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"How long until we're there!?"
Wemmbu exclaimed, kicking his head back, his walking becoming increasingly more sluggish as time went on.
"We get there when we get there.."
Parrot grumbled, annoyed. He entirely regrets this decision of deciding to team up with Flame, Spoke and Wemmbu. And to be honest, he's not even sure how exactly it happened. He needed to go make a proposition of some sort with some neighboring kingdom and bumped into Flame who needed materials from said kingdom. And then Wemmbu appeared out of nowhere saying he needed to go fight somebody in the kingdom- Then Spoke came out from who knows where stating he needed to “kill off some time and be the entertainer.”
So that’s how all four of them were currently with each other, treading through the rather tightly compacted forest, Flame slashing off any leaves or branches in his way to clear a path. It had been a while since Parrot had saw the other three, last time being since the war with Law. He was grateful that since the last encountering that they were all on good terms..More or less. Because honestly, Parrot heavily doubted he could hold himself at all against the other three, all with unique and interesting fighting styles.
“C’mon Wemmbu, cheer up! We got the whole gang back together again, be happy!”
He cheered, slinging an arm around Wemmbu’s shoulder as the demon hybrid stifled out a laugh, clearly finding Spoke’s words a bit amusing and funny.
“You’re acting like were some kind of family-”Flame uttered out, rolling his eyes at the thought of it despite the blindfold covering it.
“We are Flame- And you’re the dad.”
Wemmbu teased, getting a very evident reaction out of Flame as he jolted back at the comment.
“E-excuse me-!? Why am I the dad??”
He shouted, looking visibly distraught and disgusted. Wemmbu and Spoke let out a loud holler, their very distinct laughs mixing conceringly well together.
“Because you’re so serious and HATE the idea of having fun.”
Spoke exclaimed, snickering. Flame let out a scoff, resuming back to walking, grumbling incomprehensible things. Parrot let out a quiet sigh, already knowing that this was going to lead to some huge rage bait thing where eventually Flame was going to crash out somehow.
“If Flame’s the dad then what’s Parrot?”
Spoke asked, turning to Wemmbu as he let out an ‘dunno’. Parrot quickly snapped his head over the two behind him, shooting a glare.
“Do not drag me into this.”
He stated although the duo ignored Parrot with no issue.
“Hm..Maybe he’s the mom because he’s so responsible.”
Wemmbu joked causing a very loud cackle to escape both him and Spoke.
“Oh my gosh, dude..”
Parrot groaned, dragging his palm down his face in annoyance, purposely avoiding the two’s gaze.
“Maybe we should slime them out.”
Flame mumbled, nudging Parrot slightly who stifled a laugh.
“Wemmbu- They’re conspiring against us!”
Spoke whispered-yelled although it seemed like he was just speaking in a regular tone.
For some odd reason, Parrot found out- maybe two years ago? That Spoke cannot whisper, like for the life of him he cannot. So he ends up just talking in a slightly lower tone than usual but not a full blown whisper.
“Dude can you dead ass not whisper-?”
Wemmbu snorted as Spoke immediately got defensive, waving his hands around.
“Uh- For your CORRECTION, I can whisper!”
He exclaimed, putting a hand over his chest. The other three all turned to look at Spoke, giving him a look that read “you sure?” Spoke glanced over to everyone before letting out a dramatic huff.
“It’s hard to whisper-! It’s not in my nature..”
He grumbled, crossing his arms.
“TO be honest, what’s even in Spoke’s nature- Like what’s even natural about this guy.”
Flame said, gesturing to Spoke.
The idea wasn’t too far off- Spoke was..whatever, Parrot wasn’t even sure himself and he never came across anyone as the same species heritage as Spoke. Maybe Minutetech but he kinda doubted it.
Spoke looked a taken back at Flame’s sentence, clearly offended.
“Wow- Okay! At least I’m not a hybrid!!”
He quipped as Wemmbu scoffed.
“You idiot- We’re all hybrids except for you!”
He sneered, poking at Spoke who refused to look at him.
“Exactly my point- You guy’s all suck..”
He stated, pausing for a moment before closing his eyes, a smug grin appearing on his lips.
