Work Text:
So long to all my friends
Every one of them met tragic ends
With every passing day
I'd be lying if I didn't say that I miss them all tonight
And if they only knew what I would say
“Please.” A piglin warrior stands before the one who protects him, pleading for a chance to see his best friend once more.
“Technoblade…” The Death Goddess sighs from where She sits upon Her throne of wither bones, resting Her forehead against Her hand. “You know this is a lifetime you are supposed to spend apart, Phil needs to make more connections besides only you.”
Techno laughs, waving off the comment. “We both know he is the more friendly of us two and has already made plenty, come on, it’s my birthday after all.”
Adding the last comment was just a twist of the dagger, he knew he had Her when She eventually stood up. “One day?”
“That's all I need.” Techno knew their negotiation was coming to a close, he didn’t want to cause more stress than he already was with this demand.
The magnificent Goddess gathered Her skirts painted with living galaxies, adjusting Her night-black veil covering Her ethereal face half formed of a wither skull wrapped in deadly ashy roses. Eyeing him as She swept past, Techno bounced on the balls of his feet in excitement as the Death Goddess lays Her hand against the empty portal. The abyss fills the frame, spilling jade tinted space across the square in preparation for travel with a haunting chimes of bells.
“You only have until midnight, when the moon reaches its highest I will reopen the divide and you have to step through as that will be when my power is at its strongest.” She tells him instructions he has heard before, nodding along like it's his first time. “This will lead you to where all the members of this world wake up initially, do not cause any drastic actions that may change fate which includes no governmental takedowns. You are there to see my husband and his family, and if all goes right none of my fellow deities will be the wiser of me bending these rules. Your return location is one Philza is aware of, directly beside his home there is a portal you can use.”
She could pretend all She wants but Techno saw the mischievous glint in Her shimmering amethyst eye, Techno and Phil’s troublemaking habits had influenced the Goddess over several aeons they spent together. As a trio, it would be them until the end of time. They always returned home to this dimension eventually, between trips to other worlds for a change of scenery or something the Goddess needed solved.
“Of course, no problems. I swear it upon your blessing woven throughout my flesh, in fact.”
She checks both his crimson eyes for any deceit before nodding once, taking a step closer to Techno and away from the portal. Her voice softens from a Goddess to one in love through the next words She speaks, ancient devotion showing for Her Angel of Death husband.
“Give him my best and tell him I will see him in his dreams soon, too.”
Bowing his head, he accepts the message. “Of course, Lady Death.”
Gathering his crimson robes trimmed in cloud white fur, Techno prepares to arrive in a world unbeknownst to him. Fidgeting with the emerald earring he wears he is reminded why he is doing this, excitement bouncing round in his stomach like a kaleidoscope of butterflies. Checking his trusty enchanted netherite axe still hangs at his side, a gift from someone dear in a world prior, he steps into the cool void after closing his eyes.
Light on his feet, his reflexes catch the sudden jolt of unfamiliar sand beneath his feet as he appears in the world his best friend occupied at the moment. Blinking quickly against the bright light of the sun, he then has to squint against the painfully gold trees lining the pathway into a large building. Normally he loved the sight of the malleable metal but under this massive star it meant his eyes smarted whenever he glanced at their brilliance upon gold-speckled chocolate branches.
Lowering his gaze to the ground, he checks all his weapons are still in place before striding forth towards the large structure he appeared in front of.
He intended to search for any clue of how to find his crow companion until the one he was searching for threw open the doors and rushed towards him. With a loud screech of his name Phil tossed his full weight at the piglin with the widest smile, Techno catching him with a rumbling laugh like a storm in his chest.
“Mate, what the fuck are you doing here?” Phil finally pulls back as Techno places his shorter friend back on the ground, smiling the expression reserved only for the blonde man who wore a matching emerald earring to his own.
“Don’t tell me you forgot what day it is.” Techno playfully narrows his eyes, waiting for Phil’s brain to put together the answer. “Someone we both know sends their best and tells you they will meet you in your dreams.”
Phil’s mouth opens as the realisation settles, nodding quickly as two more people join them where they stand.
