Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The night sky was flawless, but that wasn’t what he was paying attention to.

Sat upon the Ferris wheel like they so often did, Vegetta found his eyes locked on the man beside him instead of the view above. He couldn’t help it, watching his partner’s lips quirk up in that wide goofy grin, his eyes light up like a thousand suns, nothing beat that in beauty.

Foolish turned to him, as though sensing he wasn’t paying attention to whatever topic he’d been saying for the past few minutes. It wasn’t that Vegetta wasn’t listening, their communication was still rather fractured, but they made it work for them and though he didn’t understand half of what Foolish said, it was comforting all the same.

“Vegetta?” The shark hybrid tilted his head, a sweet curious look on his face.

He hummed before shaking his head, “Oh, yes, go on.” He waved his hand, insistently.

Foolish chuckled lightly, not quite the wheezing Windex he adored, but cute all the same and continued to speak.

Vegetta could stay there on that Ferris wheel forever, but he’d invited Foolish here for a reason. In his other hand, the one hidden on the other side of the cart, he held a little precious box with an even more precious cargo inside. He just wasn’t ready yet.

He didn’t think he’d ever be ready to try again.

Yet here he was.

His fingers curled around the box, thankful his gloves won’t let any nervous sweat through. He was a fearless man, a warrior, a wizard, a King truly.

But the moment his eyes landed on Foolish again, he felt oh so very small.

“I was thinking of building a shark tank under the tower.” Foolish said, rubbing his chin, “Since, well, you know.” He gestured to the scales along his arms, “You have the Zoo, I have an Aquarium…”

“And the interior of your tower? Oh Foolish…” Vegetta teased.

That garnered the reaction he wanted, a raging blush shot across his lover’s face and Foolish raised his arms defensively the next, “I’ll get to it!”

“Hmm, si, but, maybe you need assistance?” Vegetta looked away, his hand on the box tightening, “I could help you?”

Foolish’s emerald eyes lit up instantaneously, “You would?”

“Si, but, ah, is your casita, mi casita?” He shook his head, “No, but I will fix that.” Vegetta had offered his home right away to Foolish, the day they brought little Leo home. Foolish, the aloof man that he was, didn’t even have a home for many weeks after, and arguably still only had a shell.

So it was time Vegetta fixed that, and they truly finalized their status together.

“What do you mean?” Foolish breathed, his eyes wide.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a little face watching them from the windows of his tower and he laughed softly at the sight of his mija. Leo was wearing her signature rainbow beanie and a sign was in her little hands. “Hazlo ya!” Do it already!

“Uh, Foolish…” Vegetta started, and he brought out the little box, noticing the slight shake of his hands. He couldn’t believe all the dangers he’s faced and this is what sent him into trembles. “Would you- uh, we are predestined.” He settled on that, looking up at him, hoping with all his heart, Foolish would get it, he wouldn’t need to spell it out.

For his part, the shark hybrid was simply staring at the box, his expression set in a state of shock- that didn’t last long at all when Vegetta opened the box to show a dazzling gold ring with an amethyst. Foolish started to wheeze.

He was laughing. Vegetta’s heart sank.

His hands pulled back the box, his eyes threatening tears that he refused to have, he couldn’t be weak now, no, this was not the time-

“I can’t believe this!” Foolish said loudly and then he was turning, leaving? No, this was too cruel- “Vegetta, you- oh Vegetta!” He didn’t want to be here anymore-

There was another box, this one in Foolish’s hands. Vegetta stared.

“We were written in the stars.” Foolish said, opening it to reveal a gold ring with an emerald atop it.

Vegetta kissed him, he pulled Foolish close and he kissed him because this loco-

There were gunshots from the tower and both of them pulled away to see Leo hopping around the glass roof excitedly. She was grinning from ear to ear, “I want to be the flower girl!”

“Mija…” Vegetta sighed, scrambling to stand.

“Well, we’ve got a new project to build…” Foolish mumbled wistfully.

“I’ll do the interior.” Vegetta said and Foolish laughed.

Chapter Text

He didn’t know how many times he adjusted his cufflinks. A few seconds would pass and he’d adjust them again, every glance at the mirror before him and he noticed they didn’t look right.

Today was going to be perfect, he would ensure it, no matter the cost.

Or the fiddling. Or the nerves. Or the fear that was seeped deep into his bones.

Vegetta wore a stylish white suit, violet swirls were weaved into his vest and his hair was crowned with a wreath of gold. In the pocket of his vest was a yellow rose, mirroring the violet one he knew his soon-to-be husband would have in his. 

They agreed to match, white suits, gold jewelry (of which Foolish squealed about), and roses that mirrored the earrings they exchanged the day they established their relationship. It had been chaos that day, from Vegetta telling off Roier, Bad telling him of Foolish’s supposed infidelity of a relationship neither of them were sure about, their counseling session and those pictures of nonsense- And that wasn’t even to add on the nightmares involving the children.

Despite it all, Vegetta went to bed that night with a love he didn’t expect to ever have again in his heart. He wouldn’t change a thing about that day.

There was a knock that stopped him from fiddling with his cufflinks again.

“Are you ready, papi?” Roier poked his head in, wiggling his eyebrows in that annoying but endearing way he does. Despite having the largest age gap on the server, Vegetta got along the best with him besides his family, and thus he’d trusted him enough to be his best man.

He only slightly regretted that as Roier came in and started to scrutinize. “No mames, this is a disaster, we must call it off.” He went up to him, pulling on his vest, “They’ve caged your tit-”

“Eh!” Vegetta smacked Roier’s hands away, “No jokes, can you not see I am nervous enough?” He fixed his vest, loosening it where Roier’d tightened. The man didn’t want him to breathe!

Roier’s coy little smile faltered and he sighed, “Vale, vale! I was trying to lighten the mood, man. You’re stiff as a pole, you know?” His little smug smile came back.

Pole, oh Vegetta knew what he was thinking of. Today was not the day to think about Las  Casualonas, as fun as it was-

“Relax, it’s going to be fine. That fool is smitten.” Roier broke his thoughts and he pursed his lips together.

“I know.” He trusted Foolish.

He didn’t trust his luck with weddings.

Roier nodded, “Then why are you so nervous, man? This is going to be the happiest day of your life!”

“Ah no, meeting my mija remains the best.” Vegetta smiled, imagining that day all over again, seeing that little girl in a red baseball cap all alone, the last one to be picked…

“Second than,” Roier rolled his eyes. “Now let’s go! I swear they’ve started the music… and you wanted to walk first…” Roier bumped his shoulder, shaking Vegetta enough to take his eyes off the mirror at last.

It was like he’d been snapped out of a dream, his eyes landing on the door that would lead to the aisle, to his friends, and finally Vegetta took a breath.

Roier walked ahead of him, tugging on the door-

It was beautiful.

Marble, like his beloved’s tower, stretched up high with a vaulted dazzling glass ceiling. Columns ran down the aisle, decorated with ribbons of their colors, and on the floor were the cherry blossom petals their dear mija loved.

The aisles were full of all the people of the isle, from the reclusive Philza and Wilbur, old friends like Quackity and Luzu, the loud Brazilians, the newer French and of course their children. 

Vegetta was shell-shocked as everyone turned to face him. The music was too loud, sounding so very familiar, so very traditional, just as he liked it, but painful all at once-

But he shook his head and marched forward, smiling easily as he passed them all.

Today was the day his luck changed, he decided and thus it would be so.

At the altar, Maximus winked at him and he couldn’t help the little giggle that escaped him.

It was happening, it was really happening.

Shortly after he entered, Bad started down the aisle to take his spot as Foolish’s Best Man. It was odd to him, as he swore he only ever saw the pair squabble anytime he saw them. In fact Bad tried many times to spin lies about Foolish to him. Like much with Foolish, it was peculiar, but Vegetta would accept it if it made his love happy. 

Roier nearly skipped down the aisle, his face giddy as he took his spot as the Best Man for his side of the wedding. There was a noticeable wink in Bad’s direction and the demon looked away with a huff so loud there wasn’t a chance no one heard it.

Then there were two sets of little footsteps, and clasped together arm in arm were two of the triplets, the rambunctious Dapper that Vegetta’s had to reprimand plenty of times and of course his perfect precious Leo in such a cute little pink dress. Dapper had a little satin pillow in his hand while Leo was passing out flowers behind them. It was simply adorable.

Vegetta walked up to Leo when she went to stand near him, kissing her on her forehead before returning to his place. She giggled, tossing a few flowers towards him.

“Ah! Mija, my hair!” He faked his panic, the flowers landing harmlessly around his feet.

Leo’s smile was worth the chuckles of the others, oh his mija…

“Now we rise for the br- uh, other husband.” Maximus said, choking on his words midway. The audience stood at the request, save for one man who sat near the back.

While Slime in his green tux was standing, his husband, Mariana, in a vibrant yellow suit was firmly still in his seat. To say he had a moody expression was an understatement, it was more like he was trying to burn a hole into the floor.

Vegetta’s lips curled in distaste. To think someone would have Foolish’s heart, crush it, then play with it for weeks and try to destroy his new one? Oh there was no sympathy from Vegetta for the sad sack of a man Mariana’d become. The only reason he was here was Foolish’s allowance that Slime bring a plus one.

He realized he should have worn his sword, just in case the man in yellow crossed a line.

If he dared to raise an objection…

“So… how much longer do we wait?” Roier asked, rubbing his chin.

Vegetta blinked. He looked around, leaving his hatred for the other man behind to realize he’s not been paying attention to his love walking down the aisle.

The empty aisle.

Bad waved his hand, “Oh, he’s probably lost, you know how he is.”

Lost, yes, just being his ditzy self, si, logical explanation and something his little Fool would do, he’d stumble in muttering excuses with a cute little flush to his face, and oh he’d just fall in love even more.

The music ended, it was silent.

Bad moved first, “I’ll go save him, stay right here!” He was chuckling nervously, then started to mutter, “What a muffinhead…”

Everyone started to sit back down, but Leo walked up to her father and tugged on his pants leg, “Papa? Where’s Dada?”

He didn’t know, “He’s lost.” That’s all it was.

There was a pain in his chest.

Dapper bit his lip then spoke, “I’m sure my Dad will drag him in here soon.”

“I don’t think so.”

Vegetta really wanted his sword.

Mariana was the only guest standing now, a gleeful expression on his face. “Once a bitch, always a bitch.” He spat, and laughed at his own joke.

“Eh, pendejo!” Roier pointed at him, “Shut the fuck up!”

“Really? At your ex’s wedding?” Slime groaned, but there was a bit of a smile on his face too. Ay, Dios! Those two were made for each other in their glee for the dramatics.

“What? He’s the one not here! Like a little bitch.” Mariana continued, those two’s obsession with calling each other that never ceased.

“Do you wish to die?” Vegetta asked at last, and the other’s face paled. People could speak their mind all they wanted, but he would not hesitate to remind them why he was feared.

“Chinga tu madre, I’m kidding! I’m kidding, man!” Mariana threw up his arms.

“I am not.” Vegetta’s tone was cold, concise.

Mariana was pulled back to his seat by Slime just as Bad returned to the hall.

Everyone’s eyes went to the disheveled demon who was shaking his head frantically.

Vegetta held his breath.

“He’s gone.”

He was still holding his breath as chaos erupted.

“What do you mean?!” Roier yelled the loudest, running over to Bad, ordering for him to explain more.

Mariana started to laugh, Slime walked over to Phil and the two started to whisper with Wilbur, Quackity started to sing a sad breakup song, Fit was trying to calm down the children who looked ready to go to war-

And the world seemed to darken around him, a blistering heat shot up his arm-

“Vegetta~”

“Osito Fiu Fiu?”

The demon, one far more devious than Bad, appeared before him and it was as though no one else could see him. He was clutching his cheek, a sorrowful expression upon his face-

“Once again, my dear Samu? Always alone at the altar~ tsk tsk tsk.” Rubius patted his cheek, then shook his head. “My what a curse you bare…”

Vegetta didn’t know what to say, he didn’t even know what to feel.

He trusted Foolish.

Trusted.

“I told him to stay away from you. I knew this would happen.” Rubius sighed, letting Vegetta’s cheek go so he could walk around him, placing his hands on his shoulders instead. He leaned over to whisper in his ear, “You’re mine to play with alone, Vegetta.”

His lips were dry, his throat tight, his mind a mess, his heart was shattering-

Rubius’s hand went to the earring they’d exchanged so long ago. Vegetta heard him tighten his grasp, the emerald under was going to crack-

A gunshot rang out through the building and Rubius cursed loudly, clutching his ear where thick black blood spilled from the wound. The world was bright once again and everyone was staring at the demon and his assailant.

Leo scowled, her gun was still smoking, “Where’s Foolich?”

Rubius grinned.

Chapter Text

He couldn’t stop pacing.

“The ceiling’s good, he liked it.” Foolish muttered under his breath, avoiding the mirror before him. “There wasn’t a block missing, right? Right?!” He asked, turning to look down at a few of the Doozers on the vanity. The little builders were arguing with one another, speaking gibberish to everyone but the shark hybrid.

“We told you hours ago! You never listen to us!”

“It was on the side, no one will notice.”

“Revolution!” 

Foolish shook his head, “Hey! You simmer down!” He pointed at the tallest one who shouted last, “You get great benefits, no need for that.”

There was a knock on his door and the Doozers scrambled, ducking under the beauty supplies or throwing themselves off the vanity to hide under it.

Foolish turned on his heel with an uneasy smile as Bad entered the room. It quickly became a frown. “Oh good. The last person I wanted to see.”

“Are you talking to yourself again?” Bad asked, looking around the room. The demon’s eyes narrowed when Foolish heard a doozer cough, but he quickly shook his head and looked back at Foolish, “You know, Roier’s still a psychologist-”

“You’re not using my mental health as an excuse to see your crush.” Foolish scowled, crossing his arms as he leaned against the vanity.

“W-what?! N-no?! What gave you that idea?!” Bad squealed indignantly, waving his hands around.

Foolish grinned. All his worries evaporated at the sight of his (somehow) longest friend’s misery. It was too easy to rile up the demon.

“Anyway, they’re starting soon and as your Best Man-”

“You appointed yourself.”

“As your self-appointed Best Man, I needed to check up on you.” Bad said.

“Well, I’m fine, so you can scram.” Foolish shrugged, but his fingers were tapping along his arm in a nervous pattern that the other definitely caught onto. He cursed the fact they knew each other so well, too well.

Bad gasped, “Is it Mariana? Don’t tell me you’re still thinking about him!”

Foolish saw red, “What?! Fuck no! I couldn’t give less of a shit about Mariana!” He snarled.

“You let your ex come to your wedding?! Come on Foolish, I thought we were past this-”

“Bad, I let Slime bring his husband, totally different-”

“Just admit you’re still interested in Mariana-”

Foolish got in Bad’s face, his hands wrapped around his supposed friend's suit. “Enough.”

Bad stared, and a devious little smile split across his face. “You passed the test.”

Foolish threw him backward, “Bad, I swear-”

“You look great, those robes really suit you, it brings out the chiseled jawline.” Bad said, his voice sounding less friendly and more… Foolish wasn’t going to finish that line of thought.

But he did it, he looked and sure enough, he did look great. He wasn’t all that big on pants, choosing to wear robes or skirts in some manner, his shark tail preferred that. His outfit today reflected that.

Pure white with a longer bit embroidered with emerald swirls to mirror Vegetta’s. A violet rose tucked into it, the same side as the violet earring. His long hair was put up into an elegant ponytail with the crown of his head topped off with a halo of flowers Leo made him. It was still mostly white but she’d snuck in a few cherry blossom petals.

He smiled, reaching up to touch the crown fondly.

Foolish didn’t know what he’d do without his daughter. Probably build, but as he’d said before, she’d shown him there was so much more to life than building.

Like Vegetta.

Oh Vegetta.

There was a swelling in his chest and he couldn’t help the little giggles as he thought of his soon-to-be husband and their time together. From awkward introductions to gift exchanges to adopting a daughter, then it just spiraled from there. Quick glares, nervous flirting, unasked questions on where they stood.

Bad trying to tear them apart.

Foolish turned to the demon who was innocently smiling at him, the day of the cheating allegations rushed back to him but before he could be furious, he recalled that Vegetta and he had solidified everything that day once and for all.

Because of Bad’s meddling.

He sighed, “Thanks, Bad.”

“You’re welcome.” 

Foolish didn’t think he knew what he was thanking him for. It was complicated, as it always was with the mischievous demon.

Bad reached over to clasp his shoulder, “I’m happy for you, truly. This is going to be a beautiful day, so… don’t look at Mariana.”

Foolish groaned, “You were so close to being nice.”

“Oh I can’t not not- wait, I can’t not- or I can’t huh-” Bad stumbled over his words.

“Get out, Bad.” Foolish rolled his eyes, but he was smiling a bit.

“Trip for me!” Bad called as he left, because of course he would say that.

Foolish chuckled, “Idiot.” He walked up to the mirror, admiring some of the jewelry he’d picked out. He was a bit of a hoarder like his daughter, shiny things were irresistible. Vegetta was all too happy to oblige, practically drowning him in rings, bracelets and necklaces the day he found out, but never earrings.

He only gave the one.

Foolish brought a hand up to it, smiling fondly.

Wait, but what about that missing block- “Hey, so did you all figure out where that block was?” Foolish called out to the Doozers, looking around the room.

Silence.

Which was odd, they were never too far.

“Guys? Little idiots? Hello?” Foolish walked around the room, checking under the furniture, but there was no sign. He returned to the mirror with a frown. “Abandoned in my weakest moment, I should have known.”

Huh. Where was the light? It was suddenly so dark-

There was a hot hand over his neck- then a sharp pain and he gasped as he was flung back, slamming against the wall. Foolish gasped, shock flooding his systems, he grabbed for his axe-

There were no weapons allowed at the wedding.

“Fuck!” He scrambled to his feet to race to the exit but then the vanity was slammed in front of him. He tried to push it away but it wouldn’t budge! “Fuck, fuck, fuck!”

“My, what a mouth on you.” A deep voice that sent every scale on his body on edge reverberated around the room. “And what a pathetic excuse for one of my kind your little friend is. He would not leave soon enough.”

“Bad? Oh shit, you’re a demon, no, you’re the demon.” Foolish remembered snakes everywhere, being dropped from an incredible height, being sent to hell, and the withers! Oh how could he forget! Sure some of them he appeared as an angel, but Foolish knew better.

Rubius grinned, “You remember me?” His teeth were as sharp as his own and far more sinister.

“You made yourself hard to forget, so many great memories.” Foolish seethed from where he leaned against the vanity. Maybe if he pissed Rubius off enough he would get distracted and he could move the vanity and escape and find Vegetta-

“I can’t say the same.” Rubius scowled and he grabbed Foolish’s chin, his claw digging into his skin. Foolish winced in pain, “In fact, my anger has only festered for the pathetic worm you are. A damsel really, not fit for the great Vegetta.”

Okay, that hurt.

Foolish was capable, he was! He held his own against Bad plenty, alongside all the dungeons they’d raided… It was simply exhilarating seeing how quick Vegetta would leap into action, defending him or his builds whenever it was annoy Foolish day.

There was no shame in that.

Besides, Vegetta seemed to be just as into it…

A blistering hot pain and he was brought back to his new reality. Rubius’s other hand was wrapped around his arm and it was on fire! His body wanted him to scream, but somewhere in his daydream the demon had covered his mouth. So his pain was muted as his body spasmed to try and get away-

Then it was gone and Rubius released him. He fell forward, clutching his arm where a massive burn shaped like a hand was left. Foolish sputtered and blubbered over in nonsensical mutterings as the pain consumed his mind.

Rubius sighed, “See? That was barely even a taste of what I am capable of, Foolish little Fool.” The demon leaned over him, grabbing him by his hair and pulling his head up so they could meet eyes, “Now if you want to be spared from more, you’re going to leave, go far away and never come back, si?”

Foolish stared back, the words washing over him. Leave? Vegetta, Leo, Bad, Dapper… no, no, NO! “Fuck you.” He spat at Rubius and the saliva evaporated upon contact.

Rubus chuckled, “Oh that’s cute. You thought this was a choice?”

“Vegetta will save me from you.” Foolish said with all the faith and trust in his heart.

“I’m counting on it.” Rubius snarled and then there was so much fire…

Leo’s crown of flowers was lit up in flames, now nothing more than ash.

Chapter Text

“What a pesky little brat you have, Samu.” Rubius’s wound healed over on it’s own, but his ear was still stained black from his demonic blood, clashing with his red fur.

Vegetta didn’t have to think before he was in between his mija and the demon, a snarl like a wolf on his lips, “Stay back.” He had nothing, only his words and his fists.

He would make do.

Rubius glanced down at his raised fists, chuckling lowly. “Oh how the mighty have fallen. You’re grown weak in fatherhood. It’s sad, depressing even…” Rubius placed a finger on the top of his fist and pressed down as though to get a better look at Vegetta’s face, “I loved a mighty warrior, not burdened with attachments…”

“You had attachments.” Vegetta spat back, but he didn’t move, he didn’t want to risk the demon’s eyes moving to Leo who was slowly walking around the pair towards where Max was gesturing for her to come. “Titi.”

Rubius’s nostrils flared, “You dare?”

“You were heartbroken- and perhaps that was karma for all you did to me.” Vegetta’s weddings, both ending in failure from the man before him, a man he’d once loved as ferociously as he loved Foolish now.

“Oh Vegetta… you old dolt…” Rubius shook his head and stepped back, “I am not that weak-spined little mortal anymore, I am so much more… and you’ve crossed a line.”

Vegetta readied himself for a fight-

Around them, demons spawned, fire was already flying, there were screams as people ran- Mierda, weapons and armor for all next time, because there would be a next time, Vegetta didn’t care how far he’d have to travel-

Before he could even land a punch, he heard Leo scream and he looked up. Above the chaos, Rubius was levitating above them, his claws under Leo’s throat as she kicked and struggling in his arms, her gun nowhere in sight.

“Vegetta!” Rubius cried, laughing maniacally, “I will take everything from you, in this life and the next until the end of time!”

“Don’t hurt her!” Vegetta roared back, “Rubius, you have underestimated my rage!”

“I won’t kill your little attachments, not this little egg nor the Fool, instead I want you to stew in misery knowing that every single day and night, their lives are nothing but pain.” Rubius as though to demonstrate sliced into Leo’s cheek and the girl cried out as her blood split.

Vegetta roared, but what could he do? Throw something and he’d hurt Leo. He had no ranged weapon, no potion of weakness.

All he could do was watch and keep him talking.

He noticed the two figures maneuvering around the demon among the fighting of the others. Vegetta blinked, realizing they were Bad and Dapper, both had something in their arms, weapons? Of course those two would break the rules-

“Where?” Vegetta cried out, “Where are you going to keep them?” He needed to know, if Rubius would grant him that mercy if Bad and Dapper failed.

“I think your little aquatic lover is quite familiar with my home already. An extended stay is a must.” Rubius said, his hand falling under Leo’s chin, “Your dada, Foolich? Don’t you want to see him, my dear?”

“I hate you!” Leo cried, her elbow moving to hit him in the gut, making him drop her in surprise. Immediately, Bad and Dapper fired some odd canon at Rubius but the demon ducked and grabbed Leo again before she could hit the ground. He flew at Vegetta, and so he reached out, his fingers extended as Leo’s reached out for him-

Then they were gone and the demons who’d been fighting went with them.

Vegetta collapsed to his knees, the silence overwhelming.

Foolish, now Leo… both in a literal hellscape, simply for being the two he held dear…

He bent over, his hands forming fists against the marble floor. He remembered all three of them laying down together, laughing as they built their little venue of love. Foolish was so easily distracted, his mind wandering as he considered how to build the perfect column or more commonly struggled to organize his inventory. Leo was always so intent on working on the greenery, even putting little flowers and trees where they didn’t belong. It had taken the efforts of both her fathers to convince her that making the guests sit on a trough of flowers wasn’t a good idea. 

She was so strong willed, his mija.

She was gone.

“Vegetta?” Roier was at his side first, but didn’t touch him. 

He was thankful.

Vegetta punched the floor and it cracked with his strength, like the cracks in his heart. But like the floor, those cracks could be repaired. In his case, when he got his family back.

He stood, turning to see Roier, Max, Bad, Dapper and a few others still milling about, frazzled and dirty from the battle.

“I am going to hell.” That was all that needed to be said, so he made to teleport with his warpstone. Rules of the island be damned, he was getting his family back-

“Woah, woah, woah! Not alone!” Roier shoved his should and his teleportation stopped.

“Rubius is my problem, I will handle it.” Vegetta frowned at Roier. He was the youngest save for the literal children around them, he still had a sparkle in his eyes, one Vegetta wasn’t all too keen on helping stamp out.

No, he had to do this alone.

“And if Foolish and Leo are injured?” Bad spoke up, “I have anything you could ever need in my backpacks, or anything they would need.”

Maximus shook his head, “You can’t go alone, old friend.”

Vegetta scoffed, oh what little faith these people had in him, all he needed was his gear and then he would be perfectly capable of ensuring his family’s safety. “Don’t worry, don’t worry my friends! You will all get in the way, that’s all, especially you, Roier.” 

“Que?! Vegetta, you are loco, man. Don’t do this alone!” Roier threw up his arms.

Max added, “Going to the nether is against the island rules, you will be targeted by Cucurucho, let’s spread the burden at least…”

“No!” Vegetta yelled, stepping further from the group, “This is my duty, my mistake to fix-”

“Foolish is my best friend, almost a brother to me, and Leo is my niece.” Bad spoke up, “I also failed to keep them safe today.”

Vegetta paused, staring at the demon. A demon. Someone who would know about his destination. His eyes fell on the little child he’d had, and could Vegetta really bring a single father on a mission like this? If something were to happen to Bad from Rubius’s wrath… why he feared what an unchained Dapper was like.

“I am going alone. This is final.” Vegetta said and he teleported away before they could continue their stupid little arguments or Luzu could come comfort him over yet another failed wedding. He was the wise one, the man who’d seen it all, he knew what was best, like setting up mines all over the server awhile back so they all appreciated their lives more.

Yes, Vegetta was confident he was correct here so when he landed in Hogar, he got straight to work gearing himself to the nines. Gear, weapons, pots, so much food, backups to all of the above, even gear and supplies to give to his family the moment he found them.

He didn’t need Bad, he was his own arsenal upon itself.

And now he had nothing left to lose.

Vegetta stood by his fireplace, looking up at the rather proactive photo of himself above it. He shook his head and went to Leo’s room. Above her bed was a picture of all of them, a family portrait they’d had painted when Leo was still growing out her hair. Foolish had his signature goofy grin, Leo had her sweet little smile and Vegetta… he looked stern, strong, but the corners of his lips were curled in fondness.

He took a picture of the portrait, a small copy formed and he place it close in his main pack, easy to pull out whenever he was having trouble.

A reminder of his failure and a promise to fix it.

Vegetta left his home, blowing a kiss to it as he locked his door behind him. He had the obsidian, he had the lighter, all he needed now was a location-

“We hope you are enjoying your stay on the island.”

On his balcony stood a white bear with beady black eyes.

“Cucurucho.” Mierda en tu madre!

Chapter Text

Foolish had lived in a desert once, scorching rays of sun, coarse hot sand under his bare feet, but there was a beach nearby, a place he could take a dip whenever the heat was finally too much for him. Sometimes, he missed that place, the peace it was sitting on the shore and staring up at his Summer Home.

He did not have such luxuries in Hell.

Tight, cramped really, he could barely spread out his arms on either side of him now. It was a dark dingy cell, the metal coated in some sort of thick musk or dirt, he couldn’t tell, and the floor was just as grimy, staining his white robe beyond repair.

Of course, the worst element was the heat. The one window at the back offered him no view of his surroundings, instead it was a stream of lava that seemed content to soak the room in an unbearable stream of hot. It was why he was leaned up against the cell’s door, trying to escape that terrible window as much as possible.

There was one other element to his prison, a crack in the wall between his cell and the next one over. It was the same size from where he peeked in earlier but the window wasn’t covered with lava. He came to the conclusion Rubius set up his cell personally.

Rubius. Vegetta’s ex, the toxic boyfriend.

Oh all the signs were there, weren’t they? He shouldn’t have been surprised when the man threw him in the air, sent him to hell, then sent withers after him over a hat he didn’t even destroy! He groaned, that awful day coming back to him…

It was also the first time Leo played her little flute for him.

He clung to that memory, his hands literally clung to the bars in front of him as though he could grab Leo. She’d surprised him that day, her little grin as she played, his own smile as he plopped down, exhausted, and listened…

Foolish smiled, and for a moment, the heat exhaustion felt like a distinct memory.

“What are you smiling about?” The cold but deep voice of his captor shattered that memory like glass. He looked up and stared at Rubius through the door of bars.

He went to speak, but only a hoarse whimper came out, his throat dry as the sand he used to work with. Instead he gulped and moved back, hiding his face. If he didn’t acknowledge Rubius, he’d get bored and move on…

“It’s only been a few hours, you’re already dehydrating?” Rubius scoffed. “I can’t have you dying on me that quickly.” Rubius pulled a lever beside him and there was a mechanism above their heads that activated. Moments later the lava by the window fell for the last time.

Foolish’s eyes bulged, but he wouldn’t and couldn’t thank him. It was also his fault he was here, so he wasn’t thankful. That sounded right…

There was a sudden splash of chill over his body and he screamed, falling over in shock. He realized he was drenched and before him Rubius had a shit-eating grin and a bucket in his hands. “Ice water~” He sing-songed.

Foolish wanted to give him every curse he used to bother Bad, but his throat was still so parched- his robe was soaked, his arms were wet- Fuck.

He grabbed his robe’s sleeve and started to squeeze it by his mouth-

“Desperate aren’t you?” He was in his face- how, the door- Foolish fell backward and the demon laughed. “Here, fool.” Rubius offered him a glass of glistening perfect beautiful water and Foolish really wasn’t in a place to question it.

He grabbed the glass, chugging it faster than any alcohol he’d had before. His throat screamed in delight, his lips no longer felt on the verge of cracking-

There was an oddly sweet taste to it, sparkling water-?

It felt like someone kicked his stomach and he kneeled over, but Rubius wasn’t doing anything, he was watching, grinning. Foolish wheezed as his stomach erupted in pain, and so he managed a glare up at his captor.

“Fuck you.” He spat, because that was the most important thing to say.

“You’re not in the position to spew insults, little tiburón.” Rubius gestured to the window.

The lava, a forever threat. Fuck. fuck, fuck!

“What was that?” Foolish tried instead, clutching his stomach. The pain was still present, but weakening at least.

“A potion to cause some mild pain is all, it still hydrates you, so a perfect solution to keeping an aquatic critter like you alive down here and giving you no reprieve.” Rubius smiled, “If you’re thirsty, you only need to say and I will provide.”

Mild pain in his ass! Foolish grimaced, “You’re joking…”

“Oh I’m deathly serious.” Rubius crouched down to where Foolish was on his knees. “I warned you to stay away, you went back to him anyway. You’ve made this bed, lie in it.”

Foolish’s brows furrowed and he looked around the cell, “There is no bed…?”

Rubius rolled his eyes, “It’s a figure of speech, mierda, how are you so stupid…”

“Why are you so jealous?” Foolish scowled, “I know you and Vegetta had a thing before, but dragging me to the nether?! Really, REALLY?!” His voice squeaked at the end.

“Shut your trap-”

“No!” Foolish stood, the pain in his stomach subsided finally, “This is ridiculous! You’re completely out of line, ruining your ex’s happiness to try and make yourself feel better? Grow up!” He jabbed a finger in Rubius’s direction-

Rubius was so fast- his head shot forward and he bit down his finger. Foolish yelled, pulling back, but his teeth were so sharp-

Then he was let go and he stumbled backward, clutching his finger to his chest, huffing and gasping. “What, what the fuck. You’re insane, you’re crazy, loco, loco!” It was bleeding pretty bad, mangled really, his breathing picking up a sense of panic over taking him.

Rubius reached forward, Foolish tried to pull back, but the demon was stronger and he held up the finger with a peculiar expression on his face. “Gold blood.” Foolish paled, so Rubius hadn’t noticed before…

He hummed, staring at the wound before raising his other hand and- Oh it was so hot!

In mere seconds, the wound was sealed shut with the heat from the demon and Foolish was shoved back. Rubius turned, his steps quick back to the exit of the cell.

“Fuck you!” Foolish said again, just for good measure.

“You’re an odd one.” Rubius said, peering down at him from the bars. “Peculiar in all ways, but above all, annoying.”

“Good!” He grinned madly, “I hope to make you suffer as much as I am!”

Rubius huffed, “We’ll see.”

Then the demon was gone, but so was the lava in the window and so Foolish collapsed. He stared up at the dark nether brick ceiling and finally allowed himself to relax.

“Vegetta… Leo… I’m sorry, I’m not as strong as you two.” He wasn’t, but… He would do what he could and if that was pissing off a demon, so be it. He reached for his amethyst earring, holding it up to observe the damage Rubius may have inflicted earlier and he stared. It was cracked, right down the center, still whole, but fracturing.

He clutched the earring close to his chest as the situation he was in fully washed over him like the cold rush of water earlier.

Foolish finally allowed himself to cry.

Chapter Text

They sat across from each other, Vegetta rigid and stiff in his armchair, Cucurucho across from him in Foolish’s chair and Leo’s empty seat beside them.

Reminders, his whole home was a reminder that he didn’t have time for this.

The fire crackled loudly, making the silence between them all that more irritating. The odd white creature had invited itself inside, saying nothing as it sat on the armchair then beckoned Vegetta to the other. A book was in its hand. It hadn’t written a word.

Vegetta was hunched over, his gear clinking loudly as he shifted uncomfortably, his hands were linked together as he glared at the other.

He didn’t have the patience for this.

“What do you want?”

“We hope you are enjoying your stay on the island.”

Vegetta scoffed, a repeat. “I am not.”

“Why?”

He scowled, “My family is gone.”

A pause and Cucurucho didn’t move for several seconds, then it’s head tilted the slightest bit to the side, “Why?”

“A demon, and not the little thief that runs around in here.” Vegetta was thankful the man stopped once he installed turrets everywhere.

“Why? Why? Why?” Cucurucho repeated over and over, its head tilted more, to a disturbingly painful degree in fact.

Vegetta frowned, “That doesn’t matter. I was going to get them back when you interrupted me. What do you want?”

“We hope you are enjoying your stay on the island.”

“I already said-”

“The Nether is prohibited.”

“Me cago en tu madre! I don’t care!” Vegetta stood, “This is a waste of my time.” He made his way to the door, but was yanked back by the surprising strength of his visitor. He snarled, looking back at it-

  Cucurucho and its beady little eyes stared back at him. “The Nether is prohibited.”

“I don’t care! He brought them there first!” Vegetta wretched his arm out of its grasp, but he was disturbed at the effort it took. Once free, he drew his moonblade. “You will not stop me.”

“That weapon is prohibited.”

“You’re prohibited from my home!” Vegetta swung at it, but the entity grabbed it. He grunted, pushing harder, there was no conceivable way this freak was stronger than the great Vegetta. “I don’t care what stands in my way, you, the Federation, Satan himself, I am getting them back!” He roared, pushing again and-

Cucurucho faltered, letting go, the sword swung down, slicing across one of the beady little eyes but there was no visible damage. Vegetta knew he hit it! It should be wounded- what?

The creature started to laugh, running around his home like another little demon, because he didn’t have enough in his life. Vegetta followed it with his sword, not taking his eyes off it for one second. “Fight me! Lucha, lucha! ”

“No. No. No.” Cucurucho finally stopped laughing and paused at the doorway. It closed it’s book and Vegetta realized it had been writing something the whole time it had run around. It tossed the book at him. “We hope you are enjoying your stay on the island.”

“What?” Vegetta approached the book, reaching for it, his fingers grazed the surface-

“Do not fail.”

Cucurucho left, blowing bubbles as it did, skipping around and off the balcony.

“Vale, that was terrible.” Vegetta muttered, clasping the book at last. He returned to the armchairs and sat with a sigh to read.

In the event of such unhappiness, the QSMP Federation grants one Vegetta Gaymers permission to enter the Nether until his happiness is resolved. One portal is permitted for use to his discretion, but the moment his happiness is achieved, it will be destroyed.

We hope he is enjoying his stay on the island.

He closed the book, his brows furrowed, his eyes downcast.

He took a breath, he stood, he grinned. “I will not fail.”

The nether, or hell, whatever people called it, was a dangerous place. He’d been before in other lives, but the one in his island was unfamiliar. There was no telling what could lie inside.

He tucked the book from the federation into his bag, right by his family photo. He suddenly recalled the night the Cucurucho took a picture of the whole family for them, he bet it was in an album somewhere- ah yes. He snagged the photo and placed it next to the other.

He was going to bring the whole album at this rate. Vegetta sighed wistfully. That wouldn’t be the worst idea, something to look at during travel.

The fire went out in his fireplace.

The room was suddenly so much hotter.

“Rubius.” Vegetta said slowly.

There was an indignant noise behind him, he spun and Rubius took a step back, pouting. “So alert, so ready, my Vegetta, what has you so jumpy?”

He scowled, “Get out of my sight.” He raised his sword at the demon.

Rubius rolled his eyes, “I only wanted to see my old friend, tell him about something fun I found out and this is how I’m repaid?”

“Unless you are here to return my daughter and husband-”

“Fiance, please, you’re not married yet you old coot.” Rubius grinned.

“And who’s fault is that?” Vegetta took a step forward, “Rubius so help me if you’ve laid a finger on either of them-”

“Thanks for asking! Did you know that pain potions still hydrate you?” Rubius exclaimed his claws, “I had to find some way to hydrate that stupid shark and since I can’t just keep splashing him with water, well… I did some experimenting…”

Vegetta paled, “Rubius, no.” No, no, no, not his sweet boy.

“Would you rather he become fried fish? And here I was thinking you’d thank me! I saved his life.” He shook his head, “And this is why you deserve this, Vegetta. You are so ungrateful for everything I’ve done for you-”

“I am going to enjoy destroying you.” Vegetta muttered, a wild look on his face.

“Oh I want to see you try, my dear Samu.” Rubius matched his look, but there was a hunger there, a need, a desire.

Vegetta wanted to rip it off his face, as he raised his sword-

“But not now, not here. I’ll be having fun with my little toys in the meantime!” Rubius cackled and he was gone.

There was a rush of cold air that threw Vegetta off his feet and he stumbled forward. He cursed, sheathing his sword and ran a hand through his hair. “Hurry. Hurry, hurry. No worries, no worries, I can do this, I have to do this.”

Could he do it alone? Both of his visitors that night ran circles around him! It was embarrassing, Vegetta the wise best by a bubble blowing dog and his own ex. He needed to prepare more, become the real one man army he was meant to be, but every second he wasted, Rubus was there.

“Vegetta!” Max’s shrill voice came from the doorway, “Turn off your turrets!”

He pulled out his remote immediately.

No, not alone, if he wanted his family back, he would need their help after all.

He shoved his sense of pride to the depths of hell they were about to enter.

Chapter Text

He didn’t know how long it’d been, but somewhere between putting his cracked earring back on and staring up at the ceiling, Foolish had fallen asleep.

When he came back, his mind a hazy mess, the first thing his ears picked up was the sound of soft crying. That forced him to stand and he turned every which way to find the source- The crack in between the cells! 

He went to the crack, peering through, using his own claws to scrap away some of the brick further-

His eyes landed on a little figure in a pink dress, their head in between their knees- wait, he knew that dress- No, no no nonononnono

“Leonarda?” Foolish’s voice cracked, already parched again. Even with the lava gone, it was still so very hot here. “Leo? Oh no, honey… come here…” He squeezed his arm though the crack, but only the one could fit.

Leo was still at first, but cautiously she raised her head, her eyes were full of tears but she blinked in recognition at once. “Dada Foolich?” 

He nodded, “I’m here, I’m here.” Why are you here? Why are you here?! He wanted to know, but he couldn’t let Leo panic, he had to stay calm for her.

Leo crawled over to the little crack and the moment she was close he was trying to hold her. It was awkward, the angle was off, so Leo ended up resting her back to him and he just laid his arm over the front of her shoulder in a one-arm hug.

The important thing was that her tears stopped, and instead he could feel her shake under his grasp. “It’s going to be okay, Leo, Vegetta’s on his way I bet. He’s going to be our little hero, like always.”

Leo was quiet at first, and Foolish was worried, but then she grabbed his hand and squeezed, “I was supposed to protect you. I brought my gun and I failed.”

Foolish shook his head, bewildered, “What? No, no Leo, there was nothing you could have done, also you brought a gun to the wedding? Not important actually, but, no, no, no, honey, I’m supposed to protect you. I know we’ve joked in the past-” Foolish started to ramble.

“Papa Vegetta always tells me to protect you when he’s not there.” Leo whimpered, “I couldn’t, I failed. He’s going to be so upset.”

“What?!” Foolish held her hand tighter, “No Leo, that is nonsense, Vegetta loves you more than he loves symmetry, he is only worried that you aren’t next to him, kicking ass to get my dumbass out of here.” 

“I should be.” Leo said, nodding her little head, “But I failed to get away from the bad man too. Dada, I’ve been a bad egg.”

“You could never be a bad egg, Leonarda.” His tone was firm.

Leo shook under him and he heard he sniffle back more tears, “B-but-”

“Never.”

That sent her and she turned, trying to reach him through the crack but they ended up just facing one another. Foolish held her as close as he could though the crack as she sobbed and wailed. His heart was breaking at seeing his little girl this distraught.

Rubius was going to have a hell of a lashing the next time he saw him.

“Uncle Bad and Dapper tried to help.” Leo mumbled, “They also brought weapons.”

“I would say those two are bad influences on you, but in this instance, I’m glad they could try at all.” Foolish shook his head, of course Bad brought weapons, if there was a rule to break, he’d find it.

“Lo siento.”

“No, no, none of that.” Foolish wagged his free finger, then winced, realizing it was the one that’d been bitten. Leo frowned, looking at his finger through the crack.

“What’s wrong? Are you hurt?!” Leo tried to get closer, but he used his arm to keep her away, “Show me! Show me!”

“It’s fine! I’m fine!” Foolish cried out, hiding his finger behind his back- only to wince again when the burn along his arm started to act up again. He didn’t like that he was collecting  burns. “Really I’m more upset my robes are ruined, look at this mess!” He tried to gesture at himself with the arm though the wall but it was still a weird angle and so he started to laugh nervously-

“No one hurts my dad.” If looks could kill, Leo would have killed him on the spot.

Ironic.

“And I’m not hurt! It’s just a bit hot in here, that’s all!” He continued to laugh nervously, hysterically even, desperately…? He didn’t know anymore. When the last chuckle left his lips, he leaned his head against the crack and his daughter followed him.

It was quiet, well, as quiet as it could be when there was a low bubbling of lava outside, the clinging of chains around their prison, and low rumbling from the creatures of the Nether. 

“We need to get out of here.” Leo whispered.

While true, it seemed impossible with no tools, no food- was Rubius going to feed him something that caused pain too? He shook his head, “Right.”

“Did he take all your- oh wait nevermind.” Leo shook her head, “Maybe I we can find materials to craft with?” His little girl stood up and started walking around her cell, looking for sticks or cobble he imagined.

He just rested his head against the crack, what had it been, a few hours or a whole day now? Was it night? His concept of time was lost on him.

“Leo, how long have you been here?” He looked back at her to see she was trying shove a thin twig and a tiny pebble together. He couldn’t help the doting smile at the sight, his stubborn little girl would never give up, no, not his Leonarda.

“I’m not sure. That bad man took me to another cell at first, but then he changed his mind and I woke up here.” Leo shrugged, then stuck out her tongue as she took her pebble and started to grind it against the brick wall, sharpening it, he assumed.

Foolish nodded, so he still had no idea, that was wonderful.

“Ah! This sucks!” She threw her pebble down and kicked it. It bounced around the cell twice before landing with a final thud in the center. She huffed and walked back over to him, pulling his arm to hold her across her shoulders again. “I hate it here. This interior is the worst. Papa would roast him so hard about it.”

Foolish laughed, “I’m glad you’re here.”

Leo’s jaw dropped.

“I meant now! Obviously I would much rather you be with your papa, but if you had to be taken, I’m glad you’re with me, ya that’s it, wherever you were before, that was the worst, but now you’re here! With Dada Foolich! Woo!” Foolish rambled, trying his best to redeem himself to Leo, something he seemed to do far too often.

Leo pursed her lips together, “I guess that makes sense.” She clutched his arm tighter, “Someone has to protect you after all.”

Foolish sighed, but he let her have it. “Yes, someone has to protect me.” He moved his hand up and ruffled her hair. It was odd seeing her without her red cap or her rainbow beanie. Just long loose curly locks and bright eyes, his little Leo…

He wanted to stay in this moment because he feared what Rubius’s plan was if he had Leo and to move them so close together… His insides squirmed in unease and so he held Leo tighter, as though if he simply didn’t let go, nothing would happen.

“Te quiero mucho, Leo, always juntos.” He murmured.

Chapter Text

They stood before an obsidian frame in the middle of the desert between his home and Foolish’s tower. It seemed only fitting they enter in the waypoint between them.

Vegetta was in the front, a lighter in his hand.

Hours ago, Max, Roier, Bad and even little Dapper showed up unannounced at his home, setting off his turrets and all around causing a mess. They insisted they join him on his quest, begging rather amusingly at one point before Vegetta could even say a word.

Roier was the angriest, cursing up and down and insulting Vegetta’s stubborn mule-like personality. Max was stoic, logical, and almost apologetic as he explained that despite his strength, fighting a demon that strong would be suicide. Bad was on the verge of tears, blubbering about Foolish and Leo, focused on their well-being, a collection of healing potions in his arms.

But it was Dapper, walking up to him with a surprising shy expression and one question that broke him.

“When are we getting my sister back?”

Vegetta picked him up, “Right now, vamos!” and the adults had to run after the pair as he  leapt off with Dapper clinging to him, his hands on his paraglider. There was a chorus of victory behind him as his eyes settled on a spot between their homes.

So there he was, lighter in hand, his jaw set as he glared at the empty frame. There would be no going back, not without his two loves.

“What are we waiting for?” Roier asked, tapping his foot dramatically. They were all in their gear, weapons at the ready like they would spawn in the fortress.

Vegetta turned to face their group, shaking his head, “This will be a journey against the nether itself first. You must keep your wits about you.”

“How are we going to know which way to go?” Max asked, scratching the back of his head, “The nether is a big place, old friend.”

Vegetta smirked, and tapped his emerald earring. “I will know.” He may have been a man of science recently, but his roots remained in magic. “Don’t worry, don’t worry, my little friends!” He raised the lighter and struck the portal.

A woosh of air and magic, the portal was aglow in vibrant violet, swirling in a menacing intensity. 

Vegetta didn’t hesitate, hopping into the portal before anyone else could say a word.

Wearing so much armor suddenly felt like a death sentence. He was already sweating from walking a few steps across the netherrack. He looked around, taking in his surroundings fully. Before him was a massive lake of lava gurgling and gargling several meters below. Behind was a crimson forest with the faint noises of hoglins and pigmen inside.

Just in case, he went ahead and swapped out his helmet for one made of gold. Less headaches that way.

Speaking of headaches…

Bad and his son Dapper were the next ones through, the older of the pair barely reacting to the landscape, which made sense for the demon while the child’s eyes widened exponentially. If Vegetta was honest, it shocked him that a worrier like Bad would allow his son to come along. He didn’t mind one bit, knowing all the draconic children were perfectly capable (Leonarda most of all). 

“Your son knows of the dangers of the Nether?” Vegetta asked, raising a brow as the child ran up to some quarts embedded into a wall nearly, poking and prodding at it.

