Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Everyone knew to be careful of the forest, especially if they were to enter it.

The villagers spoke plenty about it. They warned each other of the dangerous creatures and the magic that resided within it. They spoke of angry goblins, mischievous elves, and even the temperamental werewolves.

Everyone that lived in the village stayed away from the forest, they warned others to stay wary of the green trees with their welcoming branches and cool shade. To be carful of the forest floor, soft grass and crunchy leaves hiding the dangers within.

It was said that the soft crunch of leaves and the beautiful mossy creeks created a delusion of a safe haven. The birdsong of the forest that in reality came from the otherworldly creatures that reside in the forest. Little Tunes woven with trickery, meant to ensnare the unguarded and lead them to circles formed of ancient magicks and wild fauna.

It was known, without a doubt, that the Fae were the most dangerous creatures that resided in the forest. These immortal, unnatural, and otherworldly beauties were full of charming smiles and sweet words meant for their wicked mischief. They harbored special magi, capable of twisting reality with a single snap of a finger. The fae were always looking for their next victim, patiently waiting for someone foolish enough to fall for their faux innocence and bound them with debts they could never hope to repay.

Children, however, were the most vulnerable against them. The Fae, in cruel bouts, would sometimes steal those left unattended for too long. They would leave behind nothing but an empty crib with rumpled sheets, or a humanoid replica that didn't quite look right.

Most parents made an effort to keep their children within eyesight and away from the forest. Always calling them back before night fell, reminding them to stay vigilant of Fae circles, and to never tell them their name. Lest they be taken into the forest, never to return.

This did not apply to Tommy, who had no parents, or guardians to speak of. Though he also wasn't oblivious, he learned lots from listening to the villagers’ gossip. He made sure to listen when people spoke of the Fae rules. Since he’d arrived in town, He survived by taking advantage of people's distractions, swiping food and scraps, and sometimes, on particularly cold nights, sleeping beneath the villagers' porches. Kinder villagers offered small jobs in exchange for food, while others chased him off for breathing too loudly.

Today, one of the farmers had asked him to go to the forest and fill up the basket with mushrooms by sun down in exchange for his own bowl of stew. And who was Tommy to disagree when it meant that he got warm, home made food?

It wasn't like anyone would bother to stop him from going anyway.

Tommy wasn’t going to run into any dumb monsters in the forest because they all stayed in the town center. They were greedy and cruel with fake smiles they would direct to anyone who even dared to haggle for prices, they always glared daggers in Tommy’s direction when he got too close to their stalls or chased him into dark alleys to beat him up because he was the infamous “street rat” in town.

They were the worst monsters he knew of.

He already knew that the other monsters would be too pussy to approach him! He was Tommy Danger Kraken Innit! No one could contain or defeat a big man like himself!

The forest was not as dangerous as the villagers made it out to be anyways. Not if you knew all of the safe spots to sleep in or even the little nooks to hide in like Tommy did when he had to run away from the meaner villagers. The forest had saved him many times before. Besides, any real monster would have shown itself by now. They'd have taken him long ago. Tommy had no reason to fear what lurked in the forest. Big men like him weren’t scared about anything!

He happily skipped to the edges of the forest he claimed as his own. He was humming quietly, and swinging the basket along with him. This was going to be the easiest job he'd ever done, apart from helping the nice old lady sweep her porch.

As he ventured deeper, the sunlight filtered through the branches, casting warm yellow freckles on the path and highlighting the colors of fallen leaves. Tommy hummed again, focusing on finding a shady spot where the mushrooms might grow. He needed to fill the basket before sundown.
___________

About an hour later, Tommy had found a small cluster of mushrooms near a patch of trees, some wildflower, and even a cool hollow tree he could hide in if needed. The basket was almost full- but not quite. Tommy decided to push further into the forest. A small, uneasy knot formed in his stomach. He's always been careful not to go this deep before.
___________

Tommy laughed to himself, distracted by the pretty wildflowers along the path. It was fine! The basket was almost full, and he still had plenty of time before sundown. The farmer could wait a few hours, anyway. Who cared about dinner? he didn't even know when the meal was supposed to be.

Besides, the pretty flowers were more important! He could make flower crowns! A traveler had taught him how when he’d been wandering the wild, kicked out of his old village. She'd told him stories, given him a part of her dinner, and guided him to the next town. She was the only reason he’d even survived long enough to find the village he was currently staying at. But that was ages ago! Tommy was older now! He perfectly capable of taking care of himself! He didn't need nobody!