“Except for Parrot.”
He then added, Flame’s face morphed into confusion and then disgust as he pushed Spoke away.
“Oh c’mon- Not Parrot!? We’re glazing Parrot now!??”
He shouted as Wemmbu threw his head back, groaning.
“Oh my god- You’re pissing me off Spoke.”
He muttered, Spoke giggling whilst Flame looked like he was going to choke him straight out.
“Who even likes the color red and purple anyway! They’re terrible colors and anyone who likes them should jump off a cliff.”
He chirps, instantly unraveling the thread of chaos. Quickly Flame and Wemmbu were yelling at Spoke who stood there rather smugly, completely unfazed. Parrot sighed, rolling his eyes, why were Flame and Wemmbu the easiest people to rage bait?
The Avian tried not to pay no mind to the three behind him but he couldn’t help it when his wings stifled or flinched at the yelling.
‘Oh my god, they’re gonna get us killed..’
He thought, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Suddenly, a cold sort of feeling hit his hand, making him pull back. He glanced down at his hand, noticing the small white speckle. He raised a brow, confused before looking up to find that it was beginning to snow. Parrot cursed under his breath, now he was going to be further delayed if this somehow turned out to be a snow storm.
He continued treading forward, only to realize that the trio behind him were STILL bickering with each other.
“Guys! C’mon, we need to get going!”
He shouted, annoyed. His voice thankfully gathered the three’s attention as their pace quickened.
“Yeah guy’s, why are you so slow?”
Wemmbu said, pushing past Spoke and Flame. The two let out a sort of gasp, clearly getting more annoyed.
“I’m literally gonna kill you.”
“Hah- As if you can.”
“I LITERALLY CAN-”
“Why the fuck is it snowing??”
Spoke suddenly sounded out as everyone perked up. Parrot frowned further at the sight, the snowfall was coming down rapidly- Like really badly.
A harsh freezing breeze whispt by, causing the group to wince at the sudden coldness.
“Yeah why is it? Snow shouldn’t really happen in this terrain..”
Wemmbu mumbled, rubbing at his arms.
“I don’t know but we need to find some shelter or something. I have a feeling a storms gonna pick up.”
Parrot stated, his pace fastening as the others trailed after.
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A few minutes had passed, 20 minutes give or take and the snow worsened as time went on as it piled on the grass beneath them.
“I hate the snow!”
Flame shouted, desperately holding onto himself for warmth. Wemmbu scoffed, rolling his eyes.
“Wow, the Immortal Demon can’t handle the snow?”
He teased as Flame stuck his foot out just a smidge, tripping over Wemmbu who let out a yelp. He face planted into the snow filled floor, letting out a whine. Spoke cackled, pointing at Wemmbu as he laughed hysterically.
“Guy’s please- Can we not fight for two seconds..”
Parrot lectured, huffing as he tried to shake off the snow lingering on his wings.
It doesn’t do much, especially with snow still frizzling down from the sky.
Flame grumbles something, nothing Parrot can hear before grabbing the back of Wemmbu’s shirt before pulling the man up and plopping him down on his feet with ease. Wemmbu blinked a few times, surprised as wiped the snow off of him. The demon then glanced over to Flame, flicking the leftover snow onto the other. Flame instantly hissed, covering his face as his ears flattened.
“Dude- Don’t do that-!”
He exclaimed, groaning a bit as he covered himself.
“Wemmbu!”
Parrot shouted, tossing him a glare. Wemmbu back away, gesturing wildly to defend himself.
“I forgot he was a fire- whatever!”
“Blaze HYBRID.”
Flame corrected, annoyed.
“He doesn’t look like a blaze though-”
Spoke said, poking at the red horns sticking out beneath Flame’s dreads. Flame flinched before shoving Spoke off, protectively putting his hands up.
“Don’t touch!!”
He grit as Spoke let out a quiet whistle in response, paying no care.
“Exactly-! Like IS Flame a blaze hybrid?”
Wemmbu said, turning to Flame who shrugged rather aggressively.
"I don’t fucking know-!”
“You don’t know!?”
“No! I never met my parents- I don’t know!”