A tall man strode forth with the confidence of a warrior, his long cloud hair with ends tinted jade tied back in a braid holds a scythe as he glances at the person unfamiliar to him. A small dragon hybrid follows behind with a smaller, matching weapon and determination in her ruby and sapphire eyes. She wears a night black hijab above a smart outfit made for both style and fighting, curiosity heavy in both their gazes.
“Who is this, Philza?” The white-haired man’s rich accent added volumes to the way he spoke, commanding respect and he held himself with honour. “I do not recognise his face.”
Phil stands between them, gesturing as he speaks their names. “Technoblade meet Etoiles and his daughter Pomme, Etoiles and Pomme this is my best friend.”
Etoiles holds out his free hand for a firm shake with the piglin, looking him up and down when they move closer together. “Technoblade as in the Blood God from the legends you have told me?”
“That’s one name I have used in the past, yes.” Technoblade tosses a light-hearted expression towards the crow. “Hopefully you have only told them good things.”
Phil’s chuckle heals a part of his soul he didn’t realise was missing, Techno unable to keep his composure and laughs too. Pomme smiles as the piglin shows joy, sliding her scythe back into its sheath as her father follows suit.
“Well if that is the case, we must spar while you are here.” Etoiles challenges with a raised eyebrow, Techno’s smirks as he agrees.
“I can never back down from a good challenge.”
Phil claps Technoblade on the shoulder drawing his focus back to the crow, noticing the glowing purple edges of his crow feather wings. Filing that away to question later, he waits for Phil to speak his piece.
“Before that happens, want a tour, friend? There are some familiar faces here who would love to see you.”
If I could be with you tonight
I would sing you to sleep
Never let them take the light behind your eyes
One day, I'll lose this fight
As we fade in the dark, just remember you will always burn as bright
All present agree that would be a worthwhile activity as word spreads that today they have a special guest on Quesadilla Island, Technoblade stressing to Etoiles this visit must remain a secret if anyone else questions. He was hidden from the Federation by a Goddess’s grace, all agreed they doubted the organisation would take too kindly to the fact one could supersede their control.
Father and daughter joined the pair of best friends as they set off towards the first stop, Technoblade catching Pomme watching him out of the corner of his eye but leaving it alone for now. She seemed cautious to approach him and the piglin would let her approach on her own time, Etoiles asking many questions about why he was here.
Technoblade was careful with the truth, some things should remain a secret between Goddess and Her blessed as he responded to the queries. Answering as much as he could, they arrive in front of a pleasant surprise for who Phil shared this land with.
A tall bald man with numerous scars across his tanned skin is tending to a rose bush outside his walls, his left arm a shining prosthetic holding a shovel he was using to level out the ground which dropped with a clang when the group came into view.
“Is that Technoblade?” Fit’s deep voice is full of shock, a wild grin overtaking his face. “Oh my Goddess you old bastard, it’s good to see you!”
Drawing him in for an embrace after clasping hands to forearms in a classic warriors introduction, they give a nod of respect to one another. “Phil never told me you were here, it’s great to see an old ally is here supporting my best friend.”
“We were bound to run into each other eventually as is our pattern.” The history the trio named shared was extensive and bloody, loyal through and through Techno couldn’t be more thrilled knowing this strong fighter had been at his platonic soulmate’s side. “Aye, don’t you worry, I always have his back. Same as that vow all those years ago upon the lands of ice, when we swore allyship together as countries.”
Anyone who wasn’t aware of that story were in awe hearing them speak of worlds conquered, another dragon joining them alongside a brunette wearing a royal blue hoodie. Technoblade heard from the Death Goddess about these hybrid children all upon this island had been entrusted with, hoping he didn’t scare the youth off with his appearance. A hulking piglin warrior was often a feared sight, especially one as decorated with a history to match his grandeur and ferocity.
Fit’s eyes lit up seeing the boy who joined, looking between him and Technoblade. “Techno this is my son, Ramon and my partner Pac.”
He greets them both in order, smirking at the fact someone finally softened the old anarchist and managed to grow close to him. Philza and Techno had been telling him for years that time passed more pleasantly with a lifetime companion, whether that be friends or otherwise, and they wouldn’t always be with the historian as he travelled. Often Fit preferred it that way, striking out alone was how he gathered most of the stories for his archives he kept for the Death Goddess.
