Chapter Text
In the dead of night, a Phoenix sat upon the roof of an apartment building.
His red wings were tipped yellow at the end to resemble fire, the fire he was born from and the fire he one day will return to yet it was beginning to fade Slightly, meaning he would have to re-dye them soon enough "what a pain..." He thought to himself as he slowly stood on the edge of the building and raised his arms above his head to stretch his back.
The Phoenix's name was Tommyinnit or better known as C4.
One of the most wanted criminals in L'manburg.
He slipped his phone from the pocket of his trousers before typing a quick message to his friend and putting it back safely in his pocket, making sure to click the fabric shut so his phone would stay in place. Not too long after his text was sent a beep sounded from behind him, dull enough to not be heard unless you were specifically looking for it. Tommy let in a breath.
"here we go"
The Phoenix didn't even check to make sure it was safe before he took a running start and leaped off of the building just as it exploded behind him, sending him soaring through the sky. He could feel the heat of the explosion on his back, tiny pieces of broken bricks and concrete hitting his wings, not enough to damage them but enough to be noticeable, almost ticklish.
And Tommy felt alive.
He felt the chilled wind of the steadily rising sun flow through his hair, allowing a laugh to bubble up and fly out of him against his will. It was an almost innocent laugh, filled with nothing but joy and adrenaline.
Then, all too soon, he landed, wasting no time before he sprinted down the alleyways, taking every twist and turn he came across. This is what Tommy lived for, the destruction and the adrenaline, the thrill of the hunt if you would.
His laughter didn't stop as the sirens began following him through the city, it didn't stop as he heard extra sets of footsteps around him, it didn't stop as bullets whizzed past his head. If anything it got louder with each stray projectile that got lodged in the brick walls he sped past.
After running became too boring for him he decided to switch platforms, opening his wings and using them to boost himself up to a water pipe and climb to the top of a nearby apartment building only to be hit with the most disgusting smell he's ever come into contact with making his wings droop and drag on the ground. Tommy merely rolled his eyes. "How many times are they going to paralyze my wings before they realize it doesn't matter," He thought to himself bitterly as he continued the chase only to find himself at a dead end. Normally he would use the building as a platform to jump off of and float to the ground but that wasn't an option at the moment so he had no other option than to turn around and face his pursuers.
He turned on his heel only to see several guns pointed directly at his chest which Tommy thought was a bit overkill "We have you surrounded, give yourself up" one of the policemen barked as his finger tightened on the trigger.
"Uh-oh looks like I've been cornered!" Tommy cried dramatically as he dangled one foot off the edge, fluttering his eyelashes in an attempt to appear helpless and scared "There's no way I'm getting out of this one...I guess I'll have to turn myself in and- SIKE BITCH!" With no hesitation, Tommy threw himself off of the building and let himself fall knowing that those could very well be his final moments on earth and he was okay with that.
He cracked an eye open to see the ground rushing up at an alarming speed and Tommy felt himself grow excited, heart pounding in his chest. The ground drew closer and closer, steadily speeding up with each passing second, but instead of landing on hard unforgiving concrete he landed on something soft and buzzing with energy, a bee hybrid who went by "The king bee" to the public and Tubbo to three very special people.
The bee hybrid laughed happily as he flew away much to the ire of the policemen who could only fire stray bullets after them and hope they'd hit one of the two boys but unfortunately for them, they didn't hit anything except for the clouds above their heads.
"That was close big man! For a second I thought you were done for, I even got the jars out!" Tubbo said, referring to the jars that were fastened to his belt and clanking together softly. He always carried them on him so he could catch Tommy's ashes to later put out in the sun in order to bring him back to life. It wasn't like Tommy returned to ash on the regular but it was better to be safe than sorry.
Tommy's tail feathers ruffled behind himself in annoyance "I know, I know" "You're way too reckless sometimes, y'know that?" Tubbo scolded like a disappointed mother as he dipped down into an alleyway and opened the manhole cover, jumping inside without a second of hesitation.
"Oh come on, I've died hundreds of times what's one more?" Tommy argued as he followed the bee boy through the labyrinth of tunnels and secret passages to get to the area they lovingly called their home "They could store your ashes in a dark box or something and then what?" Tubbo argued in return as he dropped down the last passage to get to their home and Tommy wasn't far behind.
The sound of them landing on the concrete earned the attention of their third roommate who was calmly making dinner for them before they arrived. He commonly went by Enshroud but Tommy preferred to call him "Ranboo!"
The chameleon hybrid looked over curiosity, idly stirring a bubbling pot of noodles "Hey Tommy" He greeted in return "...What are you guys talking about?" Tommy opened his mouth to answer but was interrupted by Tubbo before he could get the first syllable out "Tommy was being a dumbass while running from the cops and almost got his die dust all over the pavement" He complained as he leaned against the counter and stole a swig of fruit punch from Ranboo's cup "Those poor, poor street cleaners" Ranboo said solemnly as he drained the spaghetti noodles of their water.
