Chapter Text
Parrot scrambled away, barely dodging his leg getting cut off by the maniac swinging his sword about as he let out exhausted pants. For a moment he just sat there, feathers dragging against the floor while wings drooped defeatedly. His opponents gaze stayed persistent,smile tugging at lips as he stalked forwards.
Multiple wounds slowly dripped blood onto the wooden ground below and his legs were threatening to give out, shaking with the effort it took to stand. Slowly, his head lifted to meet the other mans taunting, Golden eyed gaze.
"Saps-Saps, bro, you don't have to do this, you can still stop, everyone can live on the server peacefully there's no need-"
"Everyone?" He was cut off by an empty laugh and pointed step closer. Parrot fluttered his wings nervously, shuffling to gain footing in his less-than-ideal position. "I don't think so, king Parrot. My friends are dead, I've seen the damage for myself, and I think its about time we stop letting low life new players that haven't earned their right to exist on this server step all over us."
He grit his teeth, glaring at Saparata with as much restraint as he could muster.
"You're wrong, I-I've been trying; I was getting somewhere before all of this- I just need more time!" The other man huffed humorlessly, taking another step forward. His eyes lit unsettlingly with every syllable that left Parrots mouth and he had a feeling nothing said would get through to him.
"You've."
Another step forward, another step back, heavy breaths echoing against the walls in a sort of melancholy way.
"Run out."
Another step forward, another back, Parrot could feel his own heart hammering out of his chest and a sound not so different from the beating of drums echoing in his ears.
"Of time." Finally, his back hit the wall, and Parrot could do nothing but press himself further in as Saps stepped closer. Hard, rough wood dug into his back and wings, and he winced at the splinters sinking into delicate skin.
His gaze leapt around the room, desperately searching for some miracle to avoid what was to come; but there wasn't much to be done with sword long gone and crown thrown to the side of the room, Parrot was about to lose everything.
With a sudden flash there was a sword at his throat, and drops of thick, glistening liquid oozed onto his clothes, dying once-cream fabric a deep, foreboding red. He could hardly breathe, and tried his best not to considering the sword that continued to slowly press deeper and deeper into his neck.
As the two stood there in tense, uninterrupted silence, Saparata pulled out his communicator, sword still firmly situated against the kings’ neck.
Despite Parrots attempt to see who exactly his adversary was messaging, it was impossible get a good glimpse. Instead, his attention drifted to the glistening metal digging into his throat. He shuffled, wincing as the movement only aggravated the growing surge of pain across his neck, but kept his eyes on the mans grip; which seemed to begin fluctuating significantly. Parrot inched back into the wall just slightly, clawed fingers digging into wood.
Saps was clearly more focused on the task at hand than the rather pathetic excuse for a king he had cornered; and this became more and more clear with how loose the sword was becoming. With considerable effort, Parrot lifted his neck up as much as possible, stilling his already shallow breaths until the sharp edge of the sword could barely be felt on his Adams apple, it was helpful that the other had loosened his grip on the sword a considerable amount.
Saparata was quick to notice, swinging his head up to meet eyes with him.
Too late, Parrot grabbed the sword, claws digging into both the hilt and Saparatas fingers as he manages to rip it from the others grasp, hurling it across the room. He then made a run for it, spreading his wings in preparation to fly and quickening his pace at the sound of his opponent scrambling to chase after him.
Right as he reached the railing, teeth grit in an attempt to ignore the steady thump of his wounds; the king was tackled to the floor, gaining multiple new bruises and a knee digging into his back. A voice whispered in his ear.
"You know, you almost had me there; but unfortunately, it seems you're not in any shape to run." Parrot continued to struggle, a rather embarrassing whimper escaping as Saps grip only tightened, pain flaring up along his body. He was left gasping for air as a hand abruptly pressed down on the back of his neck; not squeezing, but a firm enough grip to feel like a threat of sorts.
His legs kicked up from behind in a weak attempt at escape, of which only ended with a knee digging deeper into his spine.
"Saparata, stop, stop-"
"Stop?" His pleas were only met with a hand pressing firmly on the back of his left wing, restraining it from flapping as it were doing a mere second before. He tried reaching with his hands to do anything- whether that be claw at his attackers’ face or yank his hand off, but he could do neither; not with his hands being crushed by the weight of both him and Saps bodies.
"Here's what's gonna happen Parrot, I just called Billy over to help me take care of you- while we wait for his help, you're gonna sit here, be a good little birdy, and let me restrain you for easier transport." Parrot blanched for a moment, transport? like he was some sort of package, no, no way he'd let that happen.