“I’ve told him a few bedtime stories about my youth.” The demon said with a cat-like grin. “He will be fine.”

“I’m sure he will be.” Vegetta agreed.

Dapper turned back to them with a wide grin and some sort of launcher in his hand, “No one hurts uncle Foolish but me.”

Vegetta opened his mouth to threaten the little shit back-

“Ah, man! No, you’re not going!” Roier was heard now, shuffling around the portal making the trio look his way.

“Chinga tu madre, yes I am!” A voice Vegetta did not want to hear shouted back.

“Break it up!” Max yelled, getting in between the two younger men. It was easy to separate them, the pair looking scrawny next to Max.

“Eh? Mariana?” Vegetta asked, glaring at the man in yellow. He was still in his suit from the wedding, but there was some basic iron armor on top and a rather brittle-looking sword on his hip. “¿por qué estás aquí?”

“Quiero ayudar.” Mariana paused, “I saw you were all on the war path and…”

“You hate Foolish.” Bad came up behind Vegetta, “Unless…” He tapped his chin.

“None of that, Bad!” Roier frowned, “This man’s in iron armor! He’s only gonna slow us down!”

Honestly, Vegetta was shocked Roier was so against Mariana coming along, he appreciated it, always despising every second the man was nearby, but Roier? He was under the impression they were friends-

“The man is going to kill one of the kids, I’m telling you.” Roier scowled, “You’re bad luck, a bad omen.”

Mariana growled and shoved at Roier, “You let me be around Bobby all the time!”

“Not in combat!”

“Yes too!”

They went back and forth, spewing insults that caused Bad to cringe.

Max shook his head, walking around to pat Bad’s back, “Children.”

Dapper nodded, giggling slightly.

Vegetta was going to pop a blood vessel. “Enough!” He yelled at the sky. “I don’t care, follow or don’t, anyone else who slows me down is getting a blade in between their eyes!” He turned on his heel, drawing his blade as he approached the crimson forest, stomping as aggressively as he could to further convey his threat.

“Wear gold!” Bad called out after the others as he followed first, Dapper and Max soon after. Vegetta’s could hear Roier and the sad sack argue a bit more before coming along as well.

He cut away at vines, hacking away angrily like they’d personally spat in his face. Which really, everything in between him and his family were offending him. He got to the top of a ridge in the middle of the forest when he decided to check they were going the right way.

Vegetta needed a moment to himself.

Carefully, he brought his fingers up to the emerald, waving his hands by it so it would activate. There was a soft green glow from it then slowly it left the gem and a trail of light formed in the direction of its counterpart. He was fully aware that Rubius could know about the earrings, that this trail was a trap waiting to doom him.

But it was his only clue to where they were, and he prayed Leo was with Foolish.

Vegetta made a note to make Leo her own and he cursed his lacking foresight. He supposed his faith in her abilities overshadowed his wisdom and protective nature. The only reason he even enchanted Foolish’s was because of the day the Brazilians came. When he wore no armor and started fights with everyone… there was something telling him the man was going to get himself into trouble.

The irony that it ended up being Vegetta’s previous mistake was not lost on him.

He ended the spell the moment he heard the others approach. Vegetta raised a brow as Mariana of all people took his side, looking rather tiny in his iron armor. 

“Where is he?” Mariana asked, his brows furrowed.

“My family,” He emphasized, “are ahead, past that soul sand valley.”

It stretched wide and long, fading into the fog without an end in sight. Large bones stuck out from the ground in a threatening manner that sent Mariana shivering beside him.

Vegetta stared ahead into the abyss, “This is your last chance to leave.”

“No, no, I want to be here.” Mariana said.

Well, if there was a moment where he’d have to sacrifice someone, at least Vegetta had the perfect candidate. “Vamos!”

Foolish, Leo… please keep each other safe.

Chapter Text

Father and daughter were left in relative peace for a while, but like all things, that was temporary. Foolish heard him approach first, the noise of the other’s boots echoed and he turned just in time to see Rubius in front of his cell door.

Foolish let Leo go, turning to him, “Fuck you.”

“Pleasant as always.” Rubius sneered. “Thirsty, pequeño tiburón?”

He glared, “Yes, and I’m guessing Leo is too. You’re going to give her regular water, understand?”

Rubius chuckled, “My, you woke up so feisty, making demands of me! I’ll need to correct that, but first, your drink.” He conjured a glass and offered it to Foolish through the door.

Foolish shivered, already recalling the intense pain from before, but his lips were chapping, his body begging for hydration… He walked over to it, reaching for the glass-

Rubius’s other hand shot out, grabbing his robe and yanking him forward so that he’d slam against the bars of the door. He moved the glass out of the way and got closer to Foolish, the two eye to eyes save for the bars.

“In case it wasn’t clear, little Fool, you don’t make demands of me, vale?”

Foolish scowled, “Crystal.”

Rubius nodded, letting him go and finally truly handed him the pain potion. Foolish snagged it and sauntered off like a kicked puppy. He made sure he was sitting out of view of the crack so Leo wouldn’t see him like… that.

“Bitch.” He muttered, sipping the drink.

Rubius chuckled, “You’ve said that before. I sent you here for that, are you testing me?”

“I figured this couldn’t get any worse.” Foolish said, cringing as the pain in his stomach returned. It was like his insides were melting- He laid down, curling up into a ball as it started to overwhelm him. The only relief was how surprisingly hydrating it was, his mouth and throat in ecstasy while the rest of him suffered.

“Couldn’t get any worse, he says.” Rubius said, shaking his head with a little smirk.

Foolish groaned, no longer able to respond. Did it get worse? He felt sweat build up on his forehead, his eyes couldn’t focus- he was going to throw up-

“What did you do to him?” Leo’s voice made him pale. Her tone was cold, reminding him of Vegetta in its delivery when that man was mad.

Rubius turned to her, raising a brow, “Oh, the mariposa is awake. Good morning! Did you both sleep well?”

He noted that it was either morning or Rubius wanted to mess with their perception of time.

“I would have preferred a bed, in all honesty, but I figure you’re too poor to get one.” Leo said, smirking.

“How unfortunate you take after your lesser father.” Rubius frowned and then his eyes went to Foolish who finally managed to sit up again. “You said it couldn’t get any worse?”

“That wasn’t a challenge-” Foolish weakly muttered.

“Perhaps you need a lesson on why you should keep your mouth shut.” Rubius left his door. It was quiet, only footsteps before Leo turned and gasped at her door.

Foolish, panicked, scrambled over to the crack in the wall, “Wait! Wait! No, no, nononono!” He got to the crack just in time to see Rubius enter the cell with a glass in his hand. He didn’t trust it for one second. “Rubius, don’t you dare touch a hair on her head!”

“Oh this isn’t part of that threat, this is normal water, I swear.” Rubius said, “Don’t worry, I will make sure you get that lesson soon enough.”

Rubius offered Leo the glass and his darling daughter looked at it like the trap it was, but she took it in her hands the next. She glanced over at him, a sudden devious smile on her face.

“Now drink…” Rubius said and the moment he finished his words, Leo pulled her arm back and threw it forward, splashing the water all over Rubius where it evaporated on impact causing a massive wave of stream.

Now Foolish thought that was all there was to it, but than Leo ducked around Rubius as the steam covered his view. She raced to the door, and it was unlocked?!

“Ya! Go Leo! Get out of here!” He cried, raising his arm in a cheer. She would get out, she would be safe, she could find Vegetta and maybe just maybe tell his man where he was-

He felt sick again when Leo reappeared in front of his door. Foolish rushed to it, falling over his words, “Leo? Leo! No, no, this is locked, you can’t get in here! Go, leave! Get out of here, go get Vegetta, Bad, Roier, I don’t care! You need to leave me behind, remember? We’ve discussed this, you’re more important, leave me to die!”

Leo scowled as she started pulling on the door like she thought she could just pry it off its hinges. “I’m supposed to protect you!”

“No, I’m the parent, I should be protecting you, Leo, this is an order, leave me behind!”

There was slow clapping behind his daughter and Foolish knew it was too late.

Leo screamed when Rubius pushed her up against the bars. Foolish roared nonsense, his anger overtaking him. He reached through the bars over Leo’s head trying to claw at the demon, so the demon pulled Leo back, pulling her close with his own claws placed under her neck, right by an important artery.

Foolish saw red, “Let her go or I will ripped you open and feast on-”

Rubius dug in slightly and Leo was bleeding-

Foolish wasn’t thinking, he was only acting, his instincts raging at the sight of his daughter in pain.

“She tried to escape, that simply won’t do. She’s earned herself a punishment.” Rubius tsked, shaking his head. “I really don’t enjoy hurting children.”

“Then don’t.” Foolish seethed, “You despise me, Leo loves me, so hurt me instead to punish her.” This had to work. He would never forgive himself otherwise.

“No! I’m strong!”

“Leo, no!”

Rubius was smiling far too wide watching the pair argue. It made him uneasy, scared, Leo’s fate laid in his awful hands after all.

“Please, Rubius, have mercy… she’s only a child.” Foolish pleaded, resting his head against the bars. “I would do anything for her safety.”

Rubius loosened his grip on Leo, “Anything?”

“Anything.”

Rubius chuckled darkly and then he was dragging Leo back to her cell. There was a slam of metal and Foolish heard Leo race to the crack in the wall to look up at them.

Foolish didn’t move, Rubius wasn’t done with him.

“Step back, turn around.” He ordered and defeated, Foolish did as he ordered.

His cell door opened and closed. Despite the heat Rubius radiated, he swore the room got colder.

A hand grabbed him by the throat and Rubius dug in slightly with his claws, nearly breaking skin- Foolish gulped but allowed it, sweating bullets. Was he going to die for Leo? How was he going to protect her as a mangled corpse?

“You are a rather peculiar creature.” Rubius whispered in his ear, “A shark, sure, but this golden skin, I’ve only heard tales of that…”

Foolish shrugged slightly, “Oh, you know me, freak of nature Foolish.” He wasn’t recalling his youth and he refused to recall his god.

“Tell me what you are.” Rubius said, “Now.”

“Pretty invasive question honestly-AGH” The hand around his throat was joined by the other and Rubius started to choke him from behind. Foolish tried to wretch the grip away, but despite the demon’s smaller frame, his supernatural strength was greater.

Rubius stopped right as black spots appeared in his vision and he walked a bit forward, panting and gagging trying to catch up on his breathing. 

“I’m sick of your mouth, and I promised you a lesson for that.” Rubius sneered as Foolish rubbed his throat. The demon raised a hand and conjured something… metallic? It was shaped like a mask of some sort- wait.

“A muzzle.” Foolish stared in disbelief. “Oh come on, my voice is my best quality.” He backed up as Rubius approached, laughing nervously.

“Didn’t you say you’d do anything for little old me so your precious is safe?” Rubius asked, almost pouting as he said it, “And I simply can’t stand your voice anymore.”

Foolish stared, flushing in a wave of embarrassment. This was going to be the most humiliating moment of his life.

“Of course…” Rubius’s voice darkened and he turned to face Leo.

“I’ll wear it!” Foolish panicked, his voice coming out shrill. He even reached for the muzzle himself, slapping it over his head. There was a massive bar in between his teeth, no way for him to talk, that was for sure.

“Ah, let me~” Rubius grabbed his shoulder, digging in painfully making Foolish wince. He shoved him up against the wall, the muzzle colliding with the nether brick and sending him reeling in pain. Rubius worked on the back of the muzzle, locking some sort of mechanism.

Foolish guessed he wouldn’t be able to take it off now.

When Rubius let go, he took a few steps back to admire his work, a hand rubbing his chin with a satisfied smirk on his face, “Beautiful silence.”

Foolish looked down, cursing the embarrassed blush forming across his face.

“Foolich?” Leo asked and Foolish shook his head and went to her. Her eyes widened at the sight of the metallic muzzle and she reached out with her little hands to brush them across it with such a sad expression. “Lo siento…” She looked ready to cry again.

All Foolish could do was shake his head no.

“Touching, truly.” Rubius made gagging motions with his mouth, then laughed when both turned to glare at him. “Oh if Vegetta could see you now. How pathetic.”

Vegetta would be the first to tear off the muzzle and give him the fattest kiss, actually, but Foolish obviously had to keep that to himself.

Rubius sighed, “As fun as this was, a demon had other souls to torment, but I will be back, trust that.” He conjured another glass and offered it to Foolish, “For the child, it’s water, you can test it.” Foolish glared as hard as he could and Rubius rolled his eyes, “Or let her dehydrate, I do not care.”

Then the demon was gone.

Foolish sniffed the glass, then realized testing it was suddenly very difficult. Test it yourself, the man was mocking the muzzle, what a bitch.

“I’ll drink it, dada.” Leo said, her voice small. “Even if it hurts, I’m thirsty.”

Foolish’s brows furrowed as he looked between her and the glass. Rubius was sick, making Foolish be the one to pass his daughter a glass that mostly likely would harm her.

He was going to tear him to shreds the first chance he got.

But Leo was insisting on the glass and so Foolish gave it to her with a heavy and nervous heart. Leo stared at it, sniffing it like Foolish did.

Then she drank it.

And nothing happened, it was real water.

Foolish let out a sigh, his head collapsing against the cracked wall. He didn’t know if he could have survived the burden of causing his daughter such pain. Their accident with the whale was devastating enough.

“Te quiero mucho, dada, always juntos.” Leo murmured, reaching over to pat him on the top of his head. 

It hurt, but he smiled under the muzzle.

Chapter Text

What Vegetta would have given for soul speed…

For hours upon hours, their group trudged through the valley at a snail’s pace and with every ridge they all held their breath only to see more accursed sand. Eventually they were too tired to continue and made camp near one of those ridges to rest.

They couldn’t be exhausted against that demon.

During the walk, Dapper ended up on Bad’s shoulders, his young body wearing out quicker than the rest. The demon had grown tired so Vegetta offered to carry the little terror of which Bad quickly agreed.

That was how he ended up being the child’s bed as he sat, leaning against the ridge and the child slept on top of him. Bad kept glancing over making cooing sounds and taking photos like he’d just noticed over and over again. The demon perplexed him.

But he didn’t mind the boy resting on top of him. Vegetta looked down, watching as the boy’s little chest moved with his sleepy breaths. A little smile tugged on his lips, and he realized Dapper and his mija really did look like twins. The same cute little nose and eyes and ears and-

He wanted her back.

“Vegetta?” Maximus broke his thoughts and he looked up at his old friend. His expression was sorrowful, knowing. Ah.

Max lost his son Trumpet too soon, and now Vegetta suddenly felt so much worse.

“Maximus,” He muttered, looking back down at Dapper, brushing his fingers across the boy’s hair to get it out of his face, “You coming with me on this quest, I appreciate it.”

“Of course, Foolish is one of the bros, and Leonarda? Why, she is my favorite niece, my son’s best friend.” Maximus smiled and Vegetta noticed there was no past tense to the latter. The two children would be best friends no matter how much time passed. 

“My son would want me here, so I am here.” Maximus said softly.

Vegetta nodded and he leaned back to rest his head… His weary bones were crying out for him to rest, and so he obliged.

When he woke, Dapper was gone. Vegetta panicked, sitting up quickly to find him only to bump into something nearly. Puzzled, he rubbed his eyes to get a better look.

Right beside him was Bad, curled up into a ball, his son Dapper at the center like a cat with one of its young. If he wasn’t mistaken, he swore he heard him purring too.

Vegetta nearly needed to ask Foolish more about the man. Bad took everything he thought he knew about demons and tossed it out the window. Save for the mischievous nature.

With the mystery of the lost child solved, Vegetta took stock of the rest of the group.

All bickering aside, Mariana and Roier were tangled up with each other despite being in different sleeping bags. He shook his head at the sight, the two fought like brothers. 

Lastly, Maximus was awake, sitting on one of the bones that littered the biome. He waved at Vegetta. “Buenos días.”

“Did you sleep at all?” Vegetta stood, brushing off some of the awful soul sand from his gear. “I told everyone to rest.”

“We took shifts, just in case. I slept first.” Maximus said, but there was a tired look in his eyes and Vegetta knew better.

“You are worried.” Vegetta sat next to him.

“Hola kettle, I’m pot.” Maximus snorted.

“Eh?”

“It’s an expression, my point is you are worried too.” Maximus, “I mean, about this place, soul sand valleys reek of death. If Rubius is going to try and stop us, it’s here.” He looked over at the others, Dapper in particular, “We need to be careful.”

“I agree, but there is only so much we could prepare for.” Vegetta said, “Have faith, Maximus, you are with the Great Vegetta.”

Maximus chuckled, “How could I forget?”

Vegetta clutched his shoulder, “I’m going to give myself a new title once we’re done. Demonslayer Vegetta. Eh? Ehh? Ehhh? What do you think?”

“Knight Vegetta seems more appropriate, what with you saving your damsel of a fiance.” Maximus snorted, “You know he still barely wears armor? Drives Bad and I insane…”

“He’s being silly. He knows when to step up.” Vegetta shrugged. 

He recalled the night they attempted to summon the Binary entity. It showed only to spawn creatures Vegetta fought off as his family was safe in a reinforced cage. Then the moment he went to sleep, the coward donned the name 777 and attacked his loves. He joked with Leo that she protected Foolish, but with how his first love described the assault, he knew the man had done all he could for their mija.

But that was a threat for another day.

“If you say so.” Maximus said, his voice coated in doubt.

There was a yawn and the pair were distracted by Roier getting up. The man rubbed at his eyes but sauntered over to the pair immediately. He sat across from them on another bone (it was asymmetric and getting on Vegetta’s nerves), and waved lazily, mumbling the same greeting.

“How much farther?” Roier groaned, rubbed the back of his neck now. “I swear we should have convinced Jaiden and Philza to fly us there.”

“I only know the direction.” Vegetta said, frowning.

Max shook his head, “I also don’t think the avians can carry others, at least, not someone my size.” He chuckled, gesturing to himself.

“A bird’s eye view would have been helpful.” Vegetta muttered, but it was too late to ask them for assistance now.

Roier crossed his arms, “Jaiden was so worried about that thing coming after Bobby, she wouldn’t let me bring him.” He waved a hand dismissively, “Personally I think Bobby and Richarlyson could body him in one go. Double team, baby!”

“I think the less children worry about, the better.” Max looked pained and so Vegetta pat him on the back.

“No worries! The Great Vegetta is here!” He spoke louder, waking Mariana, Bad and Dapper in one go as Roier cheered at the declaration.

“Yes! Vegetta the mighty!” Roier stood up and gestured wildly. “We’re going to kick that pendejo’s ass and get the beautiful one back!”

“Eh?” Vegetta turned to him, raising a brow.

“Leonarda, of course!” Roier brought up his hands defensively.

“Oh yes, course.” Vegetta nodded.

“Good morning!” Bad chirped happily. Dapper waved.

“Why are you being so loud?! I’m trying to sleep!” Mariana pouted, giving them all a stink eye.

“It’s time to get up, let’s go! Vamos!” Roier ran over to Mariana and kicked him.

“Eh! Chinga tu madre!” Mariana rolled over, shuffling out of his sleeping bag with a- was that a frying pan?

BONK!

“Mierda!” Roier rubbed his head where Mariana had smacked him. “Pendejo, what was that for man?!”

“Let a man get his beauty sleep next time!” He yelled back, returning to his bright yellow sleeping bag and rolling it up.

Vegetta snorted. Brothers.

“So, are we moving now?” Bad tilted his head.

“Si.” Max answered for him and Vegetta had never agreed with the man more.

They packed up and started their trudge once again, slow and steady.

There was an ease in their group now, Bad and Maximus discussing theories about the island, Mariana and Roier biting each other’s heads off, Dapper playing with anything and everything he could touch.

Vegetta foraging ahead, alone and focused on his mission.

That was why no one was expecting it when the world exploded and they all fell.

Chapter Text

Drip, drip, drip…

His ears heard it, over and over, a never ending cascade of drips by the window.

Drip, drip, drip…

He squeezed his eyes together, willing the noise to go. His hand over Leo tightened, thankfully the pressure didn’t wake her. There was another crack above him, right over where Foolish guessed was the lava Rubius could threaten him anyday with.

A grumble in his stomach made him more concerned if there was food in their future, but if the demon would fix the roof before the lava roast him alive, well, he could starve a little longer.

It would also be a break from the muzzle. His nostrils flared. He’d already tried to figure out the mechanisms on the back of his head, but with being able to see them he was as lost as when Vegetta showed the mechanisms around his tower. He wasn’t ashamed to admit machinery was never really his forte.

So instead he focused on rubbing soothing circles on Leo’s shoulder as she talked about her week. Playing with Dapper on Bad’s farm, chasing around Bobby when he stole more toast from her shop, playing soccer with all the eggs and the epic goal Richarlyson made. He’d been there for some of them, but Leo prattled on anyway, filling up the air.

Distracting them.

Leo was a good egg.

But peace never lasted forever.

Foolish flinched the moment his eyes spotted the red fur, his mind too distracted to hear the swing of the door. Rubius manhandled him, squeezing his wrist hard and yanking him up to his feet. Leo stirred the moment his hand left her, but she thankfully stayed blissfully asleep.

Rubius didn’t say a word, only dragged him out of the cell. Foolish stumbled forward, cringing at the heat of the bricks below him. He regretted never wearing shoes now.

The halls were predictably drab, nether brick, windows with glimpses of the hellscape outside. Honestly, not a hint of texturing and there was no variety in the placement…Would it have killed him to add a few stairs so it didn’t look so flat?

He would voice his distaste in Rubius’s shabby architecture, but there was still a bar wedged between his teeth. He wondered if it was possible to get some sorting of metal poisoning from it, oh the demon would like that, he could hear the gloating chuckles alright.

Rubius stopped as Foolish was thinking of some more choice words he’d have for the bear the moment he could talk. There was a heavier door, not mere bars, but a solid slab of iron. Rubius opened it and shoved him inside.

Foolish braced himself, but his knees and hands hit the rough stone-like floor and he swore it broke skin. He winced, turning to look up at Rubius only to see the door close and Rubius already moving across the room. He followed and stilled at the sight of the chair.

Thick leather straps for his ankles, wrists and neck- a table nearby- Foolish wasn’t born yesterday, he knew what this was and there wasn’t a chance he was getting in that thing. So he stood and he raised his fists, squared his shoulders and maybe prayed Vegetta was close.

Rubius looked over at him, raising a brow briefly before letting out a little chuckle, “I wasn’t really one for subtly.” 

Sadistic bitch!

The smirk dropped, “This is going to end with you sitting, tiburón.” 

Foolish shook his head.

“Is it because your mija isn’t in the room? May I remind you she is still very much at my mercy.” Rubius exclaimed his nails, leaning on the table full of various medical instruments.

Foolish’s heart squeezed at his threat.

Rubius looked back up at him, “Perhaps Leo would be more willing to take your place, protect you from me?”

His shoulders fell.

“There’s a good boy.” Rubius grinned, gesturing to the chair. Foolish approached, but his body was already trembling, eyeing the table warily. “Now sit, and maybe if you behave, I won’t even have to get creative. I’m only questioning you, that’s all.” He patted Foolish’s cheek condescendingly, hitting the muzzle.

He wanted to snarl at him, bite his finger and see how he’d like it.

But he couldn’t and so he sat and stayed still as Rubius strapped him down. An embarrassed flush fell over him again realizing he was utterly helpless, well, more so than usual. His claws dug into the chairs’ arms imagining he was squeezing Rubius’s throat.

“Now play nice and maybe just maybe, the muzzle goes away for good, si?” Rubius said, reaching between Foolish’s head and unlatching the stupid thing.

“You should really fix the roof of my cell, it’s leaking lava. The construction here is rather sloppy, and don’t even get me started on the decor. I thought I was bad at interiors...” Foolish said it in a rush of pure glee. Sure, he was stuck worse than he’d ever been before, but for his own sanity, he had to fight back in some way!

Rubius punched him.

It wasn’t fancy, one brutal right hook against his cheek sending his head to one side and the man gasping in shock and pain. The demon massaged his wrist, rolling his eyes.

“Right, you’re annoying. Your silence was so pleasant I nearly forgot.”

“Fuck you!” Foolish said, laughing a bit as he did.

Rubius tested his left hook and Foolish didn’t lift his head. He stared down at the floor, wondering if the next one would send his jaw off his skull.

The demon wasn’t done, oh no Foolish feared this was just the beginning. He lifted his head back into place with a yank of his hair, hair that was once dressed up for Vegetta, now tangled and filthy from his time in Hell. The demon examined his work, tilting his head back and forth with a pleased hum.

“My, you’re blushing! It’s so purple.” Rubius joked, admiring the bruising on his cheeks.

“You’re so funny.” Foolish spat.

“Thank you.” He grinned and let go of his hair. 

Foolish slumped forward, his head was pounding already, the dehydration, his hunger, the skull-splitting pain he received. Foolish looked at one of the straps, he moved his arm, trying to break it, but… he was too tired, too weary… too useless. He was weak. He was pathetic. Vegetta would have tanked those punches, Vegetta would have broken out of the chair and pummeled Rubius without hesitation, saved Leo and set the place ablaze behind him.

Vegetta wouldn’t have gotten captured in the first place.

There was a snap and he returned to a disgruntled Rubius. “Are you even listening? I said I had questions.”

“Oh… okay.”

“When did you two first meet?” Rubius picked up a blade from the table.

“The train station, technically.” Foolish said, remembering the man ripping off his shirt in front of everyone right after he was just broken up with. That was quite the day when he considered it, “But we didn’t talk all that much. I think I saw him with a donkey and some cats after the wall was broken, oh and then he gave Bad and I backpacks, that was nice. He’s so nice…”

“Stop.” Rubius’s tone was sharp and he stopped his blabbering. He did that a lot.

“When did he start to favor you?” Rubius frowned, “The adoption task?”

“Huh? Getting Leo? I mean that speed things along but… He was always visiting when I worked on the dragon, giving me gifts to help with it, I even left one of the little areas he put them in. Oh! And the paraglider, oh that was nice… a bit of a disaster on my end. Actually, I need to thank you for sending me a stripper after all.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Rubius sneered.

“When you were on an angel day, you had me try and make up with my ex and I asked for materials and a stripper. You said no to the stripper at the time, but then later some of the others came back while I was building and you’ll never guess how Vegetta decided to cheer me up.” Foolish couldn’t help it, he was grinning, “The pole’s still there you know.”

Rubius attacked, slashing his shoulder with the knife. Foolish cried out, but he forced a smile on his face anyway, and muttered gleefully, “I have to thank you, truly!”

“Shut up!” Rubius roared and he clutched Foolish’s chin and squeezed, bringing the blade right under his throat. “That was not my doing, mere chance and worst yet, my counterpart.”

“But you both share a body of sorts, don’t you?” Foolish asked, barely managing to speak, “I know you were more in control the day you sent me here the first time.”

“I should have left you here!” Rubius yelled, but he let Foolish go and turned on his heel.

Foolish choked and sputtered, catching his bearings as Rubius fumed infront of him. He got the sense he was winning somehow and so he couldn’t help smiling through the pain. The warm patch of blood on his shoulder meant nothing to the adrenaline he was experiencing.

Rubius took a breath and returned, setting the knife aside. He put his hands on both of Foolish’s wrists and leaned over him with an eerily calm look. “You’re answering my questions so easily. Are you not worried about what I’m doing with the information?”

“No, because I trust Vegetta is going to see through whatever trick you try and play.” Foolish said confidently, raising his chin. “Mi novio es inteligente.”

“Si.” Rubius agreed, “You know about his past? His scars, the skeletons in his closet?”

“I know enough.” Foolish said, frowning slightly.

“You know he cheated on one lover and the other only wanted his money?”

“I know you’re the one who provided photos that could be misinterpreted and that you were literally the one who wanted his money, yes.” Foolish scoffed, “I don’t get you, Rubius.”

“Oh?”

“You’ve kidnapped us, beat me, even harmed an innocent child, but for what?” Foolish leaned forward, “Because you’re jealous your ex found happiness without you? You have to be a part of every element of his life or something?”

“You wouldn’t understand.” He sneered at Foolish, but he wasn’t backing down.

“Oh I think I do perfectly.” Foolish sneered back, “The first day of our vacation, my boyfriend broke up with me and I was just as infuriated as you. He did the same thing you’re doing to Vegetta now, sought me out, played with my feelings, tried to ruin my family by kissing me without my consent. No, Rubius, I understand you perfectly because I had a Rubius of my own.”

Rubius scoffed, “Mariana is more pathetic than you, and that is saying something. It is not the same.”

“It’s not about power, it’s the emotions behind them.” Foolish continued, “You know what happened one day? We talked. It was hard, Leo didn’t like it at all, but we talked. We agreed to finally move on with our lives, and sure we’re still a bit mean to each other, but it’s not that serious, I can even laugh about how he calls me a bitch that week.”

“What is your point, I grow tired of your voice.” Rubius sounded aggressive, but he was letting him talk regardless.

“You’re scared and that’s why you’re lashing out. You don’t want to really face Vegetta, you are lashing out so you don’t have to think about it.” Foolish said, “That’s not healthy, not even for sadistic demons like yourself.”

Rubius scowled, but there was a pause, a silence between them.

The demon’s eyes went to his shoulder, the gold blood that seeped from the wound, then he was searing it the next, making Foolish cry out in pain again. He was still panting when the muzzle was slipped back onto his face.

Rubius dragged him back to his cell.

Foolish clutched Leo close.

He feared what he may have caused.

Chapter Text

It happened so suddenly, he didn’t have a chance to grab onto anything, it was just falling, a crash, darkness.

When he came to, a strong hand was helping him to his feet, fretting over him, wiping off dust caused by the soul sand and cursing?!

“Language!” Bad cried, pushing Roier away from him.

“Ah man! I was helping you!” He threw up his arms.

“Yes, thank you, but did you have to swear to do it?!” Bad cried shrilly.

“Uh, yes! It’s my culture. Do you hate my culture, daddy?” Roier grinned, leaning in.

Bad flushed, then shoved him again, “That is not true, ugh, you’re ridiculous and-and don’t call me that!”

“Call you what, Dadboyhalo?” Roier wiggled his brows.

“No!”

“Can you two stop for one second?” Max asked, causing the pair to break apart immediately. “Can’t you see we’re in a bit of a pickle?” He gestured around them.

Bad blinked and looked, sure enough, they were in some sort of cavern, there was a bit of light behind them alongside some rubble, so where they’d fallen most likely. The cavern was oddly chilly compared to the rest of the nether and the walls were entirely blackstone.

It was desolate, bare and far too quiet.

A shiver ran down his spine as he turned back to his companions, “Where’s Dapper?”

“No idea, Mariana and Vegetta are gone too.” Roier shrugged.

“I suspect they fell into another part of this place, we’re going to have to get out on our own.” Max said, and despite his relatively calm expression, Bad felt like the ground was still falling.

Where was his son?

Dapper and Bad, Bad and Dapper, two peas in a chaotic pod, inseparable, that was how it was meant to be. Dapper was everything to Bad, Dapper was all he had.

“What?” He breathed, but it was in quick bursts as he searched the space again, his brain started to buzz with one objective. Dapper, Dapper, Dapper. He rushed to where they fell, shoving away pieces of netherrack and mounds of soul soil. What if he hadn’t fallen into another part? What if he’d been buried? He had to save him, he had to, not his boy, his precious little boy-

Don’t take my sunshine away.

There was a hand on his shoulder and Max was dragging him backward so he lashed out, scratching at him. The man cried out, clutching the wounds, leaving Bad to scamper away back to his digging.

Demons were possessive of what they thought they owned.

Bad knew this about his nature, he tried to be aware of it to some extent, but instincts were instincts and sometimes he couldn’t help it.

It was like back on the first day of the island, where he knew hardly anyone but his eyes locked on Foolish and his brain told him to stay nearby. He couldn’t tell Foolish the reason he was compelled to bother him so much, it was frankly embarrassing.

He was only thankful that attachment never got to dangerous levels.

Skeppy Levels.

With no Skeppy, it latched onto Dapper, his son, his sunshine.

“Bad, please, he’s not there, you’ve wasting time.” Roier crouched in front of him, sporting that stupidly family goofy grin. 

He hated it, how much the man looked like him, acted like him, smelt like him- He shook his head. “I have to check, I have to be sure…”

Max joined Roier, speaking softly, “Dapper wouldn’t get caught up in this, he’s too smart for that.”

That was true. His son was the best egg, so smart, so funny (if out of pocket) and so very dapper. Bad’s hands stalled and he sighed, the buzzing in his mind relaxing. 

His skin was screaming at him, all the digging caught up and so he reached into his pack and pulled out a basic healing potion. He washed his hands with it, sighing in relief as his hands mended.

“Thank you.” He finally said to them, the buzzing was still present, but muted. “What’s the plan?”

“We walk or we build up.” Max said, gestured upward. “I fear the others could be injured though so I vote we go up once we find the others.”

“Or you go up in case they go up and the we search down here together for the others. Together.” Roier paused. “Bad and I.”

“I think we get it.” Bad blanched, “I’m not going to be able to just walk around, and as much as it pains me, I do think you waiting above is better. Roier’s perfect if I need to set off any traps.” Bad smiled pleasantly as he clasped his hands together.

“What?! You want to use me as bait mama huevo?!” Roier gapped.

“It really, really pains me…” Bad nodded sadly, “but yes!” He chirped.

“You know what, I don’t want to be a part of this anyway, so I’m going.” Max said, shaking his head, “Is there anybody on this island not trying to hook up?”

“Hey! It’s not like that!” Bad called out after him, but the man didn’t look back. He crossed his arms, muttering, “Hook up? What? Me? Never.”

“Are you sure about that?” Roier said with a funny voice, grinning. 

“Gah, let’s go! They could be hurt!” Bad shoved him again, for good measure and headed off into the caverns.

It didn’t take Roier long to start talking again when the only thing they were doing was walking from blackstone to more blackstone.

“So… a little golden birdie told me that you had a novio already?” Blunt, that was Roier’s specialty and it always took him off guard.

Bad was thankfully his blushing was easy to his under his hood. “Foolish shouldn’t talk about our past so freely.” It was still a sore spot for him… On the day he adopted Dapper, he nearly had a heart attack watching him hatch. Protecting an egg for over two years did that to you.

“I was curious and he’s all too eager if it involves you.” Roier chuckled, “So this novio-”

“He’s dead.”

There was only the sound of their steps for several seconds.

Despite his words, Bad felt smug. Usually he’d tiptoe around people, give them just enough information to be curious but never the full truth, string them along forever so they would keep coming back to him for hint after hint…

But it had been too long and Bad was tired and far too worried for Dapper so Roier’s method it was. Blunt, direct.

“Lo siento.” There was another pause and this time Bad glanced at Roier. He wasn’t smiling for once. “I didn’t realize it was that sore a subject.”

“I never told you, it’s fine.” Bad said, “I would have mentioned it sooner if it bothered me.”

“Skeppy, si?” He nodded to Roier’s question, “He was a good man?”

“The best.” Bad smiled, but his words sounded choked.

“Hey,” Roier reached over, putting his arm behind him, giving a small side hug, “We’re going to get your son, fight a demon and save Vegetta’s family. I think Skeppy would find that badass.”

Bad looked at him, really looked at him and he didn’t see Skeppy, he saw his friend.

“He would.” Bad rubbed his nose, sniffing back his emotions, “I think he would have liked you.”

“Hey, now, I would not want to steal him from you. That would be cruel, I know my handsomeness is a curse!” Roier let him go to run a hand through his hair.

Bad snorted, “A curse on my eyes.”

“What? Come on man! Admit me, you find me hot.” He flashed him the biggest grin.

There was a blood-curdling scream, and the pair went running towards it.

“Dapper?!” Bad screamed, the buzzing in his mind intensified.

“Mariana?! Vegetta?!” Roier cried out.

They came to a stop in a massive room unnaturally carved out of the blackstone.

There were three people.

Vegetta had his back to them, his sword drawn and dripping with blood. 

Dapper had his hands out facing Vegetta with a terrified expression.

Mariana was on the ground, his yellow jumpsuit stained with red.

Chapter Text

It was dark, but loud.

“Chinga tu madre, where are we?” Mariana’s voice was piecing.

“I think that’s uncle Vegetta.” Dapper mumbled above him. “He’s under all that sand, you see there?”

Vegetta realized it was hard to breath- He pulled himself up, gasping and coughing, sand was stuck in his mouth and it tasted like death- He gagged. Then Mariana was there, wrapping his arms around his torso and squeezing.

A last hurl, a clump of thicker sand and he could breathe easier. Mariana let him go, huffing himself, his eyes wide.

Vegetta spat on the ground for good measure before turning to the scrawny man, staring.

“You’re welcome.” Mariana frowned.

“Oh, si, si, gracias.” Vegetta coughed awkwardly. Since learning all the details of that fateful sleepover so long ago, he admittedly had a hard time looking at Mariana the same. In fact, Vegetta didn’t think the two ever talked about the incident alone, Foolish was always there being the mediator.

Foolish, mierda, where were they? No time.

Dapper bit his lip, looking up at the adults, “I think we’ve fallen into a blackstone cavern. I’ve read about these.”

“Fallen? More like trapped!” Mariana cursed, “Where did we even fall?! There’s no hole! And that explosion? We’re fucked!”

Vegetta raised a brow, once again taking note of the other’s iron gear while Dapper and he glistened with diamond. “No better reason to start moving. If it’s a trap, it’s waiting either way.”

Dapper nodded, pulling out one of his many weird weapons, “Let’s kill them all.” His grin looked so much like his father’s.

“Si!” Vegetta nodded vigorously, drawing his moonblade. “We make a game out of it! Winner gets the best loot from their corpses.”

“Or I could loot and kill more than you.” Dapper challenged back.

“Why am I stuck with the loco?” Mariana sighed.

The other two ignored him and eagerly walked down the tunnels. When Dapper said blackstone, he wasn’t joking. It was like the emptiness of space, the darkness the place had. Sadly for the eager fighters, there were no mobs to be found.

Vegetta turned every corner with his blade raised to slice, but nothing. “Eh, what is this? A maze to waste my time?!” He scowled, looking back at the other two.

“That would hinder the mission.” Dapper said, tapping his chin.

“I’m tired.” Mariana muttered.

“Oh dios, I didn’t realize the child here was Mariana…” Vegetta said, grinning at Dapper.

Dapper snorted, “Ya, Mariana, shut up.”

Perhaps he was being too harsh, perhaps Vegetta was just trying to distract himself from the sudden pit of despair clawing over his heart as he realized he was being sidetracked… Perhaps he just really hated Mariana.

Mariana scowled and pushed himself forward, turning back around and spoke as he walked backwards, “Fine! I’ll kill more than both of you combined! Oh, wait, there’s no one here!” He spread his arms out on either side of him right as the cavern opened up into a massive space.

Their voices echoed when they spoke, making the space eerie.

Dapper pouted, “I think Mariana’s right, and that’s terrible. He’s never right.”

Mariana spat in Dapper’s direction, but the kid dodged and spot at Mariana with his weird blood gun. The two squabled as Vegetta examined the room further.

His builder eyes knew the natural from the artificial and this cavern? It was carved.

“We need to leave!” Vegetta called out. Mariana and Dapper turned to him and the room darkened.

“Leaving so soon, Samu?” Rubius’s voice whined, echoing in the room, but he couldn’t see him and this time the others reacted too.

“What the fuck?” Mariana scowled then, unexpectedly, he got in front of Dapper, raising his- axe? Ah.

Juanaflippa.

Vegetta shook his head, returning his focus. “You wanted me here.”

“Oh, is it that obvious?” Rubius’s voice pouted, “I only abducted your little fool and mariposa and tracked your entire trek in my turf… That’s not crazy, is it?”

“He’s obsessed.” Dapper said, “Kind of freaky.”

“Maybe it’s simply in my nature, demonspawn.” Rubius spat and Vegetta felt the air around him shift, a heat- Rubius appeared, levitating slightly beside him, his finger trailing down his arm, “It’s been too long, the tiburón was too distracting…”

Vegetta swatted him away, snarling and Rubius pulled back with a disgruntled huff. “Why? WHY?! We used to have so much fun together, Vegetta, what’s changed?”

“You know what changed.” Vegetta scowled, “Enough of your games, are you returning my family or am I sending you to the next ring of hell?”

“What if I didn’t want to play games anymore?”

Vegetta’s brows furrowed.

“I think this is another game…” Dapper whispered and Mariana nodded.

“It isn’t.” Rubius insisted and he levitated down, standing instead. His demonic features softened, he almost looked… like he was. Brown fur… the hoodie… “Let’s talk, Vegetta.”

“I have nothing to say to you.” He steeled his defenses, this time, that of his mind.

“Ah, but maybe I have something to say to-”

“Unless it’s to tell me your are giving my family back, I am uninterested.” Vegetta sneered, raising his sword at the demon.

Rubius’s hands clenched, but he took a breath and turned to Mariana. “You, yellow one!”

Mariana blinked, pointing at him, “Que?”

“Yes, you are Foolish’s ex, si?” A nod, “You are obsessed with him still?”

Mariana sputtered, “W-what? N-no, not at all, we’re so done, I mean, I was the one who broke up with him in the first place…” He laughed awkwardly, his eyes landing on Vegetta.

Vegetta was getting impatient. “What are you trying to pull here?”

“One moment!” Rubius yelled and he left Vegetta to march over to Mariana. 

Dapper moved and aimed his blood shooter at him. The demon scoffed and shoved the child aside. Dapper tried to shoot- Rubius ducked and grabbed the shooter then the next second his hands tightened and it was crushed in seconds.

Dapper stopped moving, his eyes wide. Rubius dropped the shooter with a wag of his finger, “Adults are talking.”

“Heartless.” Vegetta murmured, but it didn’t seem Rubius heard him as he reached over and grabbed hold of Mariana’s jumpsuit, easily swatting away the axe he’d had.

“Foolish spoke of you, of your past together.” Rubius said, Vegetta very much wanted to know why that was something Rubius learned. “You mended the bridge so to say? How?”

Mariana’s mouth wobbled, but he was shaking so much, he feared the man wasn’t capable of speech. Then he whimpered out, “Foolish spoke about me?”

That was not the right thing to say. Rubius hissed, “Useless!” He raised Mariana higher as though to throw him, but then he paused watching as the man shriveled up and begged for his life, over and over and over. “Wait…” Rubius lowered Mariana back to the ground and clutched his cheek, turning his head. “You are the one who killed his own child.”

Mariana’s expression shattered and he fell to his knees as Rubius let go.

“Step away.” Vegetta commanded, walking towards them with his sword raised.

“I have a deal to make with you, mortal.” Rubius whispered, “A life for a life…”

“He’s lying!” Dapper said, “You can’t trust him!”

“Please…” Mariana bent over, “Please… anything… just one more chance, one more chance, I will do better, I will, I will.” He sobbed at Rubius’s feet, “I promised her!”

“Then you will kill Vegetta.” Rubius walked around Mariana and forced him back to his feet, facing the others. “A life for a life…” He whispered into the distraught man’s ear.

“For Juanaflippa…” Mariana readied himself in his shabby armor and brittle sword.

“This isn’t talking, Rubius.” Vegetta said, readying himself. While he could understand Mariana was in pain, he would not hesitate to defend himself.

“I listened to a fool and got what I expected… It won’t happen again.” Rubius scolded. His red fur returned and he smirked down at Vegetta, “Speaking of, I need to visit him.”

“Don’t harm him!” Vegetta yelled, but the demon was already gone. 

“For Juanaflippa!” It was a surprise attack, he hadn’t been ready, too busy arguing with Rubius- the man actually hit him- on his armor so it barely made a dent.

Vegetta fought back, weaving through Mariana’s sloppy work-

The wither was tearing the world apart, eating it piece by piece, kill it, Vegetta, save us all! Do it for Titi. It was Rubius’s voice, his friend, his lover, his-

He roared and slashed down harder than he ever had before.

When the smell of blood hit him, he realized what he’d done.

Chapter Text

ElMariana was slain by VegettaGaymers using [LEONARDA]

It was the same kind of alert that appeared after Tilin, Juana, Trumpet, a deep mechanical voice that seemed to come from inside his own head.

Foolish sucked in his breath, holding it as though the moment he released someone would reveal this was some cruel joke. He couldn’t be dead. Not after everything!

They’d been toxic in the end, but back during the games, they were a match made. Giggling, exchanging tips, comforting each other when their friends were booted… Despite the events following, he didn’t regret that time in his life.

So why did Vegetta just put a permanent end to it?

He trusted his fiancé more than he trusted himself, there was a reason, some explanation to why he was too busy killing Mariana to rescue them.

No- that wasn’t- bad thoughts-

Leo stirred under him. She hadn’t been sleeping, just still, but finally the shock of the message must have registered and she looked up at her father. He had his head leaning right by the crack. She moved her hand up to brush something off his cheek.

Oh. That was a tear.

Huh.

He didn’t think he cared that much. His body must have betrayed that.

“It’s going to be okay.” Leo whispered and once again Foolish cursed the muzzle latched around his head. He should be comforting her- “He was a bitch anyway.” Leo said, forcing a bit of a smile.

Foolish snorted then shook his head.

Leo bit her lip, “Too soon?”

He nodded, but he was also happy to see she had his inability to comfort properly sometimes. 

Then his cell door opened and Foolish knew Mariana’s death was going to be the least of his problems. He turned from where he sat to see Rubius. He didn’t seem angry at first, standing there, staring at the father-daughter as they stared back.

“He didn’t want to talk to me.”

No shit, you kidnapped his family?! He wanted to say. That was something to note though, he got under his skin enough to try. Interesting… very interesting.

Foolish shrugged because that was really all he could do.

“Your ex was useless.”

Ya, he kinda is… was… fuck.

“He’s dead.” Leo said lowly.

“He is.” Rubius said.

Foolish stood and pointed at him, hoping his accusatory eyes conveyed all he wanted.

“Oh…” Rubius grinned, stepping forward. He grabbed him by the side of the muzzle, pulling him in close, “Of course that was my work. Remember tiburón that I am the one in control here.” He leaned into his ear, “I enjoyed seeing his blood stain Vegetta’s sword.”

Foolish’s nostrils flared and he shoved Rubius away. This fucking prick-

But Rubius was looking for that and he let out a laugh as he started. First he punched Foolish, hard and fast. He was sent reeling only to be shoved against the wall that had the window. Rubius dug into his arms, dragging his claws down across the length of them, spilling more of his golden blood-

“Stop! Please!” Leo screamed, banging her little fists against the crack.

Rubius responded by grabbing his hair and pulling his head up to expose his neck- “I’ve been too curious, there’s something I’m missing, some reason Vegetta prefers you.” Rubius ran a finger down one of the veins in his neck…

Don’t. The metal bar in his teeth remained.

He bit down on his neck and Foolish screamed.

“Stop!” Leo cried again, but there was nothing she could do.

Rubius gasped when he let Foolish go, his mouth dripping gold and he took a few steps back with wobbly feet. Foolish collapsed to his knees, clutching his neck where the wound gushed. He started to crawl to Leo.

“Wow!” Rubius licked his lips, “What… what are you?!” His eyes were dilated, crazed.

Foolish had only ever shared his blood once before.

He never intended to do so again.

Leo reached out for him and he nearly grabbed her hand when Rubius was tugging him back but pulling on the back of the muzzle- then he was unlatching it-

Foolish gasped at its release, spinning around still clutching his neck as Rubius reapproached him. He was now backed up against the wall with the crack and Leo was glued to it, her face a mess of snot and tears. His arms were coating it with more of his precious blood.

“I’ve heard legends…” Rubius said, placing a hand over his shoulder against the wall, looming over him with a smirk stained by gold, “In my time as a mortal, but here you are in the flesh.”