"Oh come on why should I be careful when I just come back anyway! Ranboo, back me up" Ranboo's tail wrapped around his legs nervously as he was called on. He was often more comfortable with being a listener than actually joining in on their (usually stupid) arguments but Tommy always found a way to drag him in despite that. He stalled on the question before looking away "Uh...Sorry Tommy but I have to agree with Tubbo on this one...You probably shouldn't go around dying all the time just because you'll come back"
Tommy let out an extremely childlike whine as he plopped down on their dingy sofa "You guys are fucking buzz kills!" He proclaimed as he sprawled himself out on the couch, taking up the entirety of the space with his body "What's the point of having this awesome power if I can't fucking use it!" "We aren't saying you can't do anything just...be more careful, treat your life like you only have one shot, like us" Ranboo suggested gently "Yeah! Join the one life club!" Tubbo agreed as he threw an arm around Ranboo's waist and began chanting "One of us! One of us! One of us!"
Tommy rolled his eyes fondly at their antics. They always knew what to say to get him out of a bad mood...or put him in one "Yeah, yeah I'll join the one life club if you stop fuckin' chanting at me" Ranboo chuckled as he leaned over the back of the couch to flash Tommy a smile "Welcome to the club"
Tommy flicked his nose before he diverted his attention to the television that was playing some random soap opera. He rolled his eyes in dismissal before snatching the remote off of the table and switching to the news, hoping his most recent crime would be reported on.
He loved it when the media showed him footage of his destruction. It gave him a rush of pride knowing that he did that. They always asked "What kind of monster would do such a thing"
The answer was Tommy.
Tommy was the kind of monster that would do such a thing.
And he loved every second of it.
...Unfortunately, they were reporting on something else entirely which only mildly disappointed him
"The infamous criminals known as The king bee, C4, and Enshroud or otherwise known as The Troublemakers officially become the second most wanted criminals in l'manburg, just behind the temporarily inactive gang known as the Antarctic gang-"
Tommy's expression flattened as the gang was mentioned before changing the channel as quickly as he could, muttering out "Those fuckers" under his breath spitefully. Tubbo's eyebrows creased in confusion as he forcibly moved the upper half of Tommy's body so he could sit down next to him "What's your problem with them, big man?" he asked only for Tommy to throw his hands in the air in annoyance "Everyone's scared of them for no fucking reason! They've been gone for like three years and yet they're STILL most wanted..." "Civilians are scared of us too y'know" Ranboo offered timidly as he moved Tommy's legs so he could sit as well. "I know but not AS scared! They fear a dormant gang more than us!"
Tubbo considered his words for a moment before he nodded in agreement and threw an arm over the back of the couch "Yeah It's dumb but I really don't think you should get your tail feathers in a twist over it" Tommy was about to throw a wide array of colorful insults his way but before he could get the first sound out he paused and looked towards Ranboo "Wait are my tail feathers in a twist?" Ranboo briefly looked down to check before shaking his head "Nope, you're all good" "Okay well anyway, the only thing that will be twisting is your fuckin' neck, bitch" Tubbo smirked before leaning down to get in Tommy's face "Try it, birdie, I dare you"
Ranboo gently placed a hand placed Tubbo's forehead and pushed him back a bit before the one life club would be down a member or two. While the three of them were the best of friends Tubbo and Tommy got dangerously close to killing each other on a regular basis. The chameleon hybrid found it incredibly tiring. "Or, hear me out, you could not do that and save me the heart attack?" He suggested.
Tommy narrowed his eyes at Tubbo.
Tubbo narrowed his eyes right back, wearing his signature Cheshire smile. "Go on Tommy. Back off and save Ranboo a heart attack"
"You first"
"No, you"
"No, you!"
"NO, YOU!"
"Ooookay why don't I just..." Ranboo picked up the firey boy and moved to the middle of the couch, setting Tommy in his previous seat on the opposite arm of the couch.
Tommy glared at Tubbo.
Tubbo glared right back.
Ranboo rolled his eyes.
"Aaanyway I'd say moving up at all is worth some kind of celebration" Ranboo said, changing the subject to one that was less likely to start an argument. Tubbo's eyes lit up as he caught onto what the chameleon hybrid was actually suggesting "Should I get the candy jar?" He asked, saying the quiet part out loud. Tommy stood up quickly, shooting one arm in the air "I call dibs on the bursts!" He yelled "You always do..." Ranboo muttered, rolling his eyes as Tubbo flew away to grab the aforementioned jar. He returned shortly, setting the glass object on the table however the jar was not filled with candy as the name would suggest, instead it was filled with candy themed drugs they managed to get their hands on.
Candy bursts were a "slightly" addictive, sweet yet sour powder protected in a layer of hard candy, think of those lollipops with gum inside but replace the gum with cocaine.
Tommy unwrapped the hard candy and wasted no time popping it into his mouth, briefly playing with the strawberry flavored ball with his tongue before biting into it with a loud crunch sending addictive, sugary sweet powder into his mouth and coating his tongue.
