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The Codfather Alliance was having a meeting — okay, a glorified hang out under the guise of a meeting — when Lady Marceline ran in, panting heavily as she rested her hands on her knees. The Ocean Queen immediately walked over to her guard, a concerned look on her face as she rested her hand on the axolotl’s shoulder. “Lady Marceline, are you alright? What happened?” She asked in soft deepspeak, Jimmy joining her side with a curious tilt of his head.
”I’m fine, my Queen. I just had to bring you urgent news- a boy has washed up on our shores-“ the axolotl inhaled deeply, gratefully accepting the bucket of water king Joel handed her. The Ocean Queen hummed, now more confused than anything.
”Is the boy alright? Have you brought him to the medbay?” At the nod the Queen received, her confusion grew. “So, why is this something to alert me of? Do you suspect spionage…?” Lizzie asked, looking down at her guard with hesitance and concern for her well-being. Lady Marceline shook her head, breathing finally returning to normal as their gills fluttered.
”Nono, it’s just- he isn’t from around here. Not from any empire, I mean.” The axolotl explained, seeming incredibly stressed as her tail swished nervously. At this revelation, Pixlriffs perked up, studying the guard’s expression as he knelt down.
”Not from any empire? Do you mean… a different server?” The wanderer asked, a sharp gasp coming from Lizzie as her guard nodded. “Yes! Yes, we don’t know which one, though-“ Lady Marceline stressed, clutching their bucket of water worriedly. The ocean queen sighed softly, resting a hand on the guard’s head.
“This boy, he’s in the medbay, right? Me and my allies will go see this boy, why don’t you go relax in the sanctuary for a bit. I’m sure Sir Strawberry won’t mind.” The goddess encouraged, earning a grateful rambling from her guard as she scurried to the bubble elevator, tail disappearing into the water.
Joel raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. “So, we’re going to see this kid?” The Ocean Queen nodded, and Pixl seemed actually excited. “Should we call Katherine?” Jimmy asked with a frown, following his allies as they made their way to the medbay. Pixl hummed, shrugging.
“I might visit her after meeting this boy, so we can discuss. She’s been quite busy in her own empire.” The wanderer replied, seemingly already miles deep into his own thoughts and theories as the guards let them inside. The moment they stepped foot in the infirmary, loud noises reached their ears as nurses and guards scrambled around.
“Let me go! I swear to Prime I’ll stab all of you bitches, I’ll fucking shank you!” A blonde boy was screaming and struggling against the seaweed straps binding him to the hospital bed. A doctor was trying to explain something to the kid, but he clearly wasn’t listening, threathening the poor axolotl with all his might. The Ocean queen’s anger flared up a little, taking only a few steps to stride over to their ‘guest.’
”Excuse me, boy. Where are your manners? You should not address your doctors like that.” She spoke coldly, glaring down at the little troublemaker as he returned her stare, brows furrowing. “And who the fuck are you, blue bitch!?” He yelled, baring his teeth in an attempt to seem threathening. Lizzie let out an offended gasp as Joel stepped up, hilariously short in comparison to his wife.
”How dare you talk to her like that! You treat all your gods like this?” Joel scoffed angrily, his words only seeming to confuse and distress the boy even more. The two men were probably two seconds away from an argument, when Pixl stepped up, inspecting the boy.
”Sorry, did you say ‘Prime’? As in, the church of Prime?” The man intrigued, eyes sparkling as the kid rolled his eyes and nodded. “Duh, who else, idiot. Who the fuck even are you.” The boy huffed, and Pixl actually smiled at that, turning to the other rulers.
”Well, I know where he’s from! Fascinating, a visitor from a server so far away…” the man muttered to himself, and Jimmy poked his shoulder as he trailed off. “Erm, so, where is he from?” The Codfather asked, glancing warily at the teenager as if he was afraid of becoming his next target.
”He’s from the Dream smp! It’s very strange — I would’ve expected Hermitcraft, or even the Life games, but this is uniquely strange.” The boy looked confused at that, seeming to forget his frustration as he stopped trying to bite at his restraints. “What…? Do you mean I’m- I’m not in Dream SMP right now…?” The kid looked smaller now, afraid — but also strangely, a little relieved.
Lizzie nodded, a bright smile now on her face. “Correct! You’re in Empires, now, specifically in the Ocean Kingdom! I’m Ocean Queen Lizzie, goddess of the waters.” She introduced herself cheerfully, mentally already putting together a new tourist scheme. Joel and Pixl introduced themselves as well, learning that the boy’s name was TommyInnit.
”And this is my seabling, Jimmy the Codfather!” Lizzie pointed at her little brother excitedly, and Tommy looked at him in mild awe. “You’re a god too, then?” He asked hesitantly, and Jimmy perked up, nodding.
”Yes! I’m the god of cod and slime!” He grinned proudly, hands on his hips as he struck a pose. Tommy just blinked at him, face scrunching up into confusion.
