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Michael had never been more scared in his life.
Sure, getting out of the Nether was a rather terrifying experience, but he knew the Nether and what it was like. It had been his home for a short time after all.
Several people crowded around him, some peeking in through holes in the roof, some running around, some just staring, it was all so overwhelming. Although one of them was violent. He kept throwing eggs at Michael, the hard shells breaking when they hit his body, hurting him.
Then when Michael tried to push the attacker out, the sharp thorns in his armor stabbed him, hurting him even more. He just wanted the torment to stop. The attacker argued with the people around him, and one thing Michael heard made him hide in his bed, covers pulled over himself tight.
“We should do a 1 v 1 v 1 v 1 in bedwars and whoever loses has to kill Michael.” They had all agreed on it while laughing, and that shook Michael to his core.
Eventually, the voices left and his house was deserted, stuff thrown around in random places. Michael shook under the covers, hoping they wouldn’t come back. He didn’t know how long he stayed there.
“Pssst” A voice whispered behind him.
Michael whimpered again, holding his knees tighter. He didn’t want to feel hurt anymore. He just wanted Bee and Boo.
“Michael! It’s okay, they’re gone. I want to help you.” The voice persisted.
Michael looked over the covers to take a small peek at the voice. A tall person wearing a shiny gold crown and sunglasses stood by the ladder, holding a potion. Michael recognized the color of the liquid inside as a weakness potion.
The person noticed where he was looking and slowly walked over to the small pigman. Michael shrank under the covers again, fearfully watching them as they moved.
But when they reached his bed, they simply leaned down on their knees and held out the potion to him. “Here. I brought it for you,”
Michael hesitantly took the bottle, careful not to look away from the person in case they pulled out a weapon. He pulled off the cap and drank, quickly draining the small bottle. He felt relief flow through his body, the potion taking effect immediately.
“Who- who are you?” Michael hesitantly asked. If this person gave him healing, maybe he could trust them.
“My name is Eret. I'm a friend of your dad’s, and also the king of the greater smp,” Eret introduced themself. “And you’re Michael! I’ve heard a lot about you. Now, would you like to come with me? I want to keep you safe from that group.”
“I- um… okay. Please don’t let them hurt me again!” Michael exclaimed, hoping he was safe with this stranger.
“Oh, of course not! They’ll be gone for a while. Why don’t you pack up some things and I’ll leave your fathers a note about this?” Eret held out a hand, which Michael took. They pulled him out of his bed, giving him a sweet smile. “Okay. I’ll be right back.”
Michael nodded and watched as the stranger went down the ladder, then heard the doors below him open up.
He looked around at his room, then set to packing. He pulled out some of his favorite books, some for reading and some for coloring. He then went to pick out some clothes, his winter jacket and hat, and boots. He looked around. What else might he need? His eyes landed on the picture of him and his dads that was right next to his bed, and he grabbed it.
A bag, he needed a bag. Oh! Bee kept a few bags downstairs. Michael climbed down and took of the bags hanging on the rack near the door, then went back up to pack his stuff. After stuffing everything inside, he pulled on his winter gear, knowing how cold it gets outside of his home.
“Michael?” He flinched at Eret’s call. “I’m ready when you are!”
Alright, it was fine. He could do this.
Could he?
He should ask where they’re going.
Michael grabbed his bag, descending the ladder, seeing Eret standing by the doors.
“Um, mister Eret, where are we going?” Michael asked.
“We’re going to my castle on the mainland. You’ll be safe there,” Eret explains, walking over to Michael. “Here, I’ll put your bag in the boat we’re using.”
He watched as they gently took his bag, gesturing for Michael to follow them. As they opened the doors, Michael braced for the bitter cold. He shivered as soon as they went outside, following Eret as they walked down the steps onto the snow. They turned toward the partially frozen ocean shore, a small boat waiting for them.
Eret stepped inside, putting Michael’s bag down in front of them. They helped Michael onto the boat, making sure he didn’t fall into the freezing water. As soon as he was comfortable in his seat, Eret took the oars and started pushing towards their castle. They made their way out of Snowchester, Michael staring at his home as it got smaller and smaller. As it disappeared from view, Michael hoped he wouldn’t have to stay away for long.
