Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Today was like any other day Phil has once a week. A day to hear the words of his people as they pile in, in a line before his throne. As their ruler, he has an obligation to them and the politics that follow. However once a week, he'll place those papers and meetings aside to meet with his people and hear them.

He's their King, the king of the Antarctic Empire and listens to their transgressions.

It helps honestly, in keeping the land healthy and his people happy. Any concerns or grievances they have, they come to him on those once a week occasions to talk.

He gets all sorts of things from people.

Farmers complaining or wanting something to expand their crops. Concerns about the amount made or any issues they have the king orders to be fixed.

Shop owners speaking of business and expansion.

Traders talking of trade and costs.

Even women who've given birth want to introduce their child to the king and princes. He finds those the most sweet.

Even simple things like the old lady who owns a soup shop coming by to tell Phil about her day. He's always happy to see her face, she's a sweet thing and always has a smile on her face. Her soups are delicious and sometimes bring some for him and his boys.

Little kids come by to say hello and talk about their day. To see the prince's and the king while they stare in awe. It always makes Phil smile.

It's not always great, sometimes there are feuds between people and fights break out which have to be stopped by guards but those are few and far between.

Phil loved his people and they would say they love him. He's tried his best being a good king.

However, recently he fears war will be upon them. Another kingdom challenging him and his rule. He's tried to make peace but they won't relent.

He truly fears for his country's future if a day comes of war.

But today, even with the background of fears and the monotony of repetition, something new appears.

A couple, a lady with light blonde hair and green eyes and a man with black hair and blue eyes walks in. The lady wears a cotton white dress, simple but elegant. The man wears a brown tunic and black pants.

They both look normal, just a couple.

Phil is a little confused though, not many like these two come in unless it is for something serious or for them to introduce their newborn child.

However, Phil sees no baby in their hands although they do look a little troubled.

Phil also swears they look familiar. The glint in their bright green and blue eyes is something he seems to recall seeing before.

"Your majesty". They both simultaneously say, bowing before his presence before rising once more.

He bows his head in greeting and respect, giving them room to continue.

"Hello and welcome, how may I help you both?". He greets kindly, a small smile on his face, gentle and welcoming.

The two look between each other, communicating between their eyes. They seem nervous.

"Your majesty, you may not remember us but we have been in your presence before, about 11 years ago. We have a son we brought before you as a newborn but we… something has happened you will want to know".

Ah, so that's how he knew them. He remembers. Two newly wed couples walking in with huge smiles. The woman had a small babe in her arms.

He was tiny and had bright blonde hair like his mother and bright blue eyes like his father. Later on, his sons had joked that the child looked like him. Phil had only chuckled and left it at that.

"Yes I remember that day, is something wrong? Is your child okay?". He asks, concerned. He hoped nothing bad had happened, the boy would be 11 this year, still too young for something to happen.

"No, well nothing bad per say. We… something did happen that we need your help on".

Phil nods, if it's parental advice, he can give. Although it is a bit odd when there's probably heaps of old parents like himself who can give advice. He's not going to complain though, he's happy to give anything if it's for his people.

The couple look between each other again, nerves singing true in their eyes.

They both look behind them, the women smiling at whatever was behind them.

"It's alright Tommy, no need to be nervous. He will help, I know he will".

Both parents nod at each other and move aside and behind the couple is the child Phil had met 11 years ago, even held.

He's bigger now, obviously. Blooming at eleven with big blue eyes and curly blonde hair.

But that's not what takes Phil's attention the most.

What takes it is what's on his back.

Upon his back are two small white wings, fluffed in downy feathers that make him look like a baby chick.

Phil holds back a chirp of surprise.

Oh yeah, did I mention the king also has wings?

Great black and large wings upon his back that had become the symbol to their ever growing kingdom. Lined with silver feathers at the ends, Phil's wings are his pride and joy.

But unfortunately, Phil has never met anyone else with wings like himself. He was born an Avian and grew them at age 10. It was an odd adjustment period, especially so young but he grew to love them and to use them.

So it was quite a shock to see them on someone else. Wings upon the back of a child he had met and even held at one point 11 years ago.

Beside him, his two sons eye each other and their father in equal shock.

"This is our son, Tommy Simons Innit. He's 11 now and… well, he got these wings around 3 weeks ago".

Phil was halfly listening to their explanation of this turn of events. Phil's entire attention was just on the boy. So many emotions were coming forth now. He felt like crying, he could be crying, who knows.

It's just… he's never met another avian and it does something to someone who's been looking and could never find one of his own kind.

Now one stands before him, an eleven year old who had recently grown in such wings only 3 weeks ago.

"Dad?". He hears his son- Wilbur - say as he slowly stands. He takes slow steps down and everyone ends up going quiet. The guards, the parents, his sons, even the people waiting in line behind them.

Everyone is just silent as the king approaches the child.