He’d carefully set the flower crown inside his basket with the mushrooms when he finished it and continued walking. He needed to concentrate! He was in the forest for a reason today! Tommy carefully observed his surroundings, he needed to find more mushrooms, just enough to fill up his basket.

Tommy gasped when he stumbled upon the bright clearing. If the flowers he saw before were pretty, these ones were even better! They were full of vibrant colors, from bone white to a very vibrant pink. There was a small creek nearby, its water glistening like glass, with little fish darting between the stones. Big, smooth rocks lay scattered across the creek, perfect stepping stones to cross over to the other side. The sun shone through the trees, casting light across the clearing in long beams, illuminating the water in a way that made it sparkle and shine. The grass looked even greener, the contrast making the colorful flowers pop even more. Right across from him, where the shade started, was another cluster of mushrooms. They had pretty, rounded heads, colored a grayish brown with pale white stems, holding them together in neat little groups.

He wandered deeper into the clearing, eager to collect them for his basket, his eyes wandering to the pretty sights around him. He was so focused on the flowers and mushrooms that, if he hadn’t been looking where he was stepping, he would’ve walked right into the fairy circle. He froze.

The circle was fairly big—just enough to fit five people—and was lined with small, delicate dandelions. Tommy’s stomach fluttered. He could feel the magic in the air, the way the wind shifted when it touched the circle. He shivered, taking a cautious step back. He knew enough to know this wasn’t something to mess with. If he’d stepped in, he’d have been stuck with a debt, forced into some kind of servitude to the fae, running around to entertain their whims.

But he hadn’t, and Tommy was free to continue his mushroom hunt.

Suddenly, a voice called out from the shadows.

“What are you doing so far in the forest? Didn’t anyone tell you it was dangerous?”

Tommy stiffened, his head jerking toward the source of the voice. A figure had stepped out from behind the trees, tall—too tall, much taller than anyone he’d ever seen. He immediately knew, without a doubt, that the being staring at him with chocolate brown eyes and a wide grin was a fae. The fae wore a silky white shirt, the fabric shimmering in the light, and loose, brown pants. If Tommy hadn’t known better, if he wasn’t so smart, he might’ve thought it was just some regular person. But the fae’s curly brown hair was impossibly soft-looking, its ears too pointed, skin too smooth, and its nails and teeth far too sharp to be anything but a fae.

Tommy froze for a second, unsure what to do, before blurting out, “Isn’t it obvious? I’m picking mushrooms ‘cause I’m just so cool no wrong uns like you will mess with me.”

He didn’t quite remember all the rules about the fae, but he was confident he was fine.

The fae hummed, curiosity glimmering in its eyes. “Really? You seem pretty young compared to others I’ve seen. Though, I reckon everything would look young when viewed through an immortal’s lenses.”
Tommy blinked, a blank look on his face. He didn’t understand half of what the fae just said. “Say it again? In English this time.”

The fae smiled, clearly entertained by Tommy’s confusion. “You look like a little baby,” it said with a teasing, false nonchalance.

Tommy’s confusion morphed instantly into a scowl. “I am NOT a baby!” He puffed out his chest, trying his best to seem like the biggest man ever. “I’ll have you know I get lots of women! All the women, they look at me and go, ‘Oh, look at that amazing fella walking by. He must be so cool and strong because he’s the biggest man in town!’ That’s what they say!"

The boy threw his shoulders back, trying to look as tough as possible, even though he was still just a little kid.

The fae laughed, a soft, tinkling sound like wind chimes caught in a gentle breeze. “Of course, of course. Forgive me, ‘big man,’ I didn’t mean to be rude. If you could please give me your name?””

Tommy grimaced, crossing his arms. “No, I’m not dumb. I know what you’re up to.” He smiled inwardly, proud of himself for not falling for the trick. He was way too smart for that."but you may call me 'Big man Tommy'".

The fae shrugged, clearly unbothered. “It was worth a try.” Then, as if remembering something, it gestured toward the mushrooms inside its fairy circle. “You’re collecting mushrooms, right? Would you like me to give you some of mine?”

Tommy hesitated. He eyed the mushrooms inside the circle, weighing his options. It wasn't worth it. He had his own mushrooms to collect from a safer spot. “Than— I mean, I appreciate the offer, but I can collect them myself.”

His words were a little hasty, and he tried not to sound rude. “From another place,” he thought, but didn’t say.