“I don’t know what you could possibly be talking about.” Foolish shivered, he was losing too much blood too fast- his vision was spotty, his mind a mess-

“You are special, there is a reason Vegetta likes you, it’s the same reason he likes anything.” Rubius placed his other hand under his chin, “He can use you.”

Foolish wanted to sneer, to fight back the demon’s twisted words, but he was in too much pain, his lips wouldn’t obey him- No, Vegetta loves me. His heart cried. Would he if he knew what you were? His brain supplied and Foolish winced.

“Oh my poor little tiburón, you thought he loved you?” Rubius shook his head, “No, no, no, that was all just to keep you docile, obedient, his and his alone to use.”

“That’s a lie!” Leo screamed.

“Shut up, Titi!” Rubius roared back, punching right by where she’d stood. The girl jumped then backed up, her little eyes widening, both of them red from her crying.

Foolish wheezed, he leaned to one side and then there was darkness.

He woke in a haze of blinding white light.

He blinked over and over and over again, confused, blinded, but then the light settled and when he looked up he realized there were rows upon rows of fluorescent lights above him. He blinked again, his last memories made the sight confusing, he was in the nether, not… an office building?

Wait, not an office building either.

Around him, it looked to be a bedroom, but not anyone’s bedroom, a child’s.

A colorful rug, a playchest full of toys, even an armchair with a little tv across from it. It was rather cute honestly, he was jealous, the child had a better room than him!

Then he noticed the bed, but more the little lump in it.

Breathing, up and down, so sleeping peacefully.

He approached, slow and steady as to not wake them, but his curiosity was too grand to not peak- he stalled, staring at the bed.

What are you doing? Don’t you remember the last time you got close to a bed?

He started to sweat and backed up, his eyes widening as the bed taunted him. He let out a squeak when he tripped on a toy that squeaked loudly, banging his head against the floor. His hand reached for the impact and he groaned as he felt a little bump there because of course there would be, his luck was amazing.

There was shuffling from the bed and his heart stilled.

She was so much bigger now, but he knew those glasses and cute little pigtails anywhere. He scrambled to his knees as she approached and he held out his arms for her.

“Juanaflippa?” Mariana’s voice cracked as he hugged his daughter.

“I’ve missed you, papa.” She whispered back.

Chapter Text

His face was slack, his skin sickly pale, there wasn’t a sign of life.

Mariana was dead.

ElMariana was slain by VegettaGaymers using [LEONARDA]

It was all his fault.

Max was by his side, he took his sword and Vegetta didn’t fight him about it.

“No…” Roier was already by his friend’s side, the man’s head moved to his lap. “This isn’t happening, this isn’t real.” He muttered, his hands clutching either side of Mariana’s head.

Bad held his shoulder, but he didn’t say anything, just crouched down to be on his level.

Max walked in front of Vegetta, holding his shoulders and shook his slightly, “What happened?” He’d never seen the man look so stricken, at least, not recently.

Not since…

“I saw it.” Vegetta whispered, “The wither storm.”

“What?” Max gripped harder, “What nonsense, that monstrosity is gone! It has to be!”

“I agree, but I saw it, I panicked- I didn’t mean to-” Vegetta said, frustration seeping into his tone, “Maximus, please, you have to believe me.”

Roier started to wail and Vegetta knew he couldn’t be here. His eyes went to his sword in Max’s hand, he had to be quick, decisive. 

Dapper walked up to him before he executed his plan, the kid looked up at him with eyes too similar to Leo’s, “Get my triplet back.”

He knew, Vegetta huffed, what a perceptive kid.

“What was that, Dapper?” Max asked. He’d been distracted, looking over at the other two once the wailing started.

Vegetta elbowed his gut, snatching the sword back from his hands and ran.

“VEGETTA!” Maximus yelled after him.

But there were no footsteps, not as Vegetta ducked and weaved through the blackstone tunnels. Identical tunnels, never ending, suffocating-

Run, run, run little Vegetta, but where will you go?

He scowled, shaking his head as though he could shake the man away, but then he realized the world didn’t darken- or was it already too dark? He stopped.

“Rubius.” He wanted to talk, let's talk.

Like clockwork, the demon appeared, grinning, but there was something off. Around his lips was something odd, was that gold?

At his puzzled expression, Rubius whipped away whatever substance with his tongue. “Ah, you shouldn’t have seen that, or maybe you should…” The man hummed, walking around behind Vegetta like he so liked to do.

Vegetta didn’t let him this time.

“You want me alone.”

“The sky is blue in the overworld, please, Vegetta, that’s obvious.” Rubius rolled his eyes. “You could have just said I want you, that’s far more precise.”

Vegetta’s eye twitched. “Rubius, you divorced me.” 

“I live for your reactions, and the drama! The attention!” Rubius waved his hand over his face, leaning back slightly, “Oh come on, it was fun!”

“You broke my heart, Rubius.” Vegetta followed him as he started to prowl around him, “Rubius, I loved you and you spat in my face. How could I possibly forgive you?” 

“I don’t need your forgiveness.” Rubius sneered, taking a step closer, “Only you.” He clutched his jaw, pulling him forward into a kiss-

Vegetta kicked out, the demon went spiraling backward with a snarl. He didn’t back down and giggled, then he noticed there was something else in Rubius’s eyes, a crazed look he hadn’t noticed before- and more importantly gold eyes.

“What’s going on with you?” Vegetta frowned and readied himself.

“You could say I found why you keep the ditzy one around, and honestly Vegetta, so greedy…” He made a motion with his hands and a red battleaxe appeared in his grip.

“I don’t understand.” Vegetta scowled, “And I don’t care!” He roared, charging forward.

Their weapons clashed, a spark erupted between and in another life that could have meant something so very different. Vegetta let off first, then flicked his wrist back with the ease of a master- but Rubius had lived as long as he had and he matched him. The two traded blows, each other trying to get past the other with no success. They were locked in an even match.

Rubius looked like he was having the time of his life.

“You don’t want me to be with you, and you don’t want me to be with someone else. How miserable do I have to be for you to be happy?” Vegetta said in a moment when the pair were catching their breath.

“As long as you’re looking at me and only me, that’s all that matters.” Rubius grinned.

Vegetta’s only relief was that every second the demon wasted with him, that one more time for Foolish or Leo to break themselves out. Yes, if he simply never let Rubius leave, he couldn’t harm them.

His thoughts distracted him and Rubius nicked his cheek. Vegetta grunted and jumped back, holding it.

Rubius sniffed the air, smiling at first before it fell and he frowned. “It’s not the same.”

“Eh?” Vegetta frowned.

“Your blood… why isn’t it as sweet as it used to be…” Rubius approached, but Vegetta took a step back, raising his blade. “Quit that, I need to know-” 

“Vegetta!” Bad ran in. The demon looked exhausted, huffing and puffing, “We were looking- oh!” The demon straightened up at the sight of Rubius. “Hello there.”

Rubius froze, staring at Bad.

Then he took a step towards him.

“Your fight is with me!” Vegetta said, attacking him again. Rubius replied with a skillful block, then leapt backward. He sneered at Vegetta, threw his axe at him and ran for Bad.

Bad on his part, drew his- scythe?!

Even Rubius paused at that, even as his axe returned to his hand, “What?!”

The smaller demon brandished the scythe expertly, frowning, “You took from me.”

Rubius snorted, “Oh, don’t tell me you have a claim.”

“Very much so, I’m sure you understand.” Bad gestured to Vegetta.

Rubius eyed the pair, his brows narrowed, his jaw set. The crazed look in his eyes, the golden hue, it was fading and Rubius’s shoulders relaxed…

“He’s weak! Now!” Vegetta ordered, charging forward as Bad did the same.

Rubius summoned a second axe, crossing them in front to parry their blows, but unlike before with another’s strength, he was pushed down to his knees. Vegetta butted the man’s hands with the back of his sword, causing him to drop his axes. He raised his blade to his throat, his other wrapped tight around the cloth over his torso.

“Oh Vegetta~ So close-”

He pushed the blade in, slicing through the red fur but not the skin.

“Give them back.” Vegetta snarled.

Rubius pursed his lips together, “But I’m having so much fun…”

Bad frowned, “You’re supposed to protect what you own, keep them safe, happy, healthy.” He had such an odd expression on his face…wait, pity?

Rubius snorted, “Don’t tell me what to do with my possessions.”

“It’s self-destructive.” Bad warned, “You need them to survive, destroying them destroys yourself, you should know this… unless you do and you don’t care.”

Vegetta’s mind whirled with this information. “No…” He eyed Rubius carefully, “This isn’t… all of this, it’s not… because of Titi? Still?!”

“I’m done here.” Rubius vanished.

He was humoring them.

“GRAGH!” Vegetta threw his sword on the ground, ran both his hands through his hair and fell to his knees, and for good measure he yelled again, “RUBIUS!”

Bad went to him, tucking his scythe away, “Vegetta…” He spoke slowly, carefully like talking to a wild animal, a wolf one second from tearing his throat open. “Dapper explained everything, we understand… You don’t have to do this alone, we still want to help you get them back.” He paused but Vegetta was still. “Mariana’s been buried.”

“No one should be dead.” Vegetta muttered.

“No, but… life has a funny way of working in rather mysterious ways. I can’t say much but… don’t lose heart. Things are not always what they seem with the threads that grant us life.” Bad pulled on his hood, hiding his eyes as he looked away.

Vegetta glanced over at the demon who was offering him his hand.

He took it.

Chapter Text

It hurt.

Foolish woke with an aching in his head, a pounding like Bad was playing drums right by his ear, and that was fairly believable. His arms hurt too, but a different kind, like when he’d been scratched by a cat. His neck…Fuck.

His neck felt raw, exposed, like his skin was seared close, but worse was the leather strap around it forced his head back against the chair.

He remembered and Foolish had never felt more terrified in his life.

He knows, he knows, he knows, he knows, he knows, he knows, he-

There was a sigh, “Ah, finally awake?”

There was no muzzle. “Where’s Leo?”

“She’s perfectly fine, back in her cell, crying her little eyes out I’m sure.” Rubius handwaved. “Now let’s talk about you.” He pulled up his own chair, a rather normal-looking one, it could have been from Vegetta’s tower. Knowing Rubius, it was.

“Have you fed her?” It’s been a few days at least, he could guess that by his own aching stomach at least. Leo had been with him just as long. “She’s a growing girl, she needs to eat three times a day, sometimes it needs to start with a T, other times it needs to be her favorite color-”

Rubius gently put his hand over Foolish’s mouth, “I am going to need you to not ramble.”

Foolish nodded, slowly and Rubius released.

“Now as I was saying, let’s talk about you-”

“Is Vegetta close?” Foolish interrupted. “I bet he is, I bet he’s right around the corner, going to bust up in here with his sword, cut you down, pick me up, oh I can’t wait!” He was being delusional, he figured he deserved that.

Rubius nodded, then snatched a knife and stabbed his hand without warning. Foolish screamed, struggling in the chair at the surge of pain. Rubius removed it and somehow that hurt worse. The demon grabbed a beaker and put it under his bound hand, collecting the droplets that spilled. They didn’t say anything, Foolish sat reeling while Rubius had an unreadable expression.

The beaker was set aside then unexpectedly, Rubius shoved a potion in his face, “Drink.”

“Oh that goes so well for me.” Foolish snapped, but cringing as he did, his hand ached. It was indescribable, just knowing there was a hole-

“It’s regenerative.” Rubius said, but when Foolish kept his mouth shut he cursed and stood up. It took some great effort from the demon but eventually he managed to shove to liquid down his gullet.

Foolish tensed, expecting that same sense of pain only it didn’t come. Inside there was a cold refreshing chill and it traveled down all his limbs making him shiver in pleasure. He didn’t feel brand new, but he felt so much better. There was a thin scar where he’d been stabbed still, but internally, he guessed he was good as new.

His blood would be replenished. Foolish eyed the beaker, and he suddenly felt so sick.

The demon sat down and brought his hands together, speaking slowly, “We. Are. Going. To. Talk. About. You.”

“Really…?” Foolish’s voice squeaked, “I’m so boring, I just build all day, so-”

“You’re a totem of life.” Rubius said.

“We prefer Undying actually and only partially-” Foolish cringed, “Aw fuck.”

The demon snorted, “Your name truly suits you.”

“Fuck you.”

“Mature.”

“Says the one throwing the world’s biggest temper tantrum over his ex getting married.”

Silence, even Foolish shrunk after he spoke, but Rubius chuckled, “No, no, you’re right. I have been so very upset at Vegetta, but… that’s only because I claimed him as my own and he rejects it. He’s all I have left, have you not been there before?”

He had, recently in fact.

Watching the nuke land, destroying everything in it’s wake, the last cry of XD as his server corroded beyond repair, Bad’s hands smacking him awake in the rubble, the pair the only survivors in it’s wake.

Foolish Jr and Finley…

Bad was all he had and despite everything, the demon had built him back up again, then they got a ticket to a vacation and the little demon wouldn’t take no for an answer. Afterall, it was from Quackity… another survivor. Another friend…?

Then they arrived and saw Philza and Wilbur alive, a shock to them both. It left him wondering if something else happened that day…

He was slapped back to reality, not to hard, enough to jar him, “Huh?”

“You were elsewhere.”

“I was.” He didn’t see the point pretending he wasn’t.

“As I was saying, you are part totem, si?” Rubius picked up the beaker, “But totem are metallic in nature, solid on the inside, you have hair, flesh, blood.” His fingers tapped the beaker.

“I’m half shark.” He mumbled, and that wasn’t technically a lie.

“The animal or something else?” Rubius tilted his head.

He didn’t respond, looking away.

Rubius leaned forward, grabbing his chin and making him look into his ruby red eyes. “This is fascinating. Tell me what I need to know and you will have a much more comfortable life.” Lies, all lies, they always lied. “You’re far more valuable than I ever realized my dear little tiburón…” Rubius smirked, patting his cheek.

It sounded so familiar, always the same, the moment someone paused to ask, “What are you?” It was a vicious cycle of death, he just wanted to be left alone to build but no, Totem of Death, they called him while he only defended himself.

“I can’t say.” He settled on.

“So you want me to figure this out the hard way?” Rubius sighed, “What a masochist you’ve become…” He paused and suddenly smirked, “You haven’t really tried to escape either. You little freak, do you like this?”

Foolish’s eyes bulged, “Do I like being tortured, dehydrated and starved?!”

Rubius clutched his arms, squeezing hard enough to bruise, “Admit it, you’re losing faith at least, you’ve realized he’s abandoned you too!” He cackled, “Oh poor little fool!”

Foolish spat at him, and it was worth the dry pit his mouth became. He gave him the best shit-eating grin he could muster, “I trust him, always.”

Rubius stared at him, silent and the spit fell down his face slowly until it reached one end and started to dip. It was a bizarre juxtaposition between his expression and Foolish’s sloppy defiance. Then as slowly as the spit fell from his face, he reached for a blade.

Foolish flinched, closing his eyes, but nothing came.

It was quiet, too quiet. He could only hear his own breathing, not even a hint of Rubius.

His heartbeat picked up, the waiting made him more anxious than anything else. Get it over with! Do your worse! He wanted to scream, but he couldn’t, his bravery was a flimsy weak thing now, appearing like a self-destructive lemming.

“In another life, I was a father.”

He opened his eyes as Rubius wiped away the spit with a thin towel. The man was back in the chair, absently playing with the towel’s loose strings.

“I’m sorry?” Foolish was gobsmacked.

“Adopted, like your Leonarda.” Rubius said, “But he was an alien, born from another friend, it’s complicated, but know this, that was my child. He was mine.”

Foolish could understand that sentiment. Sure he talked to the other children in the isle, but Leonarda was his pride and joy, his numero uno and based on her many jealous outbursts, so was he her’s.

“One day… his mother came back.” Rubius said and Foolish paled.

One day, the dragon could return.

“She was going to destroy us all, and my dear sweet Titi, the light of my life, the reason I woke in the morning…” Rubius paused, choking up, “They sacrificed themself, killing their own mother to save us all.”

“I’m sorry.” He didn’t know what else to say.

“They weren’t.” Rubius growled, “They mocked my sadness, yelled at me to get over it, pushed me over the edge… So I went looking for answers, anything to get him back.” He examined his hands, smirking, “I’m so much stronger than your other demon friend, ever wondered why?”

“I gathered you weren’t always a demon?” and sometimes angel. Foolish wondered when that side of his psyche finally decayed and died. Probably the day he got sent to hell the first time, that made sense…

“No, not at all, just a simple brown bear.” He tapped his own nose, “It’s amazing what magic exists out there, but all you need to know is that I consumed the essences of a demon and an angel to seek out their power and as impressive as they are, do you know the one thing they can’t do?”

“Revive the dead.” Foolish whispered.

“So you’re not a complete idiot.” Rubius said, leaning back in his chair, “Now a totem of undying-”

“Prevents death, Rubius. You know that.” Foolish shook his head, “I have had to explain this over and over and over in my life. Nothing I am will help you if you want your son back. If I could do what you describe, do you think I would be so panicked for Leo all the time? Do you think I would have watched all those parents suffer all this time without their children?!” Foolish struggled in his restraints, “You think you’re so smart, that you’ve figured out some big secret, but no! You’re just like all the others, I’ve been around long enough, I’ve seen this all before!”

Rubius stared at him, a bored expression on his face.

Foolish huffed and struggled again, “Please… not again…”

“Perhaps you’re right.” Rubius said, “You alone can’t revive my son, but you are a key to the puzzle. I know that, and thus, I’ve come to realize I can never let you go, not until I have when I owned most back.”

“Rubius, please…” Foolish begged again.

“Do you prefer left or right?” He asked, picking up a syringe.

“Vegetta… please.”

“Both? Wonderful!”

Chapter Text

He was so cold.

Roier couldn’t move, if he moved, he would notice Mariana didn’t go with him.

Vegetta had run like a coward, afraid to confront what he’d done. Roier was having a hard time picturing the mentor he looked up to for years and that pendejo as the same person. It was unbelievable, over some petty drama? Oh if it was about Foolish-

“Roier,” Bad interrupted his thoughts, and finally Roier noticed that he was rubbing circles along his back, soft, gentle, soothing. “Roier, you… you need to let go, uh, for me, okay? I need to see him.”

Roier blinked at him, registering the words but not the meaning.

“Please.” Bad insisted. He put his hands over Roier’s and gently pried his fingers out of Mariana’s hair. He was stagnant, just watching as Bad shuffled over and adjusted Mariana to be in the same position Roier had only seconds ago.

But then Dapper was by him and he put down a bell…

Bad’s head jolted and he stared at the wall ahead of him with a slack-jaw expression.

That sobered him up, “What the fuck.”

Max snorted, “The little thief has tricks.”

“Tricks?! Chinga tu madre, is he trying to possess his body?!” Roier got away from Bad.

“No, but I suspect there’s more to what happened here then we realize.” Max said and he looked over to Dapper, the boy was ringing the bell periodically, focused on the task at hand.

Roier could tell Max didn’t want to bother the kid, after losing Trumpet, he practically claimed Dapper as his own. Roier was not so soft on one of the frequent trespassers of his house.

“Eh! What happened?!” He got in Dapper’s space.

Dapper looked over at him with an annoyed brow raise, “Can’t you see I’m busy?”

“I’m about to be bust crushing a bell unless you explain huevo!” Roier barked out, “Sure Mariana’s a bit annoying, super annoying actually, but that’s one of my best friends and he came out here to help the man who just murdered him.”

Dapper’s smug expression fell and the child looked back at the corpse.

Ah shit, this kid shouldn’t be here.

Roier rolled his shoulders and put his hands together, “Could you please explain?”

“Fine.” Dapper frowned, “But if this distracts me and my Dad fails, I’m going to run you over with one of my pets.”

Max sputtered, “Oh, the lizard, or one of your little mushroom guys-”

Roier spun on his heel, yelling, “Mariana’s dead.”

Max made a face, “Right.” He crossed his arms. “Lo siento.”

“Ah shut up.” Roier waved his hand, “Now Dapper…”

“Well… the demon showed up, it was acting weird, asking to talk to Vegetta.” Dapper said slowly, his eyes moving between the bell and Roier. “Then he got all mad, I’m not sure why, I was… It was a lot.” The kid’s brows furrowed, “But then Juanaflippa was brought up and… the demon offered Mariana a deal. He didn’t even hesitate.”

“Pendejo tried to fight Vegetta, what the fuck is wrong with him?” Roier groaned, “But why kill him? Surely Vegetta has better control than that.”

Dapper shrugged, “It happened so fast, like Mariana was weakened. It was really odd.”

Max perked up, “Weakened? How many blows?”

“Uh, one? Unless Vegetta is that strong naturally.” Dapper said.

Max shook his head and approached, he laid a hand on Roier’s shoulder, “He’s picking us off one by one, and with this method, causing a rift, a divide-”

“He still killed him, Max, that’s not something I’m going to brush under the rug.” He scowled.

“I know but-”

“Mariana!” Bad yelled, gasping. Dapper put the bell away then went to his father and patted his back. The demon thanked him but was on his feet the next. “Hurry, bury him, now! Now! ” He screamed, providing diamond shovels.

“What is going on? What did you see mama huevo?” Roier did as the demon said, but only so he didn’t have to look at his dead friend anymore.

“No time! I’ll explain once I get Vegetta! Bury him then get to the surface! We need to go, now!” Bad put his shovel away and- was that a scythe on his back?! He left them, disappearing into the blackstone caverns.

Max stared after him and muttered, “I have a feeling you’re going to be hearing Mariana’s grating voice again.”

Roier scowled, “You are as clueless as me, don’t say that.”

He didn’t want hope if Max’s intuition was wrong.

“Ahh! No! Slime! Don’t eat us!” Mariana cried, the green dino in his hand as he brought it crashing down on a yellow and lime one. “He’s eating us! No!”

Juanaflippa giggled, “No! Stop it, dada wouldn’t do that!” She shoved him lightly, then reached over and grabbed the yellow dino. She made her voice deeper as she wiggled it in her tiny hands, “Oh Slime, we should go to bed together!”

Mariana gaped, “What?! No, no, no you do not repeat that, Juana!”

She snickered into her hands, “But it’s my favorite!”

“Que?!”

“It’s when you two are finally not arguing.” Juana said, and she looked away.

Mariana stilled.

They were exhilarated to see one another again, hugging and crying in joy, the logistics didn’t matter, only his daughter. She asked him to play he joined without a second thought.

Clearly that elation could only last so long.

Juana looked down at the yellow dino, a sad little smile on her face, then she glanced over at the green one in his hand. He didn’t say anything, waiting with baited breath.

She handed him back the dino, he took it and she grabbed the lime one. Juana walked over to her little armchair and sat down with a frown.

Mariana looked down at the two dinos then stood up and went to Juana’s side. He didn’t know what to say. It’d been so long, he was just so happy to have her back-

“You promised.” She mumbled.

“I know.” Mariana could have given her excuses, he could have told her how distraught he’d been, how distraught he continued to be, but it didn’t matter. She was killed by her own father, her blood would stain his hands and his heart forever.

She bit her lip, “My dada killed my best friend… and then my papa killed me.”

Mariana nodded, and he glanced at the dinos. A rush of rage washed over him and he threw the dinos against the wall. They cracked from the impact, falling to the ground pathetically. Like Slime and Mariana themselves. What they deserved.

When he looked back at his daughter, she was tense. He’d made her flinch.

He couldn’t do anything right. “Juana-”

“I still love you, both of you stupid misclickers.” She murmured, “Despite everything, and I don’t know why you’re here, but… I’m glad I’m not alone anymore.”

Mariana’s brows furrowed in worry, “You’ve been alone all this time?”

Juana nodded, staring down at her lime dino. “I know Tilin is here somewhere, but they won’t let me see her.”

“They?”

“Subject 35 is in an unauthorized area.”

Max and Roier were waiting on the surface. The younger of the two was switching between tapping his foot impatiently or pacing around the massive crater the explosion left behind. Max thought he heard him muttering to himself, but he wasn’t really the best at comfort so he left the boy be.

Dapper was distracting himself with trying to repair his blood-shooter. It was amusing seeing the literal child being more productive.

Max was far better at investigating and something had been bothering him for hours now. He walked around the hole, making a platform to get a better look at where the explosives were set off. Just below the sand there was a thin line of netherrack then the blackstone began several feet below.

“They carved out the roof and planted it where the blackstone had been.” Max concluded, and while it was obvious from the jump it was a trap, he found an odd sense of comfort figuring out the exact way things happened.

It was a good distraction, sticking his head into a mystery so he wasn't looking out his window at a colorful grave. Max sighed, massaging his temple.

He loved his son, but unlike Quackity and the most toxic couple he’d ever seen, there was no one he could blame for his son’s death. He just wanted to mine a bit, but then the cave-in happened, smashing his communicator- he’d been stuck for days.

When he returned home, his son wouldn’t wake from his bed, no obvious signs of death, no starvation, no strangulation, nothing. His bright little musician was alive one day and dead the next. It sent him spiraling, consuming all his food into a pit of despair he didn’t think he’d ever crawl out of.

He despised it, children didn’t just die like that. Trumpet deserved better.

Something was wrong with this island and he decided he’d had enough. Bad joined in enthusiastically and well, if you had Bad, Foolish wasn’t too far behind as much as the shark hybrid didn’t want to admit it. While the former made Max’s head buzz excitably, the former… well… Foolish certainly contributed some rather off the chain ideas.

The Theory Bros. That’s what they were and more importantly his reason to wake up in the morning. Hence why he was in the nether now, staring at a hole, waiting for his other bro to return so they could save their last bro.

Like he’d called them, Bad and Vegetta crawl up out of the hole across from him.

Roier was giving the oldest man a look that could kill.

Vegetta was staring right back, but there was only regret in his violet eyes.

“I know things are tense right now.” Bad said, “But I need you all to know something.”

Max walked up to Bad, raising a brow, “Is this about that little ritual you did?”

“It is,” He nodded, pulling out the scythe they’d seen briefly earlier. “I may or may not be a part-time grim reaper.” The demon waved a hand over himself and large pure black robes covered his body.

“Que?!” Roier yelled, Vegetta’s eyes widened and Max felt faint.

“I tried to connect to Mariana’s soul, to see what happened, but guys… what I saw…” Bad focused on Roier, “He’s alive.”

“How?” Vegetta asked, face pale, “My moonblade-”

“Oh his corpse was still there, it was like he had a new one but his mind was the same.” Bad explained, but that wasn’t all, I saw Juanasflippa and she mentioned Tilin- Max!” Bad turned to his friend and Max stepped back. The man looked terrifying right now, but he held Max’s arms and shook him slightly, “Your son! He might be alive!”

“Trumpet?” He could have a second chance?

Chapter Text

There was never a day she didn’t feel loved.

Leo rolled over on her bed, rubbing at her eyes lazily as the birds from her Zoo sung. They were so loud she could hear them even from the top of her papa’s tower. It was a pretty melody, like they were all telling her buenos dias.

She stretched, yawning then got up out of bed to her chests. Before anything else she had to pick out the hat for the day, there were a ton to choose from, her classic red cap, a massive skull, the bull helmet- she snorted, oh like she was going to pick anything else.

With the rainbow mushroom beanie on her head, she quickly put on the rest of her clothes, just throwing on anything really, usually a t-shirt and some shorts. Vegetta always insisted on more fancy clothes but she always felt bad getting them dirty. Besides, dada Foolich always wore only a t-shirt and shorts in their house and he always found it cute when she copied him.

Satisfied, Leo bolted to the ladder and headed down. She overheard her parents, both early birds already together, talking.

“I guess we’ll have to mine, our backs are against the wall…” Foolish said, leaned over their table, a massive blueprint on top of it.

Vegetta was beside him, staring up at him in one of his, I don’t know what he’s saying but he’s cute, moments. “Oh I’d love to see your back against the wall~” Vegetta said coyly.

“What- Ooo, Vegetta.” Foolish giggled.

“Oh, Foolish…” Vegetta stepped closer.

“I’m awake!” Leo cried out, not that her being in the room really ever stopped them before.

“Ah! Mija, buenos dias!” Vegetta said nervously, straightening up his posture.

“Goooooooood Mooooorning!” Foolish drawled out, but she noticed the raging blush across his cheeks. “How are you today, Leo? I see you have your special hat, as always.”

She nodded, grinning. 

That had been a fun day for her, raiding that mushroom with so many of her siblings and all the other parents but then in the privacy of one house her dada got her attention and gave her the beanie she was wearing now. She had just changed her name and instantly he was supporting her.

How could she not wear it all the time?

“But did you brush your hair?” Vegetta chided, “Or take a shower and are those even clean clothes-”

“I think she smells fine!” Foolish interrupted, “Besides we’re going mining, don’t think it’ll matter. If anything, you need to change.” He snorted, gesturing to the other’s rather extravagant attire while Foolish was wearing what she predicted; plain t-shirt and shorts.

“Nonsense! I simply don’t get dirty.”

“Uh huh…” He tapped his chin, “I recall someone complaining about stains on their pearly white cloak last time…”

“Which is why I’m wearing the black one today.” Vegetta flourished his cape dramatically. “You see, Foolish, there is an art to fashion and sometimes that’s adjusting for next time, learning what works and what doesn’t in the situation you find yourself in.”

Now Foolish was the one with the I don’t know what he’s saying but he’s hot face.

Leo rolled her eyes and walked over to Chipotl. The little orange tabby mewed and she petted him as her parents continued to talk back and forth about their plans for the day. She couldn’t wait, even if it was only resource gathering. There was always a joke to be made, a discovery to gap at, a sticky situation to get Foolish out of.

Chipotl purred into her hand and her heart melted, “Aww…”

“Mija!” Vegetta called, and she turned. “We’re going, the one who gets the most emeralds and lapis lazuli gets to pick the next animal we’ll hunt down for the Zoo.”

“Or Aquarium!” Foolish raised a finger.

Vegetta nodded, “Or that, not that it’s all that done…”

“Perfection takes time, mi amor.” Foolish shook his head.

“So the interior is going to be the best part?” Vegetta grinned.

Foolish paled, “Oh wow, we really should get mining, the wedding venue isn’t going to build itself!” He pulled out his paraglider and headed for the exit. Vegetta followed with a bit of laughter.

Leo watched them fondly. Last night they proposed to each other, Vegetta taking the initiative as usual. She’d tried to coach Foolish through it, but he was such a nervous wreck around Vegetta at all times. He’d had the ring on his person for weeks meanwhile she was sure Vegetta had the idea to propose that night. 

It amazed her how two people could be so similar but such opposites at the same time.

“Mija, vamos!” Vegetta called out to her so she pulled out her own paraglider and ran out to join them on the balcony.

It was always breathtaking seeing the landscape around them. Her parents were on the edge together, looking at one another and she paused, watching as they kissed. It was a small one, gentle, full of utter devotion and simply… love. That’s all it was, nothing more and nothing less.

Leo walked up to them and they broke apart to let her join their sides.

“Ready, Leo?” Foolish asked, and while he trusted her, she say the worry regardless. Since the boating accident, she noticed he fretted over her far more, checking and double checking on her whereabouts at all times. Traveling by ocean was still difficult for her.

Vegetta was the same, always looking back when they went mining, checking in on her over and over. The day she nearly died in that mine still shook her, but she always tried to remember her dada Foolich clumsily making the situation worse instead. She swore she could replay that moment over and over again in her mind and never stop laughing.

“I’m ready, dads.” She smiled up at them.

Vegetta nodded and he leaped first, then Foolish motioned for her to go and she did, her dada following close behind. It was amazing, flying so easily. She closed her eyes and it was almost like all her worries died in the winds. She was safe, she was loved.

The sky darkened, a bolt of lightning struck her paraglider setting it ablaze and she was falling- Her parents were screaming for her-

Leo jolted awake panting and panicking, but then she registered her surroundings and buried her face into her knees,

Leo had woken to a dingy cell, alone.

Foolish still wasn’t back.

Chapter Text

Leonarda was a strong, smart and more importantly, clever girl. She knew that, her parents knew that, her siblings knew that.

Rubius did not know that, not yet.

She wanted to fix that.

Everyday, or every few hours, she really couldn’t tell, Rubius would walk by and give her a glass of water and some random fruit. Then she’d be alone for ages and thus, it was the perfect time to execute her plan uninterrupted. She just had to be patient.

As patient as Foolish when he built his statues, as patient as Vegetta when he worked on his mechanisms. She could do this, for her family, for it all to go back to normal.

Rubius was always quiet when he approached, not interested in conversation, but Leo had to ask him one last time.

“Can I see my dad?”

The demon scowled instantly, placing the glass and fruit down as he did, “I already told you, we are very busy.”

“Is he dead?” She whispered.

Rubius snorted, “Hardly, the opposite in fact.” He paused, an odd expression on his face, “Has your father ever talked about himself? His abilities?”

“Not really, no.” She said honestly. While Vegetta enjoyed talking about his great conquests of the past, the only thing she knew about Foolish was what he built.

Rubius hummed, muttering under his breath, “What a poor father, I told Titi everything.”

“Titi?” Leo’s brows furrowed. It wasn’t the first time she heard the name. “Was that your daughter?”

“My son.” He corrected, staring back. His eyes were unnerving in their intensity, but he didn’t look mad, not like he usually did, he was curious what she was going to say.

“Would he like seeing you do all of this?”

Sometimes, Leo wished she wasn’t as blunt as her dada.

Rubius’s nostrils flared, he pointed to the drink and fruit, “Drink, eat, and never speak to me again, brat.” 

Leo stuck out her tongue as he left. “Only brat I see here is you! Ya, that’s what I should have said.” She would have said it, she wasn’t scared of him, not at all.

She’d never heard her dada scream like that.

She shook his head, shoving that thought and it’s memory away. She needed to focus. Dada Foolich was counting on her. Papa Vegetta told her to take care of him. She was failing.

But she had a plan.

After the vicious attack that knocked Foolish unconscious, Rubius never put the muzzle back on. In fact, he’d left it discarded on the ground, by the crack in the wall.

Devious little Leo had a lot of Foolish in her, but she was Vegetta’s too.

For days or hours or something in between because again, time was lost in here, Leo got to work. She tore apart the muzzle and all its mechanisms until she found the perfect pieces to fasten into a lockpicking tool. It took a lot of sweat and tears, but she was confident it would work and just in case she hid the rest of the muzzle and it’s pieces under a big rock in case she had to try a second time.

Leo approached the door with the tool, she stuck out her arms and shoved it in, concentrating with her tongue out. She’d done this plenty with uncle Bad, and she’d have to thank him when she next saw him.

Click!

The door swung open and Leonarda flipped her tool, blowing on it like it was her gun. “Dada Foolich, here I come.” She ran.

The nether bricks were mind-numbingly boring. Somehow Rubius’s awful choice in architecture was effectively getting her lost. At one point she turned right into a blazer spawner room and left it biting her hand so she wouldn’t scream and alert the demon.

It was terrifying! She didn’t have a shield!

Leonarda was now by a staircase, panting. There were so many blazes and wither skeletons. All she could do was run, and it was frustrating! She had her own sword,  axe, and gun, but no she was reduced to running around like a failure!

And at no point did she even find a hint where her dada was.

Maybe he was dead. Rubius really messed him up…

She slammed her fist against the wall. “No, Leo! No! He’s here!” Leo harshly wiped away the tears that leaked and wiped her nose.

Then she saw it, but she blinked a few times in disbelief.

A green trail of light, and it was heading down the staircase deeper into the fortress. She knew this was her sign. Leo races down, following it as her heart rate picked up.

She didn’t care if Rubius was there, she was saving her Foolich.

Suddenly the light ended and she stood before a thick iron door. At first she was going to scream, but she remembered her lockpick and got to work. This one was harder, more intricate, but Leo was nothing if not determined and so very stubborn like her parents.

In minutes there was another click and she pushed through the door.

Leo would never forget the sight.

Foolish was in a chair, pale, his body strapped down one notably around his throat and another over his mouth preventing him from speaking. There was scarring all over his body, some more healed than others. His eyes were closed, and she feared the worst.

“Dad?” She whispered, approaching cautiously. The room looked like a study, various beakers and burners, books and journals, but more importantly, so much blood. She covered her mouth, pushing back the bile that was threatening to spill. It stank, her nose begging for relief.

She approached her father, noticing the little table and weirdly familiar chair across from him. On that table was a tray of various knives and syringes. She already guessed what the golden liquid in the beakers was, but the confirmation was disheartening all the same.

“Dad, please wake up.” She tried again, but he didn’t stir.

That’s when she noticed the potions. Gleaming various warm tones, Leo knew a regenerative one when she saw it, and a strength for good measure. She turned back to her father, scowling at the strap over his mouth.

She grabbed one of the knives just as his eyes opened weakly.

Leo meet them and smiled, he looked terrified. She looked back, expecting Rubius but, he wasn’t there. She frowned and turned back around, her arm moved as she did and his eyes moved with it. 

The knife.

“I’m getting you out of here.” She started on the one around his mouth, because he needed those potions right away. It took some time, but she managed to break it.

“Leo, Leo, I need you to listen to me-” Foolish’s voice was wobbly, “You need to go, get out of here, I’m dead weight, okay? I don’t matter, it’s fine, get to Vegetta-”

“No.” She shoved the regenerative potion in his mouth and he drank it but didn’t look very happy about it. He shivered from the sensation and she immediately shoved the strength one in before she continued, “He’s taking too long so I’m my job now. He told me so.”

Foolish spat out the bottle and it crashed beside them making Leo jump a bit in alarm, “Okay so this one time we disagree, fuck, I thought it was leave me behind? What happened to that?” Foolish pleaded, “Leo, he’s too dangerous, and we don’t have anything to survive the nether-”

“More reasons to bring my big strong dad.” Leo patted his head then got to work on the other straps. First his throat, then the wrists… The entire time Foolish was panicking, telling her to go, and again, she didn’t.

When all the straps were gone, Foolish shot up and pulled her into a hug, picking her up even and she hugged back just as tight.

“Oh fuck, Leo, I thought I was never going to see you again, never laugh with you again, never hug you again.”

“Always juntos.” She said, nodding into the crook of his neck.

“Always juntos.” He said back, “Now let’s get the hell out of here.” Foolish didn’t put her down. He left through the heavy iron door and down the hall. 

That strength potion was a great idea.

“What a terribly designed place, right?” Leo smirked and Foolish chuckled too.

“What I think we need is some sort of basic armor and tools, if we find a chest…um, uh…” Foolish stopped at the same staircase she’s been just before the green light.

“Maybe that way?” Leo pointed at one of the other halls randomly.

“Sure!” He carried them down it… and two seconds later the pair were running back out screaming as fire was shot their way, “That’s a spawner! That’s a spawner!”

Okay, so maybe the whole family was terrible at directions. Vegetta was not exempt from it.

The pair ended up finally finding a resting spot in a balcony that connected two towers. Foolish blocked off the towers with some soul soil he found with netherwart. Below them was a lava river or moat of some sort that surrounded the fortress and across from that was a very dangerous-looking nether basalt.

“He really picked just the worst place to live, huh?” Foolish huffed, reaching over to ruffle Leo’s hair.

She leaned into the touch, “I figured it out, he’s just jealous our houses are beautiful.”

“You are so right, Leo.” Foolish laughed, but his face looked weary. The strength potion only lasted minutes and it was clear the effects were waning if not already gone. Foolish turned away from the view and slumped down against the railing. He put his head in his hands, “What are we supposed to do now?”

Leo… didn’t know.

She sat down next to him, her head on his shoulder.

It was quiet, only their breathing and the bubbling lava below.

“I’m so sorry, Leo.”

“Don’t be.” She looked up at her dad, his heavy-eyes with dark bags under them. No matter what her father did, she didn’t think she’d ever be mad at him. He was simply too silly.

“I’m not good enough for Vegetta.” Foolish whispered.

She whacked him, “You take that back right now.”

“First off, ow, I am already in enough pain, thank you.” He rubbed his arm and when she noticed the bruising already there she did feel bad, “Second, no, it’s true.” He pulled up his knees, “Leo, why hasn’t he come yet? Did he realize I wasn’t worth the trouble?”

“Do you really think that, or did Rubius get in your head?” Leo frowned.

Foolish’s brows furrowed, and he said nothing.

“Okay, well try this, do you think he’d abandon me?” She crossed her arms. Now she’d had doubts and fears before, cramped spaces in mines, boating in an ocean, but there was one thing she knew without a shadow of a doubt.

Her fathers loved her, and they would do anything, get anything, and go anywhere for her.

Foolish sighed, running a hand down his hair, “You’re right. I’m just… confused right now.”

“I think you’re right, tiburón.” Rubius was sitting across from them on the opposite railing, shit-eating grin as usual.

Foolish flinched, ducked his head, and said nothing.

Leo scowled, “Shut up!” She moved, pulling out the same knife she used to cut Foolish free. “Just leave us alone! We just want to live in peace!”

“And what about my peace, little mariposa? Hm?” Rubius stood, gesturing to himself. “When do I get to be happy again?”

“I don’t think torturing people is what Titi would have wanted for you!” Leo cried, “You’re angry, okay, something happened, you blame yourself- but please… leave my family out of it… I’m begging you.”

“No.” Rubius darted forward, taking her wrist and squeezing until she dropped the knife. “I despise your happiness, brat.” Leo struggled in his grasp as he raised her off the ground.

“Get away from her!” Foolish was on his feet, but he was shaky, weak.

Rubius chuckled, “You know, tiburón, I just thought of the perfect motivation for you to willingly help me with my work.”

“Don’t.” Foolish pleaded, “I will help, just don’t.” He raised his hands like he was trying to calm a wild animal.

Leo noticed Rubius’s eyes were an intense gold now, something they definitely weren’t earlier.

“Do you know how mad I was upon discovering you were missing?” He approached her father with a hungry look. She tried to kick out at him, but he was ignoring her. “That you would even dare trying to escape me?” Rubius clutched his jaw, turning his head to stare right at him, “You’re mine now.” 

“I’m Vegetta’s.” Foolish said, but his voice sounded so broken.

“And I’m done with your insolence.” Rubius said.

And then Leo was falling.

“No!” Foolish screamed above her, most of his body was over the railing, trying to grab her but Rubius pulled him back with a hand around his neck.

“Mija?!” Another voice, across the river screamed louder and she turned to catch her papa’s distraught face.

Then she was burning.

And then it was white.

Leonarda tried to swim in lava.

Chapter Text

Basalt deltas were the worst biome in existence, Vegetta decided. At least with soul speed the soul sand valleys became bearable. This vertical lava-filled hell trap?

Oh he was sick of it. 

The others were approaching so Vegetta turned off the spell to his earring, the green light vanishing into nothing. They had trekked uninterrupted for what felt like days or perhaps only a few hours, time was nebulous in the nether. 

“Ah!” Roier screamed suddenly behind him, he twisted around fast enough to grab his arm and hoist him back onto the precarious basalt. The moment the man was stable he swatted Vegetta’s hands away and cursed, “No, stop that!”

“Don’t save your life?” Vegetta asked, because angry as Roier was, that was… simply stupid.

“Yes! No, I don’t know! Leave me alone!” Roier threw up his arms and pushed on ahead away from him.

The older man sighed. He hoped Bad’s odd… hunch was correct. Self-defense as it was, he didn’t want to think he murdered a…uh… well not his friend, but Roier’s at least. Their once rather loud party was muted in the wake of Mariana’s death.

Vegetta wasn’t exactly in the position to complain about it.

Bad went to Roier’s side, whispering something to him while Max stood by him.

“I think once this is all over and everyone is safe… we will talk.” Max said.

“I saw the storm, old friend, I swear to you.” Vegetta stared ahead.

“You have to understand… they have no idea what that means, old friend.” Max looked over at the others. “They don’t know the fear that word invokes.”

“I was not… scared.” Vegetta pursed his lips together, “It was only battle instincts, yes, that’s it. Practiced movements, precise, that’s all-”

“Vegetta…” Max was in full deadpan.

Ah, so he wasn’t convincing in the least.

“I don’t get scared. I am the Great Vegetta.” He explained as they started to climb up a particularly steep incline. “I fight, conquer, I win. Easy.”

“You also bleed like everyone else.” Max said, “Perhaps cry like everyone else?”

He scoffed. Ridiculous. No, he did not, even when he experienced that accident with Leo in the mines or heard about the accident on the boat with Foolish, Vegetta did not cry.

He knew tears only got in the way of what was important. Laughter, smiles, cheers, those mattered, those were what made life worth living. Grief was a waste, celebrating life was the priority. 

Vegetta looked to Max, remembering the man’s absolute state in the wake of his son’s death. He’d never seen someone so self-destructive in his life, gorging on food, sleeping all day, never showing. No, that was not the life his son would have wanted for Max. He was glad the man was doing better now at least.

Vegetta looked to Roier, his wise sage advice had to be shared and while the younger man probably still hated his guts, he was once his mentor and that was still his responsibility.

“What are you thinking of?” Max frowned, “You didn’t answer my question.”

“Fue estúpido.” He waved his hand at Max, then walked up to join the other two, over hearing a bit of their conversation along the way.

“It gets easier with time.” Bad whispered, “Don’t rush through your grief, it does more harm than good.”

“I’m just so… angry.” Roier’s hands were in front of him, clenching and unclenching his fists. “I need something to hit.”

“Well if you must, my shoulder is right here.” Bad gestured to it.

“What? No, not you-”

“I volunteer.” Vegetta joined them on Bad’s side.

They were still in a rather precarious incline, but Roier didn’t care and he swung at Vegetta immediately. Bad squeaked, ducking down to dodge and scamper behind Roier.

He tanked it, not even budging.

So Roier swung again, over and over, but well… he didn’t want to call the boy scrawny, but compared to Vegetta, well… It was a valiant effort.

Roier ended up pounding on his chestplate, panting with exertion.

“Do you feel better?” Vegetta asked, brow raised.

“I don’t know. You didn’t even flinch. What the fuck, man.” He backed up away from Vegetta, “Mariana’s a pendejo trying to fight you.”

Vegetta shrugged, biting his tongue otherwise. He was not going to mock a dead man.

Now, for wisdom, “Roier, listen to me carefully.” He took his shoulder, “When all of this is over, when you return home and you remember your friend, do not think of him as he died, but remember the best moments you had together in life.”

Roier’s brows furrowed, “Do you know… how much worse it is that his murderer is giving me good advice?”

Vegetta cringed and let go, “Well, it wasn’t on purpose-”

“Wait, Vegetta, look.” Roier pointed at something behind him.

Confused, he turned, surprised to see red in the middle of the basalt biome until it finally registered. Nether bricks, oh what a drab block, Vegetta frowned at the sight of the fortress. He couldn’t believe his loves had to suffer in such a terrible-looking place.

“They’re there.” He said, never more sure in his life. “It’s time.”

“It’s time, let’s go Dapper!” Bad cheered suddenly loudly, skipping ahead of them. The child had been easily hopping through the environment using some odd tentacle mechanism. 

“Vegetta,” Roier grabbed his shoulder now, “I’m still pissed, but you know what, man? Fuck it, let’s get your family back.”

“Gracias, Roier.” He meant it.

The two bolted forward and behind them they heard Max trying to keep up, “Wait!”

It was a breeze to get to the precipice, wherever that was his own adrenaline or his fury, he would never know. There was only a river of lava separating them from the Fortress. Two towers sat on either side, a balcony connecting between them, but the architecture wasn’t his concern.

It was the figures on that balcony, one gold, one red and one so very small.

“Is that Foolish?” Bad asked, the whole group was a bit behind Vegetta. “Wait, he has Leonarda!”

“Dapper, use your-”

She was already falling.

“No!” Foolish screamed trying to reach out for her only for Rubius to pull him back by his neck.

“Mija?!” Vegetta yelled, stunned as there was nothing he could do.

She screamed. 

Leonarda tried to swim in lava.

Vegetta did not cry, he did not sob, but no matter his beliefs, the tears fell anyway.

Chapter Text

Foolish and Vegetta locked eyes.