”You’re… the god of fish and slime. And you’re the goddess of literally everything water…?” He asked, frowning as he tilted his head. “Isn’t that a bit… unfair?” Jimmy frowned at the question, mirroring Tommy as he shook his head.
“No! Not at all, I chose this! I don’t do well with responsibility!” The cod-hybrid grinned, and apparently the boy decided he wasn’t going to argue that point. Instead, he focused on Jimmy’s wings, seeming a little awestruck at the bright yellow feathers, despite having his own grey ones.
”Your wings look so fucking cool…” the kid muttered, his own appendages fluttering a little. Lizzie couldn’t help but frown in concern as dust surrounded them. She had to stop herself from fixing some of the broken feathers, hands twitching beside her as Jimmy excitedly chatted to the kid.
”-And I can always beat Joel when he flies with his elytra.” The Codfather bragged, not noticing the widening of Tommy’s eyes. “Wait- you have elytra’s on this server? And you’re allowed to fucking fly?” The boy asked quietly, his expression starstruck. Jimmy stilled at this, and Pixl stopped furiously writing his notes for a second. Joel spoke up, voice low.
”…You’re not allowed to fly in your server…?” The king asked, and Lizzie could spot the telltale sign of anger beginning to consume him. Usually, Lizzie would put a hand on her husband’s shoulder and calm him down, but she felt her own fury rise inside of her too. Tommy seemed to almost hunch into himself at the harsh tone, and Jimmy stepped up.
“Sorry, we’re just… surprised. You’ve never flown before?” Jimmy asked with a frown, his wings twitching as they unfurled. Tommy shifted nervously, nodding. “I mean, yeah? There are only like, 2 other fuckin’ avians on the server, not counting me — and flying is banned. So is the end. I’m lucky they didn’t clip my wings like Phil’s.”
The boy said it so calmly — but Lizzie let out a horrified gasp as Jimmy’s face paled. Pixl wrote something down furiously, before standing up. “I’m going to the Overgrown to discuss this with Katherine. We might need to contact Fwhip or Sausage about the server thing.”
The wandered hurriedly left with determined steps, cape swishing behind him as a guard ran after him to be an escort. Joel was gripping a bedpost so tightly it might splinter soon, and outside the rain began to pour down even heavier. “They clipped someone’s wings?” Joel hissed, eyes ablaze with fury.
Tommy shrunk into himself, nodding timidly. “Yeah- sorry.” He mumbled, and Lizzie frowned, kneeling down besides the boy. “Don’t apologise, Tommy. That’s not your fault. My doctors, they said you were severely injured, that you needed multiple regeneration potions. What happened to you, on your server?”
Tommy blinked away tears, shrugging as Jimmy hurried to undo his restraints. “There uh, there was a lot of war on my server. First there was L’manburg, but then Wilbur and I got kicked out and he kinda… blew it up. Then there was a bunch more, and I uh. I got exiled.” The boy explained quietly, hugging his knees to his chest as he wrapped his wings around himself. Lizzie felt tears well into her eyes, and she looked at Joel.
”He’s just 16…” she mumbled, and Joel softened, wrapping his arms around her as Jimmy pried for more information. The ocean queen hugged her husband tightly, trying to ignore the horrors she heard being explained by the child in her medbay.
”We have to keep him.” She told Joel firmly, wiping her eyes. “We’re not letting him go back to his old server- do you see the scars on him?” She stressed, and Joel nodded, trying to calm her down. “Of course, we’ll keep him safe.” The man reassured, wincing when Jimmy let out a loud shout.
”They let you fight in a war!? In our empires you can’t even join the military until you’re 25!” The cod squawked, and Tommy flinched. “I guess…? It was my choice tho-“ The boy began, but Joel cut him off.
“Whatever adult let you make that choice should’ve known better.” The Mezelean king growled, as Lizzie whispered something to one of her guards.
”Tommyinnit, I would like to invite you to reside here. We’ll keep you safe, Ocean’s word.” She spoke softly, kneeling down to be at eye level with the boy. He seemed suprised, stammering whilst nodding. The ocean queen broke into a big smile, and kissed the top of the boy’s head. “Lovely! I’ll get Sir Strawberry to set something up!”
Tommy seemed startled at the sudden affection, flinching back slightly, but Lizzie had already dragged Joel to the guest room.
~
Joel didn’t like how Tommy acted.
Not in the way that the child was annoying, or a bother — Joel didn’t like how afraid the kid was. He and Lizzie had harboured him for a few days now, letting him stay in the guest room under their own, and Tommy was just…constantly scared. He tried to act tough, swearing (to most of the other’s dismay) and cursing at everybody who got close to him, but flinching away from anything loud or a hand reaching over him.
Then, there was the flying. There were a few avian hybrid emperors, and everybody owned an elytra — and this seemed incomprehensible to the teen. The first time he saw Jimmy fly into the tower, the boy practically threw himself in front of them Codfather, rambling excuses to Lizzie and Joel like they were going to punish their friend.