Until this mischievous brunette it seems, Techno couldn’t help but like Pac from the get go with how genuine he was. Ramon too, wise beyond his years through the bronze goggles that covered his eyes, trusty wrench at his waist. The piglin would bet anything Fit’s son was an inventor just like his father, someone had to build the fantastic bit of machinery that was the anarchist’s left arm from when he lost it on the wastelands many moons ago.
“Are you here for long?”
“Only a day but I intend to make the best of it. Keep this all on the down low, if you catch our drift.” Techno winks as he brushes aside a stray rose-pink strand of hair, having escaped the braid that ran down his spine to just above his tailbone.
“Ah, yes, no problem.” Pac eagerly agrees, Fit peering over towards Phil.
“Can we join the excursion, we were simply out for a gathering mission but that could be postponed for this special occasion if you will have us?”
“Course, our next stop is Tubbo’s.” Phil responds, pointing up the river. “Then we can go to my base on an island north of here, picking up a few more friends along the way.”
“We can use the meadow between your and Cellbit’s place as a sparring ground.” Etoiles pipes up, Fit’s brow raising before he sees the glint in Techno’s gaze.
“Should have seen that coming, I take it you two are going to duel?”
“Indeed.” Techno replies, looking forward to seeing how this man fights. Phil clearly thought he could handle the event, never once protesting this matchup of battle prowesses and in fact encouraging it. If he had Phil’s vouch, Techno was eager to get in the ring.
But that could wait, after all they had an excitable teenager to see.
Cresting the hill, loud screaming meets them as they traverse across the grassy fields, Techno recognising the young man from a mile away chasing down a small girl with sunshine curls. He can’t help but smile thinking of the families this soul had been surrounded with in worlds before, it seemed apt he had his own child here too.
Phil warned him that Tubbo didn’t remember any of his past, a choice select souls could make when they went before the Death Goddess after perishing. They could either have a clean slate and move to the next server, or remember their past and serve Her wishes. It was a rare offering, Tubbo turning down his last after the horrific events of the world they shared prior.
Still, fate always enjoyed playing amusing hands and it seems Tubbo had been blessed by fatherhood once more to an enthusiastic and memorable dragon girl named Sunny. Beside him Fit calls out a greeting to the father and daughter, turning to meet the newcomer in their midst.
Techno felt the smallest part of his soul die watching those blue eyes regard him in curiosity without a flash of recognition, wondering how yet again those youthful features had melted under a thick burn scar. Across his forehead and dripping down one side of his jaw thickened flesh lay, heart-breakingly close to the incident that took his life previously.
“Hey Toby!” Philza greets pleasantly, meeting together halfway on the outskirts of Town of Fobo, something Pac informs him along the way was a settlement run by Tubbo and Foolish. The latter was a name Techno knew well, hoping to see the friendly shark totem if he was nearby. “This is my friend, Technoblade!”
Suddenly Tubbo stands bolt upright, his gaze shifting before a tentative smile crosses his face as he holds out his hand. “Nice to meet you, sir.”
Techno can’t help his curiosity rising seeing how on edge the sun-kissed brunette became, deciding to question it later and not in front of everyone. Sunny introduces herself with a flourish, the piglin’s heart drawing comfort in the similarity between her and another obnoxious blonde he knew once. Except that one was more annoying, he pondered affectionately.
Etoiles sweeps off with Pomme in tow to find Foolish, determined to drag the unsuspecting shark off whatever fantastic build he is attempting now. The white haired man had no idea they already knew one another and exited the conversation before they could say, leaving the group two less.
Phil raises his eyebrow and does what Techno was holding off on, asking the question on the forefront of the piglin’s mind. “Everything okay, Tubbo? I swear, he looks scary but he’s harmless.”
Poking fun at his best friend, Techno carefully watches the young man’s expression as he gives a half-hearted chuckle before explaining. “I had a dream last night of a powerful woman informing me someone from my past would appear today with your name Technoblade, and to not be frightened even if I feel unsettled. She offered for me to remember why temporarily, I wasn’t sure what She meant then but now I think I understand.”
The piglin prepares for those blue eyes to fill with sorrow but he shakes his head, breaking their gazes. “Whatever happened then, I get the feeling it's over with and I don’t hold a grudge. This is my life now, this is the one I chose.”