There was no joy upon their meeting, no elation at seeing one another again after so long, only grief for the daughter they lost.

He was stunned, stationary where Rubius still held his neck, the demon equally still as he eyes the little group below. Foolish’s heart stuttered at all their faces, surprised how many came.

He didn’t expect anyone to show up, he was convinced he was going to rot in the nether and after Leonarda… he deserved it. Rubius was right.

Everyone was here, but Leo was gone.

“I’ll help you.” Foolish whispered, “I’ll help you, I’ll help you-”

Rubius grinned, gold eyes glinting with glee. “That’s a good tiburón.”

Anything for Leo.

Suddenly there was an odd squishing sound and a pair of boots landing, a huff, a snarl.

Vegetta was there, and he’d never looked more pissed. In his hand was Dapper’s tentacle gun, but he put it away to draw his sword. “I am going to kill you.” A promise.

But Leo- “Vegetta-”

“I’d love to see you try when I have the best shield.” Rubius mocked, taking a hand and squishing Foolish’s cheeks, tilting his head side to side mockingly.

Vegetta scowled, but there was something else and Foolish finally registered it.

Tears. His lover was crying.

He had to tell him the good news.

“Vegetta!” Foolish struggled out, “It’s going to be okay… Rubius, he’s been experimenting, if I keep participating, he can revive the dead!” He started to laugh like it was the funniest thing in the world, “Just more blood! Over and over and over!” Was he hysterical?

No, no, no, he was making sense, yes, Rubius would save the day!

“Foolish?” Vegetta’s sorrowful face was now twisted into a look of terror and that was just as odd. The man was never afraid, not even when they’d been attacked by the binary entity. No, this was just because of Leo, but it was fine! Rubius would save her! “Mi amor, what did he do to you?”

“I fixed him.” Rubius said, letting his cheeks go and waving that hand. The other was still firmly wrapped around his throat.

“You broke him.” Vegetta whispered, his eyes roaming Foolish’s battered body.

“Who cares?” Foolish giggled, “We need to get to work! Leo’s counting on us!”

“Rubius killed her.” Vegetta stated.

“I was being disobedient.” Foolish shot back.

Silence.

Vegetta’s expression was so torn up, it actually made him feel bad, “It’s okay, I’ve deserved it, don’t cry. I know I’m not worthy, he was just fixing me and with my blood, I can finally do something useful and bring back our daughter.”

That didn’t seem to help.

“Rubius… let him go.” Vegetta brandished his sword. 

The demon’s lips curled up, the smirk achingly familiar to Foolish now, “I think, Foolish… you need to convince your love.” He ran a hand through Foolish’s hair, petting him.

He looked up at Rubius, confused, “How?”

“If Vegetta won’t let you help me, we need to get rid of him. We can resurrect him alongside Titi and Leo later. That’s a sound plan, don’t you think?”

Yes, that made sense. Vegetta would understand, they trusted each other unconditionally. He nodded absently.

“That’s a good boy, now here, have this.” Rubius conjured an axe, handing it to Foolish, “And for a fighting chance…” He waved over him and netherite armor appeared over his body, then for extra measure Rubius splashed a few potions on top.

Foolish clutched the axe, turning to Vegetta with a crazed grin. He’d never felt more alive!

He never felt more dead inside.

“Foolish… mi amor, stop.” Vegetta raised his hand out to him.

“I have to do this.” Foolish said, his hands shaking. “I have to do this, for our daughter.”

“He killed her!” Vegetta roared, gesturing to Rubius.

“He’ll save her.” Foolish ran forward.

Their weapons clashed. Vegetta easily swatted his attempt away, backing up- Foolish didn’t give him an inch, he leapt up striking down, Vegetta dodged. Foolish turned swinging sideways, Vegetta parried- they danced back and forth on the balcony. Foolish on the offensive, Vegetta on the defensive.

Foolish was giggling hysterically the entire time.

Vegetta was still crying.

Rubius sat on the balcony’s ledge, grinning to himself, “If I knew he’d crumble this fast, I would have killed her sooner.” He snorted, “What a weak man.”

Vegetta rolled away as Foolish’s axe smashed into the ground where he’d been. He scowled at Rubius, jabbing a finger his way, “The only reason we’re here is because of your own attachment to your child! You pathetic hypocritical gilipollas!”

Foolish wasn’t really registering the words around him, his mind abuzz with the simple command. Kill Vegetta for Leo, kill Vegetta for Leo, kill Vegetta for Leo.

“Ah but Titi mattered.” Rubius handwaved.

“Leo mattered!” Vegetta shot back, then he grunted.

Foolish landed a hit in his fury, striking the man’s shoulder. His armor preventing him from slashing him open but there was a pop! Vegetta spun around clutching his shoulder as it dangled uselessly.

The moonblade had fallen to the ground.

Foolish tossed the axe away and picked up his lover’s weapon. Vegetta backed up to the balcony’s edge, his eyes wide in abject terror. “Foolish, don’t… please.”

“Why aren’t you fighting back?” Foolish whispered, “I’m nothing compared to you, a speck in the wind, a pathetic waste of space.” He didn’t understand and as much as he wanted Leo back, he needed to know.

“Because I love you.”

His heart beat. “How?” You are useless, he’s lying, tricking you-

Vegetta took a step forward, clutching his jaw delicately, “I’ve loved everything about you since I first laid eyes on you. Only you and me together in this life, that was a promise I intend to keep.” He leaned in.

Fuck, Foolish missed kissing this man.

It was soft, as gentle as the first time like they were falling in love all over again.

When they parted, Foolish dropped the moonblade. It clanged to the ground loudly.

Foolish felt like a haze over his mind lifted.

“I love you too.”

Rubius’s clapping interrupted their moment and both turned to him with a scowl. “Beautiful, truly, my heart is weeping at the scene.” He stood, summoning two axes, “All this love and your daughter is still dead.”

Vegetta grabbed the moonblade, stepping in front of Foolish who’s loaned axe and armor vanished. 

“We’re going to kill you.” Foolish said, hand over Vegetta’s uninjured shoulder.

“You and what army?” Rubius snorted.

“Did someone call for an army?!” Bad chirped and Foolish looked back to see him, Dapper, Roier and Maximus in decked out gear and weapons.

Foolish had never been more happy to see that stupid demon.

“For Leonarda!” They all cheered in unison.

Chapter Text

The relief he felt was immeasurable as the others ran down to join them.

The entire fight with Foolish, he knew he couldn’t fight back, couldn’t make the same mistake twice. Watching Foolish so broken inside, it destroyed him.

Because he’d been too little too late. He failed his family.

“Here, let me-” Max was on his other side suddenly and there was a pop as he put his shoulder back into place. Vegetta gasped at the sudden pain but then Bad was splashing them with potions- and his pain faded as the strength and regen invigorated them. Roier was in front, blade drawn, scowling at Rubius.

Their support as welcome as it was didn’t cure the pit of despair festering inside.

When Vegetta first laid eyes on his love, he struggled to connect him with the silly man he’d fallen in love with. His gold skin marred with cuts and bruises, his overall frame thinner and haggard, his hair tangled and filthy, the robes he wore to be wed in, stained and torn.

But it was his eyes, once bright, glistening with life and wonder, now dull and lifeless that struck him the most.

He rolled his shoulder, the one that was popped and healed back into place only moments ago, feeling brand new. He gave Rubius the glare of a thousand suns. 

Rubius twirled his axes dramatically, not looking intimidated in the slightest.

Roier took the initiate, roaring forward, Max right behind him. They fought surprising well together, and Rubius looked frustrated at the teamwork.

Vegetta and Foolish moved to join in, Foolish still weaponless , but then their demon ran in front of the couple

“Guys, I have an idea but you two need to trust me.” Bad pulled out some sort of bell Vegetta’d never seen before. 

“Bad, this is not the time for you to talk to your little chatters.” Foolish muttered, then he looked down as Dapper shoved an axe in his hands, “Oh, thank you!”

“No time to get armor on.” The boy said, “But I hope you hit his face with that.”

“Just for you.” Foolish winked at him and Dapper smiled before snagging his tentacle gun off Vegetta’s belt and using it to charge towards Rubius.

“It’s not about chat, Foolish!” Bad said, gesturing to the bell, “It consumes souls and soul bonds. I think if we get close enough, I can sever the bonds he has on you two.”

“You mean to me.” Vegetta corrected, because he didn’t want the demon confused-

“Oh no, he’s latched onto Foolish too.” Bad said, pure white eyes furrowing.

“Well that’s fucking gross.” Foolish hugged himself, and Vegetta placed a hand on his shoulder comfortingly.

“If we break the binds, he’ll crumble and die.” Bad explained, “Is that okay?” He was looking at Vegetta and suddenly he was offended.

“He may have been an old friend, but he killed my daughter.” There was nothing else to be said and so Bad nodded.

“We need to hold him down long enough for this to work, he needs his hands to teleport so hold them and he can’t snap away. It has to be you two, the contact.” Bad raised his bell, “Ready?”

“I think so…?” Foolish looked over at Vegetta, and that look was one he knew. I trust you to make the call here, please, tell me what we’re doing.

“Let’s go.” Vegetta nodded.

Bad and the group charged forward just as Max was thrown back. His body crashed against the railing, the back of his head smacking it so hard that he didn’t get back up, but there was a pained groan.

“Max!” Roier cried.

“Tend to him, we’ve got this!” Bad ordered and Roier nodded, racing to the other without question. 

The three of them engaged, attacking Rubius at all angles, but Vegetta was definitely the man’s focus. With every strike from Foolish or Bad, it was like swatting flies for him, but Vegetta? Rubius leaned into their clash, his grin widening, his eyes excited like Vegetta was going to kiss him, not trying to slit his throat.

It was infuriating.

“Rubius, you’ve done the irredeemable.” He could still hear her scream.

“And I’ll do it again, over and over and over, Samu.” Rubius got in his face after a parry, trying to caress his face but Vegetta headbutted him and the man stumbled backward. He shook his head, blocked a weak blow from Foolish then glared at Vegetta all over again. “You are mine, and I will never allow you to forget that!”

Then an arrow struck his shoulder and he cried out in pain and frustration.

Dapper was above shooting at Rubius with his bow, hopping around like a maniac when Rubius threw one of his axes at him in retaliation.

“Get away from my kid!” Bad called out, arching his scythe upward, the bell still in the other hand as he engaged.

Rubius laughed, “Why not another irredeemable, huh?!” He jumped up out of Bad’s way, landing on the railing over the lava river. The demon looked to the tower Dapper was on and he levitated over, towards the child-

“Foolish!” Vegetta cried, grabbing his beloved. He didn’t need to ask if Foolish trusted him, throwing his up, hoping even without armor, he could hold his own-

Foolish landed, rolling a bit as he did and hacked at Rubius just as he neared Dapper- it connected, the demon not expecting another to be there. The axe cleaved his hand straight off, and black oozing blood spattered on everyone on the roof.

Foolish snarled, moving to pick up Dapper, cradling him in his arms as he tried to get away from Rubius- Then Dapper shot his tentacle gun right by Vegetta’s foot. The pair came barreling back down, a jumble of limbs in their landing.

Rubius was still fuming on the roof clutching his stub of a hand with wide red eyes.

Red! He didn’t have-

Vegetta thought too soon.

“I’m done, I’m done!” Rubius yelled, pulling out a flask of gold. “All of you but the totem are dead to me!” He chugged the flask, but with the last bit splashed it on his hand. Miraculously, the wound stitched itself into a new hand like he’d never been damaged at all.

“That should be impossible.” Foolish muttered beside Vegetta, which he didn’t really understand. If there was one thing he learned from all this, he didn’t know Foolish’s past at all.

Rubius’s eyes were pure gold again and even his stature seemed larger, stronger-

He leapt towards Vegetta, both axes raised. He ran back and the impact shook the fortress, crumbling the nether bricks around it and making a crater in the center. Foolish shoved Dapper back toward the opposite tower, “Destroy the soul soil, go hide, let the adults handle this!”

“But dad-”

“I’ll be fine!” Bad cried right as Rubius turned on him. The demon looked nervous, but he was the only one between Roier, Max and the hell-spawn. 

Dapper whined, but Foolish was shoved him in the tower anyway, building up the soul soil barrier again.

Roier patted Max’s shoulder, the man giving a weak thumbs up. He joined Bad’s side the next, holding his sword like Vegetta taught him.

“Pathetic.” Rubius grunted, “you, mortal, you really think you matter here?” He leared down at Roier, tilting his head, “In the presence of demons and gods, you think that puny little sword matters?”

“I’m going to show you what pain really is, pendejo!” Roier scowled and as the fool-hardy boy he was, ran in.

Bad panicked, “Wait, Roier!” 

Rubius’s eyes glowed brighter and he stuck out, ducking his head and charging forward- Roier tried to stop, raising his shield, but that wouldn’t hold- Bad gasped as the horns connected.

Rubius’s horns impaled him straight through the stomach, black blood, the blood of all demons, oozing but Bad was laughing and everyone was concerned. “Now!” He threw his bell on the ground and grabbed Rubius’s head on either side. “Roier, ring it!”

They moved.

Roier looked the most confused but Bad was walking his through it quickly.

Vegetta grabbed one of Rubius’s hands and twisted it painfully behind his back, but holding it like he asked. Foolish did the same but noticeably struggled. Vegetta reached over with his free hand and pulled Rubius’s arm over painfully- until there was a pop and sure enough he dislocated the demon’s shoulder.

“Oh hey, the same side!” Foolish joked, clutching Rubius’s hand easily now.

“How dare you!” Rubius wiggled under them, but it was no use.

Bad was sweating, but his mouth didn’t stop whatever chant he was performing.

Vegetta stared at the wounds in their demon’s chest, the horns were keeping more blood from gushing, but he feared what what happen when they removed Rubius. He glanced over behind Bad when there was movement his eyes locked with Max.

The man rushed over, clutching his head were a bit of blood was still leaking from it. Max noticed Bad’s precarious situation and sucked in a breath.

“Get potions ready, old friend.” Vegetta ordered.

“Yes, of course.” Max nodded.

That was when it felt like his insides were on fire.

He saw a brown bear, confused, he followed.

Rubius laughed at his joked, and he loved how it sounded.

The night sky wasn’t as beautiful as Rubius.

He’d only wanted him for his money, after everything they’d been through.

Titi was a little rascal, but Vegetta couldn’t be mad at something that made Rubius happy.

Titi was gone, and so was Rubius’s sanity.

Lolito was cute when she laughed, maybe… he could try again.

He was innocent! Lolito, no… Rubius… why?

Samu, Samu, Samu, Samu, Samu.

Vegetta felt someone grab his free hand and his memories shifted.

Introductions had interesting, someone was broken up with!

Oh, Foolish was crazy, building something like that with his shabby tools, maybe he could help?

He got his ticket, they were going to be parents! It was as Foolish said, written in the stars.

Vegetta stared as he told the story of an egg dying for venturing to far, he couldn’t help but think that was true for his clutz of a husband too. Wait, no… friend… not-

The giggle when he gave him the wand, he’d cherish forever.

They couldn’t stay still for the painter, Foolish kept laughing, Leo kept giggling and Vegetta may or may not have joined in with a chuckle or two. Bobby did look silly…

The man was dancing around with tnt in his hands, doing nothing but looking good, how could he not love him?

There wasn’t a star in the sky that matched his lover’s eyes, and he said so that night on the ferris wheel.

Perhaps the chains for the bunker would be when Leo wasn’t present.

He stood at the altar for the last time, because he trusted Foolish.

Vegetta gasped, letting Rubius’s hands go. He was weak, all his energy sapped and he collapsed. Foolish joined him, looking far more tired, but the man had an excuse. They reached out, clasping hands together despite Rubius still hovering above them.

The demon was no longer struggling, his limbs slack, seemingly only held up but the horns still embedded in Bad’s chest.

“Okay, potions?” Bad asked with the weakest voice. Roier and Max nodded, the former clutched Rubius’s waist and pulled. It took some effort but Roier did it, freeing Bad, making the man gasp. He threw Rubius’s limp corpse away and he landed behind where Foolish laid.

His beloved flinched and so Vegetta moved closer where they laid, weakly running a hand along Foolish’s cheek. “It’s over, mi amor. You’re safe.”

Foolish’s hand was trembling when it join Vegetta’s hand, laying on top. “I’m so sorry, Vegetta.”

“No, no… none of that.” He whispered, “You were amazing, so brave, so mamadisimo.”

Foolish smiled, but instantly he was shaking his head. “Leo… I… I failed her.”

Vegetta frowned, “I failed you both.”

“I was the one who got captured, if I could have been stronger-”

“If I hadn’t been so slow, rushed here right away-”

“She’d still be alive.” They said together.

Bad hollered out, and Vegetta hoped whatever Roier and Max was doing worked. The man saved their lives, and Dapper deserved a father so selfless.

Leo didn’t deserve a father like him.

“Foolish, listen to me.” Vegetta held his hand and brought it to his lips where they laid. “You have suffered enough, allow me the burden of fault.”

“I can’t do that, not with the boating accident and certainly not with this.” Foolish’s eyes welled up. “She’s gone.”

“I know.” Vegetta whispered because there was nothing else he could say.

Foolish choked up, and the tears started. Vegetta pulled him in, holding him close and tight, thankful that as he cried too it was so silent. His love needed him to be strong and so he would be as he sobbed into his chest.

Beside them, Rubius’s finger twitched.

Chapter Text

It felt like ages before Foolish finally untangled himself from Vegetta. The older man got to his feet, offering him a hand that he gladly took. They had an unspoken look before turning to face the others.

Dapper was back, the child’s eyes as red and puffy as theirs. He was by Bad, who was leaning against the balcony’s railing, standing but one hand clutching where his wound had been. It was sealed but still clearly painful. He kept muttering sweet nothings over and over again, running a hand through Dapper’s hair as the child looked up at him.

Then Dapper got up and hugged Bad, and the demon stopped talking, bent down and properly hugged his son.

Foolish looked to Vegetta, and the man shook his head sadly.

Everything and everyone was going to remind them of her.

Vegetta walked forward towards Roier and Max.

Foolish watched him go, hugging himself. How was he supposed to go home without Leo… It wouldn’t be the same, she’d touched everything he built. He sighed.

There was a hot grip on his neck and he was pulled back, “Ack!”

Vegetta turned on his heel, sword ready-

There were few experiences in his long life that he’d never want to repeat again, as Foolish found himself enthusiastic for most things. A clawed hand over his mouth and sharp teeth in his neck was one of those never repeat again experiences.

He gasped when Rubius finally let go, his blood dripping from the demon’s mouth just as Vegetta got there, tearing the two away from each other. He didn’t hesitate and rammed his sword straight through Rubius’s gut, twisting it even.

Foolish collapsed onto his knees as the world spun.

Roier went to his side, helping him sit up while Max stood protectively in front of Bad and Dapper. 

“You should really try it sometime.” Rubius said, and vaguely Foolish saw his hands grab Vegetta’s moonblade on either side. “A delicacy.”

“Why aren’t you dead? You have no soulbond.” Vegetta gritted out.

“Titi.”

Of course. Foolish knew that, he knew that, but he’d forgotten, so confident Bad knew what he was doing-

“But Titi is dead, aren’t they?!” Bad’s voice was shrill. “The only reason Rubius could be alive right now is if-”

Rubius’s pure gold eyes widened, “No, that’s not possible- you’re wrong!” He pulled at the blade, trying to break free.

Vegetta snarled, “This is for my daughter!” He pulled his blade up, trying to cut Rubius in half-

There was a flash of pure white light and Foolish had to look away. Then silence.

No one moved, breathed, looked- then-

“Subject 38, stand down.”

Cucurucho was right by Rubius and Vegetta, looking at his love. It gestured to the sword embedded into the demon rather far. The normally black blood of the demon was more brown now- Foolish shivered, his hand moving over the new wound on his neck.

Of course now he had symmetrical bite marks…

  “The Nether is prohibited.”

“You gave me permission.” Vegetta scowled, “So I could kill this gilipollas!”

  “No. No. No.” It’s hands were quick, grabbing Vegetta’s wrists and shoving him back and away, then clutching the sword and pulling it out in one smooth motion.

Rubius gasped, falling to his knees as his blood leaked faster. Those golden eyes were short-lived as Foolish’s blood worked overtime to stitch his stomach back together.

But Cucurucho wasn’t done. It pocketed Vegetta’s sword and the man gaped, “Eh?!”

“That item is prohibited.”

“It was not!” Vegetta yelled.

Foolish’s lips quirked at how bratty Vegetta sounded. He needed any hint of levity he could find. “Oh he’s just going to make a new one, you’re wasting your time.”

Cucurucho turned to Foolish, “Wait.” Then it looked to Rubius and- was that?!

One moment Rubius was on the floor huffing as his body repaired itself, the next he was gone in a box. It was like the cage traps they caught animals in but metallic and gleaming with energy.

Everyone gasped, then the block was broken and Cucurucho pocketed the demon.

“You’re fucking kidding me.” Roier said, gesturing to the bear.

“He should be dead.” Vegetta spat, and Foolish nodded vigorously.

Of course, they were ignored. Cucurucho turned to Foolish and spoke, “Subject 38, the island invites you to a vacation.”

“What?” Foolish raised a brow.

“He’s going to be busy, maybe next time!” Roier said, helping Foolish to his feet as the bear approached him.

“He is going home.” Vegetta stepped in between them, weaponless but still the danger Foolish knew he was.

“Subject 38, the island invites you to a vacation.”

“I’m good!” Foolish giggled nervously, his luck was dreadful.

“Over my dead body.” Vegetta scowled.

 Cucurucho tilted its head at Vegetta, so much so it didn’t look natural and then it laughed, “That can be arranged.”

“Que-” Vegetta began as the moonblade ran through his gut.

He looked down at it, his face paling. It went through his armor.

“Vegetta!” Foolish screamed, shoving Roier away.  Cucurucho pulled out the blade, kicking the man down and approached Foolish as he tried to get to his love.

“Subject 38, the island invites you to a vacation.”

“No!” Foolish scowled, avoiding him, but the stupid bear kept matching his steps to get to Vegetta. “Go away!” He felt the wound on his neck, the warm blood that was still dripping from it. He turned to Roier, “Potion, now!”

Roier gave him a splash protein, nodding, then moved in front of him as he brought it to his neck. He heard the other man cursing but he was too focused on the task at hand. With shaky fingers, he placed the potion under his wound and squeezed. He gasped at the effort-

“Fuck! Foolish, move!” Roier’s voice broke his concentration just as a cold hand grabbed his upper arm. Foolish turned to where Vegetta laid but Cucurucho’s beady little eyes looked back.

He hoped he’d made enough, Foolish threw the potion-

“Subject 38, the island invites you to a vacation.” It said as it caught the potion, and if the thing could smile, it was.

VegettaGaymers was slain by [REDACTED] using [LEONARDA]

“NO!” Foolish smashed his fist against Cucurucho’s face, but it didn’t move- “No, no no no no no-” He kept hitting it, over and over and over-

It ignored him, turning the potion in its hand with a curious tilt.

“Use it, now!” Bad ordered, and Foolish heard a teleporter go off-

“But Foolish-” Max started.

“I’ll get him, GO!”

Foolish’s eyes stayed on Vegetta, his breathing was as quick as his heart rate-

This was a nightmare, he was going to wake up- Vegetta would kiss his cheek, Leo would hug his leg- yes, he was dreaming, just dreaming-

Bad was suddenly beside him and his scythe went down on Cucurucho’s arm within seconds- but the bear let go, backing up. Then Bad was shoving him, the bear close behind-

Foolish saw a pressure plate teleporter on the ground and before his mind could process the sight of Vegetta’s corpse, he was gone.

Bad broke the teleporter plate instantly.

They were in Bad’s bunker, several layers deep in the ground. Max, Roier, Dapper and Bad all stared at Foolish, breathless.

Foolish wanted to wake up, please just let him wake up.

It was pure white for so long, Vegetta wondered if that meant he made it to the pearly gates despite his messy past.

Then he realized those were industrial lights and instead he groaned.

His head was pounding, but surprisingly not his stomach. He supposed the others got him out of there just in time and healed it up well enough. With a massage to his temple, Vegetta sat up to fully take in his surroundings.

He’d never been more confused in his life.

“Dónde…?”

It was a sterile place, perfectly symmetrical in design but the white was nauseatingly bright. The room he was in had a glass wall on one side and he could see other similar rooms around his.

Said room was rather bare, a violet armchair, a colorful toybox and a bed- 

“Mija?!” Vegetta gasped, running to the bed.

Nested in the covers, sound asleep was his little girl, her eyes red and puffy from crying. He placed a hand on her shoulder and shook her slightly until her eyes opened.

She gasped, shot up from her bed and pulled him into a tight hug that Vegetta reciprocated fiercely. Leo sobbed, mumbling words he couldn’t understand in the emotional state he was in. “Oh mija…”

“Te quiero mucho, papa.” Leo clung to his shirt

“Te quiero mucho.” Vegetta replied softly, running his hands through her tangled hair, and while he had no idea where he was, he knew he was where he was needed most.

Chapter Text

Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack

Welcome to idyllic Quesadilla Island!

The trees of spawn swayed beautifully in the gentle breeze, small critters walked around chittering, while sunlight bounced off the train station blindingly.

Where all your dreams come true!

They were all laughing, various times when the islanders were messing around filtered after each other, one after another in an obnoxious display.

Come build your dream home today!

Shots of their homes played, and his heart clenched at the sight of Vegetta’s tower.

You won’t regret it!

There was a crash and the TV glitched, the words repeating- You won’t regret it! You won’t regret it! You won’t regret it! Until finally the massive crack Foolish caused from throwing the remote shut it down.

He slumped on the sofa pulling his blanket back over his head with a huff.

“Did you break my TV?!” Bad’s shrill voice came from the other side of the room.

He didn’t answer, not even when Bad ran up to the screen, gaping and gasping dramatically. “That was my favorite TV!”

“Dad, all they do is play advertisements to the island…” Dapper said, deadpan. He was working on one of the various workbenches scattered around Bad’s messy bunker. “They all suck.”

“Nonsense.” Bad patted the broken screen with a pout, “Don’t listen to them, you’re beautiful.”

Foolish stared ahead.

Only last night they returned from the nether without Vegetta or Leo. Foolish didn’t sleep. He’d suffered enough nightmares.

Roier and Max went home after having a rather lengthy discussion with Bad away from his ears, not that he cared to listen in. Roier did walk over and apologize to him, but Foolish didn’t understand why so he did nothing in response.

So he was left with Bad and Dapper.

The demon wasted no time looking him over, tending to his various wounds like the fretting mother-hen he was. Eventually he was so frustrated by the grime he ended up drawing a bath. He told Dapper to leave, removed his wedding robe- oh did that hurt - kept his undergarments on of course, and shoved him into the water.

Bad was blushing, embarrassed, but his determination to help trumped his sensitive nature. Besides, it wasn’t like Foolish was reacting embarrassed back.

He just didn’t care.

After the bath, Bad offered him clothes and this was the first time Foolish did react. His friend was offering what he normally wore casually, a t-shirt and some shorts, but Foolish shook his head and snagged the long baggy sweatpants and turtle-neck sweater before Bad could argue.

He wanted to be covered, pulling at the collar of the turtle neck in particular, making sure there wasn’t an inch of skin showing. Bad’s eyes furrowed at the sight and he sighed.

Then Foolish was sent to the sofa with a blanket.

Now Bad was looking at him again, that same sad little look he’d seen once before.

Foolish Jr… Finley…

“I’m fine.” He croaked, lying.

“And I’m a pink platypus.” Bad frowned putting his hands on his hips.

“Leo had a platypus…”

Bad cringed, “Okay, so gotta be careful with my words...”

Foolish rolled over, his back to Bad, “Just leave me alone.”

“I really think that’s the last thing you need right now.” He heard Bad approach, then the demon was sitting on the arm of the sofa, patting his head. “I really thought you needed to rest last night, sleep on what happened…” He whispered, “But I also think it’s unfair to not tell you what I saw, might I might know-”

“What the fuck are you talking about, Bad?” Foolish looked up at him angrily. “My family is dead , and you’re toying with me? What is wrong with you?”

Bad took his hand back, “I wouldn’t do that to you.”

“Yes, you would.” He spat, but he didn’t mean it.

Bad sighed, “I see we’re lashing out now…”

“Don’t psy-pskcha-psycho- whatever, don’t analyze me!” Foolish huffed, pulling up the blanket to cover his face.

“Aw, but that’s what I’m best at!” Bad clapped his hands together.

“Fuck off.” He muttered.

“I still think I need to tell you-”

“Dad, maybe you just spit it out and he can deal with it or not.” Dapper said, walking over to them. At that, Foolish turned back around to glare at his nephew. Dapper rolled his eyes at him, Foolish did the same, but far better.

“He’s rather sensitive right now…” Bad bit his lip nervously, “He may not believe me…”

“He’s right, I don’t trust a thing he says, ever.” Foolish sat up on the sofa, glaring at Bad.

“Fine, I’ll rip off the bandaid.” Dapper shrugged, “When Mariana died, Dad tried to see what happened and connected to his corpse, but he saw Mariana in some sort of room. Juanaflippa was there and there was a voice that sounded like Cucurucho. We talked and concluded they’re alive somehow.”

Foolish stared at Dapper, the words buzzing in his head, then turned to Bad, “I don’t like that you’ve taught him to be just as terrible. That’s a sick joke. We heard the death messages.”

“It’s not a joke!” Bad squeaked.

Dapper shrugged, “I tried.” The kid walked off.

Foolish was pissed. He wanted to take Bad by the throat and- and- there were phantom pains around his own and he gasped, clutching his neck-

Bad was there, in his face, “Woah, breathe! You’re in my bunker, it’s okay!” His hands covered Foolish’s hands bringing them back down to his chest, then he didn’t let go, “You’re safe.”

“I’m safe.” Foolish repeated, blinking rapidly.

“Ya…” Bad smiled, “Just you, me, Dapper, and all those villagers, pets and machines.”

He stared at his friend, ignoring the attempt at humor, “What do I do now?”

Bad made a face, looking around awkwardly, “Well, I have an idea… but I don’t think you’ll like it.”

“I never do.” Foolish mumbled.

“When we were trying to rescue you, we had no idea where you were.” Bad said, “Rubius didn’t want you found, or he knew Vegetta had a way.”

“So?”

“So… I noticed that Vegetta used his earring.” Bad gestured to the one thing he didn’t touch when they cleaned him up last night. “It was some sort of spell, I’m sure I can find it, and then we can find Vegetta.”

“You mean find his corpse.” Foolish massaged his temple, “He’s dead, Bad.” And he choked up at that, “I don’t want to-”

“Then let me have the earring, I can go back, get his body, help you bury him.” Bad said, “Please, Foolish… Trust me on this.”

His hand went to the earring, his fingers brushing the crack over its surface. They swore to keep it on them, always, a claim to never be broken… 

You and me, only together in this life.

Vegetta never told him how short that life would be.

“No.”

Bad frowned, “So you want to do nothing? Just mope around all day? Foolish, I’m telling you there’s a chance he’s still alive, why aren’t you seizing this?”

“Because if you’re wrong, it’s only going to hurt worse.” Foolish scowled, and he fell back on the sofa, covering himself with the blanket.

Bad sighed, and Foolish heard him walk away.

He was alone.

Dapper was still fiddling with a workbench, Bad muttering something to his son under his breath. They were such a team… Fuck he didn’t want to be here.

His eyes landed on the waystone, and if his eyes would have dilated if they could.

Foolish slipped out of the blanket, stalking over to the waystone with all the stealth the man could muster. Thankfully Bad and Dapper were being obnoxious together and so he had no trouble getting there. His hand pressed against the surface and all the options flickered to life.

Foolich, Hogar, Leo, Bunker- He didn’t hesitate.

There was the sound of teleportation, Bad’s shrill cries for him to stop-

But Foolish was gone and the first thing he heard was the sound of a platypus. Perry chittered above him loudly and then the sound of the amethyst crystals struck as he moved to the ladder. He climbed, his mind on a mission he knew wouldn’t be interrupted.

Only his family had this waystone.

Foolish’s face pained at the sight of Leo’s empty bed, her paintings, all the photos- fuck, why, why, why did he think this was a good idea. He turned to her chests, going through the various toys, hats and paintings until he found it.

It was a totem of undying, gifted from Vegetta to their daughter. She brought it everywhere she went, always insisting it was her Foolich plushie, but the day of the wedding…

It was supposed to be safe.

He pocketed the totem, looked over at Perry, and noticing how thin he was, he scooped him up too. Foolish went down, touching the waystone.

Foolich, Hogar, Leo, Bunker…

It was bright and he shielded his eyes from the sun.

His dragon statue was as majestic as ever, his tower nestled away inside it. It was quite the sight, especially with the cherry blossoms Leo added. Foolish pulled out his scope and zoomed in on his crystal until he saw its heart.

Always Juntos

“Damn right it’s always juntos.” He muttered, hand clutching the totem tighter. Then his hand was on the waystone again.

Foolich, Hogar, Leo, Bunker…

It was startling how hot it was in Vegetta’s home compared to his beach. He pulled at his turtle-neck uncomfortably, staring up at the imposing tower and it’s staircase of turrets. The heat… it was too familiar and far from comforting. He used to feel so safe here…

The turrets stayed dormant as he climbed, Perry struggling a bit in his hands as he did, the little guy didn’t know where he was. Foolish shook his head, “I was in your shoes not that long ago.”

Unlike Rubius, he was a good pet owner.

…

He did not just call himself a pet. Foolish groaned, godly entities were the bane of his existence… First XD…

Foolish looked at the front door, entered and went through to the Zoo, dropping Perry down immediately. Auto Feeders were everywhere, stocked to the brim with food, so he didn’t check them as he glanced around the tranquil place. His heart begged him to stay, enjoy the peace, but he couldn’t. He didn’t deserve it.

So Foolish turned back around, flying up the elevators until he reached the top.

He went to the chests, searching for- there it was.

Long and yellow, Foolish snorted a bit as he held the banana. He couldn’t help it, remembering every single instance when he lost the banana and yet one always found it’s way back to him, even now. 

He turned to the fireplace, putting the totem in a chair, the banana in the other.

The fire was still going, netherrack working it’s magic, so he sat and he stared into the fire.

Oh, he wondered if Bad thought he had a plan, of course he didn’t.

He was just a sentimental fool.

Heh.

Foolish looked over at the totem and the banana.

“What do I do now?”

No one answered.

You won’t regret it!

Chapter Text

Vegetta woke with hair in his mouth.

He sputtered, shaking his head. “Foolish, too close-” He paused, realizing his hands were wrapped around a much smaller body, “Ah, mija.” It all came crashing back to him.

The disaster wedding, the nether, Leo falling, Foolish attacking him, the sword in his gut.

“What a week.” Few days? He didn’t know anymore.

“Five more minutes.” Leo mumbled into the pillow. After such an emotional reunion and realizing yes, the tiny bed was the only thing there, father and daughter slept next to one another. Vegetta didn’t let her go, a little voice in his head warning him she could fall again.

This time, Vegetta would catch her.

“Not now, we need to investigate.” Vegetta shuffled in the bed, prodding her up and out.

Leo grumbled, her hair in an absolute state of bed-head like it normally was. Typically that’s when she just threw on one of her many hats but she didn’t have one, hadn’t had one since the wedding he suspected.

She was still in her worn and filthy pink gown, the room had no clothes to speak of. Vegetta woke with no armor, but the clothes he wore under his armor came with him, including- He reached up to touch his emerald earring, a pang in his chest.

He didn’t know.

Sure Roier, Max, Bad, they were all there, even the little child Dapper, but… he had no idea what the Cucurucho may have done. He had his daughter, but where was Foolish?

Not with them, and they both died, so with that he had to believe the man was alive.

“Where are we, mija?” He didn’t expect an answer.

Leo yawned tiredly, stretching, “I don’t know, but… it’s weirdly familiar. Like I’ve been here before.” Her brows furrowed as she looked around, one hand clutched tight around her arm. She was avoiding his eyes.

He frowned, “Oh? Was this before your adoption maybe?”

“Maybe.” She murmured, looking down.

His frown deepened, so he took a guess, “No worries! No worries! We’ll find a way out, back to father Foolish!”

Leo flinched at her other father’s name.

Ah.

“Mija.” He place a hand on her shoulder, and she finally looked up at him. Her eyes on the verge of more tears, something she didn’t deserve to have. “None of this is your fault, si?”

“But, you told me to protect him, and I couldn’t do anything… that bad man just kept coming back over and over and then he took his away for so long, and even when I broke out, the moment he found us, I was useless and then he threw me-”

“Stop!” Vegetta barked, sounding harsher than he intended and Leo shut her eyes. “Lo siento, I was… overwhelmed, I can’t imagine what that was like, oh my poor little girl.” He got down on one knee, brushing her messy hair from her eyes. “You did so well, you broke not only yourself, but your other father out. That was remarkable, dear.” He leaned in, kissing her forehead, “I couldn’t be more proud.”

Leo sniffed, “But… I died?”

“A vicious cruel coward did the unspeakable, that was not your failure, but his mistake.” Vegetta vowed the moment he was free of this prison, he would find where the demon was stored and eliminate his past once and for all.

Leo was still shaking so Vegetta cupped her cheeks and stared into her eyes.

“I see a fierce warrior, a brilliant mechanic, a creative builder, a professional photographer, my little mariposa.” He nodded along as he said it.

His daughter’s lips quirked upwards, “I get it, papa.”

“Then I don’t want to see tears! Not productive! Not for my little girl!” He let her go, standing back up with a flourish. 

Leo giggled, “Tontito.”

“Eh? Me?!” Vegetta gaped, “I know you spent so much time with Foolish, you must be mixing us up…”

“Oh yes, my bad, uh huh.” Leo was smirking.

Vegetta choose to ignore that and return to the mission at hand, escaping their odd prison. First he went around examining every single object in the room, marking in his mind what he could tear apart to make tools out of later.

With those options exhausted, he went to the solid glass wall, puzzled how anyone even entered the rooms. There wasn’t a crack or crevice in any part of the surface, like it was sculpted by the gods and maybe he was a bit envious…

“It’s really pretty isn’t it?” Leo smiled at him.

“I must ask where they got this.” Vegetta agreed, tapping on the glass.

“No mames, not this fuck.”

That wasn’t Leo.

Vegetta furrowed his brows, looking up to match eyes with the person who spoke, and while his voice was a bit muffled, it was clear enough and oh too familiar.

In all his yellow jumpsuit glory was Mariana, his arms crossed with a scowl flat across his face. “You killed me!”

“And I would do so again if given the chance.” Vegetta shrugged.

“You can’t say that! Chinga tu madre, you’re supposed to apologize!” Mariana threw up his arms.

“You seem alive to me, what should I be sorry for?” Vegetta pursed his lips together. He was only sorry for how Roier was affected. Mariana…

“Puto.” He spat, “Of all the people- wait.” The man adjusted his glasses, looking into their room more, spotting Leonarda. He pointed at her, “Your kid too?! You both died?!” He grinned, it was a spiteful, hateful thing, and then he was laughing.

Yes, Vegetta did not regret killing this man.

“Ow!” The laughter stopped when a girl a bit smaller than Leo smacked the backside of Mariana’s head with a frying pan. He had no idea where they got such a thing because there definitely wasn’t one with Vegetta and Leo.

She was rather cute, braided pigtails, big glasses like her parents, a stylish skirt and was willing to harm her own father? He approved.

Leo gasped, “Juanaflippa?!” She smacked her hands against the glass.

“Leonarda?!” The girl ran up, her eyes wide and excited before her smile fell. “Leo…”

Leo’s own smile faded, “Wait, no, it’s fine!” She gestured to him, “Mi papa es mamadisimo!”

Juana’s smile twisted, pained. “I’m sure he is, but…”

“You’re never getting out of here.” Mariana said, “Welcome to purgatory.”

Vegetta snorted, “Maybe for you, but not for me.”

“Oh, you got a plan, big boy?” Mariana leered. “No, I was upset, but now I’m loving this. This is karma, this. All I wanted to do was help Foolish and you killed me.”

Juana groaned, “You died because you were flirting with Foolish again?”

Mariana turned to her, “Wait, what? No, I went to save Foolish-”

“He forced himself into the group.” Vegetta said off-handedly.

“I was going to help!”

Juana smacked his arm, this time with her hand instead of the frying pan. “I told you to stop with that! You have my other dad!”

“Yes, but Slime is…” Mariana shivered one second then smiled the next.

Leo looked up at Vegetta, pointing at Mariana with a roll of her eyes. He nodded. Vegetta decided the less he knew about this man, the better. 

“Besides, it wasn’t even about Foolish in the end…” Mariana muttered, turning to his daughter. “The demon…he… offered your soul in exchange for Vegetta’s…”

Juana was quiet, her eyes widening slightly, then she glanced over at Vegetta, looking him up and down, “And you tried when he looks like that?” Her disbelief was thick.

“Well I was desperate to get you back-”

“What, so you could kill me again?!” She shrieked, “I think you were just trying to find a reason to die because that fight is impossible!”

“Si, es que es bobo.” He nodded along, Leo copying him.

Mariana was grasping at straws, his mouth agape.

“Go, papa.” Juana ordered, pointing to the armchair in their room. Surprisingly, Mariana did walk off, not without shooting Vegetta one last glare of course.

“You should teach me how you did that. I need that for my other father.” Leo giggled.

Juana frowned at her, “I hope your other father never ends up here.”

“No, I meant for after, when we all break out.” Leo waved her hand, gesturing at Vegetta. “Mamadisimo, remember?”

Juana stared at them for several seconds, and something about her gaze sent Vegetta on edge. She knew far more than they did what kind of purgatory this was.

“Good luck with that.” The girl whispered finally, turning back to speak with her father he assumed.

Vegetta and Leo went back to their own armchair, Leo plopping into it excitably and flicking the on switch for the TV.

Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack

Welcome to idyllic Quesadilla Island! Where all your dreams come true! Come build your dream home today! You won’t regret it!

Rapid images of themselves and their homes played throughout the advertisement, and when it repeated, Leo shut it off with a huff. “Well that sucked.” She complained.

“Si, very boring.” Vegetta nodded, “Why don’t you set something up with the toys in that box? I need a moment.” He gestured to said toys and Leo nodded walking over to it.

It gave Vegetta a chance to finally inspect the walls, the impenetrable, pure white, impassable walls.

He cursed. All that bravado in front of his lover’s ex and then… nothing. Sure he could craft tools, but use them on what? That glass was so solid, the walls too, he didn’t see any vents and yet they could breathe normally- wait, were they breathing?

Vegetta stopped breathing for a moment…

…

…

…

He gulped back air and smiled at his new knowledge, they weren’t dead.

Which was awfully convenient if he did say so himself, because now he had a plan. Not the best plan really, but a plan regardless.

He brought his hand to his earring, activating the spell. Vegetta would have to do it for a while to fully reach Foolish, but he would know when it did.

Dios, he hoped this was a good idea and he wasn’t leading his little tontito into doom.

You won’t regret it!

Chapter Text

He’d fallen asleep in the armchair, he didn’t mean to, but he also wasn’t bothered enough to crawl up into the bed upstairs. He didn’t think he wanted to notice how large the bed was without the warm presence beside him.

Foolish rubbed his eyes, sighing.

He’d finally slept, somehow it was dreamless, just a blank nothingness and then he woke to the soft flames beside him. His eyes wandered to the other armchairs, a sad little smile at the sight of the totem and banana.

Then he noticed a green stream of light slowly headed right for him.

He blinked, rubbed his eyes again, but no- no that was getting closer.

Foolish hopped up out of the armchair, stepping back, it was still coming- he walked around behind his chair towards the chests. The light turned towards him and now Foolish’s eyes really widened. “Oh fuck, oh shit, what the-” He ran over to the ladder to Leo’s room, climbing it.

It went up too!

“What is this?!” His voice raised a few octaves, and he looked around the tower, thinking. Of course, he didn’t know magic, or whatever weird science thing this was- gah!

He needed help.

But he also didn’t want to lose whatever this was in case it was important through waystoning, so someone close by…

The Favela, Cellbit, Forever, the others.

Foolish jumped over the railing, avoiding the light just in time. He ran out the door to the balcony and leapt off with his paraglider. Bad had given him the essentials after everything calmed down.

“What the fuck is that?!” He turned in the air, flying backward as he watched the light. Was it getting faster?! His stamina failed and he fell, landing in the water with a large splash.

Foolish spat and sputtered out water, trudging through the water and mud, scrambling to the surface then booked it down towards the Favela in record time. He was done with being kidnapped or hit with something painful thank you very much!

In minutes he spotted the little terracotta houses and of course the Redeemer replica.

In the wheat fields out front he spotted Forever and Richarlyson talking to one another, a little soccer ball in the child’s hands. His bushy hair made it impossible to see his eyes, but the child’s gaping mouth gave away his surprise at the sight of him.

Forever copied his son, but in the next second cheered gutturally. “Foolish! You’re alive! The island’s been worried about you!” He ran to him, grabbing him into a rather tight bearhug, picking him up off the ground before Foolish could say a word.

His bones hurt at the pressure, but… it was nice so he waited until Forever put him back down again before mumbling hastily, “I guess the others didn’t tell you, I’m back but my family are gone, it’s… it’s hard to talk about, but also there’s this weird light following me and I don’t know what it is and I may or may not be panicking-”

Forever shoved his hand over his mouth, “This is a Cellbit moment.” He let go and pulled Foolish inside of said man’s house, little Richarlyson trotting along behind them. The kid had an artificial leg, a reminder of his accident with the bulls, but he was never too far behind his parents.

Next thing he knew, he was in Cellbit’s office, Forever and Richarlyson took a seat on the sofa, interlocking their legs as they relaxed, facing one another.

At the desk, Cellbit was completely ignoring them, eyes locked on the screen in front of him. His lips were moving, muttering something, but nothing intelligible. He’d only been to the office a few times, once while being stalked by some unknown entity.

“Ah, Cellbit?” Foolish asked, glancing at Forever who unhelpfully shrugged.

So he approached, walking around the desk to see a screen full of charts, random letters, a scrambled picture of numbers- oh it was a mess.

“Hey… buddy…” Foolish tried, reaching out to touch his shoulder-

Cellbit turned his head so fast, Foolish couldn’t help the flinch. Deep, heavy-set bags hung under his eyes and his stumble was definitely growing out- He looked pissed, “Enigma-” but then his eyes clicked in recognition and he smiled.

“Foolish! I see you’re okay?” He paused, leaning back in his chair, “Well, maybe not okay… We saw the death messages…” Cellbit glanced over at the two on the sofa and then his voice softened, “I’m really sorry, if we knew where you’d all gone, we would have helped-”

“It’s… not fine.” Foolish sighed, putting his hands together as he spoke, “I appreciate that, I do, thank you, but I’m actually here because there’s this thing following me-”

“ Cucurucho?!” Cellbit slammed his hands against his desk, and his mug toppled over his papers, “Ah! Merda, porra!” He scrambled to fix his mess, but the coffee was thick.

Foolish tried to help, reaching for the papers but Cellbit swatted his hands away.

“No it’s fine, it’s fine, these were old anyway…” He muttered.

“Right…” He swore at least two of them matched what was on his screen, “Now as I was saying, yes following me, no, it’s not your arch enemy.” Though with how it’d acted in the nether, it could be following him too.

One problem at a time!

And as though to remind him, the green light burst through the ceiling from the elevator. So it was an entity of some sort- oh right, avoiding it.

“Ah!” Foolish got behind Cellbit, “Kill it! Kill it! Protect me!” He pointed at the light, shaking his finger.

Forever got on his feet, swatting at it with his sword, but all that did was dissipate it slightly. It reformed and headed for him all the same.