Despite explaining it a few more times, Tommy still gave Joel’s elytra a distrusting look.
Another thing was the kid’s fear of explosions. Which is understandable — everybody has the incessant fear of a creeper sneaking up on them, or a prank gone, but Tommy was sent into a panic attack by one simple creeper explosion. The boy had been almost inconsolable, throwing out all of his items and pleading with Lizzie about something they couldn’t understand.
(Joel basically had to pry the kid out of his wife’s embrace after he tired himself out.)
It was all… concerning, to say the least. Joel tried his best to help, but he wasn’t the greatest at comfort — and honestly, neither was Lizzie. Not for a lack of trying, but, well, the goddess wasn’t exactly used to normal mortals. She was a wonder at commanding and helping her axolotl guards, and fishes and dolphins flocked to her in groups whenever she swam; but humans were different.
Even Joel wasn’t a fully normal human — he was literally chosen to be a king by a Tree Goddess, bound the be immortal until She decided his reign was over. Not the really pinnacle of normalcy.
Jimmy was good at distracting the kid, cracking jokes and explaining the empires in his own way, and Tommy seemed less on guard with him. Still, they hadn’t been able to pry almost anything about the kid’s home server from him. Pixl had tried, sure, but with little to no success.
Which is when Katherine came in.
The woman was very busy with running her empire, not one to leave it unattended for longer than a few hours — but she was willing to visit her allies when they asked. She was a fae, yes, sometimes seen as a dangerous creature; but she was also the leader of the Overgrown, and an absolute wonder at being comforting.
There was a certain air around the fae that just made you relaxed. Maybe it was the flower aroma, or the soft expression she always carried — but it worked on Tommy too.
The kid was alright with being left alone with Katherine, and after a few hours, the Empress emerged carrying the boy in her arms, flowers blooming in his blonde curls. Lizzie quickly took him from Katherine, cradling Tommy close to her chest as he snored lightly. Joel raised an eyebrow as the fae gave him a knowing glance, as they sat down.
”Tommy told me some things about his home server.” She began softly, glancing at the boy sleeping in the Ocean Queen’s arms. Katherine took a deep breath, steadying herself. “He’s been through a lot. Apparently, he started a nation with his brother — had a revolution, got kicked out of that nation, and had another revolution. His brother didn’t make it.”
”There was something with music discs I couldn’t fully understand, but there was a man, Dream-“ she spoke the name bitterly, and Joel could see the thorns growing on the woman’s flowers. “He was… a monster. Not only did he taunt Tommy, but orchestrated his exile. Helped his brother blow up the nation. Then, Tommy pulled a prank, and got exiled for it. With Dream.”
Lizzie looked confused at this, holding the sleeping boy a little closer. It was kinda funny — Tommy seemed very confident about his height, but compared to the goddess, he seemed like a toddler.
”The exile was bad. Dream tortured him, blew up his items everyday. Manipulated him. Tommy…the reason Tommy is here is because he jumped off a dirt tower and landed into the ocean.” Katherine said it quietly, like she didn’t want to wake the boy up. Lizzie gasped as Joel clenched his fists, gritting his teeth.
Outside, the waves crashed against the palace, the pleasant rain turning into a thunderous storm. “He what.” Lizzie growled, and Tommy stirred in her arms. The ocean queen calmed a bit at that, the noises of an angry sea lessening a little. Joel felt a surge of protectiveness well up inside of him as he looked at the boy’s scarred face, silently vowing to get revenge for him.
Katherine told them some more about Tommy’s ‘friends’, but Joel wasn’t even listening anymore.
~
Jimmy had a mission. And for once, it wasn’t about cod or harassing Fwhip.
No, it was about cheering up this damaged kid.
Jimmy could somewhat see himself inside of the boy — fierce but scared of the world and how it would perceive him, wanting to fly but too afraid to leave behind the ground he trusted. But, Jimmy would help him fly.
Literally.
He had been hanging out with Tommy for the past week — Lizzie and Joel both having to return to their emperor duties after a week or two of taking care (read, mother henning) Tommy since his appearance. Now, whilst Jimmy had his own tasks too — let’s be honest. He’s gone on longer side quests with his empire doing just fine.
So, he met up with his sister in the Prisma palace, promising to be safe and do a great job at ‘babysitting’. He smiled as Lizzie’s protective behaviour reminded him of when he himself was younger. “Course Lizzie! You know I’m super responsible.” Jimmy grinned, wings twitching behind him as Lizzie gave him a suspicious look.
”…Right. Lady Marceline and Sir Strawberry will be here for you if you need them.” She huffed, before adding a softer “Take care.” Jimmy let his sister hug him, happily leaning into it before grinning, giving her a mock salute.
”I gotcha sis. Now to do your duties!” He encouraged, chuckling at the fondly annoyed look she gave him. Time to absolutely kill it as a baby sitter.