When he's at the bottom of the stairs, just before the boy and his parents, he kneels before him.

A smile graces his face as he looks into those bright blue eyes that glint the same as his parents. Truly their child.

"Hello young one". He greets, watching as the boy fidgets where he stands.

"H-hello your majesty". He greets back nervously, making Phil smile more. This boy is precious. His instincts are going crazy over how small and young he is.

He's a fledgling in the Avians' eyes, just a baby bird.

"You doing alright? Are your wings causing any trouble for you?". He knows from experience how troubling taking care of wings is. Especially when you have no knowledge on how to take care of such appendages.

But Phil had learned through studying and experimenting and soon it's become second nature and well known knowledge in his mind.

The boy nods, his eyes flickering around the room then meeting him before looking away again.

He's incredibly nervous, Phil can tell.

So Phil does the next best thing.

He chirps.

The sound shocks the boy, even the parents are a bit taken aback.

The boy however, doesn't hesitate to chirp back. Phil chirps to him and he chirps back. Becoming more excited and confident after each sound.

"He makes those a lot. Is it normal?". The boy's mother asks, looking both proud and nervous for her son.

"Yes, it's completely normal and very encouraging. Different sounds have different meanings but chirping isn't only just for communication. It's also for bonding and good for his growth. You don't have to chirp back at him but acknowledging them when he does them helps".

Both parents nod, listening intently.

"We are sorry to bother you, your majesty, we know you are busy but we have no clue about anything about Avians and since you are the only one available, we came to you for advice". The father says after.

Phil completely understands. He's very happy they came to him. And not only just to ask for advice. It makes Phil truly happy seeing someone with wings such as himself.

Something he's longed for, for a very long time. He hopes after all of this, he'll see more of this boy in the future.

"It's alright, I'm actually very happy you both came to me. I'll help you with anything I can. Today has made me very happy". He says earnestly, giving a smile to the two parents who had birthed something incredibly important in Phils kingdom.

The parents smile back at him, his sons behind him eyeing each other knowingly.

"Alright, how about we talk about this a little more? There's a lot to go through that you'll both need to know". He says, turning to his guards, he orders them to escort the other guests out.

This has been the earliest he's ever stopped a session with his people. The only other time was when his boys were being born.

The guards nod and escort the others out. The room emptying as Phil ushers the couple and their son into another room.

The room is a comfortable lounge room Phil uses for guests predominantly, nice comfortable couches with a light blue and silver colouring.

Sat parallel to a fireplace that is burning even now. It isn't quite cold at the moment. It's spring time so the climate is predominantly warm. Still, it is called the Antarctic Empire for a reason. The cold still does exist all year around.

"So, what is it you both want to know?".

And this leads to a long conversation between parents.

Questions of sounds and care. Diet and health. Growth and education.

"Avians are more herbivore based then they are carnivores. Though he can eat meat, he most likely won't eat it as much as vegetables".

"Avians are incredibly social based hybrids, especially so young, he'll be more clingy to you, even in adulthood. It's instinctual to have your flock close. Flock is another word for family, just so you know".

"He will build nests, it's best to find a bed large enough to accommodate, if not then making nests in the ground is the other option. He'll also make a habit of stealing your clothes to place inside his nest as he grows. It's familiar, if you aren't around and he needs you, he'll at least have a nest that smells of you to keep him calm until you return".

And so much more. Phil's excitement levels have reached a high so it takes 2 hours of explaining so much that he finally reaches something his bored sons and Tommy can follow.

"Oh yes, and we can't forget about wing care". He says as he perks up, his own wings fluffing up at the thought of wing care and preening. Both parents not even looking bored at all from the long explanations and stories Phil had told.

Actually, both had been completely enamored by the information. Intrigued beyond belief for the benefit of their son.

"So, the trick to wing care is mostly maintaining and preening. Preening is basically brushing the wings. It helps keep them clean and tidy, healthy and is also good for bonding".

Tommy's mother hums and nods as she looks to her son. "He has complained about his wings itching. We hadn't done much to touch them, we were afraid we'd hurt him by doing so".

Phil nods. "And that's fine, it's completely normal to think that. My parents had the same thought for a while. Only when I told them birds clean their feathers to maintain them did we try it out". Phil chuckles, the parents chuckling with them.

Tommy hadn't been paying much attention. Only briefly swaying his feet, looking ready to drop into slumber by boredom.

"Alright, I guess the best way to explain is to show you".

Phil shuffles forward, leaning down as he reaches about Tommy's height of where he is sitting on the couch.

"Hey Tommy?". He murmurs, catching the boy's attention as he snaps his head up to reach the man's eyes.

"Hey Tommy, is it alright if we take a look at your wings? I'm just gonna teach your parents how to clean them so they don't itch and feel uncomfortable for you".

Tommy thinks about this for a moment, looking up at his parents who both nod at him encouragingly.

