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Chapter Text

Wilbur is a witch and has been for a long time, even though he’s only known it for three months. Within those three months he’s learned magic, celebrated a nature holiday, and has bonded himself to three familiars. And instead of adjusting further, he’s now been thrust into helping another witch and his familiar.

Wilbur built an extension on his house three weeks before the witch and his familiar arrives, and Phil tells him it must be because of some prophetic sort of ability. And now they’re here. And he’s responsible for them, or at least he feels responsible. He wants to protect them, since he feels like he can, even though he has no clue about anything involved with other witches and their politics and conflicts. Tubbo and Ranboo. Tommy’s childhood friends, apparently. Tommy’s told him little about them, or Tommy’s current connection to them.

Regardless, it was only going to take once glance from Tommy before he swaddled them in blankets and attempted to heal his familiar.

Tubbo is shaken when he’s led to his room, and very silent on whatever happened to him. He doesn’t seem to trust Wilbur, even though Tommy’s bonded himself to him. He seems wary, Ranboo even more so. Ranboo is easy to heal, his injuries are mostly minor. His exhaustion apparently came from magical overuse, from whatever battle they had. He wakes in his familiar form, and hisses at Wilbur from his whole chest. Not even Phil can placate him, and Phil can comfort anyone. 

Ranboo eventually stops hissing at them, but he skitters away whenever Wilbur gets close. Tubbo just sighs, “It’s not personal. He’s not particularly comfortable around other witches, especially ones as powerful as yourself.”

“I understand it’s no problem.”

Tubbo bites his lip, “So, what coven are you from?”

Wilbur splutters. What the hell is a coven? He sends a questioning pulse to his familiars in his mind and Tommy responds haha dumbass. Looks like Wilbur has to make up some name, of whatever that is. He takes one look at the bed, and the boy in front of him, and says, “Uh, the Sleepy Bois.”

Tommy’s mocking laughter rings in his head, and he has to resist leaving the room to toss him in the garbage.

Phil tuts, Stop teasing him, Tommy this is your fault.

Phil, it’s not our fault our witch didn’t recognize us as familiars right away.

Yeah, it’s yourrr fault, Techno muses.

It’s both your faults, now leave our witch alone and get back to cleaning the kitchen.

“I’ve never heard of that one before,” Tubbo awes, as if it’s something huge and prestigious, “I’m from the SMP Coven, the Snowchester division.”

Wilbur nods along as if he knows where any of those places are. He thinks he remembers a Snowchester existing, when he visited the SMP Kingdom once. Maybe a coven is the country you reside in? Wilbur has no idea. Wilbur doesn't even live in a particular country or town, this area is relatively unsupervised.

Wilbur offers a smile, “Well, you’re free to stay here as long as you need. This might sound weird, but I kind of had this weird feeling you two were coming.”

Tubbo looks around the room and at the knitted bee plush on the bed and smirks. “I can tell, you even knew some of my interests. That’s some prophetic ability you have. What else can you see about my future?”

Wilbur just discovered this power, so he has no answer. When he looks at Tubbo’s eyes though, he does have a strange sort of doubt in his chest. So, he decides to be as honest as he can. “Nothing, really. I feel some doubt and fear for you, for whatever reason.”

“Makes sense, we’re in some pretty deep shit.”

“Can you elaborate?” Wilbur squeaks.

Tubbo scrunches his nose, “No. It’s none of your business, we’ll be out of here long before it’s an issue for you.”

Wilbur suddenly feels very out of his depth. He’s still getting used to having some semblance of friends and family with his familiars, let alone helping two troubled kids. “So, you’re friends with Tommy, eh?”

“You’re bad at this, aren’t you,” Tubbo laughs, “Makes sense, I mean, an all-powerful nobleman witch isolating himself in the woods.”

Wilbur shakes his head, “I’m sorry I’m nothing of the sort, noble at least.”

“What, but your aristocratic coven? Only very noble covens are labeled with terms like Sleepy?”

Wilbur sighs, “I’m sorry, I lied about that. I had no idea what to say. To be honest, I don’t know what a coven even is. I only found out I was a witch three months ago.”

Tubbo stands suddenly and he runs to the wall. He places a hand on the wood, and Wilbur feels him touching the protection wards with a tickle in his ribcage. Tubbo peers out the window at the healthy tulips and alliums, and even at his crops that should’ve died a lot sooner into the colder weather. Tubbo says, with a shaky voice, “That’s not possible. You’re quite possibly one of the most powerful witches I’ve ever met. This is a complex redstone infused protection spell.”

“Redstone?”

Tubbo collapses back on the bed. “Has Tommy ever told you, you’re kind of hopeless.”

“Everyday.” He breathes, with Tommy giggling in his mind.

Tubbo gives him a tired smile and requests to be left alone. So, Wilbur shuffles his way out of the room and into the kitchen. Phil squawks at him and Wilbur lets him hop on his arm. He gives him a kiss to a beak, and Phil fluffs his feathers in answer. Techno trots to the couch and Wilbur sits there, so Techno can sit behind his legs and sleep near his warmth.

Ranboo peers from the kitchen counter, as if he’s expecting Wilbur to do something wrong. When Tommy dives onto Wilbur’s hair, he can see Ranboo stand with his back arched as if he expects Tommy to be punished. Wilbur doesn’t, of course, and scratches at Tommy’s cheek until he’s purring and near asleep.

Ranboo hops down onto the floor, the pads of his feet quiet and hesitant. He tilts his head at Wilbur as if to ask what are you doing?

Wilbur responds, “I’m bonding. It’s very important to care for familiars, as clingy as they are.”

Tommy bats his nose and mutters hey, but even in his own mind it’s slurred and tired. Wilbur raises a brow, “Does Tubbo not do this?”

Ranboo growls. That’s a protective sound, then. It’s good to know Tubbo cares for him. It must be something else. Wilbur asks, “Do other witches not do this?”

Ranboo nods in answer, jerky and anxious. Wilbur frowns and offers a hand. Ranboo hisses once, but then he approaches. He doesn’t seem willing to be pet, but he does smell his hand. He jumps back, as if surprised, and Wilbur matches his shock when someone taller than him stands in front of him. Ranboo is wearing a mask over his mouth, eyes cold and not meeting his gaze.

A deep voice says, “Thank you for your hospitality, sir.”

“What the fuck,” Wilbur chuckles, “Sir? Christ, mate, I’m only 25 no need for that kind of formality.”

Ranboo scrunches his brow, “I said it more for your power level, than your age. I don’t assume a witch’s age, since you kind of don’t age, that is.”

“Still feels weird, just call me Wilbur.”

Ranboo’s eyes squint, and Wilbur kind of thinks he must be smiling. “Alright, Wilbur. Oh, um, and is it okay if I talk to Tommy?”

“Sure? I wouldn’t ever prevent that.”

Tommy jumps off his head and stands at his full height. Wilbur watches him glare, nose scrunching, fingers twitching for a fight. But emotionally, he feels scared. Wilbur teases, “Go on now, Tommy, you’re not afraid of some silly cat.”

“What? You fucking bastard I’m not-“ Tommy whips his head toward Ranboo when he hears him laugh, “Don’t tell me you believe him? I’m not scared of anything, let alone you Ranboob.”

“Sure, of course,” Ranboo says, but then his gaze hardens, “I don’t want to say much, because I don’t necessarily trust your witch, yet, but I wanted you to know that what happened to us had to do with him.”

Tommy freezes, and Wilbur’s veins feel on fire. His magic is screaming to swaddle him in vines and hide him from the world. Wilbur resists, though he feels immensely ill doing so. To ground himself he thinks do either of you two know what he’s talking about?

No, Techno huffs, Tommy’s adopted, as am I, and he’s shared very little about his past with when he lived with Tubbo and Ranboo.

Plus, it’s rude to ask son, especially when Tommy can hear us.

Tommy runs a hand through his hair, “Well, shit, you’re definitely not leaving then. Right, Wil?”

“Eh? Sure, I mean, I didn’t plan on kicking them out.”

“Good,” Tommy gruffs, strangely reserved.

After what Wilbur will dub the he-who-shall-not-be-named moment, they go about their day. Tommy accompanies him to finishing up his final crop harvests of the fall, and Techno when he fixes the fence around the perimeter of his land. Tubbo and Ranboo refuse to come to the town for shopping, so he goes with his familiars with a spring in his step, as if he’s not harboring two traumatized children at home.

When he returns, with Techno cooking, and Tommy being the unruly taste tester, Ranboo and Tubbo are stiffly standing by the dining table. They look at the bare oak thing as if it offends them. Tubbo asks, “So, what’s our job?”

“Job?”

“Yes, uh, what would you like us to do?”

Wilbur grimaces, “What do you want to do?”

They turn to each other. Wilbur can tell that they are talking to each other through their bond and whatever it is seems quite turbulent. Phil nudges him just know that other places and covens don’t operate like you do. You need to be direct with them.

“Um,” Wilbur hesitates, “You can do whatever. I don’t expect anything of you while you recuperate.”

“Why?” Ranboo asks, slit pupils searching his very human ones.

Wilbur shrugs, “Just not how I operate. I’ve been solitary for a long time, not gonna start making others handle my shit. Plus, it wouldn’t be the nicest thing to do.”

“You’re very strange for a witch of your caliber.” Tubbo bites.

Wilbur offers him his gentlest grin, “And you’re very short for a witch, though I guess you’re one of the only few I’ve come across to my knowledge, so I don't have much of a comparison.”

“Oi!”

Dinner passes with as much fanfare as normal. Tommy bickers with him and Techno, and Phil warns him of an upcoming headache. Tubbo and Ranboo are reserved and eat quickly. He can’t help he gets the feeling they think he is planning on taking the food away, especially when they splutter when he suggests they can get another serving. And once the table is cleared, they flit off to bed, before Wilbur can even say goodnight.

He passes their room on the way to his, and he overhears Ranboo mutter, “This guy’s weird. What’s his deal?”

“It’s because he’s practically human,” Tubbo grunts, “I mean, have you talked to him? He said he’s only figured out he’s a witch three months ago. That means he was never educated as a witch, he’s practically mortal in his character.”

“Makes sense, though are you sure? Seems unbelievable someone as powerful as him just now figured it out.”

Wilbur waits for Tubbo’s response, but one never comes. Or maybe it was just whispered, so he couldn’t here. He doesn’t stick around. He just tucks himself into his bed face first, Tommy curled around his neck, Phil in his hair, and Techno laid against his spine. His muscles relax, but his mind is buzzing. What the hell is going on with his new guests?

Chapter Text

The next few days have Tubbo and Ranboo holed up in their shared rooms. They only occasionally come out for dinner, but most meals are left by the closed door. They don’t speak aloud, probably because they are talking in their minds. They likely fear Wilbur is spying on them, and he kind of is, but mostly because he’s worried for them. They’re supposed to be Tommy’s dearest childhood friends from what he understands, and they have this weird and awkward history that none of them speak about. But they don’t come out to visit him, and nor does Tommy bother them. He’s half convinced they don’t actually like each other, but it’s Tommy’s incessant worry in his chest that he knows that isn’t the case.

It’s the fifth day when they’re going to make leaf piles from the autumn trees. Wilbur and Techno plan to rake them and Tommy plans to jump in them. Wilbur doesn’t care, he won’t get rid of the leaves anyway. When they decay it’ll be good for his soil, and he it’s not in his nature to burn something so natural and beautiful. He even keeps a couple to preserve in resin, because he adores this season.

The day is crisp and cool, but the sun is the clearest it’ll be for the rest of the season. He very much wants Ranboo and Tubbo to open up and enjoy the rays. So, he knocks on their door. And he knocks a few more times. And then, the lock clicks shut from Tubbo’s magic.

It’s Phil who tries next. He starts with an awkward little speech about his worry, and how he wants to get to know them. Ranboo mumbles from behind the door, “I eat birdies like you for breakfast.” Phil squawks, even in his human form, and hides behind Wilbur. It’d be endearing if he weren’t so stressed out about how afraid the two are.

Tommy tries third. He shouts, “Oi, dickhead, you going to ignore me forever? You don’t see me for 5 years and this is how you repay my witch’s hospitality? You’re an asshole.”

Tommy grips the doorknob when they don’t rise to the bait. He feels Tommy’s pain when he pulls his hand off the knob. “Dickhead shocked me,” is all he offers.

Techno is last, and Techno is pissed. Techno is a very overprotective familiar, and brother. He doesn’t allow Wilbur to be reckless, and he doesn’t tolerate anything that seems like it could bring harm to his family. He stands at his full height, arms crossed, right in front of the door.

“Okay, here’s how this is going to go,” Techno bellows, “You either get out of that room, or my very strong foot is coming through.”

Techno waits a beat and with no answer he says, “Final warning.”

Tubbo doesn’t answer and Wilbur has to look away when his very well-made door breaks under his foot. Wilbur pouts at the splintered wood, because this is going to be a lot of work to fix. Plus, he doesn’t like the terrified look on Tubbo’s face.

“Alright, Tubbo, Ranboo, it’s time to go outside and rake leaves.”

“I thought Wilbur said we wouldn’t have to do anything to be here,” Tubbo spits.

Techno lets out a scary and dark chuckle. “Wilbur said that, but I didn’t make any such promise. Plus, it’s not work. I’m quite literally ordering you to go outside and get some sun for once and play in the leaves with Tommy.”

Ranboo pouts, “But it’s cold.”

Techno grumbles under his breath, half Common, half snorts. He trudges off for a moment and returns with some of his fur lined cloaks. “Happy? Get these on, and go play outside, I don’t want you back inside until you’re tired and want hot chocolate. You hear me?”

“Yes, sir.” They repeat together.

“That’s Technoblade to you.”

They nod jerkily and run out what used to be a door faster than the wind. Wilbur crosses his arms, “You know, you didn’t have to be so harsh.”

“Get the hell outside Wilbur, before I break your door too. No one likes a worried witch futzing about.”

Wilbur salutes him mockingly and makes his way outside. He and Techno begin raking, with Phil sitting on his shoulder. Phil attempts to peck some of the leaves, to steal for his weird crow nest thing in the living room. He allows it, even though it’ll be a mess once the leaves are dried. It reminds him about how surprising it is that familiars do have certain qualities from their animal forms. Phil tells him it’s because they were originally animals that took in too much magic, when magic was spilling everywhere thousands of years ago. Techno thinks they used to be fae. Tommy thinks they were humans that tried really hard to shapeshift, and then succeeded. Either way, it’s rather endearing.

Tommy is always very vigilant about washing his food and hands before eating, and Techno is just overly protective and strangely affectionate, and sometimes follows him around like a baby duckling. He never admits to it, and is always embarrassed, and Wilbur always teases him.

He doesn’t get that sort of understanding with Ranboo, though it’s also hard to read him since he’s not his familiar. He’s definitely a lot taller than he expected, for how small of a cat he is. Wilbur is not sure if the skittishness is because he’s a cat or because he really is terribly afraid of Wilbur. He hopes it’s the former.

“Alright, Tommy,” Wilbur shouts, “The pile’s ready.”

Tommy jumps on the balls of his feet and runs at his full speed, midair he transforms and lands deep into the leaf pile. He hears his raccoon-y laugh deep under the foliage, and Wilbur matches it with equal enthusiasm. Techno just rolls his eyes, “I don’t understand why you want to do this. We’re just going to have to keep raking.”

“You know Techno, if you just wanted to roll around in the cool leaves, you could’ve just said so.”

Techno’s nose flushes, and he squeezes his fist. Tommy murmurs yeah Techno, don’t boars like to roll around to cool off? It’s fun.

“Y-you won’t make fun of me?”

Wilbur scoffs, “Please, there’s plenty of other things to make fun of you for, like your Greek mythology collection you nerd.”

“Right,” He smirks, before standing as tall as his knees. Techno shakes his tail and buries himself on the edge of the pile. Happiness bursts through the seams of his magic. And if Wilbur makes the leaves a little cooler, he doesn’t say it aloud.

“Don’t you want to join them?” Wilbur says to Ranboo.

Ranboo adjusts his mask and meets Tubbo’s eyes. “Eh, if they’re okay with it.”

Tommy jumps from out of the leaves and shouts with his high-pitched raccoon mouth. Ranboo seems to understand him, strangely enough, and sighs, “Alright, just for you Tommy, and it’s only because I haven’t seen you in five years. It’s not because it looks fun, or anything. Nope.”

Tommy cheers and claps his paws together. When he’s a cat again, Tommy lets out a playful growl and chases him. They run and wrestle each other in the leaf pile, much to the annoyance of the very relaxed boar by their side. Tubbo blinks at them as if he’s looking at Tommy for the very first time.

“Huh,” He says.

“You good?”

Tubbo doesn’t answer him right away, and he takes his time to look across his lands. He gapes for a moment, and then turns his gaze up at Wilbur. “You’re unlike any witch I’ve ever met. You’re terribly human.”

“Is that a bad or uncommon thing?”

“N-no,” He shrugs, “I mean, I don’t know. To be honest, my only experience with witches are with those in the SMP Coven. I haven’t gone many places in my life.”

Wilbur ruffles his hair, even though he bats his hands away, “Well, why don’t you? There’s plenty to explore right here, and you haven’t even seen the town yet. And it’s plenty safe there, Phil tells me there’s not a single other witch there. Only magical things here are a couple fae, and nymphs. I think he even said there’s a forest deity there, but I’m pretty shit at figuring magic stuff out. But regardless the alleged deity is nice, his name is Callahan.”

Tubbo laughs, genuinely this time. “Okay, when are you going next?”

“I was going shopping tomorrow, but if you come with me tonight, we can get one of the best pies in the known universe.”

Tubbo puffs out his cheeks, “And what? You’re some sort of pie expert.”

“I fucking am,” Wilbur grins cheekily, “I’ve traveled the world and nothing else compares.”

Tubbo’s eyes go blank a moment, and he must be conversation with Ranboo, because he pauses where he’s pinned Tommy to the dirt. And then he says, sweetly and quiet, “I think that sounds lovely.”

He musses Tubbo’s hair again, and this time he doesn’t slap him. He leans closer and just chuckles. Wilbur might be new to this whole magic, and even family thing, but he’s doing a pretty good job in spite of it all. He got two kids to play outside, and he’s proud of himself for it.

“What kind of witch are you, if it’s polite to ask?”

Tubbo waves his hand, and the cool breeze tickles his cheek. “I’m part of a huge category of witches that are considered elemental. Some control fire, some rain. I got stuck with wind and electricity. Pretty useless.”

Wilbur rolls his eyes, “And yet, many machines we use run on electricity. Many forests need lightning to burn down and repair. And wind is integral to nature, carrying seeds, allowing flight, and even controlling the climate. That’s huge if you ask me.”

“Has anyone ever told you, that you’re much too kind?”

Wilbur hums, “Not at all, many people think I’m kind of an asshole, and a nerd. There’s a reason I live alone.”

Tubbo shoves him lightly, “And yet, you have three familiars. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Tommy so happy, though it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him.”

Wilbur just soaks that in, because he doesn’t want to ask about the him that caused whatever happened to them. He doesn’t want to ask about the him that made Tommy freeze like that. He also doesn’t want to think Tommy’s happiness is all because he simply befriended a raccoon by his farm and gave him shelter for the night. But it’s a nice thought, nonetheless.

For the rest of the day, they rake and watch their familiars play until sunset. Tommy and Ranboo come inside with sticks in their hair, and dirt over their cheeks. They’re still bickering, and shoving each other, but it all seems fond. Phil is spending his time preening sticks out of Techno’s long, and now tangled hair, while Wilbur collects his gold for the shop.

Ranboo doesn’t want to come, and nor do his familiars. They all seem a little tired, so Wilbur takes Tubbo to the town alone. He doesn’t know the town’s name, and he’s not even sure it has one at all. It’s not a governed place, not by any means. It’s a small commune with a bunch of nature loving people and creatures alike. They work together, sell to each other, and go about their business freely and openly. It’s so unlike the city of Hypixel of which he grew up, where there were so many rules and regulations, and even monitoring of one’s communicator.

He makes his way over cobbled paths, and over the mossy fences, to a familiar bakery. The bakery stands out in the town, simply due to its architecture. It’s made of prismarine and gold, vines and coral decorating the outside. It looks like it was dragged from the sea, and it might have been for all he knows.

He enters and the owner turns his way. Her name is Niki, and she’s a sea nymph, even though this place is far the from sea. She looks human, save for the gills and claws on her fingers. He’s sure by the waters she would look more like herself, but she settled in the woods by the mountains for whatever reason. But he doesn’t go here for that, to figure out the mysteries of a far from home sea nymph. He comes for one thing, and one thing only.