”Uhm, Jimmy, I’m not sure about this… sorry, but I haven’t flown in a long fuckin’ time.” Tommy mumbled insecurely, backing away from the ledge as Jimmy held a gentle hand on his shoulder.
”It’s okay, fledgling. You got this.” He encouraged, ruffling the kid’s hair — earning an offended squawk. “I’m really don’t think so big man.” He muttered, seemingly unconsciously leaning into Jimmy’s touch.
“Listen lil man, I know how it feels. I mean, I was born a cod hybrid with wings! Really weird combination, got bullied for it a lot. Or, well, until Lizzie literally threathened to kill everybody — not the point. The point is, I didn’t fly for a long time, because I didn’t wanna seem even stranger! But when I did, it was amazing.” Jimmy explained with a wide grin, hands on his hips.
Tommy looked at him with mild confusion, but decided not to push it, and instead pout. “Okay, but that’s different. You were allowed to fly, you just… didn’t do it.” He mumbled, hunched into himself. Jimmy sighed, crouching down a little — he wasn’t as tall as Lizzie, but still far taller than the average human.
”Listen kid, you’re allowed now. Which is why I’m not gonna force you to do anything — but I do wanna be there for you to help.” He explained softly, giving the kid a smile. Tommy seemed hesitant, before scoffing.
”…Fine. But if I fall and look like a little bitch, I’m telling Lizzie you threw me off.” He huffed with a scowl, and Jimmy just snorted, standing up. “Sure buddy. You ready?”
Tommy peered over the edge, taking a few deep breaths before nodding. “Yeah. What n-“ he questioned, as Jimmy planted a hand in between the kid’s shoulder blades and shoved. He followed not even a second after, laughing at the loud squeaking noises Tommy made as he clumsily flapped his wings.
”I’ll be right here to catch you, just try to flap them in a steady rhythm.” Jimmy shouted, hovering about a metre under the boy, ready to act as a landing pad if necessary. Tommy cursed him out for a while, but stayed in the air, balance a little off as he stayed in one place.
”You’re doing great kid!” Jimmy teased, laughing as Tommy dove towards him, trying to grapple at him without much success. He had a big, hesitant smile on his face though — and Jimmy allowed himself to silently celebrate.
~
Tommy was overwhelmed. He’d been in Empires SMP for a month now — and it felt… safe. Lizzie and Joel both hovered over him at all times, the Ocean Queen having literally rushed him to the ER after he scraped his knee on a piece of coral. He felt like a little kid again — which was crazy, he’s 16 and a very big man.
But it was nice. Jimmy was teaching him how to fly, and Pixl was basically a fucking walking history textbook. Katherine wasn’t around as much, but she was always super calm, which was very poggers; women are poggers. He hadn’t actually met any other ‘emperors’ yet, though. He was kinda curious — but kind of nervous too. For them, obviously, Tommy’s amazing presence is a pretty big deal.
So maybe for now, he’d stick to the ocean empire, and maybe visiting the Overgrown and Mezealean palace every once in a while. He was currently hanging around on a large lily pad, a market in full swing as the merfolk buzzed around. It was pleasantly peaceful — unlike any events that used to happen back in L’manburg. There were axolotl guards stationed everywhere, not to be intimidating — but to bring a sense of safety.
Kids ran around their…legs? Fins? — playing with their shields and climbing onto them with giddiness. A few of them stayed stoic, but most of them indulged the little ones, letting them ask a million rapid fire questions in a language Tommy couldn’t really understand. He’d need to learn deepspeak soon if he wanted to interact with the merfolk more, and — and when did he decide to stay here?
When did he decide to let himself be…. be domesticated, cared for, letting himself settle down.
Would Lizzie and the others even want him to stick around? They made a room for him, yes, but he was just a stray in a sanctuary. They might tolerate him, sure. But they couldn’t possibly like having him around; he was nothing but a burden. An anomaly in their world that they took pity on. A pit formed in his stomach as he watched someone lightheartedly haggling for a small prismarine box, handing the merchant a bundle of shining shells and emeralds.
Tommy didn’t belong here, didn’t belong in this Empire, didn’t belong in this peace. He didn’t belong in this world.
A hand clasped on his shoulder, and he flinched harshly, almost falling into the water as an arm held him back. “Woah there- relax, it’s just me.” Joel chuckled, making Tommy’s face flush red.
”Right… sorry. What are you doing here?” Tommy mumbled, standing up and dusting off his pants. Joel shrugged, handing him a bundle. “Here to do some shopping with you. You need some more clothes, mine look… off on you. No offense.” The man grinned, steering Tommy towards the market stalls.
The teen stammered an offended protest, but begrudgingly followed Joel as he began talking to a clothes merchant.
Tommy was going to suffocate.
Lizzie was hugging him tightly, spinning him around in the air as Joel laughed. “Lizzie- put him down, you’re gonna break his ribs.” The man spoke fondly, and the ocean goddess put him down with a mildly embarrassed expression.