Tommy gingerly turns on the couch, his back now to Phil, his sons and the boy's parents.

"Now, since he's just grown his wings, they are only down feathers now or baby feathers. You can see the blood feathers which are incredibly sensitive. They are feathers growing in and are extremely important to keep safe and protected. If one of them is broken, you'll have to remove it".

Tommy's feather bristles and he turns his head. A worried expression on his face.

"Will… will it hurt?". He asks, his wings closing together tightly as he shakes a little in fear.

"Oh no no no, it's alright Tommy, it'll only need to be removed if one breaks. If you're careful with them, then you won't have to, okay?".

Tommy bows his head slightly, a quiet chirp escapes him.

His mother consoles as she rubs his back, just between the wing joints that come out his back. Phil smiles internally at her following his instructions where to rub in consoling him that he'll like.

"It's alright sweetheart, you'll be extra careful, I know you will. Your wings will be the best wings in the kingdom. I just know they will".

Tommy absolutely lights up at the praise, his wings expanding with his joy. "Will they?".

She hums in affirmation, smiling happily to her child. "Definitely". Her father joins.

Tommy looks absolutely joyful in the attention.

He chirps, a happy sound escaping him.

Phil having to force to keep silent and not chirp back.

"Alright, so when preening and brushing his wings, it's best to start at the base. You're basically fixing his feathers and lining up any that are out of place. As well as removing dirt, dead or loose feathers. It doesn't hurt if you remove any feathers that are loose or dead, he won't feel a thing from it".

Both nod. "You can practice now if you'd like. Just start at his base where his upper coverts are then make your way down and follow the direction of the feathers. Down into his lower coverts, his secondaries and alula and his primaries".

Following his instructions, both parents are careful and gentle when running their hands through the boy's wings. Tommy himself is absolutely melting in the feeling.

Phil knows such feeling, when he first got himself preened, it was like heaven. Though it still feels nice even now, he'll never forget the first time being in absolute bliss.

Phil watches as the parents pick out dirt and small stones, dead and lose feathers, Tommy himself not bothered at all by it.

Feathers that had been bent and out of line corrected which helped Phil's itch he had as he saw how in disarray the feathers had been.

He had been holding himself back from doing it himself. His instincts are going wild and chirps threaten to burst out of his mouth.

He almost breaks when Tommy starts chirping.

Tommy's parents chuckle at the sound of the sounds the blissed out child is making. Even the boys on either side snicker quietly in amusement.

Phil has to clench his fists, fighting the strong urges he's getting.

He's definitely going to need both his sons in the nest later tonight. His bird brain is going wild.

He's surprised he's lasted this long, maybe the droning and excitement of his voice explaining the anatomy and culture of Avians had helped bury them down but right now, he can feel them full force.

He really needs to leave the room.

"Can you boys tell them anything I missed explaining? I need to leave for a second''. He asks his sons as he gets up from the couch. He beelines it to the door they entered in and almost turns back when he hears another small chirp escape the boy.

Once the door closes, both Tommy's parents look concerned.

"Is he okay?". Tommy's mother asks, looking at the brothers sitting on the couch, both with knowing smiles.

"Don't worry, he gets like this sometimes. His bird brain is probably going crazy right now. He's trying to control his instincts but it seems to be harder than usual to control since this is the first time he's seen another Avian. Especially someone as young as Tommy. In Dad's bird brain, his mind is probably calling Tommy a fledgling or baby chick".

Both parents have an "Oh" expression on their face as they understand.

Meanwhile, Phil is leaning against the door, taking deep breaths in and deep breaths out. Prime, the urge to chirp is almost painful to ignore. It's embarrassing if he's being honest, having the urge to chirp and coo at someone else's child.

The first time they did was just friendly greetings. Now though, Philzas bird brain just needs to get the memo that the child is not his own.

Alright, he can do this, he can do this. He's king, he's fought his instincts before and he can do it again. He's got his boys as well, it'll be fine.

After another moment of deep breaths in and out, Phil turns back to the door and enters.

He smiles as he does so, laughter filling the room as his sons easily take over being hosts for their valued guests.

Well, mainly Wilbur is, Techno isn't a person well versed in interacting with others that aren't his family or friends.

Doesn't make him less of a wonderful person to talk to when you get on the right subject.

Phil sighs and walks in, eyes leading to Tommy who's leaning heavily in his mother's side. He smiles a little at the sight.

Seems he isn't the only one to notice either.

"Well, it looks like someone's looking exhausted". His mother sighs fondly, eyes warm as she watches her child wiggle in her arms.

"And it's daddy 'n not me, cause I don' get sleepy". Tommy murmurs out, frowning slightly at the insinuation he was even close to sleep. The adults all chuckled.

"Of course sweetheart, daddy is very sleepy right now". Tommy's father says back, smiling fondly as he strokes the child's hair.