“You know why I’m here, Niki.”

“Of course,” She sighs, “Bleeding me dry. Would you like two then? For, uh, who is this?”

She’s suspicious. He forgets nymphs can sense the magic around them. He swallows, “Oh? Him? He’s my cousin, from far away. Haven’t seen him in a bit. We’re having a bit of a family reunion; can’t you see the resemblance?”

She purses her lips, sharp teeth glinting under her mouth. “I suppose I can. I was under the impression you don’t really have much of a family.”

“Kind of a “long lost relative” situation,” He lies.

She hums, disbelieving, but never judging. She just wraps up two pies in beautiful pink boxes and holds her hand out for the money. He overpays her, as he always does, especially because he can afford it. And he scoots Tubbo out of there before she can complain about the tip.

Tubbo turns his head back as they’re walking back home. “She didn’t seem to like me.”

“Nah, she did,” Wilbur sighs, “She’s just not happy I lied to her. I didn’t know if you wanted your identity revealed.”

“I don’t…but I also don’t want you to ruin your friendships for me.”

Wilbur waves him away, “Tubbo, Niki puts up with a lot bullshit from me regardless, you’re fine. Just last week I was helping her bake and spilled a shit ton of salt on her. I had to figure out how to make an enchanted aloe cream to heal her burns.”

Tubbo shakes his head, surprise coating his features. “Alright.”

When they return home, his chest lights with excitement from his familiars. Ranboo is staring at the boxes with an intense curiosity. Wilbur, he’s a cat goddammit, remember that. He places the pies on the table and opens the box. It’s still warm, because of course Niki expected him. It smells homey and divine, and he cannot wait to see Tubbo’s expression at them.

“These are the best pies in the world. Niki’s famous pumpkin cream, and caramel pear pies.”

He gives Tubbo and Ranboo the first slices. And after the first bite, they yell, and devour it to the last flake off the crust. He feels a well of protectiveness over him, and he has to try to tell himself it’s coming from Phil and not him. Because he doesn’t want to get attached so soon. He doesn’t want to remember that they are probably leaving once they feel safe enough to, leaving their rooms cold and dusty. He doesn’t want to wait around long enough to meet the him that drove them all the way here, and see them get taken away.

When had he become so soft?

Techno taps his shoulder. He doesn’t say anything, but a pulse of curiosity.

“I guess we’re keeping them, if they’re willing to stay,” He mutters.

Techno beams brighter at that, than he does when he takes a bite of pie.

Chapter Text

“You need magic lessons,” Phil tuts one day, after watching Tubbo perform what is apparently awful magic. Wilbur doesn’t know, he still barely understands why his magic is so good and powerful.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but you aren’t allowed to get advanced magic lessons until you’re 100. And it has to be at an accredited Snowchester school. And I still have to take the division exams to qualify.” Tubbo states, as if he’s reading off a script. Wilbur’s still stuck on the fact you have to be a century old. Is that considered young? Oh god, is he like a baby and is there a chance Tubbo is older than him?

Phil tilts his head, “What? I’ve never heard of such a thing. When did the SMP Coven add that?”

“It’s been a rule for the past 30 years, I think. Snowchester is recent, since we only just became a part of the greater SMP.”

Phil rubs his neck. “What about your familiar, then? Has Ranboo had proper training?”

“Of course,” Tubbo grits, “All familiars are trained as soon as they can.”

Phil shudders, “That’s horrible.”

“Well as Dre-, uh, our leadership always says familiars are the backbone of any good witch, they need to be a strong and obedient one to work.” Tubbo mutters, “Do you not know this?”

Phil shakes his head, earrings clanking at the force of it. “Not at all, I’ve never really been a part of a coven, not in a long time anyway. I traveled the world and adopted two young orphan familiar children and made a home for myself up in the unclaimed Antarctic. I tend to stay away from large covens, it’s not for me.”

Tubbo stares at him as if Phil just said something horrific. It’s like Tubbo never considered that was an option, in Wilbur’s opinion. And maybe for him it wasn’t. Tubbo says, “So you were in a coven, once.”

“Yeah,” Phil gives a nervous grin, “Sort of. But they’re not around anymore. That was ages ago, a millennium just about.”

“God you’re old.”

If Phil had wings upon his back, he’s sure he’d knock Tubbo across the head at the statement. Instead, he just breathes tiredly. It’s not angry, never so. He doesn’t think he’s ever seen Phil angry, and he never hopes to.  He supposes when he reaches at millennium years old, he’s sure he’ll be just as patient. For now though, he's young, and the strictness of Tubbo's coven is angering him deeply.

“Anyway,” Phil trails, mirth on his tongue, “You need magic lessons. And you’ve just told me you’re familiar is competent enough to handle it.”

“But-“

Wilbur cuts him off, “Well, this isn’t Snowchester. This is Wilbur Soot’s Cool Witch House. And my only rule is that you take off your shoes when you come inside.”

Tubbo groans and puts his head in his knees. He can hear the yes in there, somewhere.

Tubbo begins joining him on his magic lessons, Phil as their instructor. It’s Phil because he’s the most knowledgeable, especially since Tommy still needs a bit of guidance, apparently. Wilbur thinks he’s just wonderful, but Wilbur is biased and terribly soft.

Tubbo’s magic is subtle, even as he’s getting better at sensing it. Phil is only making him practice wind at the moment, saving electricity for a thunderstorm. So far, he’s been working on controlling his more subtle breezes, which he’s adept at. But now, Phil wants him to work on hovering off the ground. The only thing is, is that Tubbo is afraid of heights, but Phil is confident Ranboo will be able to help him. Just like witches, familiars are skilled at certain aspects of magic. A bond between witch and familiar is said to be fate. Wilbur doesn’t believe that, but he certainly understands the complementary skills thing.

They work for about an hour, until Tubbo is huffing and frustrated. Ranboo tries rubbing his cheek on him, but he’s far too frustrated to accept the affection. “I just can’t do it, this is dumb. I’m too fucking scared.”

“Okay,” Wilbur starts, “How about we one, take a break, and two, you try lifting me.”

“What? What if I hurt you?”

Wilbur smirks, “Well, Techno’s watching, and he wouldn’t like for me to fall. So, it’s incentive to get it right.”

He hates being so harsh, but he knows why Tubbo’s so nervous. It’s like when you ride a horse, versus when you have a passenger. You are always more careful with another person; it allows you to focus more on the task at hand than focusing on yourself. And he’s not terrified of falling. He’s confident he can soften his landing, or have Techno catch him. Though, Techno is irritated in his mind at the thought.

So here Wilbur is standing, with Techno fidgeting by his side as if he’s going to die. But he has confidence. Tubbo deserves that from him. Tubbo squeezes his hands, Ranboo weaved between his legs. He lets out a shuttering breath, and with closed eyes, Wilbur feels the wind build around him. It knocks his glasses right off. As the wind picks up, he feels himself begin to lift off the ground. Once he’s about a foot up, laughter bubbles out of him.

“Open your eyes Tubbo.”

Tubbo opens each eye at a time, “Holy shit. No way.”

Tubbo’s so surprised that the wind pressure lowers, and he falls flat on his face.

Thought you were meant to catch me, Techno.

Only if you were going to die, Techno huffs, But you weren’t. Plus, you deserve to learn a lesson or two for giving me a heart attack now and then.

“Are you okay?” Tubbo squeaks. And Wilbur turns on his back and laughs. Techno peers into his face, “I really hope you’re not concussed.”

“No, no,” He chokes, “Not at all. That was just fucking cool. You made me fly.”

Tubbo blows more wind in his face. “Fuck you.”

He doesn’t mean it though. Every day, they’re opening up more. The relief and comfortability in the house is palpable. Wilbur’s control and Tubbo’s continue to come along nicely. Plus, Tommy is catching up with his friends more and more each day. Sometimes he catches them having whispered conversations in Tubbo’s room, grief palpable in their bond. He never spies on them.

Things are better. Things are okay. Ranboo is fully healed, and emotionally they’re getting there.

---

Things change when there’s some posters around the village, and Wilbur should’ve expected something to happen sooner. Tubbo and Ranboo have always seemed like they are on the run.

Wilbur notices them hung on some of the booths while buying herbs one day. He doesn’t think to check them until he sees Niki pale at them. He takes the posters from her and sees two very familiar faces. The only unfamiliar thing about them is their expressions. They look nothing like that now, with how happy they’ve been.

Notice: October 12^th

On Decree of the Snowchester division of the SMP Kingdom,

Tubbo Underscore & Ranboo Beloved are wanted alive.

Reward is one block of netherite and a stack of gold ingots, or anything of equal equivalence.

Please contact Dream Wastaken via postage or communicator with any tips.

Niki turns to him, her voice harsh, “You never told me that your “cousin” was involved with Dream.”

Wilbur gapes, “I didn’t know, I mean, I don’t even know who that is.”

Niki still looks angry, but her voice is softer, “He’s a very dangerous witch. He runs a tight ship on his coven, from what I hear. And he doesn’t take kindly to anyone who interferes with that. He also is quite the person to avoid if you be a nymph, fae, or dragon.”

“Shit,” He says, “I need to tell Tubbo. What if someone saw him the other day?”

Niki rubs his shoulder, “You’ll be okay. Trust me, this village doesn’t like Dream. There aren’t nymph and fae here for no reason. And the humans here are very wary of governments and kingdoms. What you should be more afraid of is whoever came to place up these posters. Chances are they work for Dream.”

Wilbur curses under his breath. “Right, I’m going to go then, Niki. Let me know if anything happens, I don’t really want this Dream person finding you either, if they really don’t like nymphs either.”

“Just promise me you’ll be careful too.”

Wilbur offers her a salute and dashes off toward the forest. He wishes for a moment he could control wind, like Tubbo, so he could get himself there faster. He’s surprised he hasn’t felt anything from his familiars yet, with all his panic. It’s like they’re distant somehow. Not gone, he knows they’re okay, but their emotions feel blocked off.

Maybe he unconsciously is trying to hide his panic? Phil did say they can block certain things from each other, when necessary. Though Wilbur isn’t sure how or if he didn’t do that. He’s so useless, he’s learned so much and still doesn’t know the basics.

He stumbles through his yard, three voices questioning in his head. It overwhelms him, so his step stutters and he trips over a loose tree root that definitely wasn’t there before, because he’s usually careful with how much he lets the trees grow. The grass feels dry and itchy against his cheek when he trips, and that’s when he realizes he’s panicking.

A calloused hand, and a curious chirp, is what pulls him up and into a strong chest. The chest is Phil’s who coos, and rumbles, from the pits of his lungs. A hand scratches in his hair and Phil murmurs, “Don’t do that again, mate. We want to be able to help you.”

“Not on purpose,” He says, muffled against his cloak.

Phil smiles against his head, “Of course you’d figure out how to accidentally shut three very powerful familiars out from your stress. I’m glad now we can help you.”

Phil coaxes him inside, and Wilbur goes easily. Tommy is there, tail swishing lowly in curious concern. Techno headbutts him in the chest when he takes a seat on the floor by the fireplace. He rubs his cheek and sends I’m okay, I’m safe, you over-concerned pig.

You’re an idiot, Techno mutters.

Wilbur just rolls his eyes. Phil crouches to meet his gaze, “What happened?”

He looks up and sees Ranboo and Tubbo peering at him from behind Phil. He says, “What do you guys know about a witch named Dream?” Ranboo’s eyes widen, and Tubbo looks murderous. He’s guessing with the wanted poster, the nature of their arrival, and their distrust of him as a “powerful” witch means that Dream is just as bad as Niki mentioned.

He doesn’t know why he trusts them over Dream, but he has this feeling they haven’t done anything wrong. They’re too scared, to be some wanted duo. And Tommy knows them, and he trusts Tommy’s judgement implicitly as much as he jokes that he doesn’t. Speaking of Tommy, at the mention of Dream’s name he swears he can hear his heart still, as he waits for Wilbur to speak again.

“The good news is, I don’t think he’s here. But the bad news is, he’s looking for you two. When I went to town today, Niki showed me the wanted poster.” Wilbur says, gauging their reaction. Tubbo turns to Ranboo and hisses, “I fucking knew it! We should have never stayed here after you were finished healing.”

“I’m sorry,” Ranboo shouts, “But you’re just as guilty of getting comfortable. We haven’t seen Tommy in years, and it was you who wanted to catch up, I very much didn’t want to bother Wilbur or come here for help. You know how I feel about witches like him, and yet Tommy’s the one who convinced me to stick around and see what a kind person he is.”

“Oi, dickhead,” a very angry and very human Tommy says, “Did you not miss me or something? It’s not my fault I got exiled from the SMP, and haven’t seen you in years, or did you forget what happened with George’s house, Ranboo?”

“Stop,” Phil’s voice strains, clearly the most affected by the turbulence coming from Tommy’s end of the bond. He’s sure Ranboo and Tubbo’s shouting isn’t doing wonders either. “This isn’t helping, nor is this productive. No one is at fault for anything. The only one at fault is this witch, who frankly has no business seeking you all out this far from his jurisdiction.”

Wilbur gets this weird buzz in his chest. “Techno? Do you know something about this person?”

Techno backs from his chest and transforms so he’s sitting in front of him. “I do…though I don’t know much about his involvement in the SMP Kingdom and Coven. To be honest, I only knew he was an arrogant witch who is semi competent at sword fighting. We dueled once, back when I was young and much more reckless. I’m retired now.”

“He-“ Tubbo chokes, “It’s not important, okay? He’s dangerous, and that’s all you need to know. Because we’re leaving. We cannot stay here, especially because we were seen in town, I’m sure Niki’s already reported us.”

Wilbur sighs, “She hasn’t. She told me no one in town really likes Dream, or kingdoms for that matter. Please just tell me what’s going on, because I highly doubt you two can run forever.”

“I don’t need your protection. Plus, the best you can probably do is amuse him by growing flowers. Your magical control is abysmal, it’s a miracle you’ve done the half things you’ve done.” Tubbo growls. The acid in his voice tells Wilbur it’s meant to hit where it hurts, because Tubbo wants to leave. But it still aches. Tubbo’s right that he’s terrible at magic, so much so he never even knew he was witch.

Tommy interjects, “Shut the fuck up, Tubbo. Don’t talk about my brother, I mean, witch, like that. He’s plenty competent, and he’s more so every day. And as scared as I am, we can help you. He’s right that it’d be futile and fucking stupid to run off like an idiot to god knows where. Do you even know where you’re going?”

Tubbo’s glare is ever steadfast, but his voice softens, “Sort of.”

“Exactly,” Tommy says, articulating every syllable, “And if in the end you need to run, you’re lucky you have someone who not only has traveled the world, but has a secondary magic skill in wayfaring with one of the best exploration-based familiars in the world.”

Tubbo looks away, “But what if he finds you too. You are supposed to be exiled, you know, and not at all with your family, let alone bound to a witch.”

“No thanks to you,” Tommy huffs, and Wilbur’s heart aches with his grief, “But that’s not important. I haven’t been exiled in a long time, not since I went back home. But we aren’t talking about me right now, so don’t try to say you’re trying to protect me after all this time.”

Tubbo bites his lip and looks toward Ranboo. Ranboo makes a nod after a few moments and then Tubbo sighs, “Fine. I’m sorry for yelling. Wilbur, would you be willing to help us, either by protecting us here, or running if the time comes.”

“I will, I promise,” He says, but something in his throat catches. He gets this weird feeling that neither plan will work. But he can’t visualize or discern why. It’s probably just his stress, and Tommy’s on top of it.

Phil gives a strained smile, “Right. Good talk, I think we should stop for now before anyone answers any more questions.”

Phil guides Tubbo and Ranboo to their room, whispering comforting things too low for Wilbur to hear. Tommy transforms and skitters off and crawls through the open window. He isn’t going far, Wilbur can tell, but he knows Tommy needs space. His emotions are closed off and dampened. This is all his fault; he should’ve just figured this out himself before dumping this situation all on them.

Techno surprises him by scooting next to him to wrap an arm over his shoulder.

“You know,” Techno starts, pride in his voice, “You did the right thing telling them.”

“You sure? I mean frankly I just think I’ve panicked everyone. And I’ve probably pushed Tommy to talk about his past before he was ready.”

Techno shrugs, “It’s alright, he was bound to tell you, and me, eventually.”

“You really didn’t know?’

Techno just shrugs, scooting closer. “We knew he was exiled. But not why, by whom, or how. Being the anti-coven and government people that we are, Phil and I were happy to take him away from that. Plus, he’s my kid brother, kind of hard to say no when he comes shivering up on your doorstep, eating every gapple in sight.”

Wilbur lets out a little laugh. “I mean, I guess you’re right. Don’t know what I’ll be able to do though, Tubbo’s right that I suck.”

Techno’s hand squeezes his shoulder. “Do you know why I wanted to be bound to you, Wilbur?”

“Because of my singing, my handsome face, and ever becoming wit?”

Techno shoves him then. “No. Because of your earnestness. Every witch I’ve ever met, from every coven, was a liar, at least the ones who sought my power and skill. But you were never like that. Sure, you’re powerful, and this place is very well put together, but what drew me in was your passion, and honesty. You cared, and you meant it. And I could tell you did nothing for power, you just wanted to live a simple life out here alone.”

Wilbur snorts, too overwhelmed to do anything more, like cry. “I appreciate it, considering most people think I’m kind of a dick. I didn’t live alone for fun.”

Techno just huffs, “I mean you are, but that doesn’t mean you’re bad. Just annoying, I suppose.”

“Fuck off.” He shouts, and the tension in his chest is a little lighter.

For now, he’ll let Techno comfort him. And then he’ll worry about the Dream situation tomorrow.

Chapter Text

“Did you hang up the posters?”

“You know it.”

“Good, head back soon, we already have one tip. They apparently passed through old L’Manberg, though I doubt they’re there now. It means they either went East or South, because I doubt Tubbo carried his familiar in an unknown direction, he’s not that smart.”

“Well, actually, there’s something I want to check out here.”

“What?”

“There appears to be a powerful witch in the area, kind of seems like a recluse.”

“How do you know?”

“Their magic is everywhere, I mean, Christ it’s like they’ve even put their protection over this shitty commune.”

“And you don’t recognize the magic?”

“Not at all.”

“A powerful witch that’s fallen off the radar this long is something I don’t like, you’ll check it out won’t you, Sapnap?”

“Of course, anything for you Dream, you lazy bitch.”

---

Wilbur awakes with a start. What a weird dream. Almost too weird. Almost real. He bristles for the rest of the day, and his sunflowers grow taller for it. His familiars let him be for most of his musings, until he checks his protection border a few too many times. Techno accompanies Ranboo to his tenth perimeter check, when he’s laid against the grass wondering why he feels so threatened and nervous. He wishes Tommy were here, but Tommy is still asleep, that or avoiding having the whole Dream conversation with him, which just makes him hopelessly insecure.

Techno leans over, hair dripping over his shoulder, a smirk on his face. “Come now Wilbur, I thought I reassured you yesterday.”

“It’s not about that,” Wilbur scrunches his nose, feeling rather petulant, “Why’s the tall cat boy here?”

“Hey! I’m not a cat boy!”

“How could my meow meow say this?” And Ranboo sputters and his hand looks a little bit more claw-like. Christ.

Techno pokes him with his foot. “You’re deflecting. Just ignore him Ranboo. What’s wrong?”

Wilbur rolls on his side, observing his very perfect protection shield at the border. “I had this dream, where someone named Sapnap was talking to Dream. And this Sapnap fellow planned to check out my land. And I get this weird feeling I have to keep guard. Maybe I’m just not sleeping enough, and ruminating over nothing.”

Techno’s worry is palpable. “Huh. I mean, you were eerily prophetic with Tubbo and Ranboo’s arrival.”

“Sapnap is one of Dream’s familiars,” Ranboo mutters, “Loves to set things on fire. He’s a phoenix. And with how prophetic you seem to be, it wouldn’t surprise me it was a real vision.”

“Are you sure?”

Ranboo hums, “Not certain, but if Dream were to send anyone on a mission to find witches that aren’t accounted for, it’d be his strongest and most loyal familiar. And it isn’t strange he found you, your magic is potent and quite literally everywhere. You protect the town more than you know from what Tubbo’s told me.”

Wilbur covers his face and groans. “This is getting complicated.”

“We can le-“ Wilbur cuts him off, “Don’t suggest that. Okay? I’m just trying to process all this. How worried do I need to be?”

