Chapter Text
“Hey Tommy?” A small voice whispered.
“Yeah, Clem?” He felt the smaller hybrid lean on his shoulder. Her small antlers dug into his shoulder.
“Is he going to be okay…?” She whispered again, flinching at the glass shattering from the other room.
“Tubbo’s gonna do just fine.” Tommy mumbled, listening for any footsteps. “Ranboo, hide them.” He hissed, two pairs of loud footsteps approached their hiding spot.
“Clem, watch Michael. Stay hidden and quiet.” The other hybrid opened a small hatch in the wall, designed for small children.
“Boo.” Micheal whined, his small fist close round Ranboo’s arm. They smiled, gently pulling his arm off, before closing the hatch behind them.
“Hiding is for cowards, Thomas.” A voice snarled, whipping the closet doors open. A tall high Fae stood in front of him, a scowl on their face. “Get out, or I’ll have Father pull you out.”
Tommy and Ranboo scrambled to stand up, knocking into each other while doing so. Heads bowed as the two high Fae stared at them. Compared to Tommy’s and Ranboo’s clothes, what they wore were finery. The employed were forced to wear cheap, plain colored shirts and pants. If they were lucky, the little ones would get a jacket or a hat. The High Fae always wore what was the latest fashion. The ruffled sleeves and cuffed pants were stupid, Tommy exclaimed one day, causing Tubbo to double over in laughter and Ranboo covering his mouth.
“Thomas.” A hand smacked his cheek, Tommy stumbled. “Did you hear me?”
“Pardon? I can’t tell who’s talking. Remind me who’s talking?” He stared blankly at them, Ranboo looking at him with wide eyes.
“You son of a-” The taller growled, taking a step closer to Tommy.
“Lucid.” Another voice snapped. “Don’t you dare.” Another High Fae came around the round, Tubbo in their arms. The hybrid has seen better days. Blood dripped from a hidden wound on his forehead. Bruises scattered all over his arms and legs, his neck hastily bandaged.
“Onyx… Going soft already?” The other smirked, pulling at Ranboo’s hair. “Why bother? Leave the dirty work for us.”
“Moon.” She threatened, their eyes glowing a dim gold.
“FATHER!” Lucid shouted, kicking Tommy down, and pressing their foot into his back. Ranboo let loose a croak, their flight instincts kicking in.
“What did I say about animals?” Moon snapped, pulling harder. Ranboo whined, shutting his eyes.
“Onyx, I’ve told you already. You should be studying in your room.” Their father appeared, a frown on his face as he looked at Tommy and Ranboo. “Have my shoes shined by midday.” He glanced at Onyx before closing the door to his office.
“You heard him. Go study.” Lucid grinned, their eyes sparkling as Onyx frowned and put Tubbo on the ground, careful with his head.
“Now, shall we get started?” The twins looked back at Ranboo and Tommy. Ranboo blanched, watching Lucid punch Tommy in the face.
“Why do you do this to yourself?” Clementine grumbled, poking at Tommy’s black eye.
“Hey. OW! Don’t poke me, man!” Tommy winced, pulling the bandage tighter to stop the bleeding.
“I can poke you all I want. I’ve already shined Lord’s shoes.” Clementine said more softly, hearing the door to their room open.
“Father wants someone to go to town.” Onyx poked her head in, a folded piece of paper in their hand as Clementine walked up to her.
“What’s on the list- oh…” She mumbled off, her eyes scanning the list. “Tommy? Or Ranboo? This is for you.” Clementine handed the list to one of the older boys.
“Tubbo, no. You're clearly injured, you idiot.” Ranboo held the paper out of reach.
“Piss off.” Tubbo snapped, leaning back onto the bed.
“Tommy, you stay here with Michael and Tubbo.” Ranboo sighed.
“Why me?!” He complained.
“Cause you can take care of yourself, Michael and Tubbo at the same time.” Ranboo looked back.
“Are you sure you want to take Clem with you?” Onyx whispered, hanging a small drawstring bag to Ranboo.