"Well, it has been wonderful talking to you, your highness. Thank you so much for the help today, we greatly appreciate it".

"It is no issue at all ma'am, I should be thanking you. Finally being able to find another Avian and knowing others could still be out there gives this old king hope".

Laughter fills the room again but said laughter makes Tommy grumble from the noise.

His mother giggles, amused. "Sorry Tommy, we're leaving soon. Make sure to say goodbye to their majesty's".

Tommy mumbles something but overall rises from laying across his mother's chest as she holds him.

"Bye bye your majesty's". He says sleepily, smiles gracing all members of royalty.

Phil strokes the child's head gently. "Goodbye Tommy, hopefully we'll see each other again soon". Philza says, a small chirp escapes him, the meaning as well, lost from his mind.

Although Tommy doesn't seem to mind. He lights up at the little chirp and chirps his own, similar to his.

And Phil can't help but compare the way he brightened each time to a sunrise.

Chapter Text

Tommy had to run, he had to run. Ash and smoke rain down around him and he knew his pearly white wings were being covered in soot. Said wings his family and himself were so greatly proud of now ruined by remnants of fire that had ripped apart his home.

The city had been invaded, war had been on the brink for months but being a child, an innocent youngling who had only grown his wings in about a month ago. He had never noticed the worried murmurs of fear the adults around him had as he played on the streets with other kids, his wings proudly flapping along on his back.

How could he have known?

They had attacked at night, when the moon was hidden behind clouds and the sun had not yet reached over the sea's horizon.

When sunrise came was when the battle reached its peak.

Tommy had been with his mother the entire time. His dad having to leave for a while, guards had gone to people's houses, enlisting them into something he didn't quite understand but knew was important. That's what his mother had said anyway.

Tommy hadn't seen his father in less than a month since the guards came.

It had only been him and mommy but now he lost his mother and couldn't find her, especially when the chaos started and they got seperated.

He's running around the streets, trying and looking for anything or anyone familiar.

But the town had been burned, houses now nothing but piles of charcoaled wood. A few still burned away and soon would collapse and the fire would fade away, only leaving nothing but a mess behind.

Because of this, Tommy couldn't recognise anything around. Not a building or tree stood out, not a sign or mark made any dots connect in his brain.

Tommy could feel his heart thumping, his blood pumping. His mind reeling. Tears had already long been falling since the chaos had started but now the reality of him truly losing and not being able to find his mother let a new wave of anguish take him under.

He felt a panic chirp claw its way up his throat, wanting to be released, hoping someone, his mother or father would hear it and come find him and hold him tightly. Hide him away from everything.

He heard yells and screams in the distance but the most notable was how metal hitting metal kept getting louder as he ran.

Soon he heard feet stomping, men shouting, swords swinging and shields blocking.

It was chaos, it was terrifying. Soldiers in familiar blue and red coloured armor fought off against unfamiliar green coloured armored men.

Tommy's baby blue eyes flickered between those fighting, eyes trailing to different areas of the fight. It was like an intense form of dance, using sticks to hold onto to help, their sounds with grunts and groans and yells of performative words to enrapture the audience.

But this was no show, no theater. This was real life and it was terrifying to see.

But what was not terrifying was the familiar shape of black wings spread out across the battlefield. So large they could block out the sun, so dark in the shade of midnight Black, you would think it was night time.

Those wings he knew all too well that belonged to only one man.

"Philza!!! Phiiil!!! King Phil!!". Tommy screamed over the chaos. Trying to catch the attention of the king in the middle of battle.

Though it did seem to work, bless his loud mouth his mother used to say.

"Tommy?!". Phil yelled over the crowd in confusion. Whipping around and seeing the child hiding behind a fallen piece of roof.

"Tommy!". Phil yelled again, running across the battlefield, fighting off a few green men who got in his way. He was soon by the child's side who ran into his open arms.

The king was quickly surrounded by his own men, two of which were his sons. Holding swords to fend off those who got too close.

"Dad!". One of the sons shouted, one known as Prince Wilbur.

"I'm alright, I'm alright. It's… it's Tommy". He shouts from where he is knelt and holds the scared eleven year old.

"The kid?". The other says, looking back for a moment to see a mop of blonde hair hidden underneath feathers and arms.

"Yes". Phil answers simply before feeling something tug at his armour. Looking down, the boy desperately pulls at him, tears in his eyes.

"Phil Phil, I lost… I lost mumma, I don't know where she is. I need to find her". The boy screams desperately, sobbing in Philzas arms and Phil can hear his heart and resolve, break.

He is the people's king, he needs to fight with them. But this boy, this child he has gotten to know even if it had been short, needs his help now.

His lips thin with the conflict of his mind. He needs to get Tommy away, out of the eyes of war around them. A sight no child so young should ever witness.