”Sorry my little shell — you just look so adorable!” She fawned, adjusting the collar of Tommy’s new dress shirt. Joel had forced him to get a completely new wardrobe — almost entirely consisting of traditional ocean folk garments. The teen let out a yelp, crossing his arms. “Hey! I’m not fuckin’ cute! I’m a big man, I look powerful!” He huffed, and Lizzie giggled.
”Of course you do, petal. You look like a little prince!” She replied fondly, ruffling his hair. Tommy was not little, but he supposed the compliment would do. Joel hummed in agreement, lightly punching the teen’s shoulder. “She’s right. You think we could pass you off for our kid to the other emperors? Say merfolk age differently.”
The man joked, but Tommy stilled.
He hadn’t wanted to admit it to himself — but he couldn’t deny the hitch in his breathing and stuttering of his heart at the words. Because, well, yeah. Tommy was pathetically starved for any sort of affection; and the married couple had given him that in bucket loads.
It wasn’t even the same as Wilbur, or Phil, or even Techno. There was no bite behind it, no annoyance. Sure, Joel joked around — but he didn’t act like he was obligated to talk with Tommy. Lizzie would keep him locked up in her room to coddle him if she could, Tommy was pretty sure he’d gained at least 3 pounds since he’d arrived him, Lizzie absolutely stuffing him full with cake and fish after her snitching doctors told her he was ‘malnourished’.
He cleared his throat, letting out a miserably fake laugh. “As if, I’m way too awesome to be your child.” He huffed at Joel, who looked offended. “Excuse you! I’ll have you know that I’m incredibly sexy and powerful!” The king crossed his arms, a mock angry expression on his face.
Lizzie just giggled, sitting down on her bed to be on a closer eye level with the other two. “Sure you are babe.”
Joel spluttered at his wife’s words, beginning to list off all his accomplishments (which included killing chickens for some reason) as Tommy just sat down next to the ocean queen, letting her braid his hair.
~
Tommy had a problem.
A wing problem.
You see, he hadn’t been preened in, well, forever. He’s pretty sure someone in the medbay took care of his wings, but still — it wasn’t the same. Now, could he ask the other avian he knew, Jimmy? Yes. But for literally the first time since Tommy had arrived here, Jimmy was busy.
Apparently he had some ‘peace negotiations’ with an empire called the Grimmlands, and had taken Joel and Katherine with him.
Which sounded super fucking boring, given the lack of war on this server.
Anyways, it sucked. He could feel the feathers itching, but he was unable to reach most of them, causing him to sit with an uncomfortable stinging in his extra appendages. He was curled up in his room, trying to ruffle his own feathers as tears pricked in his eyes. It was stupid and childish, but Tommy couldn’t deal with the overstimulating feeling, lips trembling.
He shouldn’t cry about this. He wasn’t going to cry about this.
He angrily wiped away his tears, clenching his fists as he trembled slightly. He was just going to deal with it, hole up in his room — (prime he wanted a nest), and hide away until it was over.
Which was, of course, when Lizzie knocked on his door. Unable to form an answer besides a pathetically sounding chirp, Tommy curled up further into himself, wrapping his messy wings around himself like a barrier. Lizzie opened the door, a worried look on her face as she rushed to his side.
”My bubble, what’s wrong? Are you hurt?” She asked, panic crossing her face as she summoned a trident. Tommy shook his head, tears beginning to stream down his face as he let out a sob. Lizzie cupped his cheek, asking him questions he couldn’t process. Eventually, he stammered something out about his wings, fluttering them as loose feathers fell down.
Understanding dawned on the ocean Queen’s face as she softened, muttering something in deep speak. “Oh Tommy, did nobody preen your wings yet?” She asked gently, and Tommy nodded, leaning into her touch as she cradled him close to her chest. Her skin was cold against his own, grounding him a little as her webbed hands ran through his hair.
”It’s okay petal, it’s okay. Do you want me to preen them?” She offered softly, holding his face in her hands as her piercing turquoise eyes stared at his own. He nodded weakly, only managing to give her a weak chirp. She chuckled fondly, kissing the top of his head.
”I’m sorry smallfry, I don’t know any avian.” She hummed, sitting down on the bed next to him. Tommy curled up against her, climbing into her lap like a small child. (He was still a fledgling, after all.) Lizzie cooed softly, and in any other circumstance, the teen would’ve replied with an offended retort about being an almost grown man.
Instead, he just melted, wings splaying out behind him as he rested his head against Lizzie’s chest, eyes fluttering close as the woman gently began to work on his wings. Tommy slumped forwards, the gentle touch sending him into a dazed, sleepy state as the Ocean Queen laughed quietly.
A few hours later, Joel and Jimmy walked in — the latter gasping at the sight and dashing towards them with one flap of his wings. "You guys were preening? And i wasn't invited!?" The Codfather whisper-yelled, earning a roll of her eyes from Lizzie, and a confused chirp from Tommy.