“What is this?” Forever scratched his head, following it as it neared Foolish, actually poking it with his finger.

“Wait, uh. It’s not deadly?” Foolish asked, taking one step forward, but then Cellbit was pushing him back towards the side door deeper into his base.

“We don’t know that! It could be harmful to you, go hide downstairs, I’ll call the others.” Cellbit shoved him off, then pulled out the communicator he used to contact Ordo Theoritas, or the other Theory Bros. He hoped it would just be the smaller group.

Foolish wasted no time, scrambling down the hall and down the next elevator until he was at the main base. The light followed him, because of course it did, so Foolish started walking around the room.

It was an embarrassingly long time before finally he heard other voices.

“If it’s what I think it is…” Bad’s voice was heard first.

“Did Vegetta never tell him?” Cellbit sounded confused.

“Apparently not!” Max replied.

Foolish frowned, not liking where this conversation was already going. Look, he knew he wasn’t exactly the brightest bulb in the shop…

Gathered together now, the other three watched him as he moved around the room.

Bad’s head was in his hands, Max was shaking his head and Cellbit, again, looked out of the loop.

“You know, any of you could help at any time!” Foolish cried, gesturing to the light.

Bad sighed, “Stand still.”

“I really don’t think that’s going to help get rid of it.”

“Relax,” Max said, “We’ve seen this before. Vegetta was trying to hide it, but we saw it sometimes on the way.”

“Well if Max says it…” Foolish stopped.

“Hey!” Bad said.

The green light hit him-no not him, his… earring? Foolish blinked, a sudden warm came from his ear then spread to the rest of his body. It was like sitting before a campfire, or the embrace from a lover…

He gasped, “Vegetta?” His fingers trembled, reaching out for the light, and it wasn’t harmful, just… warm, familiar, comforting. He pushed back his tears, even if this time, they were ones of joy. “He’s alive.”

“He’s trying to tell you where he is.” Max said, hand on his chin. Which direction did it come from?”

“I don’t know!” Foolish said, “It appeared when I was at Hogar, then I ran here, so we should go back there?” He bit his lip.

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Cellbit shrugged. “I’ll get some gear-”

“Wait,” Bad put up his hands, “This could be a trap-”

“I really don’t care, I’ve already been trapped, trapped with Vegetta doesn’t sound all that bad!” Foolish marched towards the elevator back up-

“Wait!” Cellbit called out, “If he’s actually alive, you can’t just fling yourself at the problem, what if he’s with the Federation? We need to have a plan.”

Max shook his head, “And first is finding the direction before we lose it. We’re wasting time, I don’t think Vegetta, mighty as he is, can hold it forever.”

“Then. Let’s. Go.” Foolish went back up, racing over to the Favela’s waystone without even waving to Forever or Richarlyson. Maximus was right, they were wasting time, something he’d done enough running around like an idiot.

When he reached Hogar, he looked around for the green light-

Everyone else teleported to the small platform out front right when he realized-

It. Was. Gone.

“Where is it?” Bad asked, looking around while Foolish sat down on the ledge of the waystone.

“You saw it here first?” Cellbit frowned, looking down at him, “Oh.” He joined him, sitting down on the ledge, “You didn’t know…” He bumped shoulders with him.

Foolish didn’t budge.

Max snorted, “Vegetta’s own fault keeping his little secrets if you ask me.”

“Not helpful, Max.” Bad said.

“So now what?” Foolish looked up at them, “I wait until he does it again?”

Everyone else looked around at each other, the silence was loud.

“Well, like I suggested before… I could figure out the spell.” Bad said.

Max crossed his arms, “I could try and find anything out of order at the radio tower, that could have sent a frequency I can pick up.”

“At the end of the day, you’re not doing this alone.” Cellbit put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it, “We found out those little death messages the federation sends out are lies, and that’s amazing news, don’t you think?”

“Ya…ya…” Foolish said, “And if Vegetta’s alive… maybe… Leo’s…” He wasn’t sure he could finish the thought, giving up, his lips parting uselessly. Vegetta still had a body, something that damned bear could have manipulated… Leo… 

The scream, the lava-

He closed his eyes.

“Hey,” Cellbit shook him slightly, “We’ll figure it out, Theory Bros, am I right?”

Foolish nodded, “Theory Bros.” 

“I just want it on the record that I told you so.” Bad pointed out, raising a finger.

“I hate you.” Foolish smiled slightly as he felt a warm feeling in his chest. 

Hope.

Chapter Text

He fell to his knees.

Leonarda ran to him, tiny hands on his back, “Papa?” She’d gone to bed earlier while Vegetta stayed up all night performing the spell. He blinked rapidly as the world spun.

Vegetta turned to her, wiping the sweat from his brow. “Está bien, mija.” He patted the top of her head, “Your other father was simply farther than I anticipated.” He wouldn’t be able to do that again for awhile, not without food and rest at least.

Speaking of… “Mariana!” Vegetta called, walking up to the glass wall.

The other man didn’t move from his spot, glaring from his armchair, “Que?”

“When do we receive food?” He figured that was their best spot, the moment he knew where the door was, he could better formulate a plan to break through it.

Mariana pursed his lips together, then chuckled lowly, “I think you’ll be disappointed at the quality.”

“I couldn’t care less if it's an utter slop. When?” He crossed his arms, but his stand wobbled. The spell took more out of him than he expected.

Mariana pointed to the wall close to his bed, a large blank space that mirrored his prison, “There’s a dispenser and a block is moved out of the way. Once you pick it up, a piston pushes it back.” He rubbed his face, “If you’re trying to break out, I wouldn’t even try that, I already did.”

“Ah, but you are you, and I am me.” Vegetta said, grinning.

Mariana glowered at him, “I despise you.”

“The feelings are more than mutual.”

“No mames…I get along with Foolish better.” He scowled.

Vegetta shrugged, “The man is more forgiving I suppose, but you have to remember, I protect what is mine.”

“Ya!” Leonarda piped up next to him, “Dada Foolich is our’s!”

Mariana groaned, “Should have never asked for that fucking sleepover…”

Vegetta turned at that, sensing his irritation rising. Months into their relationship, Vegetta finally got the full story of that fateful night and most importantly, Mariana forcing himself on his beloved, then spreading deceitful rumors for weeks. He got most of the story on the night they swore to only each other, but it wasn’t every detail.

Apparently, Foolish and Mariana had some kind of talk, putting the beef between the two behind them once and for all, but in Foolish’s attempt to explain why he was moving on, it only spurred Vegetta to hate the man carnally.

Which was why it was so unfortunate he was the one he was stuck with.

“When food arrives, let me inspect the space, tú entiendes?” Vegetta asked, looking to his daughter who was making faces at Mariana, the grown man responding in kind.

“Si, papa!” Leo said.

Vegetta nodded, smiling at his daughter.

Then he was faced with the reality of their situation. Four walls, a few pieces of furniture, nothing to watch- oh dias, he was going to die of boredom.

Vegetta rubbed his face with his hands, thinking. He could go ahead with his disassembly plan, the TV being useless scrap anyway…

Of course, the moment he did start to consider, the universe laughed at him for it.

“Buenas dias, subject 38.” Cucurucho spoke. It was in between the two prisons, still. There wasn’t a tone to its mechanical voice, but Vegetta could sense the glee radiating off of it.

“Buenas dias…” He said cautiously.

“You will submit to questioning.” It spoke.

“Oh, your turn!” Mariana called out, shit-eating grin on his face, “Good luck, mi amigo!” Juana smacked her father and he let out a series of curses.

Well, that wasn’t promising. Vegetta tensed, raising his hands defensively-

A blip and suddenly he was right beside Cucurucho. He reacted instantly, punching out- He grunted when the bear caught his fist in it’s steel grip. It stared blankly.

Then the pressure increased and Vegetta bit his lip at the pain, forcing it back.

“Papa?!” Leo cried, pressed up against the glass.

Stay strong for Leo, show no weakness-

It twisted his hand, far enough his wrist was crying out. It didn’t stop, it’s creepy face getting closer to his, until finally Vegetta did whimper, his eyes squeezed shut in shame.

Satisfied, the damned bear let go and Vegetta shuffled backward, clutching his hand and wrist as it ached painfully.

“Do not try that again.” 

“Your vocabulary is so much larger now.” Vegetta spat, rubbing at his wrist.

It didn’t respond to that then started to walk. He assumed he’d have to follow, but instead he walked up to his daughter, pressing his uninjured hand up against were she had her’s. “Mija, if the food comes while I am gone, inspect the hole and tell me everything, can you do that?”

Leo nodded, “I’ll make you proud.”

“You already have, mi nina.”

Leo smiled softly, “Cuídate.”

Vegetta nodded as Cucurucho turned back to face him, “Follow. Follow. Follow.” 

“Si, si, si, mierda en tu madre…” Vegetta muttered as he did as he was told. However, that was far worse than the physical pain. If there was something Vegetta considered one of his best qualities, it was his pride.

The pure white hall ended in an iron door. Cucurucho pulled out a card and scanned it, the door opened and Vegetta was gestured to go first. He did, not hesitating to get this over and done with. The hall on the other side was eerie.

Blackstone, turquoise vines, redstone lights- He’d never seen such a place before.

Then he heard a chainsaw, turned- Cucurucho was just standing, beady eyes staring into his soul, its hands free of any chainsaws. He blinked, the scene did not change.

  “Follow. Follow. Follow.” It repeated, walking in front of him. Vegetta unhappily did as he was told. The bear led him down for a while, passing other interconnecting halls with the same gross atmosphere. Eventually, they made it to another iron door, and when they passed through that one, the blinding white of his prison returned.

It was a smaller room, not noticeable details, only white brick, a desk and two chairs.

Cucurucho sat in the one facing the door, clasping its hands together in front of it.

 Vegetta sat on the opposite side, brow raised, posture relaxed. He was careful with his wrist, the pain of it lingering longer than he would have liked.

“Subject 38,” It began, ''I'm part of the QSMP Census Bureau. I need certain information. I'll be with you today, sorry for the inconvenience.''

“Not at all.” He forced a smile, “How can I help?”

“How did you die?”

Vegetta stared, beady black eyes stared back. “I believe we both know the answer to that. Although, I’m not so sure I’m dead.”

“You are dead.” It said, “Repeat, how did you die?”

“Repeat, we both know.” Vegetta waved a hand, “Did you teleport me here, save me last second? How is Leonarda here?”

“Classified. Repeat, how did you die? Answer the question.”

Vegetta pursed his lips together, already seeing this conversation would be going nowhere. “You stabbed me with my own sword through my armor. Feliz?” 

“Si.” Cucurucho nodded, then took out a book and started to write something down before speaking again, “Why did you die?”

Vegetta snorted, “I didn’t consider you could stab through armor. I know now, the mistake won’t happen again.” He smirked, leaning onto the table, “Unless you’re referring to defying you?”

The bear didn’t move, studying him for several moments before it started to write again.

“What is your relation to Subject 39?” It asked, pen paused.

“My fiance, though we have been trying to fix that for a while now.” Vegetta said, eye twitching. They were going to have an anniversary of their engagement at this rate. He didn’t see a reason to lie, the Federation spied on them enough for it to be a moot strategy. “Tell me, why did you kill me to get to him?”

“Classified.”

Of course.

Vegetta leaned back in his seat, thinking, because there had to be something it was willing to part with… “How long are we here?”

“Classified.”

“How are we alive?”

“Classified.”

“Can I ask any questions?”

“No.”

Vegetta frowned, ah. “Then give me the next one so I may return to mi nina.” An utter waste of time, he hoped Leo found something interesting with the food hatch.

“What are the properties of Subject 39’s blood?”

Oh this one was easy! Vegetta yawned, “I do not know.” 

“Repeat, what are the properties of Subject 39’s blood?”

“No clue.” 

“Repeat, what are the properties of Subject 39’s blood? Answer the question.”

Vegetta kicked his boots up on the table, careful not to jostle his wrist, “I can’t answer something I don’t know.”

Cucurucho’s beady eyes didn’t narrow, it couldn’t, but Vegetta knew it was in spirit. The little bear wrote more in its book and finally Vegetta felt like he won something here. He didn’t move, waiting patiently for the next play.

Oddly enough, there was noise by the door, causing Vegetta to turn back towards it just as it slammed open. Two figures entered, one, another Cucurucho, or perhaps he’d just call this one Osito Bimbo-

But it was the other, the one who burst in first that really grabbed his attention.

Brown fur, a simple white hoodie, and a wild grin, oh Vegetta knew that man anywhere. He was just puzzled how such a sight was even possible.

“Rubius?” He breathed, disbelief as thick as honey.

“Vegetta! ” He cried out, “What are you doing here?!” Osito Bimbo grabbed his arms and tried to pull him back. Rubius struggled.

“You are out of line, Instigator.” Cucurucho said from its desk.

“I’ll show you out of line!” Rubius seethed, his strength still clearly mighty despite lacking any of his demonic features, throwing the bear off. He turned to Vegetta again, running up to clutch his arms where he sat.

Vegetta shoved him back, cringing at the pain caused in his wrist. Leo may be alive, but there was no forgiveness after such an act. Never.

Rubius’s eyes were wide, “they have Titi.” 

“Que?!” Impossible.

Chapter Text

When Rubius woke, he found a void inside of himself, and not one but two.

Groggy, he sat up on the metallic slab he’d been dumped on, the world spinning as he did. He closed his eyes, massaging his temple until his illness eased.

He’d been so close.

He’d had the little tiburón under his thumb, pliant, malleable, oh so very willing and eager- the man was so distraught, he should have killed his daughter so much sooner… His blood…

It was so sweet, tangy, irresistible, it was difficult being around the man and not taking a bite, but he didn’t want to drain him dry and kill him. As a demon, blood had a special place in his cold black heart… It was why Vegetta was so delectable, being a man of magic.

Said man ruined everything.

Rubius sighed, because as angry as he was, he couldn’t really be mad. Oh, what a show! Lovers fighting one another to the death in such a mindless frenzy, oh Rubius wanted to see it over and over again, he wanted to see them spill their bloods.

During the fight, his soul was in a frenzy. The bonds he had, one formed out of love with Vegetta and one of circumstance with the tiburón, caused an ecstasy he’d never felt before and feared he’d never feel again… They were in a weird way… fighting over him…

There were still the emotions inside him, but that void remained… two holes…

Rubius frowned, opening his eyes again to stare at fluorescent lights.

Where the fuck was he?

He scowled, sitting up to look around the bare room- white walls, iron door, a simple white chair, and of course the metallic slab he was on. He looked down-

He had brown fur.

“What?” He clutched his own arm, examining it closer, poking and prodding it as though it were an optical illusion. This wasn’t happening, he consumed their essences- he wasn’t mortal anymore!

The door opened and one of the Federation’s minions entered. Beady black eyes, emotionless face, oh how he detested those stupid little bears.

“Buenos días, Instigator.” It said.

Rubius shoved his panic down, seeing the threat as it was. He wasn’t sure what to call the thing, Osito Bimbo maybe? He heard someone say that once. “What do you want?” He spat.

  ''I'm part of the QSMP Census Bureau. I need certain information. I'll be with you today, sorry for the inconvenience.'' Osito Bimbo said as it walked over to the chair and sat.

“Oh really?” Rubius smirked, “I’m not talking.”

“You will talk.”

Rubius hummed, leaning back on the metallic slab, “I think you need to explain what you did to me. I thought my state of being was why you picked me in the first place?” He ruffled his own fur, “This is so drab, boring… mortal.”

“Precisely.”

Ah. Rubius snorted, “So this is a threat.”

“Si.”

He didn’t think it was possible to separate him from the entities, but he supposed underestimating the Federation was his own fault. No matter, Rubius wasn’t threatened so easily. He pulled up a leg, relaxing further. Confident.

“What is your relation to Subject 39?” The stupid bear pulled out a pen and book.

He stared. Oh that iron door, it was so similar to the one that led to his little lab. He had a lot of fun there, he’d have to get back to that right away when this was over.

“Repeat, what is your relation to Subject 39?”

These lights were hideous, his nether fortress was a work of art compared to this blinding place. He wondered if Vegetta liked his fortress, he worked hard on it…

“Repeat, what is your relation to Subject 39? Answer the question.”

He knew all the subjects and their stupid little numbers. When the Federation wanted him to come and start mischief, they gave such a lecture on it all. At the time, he didn’t even pay the tiburón any attention at all, too focused on Vegetta’s picture still on the screen. He only connected the dots who thirty-nine was later when he was told Quackity was forty.

He seemed like such a non-issue at the time, and what a mistake that was on his part, especially when the first person he ending up striking a deal with was that same silly little tiburón.

“Who on the island do you hate the most?”

“Oh, Mariana for sure.” There was no hesitation.

“Then I am going to have you do something nice for him.”

Not so long after, he was adopting a child with Vegetta instead of mending that connection. There was a universe were Rubius’s meddling there was successful and Vegetta paired with another, perhaps someone far easier for him to get rid of.

But then he remembered those little cries of pain and the tangy smell of his blood and suddenly Rubius was glad he failed to steer the tiburón away.

“Instigator.”

“That’s my title, don’t wear it out.” Rubius scoffed, looking down at his claws.

“Is your life worth so little?”

Rubius looked up at that, “What?”

“You are mortal. You are ignoring the question.”

“Then kill me and learn nothing.” He seethed, because perhaps the bear was right. There was little in his life, and what he did have was a toxic mess he was addicted to… He was stuck, telling them anything would jeopardize his plans to save his son.

Titi…

“What are the properties of this?” Osito Bimbo held up a potion- red mixed with familiar gold.

Interesting, he hadn’t considered mixing it with potions. It would strengthen their effects, he predicted. Rubius sat up, dropping his leg back down so he could lean towards the potion. His mouth salivated at the sight- before he shook his head, slapping his own cheek.

“My, what a conundrum… I have something you want, and you can’t do anything about it.” He grinned, knowingly, “The little binary still messing with the machine?”

“Classified.”

Oh but that sounded so angry~

Rubius smirked, “That’s your favorite word… like when I asked why I couldn’t keep that fool in the nether… Is that why you came by? Because I broke one of your little rules?”

“Afferminitive.” It said simply, but Rubius felt like there was more to it.

“And Vegetta, the others in his little group…? How…?” Rubius frowned.

“Classified. Repeat, what is your relation to Subject 39? Answer the question.”

Ah, he’d gone too far, his luck gone. “I don’t see why I need to say a word about that. It’s between me and him.” Rubius said, moving back on the metallic slab with a huff. “What an idiot, I bet he’s already forgetting his place, wherever he is…” He sighed wistfully, surprising he was missing the tiburón himself.

He was too much fun…

Osito Bimbo stood up and Rubius raised a brow.

Then a screen dropped down from the ceiling and Ositio Bimbo stood by it, arms behind it’s back. It turned on without another word.

At first it was an advertisement.

Welcome to idyllic Quesadilla Island! Where all your dreams come true! Come build your dream home today! You won’t regret it!

Rubius snorted, but his eyes fixed intently on the faces of Vegetta and Foolish when they appeared. There was so much laughter, singing, dancing… They looked… happy…

He frowned.

Then it was gone just as quickly. Harsh static covered the screen, blaring loudly in the tiny room. He covered his ears, bending his head until it calmed and a dark image appeared instead.

It was a small figure, larger than many of the other children on the island, but still clearly young. Two pigtails hung on either side of their head, both bushy and so soft-

“No.” This wasn’t real. 

Titi was dead.

They were facing away, not looking at Rubius, and he left the slab, walking to the screen numbly. “Turn around.” He muttered softly, but the figure didn’t budge and the screen was so dark… “Please, turn around…” He reached out, touching cold glass.

Let me see that's really you.

“You will answer our questions.”

Rubius scowled at Osito Bimbo, “Like hell I will! Give him back!”

“You do not value your life.” 

But we know who’s you do.

“This isn’t real.” Rubius breathed, but he couldn’t stop looking. It wasn’t a picture, Titi was breathing. “You’re fucking with my head!” He drew back his fist and punched the screen. It fractured, but Titi was still there. He did it again, over and over and over-

All he saw was red, both from his anger and the blood rushing from his fist.

He was so terribly mortal now.

“You will answer our questions.”

Rubius’s eye twitched.

He couldn’t risk it.

“What do you want to know?”

Chapter Text

It’d been hard.

Philza waved, an easy smile on his face as Wilbur and Tallulah teleported away, his granddaughter shooting him the brightest smile as she went, a little poppy in one hand. They were precious, both of them, and Phil was relieved after the hardship in his life that finally Wilbur had peace.

He just wished Wilbur even remembered that hardship.

Remembered Tommy.

Philza sighed, running a hand through his hair before he went inside the home he shared with Chayanne. He tried to distract himself, organizing chests…

It’s been so hard, trying not to bring him up or even Techno… but the first time he did, Wilbur looked at him as though he’d grown another head. So Philza kept his mouth shut, locked it and tossed the key. As far as Wilbur knew, Tommy was a slip of the tongue and Techno was some great hero he made up for Chayanne to look up to.

It pained him greatly, but… Wilbur was happy, so he kept it in even as each day his heart wept for his missing sons. Techno disappeared long before the server did, leaving him a final testament while Tommy didn’t make it out of the nuke.

Bloody hell, he still thought Tommy could be out there somewhere, the other possibility, no… he couldn’t.

“Dad?” Chayanne walked up behind him. He didn’t hear his youngest come in, and the sight of blond hair on a small child almost brought him back deeper into his memories, but this child wore green and violet, not red. A bird skull covered his face, reminded him so much of Techno- “Dad!” His son whacked his shoulder and Phil groaned.

“Chayanne! Brittle bird bones!” He chided gently, exaggerating his grouchiness. 

Chayanne rolled his eyes, “There’s a freak outside, the white bear thing.” He pulled out his sword, putting it over his shoulders, “Want to get rid of it?”

Phil’s eyes widened, “Cucurucho?” He got up, gently shoving Chayanne back from the door, “No, no, I’ve got this… you… teleport to Wilbur’s. Keep Tallulah safe, I’ll be fine.”

Chayanne groaned, “You never let me do anything anymore…”

Since they were returned- scars on their little bodies- Phil shuddered, “Listen to your father.”

Chayanne pouted, “Fine, but only because Father-Missa isn’t here to let me have fun.”

Philza and Chayanne left their home, the older man’s eyes locked on the white bear while Chayanne used the waystone to go to his brother’s home. Once he was gone, Phil casually drew his sword and leaned on it, stretching out his clipped wings. 

Stretching before a fight was always smart.

And Phil was nothing if not prepared.

“Can I help you?” His brow raised.

“Good Evening.” It spoke, the feminine voice eerie, ''I'm part of the QSMP Census Bureau. I need certain information. I'll be with you today, sorry for the inconvenience.''

“You don’t care, but sure, what do you want to know?” Phil’s fingers tensed around his hilt. He didn’t trust this stupid bear, not one bit.

“What is your relation to the one known as Foolish?” It took out a book, but didn’t hand it to him like it normally did, instead it had a pen, watching him expectantly.

“Uh, he’s a friend?” They talked enough, friends seemed right, even if all their interactions tended to consist of Phil watching him be easily appeased at the simplest of things.

He still can’t believe he was so gleeful over a single block of dirt.

“How long have you known the one known as Foolish?” It asked, pen raised.

Thousands of years…? Maybe? He wasn’t sure, it was ages regardless, but never close, more like tales and seeing his constructions’ remains after years upon years of wear and tear. It was honestly a shock seeing the man in the flesh in the ruins that was the world before.

“A few years.” He settled on, not a lie, and not revealing his own true age.

Cucurucho scribbled on its book, pausing, then looking up with a tilt of its head. “What is your current age?”

Well now he was curious, his little gift was meant to be undetectable. “Thirty-five.”

It shook its head, because of course it did, “Repeat, what is your current age?”

Philza raised his sword to its throat in one smooth motion, his wings spreading out on either side of him. “I think it’s time you go.”

  “Repeat, what is your current age? Answer the question.” Cucurucho took a step back toward the potato plank, but didn’t step on it. Instead it turned its head, facing where Wilbur and Tallulah lived.

Phil’s nostrils flared, “Oh don’t you dare, you fuck!” He stepped forward-

“Oh! Phil!” A voice called behind him. “Wait, is that-” There was a startled yell.

Cucurucho laughed and walked backward, falling from the potato plank with a stylish flip. Phil ran to the end, looking back at the newcomer briefly, “Sorry! I need to go!”

Phil leapt, spreading his wings for a graceful fall.

Chayanne would protect them, but Phil was damned if he wasn’t going to help.

His eyes locked into a sweaty unfocused stare as the Cucurucho ran off, first heading towards Wilbur’s only to veer far left and ran off. Phil followed after it.

He had to tell the others- why was it there, why, why, why- His heart rate picked up, he stepped back, hand scrambling for the waystone, Favela, Favela, Favela-

In seconds he was home, but he went to his knees, gasping.

Bzzz, Bzzz, BZZZZZZ!

He couldn’t run, he wasn’t fast enough, and even if he did, the spikes impaled him-

His breaths were short and huffy, like his blood was filling up his lungs-

“Cellbit?!” The voice broke his attack, a comforting hand on his shoulder, another presence by his leg. He blinked, looking up to find his blond haired friend. Richarlyson was hugging his leg and Cell took a moment to pat his head affectionately before wildly twisting to face his friend.

“Forever, Forever!” He reached forward, grasping the man’s- oh uh. He scrambled and grabbed the braid of his hair, yanking him down to his level. “I saw it.” His eye didn’t twitch.

He was fine!

“Let me guess, the thing we don’t name?” Forever tried to get him off his hair, “Come on… you didn’t break any rules.”

Did he?! He let go of Forever, bringing a hand to his chin, thinking. No, no, he’d been on his best behavior, perfect obedient on the outside, yes, yes, yes. He only went to visit Philza, ask him about his adventures, if he’d seen anything out of place to help Foolish-

Oh Foolish…

Bad shared what occurred the past week since the Wedding disaster, but it was still hard to process what a bubbly person like Foolish turned into in a matter of days. Sometimes he cracked though, but since his rescue, the man was typically quiet.

It was concerning, but… he had more pressing matters.

He looked to Forever, “He was interrogating Phil I think, then they ran off. I think we should send someone to-”

“Already on it!” Forever grinned, “No one messes with Philza but me!” He pounded his chest, “Let’s go Richarlyson!” He held out his arms for the small boy and the kid giggled, running into his arms. Forever lifted him up, putting him on his shoulders before placing his hands on the waystone.

“They went left from Wilbur’s!” Cellbit cried out, “Start there! And Richarylson,”

The boy looked at him, “Ya dad?”

“Be careful, I love you very much.” Cellbit smiled.

“Of course! Love you more!” He winked and then the pair were gone with a bit of a laugh from Forever.

Cellbit sighed, running a hand through his hair.

He walked down towards his office, but didn’t go in, choosing instead to relax a bit on his bed. If there was something he needed to get a handle on, it was his reactions to seeing the bear. It wasn’t productive, a waste of time to still be affected over something so… meaningless.

Sure, perhaps the Federation considered it a punishment, but all it taught him that was that the organization had to go. He was already trying to crack the coded message they received from Max’s radio tower, but after that incident? Oh Cellbit had never tried harder.

He was so close, the answer at the tip of his fingers…

And maybe if he solved it, so would Felps.

Cellbit stood back up, his heart aching. There wasn’t a sweeter man than Felps, willing to give his own life for Richarlyson only for nothing to come out of it.

He slammed his fist against one of the missing posters. “Damn it.” He’d been gone ages and he was still no closer to figuring it all out…

They were relying on him to get it done, save them all, he had to do it, for Felps, Forever, Pac, Mike, Richarylson, for the other theory bros, for Roier.

He bit his lip, turning on his heel and to his office. He went down, sitting at his desk in seconds, flipping open his laptop only to see the raging blush across his cheeks only thinking of the man’s name.

Roier was like a flower blowing pollen in the wind, Cellbit the bee drawn into it’s intoxicating aura. There was an ease he had around the other man that no one else on the isle possessed, his shoulders relaxing on command at the mere sound of the other’s laughter-

He realized he’d been staring at a blank screen for several minutes.

Damn him, what an amazing distraction.

He took a breath, it was fine, he was fine, if he needed it, he would simply visit Roier… and hope that Bad wasn’t there too. 

He frowned, flicking his laptop on at last.

Cellbit liked Bad, he was an original theory bro, a member of their order, and certainly one of their most active members, but he was also at Roier’s… a lot.

Constantly, Cellbit would see something in the global chat, typically Bobby bullying his father, and rush over just in case. Everytime, or nearly, Bad was there, already speaking to Roier.

It caused his stomach to roll, noticing both blushing, making him insist and call Roier honey to his face- laying down some sort of show that Roier and he, they already had something. But the pair seemed to always ignore his attempts, too busy… argue-flirting? He wasn’t sure, but he wasn’t part of it and that was what upset him the most.

Alone together, Roier was as doting as a lover could be, expressing his mutual infatuation to a degree that sent Cellbit redder than a tomato. Even Richarlyson ordered the other tone it down a bit, because as indignant as he was, his son was right.

He was oh so very weak to Roier’s flirting.

Cellbit closed his eyes, his elbow leaning against his desk.

The riddle sat untouched as the man daydreamed with a fond smile thinking of his biggest distraction.

Baghera smiled as she watched Cellbit go home. Their neighbors were rather loud at times, but fun and kind in equal measure.

She and her people had only been on the island briefly when the Wedding was thrust upon them, but Baghera was nothing if not prepared for such an occasion.

Little Pomme had to be the prettiest girl on the island, she wouldn’t have it anyother way, so for the weeks leading up to that fateful day, she toiled over a sewing machine. It had to be special, one of a kind, Pomme’s dress.

Her little girl helped her, picking out the colors, pink of course, special little designs, like unicorns and sharks? Sure, she sewed them in at Pomme’s request. It took blood sweat and tears, but finally Baghera was done, and she presented it with the proudest smile a mother could have.

Pomme, her sweet little girl grinned too, and then she tried to get her daughter to wear it but- “Oh?! Pomme, ma fille, this is much too big for you!” She panicked, rushing back to her machine, only to see all the measurements were terribly off-

“It’s for Leo!” Pomme said, grinning from ear to ear.

That was when Baghera knew her daughter had the kindest heart. She presented the dress to Leo’s parents the next day, Foolish had been so ecstatic at the sight of the sharks, Vegetta gushed over the unicorns- Oh it was a precious day, and they gifted Pomme a pretty little red dress that once fit Leo in return.

So seeing that sweet girl be taken? She feared the worst.

Baghera sighed, turning back to their home.

“Allons à la maison.” She whispered, picking up her daughter and walking with her on one hip. Pomme was the youngest, her little eyes still so wide and innocent compared to the other children on the island, but… the night of the wedding…

Pomme had cried, she cried and cried, and nothing Baghera did eased the girl’s tears.

She was admittedly at a loss. There was nothing they could do to help poor little Leo…

“Maman,” Her little girl had tugged on her pants leg and she sat on the edge of the bed. “Why? Why is she gone? I want her back.” Pomme weeped then.

Baghera shook her head slowly, “There’s nothing we can do, my sweet little apple.” She reached forward, wiping away her daughter’s tears. “Trust that her papa Vegetta will return her, oui?”

Pomme’s lower lip whimpered, but she nodded her head.

Days later, at the sight of Leo’s death message, Baghera did not sleep. Pomme’s confused cries were too loud for anything else.

In her current reality, Baghera was tucking in Pomme once again. Her little girl’s eyes, once so bright, dimmed. The bed, no doubt, reminded her of the sadness she expressed before.

“Maman,” Her daughter began again, “Will I ever see Leo again?”

Baghera couldn’t, a tear slipping by, betraying her as she spoke, “I’m sure of it. Now rest, my dear. You’ve done so well today.”

Pomme nodded weakly, whimpering as she rolled over on her bed, facing away from her mother. The little girl was still in seconds, being so young, it was still easy to slip into slumber.

Baghera didn’t sleep that night either, her mind consumed with making a dress with little rainbow mushrooms along its trim.

The perfect dress for her perfect Pomme.

“Bobby Chingon!” Jaiden called out, “You get down from there right this second! Don’t make me come up there young man!” She had one hand on her hip, the other pointed up at her son.

Bobby wiggled his butt at her from the treehouse. He was jumping around the edge like he’d just consumed a bag of sugar, but it was also how Bobby always acted…

“Bobby!” Jaiden whined, “It’s bedtime! Come on!” She sighed, rubbing her hand with her hands as her son continued to ignore her. “Fine, you can sleep in the treehouse…”

“Yay!” Bobby cried, “Thanks, mom!” He stuck out his tongue playfully and ran into the treehouse right away.

“Goodnight!” Jaiden cried, waving after him, but she was sure he was already getting up to something inside. She sighed, shaking her head at her energetic son. Next thing she knew, she was headed home.

At the sight of their humble wood and stone house, Jaiden smiled.

She was grateful, her original home was going to be a literal hole in the wall, then Roier came along, inviting her in so kindly, why Jaiden feared what kind of place her home would have been if she stayed there.

Cold, damp, dingy?

With Roier and Bobby, it was warm, comfty, home, family-

She entered, surprised to find Roier already there. The man was sitting on a table in the center, a glass of something alcoholic in his hands. Jaiden didn’t see Roier drink often, not unless he was about to go in as Melissa for Las Casualonas, and that was far more of a playful drinking.

This was… sad.

“Roier?” Jaiden asked, walking around him, brow raised. She sat across from him, careful to not be too loud.

Her friend didn’t look up at first, nursing his drink. Now that was how she knew something was wrong, the man was far too loud for this.

“Roier, you doing alright? I haven’t seen you since you got back with the others.” Most of the others, she reminded herself, recalling those three death messages like spiders crawling down her spine. Mariana’s had been so sudden, as she didn’t think it was possible someone would die, and to someone in their own party? It was startling, made her mess up the drawing she was working on that day.

But Leonarda and Vegetta?

Jaiden couldn’t fathom losing Bobby and Roier, to lose both? Right after they were meant to wed? Oh, she needed to check in on Foolish soon…

But she had someone else to comfort now, “Roier… is it Mariana?” She whispered.

“All of them.” He muttered, eyes closing as he put his head in his hands. His words became scratchy, choked up, “Jaiden… I failed them, all of them, just like how I failed my wolf.” Roier rubbed at his face, “I’ve been trying to act fine, but… it hurts.”

“And you should let it hurt.” Jaiden reached out, taking one of Roier’s hands and patted it. “You are allowed to mourn, but don’t blame yourself. I’m sure it was a difficult situation all around.”

“I wasn’t even there for Mariana, he died alone, someone he thought he could trust stabbing him like it was nothing…” Roier scowled, “I am close to Vegetta, I was his Best Man for fuck’s sake! But it’s hard…” He slammed a fist on the table, “The nerve of that man getting himself killed alongside Mariana, why?!”

“I don’t think he planned to die to escape you or something…” Jaiden said, brows furrowing more at Roier’s rambling sorrow.

“Man, I don’t even know if I’m allowed to mourn…”

“What?! Of course you are!” Jaiden gasped.

Roier shook his head, “Bad… he did something, saw something with Mariana. Then apparently something happened with Foolish that basically confirmed Vegetta is alive in some way, but I just don’t know if I trust it, I don’t know if I want to hope-”

“Then do neither.” Jaiden said, holding his hand tighter, smiling, “Help them, try, and even if it all crumbles down, you know you tried your best, no blame on your shoulders.” She hoped her advice helped him, it was painful seeing her bubbly friend so… depressed.

Roier looked at her, his eyes on the verge of tears, but he nodded slowly. “Vale.”

“There we go.” Jaiden said, “Now I think you should go see Bobby, sleep with him in the treehouse tonight. I’ll stay in the house.” Bobby always makes you laugh, was unspoken.

Roier nodded, his hand finally leaving his glass as he left the house.

Jaiden leaned back in her chair, eyeing the glass. She looked around, then took it and downed its contents in one go.

She needed that, or she was going to cry herself.

Slime ran back as fast as he could. He couldn’t believe what he heard.

Mariana could be alive?!

A giddy little smile played on his lips, and he tossed down a boat, then started rowing with the vigor of a man on a mission.

Since seeing the death message of Mariana, Slime practically went comatose. His whole family… dead? Why it was worse than eggxile! He swore that the beach was making him deranged, from the gasses in the mine to the shrine he worshiped for no one…

His wife bitch was out there! He cheered to no one but himself. 

His eyes twitched, because if he’d known the devil was so invested in a wedding, he would have had an official one earlier and sacrificed his bitch wife on the spot. Oh he had to write that down for next time-

Slime arrived at his humble abode in record time. He avoided the mine, because right now, he needed to remember everything, not damp his pain and misery. There wasn’t a second wasted as he gather his meager supplies, iron armor, an axe, water buckets were useful-

He grinned, satisfied at his very impressive arsenal.

He had a bitch to save.

…

Fuck he had to figure out where.

…

…

…

Where did Bad live again?

Chapter Text

On the day his love presented the statue to him, Vegetta knew there was more to their relationship than he thought, but the nugget of doubt was still there, all-consuming from his past.

They laughed together, they kissed, they fucked, even called one another novio or boyfriend, but it never felt like enough, he needed more. So much confirmation there was no doubt, no confusion, only love so strong the whole isle was sick of them.

So when Maximus suggested a wedding, his heart seized.

“When I sleep… I think of those failures, all of my weddings ended in heartbreak.” Vegetta muttered, glancing up at his tower.

“All of them?” Maximus gasped, “But… Foolish is… well look!” He gestured to the statue, “Has anyone ever done something so monumental? So purely born out of love?”

Vegetta looked back at it, his eyes roaming across it’s perfect pectoral and he held back his giggle, “It truly is amazing, oh mi Foolish…”

“That’s what I’m trying to say here, Vegetta, it’s clear to everyone that you two were meant to be.”

Written in the stars.

“So will you consider it? Marrying the fool? I really want to officiate…”

Vegetta recalled his previous mistakes, two brides who tossed him away. He didn’t want a memory of Foolish doing the same, what they had now, while ill-defined, was beautiful. Simple, supportive, just what he needed to heal.

Vegetta sighed, “It’s difficult, old friend. I don’t think I’m ready.”

Max nodded, “Of course, of course, I would hate to rush you, but know I am here if you ever decide to go through with it.” He smiled.

“Thank you.” Vegetta smiled back.

There was a noise above them, “Oh here he comes.” Max looked up.

Vegetta followed, watching as Foolish and Leo paraglided above them, his love making his little noises as he did, smiling bright and wide as usual, it was memorizing. He watched, eyes tracking their progress until they safely made it to the base of the statue.

“He is so happy.” Vegetta said.

“Because he’s with you.” Max bumped his shoulder a bit, a coy smirk on his face.

Vegetta’s stomach fluttered, because of him, not his riches or his power… because Vegetta himself made him happy.

Perhaps… he could look at rings. For fun.

Later on, when rings were exchanged alongside giggles, there was still quite a bit of planning to be done.

Foolish, the love of his life as he was, was being a little less than helpful. The man seemed to nod along to all of his decisions, even bad ones he suggested to test him, and while it was sweet… He really didn’t know what he was doing with events after the ceremony.

Vegetta never made it to after the ceremony. The thought of it alone filled him with glee one moment and earth-shattering fear the next.

The couple were at home, sitting in their armchairs while Vegetta had the planner on his lap, Foolish was across from him fiddling with one of his fidget toys he was so fond of. A few of the little minions, Doozers, he thought Foolish called them, were also around, playing with some of his various pet cats. A few sat on the back of their armchairs, muttering gibberish to Vegetta that he couldn’t comprehend for the life of him.

“Oh uh, that little idiot doesn’t like the flowers you picked out, I think they’re beautiful.” Foolish translated, shooting said doozer a dirty look.

His heart quickened, “What do they not like about them?” He turned to the one who’d spoken, brow raised in genuine concern.

Foolish rolled his eyes as the doozer talked again, “They think there’s too much purple and not enough gold. It’s fine, mi amor…” His tone softened.

“Fine is not perfecto!” Vegetta scrambled over the planner, going back to where he’d picked out the flowers- there was a meow and one of his cats brushed against his legs. He paused, looking down at it, their eyes meeting and an understanding was met.

He breathed in, “You’re picking the flowers.”

“Huh?” Foolish looked up just as Vegetta stood and shoved the planner in his hands.

Despite being taller and just as muscular as Vegetta, something about the planner made Foolish look so much smaller.

“You’re kidding?!” Foolish voice squeaked, “You know interiors and me are a match made in the pits of hell…” But the man pulled out the catalog anyway, looking over the flowers as his Doozers got all excited and chittered away with him.

Vegetta looked back at the cat who’d brushed against his leg, nodding with a smirk, and the cat looked just as coy. He sat back down, the cat hopped on his lap and purred as he stroked it. It was a welcome break from the trials and tribulations of wedding planning.

A few of his other cats joined his side and so Vegetta sighed happily, listening to the faint frantic ramblings of his beloved.

This time would be different. Vegetta was confident. He trusted Foolish.

“Okay, so I was thinking…” Foolish spoke louder, looking up at Vegetta, “Daylilies, their shape is fun, and some variants are definitely gold, err, well more yellow but close enough.”

“If you think it’s best.” Vegetta repeated what he’d heard all afternoon.

Foolish blushed, looking down, “Lo siento.” The man looked so embarrassed, it was adorable, “I didn’t want to intrude, you seemed so excited, and I don’t know what I’m doing at all anyways, not got this far with any of my past relationships.”

“I dictated most of my other weddings, I thought maybe having my partner more involved, well, perhaps this time it would end differently.” Vegetta said, “Even if it’s just flower selection…”

Foolish giggled, “The most important job of all.” He started to flip through the planner, “It’s so much more than I ever imagined, all these little details would have gone over my head if I was in charge.” He paused his turning.

“I want only the best.” Vegetta shrugged.

Foolish didn’t reply, staring at something in the book.

“Mi amor?”

The Doozers on his armchair covered their eyes, looking away with scared little faces.

Vegetta stood up, watching as Foolish’s face went through a mix of emotions from shock to fear to disgust and anger- He was gripping the planner so hard-

“Mi amor?” Vegetta went to hold his shoulders, noticing that the man’s eyes were locked on his plans to hold a banquet after the ceremony…

It was so hot, the lava around them suffocating and all consuming- all he saw were the red eyes of his friends as they dragged Eret to the chopping block.

He tried to stop it, tried to kill the egg with his lightening only to be laughed at…

The pulse echoing from the egg sounded like a laugh.

His heartbeat echoed in his ears at the same time. Whispers tickled his mind, encouraging him to walk to the block as Antfrost and Bad dragged him forward- Puffy’s distance distraught cries behind him. It wanted him to die for it, die for the egg, it was the right thing to do- He couldn’t move, his mind went hazy-

Foolish's gaze didn't leave the floor as his head hung low, arms stiff and almost glued to his sides. But he tried to reassure his mother- then cold steel was at his neck, Bad was talking, sounding so unlike himself, not that Foolish knew him all that well in the first place.

He feels the cold steel on his neck, closing his eyes, accepting what comes next. No one would step in for him, he was a totem after all. Sacrifice was within his very nature.

There was a sudden sharp pain in his neck, his body wailed as blood was splattered over everyone in the banquet hall- but instead of the darkness of death…a warm hand cups his cheek. 

Red eyes turn violet and finally Foolish can see again.

“Mi amor?” Vegetta cupped his face when the other started to cry silently, it was heartbreaking and he didn’t understand what triggered it

At the contact, Foolish’s clouded emerald eyes finally had a hint of recognition and he gasped like he’d been holding his breath and came back up to the surface for air. He clung to Vegetta’s clothes, pulling him closer and of course, Vegetta happily obliged.

“What’s wrong? What happened?!” Vegetta was practically sitting on his lap as Foolish just refused to let go, shoving his head in Vegetta’s chest. It took a moment before he realized the man was listening for his heartbeat.

Did he imagine Vegetta dying or…?

“Foolish, please, explain.” He ran a hand through his love’s hair, gently.

Foolish finally backed up, looking up at Vegetta from where he was sat on his lap. “I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry, you weren’t supposed to see that…” He reached for his own neck, rubbing it at first, then he brought both his hands scrambling around it like he was searching for something.

“See you breakdown? I argue future husbands will see that often in each other.” Vegetta frowned slightly. “Explain.”

“Explain? What? No, it’s nothing, just… silly nonsense, you know me!” Foolish’s hands left his throat and he grinned. There was an attempt to leave the chair-

Ah but Vegetta was on his lap, so he wasn’t getting away this time. He leaned in, wrapping a hand around his shoulder, “Foolish…”

The man blushed, “Vegetta, please, it’s nothing-”

“I told you of my failed weddings.” He poked his cheek and Foolish rolled his eyes.

“That’s relevant, what just happened, it has nothing to do with anything, just… a silly moment in my past, so not important…”

“If it sends you into a panic so severe you lose yourself, that is important.” Vegetta scowled, “Do you not trust me?”

That hit. Foolish’s face broke, his eyes widening. “Of course I do! It’s just…” He rubbed his face, his words failing him, “I’m not good with words…” Oh yes, Vegetta was well aware, “So even if I wanted to tell you, it would be terrible…”

“Tell me anyway.” Vegetta whispered.

Foolish stared, biting his lip. “Vegetta…I don’t want you to… I don’t want your perception of me to lower…”

“It couldn’t.” He reassured, “Did my explanation of my failed weddings make you think lower of me?”

“Of course not!” Foolish said, “But this… I failed… because I wasn’t strong enough…”

Vegetta snorted, “I have a secret too.” His love raised a brow, “I have also failed because I was not strong enough. It is natural and expected to face something stronger than we can handle. No worries, mi amor, but, you will need to explain or I will be very cross with you.”

Foolish sighed, “Fine… but… you can’t baby me about this. Leo already does that enough…”

Vegetta grinned, “You are her chiquito she tells me.” 

Foolish blushed, “Okay am I telling you or are you going to tease me?”

“Tell me!” Vegetta laughed, enjoying how easily flustered he was right now.

Hours later when tears were no longer shed, Vegetta took the planner and crossed off the word Banquet, writing in reception instead. That was the proper word for it, he’d just felt fancy that day, and he was glad for it.

Vegetta set the planner aside, walking up to his love as he took a nap on his armchair, worn out emotionally. Despite how close they were, he realized Foolish never really spoke of his past, only mentioning he’d known Bad for awhile, and my what a colored history that was.

He brushed his knuckles along Foolish’s tear-stained cheeks fondly.

“You will never suffer like that again. Mark my words.” Vegetta whispered, then he leaned in and gave him a kiss on his forehead.

Now, he had a wedding to finish planning.

Chapter Text

Foolish gritted his teeth as the Doozers tugged on the bandage around his torso. After applying a fresh salve over his various scars, the little idiots insisted they at least tighten them for him. It took at least a dozen to do so, but their eager little faces were hard to say no to.

They were all he had left.

For now, he reminded himself harshly.

He pinned the bandages together, thanking the Doozers as they scrambled when he sat up. Foolish had been on Leo’s bed, his tower still terribly unfurnished, and his only place to sit had been there. Her blankets and pillows were carefully packed away in a corner so as to not get any blood or other guck on his daughter’s things.

She would need them again, because he refused to believe she wasn’t alive somehow too.

Foolish wasn’t done, but he wasn’t sure he was in the right headspace to… no, he could gather his gear first… yes. Cellbit called them all to a meeting, to discuss what came next in their mission to find Vegetta, Leo and the others.

He put on his gear, diamond boots, the pants Vegetta gave him for the statue, his unbreakable hat- he couldn’t put on his chest plate yet so he went to grab his weapon, staring at the blue blade’s inscription along its hilt.

Mi Amor.

He smiled, a small one, but a smile all the same. Foolish picked it up, examining the blade to ensure it was sharp enough when he caught a glimpse of a stranger in its reflection. Panicked, he swung around with the blade to attack-

He was alone.