“I’m sure. Come on Clem.” They nodded, waiting outside the door.
“Michael, take care. I’ll be back.” Clementine murmured, squeezing the little’s hand. “You do your best and watch them for me. I’m counting on you, Onyx.”
“I’ll do what I can.” The Fae nodded, following them out the front door. “Remember, stay away from the woods.”
“Stay away from all Fae…” Ranboo muttered, exiting the property through gates. “If we hurry, we can be back in two days.”
“If we cut through the woods, then we can get there faster.” Clem suggested, pointing at the dense trees and prickly bushes.
“That- That’s going to be our last option. Plan the escape route for later.” Ranboo gave her another piece of paper, this one covered in Tubbo's handwriting. Very few hybrids could write, and Tubbo was one of the lucky ones that could. The crew had made up their minds that in a few weeks time, that they would try to run away. Clementine had found a small cave, well hidden in the woods, where they could hide. They hadn’t planned anything further, but it was a good start.
“Can we please stay in a pub for the night. I don’t want to break into another barn and sleep with the cows.” Clementine whined, tugging at Ranboo’s shirt. She had managed to pickpocket a dollar coin from a lesser High Fae. The coin could have bought them new clothes, even a few apples.
“If you can find a place that takes hybrids.” Ranboo mumbled, keeping their wings as close to their body as possible. A group of High Faes were already giving them looks. Last time Ranboo had entered a town, the Fae had thrown stones at them, their arms and legs were sore for days. They came home late, and were beaten up by the twins again.
“How about that one?” Clementine pointed at a sign that said ‘Immortal’s Cabin’.
“That looks sketchy…” Ranboo sighed, following Clementine into the pub.
“Never. Never. Never do that again. Remember that. Jeez-” Ranboo huffed, leaning on a tree near the edge of the woods. From entering the pub, a group of High Fae started to beat them. Screaming at them to get out of their pub. Luckily, Clementine had a tight grip on the basket of goods that were needed to bring home.
“Yeah, but wasn’t that fun?” She laughed, a wide grin on her face.
“OVER THERE!” Angry shouting, followed by heavy footsteps were coming around the corner.
“Clem. Not the time.” Ranboo snapped, grabbing her hand and running. “They're not going to stop, are they?”
“Go into the woods. High fae would never take a step into the woods. It supposedly kills their ‘soul’.” Clementine turned around, a flame lighting up the path behind them. “We were supposed to be home by morning right?”
“We can’t get home, if we don’t get away first.” Ranboo pulled her into the woods.
“You think running into the woods would stop us?” One of the High Fae mocked, grabbing a crossbow slung across his shoulder. “Such eyesores.” He tsked, releasing the trigger.
“Clem!” Ranboo shouted, pushing the deer hybrid out of the way. The bolt of the arrow lodged itself into their wing. Clementine scrambled to her feet and dashed to Ranboo’s side. The bolt was in deep at an angle, there was no way she could get it out without injuring Ranboo further.
“R-Ranboo…?” She stuttered, grabbing their unbloodied hand in hers. The black and white hybrid looked at her, eyes glassy and chirped weakly.
“Where's the damn bird? Someone get the deer.” The High Fae mumbled, pulling the string taut. Ranboo squawked, their wing being pulled from under them.
“Clem… run…” They whispered, their wings snagging onto stray branches and leaves.
“No. I won’t leave you. HEY!” Clementine punched the High Fae holding onto her antler.
“Hybrids. They’re lack of manners makes me sick.” A female High Fae sneered, walking closer to touch Ranboo’s feathers.
“Don’t touch THEM!” Clementine cried, watching Ranboo shudder as the High Fae ran her hand over the feathers, gently tugging at one.
“And what are you going to do about it, crossbreed?” The one holding her mumbled, blowing into her ear. “WHO DID THAT?!” He hissed, letting Clementine go to grasp the small decorative dagger in his calf.
A low growl came out of the bushes. “No one goes in the woods without Her blessing.” A deep voice said flatly.
