened.” Tubbo ran into the woods, following the scream.
“Tubbo!” Tommy whined, dashing after his friend.
“It's a bit unfair… Don’t you think so?” Junior winced, staring into a white blank mask.
“I told you before. I’m going to kill you, and you didn’t take it seriously.” The masked man shoved the sword deeper. “If you just gave me those kids, I wouldn't have to do this.”
Xe hissed, holding the blade with weak hands. “Harming kids… A pastime for you?”
“Just die already.” The man growled, stepping on xyr ankle. Xe bit down on xyr lip as xyr ankle broke.
“C-can’t. Got someone to see today.” Junior smirked, throwing xyr dagger near the bushes.
“That wasn’t smart, EndShade.” He whispered, his grip on the sword tightening. With another strong shove, he threw xem to the ground, forced the sword through xyr gut and into the ground until it wouldn’t move. “You're going to die here, and I’m making sure of it.”
Xe coughed up blood, xyr hands still on the blade. “T-try…” xe whispered.
Ranboo threw one of their knives at him and teleported. “Not if I can kill you first.”
“Pity, it took you that long to kill him?” The masked man nodded at the dead body of his friend on the other side of the clearing.
“Your’s will be a lot quicker.” Ranboo’s ears twitched in annoyance.
“Tubbo… What are we going to do?” Tommy whispered, watching the fight from inside the bushes.
“I’m going to help, you go and get Phil.” Tubbo stood up before getting pulled down.
“No. You go get Phil and Techno. They saved me twice, and it’s my turn to save them.” Tommy ordered, running out the bushes yelling.
“Dammit Tommy.” Tubbo ran towards the pub, praying that Tommy wouldn’t die.
“OI! YOU! THE ONE WITH THE MASK! YEAH YOU!” Tommy picked up the fallen dagger and pointed it at the masked man.
“Tommy?!” The hooded stranger looked at him, the hood threatening to fall off.
“You…” The man hissed, sidestepping the stranger’s attack. “Down you go.” He kicked their dagger out of their hand and threw a hard punch.
“HEY!” Tommy shouted, watching them crumple to the ground, deathly still.
“Your turn, kid.” The masked man walked closer to Tommy.
“I’m not afraid to use this.” Tommy waved the dagger, actually managing to cut the mask in half, revealing the man’s face. “OH MY GOD! YOUR SO UGLY MAN!”
“What can you do to me? You're just a kid.” He laughed, throwing away the remaining parts of the mask. Tommy stared at his face for quite some time. One side of his face was just void, pitch black, nothing. The other was more or less normal. “By the looks of it, you’ve held a dagger in your life.”
“Personal space-” Tommy tripped over a small bush. Eyes wide as the unmasked man stood above him with another weapon drawn.
“No one’s here to save you now.” He grinned, raising the weapon above Tommy’s head.
Tommy narrowly dodged the falling weapon as the man’s arms went slack.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Tommy screamed, looking at a bloodied head.
“It’s past the time, you died.” The hooded stranger snapped, leaning heavily on their sword. The sword was covered in blood. “Hello, Tommy.”
“Please don’t kill me…” Tommy closed his eyes, his fist tight around the dagger.
“Don’t worry. You should head home, it’s getting late.” They muttered, teleporting to their injured friend’s side. “Hey… Hey there…”
“R-Ran-” Xe spluttered, choking on xyr own blood.
“Shhh, don’t talk.” They laid their hand against xyr back, holding them up.
“TOMMY! Are you okay?” Phil shouted, flying into the clearing.
Tommy nodded, pointing at the strangers a few feet away. “Help them…”
“Gods, kid. What did you do-” Techno muttered, catching Tommy as he fainted from exhaustion.
“Hey, mate… I’m here to help…” Phil held up his hands, slowly walking towards the hooded stranger.
Ranboo hissed, eyeing Phil’s hands. “Don’t you dare come closer…” They held onto Junior tighter.
“Phil- Be careful, they're territorial. Tubbo, take Tommy home.” Techno handed the child to Tubbo, putting all of his focus on the hooded figure.