“Wow that’s so sad..”
“Spoke shut up!”
“GUYS.”
Parrot yelled, quieting down everyone in an instant.
“We can figure out what Flame is when we find shelter-”
He states, turning head on once more. Everyone followed behind, Flame although lagged heavily behind, holding onto himself desperately. He didn’t realize how cold it was until Wemmbu hit him with the snow and now he feels like he’s going to freeze right here in an instant.
“Flame, why are you so slow..”
Spoke points out as everyone’s attention shifts over to the hybrid who dragged his feet behind him as he heaved heavily.
“B-bro, It’s freezing-”
He stuttered out, voice quivering as he rubbed at his arms. Parrot frowned, turning back as he stepped closer to Flame who stared at him in confusion. The avian then took off his red scarf, grateful for carrying it around for times like this. He wraps the fabric around his neck as Flame dips his head down for easier range. He brings the scarf up and over his head as it lays on top of his horns.
“Thanks Parrot..”
He murmured, letting out a sigh of relief. Parrot smiled gently, giving him a small nodd before continuing onward. Spoke opened his mouth to say something, presumably a joke before Wemmbu nudged him, shaking his head to not say anything. Spoke pouted a bit but obeyed, it didn’t seem like the time for jokes anyway.
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The air got harsher and practically nipped and poked at everyone's skin as they all tried to ignore it and gain further distance until a sudden thud was heard from behind.
“Flame-!?”
Wemmbu shouted out, panic evident in his tone as he rushed over to the fallen man who was practically trembling. Parrot and Spoke followed shortly after.
“I-I’m fine-”
He tried to assure, his voice lacking any sort of comfort that he was trying to convey.
“I don’t think you are if the IMMORTAL demon fell on the floor-”
Spoke said as Flame hit his arm with very little amount of force.
“Okay that’s bad because usually it hurts-”
Spoke blurted as Parrot quickly shushed him. The man then put the back of his hand to Flame’s forehead, letting out a loud gasp.
“Holy shit- You’re freezing-!!”
He exclaimed, helping Flame stand up as he stumbled, the other two helping him as well.
“Okay change of plans- We just gotta find a cave for Flame as quick as we can.”
Parrot asserted to the group before turning to Flame.
“Can you walk?”
The question struck some fear within Flame as he let out a small scoff of amusement, secretly hiding his fear. What if he died straight up here?
“Duh-”
Flame took a solid two steps before his knees buckled, his legs giving out once more. Wemmbu quickly caught him, leaning him up on his chest. The two locked eyes and Flame could see the flickering concern in his rival- Were they even rivals at this point?
“Think you can carry him?”
Spoke suggested, the thought making Flame instantly shake his head.
“A-Absolutely not!”
He yelled as Wemmbu groaned.
“Oh my god- It’s not that big of a deal.”
He retorted, shifting a bit away from Flame before crouching down a bit.
“Hop on my back.”
“Oh fuck no!”
“DUDE, just do it!”
“No! What are people gonna think when they see me-!?”
“Flame! It’s either a piggyback ride or I carry you in my arms-”
Wemmbu snapped which got Flame to quiet down easily. He grumbled random nonsense, something about all of this being stupid before he hopped on Wemmbu’s back.
“Ugh, why are you so heavyyy!!”
Wemmbu whined, beginning to walk up ahead, taking the lead.
“Dude shut the fuck up.”
Flame hissed, ignoring the embarrassment he was getting from this whole situation. What type of person can’t handle the cold- Yet alone can’t walk and has to be carried by their rival! He lets out a huff, laying his head on the back of Wemmbu’s shoulder. He couldn’t help but let a relieved sigh escape his lips at not having to walk. Behind him he hears a small stifled laugh, presumably from Spoke and Parrot. Flame sticks his hand out before flipping them off as Spoke cackles causing a small grin to appear on his lips.