He did the only appropriate thing, which included struggling even more while thoroughly voicing his frustration.
"No-no chance, I'm not going anywhere with you." The only response Parrot was granted with was a hand pressing even harder against his throat, fingers curling slightly to dig nails into the newly formed cut. He managed to choke out a short, pained yelp, going completely rigid against the floor. While recovering from the spike of pain there was a little pop above him, the sound of an inventory opening; he tried craning his neck to see what was happening but was only met with a hand tightening against his throat and the view of cold, hard wood.
It wasn't long until he found out. Saparata suddenly moved his position, hand releasing its grip on Parrots throat and legs taking a new position right on top of his wings, successfully flattening them to the ground. He let out a heavy breath and managed twisting his head to watch Saps movement in his peripheral vision.
That short bit of relief was interrupted when Parrot was abruptly yanked back by his wrists, the movement putting a strain on his wings, which were still pinned to ground. He winced, refraining himself from screaming for fear of causing the other any sort of glee. That little bit of restraint didn't seem to matter much as thick rope looped around his wrists, tightened to point of causing rug burn with even the smallest bit of movement he dared to do.
With a hesitant tug Parrot tried getting a feel for the restraints, teeth grit at the realization they were so tight.
"Bro Is this really necessary?" There was no response but the feeling of hands gripping his ankles and rope being expertly tied around them as well. Once released he tested them in a similar manner, finding he was probably unable to run or do anything truly synonymous with escape.
After successfully restraining the king Saps stepped away, circling a few times before moving to stand in front of him, not unlike a predator examining its prey. With considerable effort Parrot pushed himself to his knees, glaring at the ground in front of Saparatas feet. Only a few moments later wing beats were heard in the distance, and he cautiously lifted his head to see Shoebilly landing at the railing and stepping towards his leader.
The avian paused for a moment, grinning at the sight of the so called "King", before turning his attention to Saps.
"So, what do you need me for? It seems you have things handled here all by yourself." there was clear teasing in his voice, aimed towards Parrot; and he avoided looking at the two, instead focusing his attention on a nearby wall.
"Hold him down, I suspect this part will take more restraint than just me, make sure his wings are still visible and open." The world seemed to still as realization hit and Billy stepped forward. Parrot couldn't move much, but still lurched back, shaking his head while attempting to plea one more time, eyes latched onto the shears Saparata had pulled out.
"No no- Saparata, Saps you don't understand- just tie them up or something I don't care- Billy, you're a hybrid you know-" The avians pleas turned into a shrill yelp as Billy pushed him to the ground, face all but slamming into the hard floor.
Rough hands grabbed his wrists, pulling them over above his head. His own heart pounded against his chest, threatening to burst out right then and there, it was a feeling he'd been getting more and more used to throughout the day.
As a knee began pressing into his back Parrot closed his eyes, tears pricking at them; all this was much too similar to paragon. Wifies never clipped his wings, he cared to much about him for that, but he'd bound them in a similar manner, showing little concern to his "best friends" desperate pleas. This was worse though.
"Saps." He choked out the name one more time, despite having accepted his pleas meant nothing to the man.
"Sorry Parrot, but precautions must be taken, and I personally have no qualms doing this; you've brought this on yourself." He paused, and there was an undeniable smile in his voice as he continued. "I hear bird hybrids wings are their most prized possession, maybe now you'll understand the pain of all those deaths you caused."
In an instant Parrot saw the first feather float down from its rightful place, and a sort of choking sound escaped, tears caught in his throat.
The second cut was worse, that's when it all became oh so very real. He struggled, trying to yank his wrists out from Billy's grasp and lifting his head in attempt to see anything but the multicoloured feathers flowing down. This attempt was met with a pale, lithe hand pushing his head back down.
"Billy?" Billy was quick to respond, tightening his grip on Parrots wrists and using a hand to press down on the kings’ throat. At the realization there was nothing he could do tears began dripping down his face and shrill chirps were heard with every feather cut; The only bit of relief he felt was the fact they at least couldn't see his tear ridden face.
Parrot doesn't quite know when he tuned out everything; but the next thing he knew he was being yanked to his knees, loose feathers still floating down from his now clipped wings. He didn't dare look, already knowing what he'd be met with; his usually bright, rainbow wings ruined, uneven clipping done by someone with no experience even touching a hybrids wings’. The king certainty didn't want to burst out sobbing in front of these two. There wasn't much fight left to drag out himself though, instead choosing to stare at the floor blankly.
