Chapter Text
“Phillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll. When can we have dinnerrrrrrrrr.” Tubbo complained from the couch, his legs dangling off the side.
“Motherfucker, dude. Just order pizza, I don’t control when you eat.” The older man sighed, folding his wings closer to his back as he sat at the dining table playing cards with Techno.
“Get half veggie, and bring Ranboo with you.” Techno spoke, moving his pink braided hair out of his face.
“And the other half is bacon, I gotchu.” Tubbo smirked, dashing out of sight before Techno could lay a finger on him. “RANBOO. GETTING PIZZA, COME ON!”
“Coming!” The lanky teen tripped down the stairs trying to put on a pair of black and white shoes. “Ready to go?” He looked at Tubbo, his face completely covered by his green and red glasses and half black and white mask.
“Does everything you wear have to be red, green, black, and white?” Tubbo groaned, remembering the time where Ranboo wore nothing but black and white for a whole month.
“It’s my brand, Tubbo. Of course I have too.” Ranboo nodded, his smile hidden by his mask.
“One veggie, one hawaiian, one cheese, and one everything on it, please.” Tubbo ordered, handing the worker a twenty. “Thank you.” The worker handed back his change and said his order will be out shortly.
“You ordered already?” Ranboo looked up from the menu, the teen’s hands were shaking again, but he wasn’t paying any attention to them.
“Yep. It’ll take about fifteen minutes or so. Give or take.” Tubbo pulled up a chair next to his best friend.
“Once we get home, we should eat and rest. Techno’s taking us out tonight.” Ranboo muttered, pretending to look at the menu again with interest.
“One sec, dude.” Tubbo got up from his chair and thanked the worker. Four boxes of pizza were now sitting in his hands. “Let’s go home first.”
“Hand me two, you can’t carry four boxes the whole way.” Ranboo grabbed two boxes from the top.
“But what if a Villain comes and attacks us, the pizza’s will be wasted if we drop them.” Tubbo laughed, knowing he had shoved Ranboo into a corner.
“Fine, but tell me when it gets too heavy for you.” Ranboo mumbled, putting back the two boxes, before opening one and eating a slice. “What? I always get everything on it, and no one else eats it. Might as well eat it hot.”
“Where’d Tubbo and Ranboo go?” Tommy walked into the kitchen, opening the fridge for a soda.
“They went to go get pizza.” Phil looked up from his cards, missing the fact that Techno took a peek at his cards.
“You lose old man.” Techno snorted, getting up from his chair and opening the door. “Veggie?”
Ranboo nodded, his own pizza slice in hand while he grabbed the second top box and handed it to Techno.
“Tubbo, you're gonna have to share your pizza with Tommy.” Phil frowned at Techno’s cards.
“If he likes Hawaiian, then sure. I got just cheese, cause your basic as hell.” Tubbo put the last box on the counter, before grabbing a plate. “Don’t give me that look. Just because you like pigs, doesn’t mean I like them either.” He rolled his eyes, opening his box. Techno muttered something, and walked off with his box. Footsteps shuffled upstairs and a door closed.
“Don’t take it to heart, Tubs. We’ve all got our share of weird.He just happens to like pigs. A lot…” Tommy stole a slice from Phil’s box.
“Where’s Mum?” Tubbo looked around. Tommy was still wearing his suit, which had meant he just came back from scouting. And he never went scouting without Phil, Kristin, or Techno.
“Went to go help Artemis and Oracle. Marionette’s being a pain in the ass.” Tommy mumbled, shoving a whole slice of pizza in his mouth.
“He’s gonna be our problem soon enough.” Ranboo sighed, his box empty.
“You two ready?” Techno knocked on their door, already in his suit. His top half white, with a slash of gold. Similar to Phil’s dark green ones, his black breeches buttoned at the bottom, which were covered by his shiny black leather knee high boots.
“Almost, Ranboo’s changing in the bathroom.” Tubbo pointed at the closed door between Ranboo’s and his bedroom.
Techno nodded. “I’ll be downstairs, you know where.” His red cape billowed behind him. Somehow, ever since Tubbo met the man, he could not remember a time where that cape had gotten in the way of Techno’s fights.
“Tubbo? Are you good?” Ranboo shook his shoulders, breaking his train of thought. His suit, a full body that was half white and black, that came with a red and green mask that covered his mouth. His eyes, a mysterious purple color.
“Yeah, I’m good. Techno’s waiting for us already.” Tubbo nodded, adjusting each thin metal wristband. A green dot blinked, before going solid.