But he also needs to stay, fight for his kingdom, he's their King and needs to be on the front lines to fend off those who dared attack his home and people with no mercy.

Before anything however, someone makes the decision for him.

"Dad! Take the kid somewhere safe, we got this!". He hears one of his sons yell from behind him as he shelters the trembling child. Looking back, he sees his eldest and soon to be crowned King Wilbur, looking at him with a wide smile.

His face is covered in soot and dirt, the tips of his sword covered in blood but he does not look afraid in the midst of chaos and death.

He looked so akin to her, even when dirty and covered in sweat and filth, his smile as wide as hers. Reassuring and filled with knowing trust.

Techno does the same, twins looking back at their father.

Phil smiles as well at them, knowing the trust speaks through their eyes and he nods.

Phil stands, cradling the boy close in his arms.

"Hold on tight Tom's, you'll be okay". Phil feels the boy's fist tighten their hold before he lifts his dark wings from the ground, spreading them out before taking to the skies.

He soars through the sky, heading straight for the castle, where the other civilians of his kingdom had fled and were led too as the rest of the town burned.

Phil grimaced at the sight of the damage from above, so many people's homes were now lost and when this was all over, so much had to be done to fix. Not only the physical damage of their kingdom but the mental and emotional.

This war will leave a scar across its lands and his people.

When the castle is close, he dives towards the ground before landing as softly as possible before the doors.

They open and out comes Niki, a well known royal physician who also dabbles in baking.

"Your majesty". She calls before freezing at the bundle in his arms. "Oh dear, you poor thing". She says as she approaches, ready to assess any injuries sustained.

"He should be fine, I think he only inhaled a bit of smoke but other than that, he isn't injured physically. Please take him inside, I need to return to my son's".

She nods and Phil easily passes over the shaking eleven year old to her. He grips onto her next, burying himself into her warmth like a baby chick desperate for warmth in the cold of winter.

Phil chokes back a chirp of reassurance, knowing this wasn't the time.

He turns to leave, to return back to the skies and fly towards the battle once more but a quiet chirp stops him for a moment.

"Phil, what about my momma? Where is she? I need to find her". Tommy peeks from hiding in Niki's chest to stare teary eyed at Phil. A desperate croon escapes him, a call baby chicks make when wanting their parents.

Phil feels a pull and his heart breaks a little at the call.

He places a hand on Tommy's head, stroking his hair to sooth the child.

"It's okay Tommy, I'll find them, I promise". Phil can't help but want to do everything for this boy. Wanting to also card his fingers gently through his feathers to calm him down further but held himself back. Preening him, even for reassurance and comfort was only for family members to partake in.

"Really?". He asked hopefully, he lifted his head a little to stare wide eyed at the man. Phil smiles and nods. "Yes, I'll be back soon okay?".

Tommy chirps and Phil returns it without thinking before he takes to the sky. He knows he needs to return to the battlefield and help his sons and soldiers.

But he has a promise to fulfill.

The sky's the best place to see the area around below, Phil hoping he'll find Tommy's mother from above or a sign of her.

A better scenario being she's already in the castle or hiding safely in the debris until it's over or safe.

But he knows parents, he is one. If they don't know if their child is safe, they'll look for them until they know for sure they're safe.

Something catches his eye from above and he dives down.

A dead body lays on disturbed dirt and soot covered ground. He hopes and prays it isn't them, the person he's looking for who's child is hoping with everything that they are okay.

And when he gets closer, he's thankfully right.

It's a soldier in green armor, he sneers at how close they are to the castle but they aren't moving and lay beside a bloody knife so it's clear something went down.

When he lands to inspect the body closer he sees a trail of blood leading away. And it doesn't look like it was the Green soldier that made that.

He hopes none of his civilians or soldiers are badly injured from a scuffle but his gut grows with a pool of dread and he immediately starts following the trail.

Hoping and praying he makes it in time to find the injured person still alive and strong enough to help in time.

But by how the blood is drying, he doubts it.

He continues following the blood path before seeing it go into a random house, probably the occupants home.

He swallows harshly before he enters.

The inside looks almost untouched, only little signs of rush from when people had to leave their homes as the war was announced.

The blood leads up the stairs of the home and bloody hands mark the walls as it looks like the person struggled to climb the stairs.

Phil runs up the stairs, dreading to find a dead body.

He enters the room the blood trail leads into and he sucks in a harsh breath of air.

Lying on the floor, a lady dressed in white, blonde hair cascades over her face and shoulders.

No.

No it can't be.

He rushes to her side and turns her, holding her up a little by her back.

Seeing her face, blood drains from his face.

Tommy's mother.

It's her.

He found her but not in the way he had hoped.

But the flutter of her eyes opening gives him a slight bit of hope.

"Miss, miss are you there? Can you hear me?".

Her green eyes trail to Phil's face and it takes her a moment to recognise him.