Foolish huffed, dropping the blade as he looked around wildly. A few Doozers asked him what was wrong and he ignoring them, running to his main window, looking for any intruders-

His eyes met the strangers, staring at him from the window.

Both of them had emerald eyes, golden skin, but… the man in the window was so gaunt, tired, broken. That wasn’t Foolish, it couldn’t be-

By the gods, who even was he anymore?

Foolish stepped back, shoving his sword into its hilt as he backed away from the reflective surface. He ran a hand through his hair, mind whirling…

Even when they found Vegetta again, would he be able to stand him like this?

Perhaps Rubius was right…

“Ay man!” Roier’s loud voice caused him to jump, and he actually let out a bark in response that Roier happily joined in on. 

It was pure instinct, but Foolish welcomed the levity, laughing slightly hysterically, forcing the humor if he had to. “Roier, I… I wasn’t expecting guests, sorry.” He was shirtless, and self-consciously he turned away from the other man. Before it would have been in fear of the man’s ogling, but now there was such a sad expression, oh he couldn’t stand it.

“Oh should I leave?” He asked, sounding so genuinely concerned- ugh.

“No, no it’s fine I was stalling anyway.” He laughed nervously, gestured to his neck. The two bites unlike the rest of his wounds had barely closed up. Bad explained there may have been a reaction unique to him and the demonic saliva. Foolish didn’t ask any other questions, that one bit making him queasy enough.

“Let me help.”

The two stared at one another.

“Okay.” He breathed.

Moments later, Foolish was back on the bed, Roier sat beside him dabbing at the wounds with an intense look in his eyes. It occurred to Foolish he hadn’t spoken to him in ages, certainly not one on one.

“Cómo estás?” He asked simply.

“I don’t think you want me to answer that, man.” Roier snorted, “Besides, if there’s someone who doesn’t need more shit at his feet right now, it’s you.”

“I’m fine.”

“I am literally treating bite marks on your neck, pendejo.” He frowned at him, making Foolish look away.

“I want to know how you are, Roier, please?” He closed his eyes.

Roier hummed, scrutinizing his wound for a moment before rolling his eyes, “Well, then I am also fine. Wonderful, we are both fine! Fine as in handsome, si?” He wiggled his brows.

Foolish blushed, “Roier, I was literally getting married a week ago.”

“It’s a joke! Chinga tu madre, you and Vegetta are so defensive now.” He pouted.

“It’s almost like we’re in a committed relationship, crazy…” Foolish smirked, “Can’t say the same for you, huh? Unless…”

And now Roier was blushing and Foolish hadn’t even said a name. He honestly had no idea who the other could be thinking of, but knowing Roier, there was always someone, even if that person changed every week.

“I think we should talk about you, I’m the psychologist, not you.” Oh Roier sounded so miffed. “Talk to me.”

“I have nothing to talk about.” Foolish frowned.

“I doubt that, come on man,” He paused, “Vegetta and Leo are gone.”

Foolish flinched, “No, no… they’re alive. We confirmed… well, we mostly know that.”

Roier’s eyes widened, “Did Bad…?”

“Bad? What? No, my earring, it activated and only Vegetta knew how it worked, so it confirmed he’s still alive. I was actually getting ready for a meeting about it tonight.” He looked down at his hands, watching as they shaked slightly and Foolish wasn’t even sure why this time. “It’s so much all at once… Everything’s moving so fast… I feel like I still haven't… recovered.”

Both inside and out.

“Ah, I understand, that’s how I felt when it came to losing Mariana, everyone was shocked sure, but you were still in danger, so I didn’t have the time I needed and now, it feels so silly since it seems he may be alive after all.”

A pause, Roier looked away from his neck.

“I don’t think it’s silly.” Foolish whispered, “You needed to grieve.”

“I need to get out of this conversation.” Roier frowned, “Everything is fine, Mariana is fine, mierda, it sounds like somehow Juanaflippa is fine too!” His pressure increased and Foolish cringed at the pain, “Oh, I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” Roier got off the wound, eyes wide.

“It’s fine! It’s fine! Trust me, that’s nothing.” He laughed awkwardly, claws haunting his vision for a moment before he was scrambling for his roll of bandages.

Roier handed it to him, brows furrowed, “You okay, man?”

“Never better!” He gritted out, his shark teeth forming a very convincing smile.

“We really have to stop asking each other that leads us nowhere.” Roier joked, shaking his head.

“I agree.” Foolish started to wrap his neck. Roier did a good job, the wounds were dressed appropriately and he secured the bandage with little hassle.

Now the pair were sitting on a bed, looking at one another.

Foolish opened his mouth first, stumbling over the words, “I’m sorry about Mariana.”

Roier waved his hand, “The idiot’s alive somehow… I’m… not worried.”

“You sound very worried.” Foolish said flatly.

“Shut up.”

“Make me.” Foolish teased.

“Oh are you hitting on me? I will tell Vegetta!” Roier teased back, causing Foolish to blush again.

“I meant to cover my mouth or something not-” He was interrupted by the sound of the elevator being used. Both of them looked over at the newcomer.

“Foolish?! In bed with Roier?! We are trying to rescue your fiance! How could you do this?!” Bad’s shrill voice cried out, and beside him Dapper was shaking his head disappointingly.

There wasn’t a way to defend himself that wasn’t going to turn into the world’s longest game of miscommunication so he just sighed instead, leaning back on the bed.

“Oh, I was just joking. Come on, Foolish…” Bad whined, walking up to them.

Foolish was amazed that worked.

“Mamahuevo!” Roier said, “Long time no see, you didn’t visit me?” He pouted.

“Oh, sorry, I was busy, there’s this thing I was researching, which I figured out by the way, so my time was spent on that.” Bad said, “But I’ll be sure to visit you soon! You got any new furniture?”

“No! That was a good time! Stay away!” Roier stood up, his ability to switch from pouting to anger was impressive, “I haven’t had to worry about a little rat under my floorboards, it’s nice!” He threw up his hands.

 “Oh I don’t know, it really sounded like you missed me.” Bad smiled, “That’s so sweet! Aww! Roier!” Bad gushed, clasping his hands together and turning to his son, “You hear that, Dapper? He really missed us!”

“I think you two seriously need to talk one of these days.” Dapper said, deadpan, “Or better yet, someone ask for a date and get it over with.”

Both Bad and Roier gasped, but Bad spoke first, “Out of pocket, Dapper! It’s not like that!”

Roier’s eyes narrowed in that playful expression he made often, “No no, I think it needs to stay out of the pocket… Is that why you visit me, huh, mamahuevo?”

“Not at all! Ugh, Foolish! We are just here to esc- I mean to go to the meeting.” Bad stomped his foot.

Foolish sat up on the bed, frowning, “Were you about to say escort?”

Roier shook his head, “Bad wants to be your escort, he’s all over the place, can’t decide who he likes…”

“Hey! No! Bad Roier!” Bad chided, “It was more of a safety escort, not that I was doing that or anything, just walking together as friends.”

“ Friends.” Roier air-quoted, wiggling his brows again.

Dapper chuckled, “Dad, you’re digging the hole deeper.”

“AGH!” Bad cried out. “I’ll be waiting downstairs, I can’t handle you two when you work against me.” He pointed at Roier and Dapper, then he went back downstairs.

Foolish let out a bit of a laugh, but it stuttered and failed. It sounded wrong to laugh when… he sighed.

Roier and Dapper gave each other a look Foolish couldn’t quite make out.

“Bad’s so easy to rile up.” Roier said.

Dapper agreed, “He sure is.” Then he looked at Roier, tilting his head, “Want to come to the meeting? Cellbit’s gonna be there.”

Roier’s cheeks reddened like a lightbulb was switched on and he jabbed his finger at the child, “You know too much at all times.”

Dapper smirked, “Thank you!” Then he was back downstairs too.

“Don’t worry about it, Roier. That kid’s a scumbag.” Foolish joked, but it was half-hearted. He found it was harder to say anything bad about the kid after he went to the nether to help rescue him.

Roier nodded, “Si, a scumbag.” and he walked over to the elevator, but paused, looking back at Foolish, “We’re going to fix this, I promise.” He didn’t give him a chance to respond.

Foolish was alone, but… not for long.

He put on the rest of his armor, pulling up his turtle neck just in case, then headed back down to join his friends because as much as he may need time to recover, the best recovery would be seeing his family again so they could join in on the laughter.

Chapter Text

When Vegetta returned from being questioned, an event brought to an end with Rubius’s interruption that the Federation eventually handled, everyone back in the prison was already asleep. Not seeing any immediate reason to wake his mija, he went to sleep alongside her.

In the morning, he slipped out of bed, his nina still asleep, and went back to his usual examinations. He didn’t see any trace of food, so he assumed Leo didn’t have a chance to investigate the food hatch.

Disappointing, but not her fault of course.

He was poking at where the glass met the solid wall when an inpatient cough came from across the hall. The annoyance was awake.

Vegetta sighed, but looked up. He grinned broadly, “Buenos días, mi pequeño enemigo.”

Mariana waved his hand, scoffing, “I get it! Mierda…”

Was he being too harsh? He remembered Foolish explaining those weeks of defending himself to the whole populace while Vegetta was the most hermit he’d ever been, and he decided his rudeness was fair enough.

“May I help you?” Vegetta said, laying on the tone of dismissal, like he was a little fly buzzing around him.

Mariana crossed his arms, “Can we please just… talk?”

“I am not interested.” Vegetta returned to his work, walking over to the wall with the food hatch, he still wasn’t sure where that was, but with the lack of food… “You didn’t lie about that hatch did you?”

“No.” Mariana said stiffly, “The food isn’t consistent at all.”

“I suspect we aren’t on a sleeping schedule that makes sense either with no sunlight.” Vegetta looked around their prison, and yes, no windows. 

“Precisely.” Mariana said, “Now can we please talk about-”

“Have they only provided food? Have you tried breaking something? See if they replace it or…” Vegetta rubbed his chin, his mind whirling with ways to check the limits of their prison.

“No, but Vegetta, please I am trying to-”

“Are they trying to keep us alive? Perhaps if you got hurt-”

“I am not going to- AGH!” Mariana pounded on the glass, “Shut the fuck up and listen to me you pendejo!”

Vegetta didn’t jump at the reaction, just looked at him innocently, “Go ahead.”

“I have made many mistakes in my life.” Mariana started, “And stuck in this place, they are all I can think of when my biggest one sleeps in the same bed as I do.” He glanced back at Juanaflippa, still in that same bed.

Vegetta was amazed that both children were still asleep… though he suspected at least one of them was just pretending so this conversation happened… Leo loved listening to drama.

“And what are your mistakes, Mariana?” Vegetta walked up to the glass.

“I broke up with Foolish out of fear.” He whispered, “What we had was made in an intense situation, it was short but full of life, every second was a rollercoaster of emotion but when we all appeared on that train station, it felt suffocating.” He explained. “I was scared, seeing him in a place with a slower pace that he would see how utterly unremarkable I was and break it off. I didn’t want to get hurt so I broke it off with him first.”

“That is quite the mistake.” Vegetta agreed, “I have never met a man more loyal, as you tested yourself.” His eyes narrowed, his mouth forming a bit of a snarl.

Mariana’s eyes widened, sweat building on his brow.

“That mistake, yes.” Mariana sighed, “But before that was another I must explain.” He took a breath, putting his hands together, “Foolish gave me a chicken, a pet, named Mariana is a Bitch.”

Vegetta chuckled, “Qué?” Oh that was hilarious, he needed to tell Foolish that the next time he saw him. Because he would see him again.

“Si, Foolish is eloquent…” Mariana cringed, “But I didn’t blame it for its name and wanted to care for it anyway.” He paused, “Then there was Spreen…”

“I haven’t heard that name in a long time.” Vegetta said.

“He’s allergic to eggs, at least that’s what Fit says.” Mariana shrugged, “But the reason I bring him up is he killed that chicken, but that chicken laid an egg.”

“So you failed to protect a chicken…” Vegetta pursed his lips together.

“Yes! Yes!” Mariana raised his hands, “But that’s not all! Foolish visited me, he threw that egg and it hatched. That was our son! Mariana is a Bitch Jr! I was so happy, Foolish even agreed we stick together for the chicken’s sake, it was a second chance, I could try again!” Mariana looked excited, far too excited for his liking.

“That chicken is dead too, aren’t they?” He felt like his amor would have mentioned some chicken-child somewhere…

“There was a bomb, I didn’t know, and I can’t protect what I don’t know.” Mariana scowled, “You see, Vegetta, I don’t have this aura of intimidation you have. I was picked on a lot by the others.”

“You failed to make yourself more powerful than.” Vegetta shrugged, “Perhaps if you spent more time gathering resources than trying to flirt with Foolish-”

“I didn’t! The time we saw each other when Jr was born, that was him visiting me!” He said, waving his hand, “We were both confused, angry, it was mutual.” He paused and Vegetta knew he was staring at how utterly unchanged his expression was, “Do you have no sympathy in that cold black heart of your’s Vegetta?”

“Mariana,” Vegetta crossed his arms, “We are stuck in a prison with no tangible hope of escape and now you are detailing your colorful history with my fiance. I don’t understand how you expect me to react.”

Mariana sighed, “I was… there are layers to… my apology.”

“Oh?” Vegetta raised a brow.

“On the night of the sleepover, well, you know how he is. So cheery, so kind, hilarious and witty, oh how could I resist? Before the eggs, there was still a spark, a hint of something more and so… I tried to spark it, see if the kindling could start anew despite the circumstances.” His hand went up, rubbing his neck nervously, “But I understand now I was hopelessly outmatched against the Mighty Vegetta, a fool’s errand if you will.” He laughed a little at his pun.

Vegetta didn’t say anything at first, letting the man sweat further.

He already knew the details of the event from Foolish’s perspective and this information only confirmed one thing. Mariana was delusional.

“I’m waiting for the apology.” He said finally.

Mariana flinched, “Right, well… Please consider this my formal apology for… forcing myself upon your novio that night. Slime and I, we were not in a good spot, and seeing Foolish so happy with you, I lashed out and lied. I wanted him to hurt.”

“And you did that quite well.” Vegetta said stiffly.

“But as you said before, this isn’t going to help us out of here.” Mariana gestured around them. “So I was hoping we could bury the hatchet and work together so we both can get back to our loves.” He put his hands on his hips, “I gave up before you came along, but like you said you are you, and I am me.”

Vegetta snorted.

“So truce?”

Vegetta eyed him, considering. He was a weak man, driven by his emotions to a degree he’d never seen before, but he admitted that wasn’t always for the worst. Anger fueled him in the nether after all. More importantly, he was the only other adult in the room.

“And when you and Foolish… buried the hatchet, you apologized in the same vein?”

Mariana looked away, “It was…pleasant, simple, he honestly looked relieved.”

“Good.” He scratched his face, noticing there was a bit of stubble now. He hummed, turning his back to Mariana as he considered the pros and cons… 

His eyes landed on Leo and her eyes looked back. She looked… Well, she was certainly enjoying the drama, but then she hid her head under the covers. Cover that weren’t her’s in a room that wasn’t her, still in the tattered pink dress from their failed wedding.

Vegetta needed to get his girl home. He sighed, turning back to Mariana, “I still dislike you, but… I will refrain until we are out of this mess. No more sob stories.”

“Entiendo, gracias.” Mariana’s shoulders slacked.

There was a click- the door at the end of the hall opened. Alarmed, Vegetta and Mariana walked up as close as they could to the glass. There were two figures, one was of course that accursed bear but the other-

A green and white hat, large black wings, and the disgruntled face only an old man like Vegetta could make, Philza Minecraft was rough-housed down the hall. The man was practically biting at the bear, screaming, “I’m going to kill you with a toothpick! Ram it up your ass! See how you like that?!”

They passed their cells and then unceremoniously Philza was teleported into the one beside Mariana, so only Vegetta could see him run back up to the glass, pounding his fists against the glass, “Come back here!”

Cucurucho did not such thing, but it’s head did face Vegetta for one moment- then it was gone.

Philza was still banging on the glass.

“That won’t work.” Vegetta said simply.

Philza stopped, blinking as he finally got a good look around his new home. “Wait, what? Vegetta? I thought you were dead?”

Vegetta nodded, “Likewise, but here we are.” He gestured around them, “Leo and sadly, Mariana are here too.”

“Oh shut up,” Mariana muttered, “Juanaflippa is alive too.”

“Juanaflippa?! How?” Philza gasped, “I don’t understand- that stupid thing led me into a trap! Damn it!” He smacked the glass again.

“Did it kill you?” Vegetta asked, thinking.

“No. I don’t think so…” Philza said, “Why…?”

Vegetta looked over at Mariana, “Whatever their plans are, they are willing to break their own rules, assuming there even are any.”

“At least without a death message, someone will be looking for Phil and thus us at least.” Mariana tapped his finger on the glass, “No clue how they’ll know where though.”

Vegetta’s brows furrowed, “Yes, this is all… so very troubling. Did they tell you why?” He looked at Phil, the man was slumped against the glass.

“Of course not, vague fucks.” Phil muttered.

Then Leo was by his side, pulling on his leg, distracting him. “Yes, mija?”

“I’m hungry.” She whispered.

Ah. Vegetta frowned. He didn’t have a solution for that.

Mierda, he didn’t have a solution for anything and all of them were watching, expecting-

He would figure this out, he would not fail again.

Chapter Text

There was a lot of talking, arguing really.

Max was the loudest, his voice booming over the rest at the news, “We can’t send him, Vegetta will have my head if something happens-”

Bad got in his face, “There will be no Vegetta to have your head unless we take him!”

Lastly, Cellbit was in the middle, jabbing his arms in between the two and forcing them away from one another, “Both of you! Relax! He’s a grown man, he can make his own choices!”

Roier was behind Cellbit, nodding along to what the man said.

Foolish hadn’t moved. He was seated at their meeting table, watching as the other Theory Bros exploded into chaos. Usually he’d join in, picking whatever side Bad wasn’t on, but in their situation… He was just too tired to do so.

Because of course this wasn’t going to be easy. It never was.

An hour ago, before the arguing began, they sat waiting in the meeting room under Cellbit’s home. It was rather impressive, looking like a real secret headquarters with concrete walls, fluorescent lights, epic symbols of the order?! He may have squealed just a bit, looking around the place.

Then they were in the actual room, a table sprawling with maps and charts and- okay with all the coffee mugs it just looked like Cellbit’s desk grew in size. The place reeked of the stuff.

It occurred to Foolish he’d never seen any of this before, and he voiced such at the time, making the other two original Theory Bros have a rather guilty-looking expression.

“You were never going to tell me, were you?” Foolish pouted.

“Demasiado guapo.” Maximus said simply, while Bad nodded.

“And what does that mean?!”

“Ask Vegetta when we get him back.” Max nodded sagely.

 One confused noise from Foolish later and the four of them went over what they all knew so far, with their guest, Roier, mostly watching between Bad and Cellbit. Max explained he didn’t get much from the radio, only static and someone named Sofia was also unhelpful.

Foolish had no idea who that was so he ignored that.

Cellbit finished the final riddle, but all they learned was that the Binary monster was supposedly trying to help them escape the isle, a goal Foolish swore they were already trying to do. And that didn’t explain why it attacked their children.

Lastly was Bad, and he looked nervous, “My library didn’t really say anything, so… I ended up searching through Vegetta’s.”

“What? You disabled the turrets?” Max had asked.

“Something like that…” Bad giggled to himself and that’s when Foolish knew he was going to have quite the clean up job ahead of him at Hogar.

“So what did you find?” Cellbit asked.

“Ya man, don’t leave us in suspense.” Roier added.

Bad nodded, looking to Foolish with an extended hand, “Earring please.”

Foolish hesitated, mind whirling with their promise- but- this was so he could see him again, yes, he had to. With shaky fingers, Foolish pulled out the earring, scowling at the sight of the crack still over its surface.

He’d have to repair that one day.

“Thank you.” Bad said, pursing his lips together, “Honestly, I expected more resistance.”

“I want them back.” Foolish said simply and that shut up the demon.

“So?” Max prompted, waving his hand.

Bad nodded, “Right.” He held up the earring, his hand making a few gestures Foolish found familiar. He supposed he saw Vegetta practicing at some point, late at night while his eyes were heavy from sleep or in the morning when his early-bird lover was ready to go.

He missed those.

Bad stopped moving, watching the earring expectantly, but… nothing happened. He frowned, glancing over at Foolish, “I feared this might be the case.”

“What is?” Cellbit asked, bringing a hand to his chin, “Wait… you don’t think…”

“Oh no, it’s likely…” Max nodded, “These two are too much…”

Roier snorted, “He really doesn’t trust anyone else, huh?”

Foolish was so lost. “What?” He looked around at them all, not catching the hint.

Bad walked up to him, shoving the earring back in his hand, “Copy me.”

“What? Why? I’m not able to-”

“Just do it!” Cellbit snapped, making Foolish jump. Even Max raised a brow at the man’s sudden volume. Roier was… well, the man was giving Cellbit quite an… affectionate look.

Foolish did not want to know.

“I said, copy me.” Bad repeated, his tone softer, making it far more annoying. He preferred the Bad who accused him of cheating every other day to this…

“Fine, but I don’t see how it’ll help, if you got it wrong, you got it wrong.” Foolish rolled his eyes, but he copied Bad as best he could. There was a shake to his hands that hadn’t stopped since he took off the earring. His eyes kept locking with the crack in its surface.

In seconds, the amethyst glowed and a violet stream of light poured out of it.

His breath hitched.

That was when the arguing began.

Now, an hour later, they were all looking at him expectantly. 

Max wanted him to stay and just recite the spell in the bunker, Bad wanted him to go with them to pinpoint it, and Cellbit wanted him to choose instead of being forced to do one or the other. Roier… Well, he was having a good time watching them all at each other’s throats.

“I guess, I want to understand the benefits of going with you all. Max’s idea seems… safer. You could just leave a teleporter or waystone, Bad.” Foolish said, frowning at the demon.

Bad shook his head, “And you maintain magic the whole time? No, that made Vegetta winded, if you stay here, it… well you have no idea how far he is, the energy you’d spend, it’s not possible, you’ll die.”

Foolish gulped, “Oh.” Bad looked irritated and he wondered how many times he said that amongst all the arguing. 

“And if Cucurucho attacks and takes him? What do we do then?” Max frowned. “It’s too dangerous, we already couldn’t leave him alone-”

“What? I was alone at my dragon.” He put in.

Cellbit, Max and Bad all shared a look, Cellbit speaking first, “You sure were…”

“Yes, no one was watching.” Max agreed.

Bad nodded, “I definitely wasn’t there.”

Okay so Bad was watching him treat his wounds. Great. “You all…” He wanted to be mad, but… recalling the fight in the nether, how easily the damned bear killed Vegetta… He took a breath, “Thanks, real creepy, could have just told me, but sure, I guess I’m grateful.” He glared at Bad, “But did it have to be him?”

Cellbit shrugged, “We didn’t want you ending up like Felps and Bad has the best weapon we have.”

He shouldn’t ask, he did, “Who?”

“Dapper.” Max grinned.

Foolish groaned.

Roier laughed, “Wait so you were watching me, mamahuevo?!” He walked up to the demon, “Did you like what you saw?” He made a rather suggestive motion with his body-

“I am right here!” Cellbit muttered, as flustered as Bad was speechless.

Roier brought a hand to his mouth, “It’s just jokes, gatinho.” He winked at Cellbit, then stepped away from Bad. “Both of you, so easy, too easy.” His smirk was infectious, Max joining in with a hearty chuckle at the other two’s flailing.

The demon’s cheeks couldn’t be rosier, and their detective was a tomato.

Foolish meanwhile was sitting sweating in his chair trying to decide. While it was true he would be safer in their bunker, Bad had a point. He could barely do magic at all, much less like this… He looked at his hand as it shook. How was he supposed to maintain it for however far Vegetta and Leo were?

And Leo because she was there with him, she had to be- if she wasn’t if she was truely gone… fuck he didn’t know what he’d do…

There was a loud bang above them. They all looked up.

“Cellbit!” Forever cried out, running into the room, Richarlyson and Dapper joining him. The two kids had been playing chess upstairs. “Uh, there’s a bit of a situation-”

“What’s going on?” Cellbit asked, brows furrowed in concern.

“Something’s happened to Philza.” Forever’s usual goofy grin was nowhere to be seen, his eyes looked intense, like if he blinked it’d kill him. “Baghera and Jaiden are here with their kids.” He glanced at Roier, “Bobby saw something.”

Roier nodded, “Let’s go.” The two Brazilians, Max and Roier left.

The kids stayed, Dapper looking to his dad. “Baghera came back from visiting Tallulah with Pomme. Apparently Philza sent Chayanne to them, but it’s been hours. Bobby was in his treehouse, he saw him… with Cucurucho.”

“That’s concerning.” Bad frowned, “What would they want with- wait.” He locked eyes with Foolish, “They wanted you for your blood.”

“His blood?” Richarlyson asked, utterly lost.

“Don’t worry about it, just know tio Foolish is weird.” Dapper smirked.

Foolish frowned, “You don’t think the federation found out about… uh… his wife?”

“Wife?!” Richarlyson squealed, “Oh, Dad’s not going to like that.” He pouted and Dapper patted his shoulder in silent solidarity.

Bad sighed, “Kids, why don’t you go and play… I need to talk to your uncle alone.”

Foolish didn’t want to talk to Bad alone- ah but the kids were already shuffling away. Of course, what he wanted wasn’t relevant. He glared at Bad the moment they were alone.

“What do you want-”

“How are you holding up?”

It was so shockingly sincere, it threw him off guard.

“I’m fine.” Foolish growled.

“Your entire personality today says otherwise.”

“Then leave so I stop bothering you.”

“Oh, Foolish, never.”

This was going to be long and annoying.

“How about we focus on the fact Philza is gone-” Foolish waved his hand, “And I thought only us two and Wilbur knew anything about his… state of being.”

Bad walked leaned over the table, “We’ve been around a long time, but we’re not the only ones who have or could have known about it.” He tapped his chin, “You know… the Federation do have someone they didn’t before, someone who probably doesn’t care to protect anyone…”

Foolish didn’t want to think about him. He knew, he knew exactly who Bad was thinking of, but the knowledge wasn’t worth uttering the name.

He ran his hands through his hair, “Of course.” It made too much sense.

“I bet he’s in the same place Vegetta is; I bet this is a trap, using him as bait.” Bad said, tapping the table, “This is going to be ugly, Foolish.” He paused, “I’ll make sure you’re safe.”

Foolish sighed, “I know, but, I’m going to keep you safe too. This is a two way friendship, bitch.”

Bad sputtered, “Language!”

Foolish grinned, “Guess that means I’m going with the search party, to watch your ass.”

Bad gaped, “Are you going to make me language you the whole time?!”

“You bet I am… uh…fuck.” Okay that one was weak…

Chapter Text

The next time Vegetta was conscious, he went right to the glass, looking for their feathered friend. It occurred to him he could ask about Foolish and the others, have even a hint of what was going on in the outside world.

That’s why his cell being devoid of life startled him.

“Mariana,” Vegetta paused as the man in the jumpsuit turned to him, “Philza is gone.”

“You’re joking, he just got here.” Mariana frowned, walking up to join him by the glass. 

Juanaflippa watched her father from her bed where she was playing with a few dino toys, kicking her feet. It occurred to Vegetta he never really met the girl before, she was cute.

Not as adorable as his nina of course.

Leo joined her father’s side as the two adults continued their conversation.

Vegetta rubbed his chin, “I suspect he’s being questioned as I was.”

“I was as well.” Mariana crossed his arms, “Mierda.” He looked away, “I was going to ask him how Slime was, he’s his friend.”

“Slime?” Vegetta raised a brow, “Oh! The green man, with the… stick in his head.” He snapped his fingers, “It has been too long.”

“Si, mi amor.” Mariana’s shoulders relaxed slightly, “Who I despise.” He tensed, “But I miss him…” They relaxed again. “Maybe.” Tense.

Leo jabbed her elbow in Vegetta’s side and whispered, “Familia disfuncional.”

“Si…” He nodded as Mariana turned on his heel.

His daughter had gotten off the bed and smacked him with one of the toys, then the two started arguing, but it wasn’t too loud, more like a heated disagreement then actual anger.

That gave Vegetta and Leo a moment to themselves. He smiled down at his mija, the pair walking over to the armchair without a word. They both had the same idea.

Vegetta brought his hands together as he sat, as though he was meditating, “Prison break.” He turned them forward, pointing at Leo.

She copied him, “Prison break.”

Her stomach rumbled right at that moment and she giggled nervously.

Vegetta scowled, “Rubius did not feed you, not well at least did he?” There had still been no sign of food in their prison. He was starting to wonder if Mariana lied to him.

“I had water and one fruit… I think everyday? It was hard to tell.” Leo rubbed her arm awkwardly, looking so embarrassed and for what? “I...” She trailed off, her expression stricken.

“Why are you… Leo…” Vegetta leaned forward, clasping her tiny hands in his. “Whatever he did to you, to Foolish…” They never talked about it, Vegetta was still clueless on the details, but he knew that conversation would occur the moment they were all safe. “None of that was your fault, none of that is your guilt to bear.”

It’s mine.

But he didn’t say that aloud.

“Pa…” Leo whispered, her hands clenching his tighter, “I couldn’t do anything.”

Vegetta shook his head, “I recall you telling me you broke him out, and even if you hadn’t, you were there, and that would have been enough.” He wasn’t.

Leo sniffled and Vegetta shook his head, he brought his hand up to wipe away the tear that threatened to fall, “No, no, mija, no tears, no worries.” He whispered as gently as he could. “I could not be more proud of you.”

“You’ve told me that twice now since all of this.” Leo said, looking around their prison, “But I find it so hard to believe.”

“Do you think I am lying to you?” He frowned sadly.

Leo paused at that, her lips parting uselessly, but then she shook her head, “No, no, I know you aren’t.” Her shoulders slumped, “I’m a bad egg.”

Vegetta sighed, “You say that, but all I see is a strong, smart, resourceful nina.” He winked and she smiled a bit, “Now how about we plan our escape?”

“Together?” She smiled.

Vegetta nodded and he let go of her hands to stand and walk over to the TV, “Now let’s see what this bucket of bolts has inside.” He knocked on the top of it.

Leo grinned, “I tore apart a muzzle to make a lockpick. Uncle Bad showed me how to open doors, but you showed me how to craft.”

Vegetta blinked, as there was so much to unpack there. Bad was teaching his daughter things? When?

A muzzle?!

He brushed them aside, filing them under the things to discuss when safe, part of his mind. “That’s brilliant, mija.” He patted the top of her head.

“My hair!” She moaned, even as the rat’s nest it was made the complaint nonsensical.

Then the pair got to work. One moment their room was relatively clean, the next they had disassembled much of the TV with ease. Leo made another lockpick even though there was no door, insisting it didn’t hurt to have it. Vegetta focused on making little tools, an axe, a pickaxe, and even a makeshift dagger out of TV parts. They were literal junk, but he tried to break the walls and glass around them regardless.

He stuffed the dagger in his belt, underneath so it wasn’t visible.

By the time they were done, there was only a little pile of scrap metal left that they discarded in a corner, their makeshift tools against the wall beside it once they proved useless.

Mariana and Juana kept glancing at them, making faces or muttering something to each other and he swore one word was “Loco.” but he was too busy to confront him on it.

Hours later, Vegetta was back on the armchair, Leo on his lap, the pair were exhausted, their excited chatter as they worked on disassembling the TV had quickly turned into frustration when the tools did nothing.

He hated that a little voice in the back of mind, sounding so much like Rubius, told him this was going to fail from the start.

And of course, speak of the devil and he shall appear.

Beady black eyes, the little bear came in first, but Philza was close behind. The man didn’t look well, dried blood on his split lip, a black eye, but more importantly his wings looked hideous. There were spots plucked raw, and one looked broken as it sagged more than the other.

“Woah, man!” Mariana gasped at the sight, Juana hiding behind him.

Cucurucho took Philza to the front of his cell with a hand tight around his upper arm, stopping for a moment and then the man was teleported inside.

He was on his hands and knees immediately, gasping at something the teleportation pulled, no doubt.

Cucurucho walked past, ignoring Mariana, but staring at Vegetta. He didn’t waver, glaring back until the accursed thing left them alone.

“Philza?” Vegetta asked, trying to get a better look at the injured man, and when Leo followed he put a hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her for seeing such a thing. It was odd, the Federation, other than killing him, didn’t lay a direct hand on them, and yet here they were…

Vegetta had a terrible feeling about this.

“Are you alright? What happened?!” Mariana asked, pressing his face against the glass though it would be impossible for him to see.

Philza didn’t talk at first, his breathing irregular. They waited with baited breath.

The man shifted over to sit, his good wing flayed out beside him almost like a protective shield while the other flopped around uselessly. He cringed everything he jostled it, sucking in a breath through clenched teeth.

When the man finally had a modicum of not complete pain on his face, he took one last deep breath before muttering out, “Who the fuck is Titi?”

It all made sense now. The injuries didn’t seem like the work of the federation, but Rubius? He was working with them, that was the only explanation. They let him trick him into believing Titi was alive…

Sometimes Vegetta wondered if he despised Rubius or pitied him in his mindless devotion. He glanced down at Leo, his heart aching at the mere thought of losing her.

But that didn’t excuse kidnapping, assault, the torture.

“You were with Rubius.” Vegetta said.

“That demon’s here?!” Mariana exclaimed, and it occurred to him he didn’t tell Mariana anything.

“Demon no longer.” Vegetta clarified.

“You’re right. Has a nasty right hook though.” Philza spat, literally, a bit of red mingled with it as it dripped down the glass. He wiped off the end of his mouth.

“How do you make him not a demon? Can Badboy be un-demon-ified?” Mariana asked.

“Rubius wasn’t born a demon like Bad was.” Philza said, “I can tell.”

“So no…?” Mariana sighed, “Damn, that would have been funny.”

 Vegetta crossed his arms, “He questioned you instead of the Federation?” At the other man’s nod, he continued, “Was it only about Titi or…?”

“There were a lot of things, none of which I particularly want to discuss with you all.” Phil said, “I’m a private person precisely for this reason.” he paused, “I don’t understand how he knew what he did.”

“I can answer both.” Vegetta said and Phil made a motion for him to go on, “Rubius’s obsession with his deceased son drove him to look into the matters of the universe. Life, death, all that falls in between. He must have found a way to turn himself into that amalgamation then.”

“Disturbing.” Phil said.

“It is.” Vegetta frowned, “Which brings us to you, Angel of Death.”

“There is no fucking way you know too, what the shit-” Phil let out a string of curses, “At least with Foolish and Bad they’ve been around, you’re mortal!”

Vegetta was confused, “Foolish is younger than me.” He was the one with gray hairs at his temple.

“There’s no way he didn’t tell you.” Phil’s eyes widened, “You two were getting married?!” The man facepalmed, regretting it when his wing was jostled. “Foolish, you idiot, what did he tell you, his age in totem years or something?”

“He’s twenty-four…?” Vegetta said, sounding unsure for the first time in ages.

Mariana nodded, “He told me the same when we were dating.”

“I’m not explaining it, no way, not my job.” Phil said, “But you need to explain how you know, Vegetta. That’s private knowledge, I don’t go around calling myself that, especially not on this island.”

“I don’t see why I need to explain if you won’t explain.” He shrugged, years of training in the art of magic lead you to interesting research possibilities and it took the plucking of Phil’s wings among all the other evidence for Vegetta to finally put the pieces together. “You don’t live as long as I have doing what I do without learning a bit about the Angel of Death.” The legend of the Antarctic Empire and it's Blood God and Angel of Death stretched wide, it must not have occurred to Philza after so many years.

“Bullshit.” Phil said.

But before they could argue further, the door at the end opened. This time, two of the little white bears entered, one stayed by the door while the other went and stopped in front of Vegetta and Mariana’s glass.

One moment Vegetta was clutching his daughter protectively, the next he was back in the hall. He scowled, jumping back when Cucurucho reached out. There was a moment he considered drawing his makeshift dagger, but with two of them, he decided to run over to Leo instead.

“Te quiero mucho, do not try anything else until I get back!” He ordered her.

Leo nodded her head, eyes wide with worry. “Cuídate, pa!” She cried as Cucurucho restrained his arms from behind. Vegetta wrestled with it anyway, grunting and groaning against the unnatural strength of the creature.

“Hope you come back in one piece!” Mariana yelled as he left, Phil only watched.

Vegetta was basically dragged there, as his next attempt at rebellion was just not walking. Of course that ended up hurting his legs more than anything else and he was actually grateful when the room he ended up in had a chair for him to be forced onto.

He was not as happy about the straps around his body, restraining his movements.

He bit at Cucurucho as they pulled them tight, but it was little use and when it was done, it unexpectedly left him there, alone.

But he was not alone long enough to think of his next move as the door behind him opened and a dark chuckle filled the air around him.

“My, my, my… What a familiar sight with a different guest.” Rubius grinned.

Chapter Text

It was happening again.

Her father was taken away, again.

She couldn’t help, again.

Leo turned against the glass, her back to the others as she slid down into a sit. Then she pulled up her knees and stuffed her face in between, hoping that if she hid her sadness it would hurt less. 

It didn’t.

She was on the verge of crying again and Leo had never felt worse. It was like all she knew to do in the face of such trauma.

“Hey…” Philza’s tone was soft, “Leo… it’s going to be okay.”

Slowly she looked up, glancing over at him with the side-eye she was famous for. “You cam back with a broken wing.”

“It’s not that bad…” He said, like a liar.

Leo glared.

“He’s not dead.” Mariana said, equally helpful, so equally earning his side-eye from Leo.

Phil tried again, “I know this is difficult, but we will get out of here.”

“How?” Her voice croaked, and she fought back her tears harder. “I haven’t been home in so long…” She pulled at her ruined pink dress, “I haven’t been able to change my clothes, or eat anything or, or…” Her hands went to her tangled messy hair and that only made her sadder, “Dada used to brush my hair… papa would style it, I miss my life so much.”

“I know, Leo…” Phil spoke quieter, “And I’m sorry you’ve been through all of this.”

She sniffled, wiping her nose. “It’s not fair.”

“It’s not.” He nodded, “But right now, all we can do is wait. Your father will come back.” Phil put a hand on the glass, “And if he doesn’t, I’ll ensure this whole place is burnt to the ground the first chance I get.”

Leo stared at him, her lips twitched upward, “That sounds badass… Thank you.”

“Of course.” He smiled gently back.

She nodded at Phil then glanced at the other cell.

Mariana’s eyes widened, “Uh, there, there?” He scratched the back of his head.

Juana whacked him in the leg and he rubbed at it as she spoke, “Leo?”

Leo looked at her, and it really hit her how much older she looked since they last saw each other. It had really been too long. “Flippa?”

Juana’s hands nervously messed with her braided pigtails, “I know we didn’t know each other long…” She bit her lip, “But… I wanted you to know… I understand.” There was a look in the other girl’s eyes, a girl who’d seen too much, too soon, too frequently. She didn’t know the details of what life with Mariana and Slime was like, but she could assume a lot now.

Leo’s grip on her legs tightened, and she nodded. “Thank you.” Juana had been gone for so long… She missed her.

With that, the room went quiet. No one knew what to say, what to do.

So they left.

Mariana and Juanaflippa went back to their room, the younger giving her one more worried look before Mariana was shoving a toy in her hand. Philza tried to stand, bracing himself against the glass as he did, his balance obviously wrecked. He went to his bed, face first on the mattress.

So Leo was alone, but she didn’t try to take it to heart. None of the people in the room she would have classified as being particularly close to anyway. They weren’t her parents, they weren’t Uncle Bad or Tio Max, and none of them were her best friend Trumpet.

When she saw Juana… there was that spark of hope that maybe, just maybe he was here too. While brief, their friendship was special to her, listening to him play on his guitar… as nervous as he was to do so, and then it was so beautiful! She told him and he blushed, insisting it was terrible because he recently started learning.

When Leo screamed to the heavens how wonderful it was, Trumpet’s flush turned into him looking just like a tomato. It was adorable. 

Trumpet was and as far as she was concerned, still is her best friend.

She bit her thumb, refusing to start the waterworks again. There was a time and a place to mourn the dead her papa told her, and she wasn’t like her dada, nervously laughing in the face of despair. So she met in the middle, taking a breath until she was relaxed at last.

Especially with how dehydrated she was, the tears would only hurt. Even Rubius gave her water and fruit… the Federation… Were they trying to starve them?

The back of her head smacked against the glass as her stomach rumbled again.

“Woah, it never left.” Mariana’s voice spoke up as there were steps behind Leo. The girl turned, alert at the possible threat only to freeze at the sight of who she once considered her friend.

Beady black eyes, Osito Bimbo stared down at her from the glass, and if it breathed there would have been condensation on it from how close it was. But it didn’t breathe because whatever they were, they weren’t alive.

“Hi.” Leo said, surprised at her own meekness. She glanced at the others, Phil was still collapsed on his bed, Mariana was looking but Juana kept trying to turn his head back. So… decent privacy.

“Hola.”

The deep voice was startling at first, but Leo put on her brave face and stood up. She was still short of course, but at least she didn’t feel like a complete ant anymore.

“Are you…” She wasn’t sure what she was going to ask. Before they blew bubbles together, played the flute, danced around and laughed while her dada Foolich stared incredulously or joined in at last. Now? Well, her papa was gone because of it.

There were two of them.

Leo made a face, a goofy one, her tongue sticking out, an eye closed, a hand on her nose to pull it up- and in seconds Osito Bimbo was laughing.

“Ha, Ha, Ha.” It’s deep voice chuckled.

“It is you.” She pressed her hand against the glass, “It’s really you.”

Its head slowly nodded, pressing its hand against the glass alongside her.

She. Would. Not. Cry.

“Can you… help?” She whispered, her hand curling slightly.

“Maybe.” It switched to the more feminine voice.

Leo nodded, “However you can, please… I want to go home, we want to go home. Nosotros queremos disfrutar de la isla.” 

They stared at one another, and Leo smiled remembering all the fun, the pictures, and the paintings. It wasn’t a typical friendship but when it hung around her papa so often in their negotiations, she couldn’t help but talk to and play with it.

It was amusing when her papa finally got his way and he’d leave to go craft whatever insane item he wanted that time, stars in his eyes, and the little bear would turn its attention to Leo. It always offered her toys or snacks like a grandmother from storybooks, practically showering her with attention any chance it could get.

She noticed it started doing so around the same time Trumpet died.

Huh. No, that would be… that would be crazy. Surely she was just… crazy?

“Trumpet…?” She whispered, holding her breath.

“Si.”

Leo’s eyes widened.

Osito Bimbo stopped touching the glass, raised it’s hand- then stopped, frozen. Its beady black eyes turned back towards Leo for a moment before it started shaking his head suddenly, violently.

“What’s wrong?!” Leo called out to it. She didn’t want him in pain.

“What did she do?” Mariana asked, panicked as he ran up to his side of the glass, Juana joining beside him. Philza groaned from his bed.

Ositio-Trumpet- whatever it was, clutched its head and squeezed- there was the sound of metal being crushed, sparks flew from its head as it wailed. It fell to its knees, then crawled back to Leo’s window where she fell to her own knees to stay on its-his- level. 

“What are you doing?!” It-he was hurting himself and she didn’t understand why.

“Leo…” It croaked, looking up at her with a half-crushed face. Circuits stuck out from its head, and oil leaked onto the pristine white exterior staining it. “Leave, Leo.” It raised it’s hand-No, he raised his hand, drawing in the air-

There was a woosh of air to her right and her eyes widened as a chute opened up.

The food chute.

She turned back to Trumpet, her eyes bubbling up back she forced them back as she spoke, “All this time?” She whimpered.

“I’m sorry.” His voice wasn’t his own, still that cold metallic voice of the Cucurucho… but it was him, she just knew it.

“Once I get out, I’m going to figure out how to save you.” Leo said, “And you’re playing the guitar for me.”

Trumpet nodded slightly.

Leo pressed her forehead against the glass and he copied- Then she was up and running to the chute, her face never more determined in her life. It was a sizable chute, to her and the other kids at least. There was definitely space to crawl back to where ever the food was from-

“Juanaflippa!” Leo called out. Mariana and her looked up at her, both had been staring at Trumpet where he laid. Both snapped out of whatever stupor they were in at her call. “We’re going to go get help!”

“Me?” The girl squeaked, clutching her father’s leg.

“Yes!” Leo crawled into the chute, looking up, she noticed it connected to Juana’s and there was another path in the middle of theirs. She almost went down it, then remembered the tools she made with her papa. Leo ran back, grabbing them, pausing when she noticed Juana was still staring at Trumpet crumbled on the floor.

“Trumpet…” Juana said, voice shaky. “Is Tilin… is Tilin like you?”

Trumpet craned his neck towards Juana, the oil leaking from his head worsening in the process. “Si.”

Juana choked, squeezing Mariana’s leg so tight the man winced, but then he went on his knees and pulled her into a hug, whispering in her ears words Leo couldn’t hear.

Trumpet turned back to Leo, tilting his head sadly.

“We’re going to fix this.” She said, gripping her tools tight in her hands.

If it was the last thing she did.

Chapter Text

Trumpet was a happy kid.

…

Trumpet was a content kid.

…

Trumpet was a…

…

Trumpet…

…

Who…?

----------------------------------------------------------

He sighed, blinking slowly as he stared at the wall in front of him. Trumpet got in trouble with his father, his only father, last night for messing with his chests. That led his father to take away his prized guitar and lock it away out of reach. 

Trumpet, pouty child that he was, whined all night about it, but there was no one more stubborn than his father and so the guitar was still locked away.

Then, due to his crying, his father left him at home to go mining, needing as he said, a “break from the noise.”

So Trumpet had argued, “Give me back my guitar and you’ll have pretty noise!” 

But his father didn’t agree and he left him alone.

Alone.

He was alone a lot.

Maximus was a good father, he was! When he was around… Trumpet was grateful for every last second he had, because…

Dan, his other father, wasn’t around at all.

Sometimes when Trumpet would lie in bed, he’d wonder what he did to drive his other father away so much he disappeared from the island altogether. Was it his hat? He clutched it, squeezing the ends tight like it would tell him. Was it his appearance? His blue hair that looked just like him? Was that scary? Should he have dyed his hair black like Max? Was it his personality? That one couldn’t be, his first day he couldn’t even talk, being an infant functionally…

What was wrong with him?

Trumpet pouted, getting away from the wall he’d been staring at to move around his father’s underground base. He shuffled around some of the chests just to show him one little punishment wouldn’t stop him!

Then he noticed a photo from one of the chests, eyes widening at the sight of his best friend.

Leonarda. 

He smiled, thinking back to blaring alarms, campfire stories and so much music… It was by far the most fun he’d ever had in his short little life so far, especially as it was one of the few times he’d ever seen the other children. His time with Bad and the others was another night he’d remember forever but… with Leonarda…

They bonded over their identities. Being adopted and genderless, all the eggs were told who they’d become, Leo had been Leonardo, and he’d been… Trump.

The photo he held was taken on a special night when his father was trying to set up the campfire, and the two of them were busy talking. Trump was curious about why Leonardo was now Leonarda. The little girl blushed, looking away with a wave of her hand.

But Trump had insisted, he had to know.

“My father told me a story last night.” Leo said, looking up at the stars from where they laid. “Of a great dragon named Leonardah. It didn’t end well for them, but it was fun and… the name my Dada said… it spoke to me.” She reached out as though grasping for a star. “So in the morning, I told my papa I wanted to be Leonarda, and he said vale, and I’ve been Leonarda ever since, but I don’t mind Leonardo too much either. It’s complicated.”