“We were just leaving.” The female laughed nervously, picking Ranboo up by the arms.
“No one takes what belongs to Nature.” Another voice spoke, softer but as threatening as the first one. Two figures approached them, both towering over the High Faes by at least half a foot.
“Wild Fae…” Clementine gasped, her eyes going wide. Wild Fae were deemed dangerous and unstable. They had no manners and were uncivilized. Young Fae were told to stay away from the woods, the fear of being taken by them. Parents told their young that if they ever took a step into the woods, they would never come back out the same.
The burlier Wild Fae looked at her, it’s red eyes cold as ice. His boar ears twitched, it’s tusks in his mouth curled upward.
“I thought High Fae were too cultured for the woods.” The other Wild Fae tilted his head at the High Fae, his eyes a frozen blue. Both had chains of gold hanging from their ears, reflecting off of the torch one of the High Fae still held. The boar had a small chunk of an emerald dangling from its ear, while the other had a deep blue stud.
“Like I said, we were just about to leave.” The female High Fae snapped, motioning for another to help her pick Ranboo up. Clementine knew she was being careless, the way she let their wings dangle and drag on the stones. Ranboo let out an injured wail, catching the attention of both Wild Faes. A rather large crow flew in, landing on a nearby branch, it’s beady eyes a rich, forest green. Silently, the Wild Fae Boar pulled out a rather identical crossbow, inserting an arrow.
“Shoot me. I dare you .” The female sneered, dropping Ranboo onto the stone path, ignoring his trills. Clementine suppressed the urge to dash over and comfort the older hybrid. Out of habit, she knew those trills, it was Ranboo’s way of calling for her. They had assigned everyone back at home a call, different from each other. Still, Clementine whistled back softly, trying to comfort them from a distance. She yelped, feeling a sharp throb at her neck.
“Crossbreed-” The High Fae choked, the dagger in his hand scratching her neck as he collapsed. The tail of an arrow was sticking out of his neck, aimed to kill. The Wild Fae with blue eyes had appeared next to her, fingering at the scratch, muttering to himself.
“Are you alright?” He asked, scanning her face for more injuries. Clementine blinked, his voice made her feel calmer. Shaking her head, Clementine quickly got up, pressing herself close to a tree. Rumors said that the Wild Fae could charm people into their doing. She glanced at Ranboo, who was still calling for her. Bodies of the High Fae littered around the hybrid, their flight response spiking as the red-eyed Wild Fae approached them.
Clementine narrowed her eyes, her ears flat against her hair, as she pushed the Wild Fae out the way. “Don’t touch them.” She hissed, showing off her canines. The Wild Fae stumbled, surprised. When she was born, Clementine had been announced a Fallow Deer hybrid with flight instincts. Months later, she was taken in the house she now called home. She watched Tubbo, Tommy, and Ranboo get beaten, for weeks at a time. It was clear that none of them had fight responses. So, she did all of them a favor and trained herself to be a fighter. The only time she showed her teeth was when the Lord threw a glass at Michael. Sharpening her canines into points was a silent victory she gave herself. She always grinned when the twins avoided her, bite marks on their ankles for breaking Tubbo’s wrist.
Ranboo croaked, their eyes opening slightly as she picked him up. Taking great care of their wings, Clem’s ears perked as she picked up a conversation. A new voice had joined them.
“...What do we do about them…?” The deep voice mumbled.
“They're clearly injured…” A soft voice murmured. Clementine could feel their eyes burning into her back. She bit back a retort, something she learned from Tommy. A quick mouth and a sharp tongue had gotten the older human out of many situations like this one. A comforting croak called out, Clementine’s shoulders slumped at the sound. Ranboo chripped back, their head buried in Clementine’s chest. She let out her own whistle, similar to Ranboo’s. A gentle hand ran through her hair, rubbing at a soft spot behind her ear. She leaned into the touch, slowly drifting into sleep.