A minute or so pass and he hears some quiet murmurs behind him again. He tries to make out what the duo is saying but can’t for the life of him. Although he does make out the words “your wings”, “it’s fine” and “lying”
Flame doesn’t know what to do with the three words, assuming maybe it’s something with Parrot and his wings which is obvious but he seriously doesn’t know what could be the issue. Likely Spoke lecturing him is all he really figures out. Flame notices how Parrot has the tendency to just…ignore his needs. Which I mean, he does as well and so does everybody but with Parrot..He can’t help but get a bit concerned for the fellow avian. His thoughts however are quickly interrupted by Spoke’s voice.
“I’m gonna scout ahead, see if I can find something for us to take shelter in”
Is all the voidling says before taking off into the sky with an elytra. He flies fast, so fast that Flame loses him in an instant when his eyes try to follow him after him. No wonder it was hard to track him down back during the Zam Empire. Flame let’s out a quiet sigh, he wonders how Zam’s doing nowadays. He blinks slowly, trying to keep himself from getting anymore tired but he can’t help it with how weak he feels. God he hates the cold.
“What was that about?”
Wemmbu asks, his voice on the quieter side as he turns to Parrot. The man shares a mere glance before staring up ahead.
“He just got upset about my wings.”
He replies, voice monotone. Wemmbu raises a brow at his answer, observing the wings attached to the Avians back that tightly wrap around Parrot’s figure. As Wemmbu’s eyes wander around Parrot’s wings, he can’t help but frown. He remembers two years ago how brightly Parrot’s wings were. He’d never admit it but he always admired them, how well taken care they were and how elegant they looked. Wemmbu’s not sure exactly when Parrot’s wings started taking a more messy appearance but if he had to guess, sometime after the Invisible Mafia. The colors on the feathers are dulled out, some stick out improperly that it must be painful. And although Wemmbu doesn’t have the same EXACT wings as Parrot, he’s learned from Egg so it sort of disturbs him in a way when he sees his wings so disheveled.
Wemmbu assumes Spoke’s upset about how untaken care of his wings are. Which is fair. Speaking of which, he finds it odd from time to time how randomly attached Spoke gets to Parrot but he chooses not to question it. The demon lets out a small little scoff before gently spreading his wing’s out, making sure not to disrupt Flame too much who flinches at the sudden movement before relaxing. Wemmbu’s wing hovers over Parrot’s body, shielding him from the snowfall. Parrot’s wings stiffen up for a moment eventually easing up as Parrot smiles warmly at Wemmbu.
“Thanks Wem”
Wemmbu doesn’t reply, letting out a small sound of acknowledgement but nothing else.
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.A minute or two pass and a sudden whoosh sound is heard from above, making the three perk their heads up to see Spoke gliding down.
“Found a cave west from here- Pretty spacious.”
He says, gesturing the others towards a different direction. Everyone quickly follows suite and it doesn’t take long before the quartet reach the isolated cave. They all stumble inside before collapsing to the ground in exhaustion.
“Oh my god, Flame’s such a fat chungy bro..”
Wemmbu groans, stretching his back out as a satisfying pop is emitted causing him to sigh.
“Mm not fat..”
Flame murmurs, shaky breaths escaping his lips. Parrot helps sit him up against the wall before quickly starting up a fire.
“Hopefully your temperature should regulate soon enough..”
Parrot explains, sitting near the fire as he flutters his wings to shake off any snow.
“Since we’re safe now, can we discuss what Flame is?”
Spoke asks, laying upside down against the wall..for some reason.
“Okay yeah since Flame’s not about to die- He’s obviously half tiger but like what’s the other half?”
Wemmbu says before letting out a yawn.
“Something fire related, I don’t feel like he’s a blaze though. Maybe Flame’s just some fire demon.”
Spoke shrugs at Parrot’s opinion before pulling out a rubix cube from his pocket.
“What if he’s like..a ghast.”
“Are you fucking dumb?”
Wemmbu asks, sitting up and locking eyes with Spoke who just shrugs.
“I’m just throwing ideas out there, don’t go hating on me.”
He states, fumbling with the cube, doing terrible turns and decisions on it. Parrot quiet watches before wincing as Spoke does a very dumb move on the cube.
“Dude, why did you turn on the left side when if you turned on the right, you would’ve been closer to solving- You just restarted all your progress.”
Parrot grumbles, rubbing at his forehead. Spoke scoffs before chucking the cube at Parrot.