The fae smiled even wider. “Quite the clever little one, aren’t you?”

“I told you, I’m not little!” Tommy snapped, crossing his arms even tighter, his face flushed with irritation.

The fae didn’t seem convinced. “Really? How old are you?” It tilted its head, and Tommy noticed something odd in its expression, as if it was trying to figure something out.

Tommy’s mind raced, trying to think of a trick the fae could pull. He wasn’t falling for anything.

“It’s not a trick this time, I promise,” the fae said with a soft smile, as if trying to reassure him.

“I’m ten!” Tommy said proudly, puffing out his chest again. He smiled, knowing he was still the biggest, baddest kid around. He waited for the fae to back off.

But when he looked up again, he saw the creature’s face had fallen slightly, a brief flash of something like disappointment or sympathy flickering across its features. Tommy’s chest tightened. Had he said something wrong? Had he made the fae upset?

It seemed to sense Tommy’s sudden discomfort, smiling again, though the troubled look didn’t quite leave its eyes. “And where are your parents?”

Tommy shrugged, feeling his stomach knot. “Don’t got any,” he muttered, trying to keep his voice steady. “And if I did, they clearly didn’t want me around.”

The fae’s expression softened for a moment, as if it was about to say something, but it stopped. There was something in its gaze that made Tommy’s throat feel tight.

Then, as if deciding it was time to go, the fae spoke again. “It was a pleasure talking to you, sunshine, but it seems time for me to leave.” It gave him one last warm look, and in the blink of an eye, it disappeared.

The only sign it had been there were the two indents left on the grass inside the fairy circle where the fae’s shoes had been.

Tommy frowned, unreasonably upset that the fae had left. He wanted to talk more, maybe ask more questions, because it was the only creature to show him more kindness than anyone in the village had. But no, it was leaving.

He had to get back on track.

He quickly stood up, brushing off his pants, and darted back the way he came. He was running out of time! The basket wasn’t full yet! He just needed to find a few more mushrooms to finish and get back to the farmer. Once he did that, he could get his stew, then sleep under the Blacksmith’s porch near the warm furnaces with a full belly. He'd earned it!

Chapter Text

The second time Tommy runs into the fae, he accidentally tripped into its circle. It was for an entirely dumb reason, he’d been out collecting berries for the baker this time and then gotten distracted when chasing a blue butterfly with really shiny wings. Distracted enough to not see the long tree root in front of him apparently.

He could tell he was in trouble before he even hit the ground. There was an immediate pit of despair forming in his belly and all Tommy could think to do was lay there on the soft grass and pray that the Fae wouldn’t show up. Of course, whatever stupid god he prayed to wasn’t listening because he could already see a pair nice brown shoes walking in his direction.

“My, my sunshine, were you that eager to see me again?” Tommy wordlessly rolled into his back to look up at the Fae standing over him.

He frowned “As if! I was just being stupid and fell,” he kept his hands under him so it wouldn’t be able to tell they were shaking. “S-sorry ‘bout that I guess” the fae didn’t be too angry. It wouldn’t be too mean to him right? This was the first time he had offended it. If he was lucky, the most it would make him do was serve it until he died or something. It didn't look like a cruel fairy but then again, the nicest looking villagers always hit him the hardest.

“ Well, you’re very much forgiven. Do you need help standing up?” The fae peered down at him from the spot near his head. It was giving him a look full of curiosity, though it’s eyes twinkled in hidden amusement.

Tommy stared right back, it was full of defiance and slight fear. “Um, yes please” he felt too shaky to stand by himself. Would it be nicer to him if he was polite?

Tommy expected the fae to offer him a hand. Though he yelped in surprise when it grabbed him under both armpits to pick him up. “Alrighty! Up you go!” He was set down on the edge of the circle.

The blonde boy stared at the fae with wary eyes, “well?”

It blinked back, “Well, what?”

Tommy swallowed “what do you want from me for fallin’ in your circle?”

“Let me see, something i would need, hmm,” it raised its hand to it’s and stared at the ground in concentration “Oh! I know ! You see those bushes?” It pointed to the nearest bush, Full of ripe raspberries all a shiny red, sitting in the shade just a few feet away.

Tommy glanced at it with apprehension. Would it force him to eat them so that he was trapped in the fae’s world forever?

He gulped, “What about them?”