“A Fallow Deer hybrid with a fight instinct that can call?” Techno muttered, helping Phil lift the Sooty Tern hybrid off the ground and onto a soft patch of grass.
“Says the Wild Fae Boar hybrid that can mimic any call.” Wilbur rolled his eyes, the Fallow sleeping in his arms. Techno frowned, but didn’t bite back at his twin.
“You know what I mean… It’s not right…” He said softly, hands gentle with the bolt in the hybrid’s wing. There was already dried blood crusted around the wound. The Tern warbled in pain every few minutes, Phil responding with his own soft whistles, stroking their hair with light hands. Phil’s own midnight black wings tucked behind him shone in the moonlight, while the Tern’s laid on the ground dully.
“No hybrid should be treated like this…” Phil murmured, knowing well why hybrids were treated like this. He too, was once treated like dirt. Locked in a gold cage, only to be a display for the rich.
“Two Wild Fae and a Crow can’t change the world…” Wilbur sighed, his lanky fingers tracing the faint scab of the scratch on the Fallow’s neck. The hybrid’s breath hitched, causing Wilbur to freeze. Mumbling, the Fallow nudged her way into the crook on Wilbur’s arm. He relaxed, covering her with a blanket. “Did you find the basket?” Wilbur looked up to find the basket in Phil’s hands.
“The Tern hid it in a ditch before they were shot. Smart kid.” The Crow nodded.
“They reek of those rich High Faes…” Techno hissed, carrying the Tern in his hands, Phil behind him with the basket.
“Stop complaining and just find where they came from.” Wilbur sighed, following his twin.
“What. The. Actual.-” Tommy yelled, nearly falling out of his bed. “WHEN THE FUCK DID YOU GET HOME?!”
“Tommy, shut up would you?” Tubbo grumbled, covering his ears with his hands.
“NO! TUBBO- THEY- RANBOO AND CLEMENTINE ARE BACK-” Tommy pulled the older boy out of bed.
“AHHHH- WHAT THE-” Tubbo screamed, seeing Ranboo give him a small wave.
“Boo?” Michael poked his head from behind Tommy and Tubbo.
“Michael!” They expressed, arms open as the younger child ran up to them.
“Where’s Clem?” He looked at Ranboo, their lip quivering.
“Ow… Right here…” Clementine raised her arm. She had woken up on the floor, unsure how she got there in the first place. “Ranboo…”
“Yeah?” They frowned, looking at their bandaged wing.
“How did we get home?” Clementine muttered, her own memory hazy.
“When did we get home…?” Ranboo blinked. There definitely was a gap between last night and this morning, the memory was simply not there anymore.
*CRASH*
“What the-” Tubbo turned towards the door, gently opening it to take a peek. “FUCK- HID THEM-” He ran back, flinching when the door burst open.
The twins walked in, both grinning from ear to ear. Each had a weapon in hand. Lucid with a whip, and Moon with a dagger.
“Look who’s back early.” Moon toyed, shoving Tubbo to the ground. “Someone’s injured as well, shame.” He looked at Ranboo. Clementine hissed, doging Lucid’s whip. Ranboo just hugged Michael tighter, hiding the child behind their wings. Tommy saw Onyx poke her head into the room, her eyes going wide before they left.
“We’re leaving… Now, get your things. The plan’s not completely done, but I’ve had enough of it here. We’re leaving.” Tubbo snapped, helping Tommy up. He didn’t even go to begin counting the injuries the crew had. What the twins did wasn’t the easiest day they’ve had. Clementine had hidden medical supplies in the cave weeks ago, they should be able to heal and hide for a while. Ranboo nodded, quickly tying a cloth to cover Michael’s bleeding eye. Clementine wordlessly followed the boys, one of her ears bloody. Lucid had tried tagging her and managed to get it on with some difficulty.
“We’re going to have to run to the woods. There’s a chance they might follow us.” Tubbo muttered, quietly opening the gate for the group to pass. He locked it with the key in his pocket with a click. As soon as the key dropped onto the ground, the crew was gone. A mere shadow against the many other shadows. Ranboo sighed as they entered the trees, the moonlight shining through the leaves.