"Your majesty". She rasps, she looks tired, her face pale and weak. Her eyes look glazed over. She doesn't have long.

"My… my son, Tommy… he's-".

"He's alright Miss, he's safe, he's at the castle now with the other civilians". She smiles at the knowledge but even that looks to be an effort for her.

"Good… that's good… thank you".

Phil breathes deeply in, he needs to help her. He needs to do so now before it's too late.

Her stomach is covered in dried blood, it stains her pure white and elegant dress that is akin to the one she wore on the day they brought Tommy in the first and second time.

"Don't talk okay? I'll need to fly you to the castle but you'll be okay. Tommy really misses you, he was running around the town looking for you".

Phil rambles as he prepares to lift the lady up and prepare to carry her all the way to the castle.

But he stops in his attempt as a bloody hand is gently placed on his cheek, his attention quickly taken to the lady he holds. That he needs to save for the boy who's hoping to see his family again.

She smiles at him, her usually white teeth now stained with red.

"It's okay, I know I won't make it but thank you. Thank you for everything your majesty, you truly are the kindest king this kingdom has ever had in its history. I was honestly surprised you stopped everything for us, to teach us how to look after our son. No other king would ever do that but you… you go above and beyond for your kingdom and its people. You truly are the best king we could ever ask for".

Though the words fill Phil's heart with warmth hearing this from one of his beloved people, he also knows regretfully where this was going. He's been in this situation before, seen it all before. Seen that look of acceptance and so his heart once again cracked.

She takes a shaky breath, a string of coughs escapes her.

"Please, please your majesty, please look after our son for us. If there is anyone who can be there for him, it would be you. I know my husband didn't make it. I felt it at the same time that knife stabbed me. Our vows of death do us part came true in that moment. But I know I'll see him again soon and one day our son".

A tear slips from her eyes but she still smiles, her hand slips from Phil's cheek and instead grips weakly at his armor.

"Tell Tommy I love him, tell him we are proud of him and forever will be by his side as he lives and grows. Tell him to always be proud of who he is and his wings. The wings you, your majesty, have made him feel proud of".

She laughs a little, a small laugh that escapes her as well as more tears.

"You know he never stopped talking about that day. He was so happy and so enraptured by the day, he wouldn't stop talking about meeting you for weeks. He looks up to you, that's why…. That's why I want you to take him in, show him what it means to be who he is. I know you'll love him like we did, maybe even more. I know you already do. I could recognise another look of fondness from a parent. You've always held yourself back but I know if we had let you, you would have scooped him up and carried him away".

She smiles and Phil feels just a little sheepish and embarrassed he couldn't hide that side of him so very carefully like he thought he did.

But all that faded quickly as she coughs harshly again, dribbles of blood escaping her mouth. Her eyes grew dimmer after each moment that passed.

"I don't have long now, thank you, thank you for everything your majesty, you've been the hope this kingdom has held onto for so long. I know you'll be good for our son, and when he calls you his father one day, don't worry about what we think. We'll be happy when that day comes".

Phil could feel the tears well behind his eyes, he's never felt his heart feel so warm and so cold at the same time. It cracks and heals at every moment here.

"I promise".

He whispers.

"I promise I'll care for him and love him like he was my own. Thank you for being an incredible parent for one of my kind. Thank you for bringing him for me to meet. I'll forever be grateful for it. I promise he'll live a good life and he'll never forget how amazing you both were to him".

She smiles brighter but it's fading fast as her skin becomes sickly pale.

"Thank you, thank you so much King Philza, thank… you".

Her eyes close and her final breath leaves. Her grip on his armor loosens and falls on her stomach. Her body falls limp and Phil can only sit there for several minutes, the world drowned out by his grief as he holds an important part of this kingdom, of even his life and of another.

Dare he say, he would have liked to make friends with them. They seemed like amazing people, amazing parents.

And they were.

They truly were.

After what feels like forever, he stands and lifts her body to the bed he thinks belongs to Tommy. A small toy cow plushie lays in the pillow beside her head.

He prays to the heavens that both of them make it to the gates of heaven and pass, happy to watch from above, their son shine from below.

He hopes his wife will welcome them.

Phil leaves the house with a heavy heart and worn shoulders.

But when he hears the roar of battle far beyond the homes that surround him, his grief and sadness is replaced with rage.

His black wings lift shakily by the rage in him, by the strong emotions swirling within him and he takes to the skies.

From above, the battle rages when he arrives, he sees his two sons fighting fiercely.

He dives and purposely lands on a green armored soldier, not hesitating to drive a sword harshly through him.

"Dad?!". He hears one of his sons call but he doesn't take notice.

His rage and sadness is taking control and he runs into the haze of battle.

Droplets of tears accompany him as he continues to fight. They fall upon the battlefield ground and mix with the blood and dirt below their feet.