“Fine, do it then!”
He shouts, pouting. Flame let’s out a snort, tossing his head back a bit.
“Watch him solve it in 2 minutes”
He jokes as Wemmbu laughs at his comment.
“Make it one.”
Parrot lightly rolls his eyes, a small smirk displaying on his phase as he quickly shifts the cube around, doing numerous turns before eventually completing it perfectly as he tosses it back to Spoke.
“Forty-seven seconds by the way.”
He says, ignoring everyone's gawked expressions.
“W-what!? Dude, I spent a week trying to solve that!!”
Spoke exclaims as everyone just laughs.
“This is Minecrafts best rubix cube player-”
“Oh my god, shut up-!”
“Why is it SO WARM.”
Spoke suddenly yelled out, making everyone shut up.
“Maybe because of the fire?”
Parrot replied but Spoke quickly shakes his head in response. He stares at Flame who awkwardly stares back.
“What..?”
Spoke doesn’t say anything more aside from simply crawling over to Flame and sprawling out ontop of his legs as he lets out a small gasp.
“Oh my god, he’s literally like a fire!!”
He chirps, curling up against his legs. Flame scoots slightly but barely moves with Spoke’s weight ontop of him.
“Okay bro- Can you get up?”
“Absolutely not, Wemmbu come here!”
Spoke replied, ushering Wemmbu over who sat there dumbfounded before eventually moving over to the other two. He leans up on Flame’s right side before letting out a content sigh.
“Holy shit you’re like a heated blanket..”
He murmurs, relaxing instantly.
“Okay, I get it, I’m hot- Can you guys get off!?”
He demanded but Spoke and Wemmbu made no effort to move at all.
“Parrot..come lay with us..”
He mumbles, yawning slightly. Parrot blinks several times, glancing up at Flame who just groans.
“It’s whatever..”
He mutters and Parrot takes that as an okay as he shuffles over to the group, leaning up against the left side of Flame. He lets out a small coo, his wings relaxing at the warmth seeping into his body.
“This is so stupid..”
Flame grunts out, crossing his arms.
“Well at least we know you’re okay now..”
Parrot comforted as Flame lets out a shrug.
“Yo..you know what this reminds me of..?”
Spoke suddenly announces out as the attention shifts to him once more.
“What..?”
“Has anyone watched Big Hero Six?”
“Oh my gosh- Dude.”
“Yeah- I mean pretty good movie but how does that relate to any of this?”
Wemmbu asks as Spoke giggles.
“Y’know the scene where everyone leans on Baymax to warm up-? This is that, Flame is Baymax.”
He explains letting out a loud laugh as Wemmbu hollers out a laugh of his own as well. Parrot can’t help but snicker lightly at the thought, listening to Flame groan once more.
“Oh my god- You guys SUCK.”
He says, huffing rather dramatically.
“Aww Flame’s our little marshmallow!”
Wemmbu teases, his words making a chuckle slip from Parrot’s lips.
“I wonder if we can roast smores on Flame-”
“Don’t.”
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Everyone’s laughs dies down as quietness fills the air although one not tense but instead comforting and warm. It wasn’t often the four got together, let alone have such a peaceful moment. Spoke continues to play with his rubix cube, his fingers working deliberately as he unscrambles it from Parrot’s previous attempt. Wemmbu takes out his maces, checking their durability and sharpening them against the stone. His motions are consistent yet not ear deafening as Wemmbu make’s sure not to put too much pressure to not disturb the others. Parrot on the other hand, stretches his wings out, plucking out any abnormal feathers, placing them on the floor beside him. His nails carry precision as he cautiously takes out the correct feather needed. Flame however does not occupy himself in any sort of way. He basks in the warmth given by himself and the others as they insulate the heat around him. He keeps his head down and eyes shut, his tail thumping lightly beside him. A small purring noise escapes from the depths of his throat, coming out slow and quiet only for Parrot to hear until eventually Wemmbu and then Spoke could hear his noises.
“You comfy?”
Wemmbu jokes as a small scoff escapes from Flame.
“He’s purring..”
Spoke coos out.
“Shut up..”