Trump was speechless. He could just… change his name? “He didn’t argue about it?” He paused, “And your other father…?”

“Papa told Dada that morning, no problem.” Leo smiled. “Have you ever felt like… the name you were given, the pronouns they use for you… they don’t quite fit? Or… they all work but you prefer some over others…?” She scrunched up her nose, “Sorry, my Papa’s been collecting books and I’ve been reading and, and…”

“No, no I get it.” Trump said. “I don’t think my name fits that well either, but I don’t want to change it entirely.” He frowned, as he watched the stars.

“I didn’t change mine too much either.” Leo said, bumping his shoulder a bit, “You know, I bet I could think of something. Trumette? Trumella? Trumpo?” She laughed a little.

Trump shook his head, “No, no… I think…” He sat up, and Leo joined him as they looked around the campsite. His eyes landed on his father who was seriously struggling with the fire. “My father’s pretty bad at survival but… he’s good at music.” He crossed his legs and Leo copied him.

“Oh, so you’re thinking of something involving music like… Trumpet?” Leo grinned.

Trumpet nodded, “You read my mind!” They fistbumped, laughing as Max finally got the fire started- and set himself on fire in the process. 

Trumpet got up to save him and after his father was finally calm again he told him all about changing his name.

“Trumpet? Vale! Now let’s get some music started in here!” Max joked and the kids started to dance as he played his latest mix.

Trumpet came back from their daydreaming to an empty basement devoid of life and he realized he’d been asleep. The photo of him and Leo on the beach was stuck on his face from where he’d slept on it. He took it off, smiling.

Then he heard someone step behind him- he cried out in pain as he was picked up, a tight grip on his upper arm. He tried to attack his assailant, kicking out, smacking, spitting-

Beady black eyes stared back at him with a stark white exterior.

He couldn’t remember what the other called it- and it didn’t matter anyway.

There was a prick in his neck, a large syringe was pressed to it and the substance inside injected in seconds- Trumpet cried as the pain of whatever liquid it was coursed through his veins, he couldn’t speak, couldn’t beg or plead or… He wanted his father.

“Your father did not show up.”

Trumpet died from neglect

----------------------------------------------------------

He woke up to a white room, pristine walls and Tilin on the other side.

Neither of them understood what they were doing there, both remembered dying.

It was like that for hours, just the two of them venting about their parents and life.

Then the bear came back and never before had Trumpet stuck to another so close. He didn’t know Tilin all that well, but she was so small and he wasn’t going to let the bear hurt her. Even if he knew his efforts would be in vain.

He couldn’t even protect himself.

They were led to a room with little spikes all over the place that was hard on their bare feet. He actually picked Tilin up as his heart rate picked up-

There was static and both children collapsed into the abyss.

----------------------------------------------------------

He didn’t think he'd get used to his mind being in the machine.

But the Host wanted them to live again, so Trumpet obeyed. He was grateful, he could see his father again, well, scare him a bit, but see him nonetheless. He even got to visit Leo! She… didn’t talk to him like they used to, and he was forbidden from playing a guitar around her- but… he saw her, his best friend and… that was good enough for him.

His emotions swelled, the machine whirring in pleasure every time he felt something.

The Host said that was good, he needed to feel.

So he visited, he played.

So he left, he terrorized.

He didn’t want to take Felps away, but the Host said the emotions would be sweet so he did, and he watched the Brazilians lose their minds. He studied, he surveyed, he did what they wanted and then when it was all over.

He saw his father, he saw Leo.

…

He was Osito Bimbo. He was Cucurucho. He was… It.

It was perfect.

The Island was perfect.

Then the Wedding.

It didn’t know what to do, it didn’t know how to help, it couldn’t allow them to leave, but it’s emotions were reacting, it was overwhelming, it needed to help, it needed to help-

It helped.

Subject 38 would do it, it would work. It would see 05 again. 

It had to work.

…

Leonarda tried to swim in lava.

…

It hadn’t worked.

And it was angry.

Subject 38 failed, and the Host wanted Subject 39. It took the task and it did it with the emotion of glee. It failed to get the other, but it didn’t matter.

It looked at that corpse and it was satisfied.

…

It wasn’t allowed to see the respawn chamber anymore.

…

10 needed to be fed.

…

It snuck in, and the other didn’t question it.

It saw her.

It panicked, It needed to speak- to do something- to help his best friend-

Trumpet attacked the machine, and finally he could think clearly for the first time in ages.

“Leo…” 

The Host would be so upset at him.

Trumpet didn’t care.

Chapter Text

When Foolish and Bad joined the others at the surface, they guessed a lot more had happened then what Forever had said.

The two Brazilians were still on their steps, Forever looked ecstatic, grinning from ear to ear and nodding along while Cellbit’s jaw was unhinged in shock. Maximus was nearby, leaning against a wall beside Richarlyson and Dapper. Roier was at the bottom of the steps, looking up at the Brazilians.

Across from them, Baghera, Jaiden, Fit and their children were gathered, and Baghera was speaking, her arms crossed. “This affects all of us, we’re not going to wait around.”

Cellbit picked up his jaw and spoke, “You understand this is against the Federation?”

“Isn’t everything here the Federation?” Jaiden joined in, standing beside Baghera with the same angry expression as the other woman. “Phil was my friend, so I’m not going to sit here and do nothing.”

Fit nodded, “A beautiful man like that can’t be holded up in some prison.”

 “Ey! You stop that.” Forever’s expression twisted, but it was lighthearted as he glared at Fit. The bald man chuckled.

“Focus.” Cellbit said, raising a brow at his friend then looked to the others, “We appreciate it, we really do, but this is going to be dangerous and you all have children you need to watch, we don’t know if the binary entity will be used against us or not.”

“Oh, we thought we would just bring them along.” Fit said, waving a hand, “Ramon’s got explosives for days. It’ll be okay.”

Suddenly someone jumped off the roof-

Chayanne hopped on Cellbit’s back, wrapping his arms around his neck- “You tell me where to find my Dad or I’ll-”

“Stop, stop!” Cellbit struggled, walking around hap-hazardly- his foot tripped over the stairs- Roier swooped in, catching Cellbit as he fell while Chayanne jumped off and landed with a roll. 

Cellbit looked up at Roier, huffing slightly as he stared up into his eyes.

“Gatinho, did you just fall for me?” Roier wiggled his brows.

The blush on both of their faces was the brightest he’d ever seen.

Foolish shook his head slightly, wondering if that was what Vegetta and he looked like in the beginning. Then he heard Bad clear his throat beside him and walk forward.

Cellbit and Roier scrambled to stand up, the former tucking a strand of hair behind his ear while the latter gave Cellbit another look up and down.

Bad pursed his lips together, glaring at the pair, then spoke, “So as we were saying…” Bad looked over at Chayanne. “This is going to be very dangerous. I’m not comfortable bringing any of the children.”

Chayanne scowled, “I heard Dapper went to the nether. You’re not going to stop me, tio.”

“Chayanne, please-”

Suddenly the waystone activated to the Favela and there was loud bickering from it. Three figures stood together, two adults, one child. Foolish sighed the moment he recognized them.

“I don’t understand! If Phil’s gone, why can’t I take care of her?” Quackity whined as he walked beside Wilbur, “He clearly got sick of her!”

Wilbur rolled his eyes then reached out and held Tallulah’s hand as he spoke, “You never give up, do you? As appreciative of your company as I am, I think I know what’s best for my daughter.” He glanced over at her and there was a gentle smile on his face in an instant.

Foolish didn’t know Wilbur that well. Despite living in the same land for two years, he’d never seen him or really uttered a word until Quesadilla Island. What he did see was the wreckage the man left in his wake, from his legacy becoming a massive crater, the site of his grave, the van by Las Nevadas. The hurt and pain Tommy once expressed on a random day in the middle of a pickle trying to communicate with them.

No, Foolish didn’t know Wilbur at all, but he got the sense that it’d been a long time since he had a genuine smile on his face like he did now.

“I don’t think you do.” Quackity retorted.

Wilbur narrowed his eyes, “Oh you-”

Bad cleared his throat. Huh, twice now.

“Hi Tallulah!” Bad grinned at her, waving and the little girl wave excitably back, then he pointed his finger at the newest arrivals. “Why are you two here?”

“Well I was looking after Chayanne while Phil was off being an absent father again.” Wilbur said, then gestured at Quackity, “Then he showed up pounding on my doorstep and let Chayanne out of my house. I had to lock him in there to keep him contained.” He looked over at said child and Chayanne was bouncing on his feet, sword in hand, a bloodlust in his eyes that sent a shiver of fear in most men.

“I didn’t give a shit what happened to Chayanne,” Quackity glared at him and the child stuck up his middle finger, “I was trying to see Tallulah.”

“And you saw her, you may leave now.” Wilbur smiled, too sweetly to be natural.

“You know that isn’t what I meant.” Quackity faced him, taking a step forward.

“And what I know is you use her as an excuse to see me, don’t you?” Wilbur leaned over the shorter man, his tone changing to something more… oh fuck not these two again. He’d had enough of Quackity’s rants about him in Las Nevadas, he didn’t not need to see them live.

Foolish groaned, “Can we please remember my fiance and child are missing?”

He was taken aback that everyone looked at him. He realized he hadn’t spoken a word yet in this entire exchange. It was like bugs were crawling down his back, all their eyes…

“Oh, I didn’t notice you’re here, you’re usually so loud.” Jaiden laughed awkwardly.

“Have you been sleeping well?” Baghera raised a brow.

“Woah.” Fit said, “You’re all covered up.”

Foolish blinked, the words rushing over him like the cold water Rubius once splashed over him. He shivered, stepping back with a tug on his turtleneck.

They knew, they all knew, it was so obvious, the Foolish covering up? The Foolish not speaking much? The Foolish stepping back with fear on his face? How could they not know?

How utterly broken inside he is.

“I-I’m sorry, I’ll just go-” He stammered, but there was a hand on his shoulder and he turned to meet Max’s face shaking his head.

“Stay.” He said, smiling sadly. “You’ll get through this.”

Foolish couldn’t breathe, “But-”

“In and out.” Max said, patting his shoulder.

“Right, ya, I can do that, simple.” Foolish said taking a second to do as Max said.

Cellbit walked back up the steps, peering down at everyone, “We were in the middle of planning a way to get Vegetta, Philza and the others back.” He explained, “Assuming he is with them of course.”

There was more chatter, a lot of voices- Max pulled him along and they went behind Cellbit’s home as the group exploded in volume. Quackity was the loudest, but Fit was doing a decent job keeping up.

Foolish leaned against the house, massaging his temple. He hated it, the nerves that simply didn’t exist before. He would just run in, dance and everyone would laugh, it was easy.

Max sighed where he stood beside him, “Take your time, it’s not going to heal in a matter of days.” He took off his sunglasses, “I still think of my son, I can’t imagine what your grief is like.” He rubbed his eyes.

“Don’t compare.” Foolish whispered, “I have a chance to get them back, that’s not fair to you.” He frowned, “I will get them back.”

“You will.” Max agreed, “But you need to lock in and focus. This plan, our supplies, all those people who want to help, it all hinges on you getting that spell right.” He looked at him, and it hit Foolish that he rarely saw the man’s dark eyes. They were serious, more serious than he’d ever seen anyone before.

“I know.” Foolish breathed properly at last.

Max clutched his shoulder again, this time tighter, “I don’t doubt you for a second.”

Foolish nodded and then he was pulled into a hug that knocked his breath out all over again. Max was a big guy, while Foolish bulky in his own right, it was more like Max was large and soft, his hug like a massive bear was gently wrapped around him.

He was stiff at first, stunned at the sign of affection but Foolish relaxed and hugged the other man back.

“We’re sorry we took so long.” Max mumbled, “I didn’t get the chance to tell you before.”

“You didn’t have to, I know you all tried your best.” Foolish said.

“I… Foolish… Seeing you like this…” Max let him go, but kept his hands on his arms, not letting go, but before the man could say anything else, a block broke beside them.

In the next second a man was scrambling out of the dirt and getting in Foolish’s face- Max shoved the newcomer backward, “Back off!” He barked.

Foolish blinked, mind whirling as Slime stood back up. 

Max extended his hands outward, “Stay right there.”

“Where’s my bitch wife?!” Slime jabbed his finger at Foolish.

“What?” He asked, taking a step back.

“Mariana! I heard there’s a chance he’s alive, where?” Slime pulled out a sword-

Max pulled out his-

This was about to get ugly.

He moved- “Stop!” Foolish got between them, hands on both blades, yanking them out of their hands and tossing them away.

Slime paused, blinking a bit, “Woah, Foolish, you look… different.”

“Yes, yes, I look like shit, I get it.” He sighed, waving his hand, turning to Slime, “Look, you’re a bit late, but yes, we think Mariana is alive.”

“Take me to him.” Slime stepped forward hand raised like he was going to grab his arm.

Foolish flinched.

Max scowled, “We will, but you need to stand down. Go speak to Cellbit or Bad.”

Slime stared at Foolish, green eyes swirling with confusion, “Huh.”

“I said, go, Slime.” Max gestured around the house.

Slime opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Instead he went and picked up his sword, sheathed it, then left with one last glance at them before joining the massive crowd in the Favela.

Foolish put his face in his hands, “I’m never going to get used to it.”

“Used to what?” Max asked.

“The looks of pity instead of the laughs.”

Max laid his hand on his again, pulling him into a side hug, “You’ll get funny again, trust me.”

He raised his head with a pout, “I am very funny, I swore in front of Bad pretty good today.” 

“I’m sure it was hilarious.” Max nodded.

If he was this different around his friends…

How different was he going to be around his family?

Chapter Text

Rubius was sitting in his lap, a hand on his chin as he looked up at the man. It was heavy, uncomfortable in the chair he was strapped in, but… Vegetta didn’t really have a choice.

He already pulled on the binds, but they were tight, metallic monstrosities.

So Rubius was having his way with him, thankfully so far he was only touching his face and chest, admiring him as he said. Vegetta had a queasy feeling in his stomach that this was seconds from turning down a much darker-

Rubius sat up, clutching his jaw and brought him into a kiss. It was hot, heavy, desperate-

Onesided.

Vegetta spat outward as hard as he could. Rubius gagged, flailed backward and smacked the back of his head against the floor, hard . For a moment he didn’t move and Vegetta grinned. This was easier than he thought.

But then Rubius was back up, and wiped his mouth with his own queasy expression and rubbed the back of his head, “Nice try, Gilipollas.” He brought his hand up to reveal where red blood was instead an odd brown color- with golden specks.

“How?” Vegetta breathed, and Rubius chuckled. Foolish was safe, he had to be, the others got him out, there wasn’t a world he’d been here the whole time- right?

“It’s amazing the resources the Federation can find when they’re curious about something…” He said walking over to a button on the wall, when he pressed it, cabinetry appeared around the room lined with materials like a lab. 

Vegetta didn’t focus on the details, his eyes landing solely on the jars of gold.

“But you don’t have Foolish, you have no supply.” Vegetta growled, insistent, because it had to be, they couldn’t have him, they couldn’t-

“Oh don’t worry that pretty little head of your’s.” He waved his hand, “These are from my lab back in the nether, they simply transported them here.” Rubius grabbed a jar, walking up to Vegetta, examining it as he did.

There were so many jars. “You took all of that from him?”

“Regenerative potions are such a darling…” He set the jar back with a sigh, “But they are old now, and I swear the fresh samples are the best ones.” His fangs were bared.

Vegetta tried to attack, his muscles burning as he pushed against the restraints. “You dare!”

“I dare!” Rubius yelled back, raising his hands with a grin and another laugh. “What is the Great Vegetta going to do to stop me? Nothing I think.” He leaned forward, one hand resting on the arm of the chair. He put a finger under his chin, “I would kiss you again, but I’m not a fan of spit-”

Vegetta spat again, right in his face.

Rubius punched him.

Vegetta laughed.

He punched him again.

Vegetta laughed harder.

Infuriated, Rubius backed off, eyes inflamed, “Que te folle un pez espada.”

“Vale, if you release me.” Vegetta grinned past the pain. Rubius had a nasty right hook even after all these years. “You haven’t changed at all.”

“I’ve changed plenty.” Rubius scowled, turning away to grab something “You’re the one who’s changed too much.”

“Changed for the better, you are for the worst.” In the past, the mines he placed would have been far more deadly than the game they were. His violent past was finally behind him.

Rubius’s was never-ending it seemed.

“I do what I must for my son.” Rubius whispered.

“Titi is dead.” Vegetta’s brows furrowed as the man turned back around to face him.

He held a syringe of murky dark gold inside, there was something else inside besides his lover’s blood. Then Rubius approached and he sucked in a breath.

The man didn’t respond to his words, moving on to say, “Did you know that black bird is also immortal? Blessed by a Goddess as the tales go. The Federation was very upset that everyone failed to mention it… So once I told them...well…”

“You gave them everything, like a pathetic little lapdog.” Vegetta retorted.

Rubius glared at him, tapping the syringe, “I would be very careful with your words.”

“What does the Angel of Death have to do with this?” Vegetta said, “Foolish’s blood has healing properties, I understand that, but immortality? Resurrection? You must be mistaken-”

“Oh no, Vegetta, I think you are mistaken.” He grinned, leaning back in, “Like I said, the resources the Federation has access to the moment they know what to look for… it’s breathtaking, they just needed me to sort it out, really dig my teeth into what matters and what doesn’t for our plans.”

“Your plans?” Vegetta asked.

“Plans you don’t need to know.” He winked, “But… oh some of what I learned, you would be so heartbroken if you knew and that would be so… special to me.”

Heartbroken, Rubius’s favorite feeling for Vegetta to display.

“I doubt that.” He snorted.

Rubius tapped the syringe, “Perhaps if you ever see your little boytoy again, you should ask him who Eret was. They seemed quite enamored with one another for... centuries.” He grinned, waiting, expectant.

Vegetta stared at Rubius. “I know of her, yes.”

The man frowned. “What? He doesn’t talk about his past.”

“To you.” Vegetta rolled his eyes, “You really are exhausting Rubius, so focused on trying to break me emotionally, I would prefer the torture.” 

Rubius’s eye twitched, “And you heard that I said centuries?”

“The time is confusing, but I’m sure we will clear that up later-”

Rubius slammed his fist on Vegetta’s fingers and the man did yelp at the sudden attack. “You idiot, Eret was a human! Foolish gave him immortality somehow! He knows more than he lets on and you did nothing about it as your wrinkles come in and your hair grays!”

Vegetta bared his teeth, “If, and I say if what you say is somehow true, I trust there is a reason and perhaps the best of reasons why he would have kept it to himself. So no, I do not care.” He was satisfied with his life, we would be satisfied spending the last of it with his family.

He did not need eternity, but he needed stability and Rubius threatened that far more than Foolish’s hefty pile of secrets.

“Then you are lacking in ambition far worse than I realized.” Rubius scowled, “I will find a way to remain with Titi forever; the Tiburón and the Angel are keys to the pearly gates.”

“You sound insane.”

“Am I insane, so are you simply too old to keep up anymore?” He reached behind his ear and plucked out one of the grays. Rubius went back and placed it in a beaker, coating the hair in the murky-colored liquid.

Vegetta glanced at the other parts of the lab, and noticed now a bundle of feathers from Philza no doubt. There was red at the tips from where they’d been painfully pulled.

He scowled, then looked down at his belt. The makeshift dagger was out of reach of his hands, but there was a world maybe he could get it in between his legs and cut those, then kick-

He gasped when Rubius suddenly clutched his jaw, forcing him to look into his bright green eyes. Green eyes, oh they were his biggest weakness, but these weren’t the kind loving eyes of a silly shark man, these were the cold, calm, collected eyes of a jilted vengeful lover.

“Vegetta… You are going to help me find it.” He whispered.

“You said resurrection.” Vegetta said through the grip, “You also said the Federation had Titi, which is it?”

Rubius’s eye twitched at the name, but he shook it, “Regardless if they really do have Titi or not, if something happened again, I would need to be ready. Ironically enough, my goals haven’t changed at all, I’m simply not alone in my desire now.” He let go, but remained close.

“But those chambers, have the Federation not conquered death already?” Vegetta asked.

“In a sense, immediate death.” Rubius said, “There are respawn anchors, technology that exists in some realms for dangerous games like the one your filthy lover played with Mariana.” He rubbed his chin, “I was there too, he was… rather stupid in it, but we made it as far as each other so I suppose I can’t say too much…” He had an odd expression on his face.

“That was recent.” Vegetta said, “You were not in that demonic form for long.”

“Long enough to never want to return to this mortal shell.” He scowled at his arm, running a hand down the brown fur.

“Rubius, all life comes to an end eventually.” Vegetta whispered.

“No, no it doesn’t have to.” His eyes dilated threateningly.

“You’re mad.” Vegetta spat.

“And you’re my test subject, so just sit there and look pretty, '' Rubius grinned, pulling up Vegetta’s hair that he plucked earlier.

It was jet black.

Chapter Text

After far too much confusion, and late people like Antoine, Étoiles, Pac and Mike, the plan to start with a smaller group and use teleporters was abandoned. Baghera and Forever were the loudest dissenters, pointing out how a smaller group could be ambushed easily. Both of them seemed surprised the other was agreeing with them.

Foolish heard they were estranged siblings once, he didn’t question it too much.

So, once all the bickering finally died down there was one more issue that no one seemed happy with. Did the children come with them or were they left in Forever’s hotel?

Chayanne, Dapper and Ramon, of course, leapt for joy at the thought of being engaged in combat, actually talking over the ones more concerned like Jaiden or Bad. Bobby wandered between Jaiden and Roier, waiting on if his parents would approve or not. Pomme, Tallulah and Richarlyson stuck to their parents’ sides, looking nervous, worried, but Richarlyson had a spark in his eye. 

Foolish watched them all from a bench by Cellbit’s door. He found it cute, how eager the oldest brothers were at the chance to help, but he couldn’t help but think of Leo. She was the oldest sister, just as eager as the other older ones, but it didn’t end well for her.

Foolish wasn’t sure he wanted any more deaths of children on his conscience.

Bad oddly enough seemed fine bringing Dapper along again while also arguing for Chayanne to stay back.

Foolish raised a brow at him when he approached. Bad had been arguing for well over an hour about the decision for the eggs and now he looked frustrated so of course he walked over to Foolish.

He supposed in the past Bad used him to calm down.

Too bad he wasn’t in the mood. “Bit hypocritical don’t you think?”

Bad blinked, surprised. “What do you mean?”

He gestured to the kid wearing a skull mask and glaring at Bad’s back, “You’re going to bring Dapper but leave the kid whose father is missing?” He paused, watching Bad start his usual little noises when he was about to defend himself, than interrupted, “Honestly, Bad, I think you’re right.”

Bad shook his head, “What? But you just-” He squeaked.

“I think you’re partially right I mean.” Foolish put his hand over his mouth, looking away slightly, “Chayanne’s stubborn, eager, but more importantly, he’s a kid. You know who else is a kid?”

Bad scoffed, “You’re not about to say Dapper. I take him on adventures all the time, you’ve made him do all the work before!”

“Ya, and then I tried to get married and let’s just say the events after may or may not have scrambled me.” Foolish snapped, “Bad, we’re not bringing the kids. If this mission is because of him, I feel like I should get final say.”

“But you aren’t their parents.” Bad said.

“And you aren’t Chayanne’s. Missa isn’t back yet, so either we keep all the kids away or Chayanne’s going to run in head first. Like Leo did. I mean does. Does.” He repeated stronger. 

There was confirmation Vegetta was alive in some sense, and with Bad confirmation that Mariana and somehow Juanaflippa were out there. Foolish was still ignoring the little voice in his head reminding him that there wasn’t any evidence Leo was with them.

Because she had to be.

“Yes, she does.” Bad repeated, and he knew the demon had the same thought process as him. “But Dapper’s capable, and he was essential to getting you out with the grappling gun.”

“Then you take them, Bad, I have a terrible feeling about all this.” He looked around, “We’re not coming back whole.”

Bad pursed his lips together, “I’ll agree to keep the eggs back if you stay back once we find the base. In fact, you watch the kids.” He crossed his arms, “You’re their favorite uncle after all.”

“Bad, this is my family-”

“And you’re not exactly at your best.” Bad cut him off, “Look, we have an army,” He gestured to the crowd, “You find us where and then you and the kids warp away, let us handle this, it’s the least we could do after picking on your dragon everyday.”

Foolish shook his head, “You did not bring up the dragon in this.”

“That reminds me, Antoine was wondering when he could open his bakery for customers…” Bad’s mouth curled, looking like a sly cat as he tapped his chin.

“Never and no- I am not waiting outside with the kids- I’m not a kid!” Foolish wanted to rip out his hair, “Gah, I should have talked to Cellbit not you.”

“Talk to me about what?” Cellbit asked, Forever and Richarlyson were beside him.

“We’re leaving the kids behind.” Foolish slapped his hands together, “Bad wants to bring Dapper anyway and that’s going to spur on Chayanne to sneak out-”

Forever turned to look at the oldest kid, “I feel like Chayanne would try to sneak out anyway.” He glanced down at Richarlyson, “You’re going to your room.” He wagged his finger at him and the little kid rolled his eyes.

“I agree.” Cellbit said and Bad was flabbergasted. “We already have an army, I’ll tell the other parents the final decision from the one in charge.” His eyes wandered back to Foolish with a smile.

“In charge?!” Bad squealed.

“It’s his family.” Cellbit said with a shrug, “If it gets overwhelming, one of us can take over.”

“Thank you.” Foolish sighed. He wasn’t sure what being in charge would exactly entail but it was nice to not be undermined for once. He turned to Bad and gave him a little grin.

“Why you little!” Bad’s hands formed fists and he stomped his foot. “I need to talk to Dapper!” He turned on his heel making little grumbling noises as he went.

Cellbit and Forever chuckled.

“He’s so sexy when he’s mad.”

Foolish did a double take.

Cellbit was also staring at his friend.

Forever looked at both of them, “What? He is.”

“You guys haven’t been paying attention if this is a shock.” Richarlyson said, shaking his head. “Or I spend too much time with Dad Forever…”

Foolish and Cellbit looked back at each other, a knowing look in their faces.

Oh, they just HAD to wingman together later.

All the dramatics aside, it wasn’t long from that point to finally convince the children to stay in Forever’s reinforced hotel. Chayanne was the most difficult with Wilbur being helpless in convincing his little brother and Quackity only making it worse by mockingly calling him a baby. Ultimately it was Tallulah asking Chayanne to “Pretty please protect me uncle-brother?” that finally calmed the kid down enough they didn’t fear him leaving.

Dapper had to be peeled from the walls and dragged by his ear. Ramon watched his triplet go through that and Fit simply raised his brow and the kid went scampering to his room.

Bobby, Tallulah, Richarlyson and Pomme were no issue through the power of Jaiden’s calming explaining to Bobby and Bobby being so much of a mama’s boy he listened and the other three kids already being nervous for such a mission.

Foolish went up to Leo’s room.

Her unfinished, barren, dingy room. Sandstone floors, ugly gray concrete walls, a square of random blocks around an elevator- an inactive status chamber, there wasn’t even water in it yet.

He sat down, crossing his legs as he put his head in his hands. If they had just finished the chamber, but no, the venue was more important. Fuck, so much could have been avoided, Leo would still be alive- no she is alive- you don’t know that- She is.

This is your fault.

If you were good enough for Vegetta, Rubius wouldn’t have bothered, but you were so pathetic, he had to stop you and all you’ve done since is prove him right.

Foolish scowled, shaking his head, “Shut the fuck up.” He tried to focus on the silence of the room around him instead, but that wasn’t even quiet.

All around him he heard the parents and children talking to one another, laughing, joking- it was all too much, like a mocking chorus sucking the life out of him. He went to the waystone, teleporting to the front of the hotel only to find Maximus and Slime chatting together.

One had a concerned expression, one Foolish didn’t think he’d taken off since the moment they saw each other again, the latter had narrowed eyes, the paranoia was reeking.

Both were the extremes in the cases of lost children.

Foolish didn’t want to know where he’d fall in the spectrum if Leo… He sucked in a breath.

“Bobby! No! I needed that!” Jaiden cried out above them, running around in the hotel room closest to the main door. All three of them looked up at that, all three of them with longing lost faces.

“Hey man.” Slime said, unexpectedly soft. “I got a bit more filled in on the nether journey.” Then his eyes were narrowed again, “But don’t think that means I like you or anything. It’s still among us, this whole situation.”

“I really don’t care, Slime.” Foolish said, walking forward, intending to get some air. The last few hours felt like the calm before the storm and he wasn’t sure he was ready for that.

“Easy, Slime.” Max warned as Foolish heard the other man follow him.

“I can talk to my bitch wife’s ex, can’t I?” Slime asked, waving a hand dramatically.

Max crossed his arms, “Stay where I can see you both.” With his sunglasses, the threat was ominous to even Foolish.

So the two of them ended up in the split between the walls, Slime facing La Villa de Sacapuntas. It felt like ages since anyone bothered to go in the place to his knowledge. Not after Juanaflippa’s death and Slime’s eggxile, the whole place turned into a crumbling ghost town.

Foolish did like the tree though, that was nice.

“What do you want?” He leaned against the wall, bracing himself for whatever insanity Slime was going to come up with.

He used have so much fun joking with Slime, the orange justice was a blast-

Foolish shook his head, trying to focus.

Slime pursed his lips together, “Why did Mariana go with them to rescue you?”

Foolish blinked, taken aback, “I thought Maximus filled you in?”

“Ya, but I need to know from you.” Slime scowled, “I’ve been gone, gone for too long. I must have missed the chapter where Mariana, you know, the guy as good at combat as me, would be willing to risk his life for an ex that spits on him.”

Foolish raised a finger, frowning, “First of all, he’s the spitter, both on me and Leo, so fuck off with that.” He raised another finger, “Second, I didn’t exactly ask him to come, I didn’t ask anyone, in fact I am the worst person to question regarding all of that.” Another, “Third, he died before I even saw him and if I did, I’d bet my dragon he would have spat on me or something stupid like always, you know, because he’s the asshole.”

Slime let him finish, but Foolish noticed how mad he got with each point, the moment the last word left his mouth, Slime was animated. “Well I know that can’t all be true! Clearly they got to you, we saw the messages-”

“And how long was Mariana’s between Leo and Vegetta’s?” He interrupted, snapping back by bouncing off the wall and looming over the shorter man.

He was suddenly just so angry. All the looks of pity, the gnawing physical pain, the nauseating happiness and now Slime’s nonsense, he was done. 

Slime faltered, almost melting as he curled up. “You… have a point.”

He stepped back, “I didn’t mean to- you touched a nerve.” He didn’t like it, the fear in the other man’s green eyes. Foolish wondered if that’s what Rubius saw in him.

Not wondered, knew.

“I do that to a lot of people.” Slime laughed awkwardly, thankfully breaking him from those thoughts. “You know you can be scary when you aren’t goofing off or sulking.”

Foolish sighed, “Thanks, I guess.”

There was an awkward pause.

Foolish leaned back on the wall. Slime looked around, biting his lip, then his eyes traveled upward to La Villa de Sacapuntas. , “I think… I’m going to go.”

“You aren’t going to interrogate me more?” He raised a brow, genuinely surprised.

Slime frowned, “Like you said, you have no idea. It’s pointless. I’m just going to have to ask him if we get him out.”

If.

“There is nothing between us romantically if you’re concerned.” Foolish said to placate the wild card Slime was.

“Ya. I… I think I knew that already. You’re just an easy target for the frustration.” Slime said, staring at his old house.

“Oh gee, thanks. That’s great.” Foolish snorted.

Slime cringed, “I don’t do goodbyes well so- See ya!” He saluted and left, running up the ramps up along the wall, he started slipping and falling halfway up until he made it to the crater that was his old home and disappeared.

Foolish rolled his eyes, what a silly guy.

If they could get on good terms again, it could help him be his silly self again.

Then he realized it was quiet.

Pure silence.

Foolish glanced back at the Hotel and Max waved at him. He waved back.

He needed a moment. He raised a finger, gesturing behind the wall. Max shook his head. He nodded his head, Max started walking forward.

Foolish ran.

He was a lot quicker than Max and got behind the wall in seconds, digging out a little hole and closing it back up the next. It wouldn’t look any different from the outside as long as he was quiet-

“Foolish!” Max’s voice was muffled. “What are you doing?! You can’t be alone right now!”

That was all the more reason he wanted to be alone. Were they just concerned about Cucurucho? There wasn’t more to it, right?

He heard Max walk further away and he collapsed into a squished sit in the darkness, letting out a sigh of relief at his success. He lit a torch, stuck it on the wall and breathed.

It was like they didn’t trust him and that’s what hurt.

He was perfectly capable of helping, previous events aside. Bad babied him, Max wasn’t letting him out of his sight, Cellbit was…he was trying, but… looking back on it, Foolish wasn’t sure how exactly he was the leader in the operation.

The group was too big, they were moving too slow.

Vegetta and Leo were in danger and he was sitting in a hole in the wall.

It hit Foolish that it wasn’t only the kids at risk, Vegetta and Mariana had both died in the rescue mission and with a group as large as their’s? He couldn’t imagine what could happen.

But if he could sneak in…

No one else would have to get hurt, no one else would even be in danger and best of all-

He could prove he wasn’t useless once and for all.

Foolish waved his hands around his earring, fully awhile he didn’t have the supplies for the long journey to the middle of nowhere the magic was going to lead him to.

When the violet light fell downward under his feet, he didn’t know whatever to cry or scream that they were so close the entire time.

Please, just a little longer.

He dug straight down.

Chapter Text

Chayanne, oldest, the one to set an example, to protect the rest no matter the cost.

Chayanne was irritated to say the least. The parents all left the hotel in a mad rush, yelling about something they couldn’t hear outside the fortified fortress. Wilbur had left them both in a toom together, his older brother ordering him to stay and watch over Tallulah.

He loved Tallulah, he did, there wasn’t a thing that would stop that love, but…

He loved his father too, dare he say more.

In the first weeks of being adopted into Philza’s family, Chayanne was unsure of himself. A lot of the other children quickly picked up hobbies while his father and him simply went on adventure after adventure. They were fun, exhilarating even, the thrill was addicting but- It was a hobby he couldn’t show off easily like Leo’s photography or Bobby’s paintings.

He was the oldest so he knew he had responsibilities instead.

When the others gushed over the others, he didn’t mind it.

Not at all.

Nope.

…

Then his father told him a story.

The Great Warrior Technoblade, a man of skill and wonder, never beat in a fight, feared by most, revered by the rest, and his hobby, what he did in his spare time?

Farm potatoes.

Chayanne latched onto that quicker than his other father Missa tripped over himself. Nowadays he carried crate upon crates of potatoes to drop any chance he got, watching the other parents gush at how he was a cute little farmer. It didn’t admit it to anyone, he would never show off how much he liked the attention- but-

He’d glance over at his father, see a proud smile and Chayanne’s heart swelled.

That was why he wasn’t staying in the hotel, not on his watch. He looked over to Tallulah, frowning slightly at the sight of one of the smallest kids on the island. She didn’t have a fighting bone in her body, there was no chance he could take her along, but he also couldn’t stay here-

“Chayanne.” Tallulah whispered, reaching out to touch his shoulder. “I know you want to leave.”

“I do, but your father…” He trailed off, she’d get it.They understood each other well.

“I’ll be safe here, my papa is silly.” Tallulah pulled him into a hug, and he could tell she was on her tippy toes trying to reach his level, “Go, but… please be careful.”

“I will, Tallulah.” Chayanne hugged her back, then he picked her up and swung her around, “I’m going to get your abuelito back!”

Tallulah giggled, “I know you will! Nothing stops the Great Chayanne!”

He stopped, gaping at her words, “The Great?”

She nodded, and winked at him, “Well I think you’re pretty great so…”

Chayanne wasn’t going to cry, but he did aggressively wipe his eye, “I’m going to see who else wants to come.” He paused, “I’ll send Pomme here.”

She smiled, “We’ll get a victory song ready.”

Chayanne grinned, “Make it as epic as Technoblade.”

Leonarda, oldest triplet, the photographer that captured their memories forever.

Leonarda sucked in a breath, pushing Juana back as they heard steps below them. Her protective instincts had flared up, warning her. It felt like they’d been traveling in the vents for ages, but every crack in them only led to more white rooms that lead nowhere. Every once and awhile a white bear would wander the halls sending both girls into a silent panic.

Then it would pass and Leo could breathe again.

This time, Juana’s face cracked and she asked in a broken voice, “Is that one Tilin?”

Leo paused, looking back at her sister, speechless. She didn’t know, she really didn’t, but it felt all but confirmed one of them was their other sister. There was a queasy feeling in her gut at the thought, but it was Juana that truely looked devastated.

“I miss her so much.” The girl was on the verge of tears-

“No tears.” Leo reached over, holding her shoulders firmly. “Tears aren’t going to help us find her or a way out.”

“But- but I’m so sad…” Juana whispered, “I don’t know what to do.”

Her sister wasn’t looking well, her body thin, her skin pale, the tears bubbling up.

“You two were best friends, remember those times and know you’ll get back to them. I swear to you.” Leo smiled, “As your big sister, I’m going to make sure you both are laughing and smiling with each other before the end of the day.”

“You can’t promise that.” Juana frowned, “It’s too much.”

“Nothing is too much for my family, we will find a way.” Leo winked, “but, if something goes wrong, I need you to promise me something.” There was a nervous energy in the vent, and Leo didn’t like it, how foreboding the last few minutes felt.

“Promise what?” Juana tilted her head, “I don’t like promises after…” She trailed off.

Leo shook her head, “Not like that, a simple one.” She paused and Juana nodded slightly, “All of this is very dangerous, we might get hurt.”

“I know.” She whispered.

“So I need you to promise me, if there’s a situation where abandoning me saves you, do it, okay?” Leo reached out, cupping her cheek with a fond smile. “You’re my little sister and you’ve suffered enough.”

Juana got choked up, the tears finally spilling, “I can’t do that, Leo. No- I won’t-”

“Please, Juana.” Leo patted her cheek slightly, “It’s my job as your sister. I need to keep you safe.” It was adorable how indignant Juana suddenly looked.

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Juana pouted, “Because nothing is going to happen, we’re all going to get out of this alive, okay?”

Leo still had that queasy feeling as she looked away from her sister, “Uh huh.” Her hands formed fists as she considered their next actions, “Of course, nothing will go wrong.” Something was going to go wrong.  

They started to move again when Leo realized the promise wasn’t going to happen.

She didn’t know what to do next, they were wandering in circles, possibly getting deeper based on the slopes the vents kept leading them down. Leo wondered if they took her papa lower or higher, surely it was lower?

There was a chance she could find him and save him- but- Juana… Her duties as a daughter and a sister were at odds, and Leo hated it. She couldn’t do it all…

There was a loud creak in the vent, and she glanced back at Juana. “Careful, the vent’s weird here.” It creaked again when she barely moved forward so she paused and really felt it, frowning.

Why did it feel thinner…?

Leo caught Juana’s green eyes widen in fear just as the vent collapsed and they fell.

Dapper, middle triplet, the scientist who conducted experiments to better supply all.

Dapper was an impatient kid who couldn’t sit still, so when all the other parents left them alone, the first thing he did was teleport to Ramon’s room in the hotel.

His triplet looked up at him immediately, a big smirk on his face as they ran at each other, bumping shoulders harshly before falling to the ground with a laugh.

“Can’t separate the dynamic duo!” Ramon called out, raising his arms in the air excitably.

Dapper grinned, pulling out his tentacle gun and shooting it at the walls so he could hang in the middle of the room, “Both our Dads know we’re together, they have to know us that well.”

Ramon crossed his arms as he looked up at him, “I think if he really knew us, he’d know we’re not satisfied being twins right now.”

Dapper nodded as he moved around on the tentacle gun, kicking out with his feet to adjust until he was perfectly in the middle. Just right, yes… perfect, it was so satisfying when things were like that.

While everyone else saw his home with Bad as a mess, everything was perfectly organized to Dapper, he knew every bit and bolt to the tiniest detail, and all the plants and animals were arranged to be pleasing to his eye.

It had to be just right or Dapper’s eye would twitch and he’d spend a whole day tearing down a machine to move it on spot to the right.

Bad caught him not sleeping too often. It made him feel terrible, he didn’t need to add anymore worries to his Dad’s plate. Somehow his Dad slept less than him, but remained surprisingly coherent. He couldn’t believe he didn’t bring him to the raid-

“Dapper? Hello…?” Ramon snapped his fingers, “Earth command to Dapper, KZZT!” He put a hand up to his ear and the other in front of him like a radio.

Dapper blinked, then instantly copied his triplet, “KZZT, come in Earth command, come in, I need help, there’s a monster!” Dapper put a hand on the tentacle and moved around erratically, “It’s got me! Ahh! Help!”

Ramon’s jaw dropped, “No! Hold in there Dapper! The rescue team’s on the way!” He reached for his sword and shield and hopped up on his bed to get closer to Dapper, “Hang in there!”

“I am hanging!” Dapper joked then he saw Ramon raise his sword up at the tentacle and he panicked, releasing his gun’s controls so they snapped back in side- and sent him back to the ground.

But Ramon was quicker he leapt towards Dapper-

The boys smacked into each other and ended up a tangle of limbs and gear, groaning at each other. Dapper sat up first, rubbing his head, then Ramon sat up and he smacked the back of his head, almost sending his bear hat flying.

“Good job! Now we’re both hurt!” He chided.

 Ramon pouted, tugging on his bear hat, “I was trying to catch you.”

“Well it didn’t work, idiot.” Dapper stood back up, but when he glanced over at Ramon the other was still on the floor. “What are you doing?”

Ramon was still tugging on his bear hat by the little strings. “Do you think Leo’s…”

Okay? Alright?

Alive?

When he slept, he heard her screams, smelt burnt flesh, and saw his sister gone in seconds. He stared at Ramon’s sudden ashen expression, yet an innocent one. He didn’t witness what happened, he was free of that burden Dapper’d carried for too long already.

Everyone spoke like Leo was with Vegetta but the logical, clinical side of Dapper knew better. There was no evidence of her being alive too. For days he accepted that truth, mourning out of sight of his Dad who was the firmest believer of Leo’s life besides uncle Foolish.

When he visited Ramon, he never even brought Leo up, and he realized Ramon was doing the same thing until this moment.

“I miss her.” The youngest triplet whimpered.

Dapper didn’t know what to do, he wasn’t the emotional one of the three. That was Leo, their glue. He found a problem and he solved it with one of his tools. Emotions couldn’t be handled with a wrench or screwdriver, nor a spell or a potion.

Ramon’s eyes bubbled up with tears and Dapper just- reacted.

Ramon gasped as Dapper pulled him into a hug. It was stiff, awkward, something they’d rarely done before, and never for such a reason, but…it was warm, comforting- Ramon sobbed.

“I miss her too.” Dapper whispered, holding his brother tighter than he ever had before.

Ramon, youngest triplet, the engineer that improved their lives piece by piece.

Ramon didn’t get to spend as much time with Leo as he would have liked, but that was his sister, his triplet and he’d be damned if he didn’t do something for her.

After pulling away from Dapper, he aggressively wiped away the snot and slobbery that his brother made a stink face at. “Oh grow up, it won’t kill you.”

“It’s gross!” Dapper complained, walking off to clean himself off.

Ramon snorted, Dapper was such a clean-freak sometimes while he wasn’t afraid to be covered in filth every second of every day if it was needed. Infact, Fit was the one who begged him to shower more in general when he worked on his elevator. He’d walk up to his Dad’s awesome mansion covered in oil and soot from head to toe, tracking it all over the floors with a giggle.

It was always a rough bath after that and the scolding of his life.

But Fit wasn’t that harsh, not really, if anything Ramon felt babied around him.

“There’s my boy!” “That’s my boy!” “Lazy child, but I still love you.”

He couldn’t ask for a better Dad.

` Ramon was thankful no one ever asked him about his hat. His fingers tugged on the strings of the bear hat, and he pushed away the queasy feeling in his gut. He only needed his Dad. That was all.

His Dad and his siblings.

“We aren’t staying in here, right?” Ramon asked when Dapper returned.

“Oh no way, in fact I suspect Chayanne will be teleporting in here in five, four, there-”

There was a warping noise and as predicted, Chayanne was there dressed in full battle gear, a smirk across his smug face.

“Off by two seconds, I’ll readjust.” Dapper said, frowning.

“Yes!” Ramon said, stepping forward with a wild grin, “I’ll bring bombs!”

Chayanne was taken aback, “I didn’t even say anything-”

“Oh come on it’s obvious.” Dapper rolled his eyes, “With Leo gone, you’d come here first, and there’s no way you’re bringing the youngest.”

“Touche.” Chayanne pouted a bit, “But I had a whole speech ready to convince you.”

“Speeches are lame when I could be throwing bombs already.” Ramon said, pulling one out to demonstrate. “So let’s get a move on, my sister isn’t going to save herself.” He was so ready, and although he didn’t like breaking his Dad Fit’s orders, his Dad was a rule breaker himself.

He’d understand… Hopefully.

Chayanne sighed, “Okay fine, get supplies, meet me out at the front. I’m going to try and get Bobby, he could be the special element we need.”

“Or he’ll run in and get killed first, but sure.” Dapper shrugged. “You know, maybe you talk to Richarlyson too-”

Chayanne shook his head, “He’s too young, and by that logic we’d bring Tallulah-”

“I think he’s ready to join the big brothers.” Dapper frowned.

“No, he’s a baby.” Chayanne said.

Ramon chuckled, “Oh man, you’re both so stubborn.” He admittedly didn’t know his youngest brother all that well, but he knew those two could be at it all day, “I’ll ask him! Dapper, pack my stuff!” He touched the waystone and was gone to Richarlyson’s room before either could protest.

There wasn’t time to waste if he was going to get his triplet back.

Juanaflippa, fifth oldest, the lost soul who couldn’t help herself much less others.

Juanaflippa had a short life in the outside world. Ten days, shorter than Trumpet and Tilin due to her time in between life and death, ten measly days above the cold white walls of what had become her eternal prison.

There was a routine she was forced to endure, and her only interaction was one of those white bears asking her one thing… Are you happy?

She always told them no, they never changed a thing.

Juana never expected them to.

None of the children knew where they’d come from originally, but with nothing else to do but think in her cell… she figured one thing on her limited information.

They didn’t have to stay dead. 

The prison was just that, a prison. She could starve, they forgot to feed her often. Juana could bleed, she… may have tested such. She could even die and spawn back in her little cell.

That wasn’t a day she wanted to repeat.

Yes, there was one thing Juana knew, and that was that she didn’t have to stay dead holed away out of sight and out of mind. The Federation did something to them all, preventing true death, and yet they acted like they were dead all the same. They choose to keep her dead.

They chose to keep Tilin dead that fateful day.

Juana wanted to know why.

She didn’t expect to fall into the mystery.

Juana and Leo gasped loudly, both groaning in pain as their fall wasn’t braced by anything but steel. Her sister was up first, seething where she stood, hunched over, grasping her leg. A massive bruise was down her leg, showing past the ripped up pink dress.

Juana quite liked the dress, it was a shame it had seen better days.

“That hurt.” Leo whimpered, glancing back at Juana.

Juana nodded, taking Leo’s hand when it was offered, “Where are we?”

It was utterly dark, only the tiniest light came from above them, but then slowly their eyes started to adjust- there! Juana saw a switch and ran for it, but Leo tugged her back. 

“What are you doing?” She whispered surprisingly harshly, but Juana looked back and she only saw fear in her big sister’s eyes.

Oh.

“A light switch, that’s all.” She bowed her head, trying to look smaller. She did that a lot, especially around her parents. It would send them into gushing about her size, distracting them from arguing for one moment longer.

“How do we know it’s for the lights?” Leo looked around, biting on her lip.