“Come on.” Ranboo sighed again, picking Tubbo up like nothing.
“HEY!-” He protested, forcing himself out of Ranboo’s grip.
*Pop*
“We’re here, calm down.” Ranboo murmured, putting him down into the ground gently. Techno turned around, his eyes landing on Tubbo, who was staring at the ground blankly.
“Tubbo? Hey, kid. If you can’t do this tonight, just say so.” Techno crouched down in front of him. Tubbo, who was usually one to have so much energy, and didn’t have anywhere to put it, was for once quiet.
“What? I spaced out for like an hour.” Tubbo blinked, nearly smashing his forehead into Techno’s face. “Why are we still here? Doesn’t Artemis and Oracle need our help.” He looked at Techno, who had a confused frown on his face.
“Giving me a heart attack, these kids…” Techno grumbled, starting his bike. “Well?” He threw a black and white helmet to Ranboo and a bright green one that matches Tubbo’s suit.
“Right behind you, Techno.” Ranboo nodded, putting his helmet over his head, waiting for Tubbo to get onto his bike. There were only six out of the nine bikes sitting in the garage. The three that were out belonged to Artemis, Oracle, and Mirage. Tommy had his taken away when he broke his arm trying to do a dangerous stunt. Tubbo lost his bike due to an accident years ago, some anti-hero fan had blown it up when he was on patrol. Techno wanted to get him a new one, but Tubbo said his first bike was special and he didn’t have the heart to replace it. Phil rarely used his, as he flew most of the time, unless he went undercover.
“Have your weapons? Or as you say, sticks, Ranboo?” Techno smirked under his helmet, making sure his twin swords were strapped tightly to his back.
“It’s cause it is a stick.” The teen explained once, showing Techno how to use a metal staff.
“Marionette again…” Radioactive groaned, watching the fight from a rooftop. “Can’t this guy give us a break?”
“Radioactive... He’s a villain, it’s what he’s supposed to do. We've already tried putting him in jail, it doesn’t work that way.” Particle’s eyebrows came closer together, as he watched a single red cape cut away at neon green strings. “At least Artemis gets to use her skill. I feel bad for her when she has to do morning patrol.”
“Let me guess, you also feel bad for Oracle cause they can’t use their skill.” Radioactive laughed, it was quite easy to guess Particle’s thoughts, once he figured out his brain worked. “Mum’s gone…”
“Then that makes it easier for me.” A smooth voice spoke. Radioactive whipped his head around to face the one person he really didn’t want to see. Particle’s face went blank as he slwoly grabbed Radioactive’s arm, he was going to teleport them out of here. He’s going to get both of them out of time. He’ll get both of them to safety-.
“Not so fast, Particle boy.” Wilbur Muse laughed, his brown trench coat blowing behind him in the wind. “Come here.” He smirked, watching Particle walk towards him. “Scared?”
Particle didn’t make a single noise, he only looked back at Radioactive with a silent plea before turning back to Muse. Particle’s neck jerked sideways, his cheek stinging.
“Take this.” Muse closed Particle’s hands around a small dagger. “And finish the job this time.”
*Pop*
“M-Muse, we can talk this out…” Radioactive laughed, sweat forming on the back of his neck. “PARTICLE!” Moving quickly, Radioactive snatched the metal staff from his friend’s belt and held it against the dagger. Particle’s movements were stiff, but strong. There were tears falling from his face, as he pushed the dagger closer to Radioactive.
“Do we?” Muse sighed, leaning on the railing next to Radioactive.
“You want something, I can feel it- AUGH!” Radioactive screamed, taking his eyes off Particle for a second to look at Muse. The dagger had only scratched him in the arm.
“Of course I want something. I want my little brother.” Muse laughed again, amusement in his eyes as Particle knocked his staff out of Radioactive’s hands.
“Your little brother?-” Radioactive gasped, his hands grabbing Particle’s wrist as the teen held him in a choke hold.
“I want Decibel” Muse waved his hand around like he said nothing. “Harder. Don’t let him speak.”
Radioactive choked, he could feel the weight of Muse’s orders on Particle’s brain.
“Here’s the deal. You either give me Decibel now or within the next day, or I’ll have Particle here kill everyone or die trying.” Muse looked at Radioactive. He was mouthing something, but it wasn’t towards Particle.
“Ever gonna give up, Marionette?” Protesilaus grunted, cutting the strings closest to him.
“Ever gonna give up, Protesilaus?” Marionette grinned, his smiley face mask only covering his eyes and nose. “Three against one seems hardly fair.”