Ranboo crosses his arms. “Well, it’s possible he could make his way through your border. It protects against bad intentions and evil. Sapnap is loyal to Dream, and chaotic, but not evil. His intentions are earnest and done out of love for his witch. And he is very adept at sensing magic, being as powerful as he is, so I’d suggest if you know how to make a concealment charm for me and Tubbo in the event he comes to visit, please do. And we can hide in our room or your basement. I mean, he probably won’t be able to sense me, familiars are harder to trace, but to hide Tubbo it’d be safer to hide me too.”

“Oh,” Wilbur turns to give Techno an excited look, “You definitely want to help me construct that, don’t you? I’ve neglected my crafting duties these past few weeks, my poor familiar.”

Techno grumbles, ears flushing. “Yeah, whatever, I haven’t, so you don’t need to project your clingyness onto me.”

Wilbur giggles, and leaps to his feet. Running in the directions of his herbs and flowers, to begin collecting for the charm. He doesn’t know how to make a concealment charm, but that’s what Techno is for. And his boar familiar follows him with an equally eager stride. Ranboo transforms as well, and pads over with them. Wilbur tilts his head at the company and Techno says, He says he’s curious to see your crafting in action to get some tips on how to guide Tubbo to doing this in the future.

“You can understand each other?”

Why wouldn’t we be able to? Techno answers. Wilbur really thinks his familiars need to start realizing he still knows absolutely nothing.

Wilbur just ignores the logistics of how they talk to each other as different animals, and lets Techno guide him toward the right plants. Ranboo paws at the stems and plays with some of the herbs that fall. Wilbur gifts him with a little catnip as he’s grinding the plants into a sort of paste. Techno sends his love into him as he encases them in a resin mold and Wilbur can even sense how powerful the charms are. He just needs to let it set and test it.

Ranboo wants you to know that the charm is one of the most potent he’s ever felt.

Wilbur offers Ranboo’s eyes a grin, “Thanks Ranboo. I’m trying my best.”

He can almost feel Techno’s huff on his ear. He also wants to apologize for him and Tubbo thinking you’re not a good witch. You’re doing great, his words, not mine. I would never say that, your protection encapsulation technique needs work.

Wilbur just beams at his embarrassed familiar and waits for the molds to set. Once the charm is ready, he wraps them in little velvet draw string bags, and holds one out for Ranboo. Ranboo stands up, and shoves it in his pocket. He blinks a few times, and looks down at Techno.

Yeah, can’t feel him. How about you, Wilbur?

Wilbur thinks about it for a moment. He isn’t certain, but it definitely feels like the room is a bit emptier. So, he supposes that must be Ranboo’s magical absence.

“We can’t sense you,” Wilbur says.

Ranboo cheers, “Great! Then we should be safe, as long as he doesn’t search the house.”

“You sure?”

Ranboo grins, nervous smile peeking up over his mask. “Not at all!”

---

The charm is also successful on Tubbo. It’s so much so that Ranboo says he can only sense Tubbo in a muted sense within their bond. Otherwise, it’s as if neither of them have been in the house at all. And so, they go about their lives normally, waiting Sapnap’s arrival.

His arrival comes in the evening a few days later.

Wilbur feels it with his whole body. When Tubbo and Ranboo entered his border, it felt curious and worrying. When Sapnap enters his border, it burns him alive, and he has to have Phil console him and calm him down. He decides to meet Sapnap outside, familiars at his side. Tommy refuses to come with him, for whatever reason, but Wilbur doesn’t push him. He feels far to bitter and afraid to push into a battle.

Wilbur meets the eyes of a large and fiery bird. He’s beautiful, even though his presence makes his skin crawl. The bird looks much unlike Phil. Where Phil is determined and amused, Sapnap is all hunt and glare. Sapnap raises his wings, and flames flicker over his feathers. When Wilbur holds his ground, the bird replaces himself with a young man.

Sapnap is shorter than him, but equally as determined and terrifying. He gives him a fanged grin, and his eyes calculate over Techno and Phil.

“I can’t gauge much from your familiars,” Sapnap hums, “But somehow their energy feels familiar. Like someone I know.”

Wilbur speaks with a careful measure, “Get off my property, you are not welcome here. These are private lands and I take unkindly to any strangers.”

Sapnap shivers. “Your anger is strong, witch. Just by your words, I can feel that you’re much more powerful than I even thought.”

“Leave, I won’t ask again.” A tree branch crackles, as if ready to reach and pluck Sapnap off the ground. He really needs to calm down.

“Let me ask you a few questions first,” Sapnap grins, “I won’t even ask to come in.”

Wilbur nods. “I’ll allow it.” And he only agrees because he really doesn’t want Sapnap coming into his house. Nor does he want to fight the guy. Plus, this serves as a great opportunity to gain more information on Dream.

Sapnap peers around the property. “Have you seen two kids go through here?”

Wilbur clenches his fist, “No. I hate kids, and like I said, strangers of any kind are not welcomed here.”

Sapnap squints, “And just because I get this weird feeling, has a raccoon familiar bumbled through here?”

Wilbur almost flinches, but Techno’s headbutt on his calf steadies him. “Nope. I also hate raccoons. Fucking thieves and pests, aren’t they? Wouldn’t be too conducive for farming.”

He can feel Tommy’s hurt from here, and he really wishes he could go comfort him and murmur into his fur about how much of a lie this all is. Sapnap sighs in defeat, it seems he’s doing a good job lying. Sapnap kicks a rock and curses under his breath. “Great, just great. Now I’m back to square one. Not your concern, though. Anyway, who are you?”

“None of your business.”

Sapnap’s eyes glow briefly, “You see, it is. My witch, who is very powerful and influential, doesn’t take well to powerful witches off his radar. I am under strict orders to figure you out.”

“Well listen here, Sapnap, this land is not part of any Kingdom, and nor is the neighboring village, so your witch has no jurisdiction here. Please leave the premises, else I will be dragging you off by your collar,” He hisses. The tree branch next to him reaches down in warning.

He seems impassive to the move. And he just tilts his head at the branch, much like Phil does when he’s confused. “I never told you my name. Who told you that?”

Wilbur bites his lip, “No one. I had a premonition about your arrival.”

Sapnap goes silent and Phil whispers, he’s probably telling Dream that bit of information. It’s not your fault though, and it isn’t that unusual a power for someone of your caliber that it will make Dream concerned. Sapnap sighs, “Alright, damn. That’s pretty impressive that you knew my name from that. If I can’t ask you any more, can I at least know your coven? I don’t want to fight, so I’d appreciate knowing as much information as I can peacefully. I really hate disappointing my witch, you know?”

Disappointment reminds him of Ranboo’s initial fear of him. And he does seem sincere, Wilbur doesn't doubt that for a moment. He says, “I am a part of the Sleepy Bois Coven.”

Sapnap’s eyes widen comically. “Oh my god, yeah, shit, I’m so sorry sir, lord, duke, uh, whatever you are. I didn’t mean to impose. I will inform my witch to send you an apology gift if that’s suitable to you.”

Wilbur tries not to laugh. He manages a cold, “That would be much appreciated, now leave here, before I inform the rest of my coven.”

Sapnap gives an exaggerated nod and flaps off towards the Northwest. When he feels far out of distance Wilbur collapses onto the dirt and Techno chuffs against his cheek. He feels Tommy’s paws against his neck, and Phil’s talons in his hair. A whiskered face, that he soon sees is Ranboo rubs against his nose.

“Did I do okay?”

“Hell yes,” Tubbo bellows, “He didn’t sense us at all, I think you even scared the shit out of him.”

“But my coven was made up?”

“Well, I know that now, but it shows you why I was so freaked out when I met you. Your fake coven name sounds very posh and of noble ranking, so it makes sense he felt horrible invading your property. It’s very disrespectful to do what he did to a high-ranking pureblood witch without formal consent and meeting. It's all a very complicated and silly process.” Tubbo laughs.

Wilbur snorts and then he sits up and pulls Tommy off his neck so they can meet eyes. He scratches Tommy’s chin and says, “I didn’t mean it, you know? I had to protect you.”

I know, you just sounded like someone I used to know.

“Dream?”

With the answer silence, he curls Tommy into his chest and covers him from the world with his trench coat. Tommy’s grief is palpable, so Wilbur sends a thousand I’m sorry’s and I love you, brother, and eventually Tommy is purring against his chest. However, the anxiety in Wilbur’s chest doesn’t fade.

He gets the feeling this wasn’t the end of Dream or Sapnap, and he doesn't need a premonition to tell him that.

Chapter Text

Wednesday is for the flowers. Wilbur feels most alive on these days. He lays out in his fields and lets his magic spill into the unused land around him. Winter pansies sprout at his feet and curl over his ankles, and a stray hardenbergia creeps up his neck. These flowers are a sign of the coming cold, and he welcomes them with as much love as he can.

On these days, Tommy comes with him alone. Mostly, his familiars travel with him together. But there are special moments where it is just one. And at times like this it is Tommy, curled over his chest, with purrs warming his core. Tommy makes his bloom more powerful, and it fizzes his tongue with how careful it is. It’s not as easy today, because Tommy’s been skittish since Sapnap’s arrival. Since Sapnap asked about him.

“Tommy?” He asks, when Tommy transforms back into his human form, arms curled around his waist.

“I’m scared, Wil.”

Wilbur curls an arm over the crown of his head. “Of what?”

Tommy’s breath shakes against his ribs, “I don’t know. You don’t seem calm now that he’s left. It’s like you sense he’s coming back. And I know we’re mostly protecting Ranboo, and Tubbo, but I can’t go back either.”

“I won’t let you, if you don’t want to.”

Tommy sniffs, “Good. Because I don’t like Dream. He’s cruel.”

Wilbur so very badly wants Tommy to elaborate. But he doesn’t push. He just sits there, stroking his hair, a stray foxglove popping by his other hand as his mind whirls with unanswered questions.

They later trek back to the house and Wilbur tries to go back to normal. Anxiety still curdles in his gut about Dream, and about Tommy’s fear of him. He’s only reassured when Tommy spends the rest of the day with Tubbo, murmuring about Dream behind his bedroom door. He doesn’t eavesdrop more than that, but he’s happy Tommy has an outlet to discuss this witch. Even though he’s certain all of his familiars can sense his unease, they go back to their domesticity.

He wakes each day and begins planting the crops that will sprout in warmer seasons, like the turnips, garlic, and spinach. He leans in Techno’s warmth as he builds a new shed, a sword, or just watches him cook. Phil takes him on new adventures, and he’s always surprised that he still finds new spots in the forest he’s lived in for so long. He’s begun making a map of the woods just to catalogue his marvelous journey. And Tommy heals, from Sapnap’s visit. Slowly and surely, Tubbo and Ranboo do too. The two kids fit in right, and Wilbur can’t imagine them leaving. And they don’t seem to plan on doing so.

He catches Tubbo one morning, his satchel unpacked for the first time. He’s settling and his chest buzzes. Ranboo even gives him affection from time to time. And it’s not the same as with his own familiars, as there’s no magical soul-fusing bond there. But he is happy when Ranboo scents him or bats a paw at him. Tubbo always apologizes, something about it being rude for another witch’s familiar to be a bother. But Wilbur doesn’t mind. He talks to Ranboo all day long, even though he usually sits on the far corner of the room in his cat form, unresponding and distant.

And they’re chaotic in their own right too. Ranboo will spend some days knocking over every glass item in his house just to see if he’ll get angry. And once Tubbo practices his lightning on a thunderstorm, he begins to set up shock traps on several of Wilbur’s doors. But he proves them wrong every step that they can, if only to preserve the happiness he felt when they unpacked their things. He may whine and huff at them, but he’d never kick them out for some silly pranks.

And so, things should be fine, right? Their magic training has gotten a steady flow to it, and Wilbur looks forward to the next witch holiday. So why does he still feel invaded upon even though two weeks pass along after Sapnap’s visit?

---

Wilbur you can’t protect them.

Wilbur wake up.

Wilbur!

Wilbur snorts awake, Phil by his side. Phil’s hair falls over his eyes, his very sleepless and bloodshot eyes. “What?”

Phil’s bond tugs at his heart, and his calloused fingers run through his hair. “You were screaming, mate. I had to block Tommy and Techno from feeling your despair, if only to save their poor sleeping schedules.”

“What about your sleeping schedule?”

Phil just grimaces at him. “I’m alright.”

Wilbur opens his mouth to argue, but then he swallows it down. “Why was I screaming?”

“You don’t remember anything?”

“Not really,” He hums, “All I can recall is that I sort of feel like something bad is going to happen. I have this urge to reinforce the runes on the property borders and give a concealment charm to Niki.”

Phil looks pained at that and pulls his head into his chest. “Oh, mate. I wish I were well versed on premonitions and future-sight, but I am not. I ache that you’re suffering.”

Wilbur shrugs, “I’m not. I mean, the more I honed my magic I figured more shit would develop. I asked for this, and I wouldn’t trade this for anything. And I don’t regret taking Ranboo or Tubbo in, either.”

Phil just hugs him tighter, and Wilbur glides a thumb over his cheek. Wilbur mumbles, “I’m sorry for worrying you. Thank you for being here.”

Phil’s heart blossoms with a fizzle. “To be your familiar, is an honor. I will worry for all of eternity, until the Earth craves our energy and we are shuffled back into its crust.”

“You’re a fucking clingy bastard, even clingier than Tommy,” Wilbur laughs, “Let’s just focus on today, before you make me cry.”

“And what’s today?”

“Pancakes, I’m going to force Techno to make me chocolate chip pancakes with Callahan’s maple syrup on top.”

As if he’s already sensed it, Techno is already mid-pancake making when Wilbur walks down with Phil. Phil is still clinging to his arm. He would amount it to his avian instincts, but he’s slowly started to learn that familiars have their own mix of clinginess with their witches from time to time. There are days where Ranboo will not let his arm leave Tubbo’s shoulder. Tubbo hates hugs, but he puts up with it with Ranboo.

As usual, Tommy is helping Techno in the form of eating the leftover batter. Phil chastises him for making himself sick, and Tommy just sticks his tongue out at him. Techno turns to him with a fresh plate of pancakes with a huff. He projects you’re welcome.

Wilbur just pops a bite into his mouth. I adore your perception, are you sure don’t have the future-sight powers, Technoblade?

Yeah whatever.

Tubbo and Ranboo receive plates next, and after a bite they are devouring it. Tubbo says, mouth muffled by a large bite, “You’re phenomenal at cooking Techno. We never had anything this delicious in Snowchester.”

“Really?” Techno questions, eyes suspicious at Tommy’s lack of surprise.

“Yeah,” Tubbo admits, “We ate mostly cod and baked potatoes. It’s cold, and we are of limited resources.”

Phil bites his lip. “Because it’s cold?”

Ranboo stabs his pancake a little more forcibly. “No. Because Dream blocked us from vital resources. We were only allowed potatoes, and the cod we managed to fish in the icy waters.”

Tubbo nods, “Yeah. You’re unfamiliar with covens, but I feel like I should finally inform you now that things seem safer. One of the largest covens is the SMP Coven, who’s headquarters is in the SMP Kingdom. The SMP King and coven leader, Dream, does not like independence, especially after that whole "mortal starting the L'Manberg revolution" debacle. Snowchester was originally a military commune used during wartime for the Kingdom, once L'Manberg dissolved, mostly inhabited by witches and familiars. After the last war we had, we were abandoned there. And so, we decided to claim independence as our own coven. It didn't work, obviously, we're now still a part of greater SMP coven.”

He briefly wonders if he was that mortal, but he isn't really focused on that right now. His time being a little shit, as Phil would say, in L'Manberg with TNT in hand is a thing of his young and bitter past. Wilbur focuses on the present. “Well, that’s horrible. But, why would Dream want you back? If you’ve left the coven and your outside of SMP jurisdiction, you’re free?”

“No,” Tubbo’s eyes are weary, “You aren’t. You can’t just leave a coven. It’s not that easy. Most of them force you to take part of your soul or magic to join with the coven for the greater network. It’s why so many witches and familiars stay away, if they can, because of how hard it is to leave. And to Dream, that means we are his witches and familiars, and we are not to leave unless we are given specific permission.”

Wilbur reaches out a hand and Tubbo grips it tightly. Wilbur growls, “If I could remove that bond I would. I will search for a way to do it. You will be free here for as long as you want, that is if you want to stay here and have that link removed.”

Tubbo offers a half smile, “I appreciate the sentiment, and I believe you. But it’s not worth it, okay? We still plan on moving on eventually. I have a contact who is much more experienced in the matter of coven bonds, I just need to prepare to get there. And also figure where the hell this person even is.”

Ranboo looks skeptical, and it does nothing to quell Wilbur’s hurt. He’s grown to care for him, and he really doesn’t want them to go. So, he doesn’t say anything, afraid his words will be bitter. His pancakes grow cold, as cold as the wind that Tubbo moves with his hands.

He doesn’t realize he shuts himself away at the admission. He doesn’t even realize that he’s angered and exhausted, not until Tommy peaks his little ears into his room and then sits next to him at his full height. Wilbur grimaces at first, but then Tommy pulls him down to lean on his shoulder.

“You don’t want Tubbo to leave.” Tommy says carefully.

“I don’t.”

Tommy massages his hair absently as he thinks. “You’re a kind witch. But you have to understand I always expected them to go. When Dream looks for you, he’s relentless.”

“Really? Although you were exiled?”

Tommy snorts, but it’s empty and so unlike the warmth that encapsulates him. “Yeah, but it wasn’t really an exile. It was torture, Wil. I was kicked out of my home by Tubbo and had my coven bond ripped out, because of Dream. And then I was hurt and stuck alone with Dream, until I said yes to be being his familiar. So, you have to understand I get Tubbo, even though I haven’t seen him in years. They’re not safe, and they probably won’t be unless you can sever their coven bond. Not that his contact can either, I don’t believe that Tubbo even knows where he’s going or what he’s fucking doing.”

Wilbur freezes. “I wish I could remove the bond. I also wish I found you sooner, so that you never had to be subjected to that.”

Tommy shifts, hands never leaving his hair. “Well, I’m here now.”

Wilbur sits up and looks at him. “And I won’t let him find you, any of you. Why would he still want you after all this time? You're no longer a part of his coven, nor have you been there in some time.”

Tommy’s eyes sparkle for a moment. “I forget you’re so kind it makes you fucking stupid.”

“Hey! You’re dumb, child.”

Tommy just pats his arm. “You can’t tell just how powerful the familiars you’ve bonded yourself to are, can you?”

Wilbur focuses for a moment. And he can’t. He just knows he no longer feels too tight in his own skin, and he can hear the hum and love between their bond. Tommy flushes, “You clingy fuck. Stop being all brotherly for a moment, I asked you a question.”

“I can’t tell. I’m sorry.”

Tommy huffs, “It’s alright. Just know that I am powerful. And because of that, some witches want me and would do anything to get me to agree to a bond. It's true for Techno and Phil too, they just have the benefit of being old enough no coven really remembers them or what they can do.”

It’s Wilbur’s turn to hug him. “Well for the record, I want you around because you’re a silly little raccoon boy. Little baby man, dirty crime boy, adorable washing bear, brother of mine.”

Tommy hisses at him and begins trying to playfully fight him. And Wilbur indulges for as long as it takes for Tommy’s fear to diminish. Wilbur knows now. He knows more information. Dream, who has been a tyrant to two young kids, and who has exiled and tortured his familiar. He won’t allow it. He decides to plan a way to sever Tubbo and Raboo’s coven bond. And if Dream or any of his familiars show back up here again, they will pay. They won’t take them, especially not Tommy.

He’s been afraid for so long. Drifting through life alone, and bitter. He’s gained a family, and all he thought about was how much he feared losing them and failing them. He distrusted his magic and weaknesses. But not now. Tommy and Tubbo’s story today motivate him.

If he’s supposedly strong, he intends to use this power to help, that he promises.

---

Wilbur goes about his chores and day with more energy. His familiars definitely notice, and they seem relaxed by his newfound sense of confidence.

Wilbur finishes his house chores and begins tying his boots so he can be off to the market. Phil takes his usual place on his head, and Tommy his shoulder, and Techno leaned against his leg. Tubbo and Ranboo watch him curiously from the distance.

He takes one step, and then Tubbo says, “Techno told us there’s a pie contest in town.”

Wilbur smirks, “Did he? And why would he tell you that?”

“He told me because he said it’d be fun and that you make the best pie in the world, despite what you say about Niki’s.”

Wilbur looks down, and Techno merely grunts. “Hm. And you’re telling me this why?”