“Well, those raspberries always look so good, But they grow too far away! I never get to eat any!” it looked upset now, “ It happens every spring and it’s upsetting I only get to stare at them from afar, besides, You were already picking some,” it nodded towards the basket that was still laying on the ground, half of the berries Tommy had grabbed laying on the ground, “It wouldn’t be too much of a bother for if you give me an entire basket of those, in order for me to let you go.”

Tommy blinked in surprise, “really? You’ll let me go just like that?”

“Just like that. no tricks or lies, I swear by the oak! Just end my constant suffering because of those berries!” It bemoaned playfully , as such an easy request could be enough to fix something as important as falling into a fae ring.

The boy didn’t move for a second, he was waiting for the fae to laugh and yell “just kidding!” and give up the ruse. The moment never came, instead it picked up the basket and some of the berries lying on the ground and handed it back to him.

He took it hesitantly and slowly stepped out of the fae’s ring. Walking just as slowly to the bushes and carefully plucking berries from the one closest to him first. Only moving to the next one once he deemed it empty enough. He felt himself relax a little with the repetitive motion, he’d done this many times before when he was desperate enough to get food from the forest or when helping the villagers. He would have relaxed fully if it wasn’t for the eyes that felt like they were burning holes into his back.

It took him almost no time to fill the entire basket with the red berries; he stood up and wordlessly moved to the edge of the circle, he was careful not to step in again before presenting it to the fae.

It beamed, “thank you sunshine! Now you’re free to go!”

Tommy scoffed, “ I’ll leave when I want to, ‘sides I have to wait cause I need the basket anyway.” It was clear he was only making up reasons to stay.

“I’ll make sure to take my time then sunflower,” it teased.

The boy scowled, his ears turning red at the nicknames, “call me Tommy dickhead! Stop it with those nicknames already!”

The fae paused “a nickname?” it murmured curiously before giving him a mischievous smile, “you really are a clever little one,” If the fae had seemed happy before, it was radiating happiness now , “ you can call me Wil sweetheart, it’s a pleasure to meet you..”

Tommy scowled, the red in his ears spread to his cheeks, “why’d I tell you a name for you to talk to me if you're not gonna use it?”

“Awee, don't be like that little one! I just like you a lot!” Wil giggled.

The blonde huffed, “are you gonna eat the berries or not? I need to give the baker a full basket in an hour”

“Of course! Of course! I wouldn’t want to interrupt your very busy schedule,” it looked amused for some reason.

The blonde watched it grab a handful and slowly pop them one by one into his mouth.

“Hey wil?” Tommy hesitated for a second.

“Yes, Tommy?”

“What are your ‘nouns and stuff?” He looked at it curiously.

Its eyebrows furrowed, “My what now?”

“Your ‘nouns! The baker say it's the way someun’ talks about you ‘cause of what you ee-den-tee-fy as.” He raised his chin in pride, “I’m he/him cause im a boy, the baker told me that girls are she/her and if you aren't either its they/them. There are more, but I don't remember them”

Wil hummed in understatement, “you mean pronouns? I go by he/him and it’s ‘i-den-ti-fy’.” it corrected absently.

The younger blonde grinned, “so you’re a big man like me! I’m still better than you though, as the original big man himself!” He puffed his little chest out in pride, “I'm the biggest of men!”

The sudden declaration caused Wil to laugh in surprise, “why, i’m sure I haven’t met any human taller than your ego little one.”

“Wuzzat s’possed to mean?” The boy immediately scowled.

“Well-” Wil started, a grin starting to grow on his face.

“Hey mate!”

Wil and Tommy froze, both for different reasons at the appearance of the new creature. Tommy was the first to snap out of it.

“Who the fuck are you?!” he scowled.

Chapter Text

Wilbur tensed, he should have known better than to tell his father of the golden little boy he met in the human realm. His father had a soft spot for kids, it was obvious he’d want to meet his little sweetheart.

He could already see the way his father’s usually slit pupils go round. The immediate effect of seeing a child with the same blonde hair and blue eyes. Of course, his dad’s instincts would riot at the site of his little baby. Ugh, he was going to be extra broody at home, or even worse, he’ll try to steal his clever little changeling. Wilbur wasn’t opposed to a new brother but that would mean he’d have to share his sunflower. He hid his angry scowl, he wouldn’t want to make his young one wary. ‘Oh well, at least it wasn’t Technoblade,’ he mused. His brother would go feral at the sight of the youngling’s golden hair.