“We all know where the cave is. Take different routes there. We don’t want to get caught.” Tubbo whispered, nodding at each hybrid. Ranboo took off, taking the left. Clementine only starred, her eyes blank and empty as she went right. Tommy glanced at Tubbo, a worried look on his face. He was thinking the same thing Tubbo was. Clementine wasn’t safe alone right now, it’s better if they stuck together.
“Clem, stay close.” Tommy grabbed her hand, gently guiding her.
“You felt that, right?” Wilbur looked up from his book.
“What? You mean-” Techno looked up from making his arrows. “It’s the same…”
“Like two nights ago…” Wilbur muttered, getting up from the sofa and grabbing his cloak from the closet. He threw Techno’s as well, tying it as he ran out the door.
“It feels the same, but there’s more.” Techno mumbled, following his twin, it’s long, pink, braid whipping in the air.
“Call Phil.” Wilbur hissed, picking up speed as he scented the Tern and the Fallow once more. “Wait.” He held up hand, sniffing the air. Techno nodded, chirping for Phil. A distance chirp responded.
“Three more. Human Bighorn. A younger Human… All injured in some way…” Wilbur growled, just over the span of a few hours, the Wild Fae had grown attached to the hybrids. Swearing that any harm to them would lead to a town burning down.
“Calm down. The blood could be old.” Techno gripped his shoulder, his own mouth in a frown.
“I just hope you're right…” Wilbur sighed, following the scent trail once more.
Phil flew just above the trees, eyes scanning for the small cave. A flash of pink appeared in the corner of his eye. Diving down, he entered the clearing. Techno was sitting on the ground, eyes closed. Wilbur was nowhere to be seen.
“He’s in there.” Techno muttered, opening its eyes to see Phil. The Crow nodded, entering the cave. The Wild Fae was crouched over something.
“Phil.” Wilbur looked up, his eyes dull. A bird’s feather sat in his hand, a familiar black and white.
“Where…” Phil hissed, scanning the cave. There were supplies littered all over the floor. The blood splattered on the walls showed the hybrids didn’t leave without a fight. An alarmed squawk caught Phil’s attention, his head whipped to the cave’s mouth. Techno was holding down a High Fae, her golden eyes wide in shock.
“Techno!” Phil sighed, watching the WIld Fae grunt and walk back to his spot on the ground.
“Your- You brought them home, didn’t you?” The High Fae looked up, their white wings tucked behind them.
“Aye, I did.” Phil responded.
“I- I need your help…” She mumbled, a series of worried chirps escaped their mouth. They clapped a hand over her mouth.
“It depends. Why would we help a High Fae?” Techno snapped, causing her to flinch.
“I’m not that anymore…” They snapped back. The fear in their eyes was all too familiar. A High Fae banished cause they were a hybrid. The way their wings angled, prepared to flee if presented with danger. Phil held up a hand to stop Techno from responding.
“What’s your name, mate?” He looked at the Fae.
“Onyx, sir.” She nodded, giving Techno looks.
“Why do you need our help, Onyx?” Phil asked, showing his wings to the hybrid. If he relaxed and showed that Techno wouldn't do any harm, Onyx wouldn’t fly away as fast.
“Where did you get that feather?” She hissed, looking behind Phil. Wilbur walked out the cave with the feather still in hand.
“Isn't it warm here for a Snowy Owl?” He glanced at the hybrid, lingering on their white wings. Onyx ignored the question and turned back to Phil.
“They’re in danger. My par- The High Fae…” She whispered, eyes on the ground. “All of them…”
Wilbur stiffened. “The Fallow?”
Onyx shook her head, they didn’t know what happened to the hybrids. All she knew was they were dragged off into the basement where-
“Display…” She breathed, fear settling in.
Techno’s eyes narrowed, he looked at Phil, who was still as ever.
“We’ll help, are there any rules you like to settle?” Phil grinned, a shifty look in his eyes.