“I’m not going to hurt you or your friend.” Phil smiled softly, reaching for the sword in the ground.
“Promise?” Ranboo looked up, fear in their eyes.
“I promise, mate.” Phil nodded, waving Techno over. “Can you pull out the sword? It’s pretty stuck in the ground.”
“R-Ranboo… I-I want-t P-phil…” Junior whimpered, a hand blindly reaching for them.
“Shh. It’s okay, Phil’s right here…” Ranboo muttered, pulling back their hood.
“Holy- I’ll hug you later mate. On three, pull the sword fast. Ranboo, I need you to wrap the wound as tightly and quickly as possible. Xe already lost a lot of blood, and we can’t afford to waste time.”
“Try to breathe. It’s okay to scream.” Techno tightened his grip on the handle. Grunting, he tested the blade, it wasn’t deep enough to be a hassle, but enough to do more damage if he wasn’t careful. “One. Two. Three!” He pulled the sword straight up. Xe screamed again, before coughing up more blood.
“Techno, get Ranboo home. I’ll fly xem back.” Phil carefully lifted xem into his arms, wary of the wound. “Stay with me, Junior.”
“Phil, what do you have?- LUKAS!” Jax shouted from behind the counter. “Is that actually xem?!”
“Mate… Calm down… Mind getting the aid?” Phil sighed, releasing all of the tension in his arms.
“P-phil…” Junior muttered, blood quickly spreading across the wrap.
“PHIL! YOU-” Lukas ran from down the stairs, climbing onto the counter. “Jax, lock the door. No one comes in.”
“It’s gonna hurt, mate. I’m sorry.” Phil winced, undoing the bloodied wrap.
“Don’t cry, little one. I’m here…” Lukas murmured softly, holding one xyr hands.”I’ve missed you…”
“Ja-Jax…?” Xe whispered, tears falling down scarred paths.
“I’m here, Endling. I’ve got you.” They kissed the back of xyr hand. “It’s been so long…”
“And you have the damn aduactiy to come back nearly dead?!” Phil scolded, barely any heat behind his words.
“You're still-” Junior flinched at Phil’s gentle hands on xyr stomach. “Old-”
“Ten years, mate… Ten years, we lost you and Ranboo. What were we supposed to do?” Phil placed a hand on xyr arm, and his other on the wound. The EndShade hybrid had no reaction to him putting in the stitches. Only when he briefly touched bare skin.
“Not get old, obviously.” Ranboo walked out of the kitchen with Techno following him.
“What happened to you?” Jax fussed, walking over to look at Ranboo’s face.
“Didn’t get my fair share of injuries, it seems.” They sighed, closing their eye so Jax could clean a cut.
“Ten years, and you come back like Tommy.” Jax deadpanned, putting band-aids over the cuts.
“Where is he?” Junior sighed, slowly flexing the wound.
“Phil… Who are they?” A voice came from the staircase.
“Wilbur, Tommy, Tubbo. Come down, I'd like you to meet your other siblings.” Phil waved the trio down, smiling as Tommy hid behind Wilbur.
Tubbo just walked straight to the counter and looked at Ranboo. “I think I know you from somewhere. “
“Oi, a little help here.” Junior grabbed Techno's shoulder, and pulled. Techno grunted but didn't move.
“Watch it, don't you dare you pull the stitches within the hour.” Lukas gently helped them into a sitting position.
“Don't know what you're talking about, dont care.” Xe rolled xyr eyes. “You can hold my weight right, Phil? Or I hope it's Phil…”
“Kid…” Techno frowned, feeling xem flinch a bit. “Do you want Phil?”
“Nah. I bet Phil's too old for this.” Xe sighed, leaning onto Techno's shoulder.
"Wilbur? Who are they…?” Tommy whispered, watching Junior sit on the counter like it was xyrs.
“Is that Tommy?” Xe asked, xyr clouded green eye blinked curiously.
“That's why I know you! You're the duo who saved Tommy twice!” Tubbo clapped his hands, clearly proud of himself. “You're the tall one, and you're the one who saved Tommy!”
“You found a smart one, eh Phil?” Ranboo smirked, wrapping their arm in gauze. “Jax… Can you…?”