“I am coming along, with Ranboo, with my concealment charm, and a cloak to hide my face. And I am deciding what pie we’re making.” Tubbo demands.

Wilbur meets his intense gaze. “Come along then, you’re wasting the daylight.”

Tubbo beams and Ranboo clambers over until he’s sitting on Techno’s back. Techno flicks his ear, as if he’s annoyed, but his traitorous heart gives him away. And so, as a team they make their quiet way to the town. Children bound over to him, and pet Techno and offer Phil trinkets. Tubbo even lets them hold Ranboo.

Tubbo demands a very sweet and homely pie, one that reminds him so deeply of home and the past. One that reminds him of a better day. One from a small bay town called L’Manberg.

He decides on the national pie of L’Manberg, a town he remembers staying at a long time ago when he first started his journey around the world. It reminds him of when Tubbo told him earlier that some mortal started the revolution. He remembers that pie just as much as he remembers spreading the good word of freedom and justice. He isn’t sure how the revolution turned out, after he left, as it grew too dangerous and anxiety filling for him. He assumes poorly, after all Tubbo did say it was dissolved. But he still remembers the pie recipe. It was one of the last things he carried with him from that place. He just lacked the resources and skill to make it at the time.

The pie is a spiced bourbon apple, and traditionally it is infused with L’Manberg’s famous honey. L’Manberg is probably gone, and so are the bees, but he enjoys the town’s supply well enough. Callahan's shop will always be his go to for syrup, honey, jam, and anything else sweet you could extract from nature. He then buys his favorite bourbon that is imported all the way from Las Nevadas. The apples he buys are gilded, which he knows will only enhance his magic and make this pie wondrous.

As he’s picking the best apples, Niki comes from behind him. She crosses his arms, “You think you’re going to beat me this year?”

“Oh, you know it, in fact, I’ll be putting you out of business.”

Niki giggles, and peers down at the new guests. This is her first-time meeting Ranboo, he realizes. She coos, “Aww hello little guy. Are you Tubbo’s familiar?”

Ranboo meows in answer, and lets Niki rub his head. Wilbur pouts, “Ranboo's never that happy to see me.”

“That’s because you’re Wilbur,” She tuts, “A big ole scary witch.”

“Niki your teeth are sharper than my sword.”

Just to prove him right, she bares her teeth, gills flaring. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Ranboo huffs at him and takes his place back on Techno’s back, where he begins to doze off. Tubbo mutters, “How’d you know I was here?”

Niki tilts her head. “I figured that Wilbur might’ve protected you two after the poster situation. So when a person with no aura emanating off of them arrives, I put two and two together.”

“I see.”

“Don’t worry,” She quickly reassures, “He hasn’t set foot here, nor has anyone else from there, not since the poster incident. You’re safe here Tubbo, this town is a peaceful ungoverned commune, full of lone and wary magical creatures. We would never allow any witch here, especially not Dream.”

Niki sighs when Wilbur’s eyes widen, “Except for him. He’s clueless, and also very protective of this place. He’s different.”

Tubbo’s lips curl from beneath his hood. “I’m beginning to see that. Also, Ranboo says you’re very nice and that he enjoyed the pies by the way.”

Niki coos at Ranboo again, “I’ll be sure to get you two some more then. And you can try some at the pie contest, where I will win.”

“No.” Wilbur whines.

“Yes.”

“No!”

“Wilbur I will eat you.”

Wilbur does a faux huff, and stomps his foot. “Philll, she’s bullying me. We’re going.”

Phil just cocks his head and looks at Niki as if to apologize. And Wilbur’s not really annoyed, if anything he’s fond.

---

And he’s in his element. He wakes early in the morning to finish his chores and begins making the crust and filling so he can bake it so it’s at its freshest at the contest. Even in his early days settling here, he always participated in this. Even though he preferred to be alone, he just enjoyed seeing happy faces at his pie. And he loved winning too. The crust is methodical for him, muscle memory at this point. He knows the amounts of butter without looking at the recipe. As the crust sets in the fridge, he makes his filling. And he may have added a little extra bourbon, but that never hurt anyone.

And true magic comes when it’s time to bake, literally this time. Because this pie contest he has three familiars and a better grasp on magic. Techno helps him infuse his pie with all his care in the world and Tommy makes the apples a little bit fresher, and Phil scavenges a few bits of mint to soak in the center. Tubbo and Ranboo peer in the oven with rapt attention, as the caramelizing gapples bubble through the cracks in his pie.

And when he takes it out to cool, Tubbo looks so proud of him. He says, “You know, your magic is quite beautiful.”

“He’s right, mate,” Phil nods, “I’m happy you found us so we could experience this day with you.”

Wilbur flushes, “Fuck off, I should’ve never told Techno about the upcoming town traditions.”

“No need to be embarrassed, you’re most definitely going to win the contest.” Techno huffs into his hair, after shuffling him into a silly embrace.

Wilbur slaps him away and carries the pie all the way to the festival. Niki is there, boasting and proud of her equally delicious pie. Tommy takes this time to eat a slice of every pie he can see until he’s sick, and Techno follows him to make sure he doesn’t really throw up. Phil trails behind Ranboo and Tubbo as they try a few here and there.

They settle on his last and Tubbo turns to him with glassy eyes. He offers a small smile and embraces Wilbur tightly. He says, “I don’t think we want to leave, if that’s okay Wilbur.”

Wilbur pats the back of his head. “Was it really that good? Do you only like me for my cooking?”

“No, it’s…” He steps back looking far off at the setting sun, “The magic felt safe. For the first time I felt safe. I want to keep a hold of that.”

“Well then, I guess I’ll have to finally officially add you to the chore rotation.”

Tubbo punches his arm, gratefulness filling his face at Wilbur keeping the emotional moment lighthearted. And Wilbur should feel equally overwhelmed with happiness. He should feel wonderful that even after Sapnap’s arrival, and Dream's searching, that they are healing. That in this moment they seem so much like a family, unburdened with witch politics and exile. But he’s not. He has this weird creeping sort of nervousness in the pit of his stomach, where his magic sits when he’s stressed.

It’s hopefully nothing.

Chapter Text

It’s a normal day in the town, other than there seems to be less people around. He amounts it to maybe people are sulking at his pie win, or that they’re just a little hungover, but the town is seemingly empty. He asks Phil, who is the only one joining him this morning. And Phil flutters his wings and says It feels like no one is here, save for a few humans. I think can sense Callahan sleeping in his den.

It doesn’t concern him until he sees that the market is bare. There’s Callahan's shop, and some guy’s random thrift store, but no Niki, no mushrooms, no wood, not anything he usually buys. He makes his hurried step towards Niki’s place.

“Phil, I have a bad feeling.”

So do I, mate, and it’s not just because your emotions are stressing me out.

What’s going on? Tommy and Techno ask simultaneously.

Wilbur doesn’t answer them right away, not even as they start yelling at him to explain. He arrives breathless at Niki’s shop, and thus house. The house above looks fine, but the shop is ruined. The windows are broken, and claw marks are stark against the doorway entrance. He makes his way inside, stepping over broken glass and piles of flour.

There’s a note, on the counter. It’s hurried, and not in the neat cursive Niki prefers to write in.

Wilbur,

I don’t have time to explain. But he’s coming. I managed to fight off that awful familiar assassin he hired to investigate around here, and now I write to you what’s to come.

I have no reason to believe he’ll show up at your house, it’s way too protected against someone like that. But then again I said the same about the town, didn't I?

But you need to be careful. Because Dream could be coming next. And because of that I must go, as must all of us. No nymph or fae would be caught dead here at the dawn of Dream’s arrival.

And if I can never return, or he finds me, I’m sorry. You were a great friend Wilbur, the one witch I really trusted. If you ever need a place to escape, go to the coordinates on the back of this note. I’ve had the local fae enchant it so only you can see it. It leads to my underground city by Kinoko Kingdom.

I just hope you succeed in whatever needs to be done.

I so very much want to come back. Please, help them against Dream. Please help me.

Sincerely,

Niki

Wilbur wordlessly turns the note over to look at the coordinates, and then shoves the note into his pocket. His hands feel cold. He sees Callahan’s hooves from behind the open door. The dread on the deity’s stoic face is what solidifies it for him. He signs go home, Wilbur. And so, he does.

All he can repeat to the panic in his mind is he’s coming. I’m sorry.

---

Today is a solemn day. The house is fluctuating in temperature, and the wood feels weaker as it allows the wind to burst in. The grass is gray like the sky, and a thunderstorm feels brewing on the horizon. He thinks the storm might be from Tubbo’s magic, but it wouldn’t surprise him if all of a sudden today his powers decided to add another thing to worry about.

Techno is the only one keeping them together. Tommy has been silent all day, and Phil begins nesting like his life depends on it. Ranboo slinks in the corner of every room, never approaching all of them, his eyes glowing from the shadows. Tubbo stumbles as he walks, hands shocking him accidentally when he brushes by. Wilbur watches as his winter flowers wilt too early in the season.

He admires Techno’s strength, his ability to not be afraid.

“Will you be leaving?” He asks.

Tubbo matches his frown, “No. We’re scared, certainly, but I don’t want to run. I want to protect what I have here.”

Tommy joins them with a look. He mumbles, “Yeah, I mean, I wouldn’t want to exile you for bringing danger to us, or anything.”

“Tommy…”

Tommy shakes his head, “That’s not meant to make you feel guilty. That’s the truth. You don’t deserve what I went through.”

“For what it’s worth, I am sorry I exiled you from the SMP and left you with Dream,” Tubbo reaches out a hand, “And I’m not just saying that because it feels like the end of my time here.”

Tommy doesn’t take the hand. “Don’t be an idiot. Wilbur will succeed.”

Wilbur swallows, not certain he will. He’s still reeling with questions about exile. Tommy seems to sense this and asks, “Do you want me to explain it to you?”

“If you’re comfortable.”

Tommy nods and Techno and Phil appear with Ranboo at that moment. Tommy rolls his eyes and sits next to Wilbur, soaking in his warmth. He says, “Well. Long story short, Dream was a tyrant, and I was reckless and acting out. Ranboo and I decided to prank a witch named George’s house. I wanted to prank him because it was equal parts funny, as well as a bit of revenge for our past with the L'Manberg War of Independence. We only intended to steal a few things, leave a blazing sign as a message. The fire, uh spread, and burned his house down. And then Dream told Tubbo, who was in charge of the L’Manberg coven at the time, that he was either to exile me or L’Manberg would pay the price, particularly Ranboo would pay the price as his familiar. And as a bonded familiar, his punishment would’ve been far worse than mine for embarrassing his witch.”

“God, and you, you took the exile deal?”

“No,” Tommy grumbles, “No I didn’t. Tubbo did, and I don’t blame him for that. And I kept my mouth shut about Ranboo’s involvement. It was my fault that Ranboo even did the prank with me, so I didn’t want him to be hurt too. Luckily for me though, was that my coven bond was severed, which is why I was able to escape exile. And so, Dream spent a few months torturing me and trying to convince me he was the only witch who cared about me, so I’d bond to him and finally be controlled, as I told you before. Then,  I eventually pissed him off and he destroyed my exile home and left me. And I made a choice to keep on living, even though I was abandoned and covenless, and bumbled my way to the North where Techno and Phil were still living.”

Wilbur’s still trying to process all of this. Tommy went so quickly, and he feels like he’s missing major details. Was Tommy a part of the L’Manberg revolution then too? He doesn’t remember, he only started the thing when he was sick of not being able to do what he pleased there compared to other nations, and as were it's citizens. How did Tubbo survive knowing he exiled his friend to protect a place that wound up being dissolved? How guilty must Ranboo feel that Tommy protected him? How does Tommy still have enough love left to trust another witch?

Techno comes up behind them both and wraps an arm around him. Tubbo says, “I never knew it went that far. I figured he’d punish you, and that he wanted to bond to you, but I didn’t think he’d torture you for it.”

“Well, he did, so now you understand why I get that you two want to run, even though I’m asking you to stay. Wilbur’s different.”

“I know. But I’m aware how different it is this time,” Tubbo assures weakly, “If he threatens Ranboo I am protected. And I’m not responsible for an entire coven and nation. I won’t run or leave you this time. I promise to join the fight, now that I have the power to.”

Ranboo’s face twists at the statement. Wilbur has this weird feeling Tubbo is lying because of it, but he has no proof. Maybe Ranboo is just concerned to fight Dream, he doesn’t know. But Tommy seems reassured and that’s all that matters.

It has to.

After that emotional conversation he takes the day to relax with his familiars and channels his magic into them for comfort. Techno lays over his lap, and Tommy sprawls on Techno’s back. Phil is shuffled against the warmth of his stomach, hidden from the world with Techno blocking him from view. It helps Wilbur too, and the house starts to warm by degrees.

He thinks to Niki, in the silence. He has a feeling it would feel nice to escape to her safe place, but he isn’t confident she’d appreciate Tubbo being there because of Dream. And he would be there because Wilbur cannot abandon Tubbo now.

Wilbur? Phil murmurs.

“Yeah?”

Go to sleep. Please? I can’t stand to feel how stressed you are.

Yeah it’s fucking annoying, you sad bastard.

What he said, Techno huffs.

Wilbur hesitates, because he feels like if he goes to sleep early tonight, something bad will happen. But, he must just be paranoid now that Niki is gone and their town deity is freaked out. And there's no guarantee Dream will even show up, he sent Sapnap the first time. It's likely he'll send his familiar again.

So, he scoops Tommy into his arms and Techno trots ahead to his bedroom. Tubbo’s eyes cautiously watch him. He doesn’t trust the gaze.

“Goodnight,” He offers, “I’ll see you in the morning so we can plan to fight Dream?”

“Of course.” He sounds so hollow.

He decides to ignore it. If only to calm his familiars. And also, so he doesn't sit Tubbo down and demand answers from him.

---

“Hey there Tubbo, I’m glad I’ve finally gotten in contact with you.”

“H-how are you here, in my dreams, I’m protected, very well I might add.”

“Not important. What is important is that I know where you are.”

“I’m sorry.”

“God you’re still a fucking yes man, you didn’t even attempt to fight me! But I’m not here to threaten you, nor take you back, let me offer you a deal.”

“What?”

“I’ll let you free, you and Ranboo both, from the coven forever.”

“And the catch being?”

“I need you to tell me where Tommy is, or more importantly, I need your help to capture him. I know you know where he is, too, so you can’t lie. The how doesn’t matter but let’s just say I cashed in one of my many favors with Bad.”

“How did you know where I was?”

“I’ve had Punz keep an eye on that sea nymph who escaped me a while back. He saw you in town at some pie festival, after Sapnap felt like that nature witch was lying about hiding you. I’m glad he trusted his gut, else I would’ve never wasted the money to do that.”

“Dream, isn’t there something else I can do?”

“It’s your guys’ life, or the pest’s capture, you don’t have enough leverage to negotiate.”

“But Dream, he’s bound to another witch, he’s useless to you.”

“Oh that I can easily remove that. Bad is very adept at bond breaking, being that he’s a demon and quite adept at soul manipulation. And it’ll be worth cashing in some of my favors for that.”

“Oh.”

“So, what will it be? Will you have a meeting with me to plan, or will you protect the person that threatened your livelihood?”

“I…”

---

Wilbur is in a cold sweat. This vision can’t be true. It just can’t. He’s protected Tubbo, all this time, there’s no way this one was real. Tubbo is safe here, and will be, and he’s not going to get found. Plus, there’s no way he would take such a deal. He and Tommy have talked about the past, and Tubbo promised he’s ready to fight this time. Right? How cruel would Tubbo have to be to listen to Tommy's recount of exile and want him to return to that?

He decides to observe.

Tubbo is normal throughout the day, and during his magic lessons. He winds up watching Tommy and Ranboo play at the end of the day, and Tommy ends up giving him the finger and curling around Tubbo’s lap in the evening. Tubbo doesn’t seem worried, nor different.

Though he’s aware that Tubbo used to be a coven leader, and politician, now. It’s likely he’s mastered the art of reservation and deception. In his dream, he even seemed quite reserved to Dream, emotions blocked behind a thick wall. All indicating to Wilbur that Tubbo could very easily come off as calm, when he's not.

So, he blocks off his emotions and thoughts from his familiars all day, to avoid scaring them. When everyone's sleeping and warm, the moon lights through his bedroom window. He crawls through and he conceals himself behind shrubbery and trees and waits. It’s a mere two hours when he’s about to call it quits, and then his heart sinks.

There Tubbo is, running off.

Wilbur is so angry, that he somehow manages to send out a root from a tree along the protection border. The root grips Tubbo by the leg and flips him upside down. Tubbo tries using his wind to knock himself free, but Wilbur easily catches his hands in a vine.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Tubbo’s breathing is erratic, “Of course this is what you prophesize. You don’t understand, okay? I have to do what I have to do to protect Ranboo, he’s my familiar. Plus, Tommy is nothing but trouble, and soon he’ll bring the trouble to you. He already has, you know? Dream’s been after him far longer than me.”

“But you forget that Tommy is my familiar, my brother, and I don’t care what stupid shit he’s gotten into. He’s a kid. A kid who doesn’t deserve some megalomaniac chasing him. You don’t deserve that either, so there’s no chance I’m letting you give up.” Wilbur grits, squeezing the roots a little tighter.

“And what will you have me do? Just let Ranboo and me die, while we sit here waiting for a plan to strike us?”

“No,” Wilbur softens, “I just want your trust. Haven't I done a semi okay job protecting you this far, the whole Punz seeing you aside, even as useless and clueless as you’ve once claimed I am?”

Tubbo’s face turns red, embarrassment obvious. “Fuck you.”

“Let me help you. Though, just know we will have to keep an eye on you. You have to understand that no matter what I’m not letting Tommy get captured.” Wilbur says, dark on the end of his tone.

Tubbo surprises him, by sobbing. Wilbur drops him on the forest floor with a jolt of surprise and dashes over to him. Tubbo hiccups and hides his face deep in his knees.

“What was I thinking?” He chokes.

Wilbur reaches out and Tubbo scoots away from him. Wilbur must be panicked that he’s going to try to run to see Dream again, because a wall of stiff grass blocks Tubbo from behind. Tubbo looks up at them in momentary awe, before allowing his face to drop again.

“Should I really go back.”

“Well, I’m not letting you run.”

Tubbo scoffs, “Not what I meant. I mean…just Ranboo and Tommy are going to be disappointed in me.”

Wilbur approaches him slowly and Tubbo turns his head. Tubbo’s face is calm, but he’s shaking and it’s not just because of the night. Tubbo curls into himself. “Ranboo knew I was lying earlier. He can tell when I lie. I’m not very good at hiding things from him.”

“Why did you lie?”

“Because I want to stay and keep Tommy safe. But…” Tubbo looks much older for a moment, “But Ranboo’s been through a lot. I can’t ever put him at risk again. It’s easier for me to put Tommy at risk because what I’ve already done is unforgivable.”

He feels angry, terribly so, that he would think so little of his brother. But he also feels pain at the young kid in front of him that cares so much for his familiar’s life over his own. Wilbur remembers the premonition. He remembers Dream promised to kill them both. Tubbo only mentioned protecting Ranboo, and not himself.

“You’re weaker than I thought,” Wilbur says, “For a witch of lightning and wind, a coven leader, and potential war veteran, you’re weak. Are you some sort of yes-man? Are you going to continue to sit here and let Dream walk all over you? Or are you going to ask for help, and fight?”

“How do you know you’re so capable of winning?”

Wilbur doesn’t know. But he doesn’t get a weird feeling, like he did before when Tubbo lied. He gets the feeling it’ll work out. “It’s just a feeling. Can you trust that?”

“It’s more than I ever had before,” Tubbo offers a wet laugh, “And I suppose I have no choice, now that I've been caught. So, thank you.”

Wilbur scrunches his face. “Thanks for taking you back against your will?”

“No,” Tubbo murmurs, and the wind wisps longingly against his cheek, “Thank you for helping me even though I don’t deserve it. I know it’s probably because I’m a liability, and you’d rather use me after what I’ve done to draw Dream out to protect Tommy. But I appreciate it because it means Ranboo will be free, which has always been my goal. It’s why we ran in the first place.”

Wilbur is barely a witch, barely a hero. He’s lived his life so far in the distance to himself and others than it’s remarkable he can be thanked so adoringly at all. And because of the shock it all, he cannot answer. He doesn’t know how. He doesn’t have the heart to tell Tubbo that it’s alright, that he deserves the freedom too, that it makes sense you ran, and I’ll kill Dream for ever making it seem like you had to come back.