“The way you play.” Protesilaus knocked a spear from Artemis, who mouthed a sorry. “It’s really the other way around.”
Oracle flinched as their spear came down against Protesilaus’ sword.
“I can just sit here and relax.” Marionette laughed, every few moments moving his fingers.
“I can do this all night.” Protesilaus sighed, grabbing Artemis’ and Oracle’s spears. “But I assume you two want to go home?” He whispered, his grip tightening as they tried to pull back. Artemis blinked in response as Oracle gave a small nod.
“As soon as I let go, I’ll cut the strings. You need to run.” He muttered, grabbing his sword in his other hand.
“Planning your death?” Marionette looked up from playing Cat’s Cradle by himself. Protesilaus didn’t respond, he only stared at the ground.
“No, I’m planning your death.” Protesilaus looked back up, a small smile on his face. Quickly, he yanked the spears and threw them aside, drawing his sword against the many neon green strings connected to Artemis and Oracle.
“AUGH-” A familiar voice screamed. It came from above, where he had left Radioactive and Particle. There was only one person who would have the wrong mind to target kids.
“Looks like someone needs your help, Protesilaus.” Marionette looked up, spotting a figure leaning over the railing- no, hanging from the railing, too far for Protesilaus’ comfort.
“Did you plan this with him?” Protesilaus growled, his grip on his sword tightening.
“Who? Muse?” Marionette spat, his lip curling in distaste. “Just cause we’re both villains, doesn’t mean we work together.”
“You worked with Toxic.” Protesilaus mocked, knowing that the former was like a parent to him.
“Just for that, you don’t get to save your precious kids.” Marionette frowned, pulling out his own sword. “You get a front row seat to watch them go splat.
“No wonder he left. Couldn’t handle your attitude.” Protesilaus hissed, cutting away at strings wrapped around his arm.
“RADIOACTIVE!” A different, yet familiar voice screamed. This time both Protesilaus and Marionette stopped to watch. The figure, or rather Radioactive, was falling. His hold on the railing must have given out.
“Not so fast.” Marionette grabbed both Protesilaus’ arms. “I said you get to watch.”
“You're sick, Dream.” Protesilaus snarled, fear leaking into his eyes. Something orange flashed in the corner of his eye, a smile formed on his face. “Change of plans. Kitsune, bring him home.” He called out, briefly seeing the fox hybrid jump and catch the teen before he hit the ground. The little gold bells hanging from his mask jangled as Kitsune nodded before jumping his way up the building. There were three figures on the roof now. Two of them had to be Muse and Particle. The third then had to be Silhouette, Kitsune’s partner.
The city had three groups of Heroes. Artemis and Oracle lived somewhere together, while Captain, who retired, trained Silhouette and Kitsune. The rest of the Heroes lived together in a penthouse. It was just Zephyrus, Mirage, and Protesilaus once, but they had adopted Decibel. Then they found Radioactive and Particle.
“So many of you Heroes, yet you can’t even stop me or Muse.” Marionette sighed, clearly bored.
“Do you want to continue?” Protesilaus grumbled, his arms were getting tired from cutting stings all night.
“Holy shit- What the hell happened to you two?” Phil got up from his spot on the sofa.
“Fundy, set him down.” Silhouette muttered, eyeing Tubbo, who had passed out from the drop. “I MEANT GENTLY!”
“I put him down, okay? Calm the fuck down, Drista.” Fundy shrugged, taking his fox mask off. He had plopped Tubbo onto the sofa without warning, waking up the passed out teen.
“Waht…? Wait- Where the hell am I? Who the fuck are you? RANBOO?!” Tubbo looked up, his eyes not even fully open.
“Ranboo’s over here, mate.” Phil called from the kitchen. He had the aid open on the counter and was dabbing ointment onto Ranboo’s cuts.
“Oh thank god. You're not dead.” Ranboo sighed, leaning into his chair. He winced, holding his side.
“Yeah, I’m not dead. But what happened to you? What did he do to you?” Tubbo got up quickly, holding his head as the room started to spin.
“Get out of your suit first, mate.” Phil said quietly, gently touching around Ranboo’s hand.
“Fine…” Tubbo frowned, heading towards the stairs. The room went silent as everyone waited for Tubbo to be out of earshot.
“He’s gone.” Fundy mumbled, his ears flicking up and around.
“Who?” Phil hissed through his teeth, his anger showing.
“Muse.” Drista crossed her arms, walking over to help Phil. “Shot Ranboo with a hidden crossbow.”