"You were busy being a nuisance to Fwhip, and i found him crying. The poor thing hasn't been preened in forever." The ocean queen huffed, holding the boy close with a sad look. "I don't think he's even ever had a nest before..." she trailed off, running her hand through the teen's hair.
Joel frowned worriedly, sitting down on the large bed too. "But, didn't he have a family, or, like, flock before?" He intrigued, looking down at the kid’s freshly preened wings. Jimmy hesitated, biting his lip before speaking.
”I think… I don’t know if he ever had an actual flock. I think he might’ve imprinted on us.” The codfather spoke softly, his own wings spreading out largely as if to shield the group. Joel made a choked up noise, a hint of anger flashing on his face before it disappeared again, merging into confusion. Lizzie, however, looked at Jimmy with delight.
”You mean he sees us as his flock? His family?” She asked excitedly, her large tail swishing from side to side. Her seabling nodded, glancing at Joel. “Yeah… that includes you, Joel. Sorry mate.”
The mezealean king frowned at this, looking offended. “Sorry? What are you sorry for?” He replied exasperatedly, earning a surprised look from the Codfather.
“Well- you’re not a hybrid or, like, supernatural being, so I thought that being roped into that would be strange…?” The man explained as Joel gave him an unimpressed look.
”…My wife is a 10 foot tall ancient fish goddess. I was chosen to be king by a magical tree. I gaslit myself and my empire out of a literal demon infestation. Becoming part of Tommy’s flock is absolutely not the weirdest thing.” The man spoke dryly, letting Tommy nuzzle his head into his chest as he half heartedly tried to escape Lizzie’s grip.
“…You have a point.” Jimmy mumbled, before humming in thought.
“We have to make a nest, though.”
~
Making a nest was, in Tommy’s opinion, which is obviously always the correct one — very embarrassing.
Jimmy practically fainting when he realised Tommy had accepted him as flock was bad enough; having Lizzie, Joel, Jimmy, and even Katherine and Pixl bring him their old clothes or blankets was arguably worse. He was sitting next to the Codfather on his bed, Joel and Katherine on the ground as all four of them sorted through the fabric.
Tommy at first had insisted the Fae could sit on the bed and he’d move to the floor, but the woman just waved it off with a small smile — and no, the teen had not offered Joel the position. He could suffer.
“This smells like sweat.” Tommy’s nose wrinkled up in disgust as he pulled out an old purple coat, glaring at the mezealean king, who just shrugged. “It’s an old piece of clothing, what do you want from me!” He huffed, throwing a balled up t-shirt at him. Tommy hust caught it, begrudgingly adding it to the pile of clothes he actually wanted to keep in his nest.
”You still suck, bitch.” The teen mumbled, earning a scolding look from Katherine, who handed him a blanket that smelled like every flower at once. “Be nice petal.” She chided, wrapping the blanket around him with a smile.
Fine, maybe making a nest wasn’t too bad.
~
Tommy was scared. More specifically, he was scared of Lizzie, — scared for Lizzie. He had let himself into her ‘war room’, fully intending to annoy her until Jimmy came over for their flying lessons, but when he entered the room, he was met with a disturbing sight.
The ocean queen was staring at nothing, eyes blank as tears rolled down her face, her body completely still. Tommy didn’t… didn’t really know what to do, hesitating in the doorway. He could look at the goddess’ face, and finally notice how old she was.
Her turquoise eyes were filled with a deep sorrow, reflecting the rise and fall of kingdoms that Tommy had recognised in some of his old friends. The queen kind of looked like Philza whenever the man was having a bad day, unable to cope with his immortal existence — except Lizzie was even older.
Slowly, he made his way to the woman, hesitantly putting a hand on her arm. “Lizzie..? Are you okay?” He asked quietly, sitting down next to her. She didn’t respond, just closed her eyes as tears escaped them, taking a long breath.
”This isn’t my first empire.” She began to speak softly, voice wavering uncharacteristically. Tommy stayed silent, hugging his knees to his chest and resting his chin on them as he looked at the ocean queen. “Thousands of years ago, the first ocean empire existed. It was peaceful, silent. We didn’t have much traded with other empires.”
Lizzie opened her eyes, looking over at the ocean wistfully. “Jimmy was just a small egg back then, hatching after decades of me nurturing him.” She smiled a little fondly, her hair flowing in the wind as the sun broke through the colds for a moment, and shone down on them.
”He was so tiny… I always protected him. He was happy, and so was I — but then, he grew distant.” She whispered with sorrow, her tears shining like pearls on her pale blue skin. Tommy frowned, tilting his head questioningly — Jimmy and Lizzie seemed closer than, well, anyone, really.
”I’m sure he’s told you all about the ‘salmon war’. It is lighthearted now, Lord Fwhip… despite being a nuisance, he is much less cruel than his ancestors.” Tommy just nodded, not even entirely sure Lizzie was expecting a response as she laughed wetly.