Onyx looked up, surprised. “Rules?”
“You want to be quick, slow, painful?” Phil cocked his head.
“Dead. I want all of them dead. Burn the house once we're done.” She blurted.
“Your brothers?” Techno muttered, pulling things out his pockets.
“Tear them apart. I want their blood on the walls.” Onyx growled, wings flaring.
“Deal.” Techno grinned.
“I hate these clothes…” Wilbur grumbled, pulling at the tie.
Oi, careful. These are the only ones I have that fit you. Phil snipped at his ear. The Crow was perched on his shoulder, playing the role a hybrid could. With just a bit of help, Techno’s ears and tusks were no longer there. Wilbur’s horns and ears weren’t visible either. He could feel a phantom form of them, but they won’t appear until he walks back into the woods. The Tern’s feather was tucked behind his ear, more as a reminder for him rather than show.
Welcome to my “home”. Onyx chripped, clearly being sarcastic. Minutes before, Phil was giving them a mini lesson on how to turn into their animal form. Now, they sat comfortably on Techno’s shoulder. The Wild Fae didn’t notice her talons digging into his suit.
Remember what we’re here for. Phil sighed, shaking his little head.
“A blood bath.” Techno smirked, a hand on his hidden sword. “Gates?”
Was to keep them in. Clearly not. Onyx rolled their eyes, wincing at the scent. Does High Fae smell like this?
“What do we smell like to you?” Techno mumbled, knocking on the door. Wilbur standing right behind it, scolding Phil for something.
Before, like rotten food. Now, somewhere between rain and fresh grass. Onyx froze at the sound of the door opening.
“Ah, you must be here for the tour.” The High Fae grinned, letting Techno and Wilbur into his home. Little did he know, he just invited two of the most dangerous things he’ll ever encounter.
“I hope you got the memo. We’re interested in buying as well.” Techno said, his face unfeeling as it watched the High Fae’s smile grow wider.
“Of course.” He led them to a rich dark oak door with a gold handle. “After you.”
It was disgusting, but beautiful. The room was all made of red wood, it’s color too bright for Techno’s liking. Wilbur’s steps went stiff as his eyes landed on one on the far walls. An assortment of wings and horns were shown proudly off the wall. From the bright blues and greens of tropical parrots to the antlers of the Great Moose up North. The leathers of the plush, rich armchairs reeked of the fear of cattle.
“This is…” Wilbur choked, the soles of his shoes standing the skin of a Brown Bear.
“Stunning? Magnificent?” The High Fae laughed, taking the head chair. “It’s a lot to take in, I know. My family has been hunting hybrids for years. This is a quarter of what the collection is.” His eyes scanned Techno and WIlbur looking for anything that was out of place. His eyes sparkled when they landed on Phil and Onyx. “You have pets of your own, I see.”
Phil shrieked, flapping his wings furiously. How dare he.
“You could say that.” Techno shrugged, walking around the room. There was another door, with a lock on it. Next to it, a covered cage.
There’s something in there… Another bird… Onyx whistled, nibbling on the cloth covering it.
“Ah, you can pull that off. It’s one of my favorites. I’ll go and get the others.” The High Fae got up and entered the locked door, closing it behind him.
“Phil?” Wilbur muttered, walking towards the cage as Techno pulled the cover off. Onyx croaked, flying into the cage, nudging the black and white hybrid. Phil landed next to them, quietly chirping.
“The Tern…” Techno hissed, eyeing the lock on the golden cage. The hybrid didn’t even move when Onyx called out, only letting out a soft trill.
“The Fallow…” Wilbur growled softly, watching the High Fae lead a deer into the room. Two other High Faes were struggling with a Bighorn. Two humans shuffled into a corner, the blonde holding the smaller.
“You know your animals.” The High Fae looked surprised. The Fallow blinked, not recognizing Wilbur in High Fae clothes. He clicked his tongue, calling Phil back onto his shoulder.