Wilbur forced a smile, “This is my dad, Toms”, he hoped the kid wouldn’t be able to see his poorly hidden annoyance. He was already sending a heated stream of annoyedmiffedgoaway through the family bond. He’d blocked it for a reason.

His dad shot him an amused look instantly sending an amusedfondcute in response, both of them ignored techno’s response of confusedcuriousinquiry. Great, another person to bother him later on during his time spent with Tommy.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you chick, you may call me Phil”, the older fae purred “can I have your name little bird?”

Wilbur had to forcibly stop himself from cooing at the adorable expression of disgruntlement Tommy made in response “your nicknames are weird like Will’s,” he grouched “but you can call me Tommy”

Phil paused “A nickname? How clever.” He kept his eyes firmly on the boy, eyes going rounder the longer he stared.

The compliment only served to stroke the guppy’s ego he didn’t seem to notice the way Phil was staring at him with barely contained longing “of course! A big man like me is very smart,” almighty Trixxtin, Wilbur just wanted to take him back to the fae realm, wrap him in the softest of silks and cuddle him for eternity.

Would the little one be too mad if Wilbur pinched his cheeks? He’d probably give him that cute little pout he did whenever he thought the fae was making fun of him. Wilbur can’t even begin to comprehend what type of heartless beast would choose to abandon the little sweetheart. Humans don’t know how to appreciate good things.

“Is that right mate?” Phil’s voice had him focusing back on the conversation.

“why father dearest were you not aware? Tommy here is the biggest of man,” Wilbur chuckled before Tommy could answer “no one is as great as he.”

Tommy visibly preened in response, “that’s right!”

Wilbur couldn’t resist the burst of lovelovelove at how cute he was. Prime, he couldn't wait until Tommy was his.

Phil laughed both at Tommy's response and Wilbur’s sudden inability to keep his feeling to himself “Really? I can’t believe I’ve never met such a wonderful child before” ‘wonderful indeed’ Wilbur thought.

“Ah, did you need something, Phil? You don’t usually come to get me yourself” Wilbur inquired suddenly.
This seemed to snap Phil out of his stupor “oh yes, I almost forgot to tell you, we have to head back for a meeting, it was arranged abruptly and I was the only one who could reach you in time for it to start” The older fae explained sheepishly.

Wilbur sighed “then I suppose it can't be helped,” he turned to look at the young boy outside of the fae ring “here’s your basket little one, I’m so sorry I had to cut our time short”

Tommy took the basket carefully, it was still full “you don’t want to keep them? You barely even grabbed any”

Wilbur hummed apologetically “it’s already getting late, you won’t have the chance to pick more before dark” he answered, “just make it up to me next time okay?”

“Fine, but you have to eat them then!” he pouted

The fae cooed quietly in response, “I swear it on my name little one” He ignored Phil’s sharp inhale and the response of scoldingrecklessdisaproval in the bond.

Phill butted in “Sorry about that chick, I’ll make sure Will get’s you something to make up for it ok?”

“Ok” The younger blonde was still visibly upset and Wilbur just wished he ould still take him back with him then and there but it was unfortunately still too soon, and the last thing he wanted was to cause Tommy to shut him out.

“Bye sweet thing” he murmured and with a gust of wind both he and Phil were gone.

In the fae realm, Wilbur sighed, he could already feel his father’s disapproving stare.

“Wilbur I understand you want to keep the little one but swearing by your name so recklessly is dangerous!” He nagged.

Will rolled his eyes “Yeah, yeah, c’mon old man, the sooner we get this over with the sooner we can be done with those annoying old bastards” he grumbled “I swear they're just coming up with ideas to take up our time these days”

“I’m serious young man! I can and will ground you!” Phil snapped “ and don’t say that so openly! They may be bothersome but the elders are an important part of the community”

“Yeah, the part that does nothing but cry and whine to us to fix their problems” the brunette shoved his hands in his pockets and wandered off. Prime, he couldn’t wait until he could go back to his precious Buttercup.

Chapter Text

Hello everyone, I don’t know if you have heard the news, but unfortunately technoblade passed away.

I didn’t joint this community as early as some of you did, but technoblade was one of the first people I started watching on 2021 during prime pandemic time.

He was a source of happiness for me and many other people of the Minecraft community. He impacted all of us greatly and I will never forget the amount of comfort and joy his videos brought me.

The reason I had not been updating this fanfic was because I’ve been struggling with my mental health, and other personal matters.