But none take notice as the blur of his figure dances across the battlefield. He's unrelenting as images of the lady who was the mother of something precious died in his arms. As the image of the shining boy that would brighten up like a sunrise grieves with the loss of his family.

He fights non stop, motivating the others to fight just as hard.

And soon it's over.

The battle is won at noon.

Chapter Text

Tommy sits in his new room, curled atop the bed as he recalls the days beforehand.

He remembers running, looking for his mother, finding King Philza and running to the man, he was flown to the castle and given to a nice lady named Niki who looked after him while he waited for King Phil to find his mother.

The war didn't last long afterwards, by noon it was over.

Tommy waited in anticipation, impatient in wanting to see his mother and hug her and cry in her arms as he promised never to lose her again.

She'd smile and kiss his forehead, making the same promise as she preens his wings gently.

It was a dream he hoped would come true but when King Philza returned, limping slightly, covered in dirt and red and saw the boy.

He drops to his knees, Tommy ran to him, confused and questions on the tip of his tongue.

"I'm so sorry Tommy, I'm so so sorry, I was too late. Your mother… she….".

He didn't understand, he didn't want to understand. He just wanted his mother back, his mother and father back with him.

But the look on the king's face, so filled with guilt, sadness, sympathy and exhaustion drew a conclusion in the eleven year olds mind.

He wasn't seeing his parents ever again.

Tommy broke down in wails and tears fell down his face like a flooded waterfall.

He screamed at the king, calling him a liar, to bring his parents here, to him. That they weren't gone. They were out there and they would be here soon.

But he knew he was just lying to himself, knew that deep down inside, he knew they weren't ever coming back.

King Phil quickly removed his chest plate and threw it aside and picked up the boy to cradle him to his chest, his warm and slightly sweat smelling chest.

Tommy cried within the man's chest, wails muffled by the fabric he clung to.

Tears soaked by the man's shirt.

He held Tommy close, carding his fingers through his hair and rubbing his back soothingly.

But he never touched his wings, his wings itching with ash and dirt. He can feel small rocks and dirt stuck between his feathers. A few feathers are loose and unaligned.

He needed a preen but the only ones who could preen him are gone now. Never to preen his wings ever again.

Now it was the next day, repairs started, people who were injured rested, people who lost their homes either lived with other family or friends or at the castle, temporarily accommodated until homes were fixed.

Tommy was one of them, he's sure. Here until someone takes him in or is given to an orphanage maybe.

He's not sure but he knows it won't be the same. It'll never be like being with his mother and father. His father had also never returned so he knew then. He lost both of them.

He was in a nice room, one closer to the kings and Princes for some reason. The room only just being in between prince Wilburs and prince Technos room.

It was odd but he was too tired physically and emotionally to care.

He stayed in the room for most of the day, breakfast and lunch being left outside his door. Now it's evening and the sun is slowly falling from the sky.

It'll be night soon.

He was checked a few times by the king and princes but at these times Tommy pretended to sleep

But he can't pretend to sleep now, so he's curled in the bed, back against the headboard, knees tucked to his chest and his head laying on his knees.

His wings still felt itchy. He didn't want anyone to touch them. No one asked but still, he would say no if someone did.

Tommy didn't move when the door opened and two figures poked their heads inside. He knew who it was as he saw brown and pink in the corner of his eye.

The princely twins enter the room, seeing Tommy now awake.

"Hey Tommy". Prince Wilbur greets first, his brother waving when Tommy lifts his eyes to meet the prince's.

"Hi". He says quietly, his voice a little raspy from not talking for a while. And maybe crying.

Both prince's said nothing for a bit, standing awkwardly by the now closed door.

"May we… may we come closer?". Prince
Wilbur asks hesitantly.

Tommy only just shrugged, not caring either way.

"It's your castle". He says quietly again, laying his head further on his knees.

Both brothers look at each other for a moment before hesitantly entering further into the room.

Prince Wilbur sits on the side of the bed, Prince Techno sits on the other side.

He's blocked in by both brothers now, they are close but not close enough to touch.

They just sit there quietly, Tommy sits there quietly. No one says a word for a while.

Surprisingly, it's Techno who breaks the silence.

"We met your Dad when the recruits for soldiers came in. Wilbur and I were in charge of training them for the war. Your Dad was one of them".

Tommy perks up at the mention of his father. He knew his father was taken to the castle for something and when the war came, he thought his father was fighting in the war. It's why he ran towards the sound of metal and shouting. He wanted to see if he could find his dad.

"He wasn't a fighter but he was a quick learner. Was one of the first to master a sword and bow". Prince Wilbur said next, Tommy whipping his head to the man as he spoke.

"It was impressive, I sparred with him a lot. He talked about you a lot too. Even our Dad had chats with him and how you were doing. Your Dad gave every opportunity to gush about you. Even the other soldiers and guards know about you because your Dad talked so much about you".