“May I?” He held out his hand for the lead. The High Fae didn’t even think twice before handing him the lead. The Fallow numbly followed, barely flinching as Wilbur rubbed behind her ear.
“It’s me…” He murmured, watching something return to the Fallow’s eyes.
“How much for all of them?” Techno asked, leaving Onyx with the Tern.
“All of them?” The High Fae raised an eyebrow.
“Plus the two Humans.” Techno nodded at the duo huddled in the corner. The blonde scowled at him, holding the smaller closer.
“You want them?” The High Fae looked at the two with disgust.
“I’m not giving you an option.” Techno sighed, pulling out his sword.
“Paint the walls red.” Onyx laughed, appearching at his side. They smirked, as the High Faes took a step back.
“Crossbreed.” Lucid spat.
Wilbur whipped his head upwards, at the sound of the cursed word. “Onyx?”
She laughed, watching their twin brothers flinch. “By my guest, I have no brothers.”
“Hey mate… Can you talk?” Phil whispered, unlocking the chain collar around the Tern. They trilled weakly, wings slumped against the bottom of the cage. Then Phil saw it, the too straight line of cut feathers. The High Fae had clipped the kid’s wings.
“Techno.” He called out, the screams of the High Fae falling on deaf ears.
“Yeah?” The Wild Fae looked up, blood splattered on its face.
“Don’t hold back.” Phil snapped, his anger boiling inside him.
“I can do that.” Techno grinned, his red eyes glowing. Onyx silently kneeled at Phil’s side helping the Crow lift the Tern.
“Came back…?” The Tern croaked, looking with Onyx with dazed eyes.
“I wasn’t just going to leave you here.” She shook her head. “You're more family to me than they are.” A limb whacked Phil in the face. A hand with a few missing fingers.
“That’s new…” The Tern muttered, eyeing the limbs and the blood dripping from the walls.
“I think they asked for it.” Onyx shrugged. “Where’s Tubbo?”
“Right here.” A young boy stood to the side, just barely eighteen. Blocking the two humans from Phil’s view. He frowned, fingered the tag hanging from his ear.
“Boo!” The smaller human ran up to the Tern. A small, white, eye patch covered their right eye. A thin scar peeked just above the patch.
“Michael…” The Tern winced, catching the human in a hug. “You're not hurt right?”
“No, Tommy took good care of me!” The human said cheerfully, “What about your wings?”
The Tern’s eyes glazed over for a second. “I’ll manage.” They gave the child a small smile.
“You guys really just went straight for the arson.” Tubbo whistled, watching the house go up in flames.
“I asked them too.” Onyx shrugged, making eye contact with Techno. The Wild Fae nodded, not bothering with cleaning its blood stained clothes.
“Can we go back now? I want to change out these clothes. They still reek of High Fae.” Wilbur whined. Back in animal form, Phil sighed, sitting on Wilbur’s head.
“Wait, the woods?” Tommy looked at the Wild Fae. “But we’re human…” He pointed at Michael and himself. Wilbur glanced at Techno, who rolled its eyes.
“I’m pretty sure after all you’ve been through, she’ll make an exception.” He shrugged, pulling Tommy by the arm.
“Come on, Michael.” Ranboo held out a hand for the boy, squeezing his hand with theirs. They walked across the stone path. The trees at night seemed larger and scarier. Even if they knew the Woods would do them no harm, nor to their family.
Wilbur stepped across with Phil on his shoulder. Phil hopped off, as Wilbur’s sheep ears and horns returned. His fancy suit was replaced with his regular mustard, yellow sweater and ripped black jeans. Techno did the same, his own ears and tusks returning to their normal place.
Tommy just stared at the WIld Fae, before giving Tubbo a look. Ranboo squeezed Michael’s hand, and took a deep breath, crossing over. Nothing happened, but they could see the subtle differences. Their eyesight had become sharper, the scents of their family more noticeable. Michael huffed, almost throwing themselves across the path. Clementine rolled her eyes, grabbing Tubbo by the collar. Tommy reluctantly followed, seconds after.
Welcome home.