He wasn't left to mourn for long.
Pale, slender fingers grabbed his jaw, forcing Parrots wide coal eyes to meet familiar Golden ones; a blood red sheen glinting maliciously. The newly clipped bird didn't bother to struggle, already having accepted his fate.
"Listen here Parrot." The grip tightened and he flinched as Saparata gently flicked his right ear feather in a taunting manner. "I'm king now, and your new home will be in the cell right across from Lettuce, so you better enjoy the last bit of fresh air you’re getting." He couldn't help it, despite the constant pain from his wounds and the empty pit he felt from the clipping of his wings, Parrot couldn't let Saparata walk out thinking he'd given up.
"Theo and Reina are still out there, and even if they don't come help me, I doubt you'll be any better of a king than me or Lettuce." Despite the bravado, in his weak state and with fingers still tightly gripping his jaw, it was hard to speak, much less come up with anything to say. Saps laughed, a sound not so different from the lashing of cold wind. The man didn't bother responding, simply ripping his hand off from Parrots jaw and turning towards Billy.
Parrot winced at the newly formed scratch marks and bruising.
"Billy, we're gonna take him through capitol city to the northern council prison after clearing his inventory. We need to show the server he's not king anymore." Billy nodded, grabbing one of his arms as his accomplice grabbed the other, yanking the now former king up from the ground.
A struggle for footing commenced, ropes more restricting than expected and balance off put by the loss of weight on his wings. While stumbling Parrot noticed the blood dripping down from multiple wounds, and how light his head felt.
"Saps, I don't know how long I can stand." The other didn't seem to care, scoffing.
"Well, you better hope it's until we get to your new home, you can get medical attention later." Somehow Parrot doubted that would actually happen. Wordlessly, once he managed to stand properly, the two let go.
"Drop everything." Without much of a choice and fight thoroughly drained from his body Parrot complied, head throbbing at the effort it took to stand. Once sure he'd done as told they forced him to walk- or rather stumble in front, resulting in him almost falling down the stairs multiple times. His ear-wings twitched constantly, well aware of their laughs and jibes every time he tripped or stumbled. it was humiliating, they were revelling in his pain while the once king couldn't do anything but try standing tall.
It was soon enough that they reached the streets, of which were crowded with soldiers from both sides, or rather Saparatas, seeing as they'd betrayed the former king with the false hope of being spared. Parrot felt a pang at the thought, and couldn't help but wonder how he'd managed to lose everyone. Wemmbu had destroyed everything for no clear reason, flame had seemingly chosen to save his own skin, and Theo and Reina were nowhere to be found.
At the sight of their "king" restrained and without his crown. Whispers rang out but still Saparata said nothing. It was only logical to assume this tactic as a power play, flaunting how utterly weak their supposed ruler was and how little effort was needed to capture him.
It wasn't long till they reached, and by the time they did Parrot was barely standing; a few of his wounds had opened back up during the trek and his headache had only grown throughout the journey.
As they stood there cold winds lashed against his skin and in an attempt at warmth, he tried wrapping his wings around himself, though little was gained due to how bare his wings had been cut. With how dreary and dark the sky looked it felt like some sort of omen of what was to come.
Saparata pushed him forwards.
"Come on Parrot, chop chop." At the commandeering shove he grit his teeth, shaking out both his wings and the chills crawling up his spine. As they walked through the familiar halls impending dread sank in. Usually going this route meant he was on his way to talk to Lettucek, former king and leader of the law; now, it seemed he was about to be in the exact same position as him.
It was even more of a struggle to make it down the stairs to the prison than the one previous, and by the time they reached his new "Home" he was practically dead on his feet. Saparata fiddled with the keys a bit before opening the cell door, Billy shoving Parrot in violently.
He stumbled, crashing to the ground in a pile of feathers before hurriedly turning towards the two as the doors slammed shut.
"Wait! Are you just gonna…leave me like this." As best as he could, Parrot gestured to the bindings on his wrist and ankles. Saps sneered.
"Don't worry bout it Parrot, we'll get those off you in the morning, for now we'll let you get used to the place." Without another word the two walked off, arrogantly proud of their newfound victory. The fallen king watched for a moment, before moving his gaze towards the only other prisoner.
In the cell vertical to him sat Lettucek.
"Hey there Parrot, I'm guessing the battle didn't go to well, huh?"