So, Wilbur takes him back, with an arm around his shoulder. Not to trap him here, not to punish. But to hold onto.

Tubbo’s breath is quiet, though Wilbur tries his best not to stare at the tears streaking down his face.

---

It’s terribly awkward. Tommy’s stared at Tubbo for about twenty minutes. Wilbur wants to shake them both if only to get them to say something. But he’s afraid Tommy will claw him in the face. Phil sits on his shoulder, silently waiting. And Techno stands behind Tommy as if waiting to pull him back from a fight. Tubbo is petting Ranboo, ashamed as he should be, looking out the window as if he expects Dream to show up at this very moment.

“I-“ Tubbo begins.

Tommy snarls, “Shut the fuck up.”

Tubbo’s throat clicks and Wilbur freezes at the darkness in his tone. The vitriol of emotions spills out of Tommy and nauseates him. He says to Phil, what do I do?

I don’t know, mate. Just keep quiet, I suppose. I’ve never seen Tommy this angry before.

“That’s because you weren’t there when Tubbo betrayed me before, Phil,” Tommy points a finger at the much smaller bird.

Tubbo mumbles, “I’m sorry.”

“You’re not.”

“I am.”

“Fuck you.”

Tubbo looks weary. “Maybe I’m not, but I’m desperate Tommy. I more than anything want Ranboo safe from Dream.”

“And what about me, huh? Am I just supposed to let you hurt me, again? Am I just supposed to let you bring Dream here and threaten my brother’s livelihood? What the fuck is your problem,” Tommy is shouting now. It’s clear Techno is discomforted by the noise because he transforms and trots to hide behind Wilbur’s legs. Wilbur bends slightly to scratch behind his ear as he presses his snout on his leg.

Tubbo’s eyes glisten, “I, well, I suppose if I’m being honest my problem is that I’m so very terribly afraid of Dream.”

Tommy softens slightly, though the distrust and anger doesn't leave him. “Well, I know what will make you less scared. If we made a concrete plan. You love plans.”

“I do,” Tubbo gives a wet chuckle, “You do know I love a little planning.”

Tommy gazes back at Wilbur. “And Prime knows you don’t deserve it. But Wilbur’s big fat heart is whining in my head, so I can’t kick you out. And not Ranboo especially, he’s so very handsome and a way better friend than you.”

Ranboo meows, offended, and everyone laughs at the sudden levity. Tubbo bows his head, “You’re right. I don’t deserve it. But, I will make it up to you. And I’ll let Techno follow me around just to make sure I don’t do something stupid and run off again. Is that alright?”

Techno growls in his mind, You got that right. I will toss him into the ocean if he tries that again.

Be nice, Techno.

What, but he’d deserve it Phil.

Tommy rolls his eyes at the chatter. “Can you all go outside, that includes you Ranboo. Tubbo and I have a lot more to talk about. And I have a lot more shouting to do. And I need a nap. Come back in two hours and we’ll have a rough sketch of a plan for you, and our shit semi-together. Because as much as I want Tubbo to leave, I know we have to be strong if we're to face Dream or whatever is coming next.”

“But-“ Wilbur starts and Tommy’s eyes flare to something a tad more raccoon like, “Get out.”

Wilbur’s legs never carried him faster. Ranboo hisses and scurries out with Techno, when Tommy shoos him away. The door locks on its own, not of Wilbur’s own magic. He can hear the faint voices of shouting, again, and so he decides to distract himself.

“Does anyone want to go berry picking? I hear blackberries are very in season, or something.”

No one answers him, but the familiars trot behind him as Phil guides him to the lush and fruit dense part of the forest. He can only hope Tommy and Tubbo are okay. No one speaks the entire journey, save for Phil's directions.

When they return both Tubbo and Tommy’s eyes are bloodshot from crying.

He tries to fuss over Tommy, but he almost gets clawed for it. Tubbo ignores him and isn’t placated by Ranboo at all. So, Wilbur just tries to ignore everything. He feels under water when Tommy drags him to a meeting to hear the plan. Their plan is to wait until Dream comes. They will try their best to negotiate with him, and if not, a duel will happen. Running is their last option. That is, if Dream is the one coming. If Dream doesn't come, and Tommy's kind of waiting on another one of his premonitions to confirm that, they will plan for something more robust like a visit to the SMP, where they can keep their home separated from Dream.

Wilbur is immensely worried for a duel, seeing as that his only experience with fighting is a couple of Hypixel tournaments and fighting mobs that surrounded much more unprotected places like L’Manberg. Techno tells him he will do fine, though his haunted gaze tells him he isn’t certain.

Wilbur decides to retire for the night, and he just prays no premonition will cloy at him tonight. He just wants to surround himself with his family and de-stress. So he lays in bed with Phil telling a story, with a hand in his hair. And Techno snorting as happily as he can in his ear. Ranboo looks at him from the doorway and back to Tubbo, as if he wants Tubbo to say something. But Tubbo doesn’t. Tubbo trudges himself back to his room. Ranboo whispers, “I’ll keep an eye on him, okay? Let Techno sleep for the night.”

Wilbur nods and waits for Tommy’s arrival. Tommy comes in with shaking shoulders, and two hands behind his back. He doesn’t say anything, even as Phil prods at him. Tommy just hands him a gardenia and curls up on Techno’s belly.

Hope and clarity.

Despite it all, Tommy has hope.

Damn right I do, Tommy says, Now go to sleep.

Wilbur turns to his side and pulls his familiars close to him. Dream will pay, for what he’s done. The moment that bastard enters his lands, he will string him up from the tallest oak tree and watch him squirm.

Chapter Text

“Why am I doing this again?”

Techno sweeps under his legs and he falls on his back. The air leaves his lungs. He really wonders why he’s doing this. Techno twirls his sword with practiced precision, a smirk on his lips. “Because if you’re going to protect Tubbo and Ranboo from someone like Dream, you’ll need to refresh your fighting skills.”

Wilbur groans, “But Techno we’ve been at this for three weeks and my muscles hurt.”

“Make yourself some relaxation tea, then, nature witch.”

Wilbur attempts to poke Techno with a wooden sword, but his arms feel like jello. The sword winds up flopping to his side. Tommy’s raccoon face leans into his. His ear flicks, he’s pouting again Techno.

“Shut up!”

Techno just sighs, “Well, he did knock me over a couple of times. I think it’s time for lunch.”

Wilbur lets himself be pulled up. And Techno rubs the dirt off his cheek and picks the leaves out of his hair. When Techno begins to fix his rumpled jumper, he shoves him away. “Stop! I’m not a child.”

Techno just grumbles at him but follows after him happily anyway. He stills his irritated breath and says, “But I appreciate it. Thank you for looking after me and being a good trainer.”

Techno’s expression doesn’t change, but the bond feels a little fizzy with his fondness. Tommy chitters, Clingy boar. Techno picks Tommy up by the scruff and he hears a few growls as he makes his way inside. Before he can take off his boots, Tubbo is there with a plate in his face. Ever since Tubbo’s great big betrayal, he’s been overly nice. Too nice. It’s like he’s afraid Wilbur will throw him out as punishment. It’s like he thinks he’s back at Snowchester where weaker witches need to serve the stronger. Wilbur hates it. Because no matter how angry he was, he’d never throw Tubbo or Ranboo to the wind. They’re just two scared kids, despite all that's happened.

He takes the plate, and resists grimacing at what looks like burnt beans and eggs. “Thanks.”

Tubbo nods, “And would you like me to clean the kitchen too?”

“No."

Tubbo looks dejected. He trails his eyes toward Techno and Tommy. Tommy whispers, You have to stop him, Wil. I can’t stand his cooking.

Why don’t you ask Ranboo to stop him? Wilbur sighs.

Wilbur wants to take a seat, and a hot bath for his muscles, but before he can eat the inedible food, Phil drags him into his nest. Phil makes him snug between two blankets and a knitted hat. Luckily for him, Phil’s deep into his nesting and has prepared for him some edible food, like hummus and pita chips. Avians like to feed their flock, or at least that’s what Techno always tells him. And its better than the burnt and desperate eggs.

It’s better than the reminder of what Tubbo almost did.

Tubbo notices the food he made set aside, and Wilbur tries not to wince at how sad he looks. He can blame it on the taste, but he knows the sentiment is what is more bitter. He’s stuck between wanting to help the kid and protectiveness for Tommy. How can he just forgive him easily, when he could've lost Tommy that night?

Once Wilbur is full, he walks towards his bathroom but a meow stops him. Ranboo stands up and tilts his head toward he and Tubbo’s bedroom. “Can we talk Wilbur?” He has a weird sort of feeling it’s not going to be a conversation just about Tubbo.

Ranboo sits on the bed, and Wilbur on a chair in the corner. “What’s up?”

“I want you to know that you don’t have to forgive Tubbo, first of all, it’s really my fault for not noticing his plans sooner,” His voices hitches, “But I also want to apologize.”

The Tubbo talk is expected. The apology throws Wilbur off. “For?”

Ranboo raises his hands, “Oh no! I haven’t been in contact with Dream or anything, don’t worry. I just want to apologize for being so distant with you.”

Wilbur feels at a loss for words. “Uh, I don’t know what you mean. Sure, you’re quiet, but you participate in things and seem very well integrated with us here.”

“Yeah, uh, I’m not usually all that quiet. At least, not with Tubbo nor Tommy.”

Wilbur just crosses his arms. “Alright? You don’t have to be talkative if you don’t want to be. I’m happy that you’re here, regardless of what you do or don’t do.”

Ranboo huffs, and fiddles with his hands. “That’s why I need to apologize, exactly that. You’re so kind, Wilbur. I don’t have a good track record with other witches, not from where I’m from. Tubbo wasn’t even my first witch, actually, and that guy was very traditional. So, I shouldn’t be so scared of you, with all that you’ve done.”

Wilbur’s heart aches, and without his consent the dying tulips in the flowerpot on Tubbo’s desk revitalize. Ranboo notices, and his eyes squint, indicating a smile. Wilbur says, “Christ, mate, you don’t have to force yourself. Your distrust is valid. I get the idea your first witch probably was shit, based on what you’ve just said.”

“He was, I think,” Ranboo shrugs, “I mean, I don’t remember much. Ever since then I’ve had memory issues. Tubbo tells me it’s a trauma response, but I don’t know.”

Wilbur nods gently. “Understandable. If you ever need a notebook to help you remember I can give you one. Also, once this Dream stuff is handled, there’s a fae in the town named Captain Puffy. She’s a therapist for the magical and human alike.”

Ranboo flushes. “I’ll think about it, maybe. Prime knows Tubbo needs it too.”

“That’s the second time I’ve heard that. Who’s Prime?” Wilbur asks, genuinely.

Ranboo laughs, “Oh my god, seriously? I keep forgetting how absolutely clueless you are. Um, it’s a lot to explain, but he’s one of the gods some witches and such pray to. Prime’s supposed to be the god of giving, love, and healing. As a nature familiar I’d assumed Tommy would’ve babbled all about it. He’s always been very connected to Prime."

Wilbur doesn’t care much for religion, never really has. But if it makes Tommy happy, he’ll spend the rest of his life listening about it. He’ll do any holiday for it. He also realizes this is a great moment to have Ranboo open up to him. He claps his hands together. “Well, I suppose you might have a lot to teach me then.”

Ranboo’s eyes sparkle for a moment. And then, the door bursts open. Tommy shouts, “I heard we are talking about Prime. And I am here to share information because Ranboo is useless at giving any.”

“Don’t be rude, Tommy,” Wilbur says carefully, “I want to hear what Ranboo has to say.”

Tommy grumbles but he silences himself and plops himself by Ranboo’s side. And Wilbur pays attention to every word from Ranboo’s mouth, even when Tommy interjects his opinion or a correction. He nods along, and even takes some notes to remember dates for upcoming holidays. As a wind and electricity witch, Tubbo also participates in Prime worship. He settles those dates for the future, for when they are free to celebrate them together.

At the end of the tales, Ranboo covers his face, “S-sorry. I can get a little ranty when you let me.”

Wilbur stands, “Nope, new rule in this household. No apologizing, unless you hurt someone."

Tommy murmurs, where he’s been half falling asleep on Ranboo’s shoulder, “Yeah Boob boy, you tell very good stories.”

Ranboo shakes his head, “I hate you both. Tommy more so.”

Wilbur takes a moment as they begin bickering to realize he’s doing an okay job all things considered. This feels like a huge step that Ranboo has opened up to him more.

You are doing a good job, my witch, my sun, my soul-, Phil starts.

Techno cuts him off, You are a clingy and nesting crow. Shut up and leave Wilbur alone before he embarrasses himself crying.

Wilbur would never cry. Not at all.

Ranboo huffs, "Are your eyes watering?"

---

Wilbur’s tending to his garlic and radishes, when he feels the border crash. Someone hasn’t entered, but they’re tapping on it’s protection. It means it’s someone who can’t get in. Wilbur is almost calm in how he turns, until he sees Tommy frozen standing there in front of Sapnap and someone he doesn’t recognize. He opens his mouth to shout, until the other person places their gloved hands on Tommy’s shoulder in a weak part of the border.

He should feel enraged, but in that moment, he feels absolutely nothing. He robotically moves his hands and an arm of brambles come from the earth and lift the person in the air. He shriek’s, half human, half howl. Sapnap jumps to the side, fear bleeding into his stance.

When Sapnap walks to burn the brambles he uses his other hand to hitch the Earth. Sapnap walks back slowly as the ground opens like a maw, exposing a deep crevice of sharp rocks and freezing cold dirt. Sapnap walks far enough back that his back is against a tree. He isn't sure how he knows this, but he squeezes a tree branch around the scruff of his neck to prevent him from transforming. Sapnap chirps, "Punz! Shit, this is bad, I told you to wait you fucking idiot!"

"Idiot? We need to grab that kid, you're the one being lazy. How are you Dream's familiar?" This Punz person hisses back.

Wilbur squeezes tighter to shut him up. They cannot take Tommy.

Wilbur, a voice says.

He’s preparing to tilt the brambles back and throw Punz a far distance, but then the voice shouts at him. He jolts and Phil and Techno are standing there. Techno has a sword in his hand, and Phil says, “Wilbur, calm down. Please. You’re scaring everyone.”

“But they-“ he points towards the person he has lifted off the ground, but then he locks eyes with Tommy who looks absolutely terrified about what’s going on. He's trembling and stumbling, and it's not because of Punz. He's staring right at him and when he clears his mind he can hear Tommy say, Stop Wilbur, please stop. He feels cold with guilt and drops Punz as soon as he hears the voice in his mind.

“Punz!” He hears Sapnap shout, as he runs over the closing gap in the dirt, “I warned you that this witch was not only powerful, but a nobleman. He is very protective over his familiars and home, and you reached to grab Tommy like a complete fucking idiot.”

“Well at least I remember our mission. I told you Tommy was here, and I’m being paid a lot to drag the brat back. Stop procrastinating.” Punz says.

He’s stuck between still wanting to throw Punz far away and apologizing to Tommy. Techno and Phil are also dragging him closer to the border, not giving him a chance to say anything. Tommy doesn’t stand near him, but he does move to be behind them. Wilbur tries to control his voice when he hisses, “Get the fuck off my property and away from my familiar.”

Sapnap swallows, “I am so sorry duke, lord, uh, fuck, what’s your title? Anyway, let me apologize for Punz’s impoliteness, they are a bit of a hot-headed asshole. He and I have a formal letter requesting access to your land, and also request that we can take your familiar back to the SMP Kingdom.”

“The answer is no, and absolutely fucking not.”

Sapnap looks at the vines creeping closer to him, and he chuckles nervously, “You see, my witch didn’t give us much of a choice. Please. You don’t realize who you’ve bonded yourself too, he’s supposed to be exiled from L’Manberg.”

Wilbur hums sarcastically, “Oh, L’Manberg, eh? Well, far as I can see this isn’t that place and nor are we in the jurisdiction of your stupid kingdom. Seems like he’s pretty exiled to me.”

Punz takes a shuddering breath, and Wilbur can’t tell if it’s from the bramble wounds or if it’s something else. They seem afraid. “Listen, lord, we have to do this. Dream has promised my freedom from the SMP Kingdom if I can complete this mission. It’s not personal, I don’t even know the kid well enough to hate him. I just need this, you don't understand."

Wilbur wants to empathize with the familiar, but he can’t. This is his family, his brother, he cannot bend to the will of Dream, no matter what Punz and Sapnap are going through. Wilbur says, “You have five seconds to step away from here. You will tell Dream that Tommy is my familiar, and that he is to leave us alone. You will tell him to fuck off. Because I don’t want to fight, but I will do what I must if you keep doing this."

“But-“ Sapnap starts.

“5.”

“He’s bluffing.” Punz snorts.

“4,” he says, allows the trees to descend their branches as if to reach out to them.

Sapnap shouts, “Punz, come on, he’s serious.”

“3,” he mutters, and he feels Techno’s connection, and a larger bramble crawls from the ground with a sickening crunch. It whips, as if ready to toss them into the far distance.

Sapnap grabs Punz’s arm and gives Wilbur a nod, “We’re leaving. We promise. This isn’t over, though.”

“You’re right,” Wilbur smirks, rage encompassing him at the statement, “It isn’t over. Tell Dream to lay out a red carpet, I’ll face the coward once and for all, and then choke him with it.”

Sapnap’s eyes widen and then they’re disappearing. Sapnap flies ahead, and Punz, a wolf, dashes after him. Wilbur feels the confidence leave him when they’re out of sight and he immediately turns towards Tommy. Techno holds him back by gripping his arm, and so he resists running closer to him. Tommy is shaking, looking smaller than he’s ever seen him. He feels sick. He can’t even feel the fear coming from him and that means Tommy is blocking himself off.

He fucked up.

“I’m sorry, Tommy,” He says, struggling against Techno’s grip, “I’m so sorry.”

Tommy’s breath shakes, “Don’t apologize. I’m not scared of you, okay? You did the right thing. I just, that was a lot of power at once. It reminded me of D-Dream. Don’t apologize, I’m just weak, and fucked up, and-“ Wilbur cuts him off by slipping from Techno’s grip and embracing him.

Tommy, instead of pushing him away, hugs him tightly sobbing into his chest. He pours his magic into him. He thinks of the moonlight, the sunflowers that have just recently dropped their seeds, and the squash he roasted earlier for a soup. Tommy’s voice worms his way into his head, I’m sorry, Wilby, I’m sorry.

Never apologize, okay? I shouldn't have reacted so suddenly without telling you what I was doing. You did nothing wrong.

“Wilbur’s right Tommy,” Techno huffs, nervousness pulsing from his end of their bond, “You didn’t do anything, kid.”

Phil flaps over and sits on Tommy’s shoulder, nuzzling his beak into his neck. Tommy’s sobbing turns into sniffling laughs. “Has anyone told you guys you’re annoying?”

“I’ll be annoying every day if it means you feel safe,” Wilbur murmurs.

Tommy doesn’t answer him, but he feels less afraid at the statement. This has gone too far. Wilbur will confront Dream himself, even if he has to go alone. Because he’s certain the next time they’ll come, they’ll come for Tubbo and Ranboo too.

---

“So, you want to go to the Kingdom.” Tubbo states. He has a silent conversation with Ranboo before answering again, “Seems reckless.”

“It’s that, or he shows up with Punz and Sapnap, and whoever else by his side here. This can't keep happening.” Wilbur stresses. It really can't.

Tubbo shakes his head, “This is my fault. I should’ve never tried to take the deal. I’m sure that’s how Dream found out Tommy was here in the first place.”

Ranboo growls in answer. Wilbur can’t understand him, but he’s certain it’s something along the lines of don’t apologize. Wilbur sighs, “I know it seems bad. But I need to do this for everyone’s safety.”

“And what about your safety? You realize Dream is not only as powerful as you but also more experienced? I get that you’ve been training, and you impressively scared the shit out of Punz and Sapnap, but this isn’t a game, Wilbur.” Tubbo stands, almost knocking his couch-side table over.

Wilbur has enough in him to turn his head in shame. Tommy whispers, “We need to do this, Tubbo.”

“You agree with him?”

Tommy leans against Wilbur, cheek smushed on his shoulder. “Yeah. Out of all of us here, I least of all want to see that green bastard. But, Wilbur’s right. It’s that, or Dream comes here. And I’d prefer never to smell or see that magic anywhere near this fucking place. This is the safest place in the world, and I’d like to keep it that way. And I know our plan was to wait it out before, but who knows what kind of army he'll come with to destroy this place.”

This is the safest place in the world. Wilbur coughs awkwardly, “You don’t have to come.”