He shivered, the cold wind biting at him as the boat moved. Eret turned to look at him, then set the oars down. Michael watched as they fiddled with a clasp and then took their long, thick cape off.
“Here, use this. I promise it’ll be warmer by my castle.” Eret handed him the cape, Michael gratefully taking it and wrapping it around himself. It was surprisingly warm. He then noticed the gold clasp and started playing with it, Eret chuckling before picking up the oars again.
“You… live in a castle?” Michael curiously asked. “Like ones from stories?”
“Yes. A king has to have a proper castle! I’ll show you around, once I know for sure you’re safe there.” Eret said with pride.
“Whooooaaa…” Michael began to imagine a real life castle, wondering if this trip was so bad after all.
After a long boat ride, the two finally reached the mainland. Eret was right, it was a lot warmer here than Snowchester.
“Okay! Now we just have a bit of walking to do. Follow me, alright?” Eret climbed out of the boat onto the grass that awaited them, picking Michael’s bag up as well.
Michael nodded before stepping out, gathering all of Eret’s cape that seemed more like a blanket to him. He held it out to Eret for him to take back. They gratefully took it, clasping it around their neck again.
The two set off for the castle, Michael looking at the forest around them.
“So, where did your fathers go?” I haven’t seen them around lately,” Eret asked, continuing to walk.
“They said they were going on a trip with uncle Tommy and would be back by my birthday.” Michael said quietly.
“A trip huh? When’s your birthday?”
“It’s in a month, I think. December first!” Michael said. “They promised a big party and presents just for me!”
“Sounds very fun! I’ll make sure to get you something special.” Eret winked at him.
Michael smiled. They were being really nice to him.
After a few more minutes of walking, a huge structure began to come into view. Tall towers and all colors of the rainbow were strewn about, and Michael gasped at how big it was. Eret walked along the side toward the front of his castle, stepping onto the prime path with Michael right behind him.
“This is even more epic than I imagined! There’s so many colors everywhere! And the sky lights, wow!” Michael stood awestruck at the sight of Eret’s castle.
“Welcome to the pride palace! Come, I’ll show you the inside,” Eret laughed as Michael looked at every feature with adoration.
They walked up to the wide entrance. Eret walked inside, calling out, “I’m home!”.
Michael looked at him with curiosity. Did someone else live here? Suddenly he heard quiet sounds, and he looked to see where they were coming from.
Small animals, from many different directions, began running towards Eret. They looked to be around the size of his arm, running on all fours.
“Oh, sorry! Forgot to mention them, didn’t I? These are my ferrets. They’re like Ranboo’s particles or Tubbo’s bees,” Eret explained, kneeling down as the ferrets began to bombard him with hugs and lots of them were chittering at him. “Hi, yes, I’m sure you missed me. Yes, he’s right here! Oh, I’m very proud of you.”
They continued talking to the many animals, Michael looking on in confusion. He’d seen his dads talking to their “chat” as they called them, but he didn’t know they could be bigger than bees.
Michael noticed that some of the ferrets were by his feet, staring at him. He reached a hand down to one and cautiously stroked its fur, the animal making noises of delight. Many more came to Michael then, their beady eyes staring at him, waiting for pets as well. Michael giggled as he played with them, some running around and wiggling their bodies.
Eret laughed at the sight. “I knew they’d like you. Alright, calm down, I’m not leaving again. As long as Michael’s here, I will be too,” The ferrets seemed to celebrate over that. “Okay, ready for a tour?” Eret looked back at Michael.
Michael nodded enthusiastically, and Eret began to show him around their palace. The fountain, flamingos everywhere, rooms for the ferrets, rooms full of horses, just how much pride Eret and the ferrets had, and soon they reached a small room in one of the towers of the castle. It was simple, with a bed and desk beside it, as well as a closet and a few chests. Windows were also abundant with lots of light streaming in.