It didn't take long for the powder to begin to dissolve on his tongue, leaving behind a dull tingle reminiscent of holding pop rocks in his mouth but so so much better. He smiled, putting a hand to his mouth to ensure the popping wouldn't stop before he noticed the same popping sensation spread down his throat and fill his head then it travled down his back to invade his torso then finally it filled his arms and legs. He laid back against the couch, world completely forgotten as he giggled softly. It was disorienting in the best possible way.
Then slowly, color and light began to fill his vision, with vibrant pinks, greens, teals and yellows swirling around. It was beautiful. Tommy stretched out his arms in an attempt to fully emerse himself in the colors however his hands landed on something soft and squishy instead. He blinked, confused by the foreign object before beginning to squeeze it to try and figure out what it was earning a buzzing noise from the object. He squeezed again "Stop that, it tickles!"
Oh, he knew that voice. That was his big brother wasn't it? He blinked a few times as the colors began to form a bee hybrid in front of him although he looked a bit more bright than normal he'd say. Yep, that was Tubbo, he'd know that face anywhere. He smiled, slurring out a "Hiiiiii." Tubbo pat his head, saying "yeah, you are aren't you?" He nodded drowsily earning laughter from a different, deeper voice. Ranboo?
"He's totally out of it" Ranboo said, smiling down at him. It was at that moment Tommy noticed he was laying down, head rested in Tubbo's lap with Ranboo looking over him from behind the couch. Hey when did he lay down? Either way he muttered "Oi fuck you....'m waaaay in it 'Tommy in it' 's what they call me" Ranboo laughed again "alright mister Tommy in it, what's 2+2?" Tommy thought for a long long moment before saying
"....eight"
"eight?"
" 's a good number..."
They both laughed that time. It made him happy to know that he made his brothers happy. Everyone was happy and Tommy loved it. Tommy loved everything. He was so happy. He had never been happier. He wanted to stay like this forever...
Then everything suddenly went black.
------
Tommy was awakened who knows how many hours later by a strange vibrating coming from his back pocket. He noticed himself feeling cold, slightly nauseous and extremely confused. Not to mention all of the colors were gone and the only light was coming from the TV which was currently playing nothing but static. Needless to say that didn't help his pounding headache in the slightest.
He sat up slowly, noticing he had his legs draped across Ranboo's lap and Tubbo was sleeping on the armrest of the couch looking ready to fall off and crack his skull open on the floor. They however were both still asleep so they couldn't explain what the fuck was going on.
Right the vibrating.
Tommy took the object out of his pocket and lazily checked his phone, momentarily getting blinded by the light before he noticed be he was getting a phone call from a number he didn't recognize. Normally Tommy would ignore it and move on but in that moment he just wanted answers and he was hoping this person on the phone could give him that.
"Hello?" He asked, voice extremely groggy.
"I'm at our meeting place...where are you?" An unknown voice practically hissed at him.
"....What?"
"You told me that we would be meeting 4 am sharp...it's 4:30. Where are you?"
That only confused Tommy further, he had no recollection of telling anyone he would be meeting them anywhere. At this point he was getting more questions than answers so he decided to look into his texts to try and piece together what was happening and what do you know, right below the numerous conversations of Tommy, Tubbo and Ranboo sending pure gibberish to one another he found the same unknown number.
Anilius: Hello. First thing's first I'd like to congratulate you on becoming the second most wanted criminals in l'manburg, that's no small achievement.
Anilius: And secondly I'm a representative of the Antarctic gang and I think we could do business together. I think you'll find we have quite a lot to offer you in our skillset if you accept.
C4: okki gues.ss
Anilius: I'll take that as a response in the affirmative, Wonderful. Meet me by the old warehouse so we can discuss business further.
C4: yu gugnaa turns ua inn?
Anilius: I think we both know that would be pointless. As someone with a bounty of over one million dollars on my head, they'd most likely see me as a more valuable target.
Anilius: Besides, we have no use for the reward money.
C4: k bw there a t like idk fl4 in the motbujg ill meet you thrt4e
Anilius: understood. I'll see you there.
Suddenly it all hit him like a semi truck. He got higher than a kite last night and accepted a meet up he didn't understand in the slightest.
Well shit.
Now what was he supposed to do?
"Hello? C4 are you still there?" The man spoke again, clearly running out of patients with him. "Uh- fucking- yeah yeah I'm still here uh...something came up and we're gonna have to reschedule...how about midnight tomorrow instead"
The person on the other end let out a long, extremely irritated sigh "...Yeah sure whatever but I won't tolerate another no-show. Be there or the deal's off" Tommy didn't really care about the deal. Actually that was a bit of a generous description, he couldn't give a fuck less, he was more concerned about what his brothers would think of the whole situation....
"That's a future me problem" he decided, throwing his phone onto the coffee table and getting back into the wildly uncomfortable position he initially found himself passed out in.
He returned to sleep with one thought echoing in his mind.
"Yeah, everything's gonna be okay"