”The salmon invaded our empire, our waters, and Jimmy — my brave little Jimmy, he wanted to fight.” Lizzie looked at Tommy, her eyes boring into his. “I couldn’t let him, petal. He was all I had for centuries, I had protected his egg amongst the broken shells for ages, I could not let him suffer.”
The ocean queen closed her eyes again, facing the ceiling as the rain that had appeared outside mirrored her tears. “So, I decided I would venture out. I’d find the source of the salmon, slay them, and return to my seabling.” The woman spoke with so much regret that Tommy could feel it in his chest, and he decided to lean his head against the woman’s arm.
”I forgot him. I forgot myself, my empire, my being. As soon as I stepped onto land, I no longer had a purpose.” Lizzie sounded so broken, regret dripping from her voice as she shuddered.
“I did what I promised not to do— I left my little brother. Eventually, a few years ago, we both remembered. But I still left him.” She looked at Tommy, cupping his cheek. “You remind me so much of him, little shell. I swear I wont leave you too.” She spoke intensely, and Tommy felt his own tears well up as he nodded.
”I know- I know. Back in my server, so many people left- but they never, they never cared about me like you and the others-“ he mumbled weakly, hiding his face in Lizzie’s flowing dress as he sniffled. She held him tightly, like he used to imagine a mother would hold her child.
”I’m sorry they hurt you darling. I won’t let that happen again, I’ll drown everybody who tries to get close to you with any intentions or harm.” She pressed a kiss to the top of his head, and Tommy couldn’t help but sob, sob for the love he missed his whole life. The love he finally obtained without a nagging voice in his head telling him he wasn’t worth it.
The love he found with a tall fish goddess, a cod-canary hybrid, and an egocentrical moss king.
~
Lizzie had been fawning over her pup for the past hour. He looked so adorable, dressed in traditional royal ocean garments, flowers blooming in his hair courtesy of Katherine, and a mossy and purple cloak flowing behind him, gifted by Joel, of course.
”It’s itchy.” Tommy scoffed, tugging on his collar. The flowy, light blue fabric hugged him nicely, and Lizzie couldn’t help but feel proud at the fact that the boy had gained some weight. His pants were just as loose, a green seaweed colour as they were held up by a beautifully handcrafted belt, adorned with the prettiest shells in the empire.
His sandals were a soft green and blue, and it was an honest to god miracle Jimmy had been able to get the boy into him, with Tommy’s utter disdain towards the type of shoes. “You look absolutely wonderful little pup!” Lizzie cooed, picking the boy up and swinging him around.
”The other rulers are going to be so jealous when they see you! My precious sea flower!” She grinned, kissing the top of his curls as she put him down. The boy just grumbled, crossing his arms with a pout. “I look like a pretentious dickhead.”
Joel snorted as he walked into the room, nodding. “Yup. Formal wear will do that to you. Never understood how Lizzie pulls it off.” The man winked at his wife, who chuckled with a blush, whilst Tommy gagged dramatically. “Get a room already!” The teen huffed, face scrunched up. Joel just stuck his tongue out at him, kissing Lizzie — which, much to the boy’s amusement, made her have to crouch down.
“Well, let’s get going!” Lizzie clapped her hands, hoisting Tommy up into her arms as he yelped. “Hey! Wh-“ he spluttered, glaring at Joel as the king doubled over laughing. “Sorry petal, but you’re too young to have an elytra! You have to be 18.” The ocean queen explained with a smile, getting out her trident.
”Hold on!” She told him cheerfully, confusing him for a moment — before he was launched into the air. “What the fuck- Lizzie-!” He shrieked, clinging to the woman as they soared through the air, dunking underwater and launching back up as she threw her trident. Suprisingly, Tommy remained dry, something he was too busy to contemplate right now.
Why did he agree to go to this stupid festival.?
“We’re here! Oh it looks wonderful as always, I can’t wait to show you off!” Lizzie rambled excitedly as they landed, still carrying Tommy as the boy flushed with embarrassment. The ‘venue’, for lack of a better word, did look beautiful. It was being held in the overgrown, stringlights hanging in between luscious plants and wisteria trees as sparkles danced in the air as paper lanterns floated around.
Tommy took it in with awe as Lizzie set him down, reaching up a hand to touch one of the lanterns, unable to suppress a smile as it landed on his palm. He absentmindedly followed Lizzie and Joel to the banquet hall, still admiring the decorations whilst the mezelean king prevented him from tripping over the uneven path. As they approached multiple voices, Tommy was ripped from his imagination, unconsciously tensing up.
In his mind — festivals meant danger. They meant fireworks and buttons, celebrations and withers, the smell of blood and the sound of hurried footsteps and shouts. He pressed himself closer to the ocean queen, feeling strangely protected by the woman’s presence as Joel ruffled his hair softly.