Tommy smiles happily, knowing his Dad never forgot about him even while he was here.

They were quiet again, the air more comfortable than before. Although it still felt like the twin princes had more to say.

"We were also there when he was on the battlefield". Prince Wilbur says quietly. Tommy tenses at the thought of it.

He knew his fathers fate. He didn't need to be told but… he knew.

"He fought bravely, his strength unmatched and even in his last moments…. He spoke about you and your mother".

Tommy's hand clenched into fists. His emotions rose from its pit. His eyes burned, a feeling he's now becoming familiar with.

"He told us to tell you something. He told us that he loves you and that he'll forever be proud of the boy you are and who you'll become. To love you and your wings. He told us to tell you that… that he-".

Wilbur sighs shakily as his throat clogs with emotion.

"He told us he'll never stop loving you, even when he's gone. That he'll watch you forced from above. That you'll never be alone because they'll always be there. You and your mum". Techno finishes, earning a grateful smile from his brother.

Tommy sniffles as dribbles of tears fall from his eyes. But these tears are less of sorrow and more of happiness and gratitude. Even in the end, his father and even his mother thought about him, they loved him, they cherished him.

They were the best.

"Thank you". Tommy whispers, tilting sideways until his head bumps against Technos arm.

"It's no problem Tom's, not a problem at all".

And Tommy seems to agree as he stays silent in the company of the brothers.

It's maybe an hour later that the door creaks open and in peaks King Phil.

His smile softens at the three together, Tommy leaning heavily on Techno and Wilbur seemed to have shuffled closer as his head lay on Technos shoulder. An arm wrapped around Tommy's stomach loosely.

Phil sighs fondly before entering the room and gently sitting by the end of the bed.

Though it doesn't disturb his sons, Tommy stirs and his eyes fluttered open to meet Phil's.

"Sorry, did I wake you?". He whispers, earning a shake of Tommy's head.

"No". Tommy says simply before yawning and rubbing his eyes.

He looks up to see both brothers wrapped around him that keeps him warm and protected, he hides the smile that threatens to appear on his face when he realizes the prince's are there.

Phil himself however, sees what he's trying to hide and smiles wider. Tommy ignores how it makes him feel warmer.

They stay silent for a while, the mixtures of yellow and orange take up the room, cascading through the window from the light of the sun.

"King Phil?". Tommy whispers, Phil himself humming in acknowledgement.

"Do you really think my mummy and Daddy are watching over me? Am I really not alone?".

He asks meekly, meeting the king's eyes as they shine that glint his mother and father always seemed to have in their own.

Phil smiles. "You're never alone Tommy, both your parents will always be with you no matter where you are. Your mother, I was with her in her last moments. She told me she loved you, she said she was proud of you. I know the boys had told you what your father had said and I guess your mother said the same thing. They both loved you, until the very end and still love you as they are up there watching over you".

He points up and Tommy looks up intently like he'll see the heavens from where he is, sitting on a bed amongst 3 royals he's made friends with in a way.

Tommy hums, smiling at the ceiling, at the heavens like he can see parents up there. Looking down on them with a smile with a smile.

"Tommy, can I ask you something?". Tommy looks back at the king before him.

He nods, humming an affirmation.

"Before your mother passed and I'm guessing before your father passed as well, she asked me something. She asked if I could take you in as my own. She asked if I could take care of you. Saying I was the best choice. She trusted me with taking care of you but it's all up to what you want. If you'll allow it Tommy, I'd love to have you a part of our family".

Tommy's eyes went wide at that, blinking owlishly at the king as his mind raced at the offer given.

Does he… does he want that?

Tommy thinks about how they've treated him.

How King Phil had been kind and would chirp to him, held him when he cried. Went to look for his mother and promised to find her. How he took him to safety.

He thought about the brothers that are beside him now. How they had been nice, they had been funny and made him laugh, who taught and made friends with his Dad. Had been there when his Dad passed away. How, right now, they hold him close, keeping him safe and warm.

And he thinks.

Maybe.

Maybe he wants this.

"I… I think I want to be here. If mummy and daddy trust you to take care of me then… I'll stay".

Phil smiles, wider than he did before and reaches to ruffle the boy's hair.

"Welcome to the family Tommy, I promise you, we'll never replace your parents but we'll love you all the same. I'm very happy to have you here and I'll bet my boys will be happy too".

Tommy smiles but it's stopped by a wide yawn, sleep pulling at him even though he hasn't done much the entire day.

Phil watches as the boy slowly loses himself to sleep.

"Go to sleep Tommy, we'll be here when you wake up".

"Promise?". The boy whispers, eyes slowly drooping.

"Promise". Phil responds, seeing the boy smile before he shuffles comfortably in the hold of his future brothers.

And Phil sits there, watching from afar as the sunsets.