“And this is your room!” Eret held their arms out in grand presentation. “There's plenty of food and things in those chests, but of course you can always shout for me if you need anything.” They handed Michael his bag.
Michael walked around the room in awe, looking in the chest to see meats and ores galore. He pulled out a gold ingot and stared at it for a few seconds before putting it back. As he explored, ferrets followed on his heels, some settling on his bed as well.
“This is really all mine?!” Michael exclaimed, gazing at Eret for confirmation.
“Sure is. I'm glad this room is finally getting used.” They smiled.
That's it. Michael finally trusts Eret, and he runs up and gives them a big hug, even though he could only reach their stomach.
Eret steps back in surprise, before bending down and giving Michael a proper hug back. The ferrets cheer and join in, hugging the two’s feet.
------
It's been a few weeks since Michael moved in to Eret's castle, and it's been an absolute blast for him.
Eret showed him the museum, including the history his papa was involved in- who knew he ran a hot dog van with uncle Tommy??
They also showed him just how big the smp is compared to Snowchester, and much to Michael's disappointment, said they'd leave the smp tour to his dads.
Michael had also learned how to properly care for the ferrets, as well as some (albeit botched) baking.
Unfortunately, the weather had gotten a lot like Snowchester’s lately, meaning he couldn't go outside for too long. He had to explain to Eret why he couldn't, that he would freeze because of his stupid Nether-born body.
Eret seemed to be busy a lot after that. Working with liquids and stuff they said was dangerous. Luckily, Michael still had the ferrets to play with so no day was boring.
Time passed and his birthday got near. Before Michael realized it, it was November 30th. The day before, Eret had promised something special, so Michael was ecstatic.
Michael was in his room playing around with the ferrets when Eret walked in, holding a small present.
“Hey Michael, grab your winter gear and meet me at the doors.” Eret quickly said with a smile, then disappeared back into the hallway.
Michael and the ferrets exchanged a confused glance before he got up to do what Eret said. He pulled on his jacket and hat, boots and scarf.
After everything was on tight, Michael made his way down to the entrance with the ferrets on his tail.
Eret stood there with their winter gear on as well, still holding the present. When Michael stopped next to them, Eret turned to him.
“Michael, this is your birthday present from me. Since your dads might be back tomorrow, I figured I'd give it to you now!” They held it out to him, wrapped in colorful paper.
Michael took it, carefully ripping off the wrapping. It revealed a small bottle, full of an orange liquid. He looked at it curiously, shaking the bottle around, before looking up at Eret.
“It’s a surprise! Tested it on myself, so it’s safe.” They gave a reassuring smile.
Michael popped the lid off and drank a little bit. It had a spicy taste, slipping down his throat like it was liquid fire. Once five seconds had passed, he deemed it fully safe and downed the rest. He began to feel warmer, like he was sitting by a hot fire with Bee and Boo next to him. He felt like he was in the Nether again.
“So? How do you feel?” Eret asked, hoping it worked.
A smile spread across Michael’s face and he ran out the entrance into the thick snow. He hopped around, laughing, not feeling cold at all. The ferrets immediately took after him, jumping and rolling around in the snow. Eret smiled, then laughed, then took after Michael themself.
Michael felt on top of the world, picking up snow and throwing it in the air as he frollicked. He would occasionally pass by a ferret, pick it up, then throw it back into the snow, joyous noises coming from it afterwards. He felt invincible, he could do anything, the world should fear the mighty Michael, he-
He fell flat on his face after tripping over a ferret he hadn’t seen. Snow filled his vision and the ferret he fell over dug into his face, making sure he was okay. Hands then grappled at Michael’s chest and he squealed as Eret lifted him up, brushing snow off of him. The two laughed and Eret let Michael sit on their shoulders as they ran around. All of a sudden, he felt himself slipping, Eret purposefully falling back into the snow. Michael grappled at Eret’s hat and face, their sunglasses falling off as they both went tumbling down.
Laughter enveloped both of them. Michael got up to yell at Eret for doing that, like seriously, that was the best moment of his life and they just ruined it like that. As he stood over Eret with a smile on his face, he caught sight of their eyes.