“Fine.” They got up from their chair and slapped Ranboo gently before redoing the gauze.
“That doesn't explain who they are…” Wilbur crossed his arms, staring down Junior.
“Having a staring contest with a blind person.” Xe coughed.
“Wilbur, Tommy, Tubbo. Meet Ranboo.” Phil motioned to the tall Endshde near Jax. “And Junior.” He brushed xyr leg with his hand.
“Pleasure meeting you three.” Ranboo and Junior spoke, in sync with each other.
“You're quite tall. What are you?” Tubbo looked up at Ranboo, poking at them.
“EndShade hybrid.” They watched Tubbo with fondness.
“Hello, Tommy.” Xe looked at Tommy, xyr milky eyes staring at him.
“You sound familiar…” Tommy walked up, squinting his eyes.
Junior laughed. “Does this help?” Xe summoned the same dagger he had put down upstairs. The netherite blade with a leather grip.
“Your the one who saved me?” Tommy gasped, recognizing the blade. “Wilbur! Xyr the one I was talking about yesterday!”
Xe nodded, putting the dagger away somewhere with a flick of xyr hand. “Could you come closer, Wilbur?”
Wilbur slowly walked up, looking at Phil, who gave him a nod.
“May I have permission to touch your face?” Xe tilted xyr head, waiting for an answer.
“It's alright, Wil. Xyr really gentle and xe did it to all of us.” Phil reassured his son.
“I won't poke you in the eye or take your soul, if you're worried about that. This just helps me see who you are.” Xe similed, this time it was genuine.
Jax and Lukas had already left the room to clean the kitchen while Tubbo and Ranboo were upstairs talking. Phil had taken Tommy up to bed. Leaving Wilbur, Junior and Techno the only ones left in the main room.
“You may, if I can guide you?” Wilbur hesitantly reached out for xyr hand. With a deep breath, Junior let Wilbur take xyr hand. Techno watched each move carefully, making sure nothing would harm either of them.
“Glasses?” Xe asked, touching the wired frames.
“I've had them since I was little. They look old-fashioned, and I like that.” Wilbur looked at xyr scarred hand. “What happened here?” He traced the scars up xyr wrist. Junior flinched, pulling back xyr hand a few inches away from his face.
“Wilbur…” Techno warned, a dark shadow over his face.
“No… It's okay. They're from being stuck in a cell for a few years. The metal affects your skin after a long time.“ Xe choked out. Whimpering as an unseen memory comes back to life.
“Junior. Listen to my voice, follow it. You are safe. You're here, with family. Nothing here will hurt you.” Wilbur slowly laced his fingers through xyrs, noticing the black scaled hand. “Tell me about your other hand, the one with the scales.”
“I- E-EndShade hybrid. It- It used to be j-just my fingertips. Overtime… It just s-spread. There's another patch on my leg, it goes half way up my calf.” Xe mumbled, focusing on staying in the present. “The metal brace acts like my fingertips and supports my weakened wrist. That was the last time I went back into a cell. Ranboo and I hid a cliff side cave for a few months near here.”
“Breathe, kid… You're here. We’re here…” Techno murmured, putting a light hand on xyr head. “You look like you need sleep.”
“Y-Yeah…” Xe agreed, xyr eyelids slowly falling. Soon, xe were fast asleep against Techno’s shoulder, looking peaceful for once.
“Wilbur… Don’t break the trust xe just gave you. It took me until now for xem to be near me. Lukas, Jax and xe don't give out their trust easily, especially to some orphans Phil found out on the streets. Cherish this friendship close to your heart. Xe’ll be there when you need it, if you do the same.” Techno looked at Wilbur, his tone dead serious.
“I understand. It takes more than a silly love life or a fight to lose my trust in someone.” Wilbur vowed, noticing that Junior had never let go of his hand. “I’m going to need my hand…”
“Just walk next to me. You’ll have to watch them sleep though. If xyr not letting go.” Techno chuckled, lifting the blind EndShade off the counter.
“I wouldn’t mind.” Wilbur shrugged, squeezing tightly.