These news have impacted me greatly and I will be taking time to mourn, and figure myself out before I come back to this story.

I am writing this to give you guys an update and to tell you that it’s okay. Things may not be god now, you may not be feeling it But you will be okay, hug all your loved ones, reach out to your friends, take time off social media.

Do whatever you have to do to make yourself feel better. I may not know you guys, but I can confidently say, that I love you, I care about you, and I hope you all feel better soon.

Take all the time you need. If you need someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to me on discord, bandito#4132.

Take of yourselves everyone, breathe, drink water, eat, shower, write, reach out to a loved one, etc. Just stay safe and healthy.

Sending you all my love, Bandito

Chapter Text

Tommy started taking any opportunity to go to the woods over the next few months. It was wrong and dangerous but the boy couldn’t help the need to go and visit his fae friend. Phil did not show up again much to the boy’s relief and slight disappointment, but Tommy enjoyed his time talking with Wilbur and listening to his songs and stories about his family. Will sometimes spoke about fae history but Tommy’s favorite stories were the ones about ‘The General’! He was Will’s twin brother, though the fae insisted on mentioning he was the older one by five minutes. Tommy didn't really see how five minutes could be so important but he’d stay quiet so that Will would keep talking about the other fae.

He had asked if there was a name that he could call the general by, but Will had only smiled and told him that he would introduce his brother to him in person one day and he’d be the one to tell him. It made Tommy feel a little nervous, even when Will told him that his brother was nice and would really like him.

Tommy couldn’t help but feel like the fae was trying to trick him still. Will was nice to him! and no one was nice to an orphan without planning something. Not even the couples who acted nice so that they could take kids home and then get mean and make them work a lot, only to give them back when they were too tired to keep working for them. It happened to him one time too many times for Tommy to trust the adults that used to enter the orphanage. Every time the headmaster would smile and announce that a couple would be coming to see them he would hide in the attic and talk to his old stuffie until they left.

He really hoped that Will wasn’t secretly mean, the fae had done nothing but talk to him and treat him nicely. He wouldn't know what to do if Will really was mean like the adults said fae where. (sometimes, he thought it’d be okay for the fae to trick him if it meant he’d be able to stay with Will and his family because they seemed like they’d stay nice to him)

The boy was currently laying on the edge of the clearing listening to another of Will’s stories about his family.

“He wanted to turn his hair red so that he’d look scarier but he used elderberries instead of roses like I told him so his hair turned pink instead!”

Tommy laughed “really? Was he upset?”

“Very. he couldn’t believe that was the only thing I was pranking him about” Will grinned. “He ended up liking it funnily enough, his hair is still pink to this day”

“I wish i could have seen that” Tommy giggled loudly.

“You’ll get to see it in person soon, my brother is going to be free soon”

That comment made the boy pause, “really? I’ll be meeting him soon?”

Tommy tried to keep the slight fear out his voice but he clearly didn’t do a good job based on Wilbur’s confused expression.

“Is something wrong with that sunshine?”

“It’s just, people usually hate me when they first meet me” the boy visiblly curled into himself, “I don’t want your brother to hate me either”

“Oh sweetheart,” the fae cooed “and leaned as close as he could to the edge of the circle, “my brother would never hate a little darling like you!”

“You think so?”

“Oh darling, I know so!” Will hummed softly. “Have I told you about the time he cried over a bunny when we were changelings?”

Chapter Text

Technoblade hated humans.

They were destructive, selfish creatures. Tearing down forests without a second thought, building their ugly settlements like they owned the world. Impulsive and soft-hearted in the worst ways, always whining and blaming the fae whenever they faced consequences for their own reckless actions. Foolish enough to seek them out when desperate, only to curse them when tricked by their ancient magics.

He scoffed quietly, eyes scanning the horizon beyond the fae ring. No surprise his brother fell for one.

When he first heard that Wilbur—of all people—had gone and befriended one of their young, Technoblade had snorted in disbelief. It wasn’t surprising that his twin, soft-hearted and still clinging to the foolish hope that humans could be good, would fall for such a thing.

He’d been disappointed, but not surprised, that their father had also fallen under the vile creature’s charm. Philza had always had a soft spot for younglings, but as the king of the fae court, he couldn’t just go adopting human children whenever he pleased. Technoblade wasn’t even shocked that Wilbur had inherited that troublesome weakness.

What was so special about a human child? It would grow up to be just like all the rest—selfish, destructive, and ultimately dangerous.