“Fuck you,” Tubbo roars, stomping towards his room, “I’m coming, and that’s final. You can’t control me you absolute dickhead. You think I’m scared of some masked asshole? You think I can’t call upon Prime and XD themselves in order to shock you and Dream where you stand? Think again and go fuck yourself!”

Wilbur gapes and then closes his jaw when he hears a door slam in the distance. Ranboo pats his shoulder. “That went well actually. Tubbo’s very determined to go. And he’s already thinking about murdering Dream with his bare hands, or building a nuclear bomb to destroy him. This is a good sign.”

“N-nukes?”

Ranboo ignores him and his black and white paws are already trotting towards where Tubbo went. He turns to his familiars, who are all staring right at him. “Do you think I’m being idiotic?”

Techno rolls his eyes, “No. I’m angry Dream even dared to send them again to take my little brother. Let’s go destroy him, and maybe his country while we’re at it.”

Phil purses his lips, “I will follow you wherever you go, Wilbur. And if that means fighting an impossible battle against one of the largest and most powerful covens in the modern era, I will. I don’t think it’s wise, but I don’t know what else we’re to do. I think I’m with Tommy on keeping this place out of the hands of someone like Dream. I don't think after what we've witnessed, we can risk waiting for him to come now.”

Tommy surprises him by saying, “Yeah, let’s just get ready to travel already, stop asking me if I’m alright with it. You’re smothering me.”

Wilbur doesn’t thank his familiars enough, he thinks, he really doesn’t. That or he’s completely convinced himself that he still doesn’t deserve what he has. So, he does what he was taught to do after the day they bonded. He presses a thumb on each of their hearts, sending a pulse of his magic. It’s meant to be a sign of the greatest honor to a familiar, for a witch to do this. It represents the trust a witch has for their familiar, to carry and use their magic without reserve. It represents the lifetime their souls will be linked together.

He swallows, “I’m grateful for you, my lovely familiars, my family, my souls. I love you.”

Techno transforms immediately, grumbling in his head about not being emotional, and Phil and Tommy embrace him and shuffle their heads into his chest. He tries to clear his mind, to see if he can focus on any future sight, on if what he's doing is right. Nothing pops into his brain. His heart feels equal parts dread and confidence. Maybe it will all work out then, if he's feeling confident.

He can only hope, just as his farm hopes for his water in the morning.

Chapter Text

“Tubbo, what are you doing?”

Wilbur sees the same look in his eye, when he promised that he’d work with them right before running off to meet Dream. He’s lying. He can’t see Dream’s face for whatever reason, the memory is obscured.

“Nothing, Dream, just making plans to build those nukes you wanted. Taking a lunch break is all.”

“Sure. You know, if you’re planning to leave, I’ll punish Ranboo, right?”

“I know.”

“And if you leave, I’ll find Tommy. And you remember what I always say.”

“T-that, if uh, if you ever bonded to Tommy, you’d make me watch him sometimes. And make sure he was, um, being obedient. Make sure he was adhering to his training, when you weren’t, uh, observing him, or something.”

“Good that you remember. Let’s hope you have actual blueprints the next time we meet, but no rush, not like anyone’s going to try claiming independence again so there’s no upcoming war. But they do say three time’s the charm for a lesson, I suppose.”

Tubbo turns and looks right through him. He looks so much hollower and gaunt. Tubbo’s in a drab fur vest, and his hair is long enough to cover his eyes. He hears the snow crunch and Tubbo doesn’t relax even when Wilbur can tell Dream is long gone.

“Ranboo? I think I’m going to do something reckless, if that’s alright with you bossman.”

---

Techno finds him in the morning. It’s 5 AM, far too early for any of them to be awake, but none of them could sleep. They decide to leave earlier than planned. The SMP is allegedly a 2-day trip. Phil promises it can be one, but that’s because he can guide him better than any map ever could.

“What are you doing?” Techno murmurs, hair rustling in the wind. Wilbur kicks a rock in response. Techno watches it skip over the dirt. “I see. You had another dream. Does the trip not go well?”

“No, I mean I don’t know,” Wilbur admits, “I had a dream about the past, I think. I don’t know why. I think I need to forgive Tubbo.”

Techno just raises a brow and Wilbur spends the next few minutes sputtering about what he remembers. Techno just nods, calm as ever, and notes, “Oh. I mean, I’m not a dream analyzer or anything, but it does sound like something is telling you to forgive Tubbo. I mean, yeah, he did try to rat out my brother, but it kind of sounds like Dream has control issues. That’s very strict, for a coven.”

“I guess I can tell him, whenever the time is appropriate.”

“You know,” Techno chuckles, “I actually meant to ask what you were doing drawing chalk on the grass, not about your dream.”

Wilbur freezes, almost dropping the offending thing into the morning dew. “Shit! Um, this I’m not as sure about. Had this weird feeling we would need another house, or something.”

“I really hope we’re not adopting anyone else, not that I hate Tubbo or anything.” Wilbur doesn't get the sense that he's adopting anyone else. It feels like something more permanent in his future, but that's the only thing his gut is telling him.

As if hearing them, Tubbo bounds over with two horses from Wilbur’s barn. Carl, Techno’s horse, is trying to chew Tubbo’s hair and Wilbur’s horse Vienna is munching happily on an apple.

“The horses are packed,” Tubbo breathes, clearly grumpy, “Can I sit on the horse and fall back asleep now?”

Wilbur resists smiling and glances at Techno. He shakes his head, “Yeah, let me hop up.”

You irritate me.

I adore you, Techno, my twin.

We’re not twins, I’m thousands of years older than you.

Wilbur takes his horse, and Tommy runs and sits behind him. Phil takes refuge on his shoulder already sending him pulses of what direction to go. “Where’s Ranboo?”

Tubbo opens one of his eyes, and mumbles, “He’s coming. Shut up now, I'm sleeping.”

Ranboo does come, twenty minutes later, looking frazzled and red eyed. Wilbur supposes if Ranboo was to be punished for escaping with Tubbo, it makes sense he’s the most scared of all of them. Ranboo takes one look at Techno’s horse, and Tubbo’s snoring form against Techno’s back. He scrunches his nose and then takes a look up at Wilbur’s horse. He tilts his head and Tommy groans, “Fine, god you’re so unbelievably clingy. You’re giving Tubbo some stiff competition, big man. Come up, and you can sit in my lap and sleep or whatever it is cats do.”

Wilbur focuses all of his remaining morning energy on not laughing or making any comment. Ranboo jumps up with more height he didn’t think cats were capable of and he hears him settle and begin to purr.

“Stop pouting Tommy, you can’t always get all the attention.”

“What the fuck? Philll!”

He’s right mate, now hold onto Ranboo so Wilbur can get moving.

Wilbur clicks and goes into a steady gallop. Techno follows with Carl close behind, and they’re off. He doesn’t exactly know where he’s going. He’s walking in the direction he remembers the SMP Kingdom being, while Phil is enhances his sight. They have enough food and water, and Wilbur has remembered to pack a few swords, daggers, and bows. He knows the confrontation won’t be a conversation. It will be a fight, and he needs to be ready to protect his family. He just hopes to stick to his plan to catch Dream off guard and not give him a single chance to say a word to them.

When did he start calling Tubbo and Ranboo family?

---

“Put all of your things in the hole, Tommy.”

“But, Dream, uh, this is my new hoard! I even found a really cool rock, I think it’s a rose quartz.”

“Now, Tommy, or do you want me to use my magic to force you.”

Tommy is silent, and Wilbur fears he’s looking right at him, but he’s not really here. He may be standing where Dream is, but he’s nothing more than a visitor here.

He watches Tommy methodically take his nest and hoard and put it in a sooty hole. He watches his brother hold out his hand for a flint and steel and light the TNT that drops. He doesn’t even flinch when the offended thing shakes the earth. Wilbur turns his head so he can look at Dream and see what kind of monster he must be dealing with.

It’s not as fuzzy this time. But it tells him nothing. Before him stands a tall man, not as tall as him though. He wears black joggers, a simple green sweatshirt, and a blank porcelain mask. The smile is poorly drawn on, but it seems in place. Dream seems like the kind of person to be smiling at a time like this.

Dream’s stance becomes more open when he realizes Tommy is obeying him. “Good, now I wanted to ask again today. Are you ready to become my familiar?”

“No.”

“That’s alright Tommy. In fact, I’m about to do something really great and then Bad will owe me favor.”

“Huh?”

“Yeah, Bad, the demon? He’s very adept at manipulating souls. So, eventually all this asking won’t even matter anymore.”

Wilbur never wants to see that kind of horror on Tommy’s face ever again. He feels sick.

---

Wilbur pushes his eyes open and takes a large breath. The night is quiet, and cold, and nothing appears out of the ordinary. The only thing out of place is that Tubbo is awake too, looking equally ill. He tries to ask if Tubbo is okay, but only a choke comes out of his mouth. He’s not ready to talk yet.

Tubbo offers him a tired smile. “It’s alright. Sometimes I can’t talk after a nightmare either.”

Wilbur shakes his head and Tubbo squints. “Oh, uh, or a premonition, I guess. I don’t get those.”

“It was,” He starts slowly, tongue thick in his mouth, “About Tommy’s past. Exile, I think.”

Tubbo curls into his knees and looks up at the moon. A comforting breeze moves over his hands. “I don’t know what exactly happened in exile. I don’t think I ever will.”

Wilbur gives him his most desperate look. You don’t want to know, Tubbo, believe me, it’d break your heart. Tubbo looks wistful for a moment. “But I’m happy he’s got support now, even though I never thought I’d see him again.”

“Are you two okay?” After betraying him, goes unsaid.

Tubbo tilts his hand, “Ehh, sort of. He cursed my ears off, cried a little, and then shouted some more. Then he hugged me. Tommy’s not so great with words, never has been. But I know it’s something special when a familiar hugs you, you know? Touch is so important to them to connect to the world, to magic, and to their instincts. So, I think we are, though I’m not sure how much trust I’ve been offered.”

Wilbur’s throat burns. He speaks slowly, “I think at the very least he loves you. You’re one of his oldest friends, are you not?”

“I am,” Tubbo’s lips twitch, “We met before the L’Manberg War for Independence. Fought in it together too.”

There’s that war again. It seems like everyone he meets from the SMP can’t stop talking about L’Manberg. Wilbur coughs, “Uh, do you know who started the revolution, by chance?”

“There was a lot of us who wanted it,” He furrows his brow, “But I think I remember a witch named Eret telling us there was this guy who gave him some advice, and probably too much TNT. Wasn’t a very nice person allegedly, though supportive of our plights. Disappeared as soon as he gave the plans. Why?”

Wilbur looks into the forest, in the direction of the SMP. The story lines up. “Uh, would you be angry if I might’ve been that guy. And there's a potential Dream would be mad if he knew.”

Tubbo looks incredulous, shoulders stiff. “What? Really? I mean, I know you said you were there on your travels but I don’t remember you starting a revolution or anything.”

“You wouldn’t of,” Wilbur’s lips curl distastefully, “I was a far different person then. And I didn’t really talk to many people. I just didn’t like L’Manberg, nor the SMP’s hold over the place, and I was a childish asshole trying out revolutions for fun. And I remember getting really fucking drunk one night, and I met Eret who spilled all of their plights to me, and I gave him some grand advice, and the rest of my TNT. Because it was time for me to move on, anyway.”

Tubbo shrugs, looking equally pinched. “I’m not mad, to be honest that symphony was doomed from its start. L’Manberg is a crater now, and Dream was bound to do that eventually. I’m angrier you didn’t mention it before because I’m certain Dream won’t like that you stole his familiar and also gave him his first real mutiny.”

“Was it at least a happy place?”

Tubbo snuggles closer to his blanket. “Sure, for some times. The pie was a great part, the docks, the hot air balloons, and the sea. I remember being excited to be a coven leader at one point too. It’s a great honor.”

Wilbur relaxes. “I’m glad. And you know, a crater isn’t so bad. Maybe the nature will grow over it again. It’ll be like a rebirth.”

“You’re the most interesting person I’ve ever met, I wish I had met you sooner.” He should say he forgives Tubbo, but he doesn't. Somehow this conversation feels close enough. 

Wilbur stiffens, “You don’t. But, I appreciate the sentiment.”

Wilbur turns around, suddenly a little overwhelmed. All of these visions of the past and thinking about how he used to be is making him feel wrong. Tubbo whispers, even though he’s trying to sleep, “You know, Wilbur, I don’t think you’re a bad guy. I don’t think you ever were. Maybe you wanted people to think that you were, but I don’t believe it was true. A bad guy wouldn’t be doing this right now, at 2 in the morning, you know?”

Maybe Tubbo is right, but it curdles in the pits of his stomach still. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t have his familiars awake presences to remind him that he’s loved, and that he’s good. Part of him is saying it’s not that at all, and that he fears how he’ll act around Dream. He fears losing control like he did with Punz, like he did starting that blasted revolution, and like he did when he blew up a burger restaurant in Las Nevadas for fun. His magic is meant to be healing and growth, but he can’t help but fear what Dream will bring out in him for even looking at Tommy or Tubbo.

It’s a sour feeling. He doesn’t sleep very deeply for the rest of the night.

---

Phil and Techno are scouting out in front of them, with Tubbo, Ranboo, and Tommy staying back with him. They are apparently about a 15-minute walk to the SMP lands, and his skin is buzzing. It feels similar to magic overload, but it’s more like it’s trying to tell him something. He ignores it for now.

“You seem tired,” Tommy says, and for once it isn’t insulting. He’s concerned.

I agree, Wil, Phil says, Ever since you’ve woken up you’ve been on edge.

Wilbur feels too uncomforted to respond, because something is definitely shifting. He pauses in the middle of the clearing and sends a pulse for Phil and Techno to stop. Nothing moves in the wilderness, except a far shadow by a birch tree rustles. That’s not normal, shadows do not rustle, or morph. Shadows certainly don’t look like they’re observing you either.

Wilbur parts the branches and lets the sun burn onto the shadow. He hears a very inhuman scream, and he directs his familiars to hide behind him. He pulls the sword off his belt and points in the direction where the buzzing feels the worst. “Who the hell are you?”

Wilbur closes his eyes and tries to focus on Phil’s teachings. Phil sends some magic into him to track. He feels a very unnatural aura cloying to the grass and falling leaves. It’s hard to discern where the source of it is. Tommy shouts, “Open your eyes! Wil!”

Wilbur does and a clawed hand grips over his mouth. The hand is both burning and cold, scales smooth against his cheeks. A soft voice murmurs, “Hello there, little witch. You must be the one Dream is waiting for. And hello again Tommy, Ranboo, and Tubbo. And oh, Technoblade and Phil too. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you two, a couple hundred years or so.”

“Badboyhalo?” Phil grits, “What are you doing?”

This Bad fellow clutches Wilbur tighter, his other arm coming over his neck. Bad chuckles, “I know this must be disconcerting, a demon holding your witch, but I promise you it isn’t personal. I got myself into some trouble a while back, and I owe Dream quite a bit. I can’t disobey him under our current arrangement. Otherwise, he seems very nice.”

Who is this guy? Wilbur struggles as best as he can, but he feels like he’s losing consciousness. Bad tuts, as if he’s a small child, “Stop struggling, you’ll tire yourself. Listen, you are all coming with me to Dream.”

The last thing Wilbur hears is the panic of his familiars battling in his mind, and a shout from Tubbo.

---

Wilbur comes to on his knees. He doesn’t recognize where they are, that is, until he sees an old hot air balloon crashed into the side of a tree, and docks in the distance. L’Manberg. It really is a crater, Tubbo wasn’t exaggerating. He feels for his familiars as soon as he can, and they return in gentle answer. They’re okay, and so is he. He stands shakily, and his sword is by his belt. He turns towards Bad in question.

Bad just offers a smirk, “My orders were to bring you all here. Not disarm you. Plus, I don’t think a little enchanted sword like that could kill me.”

Wilbur swallows. What is going on?

Bad is a demon, one of Dream’s friends. Not sure why he’s now Dream’s fucking servant, but of course that green bastard would find a way to control a powerful creature like Bad. Tommy explains.

“Why are we here?”

It’s Tubbo who answers, “I think Dream’s coming soon. Bad told us Dream sensed us near his borders and brought us here under his orders.”

Wilbur’s about to ask what for, and then he feels it. Wilbur’s shit at sensing magic, or listening to himself, but this feeling is unmistakable. He remembers when he first traveled to the SMP Kingdom and then L’Manberg. He remembers feeling this. He amounted it to his anxiety, fear, and sadness in general. But this is more than that. This is magic. Dream’s magic clearly permeates this place, and by his spirit it is only amplified.

It feels like someone scratching paint off a wall and wailing all at once. It feels invasive, searching, and possessive. Wilbur wants to be sick. When Tommy said he reminded him of Dream, is this what he meant? Is this what the anger did to him? He can’t lose control then, he never wants that fear on Tommy’s face again, especially directed at him.

Dream himself seems simple. Like in his visions he’s dressed in relaxed clothing and seems more human than monster. His porcelain mask’s smile is unassuming and gentle, almost. Dream jumps over the remaining wall of L’Manberg and pauses when he sees them.

“You must be the witch who gave my familiar and Punz quite the scare. The recluse nobleman.”

His voice is honeyed and calm, and if Wilbur didn’t already feel his magic or know some of his past, he might’ve been tricked by it. Wilbur just mutters, “Yeah, what about it?”

“Well, I did my research. No such thing as the Sleepy Bois Coven,” Dream tuts, as if this bores him, “So you’re someone else, then. Find yourself someone above such titles, do you? You’re big and strong, then?”

Wilbur resists immediately spearing him with a nearby rock and staying calm. He can’t amplify the fear Tommy is already feeling from their bond. Wilbur offers a smile, “Flattery will get you nowhere. I’m not here to be complimented to.”

“Ah yes you’re here to, now how did Sapnap put it…yeah, to walk upon my red carpet and choke me with it. Was that right?” Acid bleeds into Dream’s tone, and Wilbur can see just how many control issues the guy has.

This is bad, Wilbur, Tommy whines.

Wilbur breathes, “Well, you did threaten my home twice. Threaten my town and my friends. And worst of all you threatened my familiar and his friends. Not exactly a great look.”

“Your familiar? Sapnap didn’t mention Tommy was bonded,” Dream growls, “Sapnap!”

The phoenix he recognizes is there faster than he’s ever seen him. Sapnap is standing still, eyes trained on the grass. “Yes Dream?”

“You lied to me.”

“N-no, not intentionally,” He hurries, “Just, uh, I was more concerned with telling you that he was coming. Plus, you didn’t order me to find out any information other than where Tommy was.”

Dream raises a hand and Sapnap is turning stiffly on his feet as if against his own control. Sapnap walks right near Bad, who traps him in some sort of circle. Dream tilts his head at him, “It’s no matter. Bonds can be broken.”

“Not happening. Dream I am here to get you to back the fuck off, and release Tubbo and Ranboo from the coven.”

Dream walks his laugh low and soon loud and cackling. “Do you know where we are, Wilbur?”

He has never told Dream, nor Punz or Sapnap his name. Dream pauses, “Oh, yeah, didn’t think I wouldn’t recognize you? How couldn’t I? Your magic still grips this place. This piece of shit land. L’Manberg. The moment Sapnap sent me your magical signature I had a feeling, but I wasn’t sure until Bad brought you here.”

“Wilbur?” And that’s Tommy’s voice, and doubt.

Dream’s smirk is visible when he tilts his head up. “He didn’t tell you Tommy? That he started the L’Manberg revolution. He didn’t tell you he was a stupid drunk, with a penchant for terrorism and drug dealing? Not even Eret told you? Funny. Would’ve thought with how anti-bond you were, you would’ve done your research before shoving your soul into a witch like this.”

Wilbur feels loose on his feet at the admission, but it’s Tommy who steadies him. “Fuck off, Dream. You can’t get me to doubt Wilbur. I don’t care what he did in the past. I don’t care if he were the one who blew up the fucking place. He’s my brother, my witch, and he treats me amazingly.”

Dream gasps mockingly, “Your brother? Oh, Tommy? Are you sure? I did some research on the guy who decided to mess with me, you know. After the revolution. I can tell you about his origins. I can tell you about how he got disowned by his parents, how he almost ruined Quackity’s nation, or I can tell you about how close he used to be to Schlatt. You remember President Schlatt, don’t you?”

Tommy pales and clawed hands grip his shoulders. “Shut up, Dream. You can’t manipulate me anymore. I told you I don’t care.”