“H-He broke the shaft to make it harder to get out. The head’s positioned too.” Ranboo gasped, moving away his hand.
“Fuck…” Phil cursed. “Where’s Techno?”
“Still with Marionette.” Fundy said, looking at Ranboo from his chair in the living room.
“Double fuck…” Phil groaned, spotting the green veins of poison. “Fundy, get Eret here as fast as you can. Drista, stop Tubbo from seeing this. He’ll go nuke Muse the next time he sees him.”
“On it.” Fundy slipped on his mask and was out the door. With his super speed, he should be back in less than ten minutes. Drista was already up the stairs and in Tubbo’s room.
“T-Tubbo…” Ranboo mumbled, blinking a lot slower.
“Don’t sleep, mate. Techno’s gonna be pissed if you die from poisoning.” Phil scolded, but he really was just trying to convince himself. The green had creeped up his chest, getting closer to his heart by the second.
“Phil?” Eret appeared next to Fundy, who was clearly out of breath. “Oh- Ranboo!”
“H-Hey E-Eret…” Ranboo coughed, his hand stained red from his blood.
“Phil, I need you to move and get me a cup. Preferably a glass one.” Eret crouched down next to Ranboo, their hands pushing Ranboo’s hands away from the wound. “Fundy, get a cloth and put it in his mouth.”
“Here’s the glass.” Phil handed her the cup.
“Thank you. Ranboo, I’m going to need you to bite down. Hard. It’s going to hurt.” Eret looked up, meeting Ranboo’s eyes. He nodded, and shut his eyes.
“It’s alright, mate.” Phil grabbed Ranboo’s hands and squeezed them.
“3. 2. 1. Out!” Eret quickly pulled out the arrow head, dropping it in the glass cup. “Ranboo?”
The teen hadn’t screamed, which was worrying. Ranboo shuddered, blood bubbling from his lips.
“Fundy, find Techno NOW!” Eret whipped around, looking at the hybrid. Fundy nodded, biting his lip.
“Ranboo… I need you to cough, you're going to drown in your own blood.” Eret whispered, their hands cupping Ranboo’s head.
Ranboo coughed, blood spraying everywhere. The arrow was out, but the posion hadn’t stopped. It had missed his heart completely, snaking up his neck instead.
“What am I missing…?” Eret muttered, coaxing Ranboo to cough more. “Phil, I need you to keep him coughing. He’s going to suffer blood loss, but we can’t allow it to drown him.”
The winged hybrid kneeled, taking Eret’s place.
“Why not the heart…” Eret mumbled, walking out of the kitchen before coming to stop. “PHIL! STOP HIM FROM COUGHING! RANBOO!”
The hybrid froze, looking at Eret in confusion.
“We need to stop it before it reaches the brain. I remember now, Puffy taught me once. Toxic had created a poison that attacked the brain. Once it reached the brain, the subject would fall under something similar to a brainwash.” We need to cut one of his veins open and let the poison leak out. The kid’s definitely going to pass out from blood loss now.” Eret rushed, pulling out a small medical knife.
“Phil? Eret? Fundy told me-” Techno gasped, taking deep breaths. He clearly just got out of the fight, as tiny cuts were scattered around his suit.
“I need you to heal Ranboo as I wait for the position to leak out.” Eret hurried, moving the teen into the living room on a bigger chair.
“I’ll ask for the story later.” Techno frowned, putting a hand on Ranboo, letting his healing power spread to the teen as well.
“Breathe, Ranboo. Come on, stay with me.” Eret murmured, cutting a small cut above the poison. Seconds later, the blood dripped out along with the green poison.
“Ranboo?!” A voice gasped, followed by two pairs of rushed footsteps.
“No! Tubbo! You can’t-” Drista hissed, holding him back from the living room.
“RANBOO! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?” Tubbo shouted, kicking Drista in the leg.
“Ow! Hey- FUNDY!” Drista limped, a hair short from grabbing Tubbo’s shirt.
“Tubbo, you can’t see him right now.” Fundy muttered, blocking Ranboo from view.
“What. Did. You. To. My. Friend.” Tubbo snarled, pushing Fundy aside. He froze, tears collecting in his eyes as he saw the green in Ranboo’s blood stream.
“Tubbo…” Drista whispered, gently pulling the teen back. “Come on.”
“N-No…” He stuttered, his knees weak.
“Phil?” Eret nodded at Tubbo, his focus going back to Ranboo. “Less than a minute, Techno.”