All humans were bad.

It was only natural that he would eventually go and meet this human child. As the protector of his family, his sounder, it was his duty to assess this unknown threat for himself.

So when Wilbur begged him for the nth time to come meet the human, he finally relented—if only to scope out the enemy firsthand.

It was that brought him here to Wilbur's little clearing and visit his fairy circle. 

Technoblade stood by the edge of the fae clearing hidden, arms crossed, eyes narrowing as he watched the golden-haired youngling chatter with Wilbur.

Humans, he thought, always so loud, so reckless, so… alive.

He could see the appeal, what exactly about this youngling charmed his twin, the golden hair, the vibrant and daring personality. Fearless enough to chat back but wisely meek enough to not offend his brother.

Stepping forward, he let the soft crackle of leaves announce him.

“So this is the… ‘Sunshine’ you kept telling me about?” he said, voice dry and unimpressed.

The boy startled and shrank into himself at the sound, looking suddenly unsure. Wilbur shot Technoblade a warning look, which he ignored.

Wilbur crouched beside the boy, his tone gentle. “Don’t be scared, Sunshine,” he cooed, shrinking himself just enough to soothe. “This is my brother I told you about. ‘The General.’”

That seemed to bring Tommy back to himself.

“’M not scared!” he huffed, though Technoblade noted the way his small body trembled. His lips curled in faint amusement. Liar.

“ Ah, yes. Of course not,” Wilbur replied quickly. “I apologize for assuming.”

“Y-you’re forgiven!” Tommy declared, puffing his chest up again, trying his best to look intimidating.

Technoblade’s red eyes met his, sharp and assessing.

So far, the boy was exactly what he expected… but there was something about the way he stood tall, even trembling.

Interesting.

The youngling quickly straightened and turned to him.

“Will said you cried over bunnies! ‘M not scared of you!”

The words seemed to tumble out unthinkingly—evident by the way the boy immediately shrank back, clapping his hands over his mouth with wide eyes.

A slip of the tongue. Likely a habit formed from speaking too freely with Wilbur. And knowing his twin, Technoblade was sure he encouraged it.

Techno raised an eyebrow, ignoring the way Wilbur bit down a laugh, failing miserably at hiding his amusement at the boy’s bold declaration.

“Bruh,” the word came instinctively, flat and unimpressed. “I was like, a hundred years old. An infant. That doesn’t count anymore.”

Wilbur jumped at the opportunity, grinning as he leaned toward the boy. “Aww, Techie! So you admit you cried!”

Technoblade shot him a dry look at the nickname, unfazed. “Of course. I may topple kingdoms, but I’m not heartless.”

Tommy lowered his hands slowly, his blue eyes flicking between the twins. “Did the bunny live?”

The clearing went still for a beat. Even Wilbur blinked, surprised.

Technoblade’s expression didn’t change, but something in his posture shifted—shoulders less tense, chin tilting down in something that wasn’t quite annoyance.

“…No,” he said finally, voice quieter than before. “It didn’t.”

Tommy looked genuinely upset. “Oh. I’m sorry.”

Technoblade blinked. Most humans would’ve laughed at that story—or worse, tried to use it to mock him again.

But this kid…

He shifted his weight slightly, wings twitching once behind his back. “Tch. Not your fault.”

Wilbur grinned like the cat who’d caught the canary. “See? Told you he’s nice once you get past the bloodlust.”

“Will.”

“I mean it in a good way.”

Tommy tilted his head curiously. “Is that why they call you The General? ‘Cause you bloodlust a lot?”

Technoblade stared.

Then he huffed a single, startled laugh through his nose. “You got a mouth on you, runt.”

“‘M not a runt,” Tommy shot back. “I’m a big man . Ask Will.”

“Oh, believe me, I’ve heard ,” Techno deadpanned. “Sunshine this. Big man that. I was starting to think Will was raising a squirrel.”

Wilbur barked a laugh, looking delighted. Tommy flushed bright red, half in embarrassment, half in indignation.

Technoblade watched him with faint amusement. Brave. Loud. Honest to a fault.

He still didn’t trust him—not yet. But for the first time, he felt the barest thread of curiosity . And beneath that…

Something warm.

Something dangerous .

Philza’s voice echoed faintly in his memory: “It’s just a child, Techno.”

Maybe.

But something about this child made the old magic stir.

And Technoblade didn’t like that one bit.