“How did so much snow get in your eyes?!” Michael exclaimed, laughing. Eret’s expression turned to concern and upon taking a closer look, Michael realized there was no snow.
“Ah- I know this must be jarring to see-”
“Are your eyes glowing?!”
“Well, yes, they do that-”
“And they’re WHITE?!”
“Yes- sorry Michael, I don’t want to-”
“THAT IS SO COOL!!!”
“-what?” Eret looked at Michael with confusion. He hadn’t had many good reactions to his eyes in the past.
“That’s cool! Sometimes Boo’s eyes are glowy too, but they’re all purple- oh this is awesome! Uncle Eret, you have glowing eyes! Why do you always hide them?? I thought the glasses were weird, but this is awesome! You’re so cool…” Michael stopped when he saw the way Eret was looking at him, then realizing what he called them.
“Michael you are the coolest kid I have ever met,” Eret leaned in close to Michael’s ear, “Cooler than your fathers.”
Michael giggled at that, rolling around in the snow. Eret quickly rolled up a ball of snow and threw it into Michael’s chest, intensifying the laughter from him.
“Teach me how to do that!” He demanded, picking up a pile of snow.
Eret showed him, and it evolved into a laughter-filled snowball fight, some ferrets attacking their legs as well.
After the snowballs, Eret then showed him how to make snow angels, several of them appearing in the front yard of the castle, big and small (some ferret-sized ones as well).
As the sun dipped, Eret and Michael were lying in the snow, tired out from the day of winter fun.
“This has been the best birthday present ever. No no wait- the best birthday present in the history of birthday presents!” Michael declared, reaching his hands to the blue sky.
“That is a prestigious honor. I’ll make sure to teach your fathers how to make it.” Eret smiled, their glasses still off.
“Yessss! More snow days!” Michael yelled. He grabbed a small pile of snow and threw it on Eret’s face, snickering.
“Wh- hey!” Michael got up and took off running, Eret brushing the snow off and sprinted in pursuit.
Michael ran to the front left tower, bursting through the door and climbing up the ladder. Eret was on his tail, surprised at his speed. Michael tumbled through the top door and onto the bridge, stopping in his tracks.
He stared at the sunset, a beautiful view from the bridge. Eret stopped beside him, dropping the snow he had ready to smash in Michael’s face.
“Amazing, huh?” Eret commented. Michael hugged their legs, pushing his face into their stomach.
“Thanks uncle Eret. For everything.” Michael said, tears clouding his eyes. He couldn’t ask for a better uncle. (Besides Tommy, but this isn’t about him)
“Of course- Michael! Look!” Eret tapped his shoulder, Michael turning to see below the sunset two figures running on the prime path.
Michael gasped, running for the ladder in the tower next to them. Eret followed with a slower pace.
As soon as he hit the ground, Michael took off for his dads.
“Bee! Boo!!” He shouted, watching as the two ran faster towards him.
Tubbo and Ranboo dove into a group hug with their son, relief overcoming all of them.
“Oh- I have so much to tell you!” Michael exclaimed, bursting with excitement to tell them all about his month with Eret.
“Why are you outside?? Are you cold?”
“What the hell happened?” Both his dads bombarded him with questions.
“I think we can explain that together.” Eret walked up to the reunited group. “Come on, let’s go inside and talk, yeah?”
After all of them got settled in, Eret took the role of explaining why he saved Michael, while Michael described his month of fun.
“I’m going to nuke George’s house.” Tubbo growled.
“I’m glad you had so much fun, Michael!” Ranboo picked his son up, Michael wrapping his arms around his neck. “Thank you Eret. You’ll send us the recipe for the potion, right?”
“Yeah, consider it done!”
“Awesome, thanks. Ready to go Michael? Got all your stuff packed?”
“Mhm! And I’m staying here when you go on trips right? You have to let me stay here so I’m safe!” Michael demanded, a bright smile on his face.
His dads nodded, and set Michael down for a goodbye hug. Eret scooped him up as he ran towards them, hugging him tight.
“Thank you for saving me, uncle Eret.”