Dream just shrugs, a chuckle pushing from his mask. “I guess I should tell you why we’re here. Because Wilbur, I could take your familiar and the two brats back by force. I could. But, I am a man of tradition and honor.”

Wilbur snorts, allows the acidity drop through his voice, “You call exiling, torturing, and chasing after a child honorable? You are a sick fuck, is what you are.”

Dream just ignores him and continues, “It is tradition when witches are quarreling, particularly fighting over coven members and familiars, that they duel. To prove their worth as a strong witch and leader.”

Wilbur wants to say no, but if he doesn’t he’s certain Dream will just go back to fighting them as he was before. And he has to fight him this way since he doesn't think they can escape and then have the element of surprise. They’ll never stop being chased, especially with Bad here. He hears his familiars chant in his mind no, no, no. But he can’t let them stay in danger. He meets eyes with Tubbo. He mouths don’t. He mouths, I forgive you.

“What are your rules Dream?” He asks, holding steadfast despite the grief being pushed into his chest.

Dream’s voice in answer sickens him. “Good. No familiars. Swords but no armor are allowed. Magic is allowed, but I’ll purposefully not use my mind control magic. Doesn’t seem fair if I can just force you to your knees without a fight, as satisfying as that’d be. Do you agree?”

Wilbur turns his head, and Phil and Techno are avoiding his gaze. Tommy meets his eyes. He says, Wilbur, you don’t have to do this. We’re completely off plan, and Dream definitely is plotting something. We were meant to catch him off guard.

But I do have to, Tommy. I promised to come here and fight him, and that is what I intend to do.

But…

Do you trust me, Tommy?

Tommy looks away, I do, you know I do Wilbur.

We do as well, mate, though we’re fucking terrified. Phil huffs.

“If I win Dream, Tommy comes back with me. And you will break the coven bond for Tubbo and Ranboo and let them leave the SMP forever.” Wilbur points his sword at him.

Dream tilts his head, “And if I win, Tubbo and Ranboo are coming back with me. And you will sever your bond to Tommy, forever.”

Forever? His soul twinges. He should have faith, he should. Because if he doesn’t, he’ll fail. He cannot fail.

“I accept your terms, Dream.”

Dream nods and claps his hands. Bad traps his familiars, and his own, along with Tubbo and Ranboo in a circle they cannot escape from. They can still talk to him in his mind, but he’s explained that the circle will prevent him from their magical assistance. He feels numb as he stumbles to the far edge of the forest. Dream twirls a netherite sword in his hands absently, waiting for Bad to call the signal to go.

Wilbur, are you sure?

He thinks to the night they shared the L’Manberg pie, he thinks to the way the sun felt brighter when his familiars entered his life. He thinks to Niki, and her enlightening smile. He thinks to himself, a man who lived by the guitar on his back and only a trenchcoat and sweater or two to his name. He cannot disappoint them.

I am always sure when it comes to you.

Chapter Text

“Fight!”

Dream dashes with his sword and Wilbur counters by tearing the sword out of his hand with blades of grass. Dream just laughs and blinks out of his sight. Dream pops into his periphery with a fist on his cheek. He grunts and stumbles back a second. Don’t lose control, Wilbur.

Dream hesitates a moment, with a curious hum in his throat, “You’re holding back? Surely you are. Because there’s no way this is what scared Punz, with a tail between his legs.”

Wilbur spits blood out of his mouth, “Fuck you. I am not holding back.”

Dream picks his sword up from the ground, “Don’t worry. I’ll pull that power out of you. I refuse to fight someone so pathetic.”

Wilbur wonders how Dream is going to do that, because Wilbur refuses to let it happen. Wilbur ducks when he senses the sword moving, and punches Dream right in the ribs. When Dream flinches he back hands him and trips him by making a bump in the ground.  Dream cackles, “Weak, you’re so weak. You’re not a good enough witch for someone like Tommy, nor his family. They deserve someone so much stronger than you.”

Wilbur’s vision blurs and in his minds eye he sees his familiars disappointed faces. He sees them leaving. He sees Tommy dying because of him. “W-what is this?”

“Oh,” Dream whispers near his ear, a punch to his stomach, “I said I wouldn’t mind control you, but I said no such thing as giving you living nightmares. They don't call me The Nightmare witch, for no reason.”

Wilbur tries to dodge, and Dream picks him up by the collar and slams him into a tree. In his mind’s eye Tommy tells him he hates him. He begins to feel his magic fizzle and pop when Dream begins choking him. He can’t lose his strength of mind, he can’t.

Wilbur, Tommy says. He won’t listen to this illusion, not at all.

Wilbur it’s me, focus on this voice.

He sounds so sad, so he does. Tommy says, Good big man, you’re doing good. Dream’s magic is mostly illusions, okay? He’s not that strong otherwise, especially since he’s not using his mind control magic.

But I don’t want you to be scared, Tommy, if you are even Tommy.

He turns his head gasping for breath, and meets the real Tommy’s eyes. Tommy nods, affirming that it is him, eyes glistening, Please Wilbur, it’s alright. Show him who’s boss. Fuck his world. I’ll be okay. I love you.

The burst of love from the rest of his familiars is enough. He takes a tree branch and pries Dream off of him and throws him into the ground. He breathes out and the wind picks up. Dream stands and blinks out of his view, but he can sense him. He reaches his hand out to where he’s trying to teleport to and pushes him into the ground, with a hand on his skull. He pushes him through the wet mud, only stepping back when Dream tries to swipe him with a dagger. Dream tries to stand up but he begins shaking the ground to unsteady him.

Dream curses under his breath and Wilbur slides his sword into its hilt. He feels thorns and poison oak trail over his arms and onto his hands. He feels high on this and lets out a shaking laugh. “Oh Dream. I think it’s time I got serious, right? I don’t even need a sword to do this.”

And he punches, and relishes when Dream’s mask cracks against his fist. Dream tries to run but Wilbur trips him with a few vines. He flips him around and then pins his hands into the dirt with a few thorns. Dream struggles, face revealed with blood trailing down his cheek. He doesn't look like the all powerful coven leader he expected him to. He looks normal, and somehow that makes everything worse.

Wilbur places his boot on Dream’s chest and pouts, “Wow, I thought this would be longer? Are you really that weak?”

Dream’s hazel eyes widen, and he spits, “What the fuck. Where did this come from?”

Wilbur places his brambled hand on his neck, letting the offending things curl around his skin. “You should be begging for mercy Dream, not asking questions. What happened to the duel? Can you even fight back?”

Dream’s unsteady breath stills unnaturally for a moment. Dream says, “I can. Let me show you.”

Dream teleports out of his grasps, and then he’s back fighting. If he weren’t focusing so hard on winning, he thinks the fight would be enjoyable. That thought sickens him. So, he runs after him, trees and vines whipping by his side. Dream’s magic is mostly things that aid in his strength and agility. He does occasionally try to catch him off guard with gory images of losing Tommy, Phil or Techno dying, and Tubbo hating him. He barely succeeds because the adrenaline Wilbur feels with the uncontrolled and unprocessed magic is too raw and blinding. He’s happy that’s the only thing he can focus on right now, because he doesn’t think he would want to hear what his familiars are saying.

They probably hate how he is right now. He hates it too. But he’s just so angry, and so desperate to win.

He eventually lands another punch on Dream, and he falls into one of the holes he’s made in the ground. Before Dream can hoist himself up he closes the hole and squeezes around his ribs. Dream hisses, “Shit, shit.”

Wilbur breathes out. He can’t keep enjoying this or letting this go on. He has to end it. He picks up his sword and points. “I’m ending this Dream. You lost. You’re trapped. You can’t teleport either. Because I’ve trapped your hands. And you can’t mind control me, as per your rules.”

“God,” Dream sighs, pained by the tightness of the earth, “You’re horrid. You won’t use the sword. You’re going to rip my heart out with your bare hands, aren't you? I can sense it. You’re disgusting, how do you think Tommy feels with how sickening your magic is right now? Just look at him, he’s trembling, he’s scared, of you.”

Wilbur falters in one step but doesn’t turn around. “You won’t trick me, Dream. Surrender, and beg for mercy like the filth you are. Leave my family alone.”

Dream’s face turns calm. Too calm. Dream says, “Bad I’m calling in my second to last favor. You can do that thing I told you about, when things got sticky.”

Bad’s voice seems haunted, “Are you sure, Dream? Are you really that desperate?”

“I can’t lose, Bad. Do it, you have to obey anyway.”

Wilbur turns at that moment, eyes locking with Bad’s empty ones. He says, “As you wish, Dream. I’m sorry Wilbur.”

Wilbur doesn’t have the time to ask what for.

It’s quite possibly the worst feeling he’s ever felt. He feels worse than he did before, back living in the city with nothing but a guitar and loneliness to his name, back when he smoked a pack a day and started fights with anyone who looked at him wrongly. He hears Phil and Techno shriek in his mind, but he can’t hear them, his chest feels heavy. He must be dying, because surely, there’s no reason for his soul to feel like this. His magic stutters and the earth loosens and the thorns creep back off his arms. Techno catches him before he collapses with it. He digs his nails into Techno’s arms. He feels wrong, wrong, wrong, and he heaves almost vomiting over his shoulder.

“Yes! Yes!” Dream yells, “Finally. Now Bad, I will be using my last favor with you. Give me that familiar, bind us together.”

Bad turns to Wilbur. He looks pensive. His empty white eyes turn back to Dream, “I can’t, Dream.”

He’s lost Tommy, Tommy is gone, he’s in so much pain. He can’t breathe.

“That is an order, Bad.”

“No, I’m not refusing an order, or your favor,” Bad huffs, “I’m telling you I can’t. I may be adept at manipulating souls, and severing bonds, as all demons are. But the only magical being in this universe that can bond a witch and a familiar is the familiar themselves. We demons can only break, not create, not without consent anyway. Even demon deals mortals ask for require their consent.”

Dream’s face falls, even though Wilbur can’t see it. He can tell with the way he shouts into the sky, the adrenaline pumping out of him. Dream just lets out a terrifying laugh after his anger dissipates, and suddenly Wilbur’s standing straight against his will, prying himself out of Techno’s embrace. He feels his muscles walk him closer to Dream. It’s his magic, he can smell the putrid and sulfuric scent of it as it drags him forward. He’d resist, but he’s still reeling, and his heart is still screaming for the loss of Tommy from the bond. And part of him says he deserves this. With how disgusting he was during the battle, maybe Tommy is better off without him. Dream grips his cheeks and his dagger tip pokes his neck.

“Now Tommy,” Dream murmurs, “You want Wilbur to live, don’t you?”

Tommy doesn’t answer and so Dream chuckles, “I thought so. Here’s how it will go. You’re going to become my familiar, finally, and in return I’ll let Wilbur live and your family won’t have to suffer the loss of their witch. And since I’m feeling generous, Ranboo and Tubbo can be relieved of their coven bond too. It’ll be what I use my last favor from Bad for.”

Tommy stands and he meets eyes with Wilbur. He can’t read his thoughts anymore, but he knows that expression. It’s his calculating one. Tommy makes a motion with his hands, and it’s sign language. He makes out each individual letter as Tommy walks closer as R-O-O-T. It makes his heart ache because he remembers teaching Tommy sign language once they first bonded so they could understand their forest deity Callahan. He remembers it because Tommy really wanted to buy his honey for some tea when Techno got sick a few months ago. It emboldens him, he cannot lose memories like that. He can’t let Tommy go, that’s his brother, his soul, his familiar. He doesn’t care if he doesn’t deserve him.

He tries to scour the area, to figure out what Tommy means, as Dream continues ranting about whatever it is, and then he notices a large oak behind them. The roots are close enough that Wilbur could manipulate them to pry Dream off of him. Dream’s magic is loose enough that he could twist his hand quickly. Tommy nods at him once and signs wait. Tommy says, “Let him go, Dream. I’ll do it.”

Dream practically jumps in excitement and whips his head around. When he looks away from Wilbur Tommy nods towards him and Wilbur pushes his magic out as far as he can. The tree roots rumble against the wet ground and creep up to Dream’s waist. Dream flinches and his dagger pulls back so he can duck in time. Then Wilbur pulls the roots back until Dream slams against the trunk of the tree. He gasps, losing the air in his lungs. He drops his weapon with the force of it and Wilbur approaches with anger in his eyes.

Dream squirms and Wilbur tightens the reigns. “You will perish for this Dream. You’ve caused everyone here enough harm, and I’m sure your coven feels the same.”

Sapnap chirps and shouts from his magical enclosure. He struggles and yells, “Don’t! That’s my witch you bastard, you can’t take him from me.”

“I don’t care,” Wilbur hisses, a few brambles curling around Sapnap’s ankles, “He’s taken what I love from me, and I won’t let him take again.”

Sapnap lets out a worried chirp, but Dream shakes his head, “It’ll be okay Sapnap.”

Wilbur raises the blade Dream left on the ground. “Any last words? Or is the power rush you get when hurting children enough for you to die happy?”

Dream is impassive and merely looks away. Wilbur sighs and he pulls his arm back. He freezes for a moment when the world around him blurs. He sees a version of himself kill Dream. He sees Sapnap fall to his knees and fall silent in the shock. The image rushes forward and he sees a sign for the SMP. He sees castle on fire, and people screaming on the streets. He sees witches fighting and garnering for a place on the throne. He sees Snowchester, with familiars freezing in the cold, being punished for putting Dream in danger by allowing Ranboo and Tubbo to leave.

The image fades as he pulls the sword back. He can’t kill him. What can he do? Maybe he can just knock Dream unconscious until he can think of something. He spins the sword in his hand, so the hilt faces Dream. The imagery merges into something different. He sees Sapnap and someone he doesn’t recognize dragging Dream to a large blackstone structure that looks like a prison.

In the vision, future Dream looks right at him, anger terrifying and raw. He gasps and almost nearly drops the blade. The present Dream is shouting at him, and he tunes into, “Just fucking do it already!”

Wilbur quickly grabs tighter on the hilt and bashes him on the head, and lets the roots guide him gently into the grass. Sapnap blinks when he too is released and rushes to Dream’s side. “Shit, shit. You didn’t kill him? Why?”

“I don’t know,” Wilbur says, not wanting to give up too much information, “I guess it seemed reckless to stoop to his level. Plus, I didn’t want to create a power vacuum for your coven.”

Sapnap grimaces, “Right. Uh, thanks, I guess. To be honest with you I never agreed with what Dream was doing, but what was I supposed to do? He’s my best friend, my witch. And I just wanted him to be happy again.”

“I understand. My familiars are everything to me, they’re my family. And though your actions aren’t great, I understand what you must be feeling.”

Sapnap offers him a soft smile as he thumbs Dream’s torn up cheeks. “Yeah, uh, for what it’s worth I’m sorry for Tommy. I didn’t want him to be bonded to Dream, not because I don’t like the kid, but as a familiar I get what it means to choose things for yourself. I never understood why Dream wanted him so badly, I mean, aren’t I enough?”

Wilbur doesn’t know how to respond to that and Sapnap says, mostly to himself, “Why did you have to go and care about power so much, huh? The coven was fine before, always had been. You stupid son of a bitch.”

Wilbur already knows the future, but he asks, “What will you do with him?”

“Prison,” Sapnap huffs, “He had a prison built for those who oppose him, plus for Tommy if he refused to cooperate after the bonding. Where Dream could anchor his magic without ever seeing him. God, now that I’m saying it out loud, I can’t believe I followed him this far. He never used to be this way, when I met him. When I met him most of his worries were on revealing his face, or getting coffee in the morning.”

Wilbur can’t imagine what it feels like, to love your witch so innumerably while he drags you down with him. Wilbur, being honest, is angry at Sapnap because he was still complicit in Dream’s plans. But, he’s trying. He doesn’t want Tommy captured, nor does he want Dream to continue what he’s doing. Sapnap gives look towards Bad, “You agree with the plan? I’ll take him back to the SMP to Sam, and he can sit in and think a while in that dark box.”

“Of course, son,” Bad says, as stoic as he was when he arrived. Wilbur remains blank while he tries to calculate how a demon came to having a familiar son. “And I can handle things here. I promise it’ll be okay.”

Sapnap beams and lifts Dream into his arms. “Now, this is going to hurt, teleporting back, because familiar magic is kind of shit, but I hope we never meet again, Wilbur. Or, if we do, it’s for something else. Like I’d really like to try your cooking. I heard around town that you make great pies, when Punz and I were scoping things out during the festival. And I do remember how safe your lands felt.”

“Sure.” He says, and it feels right. Sapnap sparks with his flame and disappears right in front of him. He’d be more curious that familiars can apparently teleport but his heart aches too much. Tommy is there, so close to him, but yet so far. Tommy isn’t even looking at him, either. Tommy is refusing to look at him.

Oh.

Wilbur has a thought. A very dark thought. Is it possible that Tommy doesn’t want him anymore? Now that he’s free, it is possible he’s realized that he’s better off. Wilbur definitely would let him go, but he thinks it would destroy him inside. He thinks it would take his magic with him, if he left. He doesn’t meet Techno or Phil’s eyes to see if his thought is true. Maybe they want to leave too, after what they just witnessed him do. He very easily blocks them from his emotions, because he doesn’t want to hear what they want to say.

Bad claps his hands together, “Right! So, first of all, Tubbo and Ranboo this is long overdue, but I will sever the coven bond for you.”

Tubbo gapes from where he’s standing. “R-really?”

“Of course, I don’t serve Dream, not really. I owed him a few favors, and was put in a terribly controlling contract, but even I can see things have gone too far. And Dream’s not in charge right now, is he?” Bad laughs. He seems quite lighthearted even after what just has transpired. Bad’s gaze grows more serious, and he directs his blank eyes towards Wilbur.

“Now you,” He says slowly, “I’m sorry I did that to you, witch, I imagine your soul must be aching. But I had to, I was bound to his orders, and I also needed Dream to give up once he realized me removing the bond wouldn’t help his plans. But he didn’t, of course, he tried to kill you, that I did not predict.”

Wilbur grunts, “Fuck you. I don’t appreciate being used as some sort of lesson for some masked bastard. I don’t forgive you.”

“Language,” The demon hisses, and then quickly goes back to his weirdly sweet smile, “And I understand. Also, I know that bonding is a very delicate ritual for you witches and familiars, but if Tommy wants to reignite the bond and you agree, I can quickly put your souls back together and save you the trouble of waiting for a moon or whatever it is you all need. Just need both of your consent and openness in your souls.”

Wilbur feels a chill spread through his chest. Tommy still hasn’t looked at him. Wilbur feels his throat catch, and he swallows, “I, uh, well, yes. If that’s what Tommy still wants, I’d be happy to have him back, not for his magic of course, but because he’s like my kid brother I suppose, like-“

Tommy holds a hand up groaning, “Shut the fuck up, Wilbur.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You really thought I didn’t want to still be bonded to you?” Tommy growls, though the edges of his voice are amused, “We’re brothers. And you’re a loveably self-sacrificing dickhead.”

“I will cry.”

“You already are crying, you fucking dumbass.” Tommy barks.

Wilbur touches his cheeks. So, he is. Wilbur finally meets his eyes. “Then I’d very much appreciate having this gremlin child in my brain again, even if he makes fun of me for being stupid.”

Bad’s smile is small. “Of course. I’m glad Tommy has found someone like you. Back when he was exiled, you know, I was worried. I didn’t think he’d ever find the witch for him.”

“And I never thought I was a witch to begin with, so I suppose we all sort of found something.”

Bad huffs through his nose. “And because of Dream being gone, I can now go back to my something too. I should thank you for winning as well.”

Tommy cackles, “Oh yeah your husband, Skeppy. How is he doing?”

“Oh! No! He’s not my husband!”

“Bad’s embarrassed,” Tommy mocks, “Mimimi Skeppy oh Skeppy I miss you mimimimi.”

Bad shakes his head as if this is a common occurrence. Wilbur often finds himself making the same expression. There you are, welcome back, don't shut us out again, okay? Techno murmurs in his head. Phil’s pride fills him up slowly. He tries his best to keep his frayed emotions open, for them.

Bad approaches him and holds out a clawed hand. “Alright, I just need your hands, and silence. Then you should be all set.”

Tommy grips Bad’s hand without hesitation, and Wilbur’s heart is melting. Tommy scoffs, “Oi, come one now. Don’t be scared now, Wilbur, I just watched you absolutely kick Dream’s ass.”

Wilbur grips Bad’s other hand and he waits. It’s a total of four breaths before the pain dissipates. It’s another two when he hears Tommy’s rough voice in his mind saying I am back bitches, the Big Man familiar is here. And it’s one more breath, when all of his familiars run to him and embrace him. He peers over Techno’s enormous shoulder and Bad gives him a little wink.