”It’ll be okay mate, you got the strong and all powerful Mezealean King to protect you.” Joel proudly stated, puffing up his chest as Lizzie giggled. Before the two could bicker, a cheerful voice called out to them — Jimmy tackling Lizzie into a hug. The seablings exchanged greetings as Joel huffed about being ignored. Katherine and Pixl made their way to them too, the rulers quickly falling into really boring empire talk.
Tommy still felt uneasy. He trailed behind the group, seeming to almost hide in between the flowing silk and large statures of his… his friends? Were they his friends? Or was Lizzie just bored, and Joel entertaining her by letting his wife keep some broken down teenager around. Did Jimmy really mean it when he told Tommy they were flock now, or was it just a cruel joke. Would Katherine and Pixlriffs get sick of his questions about plants and this world he was dropped into, would they leave him too?
There was always a voice in the back of his head telling him that, yes, they would. They’d realise how annoying he was, and Lizzie would throw him back into the ocean — or worse, send him back. The thought made him shudder as he hunched into himself. Jimmy seemed to notice, chirping at him questioningly.
The codfather’s chirps weren’t… exactly normal. They had the signature avian sound, of course, but it was also mixed with some type of deepspeak, causing it to be a bit harder for Tommy to understand. This one, however, was unmistakable concerned. The younger boy chirped back a loose reassurance, straightening back up and letting his wings fluff up. Jimmy still seemed a little suspicious, but turned away to run up and greet a blue haired man.
Slowly but surely, Joel and Katherine left too — the latter having flowers bloom at her feet with every step as she blushed, approaching a rather short woman with a large mushroom hat. He was eventually alone with Lizzie once more, following her like a lost puppy as she rambled about sea pickles and their nutritional values whilst passing a large buffet table, from which Tommy took a lot of food. Sue him, he was a growing boy.
The two had just sat down when a blonde, half naked man approached them, large parrot wings spreading out behind him as the gold he was covered in dazzled in the sun. Lizzie made a dramatic gagging noise, crossing her arms and giving the other ruler a nasty look. “Joey Graceffa. To what do I owe the displeasure.” The ocean queen huffed, rolling her eyes at Tommy.
The man let out an offended gasp, hand clutching his chest — (yeah, he definitely matched Lizzie’s drama.) “Hey! I just wanted to see what the witch dragged in now!” Joey scoffed, eyeing Tommy like he was some artefact. The boy shrunk into himself, pressing himself closer to the ocean queen.
Joey cocked his head at that curiously, stepping closer. “Is he shy? Where did you and Joel get a little one anyway?” The man interrogated lightly, making the teen squirm as Lizzie just gave the man half hearted replies that were honestly more similair to thinly veiled insults. Tommy honestly couldn’t figure out if they were actual enemies or not — but he didn’t want to find out.
He knew that politics worked differently on this server than his old one — far less wars, the only current one being the ‘Salmon scam’, which Jimmy reassured, was now just a lighthearted thing ever since King Fwhip took the throne. Still, the animosity between rulers made him uncomfortable, and he was unconsciously reaching for a sword at his hip that wasn’t there. Joey and Lizzie were still bickering, when the man hummed, and grabbed Tommy by the chin as if to inspect him.
The boy flinched back violently, eyes wide as he began to tremble in fear, not having time to process anything before Lizzie stood up, water flowing out from the rivers and forming into a trident in her hand. She stood in front of him protectively, towering over the other ruler as the man’s wings spread out to look more intimidating, a hesitant scowl on his face.
”Hey! These are lost empire royal garments, you can’t just drench them!” The man squawked, hair and clothes sopping wet from the water Lizzie had lifted him up with, letting his face rise up to meet her own. Other emperors noticed the commotion, Joel immediately rushing to his wife’s side as he checked to see if Tommy was hurt.
”Tommy? What happened?” The mezealean king asked softly, frowning at the boy as he choked out a sob. Joel hugged him gently, rubbing his back as Lizzie yelled threatheningly. Her voice boomed over the lands, eyes filled with protective rage as she scolded Joey, Jimmy motioning for the other rulers to stay back.
”You dare touch my pup without asking? The audacity of a mortal like you to even consider laying a hand on him!” She growled, water still spiralling around the Jungle Emperor furiously as he spluttered. “Wh- I didn’t even hurt him! Just wanted to see, he was hiding away!”
The ocean queen just stept closer, eyes ablaze with fury as she grabbed the ruler by his collar. "Joey, I don't mind our bickering. But you will never touch my pup again, understood.?" She hissed her talons circling the man's flesh.
Joey nodded, face white with fear as he scrambled away from Lizzie when she dropped him. Joel was still hugging Tommy, and Jimmy stood behind his sister, glaring at everybody else. "That goes for you too, nobody touches Tommy without his consent. I don't care if its just a handshake — you ask." The codfather added, eyes scanning over everybody as they quickly nodded.
Lizzie's eyes softened as she crouched down to the boy's level — and Tommy realised then, that even if Dream did come for him — he was safe. He had his family, his flock with him.
And they'd always protect him.