“Do you have a better idea?” Juana frowned slightly.

Leo scrunched her brows, “Fine, but let me hit it.” She let Juana go and went up to the switch, flicking it the next second.

There were a few clicks, the sound of something more than just lights activating and then the room was harsh white. Machinery activated around them, chugging along like they’d always been on. At the far end looked to be a massive computer but more importantly there were two doors flanking either side of the screen.

A way out!

Freedom, fresh air, life outside of stark white walls-

“We need to get into that.” Leo said, brows furrowed as she approached the screen.

“What? No! Are you crazy?!” Juana was tugging on her arm now, but the other girl was far stronger than her. In fact Leo had a bit of muscle for someone so young, at least, compared to Juana’s thin arms. Even then, Juana could also tell she was suffering from some form of malnourishment too.

What an ugly world she was born into.

Born?

Juana didn’t think that sounded right.

“I’m not crazy, but I see an opportunity and I’ll take it. It could tell me where my papa is.” Leo frowned, walking up to the computer. She started to hit a few keys, but of course the find thing was a password request. “No…” She whispered.

Juana walked up to her sister, one hand holding her upper arm nervously. “Please, we aren’t going to get in, we should just go while we can-”

“No, Juana! I need to know, please… Surely it’s simple, disfruta la isla?” Leo typed it in, a red x appearing on the screen. ERROR

“Enjoy the island.” ERROR “Cucurucho.” ERROR “Federation!” ERROR

Leo slumped on the keyboard, accidentally typing in random letters in her frustration.

Juana stared at the monitor, trying to recall anything useful for her poor sister.

She spend so much time with the Federation bears, too much time, but there was something that asked her randomly, never consistent, but enough to remember it being odd.

“They kept asking me if I was happy down here.”

Leo looked up, “What they ask us on the surface?” She furrowed her brows, clutching her chin.

“Yes.” Juana grinned, leaning over the screen and typing in one simple word.

“Happy. Password accepted.”

The screen turned into a more normal looking monitor and Leo cheered, pulling her into a happy hug, “You are so smart! Oh Juana, I’ve missed you!”

Juana blushed, embarrassed. “Really? You mean it?”

Leo nodded excitably and turned back to the computer, going through files like a madgirl.

Juana stared up at them, confused at all the jargon mixed in-

“Wait! That one!” She pointed to a file Leo almost closed. “Let me see that one, please.”

“Oh, uh… sure.” Leo looked uncomfortable but she opened it.

Juana stared up at the file, Operation successful, subject’s consciousness was implanted with no complications- she shook her head and refocused, trying to find what she thought she saw- there! Subject was given the name “Tilin” by Subject 40-

“Tilin.” Juana gasped, “So it’s true, I didn’t want to believe it, I hoped…but no she’ll be just like-”

Leo put a hand on her shoulder, “I’m sorry, Juana.”

Juana wanted to cry. She just wanted her best friend, was that too much to ask?

What a cruel pathetic life she lived.

Bobby, middle child, the wild child always quick to engage and fight with all.

Bobby didn't wait , or stand still or stay.

What Bobby knew was go, go, go.

But his mother Jaiden had such a sad look on her face, and even papa Roier was stricken, so much so he didn’t have the heart to smack him around like he usually did. He watched them put on gear, pack potions, and hold their weapons in a death grip he’d never seen before.

Bobby liked adventures, sure, he could fight, attack mobs and stuff but… that wasn’t his forte. What he really enjoyed was talking to people, err, well, smacking them around until they started to chase him really. It was fun, and ultimately harmless!

Where his parents were going wasn’t going to be harmless.

The nervous energy he had for that thought tripled and he started to pace, back and forth, over and over in his room in the hotel. It was barely decorated, the room having been made recently. He didn’t have an easel to distract himself with, making his sloppy little paintings to try and impress his mom.

She loved them all to bits, cherishing each other, hanging them up on the walls of their home, bringing the fattest smiles to Bobby’s face. He was an artist just like her!

Then Richarlyson came along.

Perfect little Richarlyson who was supposedly immortal, which was such a load of crap, but that wasn’t the worst thing about his new little brother.

He was a better artist than him.

Bobby had stomped his feet at the time, it wasn’t fair! He’d had so much more time than him, practicing with his mother all day everyday! Richarlyson drew a masterpiece the moment his brush hit the canvas!

That was why he vowed vengeance on the little kid no matter what it took!

Richarlyson and his stupid soccer jersey.

Soccer, football, sports…

There was a day when he finally realized how petty he’d been.

Roier had come to visit Cellbit, leaving Bobby to wander the Favela at his leisure and energetic kid as he was, he did, running around all the building in a mad dash to crush the steam he seemed to always have when he overheard some of the Brazilians talking.

It was the two he knew were an item or something complicated? Mike was on a bench while Pac was behind him in the little soccer field they’d set up for Richarlyson. The green one had his head in his hands while the other was patting his back sympathetically.

“He only played one game before the accident.” Mike whimpered, “It’s all my fault, his poor leg…”

“He doesn’t blame you.” Pac said, looping his hand around Mike from behind, “That was a fun game, the whole island enjoyed it.”

“There could be more but, caralho, you see him now, he struggles with playing, always asking to go hang out with Forever instead.” Mike said, “I didn’t make the leg good enough, we need to go back to the plans, make it better, make him feel good as new, I need-”

Bobby frowned as the two descended into a mess of emotions and talking about parts and machinery that went over his head. He considered the information, remembering how well he played whenever they played games in the field now, how Richarlyson did lag behind compared to his first day, clearly not used to his new leg.

He wondered if Richarlyson ever got jealous of him.

He didn’t want that, it wasn’t his fault, he was injured.

Bobby sighed, realizing Richarlyson probably thought the same about his art. Jealousy… wasn’t… nice. It was just an ugly little thing that made him try to get back at someone innocent.

The day after, Bobby asked Richarlyson for tips on his art and when Mike fastened him a new leg, Bobby excitedly showed him a few tricks he learned to score better.

Life was better when he got along with his siblings.

Which was why when Chayanne appeared in his room, the kid didn’t hesitate to equip gear despite his parents’ wishes.

Life was better when he had all his siblings too.

Besides, all he knew was how to go, go, go.

Trumpet, fifth youngest, the musician that played a tune for all to dance to.

Trumpet was always alone.

That didn’t change in his life, it didn’t change in his state as a member of the Federation, and it definitely wasn’t changing as he laid there on the floor, dying.

He assumed he was dying at least. His eyes, whatever gross mechanical things there were, crackled loudly and the view itself was on the fritz, fuzzy, incoherent. There was liquid pouring out of his head, pooling, black and sticky, staining the white exterior.

If he wasn’t dying, he wanted to simply to not live like this forever.

Trumpet was so tired.

Tired…

But… but… Leo was… she was out there. He had to… for his best friend. He needed to survive for her. She would be so mad at him if he died again without at least saying a proper goodbye. He never had the chance before.

He suddenly remembered saying goodbye to his father.

Max was in an absolute state, dirty, grimey, and definitely gained weight in an unnaturally short span of time. His hair was falling out of his headband wildly and he clutched Trumpet in a desperately mad way, telling him to come home to just walk out of the room and come home.

He wanted to, he really did, but there was something buzzing at the back of his mind and he couldn't, he couldn't even if he wanted to, he wasn’t allowed- then his father kept asking, insisting- trying to find the loophole, trying to solve the mystery.

There was no mystery to solve.

Trumpet was dead.

It wasn’t fair, he was attacked-

Trumpet was dead.

I would have been fine-

You are dead.

That voice… He cried out, his robotic voice warbling into a terrible screech.

Mariana and Philza covered their ears, screaming at him to stop.

He did, stunned. He wasn’t alone? He shoved himself against the wall was what was Leo’s cell to face them, watching as Mariana’s face twisted up in disgust while Philza’s brows scrunched in concern.

“Chinga tu madre, what was that?!” Mariana complained, glaring down at Trumpet.

“Shut up, don’t forget there’s a kid in there.” Philza snapped, bending down to be more on his level, “You doing okay there mate?”

Trumpet wailed, the words not forming in his glitched state.

“That doesn’t sound good. Is he going to explode?” Mariana whined, taking a step back.

“I doubt that, I suspect he would shut down first.” Phil frowned, “Hey mate, do you know… uh, have you ever been damaged before?”

He couldn’t speak, what was this going to accomplish? Wait, no, he had an idea. Trumpet raised his hand and shook it back and forth like it was his head.

“Really? Never? Wait…” Phil scratched his chin, the scruff of it making a fun sound.

Trumpet liked it, it reminded him of Max.

“Mariana, I think these things can only harm each other.” Phil’s eyes widened.

Mariana crossed his arms, “Mierda, we’re gonna be stuck here forever.” 

“No, not necessarily, if Trumpet could stay all there and repair himself or something- uh, wait no, this isn’t going to work.” Phil sighed, “Damn it all, what am I supposed to do?”

“You will remain here.”

No one heard the door open, not even Trumpet. He forced himself to turn again and if he’d had blood, he was sure it would turn cold.

There were many Cucuruchos, all matching, all alike, but Trumpte would know his sister anywhere. He focused, his vocal box whirling at the effort.

“Tilin.”

It turned to Trumpet, walking up to him with sure steps. It raised its foot and stomped down on his head before he could even register he was dying again.

He would say hello to Leo when she joined him. He hoped that would take a long time.

Tilin, fourth youngest, the frail that was cared for by the community.

Tilin was a pointless, useless, abandoned egg that died for no reason and no purpose. Their uncle was just trying to protect them. Tilin was an unwanted child, a blimp in the journey called life. Roier, Jaiden and Bobby were so fun to live with! Not a soul mourned them for too long. They didn’t see him at the grave, they refused to believe it.

They did not matter, and that the other operative dared to utter that name-

It didn’t bother, it was nothing.

Right. Yes. It didn't bother. It didn’t bother. It didn’t bother.

“Tilin?” The bird, the Angel of Death, uttered, shocked, “Quackity’s kid?”

They were bothered.

Why, why, why- 

“Silence.” It reached down, picking up the deactivated operative. It didn’t have time to waste, ignoring the protests of the yellow one and the green one. “Disfruta la isla.”

The door closed and Tilin-

No.

It started to walk down the many halls. The operative felt weightless in its arms, and also the heaviest thing at the same time. The paradox confused it.

You killed your brother.

False, it was deactivated. The original subject was still in status, it would be implanted again. This was simply a disposal procedure. 

You killed him.

False, the operative was never alive, it is a machine meant to assist with maintenance on the island.

You’re a monster now.

That was not a true or false statement. It couldn’t… It… Why… what- Who was talking to it. It was not meant to listen to that, only the Host. 

It was unstable, something caused an instability, it needed to be reset.

It stopped before a door, inside was one of their main modules and then a place for disposal. It went in without hesitation and froze at the sight of two figures by the module.

One Tilin didn’t know well at all with a pink dress and sloppy hair, the other though-

Twin braided pigtails, simple clothes torn and dirty, big green eyes. 

Juanaflippa.

“Oh no.” The other one said, something in the database supplying the name Leo. “There’s no way that’s…?”

Juana stepped forward, “Tilin?” The little girl was so confident, her step sure, not shaky in the slightest. It wasn’t a question if it was Tilin, it was a question of it was still Tilin.

It was not Tilin.

Tilin was a blimp on the journey called life, a nobody, a nothing, not even their own father-

“Oh, Tilin… I’ve missed you so much.” Juana stepped forward again.

It… stepped back.

Was it afraid? No, no, no, it was in control, it was the island, it was in charge-

“Tilin, please, I don’t know what’s happened, but… we can fix this together.” Juana stepped closer, enough to place a hand on its hand, the free one not holding the other operative.

Leo gasped, “No, no, no, that isn’t- it can’t be.” She covered her mouth with her hands, “Not… not again… I never… no…”

It stared at Leo, at the sadness generated, but that wasn’t what the Host wanted, it wanted happiness right now. “It was only a shell.”

Juana smiled, “Oh? What does that mean?”

It stared at Juana, it was meant to dispose of the shell, not answer children. It did it anyway, “Original mind matter remains, replaceable.”

Leo’s eyes widened, “Mind matter, his brain?! Is his brain in a vat somewhere?!” her voice went shrill.

It sounded so much like Father.

“I don’t think so Leo.” Juana said, “I think there’s a good chance his whole body and Tilin’s-”

“Don’t say that name.”

Juana turned back to it, smirking, “Oh? What name? Tilin?”

It reached out with its free hand and clutched the girl’s wrist, holding it tightly, harshly, “Subjects are out of containment.”

“And we’re going to stay out of it!” Leo cried, charging at it with something in her hands- a pickaxe? It crashed against its torso and nothing happened, the odd slab of parts crumbling into pieces. “I.. really thought that would do more-”

It dropped the other operative and grabbed Leo’s wrist. Both girls grimaced and struggled in the grip, kicking out and pleading with it. 

Take them to the vats.

It heard it loud and clear, walking to the vats as orders dictated. A few minutes of walking a couple of struggling children down the halls, and then it made it to the laboratory, specifically to the vats.

It was multiple levels, so much space for all the Host’s needs. All stark white, all the vats filled with sickly green liquid.

“Juana, look.” Leo whispered, still cringing in pain, “It’s them, our best friends.”

Juana looked, her face a mess from the tears of pain she shed on their journey.

Sure enough, in the vats in front of them, Trumpet and Tilin were slumbering inside.

There was a label below them, and under Trumpet’s it read Inactive; under Tilin’s Active.

You should not be in here.

The order to the vats wasn’t from the host.

It didn’t like the internal laughter it heard.

It was stupid little Tilin. 

Tallulah, third youngest, the sweetheart with a kindness seen in no other.

Tallulah was not a fighter, she was anything but that. A musician, a florist, an animal tamer! Anything sweet and kind, soft and gentle. Not dangerous, safe.

Safe for her fragile papa.

He was silly, a tall lanky person who stumbled his way around her home like a little duckling. It was cute, like the one time he was trying to chop down a tree and just kept falling over and over and over again. She sat with her pet gorilla Panchito watching as he insisted he got it this time.

He did get it… eventually, and then they spent more time together, her favorite activity.

Today, he left with an expression of worry she’s seen all too often on his face.

It made her sad every time she saw him leave, but this time felt different.

Her papa left a lot, disappearing for days and weeks on end with no explanation. She only found out when her abuelito picked her up in the morning to be babysat or when he was too busy, her tio Bad. It was during those times she got to meet her siblings.

And oh did she love her siblings.

At first, she was the baby, the youngest by a vast margin and all of them went to bat for her, save for Bobby, but she knew the bullying was just how he expressed himself. It was sweet, and Chayanne being the oldest took it very seriously, especially being her uncle too in a weird complicated way.

So with her abuelito missing, and Chayanne going on the mission of his life, that left Tallulah with a task she wasn’t expecting.

She walked over to the gear her Tio Bad gifted her, the gleaming armor, the sword, and she put it on with shaky, unsure fingers. It took some time, but she got the handle on it and went to a little mirror her papa put up when they had a little fashion show a few days ago.

Tallulah didn’t recognize herself at first, not seeing the cute little baby so many fawned over, instead seeing a warrior, a protector to her little siblings. She pulled out her sword, nodding fiercely with a puffed out chest.

“I won’t let you down, Chayanne.”

She teleported to her younger brother’s room first.

Richarlyson, second youngest, the cupid who’s arrows always struck true.

Richarlyson had a lot of dads, it was the joke when he first came into being. He didn’t mind it, in fact, he loved it! He heard there were so many others with single parents, who would get busy eventually, but him? With his fathers? The moment one left, he went to the next, getting all the attention he could ever want!

Then father Felps went missing, and the cracks in his family’s happiness was evident.

Father Cellbit threw himself into his theories and riddles, Forever threw himself into his ocean project, and fathers Pac and Mike stayed in ChumeLabs more than they visited the Favela.

So Richarlyson visited Chayanne, he bothered Philza and Tallulah.

They would leave eventually and then he was onto the next, teleporting to Roier, Jaiden and most importantly to his best friend Bobby, that family being later birds.

Thankfully, father Forever noticed and one day he beckoned Richarlyson with him to the massive desert he was trying to clear. Happy to be with a father again, he threw himself into it!

By the time half the continent was dug out, or well before that, Richarlyson decided he hated sand. It was coarse, rough and it got everywhere. His prosthetic leg seemed particularly vulnerable.

But it was want his father Forever wanted so he did it, dutifully, faithfully, patiently.

He didn’t know what he would do without his fathers.

He didn’t know what Tio Foolish was going to do without his family.

Richarlyson sat in the window of his room, watching the sky thoughtfully. He remembered meeting his tio with his missing father Felps. It was his first time really bonding with another one of the kids, as he spent a lot of time with Leo then too. They seemed so happy together, full of life. He wanted everyone to stay like that, but…

That wasn’t how life worked and now so many were in danger, and Richarlyson wanted to help-

There was the sound of teleportation and unexpectedly his brother Ramon came through it. He waved excitably, “Hey! Ready to go save them all?”

“What?” Richarlyson gaped, “You want me to come with you to-to-”

It was what he wanted, right? Save his sister!

There was another teleportation and Tallulah showed up dressed in all armor. He was stunned at the sight, knowing she felt bad throwing snowballs at people much less a real weapon!

Tallulah took one look at Ramon and shoved him back a bit, “Oh no way! The babies are staying here!” She wagged her finger, “You tell Chayanne, I’ve got this, okay?!” Her tone was serious, her eyes slits of anger.

He didn’t know she was capable of that.

Ramon put up his hands, “Yes ma’am! Right away!” The kid teleported away immediately and Tallulah was left alone with Richarlyson.

“I wanted to go.” He pouted slightly.

Tallulah shook her head, “Nope! Can’t allow that.” She walked over to him, “You’re a baby.”

“You’re barely older-”

“Still older.” Tallulah humphed, “Now let’s stay with your little sister, okay?” She put a hand on the waystone, “Please?”

Richarlyson sighed, his plans to help foiled… but… it was nice to see Tallulah so determined. Besides, with his leg… he wasn’t sure how helpful he would be. He shoved that thought away, far deep down so father Mike would never know.

“Okay.” Richarlyson said, smiling up at his big sister.

Talluah patted his head, well more like his cow hat, his thick curly hair sticking out from under it in all angles. 

He pursed his lips together thoughtfully, “But if they call us for help we go.”

“Deal.” Tallulah warped away.

Richarlyson glanced back at the sky, wondering if the raid would include finding his father Felps.

He missed him.

Pomme, youngest, the artist that painted the world in all the colors of the rainbow.

Pomme’s hand trembled against the canvas. She’d thrown herself into it trying to distract from the nervous well that’d formed in her heart.

Her maman was in danger, she was going to get hurt, and Pomme couldn’t do anything to help! She wanted to go, to be there if she went down but… Baghera was very strict.

“Don’t think about it, Pomme.” She had raised a finger, “I know Etoiles taught you a few moves, but those won’t be enough here. Stay where it’s safe.”

Pomme nodded, then threw herself around her maman’s legs and hugged her as tight as she could. Baghera laughed lightly, running her hands through her hair affectionately.

If Pomme closed her eyes, she imagined she was still there, clinging onto her legs.

Now, if you asked Pomme, she didn’t have favorite parents, but she knew to everyone else it was obvious. Baghera was her lifeline, the support she needed to be the perfect little kid, and the pair went everywhere together.

Her other’s was Etoiles. He was a father through and through; emotionally distant, but a massive provider of gear, weapons and other items. He even taught her how to fight, it was still daunting and scary, but she knew now!

The others had their moments, Antoine especially, but the other two were the ones she feared for the most.

It was why the painting she worked on was of them, a little Antoine at the bottom since he joined in too. It was too bad she was too shaky to make it look even halfway decent.

Then there was the sound of a warp and she turned, surprised to find her sister Tallulah dressed all in armor with Richarlyson beside her.

“Salut.” She whispered, nervous. All the children could visit each other, but as the youngest and newest, it was rare to see the together who’d already found others to play with.

It was fine, she had her mère Baghera.

“Hi Pomme!” Richarlyson waved at her, smiling.

Tallulah went to the windows and spied out of them with a comically judging face. “See anything suspicious?”

“No…” Pomme frowned. “Should I have?” She set down her brush as Richarlyson approached, embarrassed that the best artist on the server was beside her. She wasn’t envious of him, the opposite in fact. If Tallulah hadn’t been so on edge, she'd ask him for art tips.

“I don’t know, but all the adults left so quickly…” Tallulah frowned, “I’m worried about them.”

“They’re worried about us.” Richarlyson shrugged.

Pomme nodded, “We’re in the hotel, it will be okay!” She stood up, grabbing the paintbrush, then walked over to Tallulah. It was hard to reach, but she managed to reach her sister’s helmet and took it off, tossing it on her bed. Then she shoved the paintbrush in her hand.

“Paint.” She ordered.

Tallulah gaped, staring over at her helmet, then the paintbrush in her hand, “They left me in charge.”

“Well you’re in my room so I’m in charge.” Pomme crossed her arms. “I order you to paint with us or else.”

Tallulah giggled and Pomme took that as a victory.

“Fine, I’ll paint, but if either of you hear something-”

“We promise!” The two youngest echoed, and Pomme rushed back to her easel, replacing the canvas with a big blank one. “We need to make a gift for when they all come back! A big painting with everyone!” She grinned over at Tallulah as she joined them.

The three settled into a quaint night of painting as they waited for the adults to return.

Pomme giggled at their silly painting, but she made sure in the center was the star of the show, the whole reason her parents were going.

A little Foolish, a little Vegetta and a little Leo, all together, hugging.

It only felt right to see them together again.

Chapter Text

His head lulled to one side as his ears rang painfully. There were aches in every inch of his body, crawling up and down his skin like a colony of ants. His vision was blurred, shaky, black spots all over-

Then it was gold, an all-consuming gold and he thought he was going to have a heart-attack from the rush of energy that consumed his system. He gasped, choking and sputtering from where his chair had been tipped backward- then it was pushed upright again.

“Oh Vegetta… would you look at that…” A hand along his jaw, forcing him to look up, “All that torment and you’re as good as new… isn’t it spectacular?” Rubius’s teeth looked particularly sharp as he grinned.

“I don’t…” Vegetta huffed, trying to catch his breath, but he failed. For the past hour Rubius had fallen into a cycle, stabbing and cutting him to dangerous levels then effectively waterboarding him with Foolish’s blood. It seeped into his veins, restoring the wounds in seconds only for Rubius to start all over again.

He didn’t even touch the other items in the lab, the feathers untouched, only obsessed to watch him in a weakened state.

Vegetta was shocked the dagger in his belt was still undiscovered, not that he could think long enough to use it.

“I think by now you understand why his little secret was so vile to keep to himself.” Rubius let him go, and his head fell to his chest as he tried to focus on breathing. “How many times have you or your precious daughter been injured and he didn’t offer you a taste?”

Vegetta scowled, hating the insinuations Rubius continued to push, “We had… potions.”

“And if you ran out? In the face of death would he have finally shared that with you?”

“Why are you still so set on sowing doubt?” Vegetta growled, “I am under your thumb right now, but you waste timing trying to make me doubt my love?”

Rubius reached over, grasping his hair and pulled his head up. He trailed a finger down his neck, “Because Vegetta, even if you are only a test subject right now, eventually I will find the secret to immortality and I’ll be damned if the tiburón still has your heart in that eternity.”

“I will never be immortal.” Vegetta gasped, “I wouldn’t want that.” He’d already had a long enough life… the island was meant to be a vacation.

Rubius wrapped his hand around his throat, then leaned in to whisper in his ear, “Then it’s good that I never cared for what you wanted.”

“Rubius-” His throat was squeezed, cutting off his words. He flailed in his seat, trying to wretch away from the man but it was futile.

Then he was released and Vegetta was gasping again as Rubius walked off back to his other instruments. He was going to have breathing issues forever at this rate.

“You know, I’m sad it’s too late save the rest of your skin.” He turned back, eyeing Vegetta up and down. He suspected the man was looking at the burn scars he had along the edge of his chin, ear and part of his abdomen. Jaiden had similar scarring from his pressing of the button at the start of the island.

Foolish had been on the other side. If he hadn’t pushed it… well… He couldn’t imagine his life without him now. The scars were worth it.

“I bear them with pride.” He said, raising his chin.

Rubius snorted, turning his back on Vegetta. “Old fool.”

Vegetta took the chance, looking down at the knife in his belt. There was a world if he moved his hips upward, he could jostle it up, then try and get it in between his legs. That… that made sense, right? Or he could try to get the chair to one side, tip it over and maybe it’d fall where his hands were-

“Tell me, Vegetta, if I included your little brat in our immortality, would you be more inclined? Is that brat the reason you two stay together?”

Vegetta frowned, “Her name is Leonarda, and no, that would change nothing. Foolish and I were interested in one another even before my nina.” He bit his lip, trying to move his hip upward as uncomfortable as it was, and despite the blood, he swore he still felt a phantom wave of pain across his body, like it retained the memory of it. 

“Really? Even when I was around…?” Rubius hummed, “Ah but that night with the song, that was after your little nina arrived. You seemed enraptured then.”

Vegetta flushed, embarrassed now that he behaved in such a way. “That was different, it was still early on-”

“Oh, I don’t know about that.” Rubius chuckled, “Does he know?”

“Nothing came of it, it was not relevant.” He frowned.

There was the clinking sound of two beakers hitting one another and Rubius humming before he spoke again, “So you both keep secrets from one another. That sounds like a perfectly healthy relationship, Vegetta.”

“I don’t need to talk to you.” He turned back to the knife, frowning when he realized it’d barely moved.

“But you enjoy it!” Rubius turned around again, walking back with a liquid not like the murky brown from before or the pure gold of the blood. This one was tinged green and glowed slightly. It reminded him of that gross green egg that he killed when it attacked Foolish.

“What are you trying now?” Vegetta asked, brows furrowed.

Rubius shook the vial slightly, “As much fun as we’ve been having, I do need to test a few things, and this one such thing. Did you know slimes are effectively immortal? They are unable to be destroyed and can mold into whatever they see fit. It’s quite amazing honestly.”

“Are you going to make me ingest slime? My, what a fantastic scientist you are.” Vegetta snarked with a smirk.

Rubius scowled, “No gilipollas, this is a combination with slime as the main component. An undying totem’s vitality, an angel of death’s feather, and slime that can not be destroyed. Together, they could be the secret of immortality that your precious love gave to their lover centuries ago.”

“No offense to my love, but I would be shocked if he knew of this or had the resources to find it.” Vegetta raised a brow, “Perhaps your sources are mistaken?” 

He did not want to drink that.

“It never hurts to try.” Rubius shrugged, “And perhaps that Eret person was the brains there, knowing the tiburón that is more than likely.” He leaned in, a hand on one handle, the other shaking the vial teasingly, “Now Vegetta… let’s see if we can make you immortal, vale?”

Vegetta squeezed his mouth closed, shaking his head.

He couldn’t believe he missed the water-boarding.

“Vegetta…” Rubius chuckled darkly, “This isn’t a choice.” He stopped leaning on the chair to once again clutch his jaw, the man was obsessed with doing that. He tried to pry his mouth open, but Vegetta was nothing if not stubborn. He thrashed in the chair, moving as far as he could in his restraints as Rubius struggled with one hand occupied with the vial.

Then it happened.

In his struggle, Rubius lashed out, kicking at the chair and sending it backward where it crashed to the floor on its side.

The dagger in Vegetta’s belt had loosened enough that it tumbled out… landing by his right hand. He didn’t waste time, grabbed it and started to cut while speaking to distract, “Oh Rubius, I almost forgot the gentle touch you had.”

“Shut up.” Rubius snapped, walking towards him.

“I don’t see why the Federation didn’t allow you to test on Titi, what if it only works once?” Vegetta knew the buttons.

Rubius paused, breath hitching, “It… It will work more than once.”

“Then why did Foolish only ever have one? Perhaps he never told me because he could no longer do it? Perhaps he’s already used up and you are wasting your time?” The strap was peeling away like butter, his determination nothing sort of a miracle worker.

“That…” Rubius scowled, turned on his heel as he thought about it. “No, I can’t believe that is true… I can’t.”

The strap was almost-

Suddenly Rubius was there, his face alit with anger, “You’re getting in my head!” He pulled Vegetta back up, the chair upright-

He cut him across his face in one swift motion and Rubius toppled back, clutching his face in pain. Vegetta didn’t waste time cutting the other strap far quicker than the other no that the angle wasn’t awkward. He cleared the one around his throat next, careful with both hands.

His ankles were still bound when Rubius’s face healed itself and he was on him.

Rubius lashed out with his claws, shredding his sides painfully, but Vegetta’s tolerance was high after their time together and he pushed past the pain to attack back, stabbing the dagger into his shoulder. Rubius cried out, stumbling backward, his odd brown blood splattered against the floor.

Vegetta noticed his side was bleeding gold, and that sight was somehow more nauseating than if it was red.

He didn’t have the dagger anymore so Vegetta instead pulled at the straps around his ankles, stretching them enough to slip out of them one foot at a time. He was finally standing, a hand on his wounded side when Rubius crashed back into him. The pair were sent backward, Rubius slamming his against the wall, the dagger to his thought.

Rubius’s pupils were slits of pure anger.

Vegetta braced himself.

Then there was a violet glow and both of them froze and turned to it.

It came from the door, faint at first then grew brighter and stronger as it approached. It headed straight for Vegetta, connecting to his earring in a sudden rush of love that he’d missed for too long. His heart swelled.

“Foolish.”

He was here.

Chapter Text

It felt like he had been digging for ages. In reality, it was only maybe half an hour. But every tick of time was too much time he’d spent away from his family.

So he dug, down, down, down… never ending- through stone, through deepstale- then he fell, landing on his ass in a small cavern. He cursed, rubbing his backside as he stood and looked around, lighting a torch in the process.

It was a desolate cavern, nothing in sight save for- oh. Oh.

Marble, cold white, sterile marble; the calling card of a Federation building.

Foolish rushed up to it then rubbed his hands across it, the dirt from the digging smearing across it as he looked for some kind of grove or imperfection in the structure. There was none, the indestructible wall was spotless save for the new grime. He cursed, realizing he didn’t bring a codebreaker even if there had been a door.

He was an idiot.

Foolish kicked at the wall, cursing again at the pain that shot up his leg, twisting on his heel to hobble away. “Shit, fuck, why the hell, grah!” He sat down on a nearby rock, nursing his toes and his butt.

He wasn’t even in the building yet!

Foolish closed his eyes, leaned over and ran a hand through his hair. “Okay, think, think, think, you’re smart, you can figure this out, it’s just an impenetrable, indestructible wall, easy!” He nodded to himself as his mind conjured no ideas.

Nada, zilch, nothing.

Foolish sighed.

Go and save Vegetta on his own? He didn’t know what he was doing!

Foolish took off his backpack, pulling it over so he could look through all the items stuffed inside, hoping something would help. His tools, his spare armor, all his diamonds and emeralds, useless junk, most of it.

Then he got to Leo’s flowers and their family albums, he got to some of Vegetta’s gifts, the old iron picks from the start of their life together, then the symmetry wand he could never live without, hell the whole backpack was originally a gift to him from his love.

He missed them, he missed them so much.

He looked back over at the wall, staring, the symmetry wand in hand from his rummaging. There was a match lit inside his head and he stood, rushing over to the edge of the wall. “Surely it wouldn’t…” He studied the block, then rummaged through his bag to find the same marble block.

He placed down his wand right at the edge, then the marble block, then he drew his pickaxe-

He gasped when both disappeared and in his hand he had a marble block and a reinforced one. His lips quivered, excitement bubbling up to the surface- “Fuck yes!” He cheered, raising his arms up, then hopping around in a circle. “Yes, yes, yes!” He cried, then went back to work.

He placed another block, he broke it-

The building had a humanoid shaped-hole and without another thought, he ran in.

His heart was beating a million miles a minute as his eyes screamed out for mercy at the sheer brightness of the inside compared to the dingy cave. He tossed out the torch as he covered his eyes until they could adjust.

Sterile, white, oh it was a Federation facility for sure. The hall was bare, devoid of interior like his tower, but at least he had texture, this was boring. The Federation really needed to up their game when it came to building, this was embarrassing-

Foolish blinked, wait, rescue mission.

He started running, not really in a particular direction, left . He had the earring- but he trusted his natural amazing intuition-

He slammed into something when he turned a corner, the metal thing sent him backward, back on his already a bit sore ass again. Foolish groaned, looking up into beady black eyes.

He froze, staring up at Cucurucho.

“Hey buddy, bud, old pal…” He crawled backward. “Man, you look great today! New menacing smile or…?” He laughed awkwardly.

Cucurucho turned slowly to look down at him, it tilted its head, clearly examining him.

Foolish got to his feet, ready to run the fastest he’d ever had in his life-

“Tio.”

He tripped over himself mid-sprint, turning back around, “What?”

Cucurucho approached, its steps unsteady, and stupidly, Foolish stayed put, staring. It leaned in, right in his face, “Tio Foolish.”

No subject bullshit, but uncle.

He didn’t understand-

“I don’t understand what’s wrong with your programing, but if it’ll let me get past you, then I am so happy for you!” He grinned, raising his hands defensively.

Cucurucho reached out-

Foolish ducked, then ran, going in the direction the white bear had come from. “Idiot!” He laughed, making a face at the thing as he ran and ran down the endless white halls. There was no sound of following behind him, and that felt more concerning somehow.

He was making good progress until he hit another door- but there was marble on either side so with a smirk, he did his little trick again. Symmetry wand, two marble blocks- pick, pick- oh there was deepslate here too- pff! Easier! He did it again and he was thrown into a dark spooky room with vines coming down from the ceiling and doors on all four sides.

He shivered a bit, forgetting how creepy the Federation could be with their two rather opposite styles. The vines, although turquoise, in particular were… upsetting to say the least.

To get out of the place quicker, this would be the time to use the earring.

Foolish sucked in a breath, and raised his hand as his heart picked up its pace again. A violet stream of light came from it the moment he did the spell, the light twisting to the doorway to the right- he didn’t hesitate, rushing over to place down the wand and breaking the marble and deepslate blocks. It was another cold white hall, and he wasn’t surprised in the slightest.

It was starting to make him regret his marble tower, he was getting sick of the block.

He hadn’t removed his hand from the earring, still mimicking the spell as Bad showed him, following the violet light like a fish on a line. In his other hand he had his sword, the symmetry wand was in his belt, easy to grab in case there was another door.

He didn’t expect to feel a connection from the earring so suddenly.

A surge of warmth, and hope and love, overwhelmed him and he stopped in his tracks, clutching at his heart while he leaned on his sword. It hadn’t slowed at all, the adrenaline flooding his veins and choking his arteries only to calm with the earrings’ connection.

He smiled, wide, bright and joyous.

“He’s here. He’s close.” He whispered to nowhere and nothing.

Foolish continued, a determination he’d never felt so strongly, shoving him towards the violet light. The hall ended in an iron door flanked by marble and he knew what was on the other side, never more confident in his life.

“Vegetta!” He yelled, pulling out his wand with his free hand, placing the marble in the other. “Vegetta! Leo!” He cried madly, hysterically, consequences be damned!

The blocks broke, and he entered a room that reeked with the smell of iron- his nose scrunched up, his eyes watering at the stench-

Foolish froze.

He saw the center first, a floor stained with gold and brown and a bit of red, counters along the wall full of too-familiar materials, some sort of tank of liquid he knew too well, to the left a chair that had seen better days, and from that chair to the far wall, two figures with one’s blade to the other’s throat.

Green met violet and he reached out on instinct only for the other person in the room to shove those violet eyes back harshly against the wall, causing them to close again in brief pain.

Green looked over and met the other green, surprised to see his tormenter looking so different, yet with the wide smirk across his face, he knew him immediately.

“Rubius, let him go.”

“Oh, tiburón, I missed you~” Rubius cooed, teasing Vegetta’s neck with the blade.

“Stop it!” Foolish cried, raising his sword.

“Make me.” Rubius said, tilting his head curiously.

There was a beat of silence, of stares and nervous energy in the room that threatened to consume him. He was stuck once again, not knowing what to do-

“Foolish, I’ve missed you.” Vegetta smiled despite it all.

“Not more than me.” He whispered back.

“Then forgive me if this goes badly.” Vegetta said one second and in the next his hand was over Rubius’s on the blade- but Rubius was quicker and stronger and he forced the knife towards Vegetta’s throat-

“No!” Foolish raced forward, blade extended-

They couldn’t be separated again. They couldn’t.

Chapter Text

To say Bad panicked was an understatement. He gripped Max, shaking him slightly, “What do you mean you lost him?!” 

In the hole in the wall, they were all gathered together, the Spanish-speakers, the English speakers, the Brazilians, the French. Bad and Max were in the center of the group, everyone’s weapons were drawn, eyes wide, panicked whispering-

“I was watching him! I swear!” Max raised his hands up, but Bad wasn’t leaving his face, his tail flicking irritated behind him. “He ran towards the train station, but I didn’t see him inside-”

Bad poked his chest, “If there’s even on hair touched on his head, Max-”

“Bebou, calm down!” Baghera came forward, pulling on Bad’s arm. Forever was beside her, shaking his head.

Cellbit stepped forward, getting in between Bad and Max, “Let’s all calm down and think about this, shouting won’t help-”

“Calm down? My best friend is missing!” Bad yelled, his eyes widening as his emotions flared up. There was an ache in his heart, the bound he shared with Foolish screaming and hollering at the unexpected separation- if he had just left Dapper sooner-

The demon clutched his chest, fighting back a snarl as he tried to calm down. He knew Cellbit was right, but he couldn’t help it. Since getting Foolish back, his bond was stronger, more desperate whenever he was away from him, like an annoying buzz that sat in his mind until he saw his friend.

Foolish now reminded him too much of that time. 

Just the two of them, nothing on their backs, all their friends gone-

“Woah, am I interrupting something or…” Slime chuckled nervously from his house. He was holding some kind of paper in his hand.

Bad glared up at him, but it was Cellbit who spoke. “Oh no worries, we’re just missing the one person who had a way to track where we’re going.”

Slime nodded, “That’s a big problem, now would any of you believe me if I said I could help?”

“Slime, helpful?” Wilbur crossed his arms. “I doubt that.” He smirked.

Slime’s jaw dropped, “Oh, come on now!” He raised his arms dramatically, “I don’t see you guys doing anything, just standing around here arguing! Hear me out!”

“Spit it out, Slime.” Forever rolled his eyes.

“He went in there.” Slime gestured over at the wall, where there were a few cracks along the surface. 

Bad didn’t hesitate and neither did most of the group. For all of Slime’s faults, not even he could be crazy enough to lie in such a volatile situation.

It wasn’t hard to find the long hole Foolish mined, it wasn’t hard to go after him, down, down, down- It was hard to stay strong at the sight of the Federation building in the cavern they landed in.

Bad was angry.

Stupid, reckless, not a thought in those emerald eyes, oh Foolish better hope he was dead- Bad was going to kill him.

“Do you think…?” Roier asked, gesturing his ear, the earring.

“I think so.” Cellbit said, approaching the two block hole in the wall only to still and back up quickly. “Caralho! Back up!” He cried, shoving both Bad and Roier back as three figures emerged from the hole with beady black eyes and creepy smiles on their faces.

There were three Cucuruchos, their poses rigid, their stares a lifeless as ever.

“Merde…” Etoiles muttered, drawing his scythe. “They want to, ah, play with us, I say we play harder with them, yes?” The man had amassed an impressive array of weapons and materials in his short time in the server, something Bad could admire as he drew his own scythe.

“Wait, they are invulnerable!” Cellbit got in front of both of them, “This is a losing battle-”

There was the sound of a chainsaw and Cellbit flinched, his hands went over his ears.

“Foda-se!” Forever shouted, drawing his sword and running in.

To say it was pure chaos after that was an understatement.

Forever was hacking and slashing at the white bears, but they were easily dodging his attempts. Etoiles didn’t hesitate to start the same, but also threw in potions on himself and his allies of strength and speed. Many of the others engaged, even Wilbur let off a few bow shots while Slime tripped over his own feet trying to help. Tazercraft pulled out a rather odd machine that punched holes all around the cavern, furthering the chaos.

Bad looked around at everyone working together, and while there wasn’t a scratch on the menaces of the island, they were giving him the chance he needed.

A distraction.

“Bebou!” Baghera cried for him from the entrance, “Hurry!” She gestured for him to follow. Maximus and Cellbit were also there while the rest were engaged in combat. The Brazilian looks shaken but otherwise alert.

Bad rushed to their side and the four entered to a cold white corridor. There were two options, left or right. “We need to split up.” He eyed the left side, taking a step that way unconsciously. Cellbit joined him, nodding.

“Use something to mark off the walls so we don’t get lost.” Baghera said, brows furrowed. “Anything goes wrong, signal us or we all come back here.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Max nodded. “Let’s get them out of here.” He raised his arm as he started to charge down the hall, “Vegetta!”

Baghera snorted, “Stay safe!” She cried out as she chased after Max.

Bad let himself have a small smile before he and Cellbit went down the left hall.

In the brief silence he had a moment to think-

“We’ve never been able to break into a Federation building before. I have to ask Foosh how he did it.” Cellbit said as they ran, his eyes sparkling in admiration.

Bad was thrown off, to say the least, but… it was odd. How in the world did Foolish of all the people on the island crack that code first? “We’ll ask him when we see him.”

“Does he dab in explosives? Oh, does he have a special pickaxe? Or maybe it’s a potion? I really don’t know-” Cellbit said excitedly, prattling off a few most possibilities before they reached another door-

A door with a hole beside it.

“And he can replicate it! Genius!” Cellbit clapped his hands together.

Bad rubbed his eyes together, “Do not let him hear you say that.”

“Why not?” Cellbit raised a brow, “After everything, a compliment would do him some good.” The man grimaced.

Bad paused once they were inside the room with a total of four exits. He considered Cellbit first, mulling over his words. He supposed sometimes in their eternal game of cat and mouse, he forgot that there were times the mouse could let the cat get a treat.

“Fine, but if he gets an ego from it, I blame you.” Bad smirked.

“Deal!” Cellbit smiled back, “Now where- Oh, this is easy, huh?”

Bad noticing the hole too and the two went in, leaving the dark dingy center halls back into the stark white. It was a weird choice, but Bad did kind of like the blue vines in the other room-

He slapped his cheek a bit, focus.

There were a few more doors as they walked past, one that was open- and the pair paused even as the hall continued downward. Cellbit didn’t even ask, he ran in, rubbing his hands together as he did. Bad pursed his lips together, glancing back down the hall but followed him in.

It was an odd room, looking more like storage at first but then he noticed the gears turning around them and the thing that probably sent Cellbit running.

A massive monitor, and no passcode, it was completely unlocked.

Cellbit looked like a cat given catnip as he started typing away at the keys, pulling up files left right and center. Bad could barely keep up, skimming over some of the words- nether anchors, resurrection, immortality?

Subject 39 repeated too often for his liking.

“Are we looking for something specific?” Bad asked, frowning as he leaned forward.

“There’s got to be something about getting off the island in here.” Cellbit muttered, his eyes skimming over the words at a pace so fast, Bad was pleasantly impressed.

Unfortunately for Cellbit, there was an itch Bad needed to deal with.

“Why don’t you stay here and I continue to find the others?” It was a bad idea, he knew, splitting up, being alone, but he needed to find him. 

Cellbit’s eyes were just as unfocused, his lips in a wild grin at the puzzle before him. “Go ahead, I’ll crack this place apart in no time.”

Bad nodded, pulling out his scythe. He left the room and continued down the hall with one mission in mind.

Save his fool.

Chapter Text

None of them were prepared.

“Quackity! Get down!” Roier roared, rushing in with his shield, blocking the blow from Cucurucho. It was a hefty hit, sending him flying across the cavern and smashing into someone else. The world spun, his sight hazy and blinding all at once.

“Roier? Roier! Are you okay?” There was a mass of black and violet- oh.

“Jaiden?” He blinked rapidly and her worried expression came to all at once. She sat up quickly, grabbing her upper arms. “Jaiden! Mierda, they hit hard, be careful!”

“Roier…” Jaiden looked over at the fight and he looked with her.

Antoine was on his knees, blood pouring from his mouth and he wiped at it but it just kept coming. Mike was crouched over Pac, a sword in his hand, the other on Pac’s shoulder as the hand panted beside him. Etoiles was in front of them, shield raised as one of the bears circled around them, and the frenchman matched him, forming a barrier between the injured and himself with a little smirk on his face.

“A challenge, eh? Finally!” Etoiles said, but there was a warble in his words Roier’s never heard before.

Meanwhile, Quackity and Wilbur were running together, meeting up after Roier’s gotten smacked away, no doubt, the pair running around together as the bear chased them with a whirling chainsaw. Its mechanical laugh reverberated around them in the cavern.

In contrast, Fit was on his knees, clutching his arm where it was bleeding and dislocated. Beside him, Forever was face-first on the ground, part of his hair pink when it shouldn’t be, his arm bent at an odd angle. One of the bears was walking up to him, kneeled down and pulled up his face by yanking on his hair. The Brazilian moaned, looking like shit if Roier was honest.

“Surrender.”

Forever grimaced up at it.

Jaiden gripped his shoulder, “I don’t think we’re going to win this.”

“No…” Roier whispered. “Not like this.” He had to do something, but his side was in so much pain, and Forever was effectively good as dead if they tried anything.

“Surrender and return to the island.” The Cucurucho in front of Wilbur and Quackity said.

“Surrender and return to happiness.” The last one echoed.

“Roier…” Jaiden murmured, staring at him, eyes wide.

He couldn’t breathe- his abdomen was in so much pain, his heart racing- the air was thick with the smell of blood-

“Never!” A little voice yelled, falling in front of them with a loud stomp.

Roier paled, Jaiden screamed, “Bobby?! What are you doing here?!”

Their son turned back to them with a wide smile and a wink. “Don’t worry! Bobby chingon is here!” He gave them a thumbs up and ran forward, sword drawn.

Then they saw the others.

Chayanne was by Wilbur and Quackity, striking at the white bear there without saying anything, just attacking like a rabid dog. The two adults were clutching each other tight, then started to cheer as Chayanne actually started to beat the bear back.

Dapper and Ramon descended on the third one, Etoiles joining in, cheering on the kids as he did. “Let’s go! Oeufs de la mort!”

“Brothers to the rescue!” Bobby cried, leaping up onto the white bear’s shoulders that had just let Forever go. He smacked it around with his sword, and the thing stumbled around, confused. It tried to reach up and grab Bobby, but Jaiden stood and ran over, hitting it with her own sword in rage.

“This. Is. For. Everything!” She said in between strikes.

“Ya! Go mom!” Bobby cried as he continued.

Roier smiled. The kids, they were driving the bears to the center-

He had an idea. There was still time- Roier grunted as he stood, his side blistering in new pain. He bit it back, cursing himself for trying to help Quackity. He needed to get there, before…

Roier took a breath, and he ran.

It was an excruciating race to the center as the children were surprisingly effective. Once in the center, it hit him.

The Federation didn’t want to kill the children.

He nodded to himself, jotting that down as something to tell the others later, for now he needed to work.

In their preparation for this fight, many of them packed quite the array of supplies, and there was something no soul would leave without in case of an emergency… Roier pulled out the TNT and grinned. He set it down, piling it high and climbing as he went up.

“Meu deus! Roier, what-” Forever had his head raised, a trail of blood running down on side of his head, and yet his eyes were wide, alert, his face pale and his voice full of alarm and worry-

“I don’t know!” What else did one do in the face of indestructible foes?

“The kids!” Forever exclaimed, trying to stand, but the man fell back down, hand clutching the gash at his temple. “Don’t-” Fit tried to help him stand, but with his injured arm, he was limited.

“Easy there, pal.” Fit grunted.