Bad goes over to Tubbo and Ranboo, assumedly to sever the coven bond, and then he’s quickly blinking out of existence. Thank you, he thinks. Who the hell are you talking to, Tommy responds.

When Ranboo and Tubbo join in on the group hug he feels like things are going to be okay. He definitely is going to make his magic border twelve times stronger, and have Phil help him pathfind Niki’s location to send a letter. But he feels like it’s all going to be alright now. His family is free. They’re safe.

---

Bad returned soon after leaving to teleport them back home. He felt bad when Tommy started yelling about how annoying it would be to travel by foot, and leave their horses behind. Bad just sighed and gently moved them back to outside of his home border. Wilbur collapses the moment he enters his bedroom. He doesn’t look up from his pillow when he feels his familiars enter the room.

Phil’s calloused hand brushes his neck, and he feels wet droplets on the back of his shirt. Techno’s hand comes next, tangled in his hair, pulling his head into his lap. Tommy’s is last, curling his arms around his waist to hide his face in his chest.

“Don’t cry,” He murmurs, to Phil. But sort of to himself too.

Phil chokes, “Wilbur, Wil, mate, we almost lost you. You almost died. Let me cherish this moment, okay? Do you have any idea how terrified we were?”

“I know, I know, I was fucking horrible and let my magic go out of control, and probably-“ Techno cuts him off by putting his hand over his mouth. He looks up to glare but sees tears in Techno’s eyes too.

“Wilbur shut up. Don’t ever talk about yourself that way. Dad’s right, okay? We were scared, but not for that reason. You put your life on the line even though we didn’t have the upper hand. We watched you get beat half to death, and choked. It was painful to feel all of your fear, your pain, all while we couldn’t do anything. So don’t you ever tell us that you were horrible, or I’ll kill you myself,” Techno hurries, angered and low. Wilbur just swallows, not sure he can answer that without bawling. He says I’m sorry, in his mind.

Tommy squeezes tighter, “Don’t apologize either. I’m chuffed, for what you did. That was fucking amazing. I’ve never seen Dream scared before. I'll carry that look in my memory forever.”

Phil move to lay behind him, burying his face in the back of his neck. Wilbur half laughs, half sobs, “You’re not letting me go, are you?”

“No.” They all say in unison.

Wilbur swallows, “Could you maybe let me go long enough so I can make a healing potion, or something?”

“Don’t worry, we’ve got it for you,” Ranboo says from his doorway. Ranboo walks slowly and reaches it out. When Wilbur takes it he doesn’t move and instead transforms to curl on the space between him and Techno. Tubbo fidgets from the doorway.

“Do you want to join the cuddle pile too?”

Tubbo nods eagerly and runs into his bed. He lays beside Tommy, and Techno’s free hand ruffles his hair too. Tubbo says, “Thank you Wilbur, I know that’s not a strong enough statement, but I can’t say any more right now without risking an ugly cry.”

Wilbur just takes it all in, and if he focuses hard enough he can feel the pulse of their magic and heartbeats against him. They’re alive, and free. And he loves them more than anything in the world. They still have a lot to talk about, namely he has a lot to talk about. And he’s sure they have a lot of questions for the things Dream was referencing about his past. But he doesn’t care, at the moment. It’s enough to just lay here, comforted and loved.

And when he closes his eyes, he doesn’t see anything for the future, other than a warm feeling and Niki’s smile.

The future isn’t bright, but it doesn’t seem dark either.

Chapter Text

The forest is unlike Hypixel.

The city is loud, polluted, and it’s near impossible to make a living. Even those who participated in tournaments would come home with pockets far emptier than they’d have liked. Wilbur remembers how rigged the system was. He remembers being there, in a small apartment he could barely afford, with no family to fall back upon any longer. He remembers his skin feeling tight all of the time, which he now knows is magic overload as opposed to just anxiety. Though that doesn’t mean he didn’t have anxiety, he very much did, and still does.

He thinks back to what kind of person he was. He thinks to how he sneered at people that walked by, and how he’d yell at people who didn’t tip him while he performed guitar in the streets. He remembers purposefully causing havoc and pissing off shop owners that charged way too much for bread. He remembers purposefully pushing assholes in a bar and reveling in how alive he felt when he took a punch. It was all due to a culmination of travel, loneliness, and his return to Hypixel that he became apathetic with life. It was a revolution, and probably less than legal underground 100 people challenges, that made him as bitter as the rinds of lemon that he uses for Phil’s tea. It was his run from the Hypixel guards there, that led him down to this ungoverned forest.

It should’ve been a sign that he was magic the moment he felt the place bring him in. He remembers the bushes parting and he saw himself here on the hill. He remembers lighting a cigarette and the wind carrying it away, as if to tell him no.

And he built a place here. And it was place, not a home, never a home, not yet. And he doesn’t believe in fate, he doesn’t believe that he was always meant to be here, destined to bond with three familiars and form a coven with a young witch and his familiar. It always seems so hard to think he deserves it. Even the town is far more welcoming that he imagines he’s meant to receive. He was harsh with them when he first met them, but Niki was always steady to show care and keep him in place. Callahan taught him what it meant to respect the nature around him, and how to cultivate crops. And by degrees of learning, he taught himself to feel things again. And somehow, he’s learned so well, that he now has a family by his side. It’s funny how a man in a ratty trench coat, with tobacco and hatred in his mouth, can come to live a fulfilled life with family sleeping against his bony shoulders.

“Wilbur?”

Wilbur looks up from the grass into two crystal eyes. “Yes, Tommy?” And he’s so terribly fond today, a stray yellow rose blooms on the bush next to him. Spring is close now, and it’s so hard to imagine how far he’s come since defeating Dream.

“You’re reflecting again.”

“How do you know?”

Tommy smirks, “Well, the frost has melted to let you lay there. And your ankles are covered in flowers betraying your thoughts. And I definitely saw that rose bloom because of you. And you’ve been sending pulses of sappy bullshit in the bond for the better part of twenty minutes.”

Wilbur just scrunches his nose. “At least it was the better part of your twenty minutes.”

Tommy sits next to him. He’s been doing better, knowing Dream is locked away. He still wakes up lost and confused sometimes, saying horrible things like Dream, don’t hurt me, don’t take Tubbo, please. But he feels safe, from what he understands. Tommy brushes a stray hair out of his face, “Your nervous, aren’t you?”

“For?”

“For the covening,” Tommy says simply, “You’re nervous, so you went out here to brood and live an angsty life, and now you’re thinking about your life and all that shit and getting ugly and fond.”

“Ugly?”

“Yeah, the stress is making your hair go white, old man.”

Wilbur shoves him, “Shut the fuck up. Phil’s the old one, he’s like a thousand or two years old. I’m only twenty-five. I’m practically a child, like you.”

You have five seconds to apologize, or I will be using that blanket you knitted with Techno as nesting material, Phil growls.

Wilbur groans, throwing his head back, Fine, sorry, you sensitive crow.

“And?” Tommy coos.

“And I’m nervous, happy?”

Tommy shrugs, “Nah. Would it make you feel better if I said I was nervous too?”

“Really?” That shocks him. Tommy adores Tubbo, and Ranboo even more so.

Tommy nods, hugging his knees. “He gave me up for Dream a second time. Of course, I’m going to be a little scared. Would a coven bond prevent him from doing so this time? Will the bond show me that Tubbo doesn’t even like me, and he’s only putting up with me for Ranboo?”

Wilbur shuffles close and crooks his chin over Tommy’s head. “He won’t. He loves you, despite being scared and making shit decisions. And if he does feel that way, I’ll have Techno sort him out.”

Tommy laughs. “Oh, Techno will, will he? Well, you better get inside before he sorts us out too.”

Wilbur turns his head to the doorway and Techno is standing their crossing his arms. Wilbur says, “How long have you been there?”

“Since I heard the first idiotic, self-deprecating thoughts come from your minds.”

Wilbur stands then and walks to him. He crosses his arms right back, looking up to glare. He hates that Techno is a little taller than him, he ought to make himself stilts out of tree roots. Techno’s glare falters, “Christ, you really need to stop giving me so much stress. You’re lucky my hair won’t turn white.”

“Yeah, well that’s because you bleach it. Can’t turn white if it already is practically white.” Wilbur bites.

Techno lets out a chuff. “Don’t deflect, the covening will go well.”

“Why is the name so stupid?”

“Wilbur!”

Wilbur jolts and uncrosses his arms. “Right, right, no deflecting, whatever you say.”

Techno smiles. “And I know it will, even though I am nervous too. Like I told you I don’t have a great record with the whole coven thing. But I know I’ve made the right choice with the right people. So therefore, it will go well. No need for nerves.”

Wilbur smiles back but then he realizes Techno is making no room to let him through the door. Gears turn in his head. Phil did say something about nesting material. “Phil’s nervous too, isn’t he?”

Techno slumps against the door frame, “God, yes. It’s awful, Wilbur, he’s taken my blankets and my yarn. The nest takes up the entire couch!”

They’re all a little hopeless, he supposes.

---

Phil is smothering him in the nest, and Wilbur’s far too used to this to be upset about it. Even if he’s practically being choked with five blankets. Phil just preens and braids his hair, happy to take care of him. When Phil’s curled up next to him and dozing off, the door bursts open, and Phil squawks in surprise and almost falls over.

“We’re home!” Tubbo bellows, “Well you’re home. Ours is still so much better. I painted the walls yellow yesterday!”

The house he had been planning out turned out to be a home for Tubbo and Ranboo, to give them their own space. Wilbur’s still not over the fact he predicted that Tubbo and Ranboo would stay and think of his lands as home. Ranboo just rolls his eyes and carries in the produce and meats that they bought. They’ve been fasting all day for the post covening feast. And the hour is approaching when he’s meant to invite them into his magic and life. Tommy tells him it will feel nothing like their familiar bond, but he’ll feel muted emotions and well-being statuses from them both. Wilbur is terribly nervous, but the fact they already feel home here after a few months is enough to warm him inside.

“What are we making?” Tommy asks.

“They,” Techno snorts as he’s inspecting the lamb they bought, “Won’t be cooking anything. Tubbo and Ranboo are officially banned from cooking alone ever since their side dish fiasco during the Winter Solstice. I will be cooking, and you are all free to help if you’d like.”

“That didn’t answer my question brother o’ mine.”

Techno grumbles, “Lamb stew. Garlic mashed potatoes, with the garlic from Wilbur’s garden. And I think Tubbo’s bought two pies from Niki.”

“Oi! How’d you know?”

Techno just points to the boxes that are very clearly from Niki’s. Tubbo flushes, “I hate you.”

Techno just ignores him and goes to begin prepping the stew to slow cook for the day. Wilbur wants to go help him but Phil is still clung to his side, so he decides to let the clingy crow keep a hold of him for now.

Why are you nervous? He eventually asks.

Phil lets out a chirp, My longest coven perished a long time ago. And then the second coven I joined was a horrible place. I’ve grown so used to being alone, that I fear putting myself into something like this again. But I like Tubbo and Ranboo very much, so I think it’ll be okay in the end. How about you, mate?

Do I really deserve this?

Phil just lays his cheek on his shoulder in response, “Of course. I think it’s time for us to tell our stories of why we bonded to you or wanted to stick around, to convince you that you deserve it.”

“It’s time to embarrass Wilbur?” Ranboo laughs, already running toward the closet, “Oh my god let me get another blanket I’m ready.”

“I’ll go first!” Tommy announces, curled up on his free side. “I knew I wanted to cling myself to this witch when he invited me and Techno into his house. He gave us our own space and everything. But we insisted on sleeping with him, and he didn’t complain at all. He just said you’re such a gremlin, not that I mind and let me curl under the covers. And I was like well I guess I’m a goner for the soft witch man.”

Wilbur thinks he’s going to lose his mind but then Phil says, “I think it was when he told me he didn’t want me to leave. I was so used to loneliness, and I was ready to just let my sons sit here in happiness and have that pride be enough. But then he tells me to stay, with such earnestness. I couldn’t very well say no to that.”

Wilbur is hiding his face in the blankets now. Curse them, curse them, fuck them, this is horrible. Tubbo purses his lips, looking more embarrassed than Wilbur feels. “It was the L’Manberg pie, okay? He was so patient and accommodating. It was gross.”

“For me it was how he treated his familiars,” Ranboo murmurs, “And it was when he encouraged me to go play with Tommy in the leaves. I never had a coven leader be like that before.”

Wilbur pops his head out of the blankets then. “Oh no! I am not your leader, that's fucking pretentious. We are going to be a coven and we are equals.”

Tubbo snorts, “How about you Techno?”

Techno sneers from the stove, despite his heart beating lovingly. “I already told Wilbur the story and I won’t embarrass myself again.”

“I can guess,” Tommy sing-songs, “It was probably his honesty or something. Techno is a boar, he honors directness more than anything. Fucking bastard.”

Techno stomps over, looming over Tommy. And before he can let out a breath Tommy and Techno transforms, and Techno chases him. Wilbur waves his hand to open the door so they can run amok outside too. Magic has been easier for him, ever since his duel. He feels less afraid, and more in tune with himself. The hum of the life of the world is much more prominent when he thinks about it. It’s a wonder how much self-doubt can muddle a mind.

“Thank you,” Wilbur says and projects in his mind.

Maybe he deserves this after all.

---

The covening begins when Techno and Tommy return and after they clean themselves up of the mud and dirt. Phil wears his nicest spring cloak and haori, a beautiful blush pink with blossoms and daisies etched into his hat and skirt. Wilbur remembers sewing it in advance for this, Techno helping him magically infuse each stitch to last. Tommy is in one of his many stolen sweaters, because he’s a thieving gremlin child. The sweater swaddles him whole, one of his softest and oldest yellow turtlenecks. Tommy says it smells like his magic, whatever that means, and hugs himself into it. Techno is dressed pretentiously, in his old dueling gear because he’s feeling nostalgic with the whole affair. Tubbo feels similarly, and he’s in a suit with the L’Manberg flag stitched into the breast pocket. Ranboo and him are the most normal, of the group, with their regular attire.

Wilbur feels more special than he feels the need to look. Wilbur’s been taught every step to the last detail. He’s meant to put a thumb to their hearts and pour rose water infused with his magic over their heads. And then once they all bask in the sun until it evaporates the bond should slot into place. He’s also prepared a few words for each of them, because he’s terribly terribly gooey inside and he wants to remember the family he’s earned till the end of his days, whenever that may be.

To Ranboo, he says, “I adore our long talks about nothing. You listen to me when no one else can. I appreciate you for it.”

To Tubbo he says, “You are stronger than anyone I’ve ever met. I hope you can continue to teach me to be stronger too.”

With Phil he sputters, “You are like a father to me, and I hope we never cease to finding new things to discover. I hope to create maps of the world every year of my life until our energy returns to the universe.”

With Techno, he’s already half crying, “You’re my brother, my rock, my friend. To wake up and see your pride, means more than any reward I could earn.”

With Tommy he pauses. He’s thought a thousand times over what he’s meant to say to Tommy. He’s stayed awake at night thinking of what he deserves. And it’s simpler than the rest, because Tommy is nothing but simplicities. He says, “You’re my brother, and you’ve taught me what healing is. Thank you.”

Tommy curls his hands into his face and chokes into his hands when he pours the water. They aren’t supposed to touch until the bond etches into them, so Tommy sits as close as he’s allowed to without brushing against him. He lays in the sun basking in the warmth of it all.

“Can we sing the L’Manberg anthem, if you remember it?” Tubbo asks, the wind rustling through his hair curiously.

“I heard there was a special place…” he starts, and he follows Tubbo’s lead for the words he doesn’t remember and the verses that were added much later during the revolution. And as the song is ending, he feels it. It doesn’t feel like his familiar bond, but it feels whole, complete, right. He can tell that Tubbo is happy, and he can tell that Ranboo is close to crying.

Before he can say anything, Tommy takes the time to hug him since he’s finally allowed to. “Welcome to the Sleepy Bois, where we might not be noble or important, or real, but at least we have good food.”

“Food that I made, you mean.” Techno gruffs.

Whatever you say Techno.

Ranboo eventually comes closer to him and sits with his knees up. "Um, this might be a weird request, and I know I'm not your familiar, but there is one gift I can give you."

"Oh, Ranboo," Tubbo wails, "You're going to make me cry. I hate when you do this."

Wilbur sits up suddenly concerned, and Ranboo puts a palm on his chest to steady him. "One of my skills is the ability to help others visualize magic. It's very useful for elemental witches, so they can easily see their connection to whatever it is they're aligned to. But it's also a wonderful gift. Would you like to see what your magic looks like?"

Wilbur nods, nervous it's going to be horribly ugly or something. Ranboo squeezes his shoulder and suddenly the air ripples. Brilliant spun gold sparkles in his gaze and he watches it with attentiveness. There's so much of it, it's hard to know where to begin. He sees, from his heart, three long strings shoving themselves into his familiars, and a much thinner one in Ranboo and Tubbo. The planks of his house are glittering and sewn together with his adoration. And the forest is practically singing and emanating his magic like it's oversaturated with it. He's definitely crying now.

"Is this what you familiars see? All the time?"

Techno nods, "Yeah, pretty much, maybe not as exaggerated. Now you see why we've always told you how well cared for this place is."

"And now it's our home too," Tubbo stands, "And I can't wait to help you take care of this place more. I've already begun with my house."

He hugs Ranboo as tightly as he'll allow. Thank you, he thinks, I can never thank you enough.

---

The feast is a quiet affair, he invites some of the villagers to join them because it is far too much food. Captain Puffy and Niki arrive together, and they both breathe in the magic with such a relaxed feel. Niki returned not too long ago and she thanks him every day for handling Dream. He tries to tell her it wasn’t that big of a deal, but now he’s on her permanent free pie registry. It’s ridiculous, but he won’t ever say no to them. And he'll never let harm come to her again. He remembers when she came back, he never let her out of his embrace. The return of his best friend, who he claims he only loves for her baking, but words cannot describe what Niki means to him. It's similar to how he feels with his newly anointed coven. He's so terrible with words, hugs are better. Niki seems to agree, because she hugs him tightly the moment she enters his house.

Puffy doesn't embrace him, she merely peers around his living room and says, “This is the most loving coven I’ve ever felt. The forest and the wind are very happy to have your magic imbued here.”

“That’s my line,” Callahan signs, with an adorable glare.

“Oh, shut up you pompous god, fae have just as much influence as you do,” She snarks, though it’s lighthearted.

And so they sit at the table passing potatoes and stories. Puffy pours him fresh hot cider, and the alcohol’s making his fondness burn a little deeper. With the looseness of the night, they sing songs, dance, and sway with the moonlight. His guests leave when they’re half asleep on his couch equal parts from Techno’s stew, and the drinks.

Callahan stays behind for a moment. He says, “I wanted to give you all a gift for your coven, as well as a thanks for being a part of this forest’s protection.”

“You didn’t have to, but I’m very grateful.”

Callahan beams at him and hands him what looks like a small antler piece around a red string. It’s sort of like a necklace. “Whenever you need my protection at any time, just tap this twice. I will heed your call, no matter how far or the reason, though I really hope you don't abuse it for laughs or anything. Consider yourself my first disciple in three thousand years, witch.”

Wilbur feels overwhelmed all at once and so he only musters, “Though I suppose this doesn’t include free honey, or syrup, now does it?”

Callahan merely sighs, and walks off into the night, the bushes concealing his form. He watches him go, with a crow on his shoulder, a boar by his leg, and a raccoon in his hair. He leans on the doorway with Tubbo on the other side, Ranboo batting at Tommy from Tubbo’s shoulder.

“What does your future sight say about this?” Tubbo asks, half-jokingly.

He doesn’t see anything but happiness, at least for the time being.

So, he answers, “I see nothing but the sun.” Tubbo relaxes against the worn wood frame of his doorway, the wind cradling his hand in the chill of the night.

If Wilbur were to tell himself back in Hypixel that he would be adopted by three familiars, and score himself a family, and defeat the powerful witch Dream, he’d have scoffed at himself. He’d have scoffed and snorted until he was out of breath. But now it doesn’t feel so strange.

Let us retire for the night, Wil. Phil says, with Techno and Tommy’s tired agreement quiet in the background.

You just want to pick the leaves out of my hair while I’m tired and less apt to grumble at you.

I won’t say if that's the case either way. Phil laughs.

Yeah, it definitely doesn’t seem so strange now.