Technoblade nods quickly once, wishing he himself could forget harming this young soul in front of him. Though Tubbo left it in the past, Technoblade never forgot how it felt to wash his hands of the ashy remains of his murder. It unsettled him how far he fell into bloodthirst then, preferring himself now that he was much further from constant death.
Etoiles returns then with the excitable totem hybrid in tow, his voice screeching as he sees the piglin.
“Oh my Goddess I didn’t believe Etoiles when he said you were here, turns out he wasn’t lying.”
“Why the fuck would I lie?” Etoiles questions with a smirk, watching as the gold-tinted man strides forward to clasp their hands together.
“Are you staying?” Always one to jump a few steps, Techno shakes his head at the totem’s excitement.
“This is only temporary but I convinced a certain someone to let me visit so here I am.”
“Ahhh the Goddess, got it.” Foolish just spills the truth in front of everyone, not changing in the slightest in their time apart.
Fit is the only one unsurprised, the pieces connecting for Tubbo. “The Goddess came to see me last night?”
Phil sighs before nodding, tossing a glare at Foolish. “There is no need to flaunt our connections, shark.”
“These are all trusted friends, don’t you agree?” Techno admired how much the totem had come into his confidence, and Philza eventually relented.
“My, my, that is quite an ace to have isn’t it.” Etoiles admires, motioning in front of his lips with a finger. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul.”
“That’s who you are married to?” Tubbo’s voice rises in shock, Phil’s letting out a laugh with a lovestruck expression. “What the fuck?”
“It's disgusting, it’s been several thousand years and they are still a blushing pair of newlyweds most of the time.” Techno makes an offhand comment, Phil rolling his sky eyes.
All the children at their feet are staring in surprise, Technoblade preparing for the barrage of questions once they stop the tour. They may be able to swear the adults into silence, but the rumours would spread through the children like wildfire. Philza told him there was one last person to surprise before they gathered near his home. Foolish and Tubbo’s daughters decide to wait with their father’s to prepare some food for the potluck picnic at the last minute being thrown together, promising to make delicious desserts by the time they are ready.
Pomme decides to also stay with her dragon siblings along with her father, needing the extra hands to carry their goods. Technoblade could tell from the way the small girl watched him there were a thousand questions behind her eyes, wondering why he felt akin to the youth. Something to ponder later, as they leave them behind for someone Techno immediately looked forward to seeing the moment Phil said her name.
“Niki? Niki is here?” Techno felt himself filled with joy, he missed his sweet friend dearly and had no idea she also lived here.
“She arrived the same time Tubbo did but chose to keep her memories, she will be very happy to see you.” Phil explains, before turning to Fit and his family, who are still with them. “Plus I know a certain child who wants to see his sister.”
Ramon scowls and turns his face away, pretending to put up a front despite the bounce in his step betraying him. He understood why Phil was so attached to the generation they were raising here, instead of being divided by power struggles they were united with protecting those after them. He saw the open displays of trust and respect in each action between fellow Island members and the intelligence in each dragon child he met.
Ramon announces their arrival once they make it to Niki’s front door, her storybook home overlooking the lake Phil lived in the center of. The brunette boy knocks on the door firmly until it's opened by a small girl with a fashionable hat shaped like pancakes. Her wheat and night hair are split down the middle, neatly trimmed in even ends brushing her collarbones.
Someone with similar hair appears behind, instead one half is rose-gold pink and attached to someone Techno adores. Niki is at a loss for words and instead tosses herself into his arms with tears rushing down her freckled cheeks, musical voice repeatedly asking if it’s really him which he assures his old friend he is here.
This strong lady had Technoblade’s back even when the world was against them, he treasured her counsel and compassion deeply. Holding her tight warmed his ancient heart, eventually separating so they could meet their watering eyes together.
“Oh good Goddess, I didn’t think I would see you again for a while.”
“I may have twisted an arm.” He says mysteriously, looking down. “I see parenthood has blessed you as well.”
The one who answered the door had shrank back behind Niki’s denim-covered legs, peering beside her hip up towards the tall pink-haired man. “Technoblade, this is my daughter Empanada. I share raising her with a few others but they are busy at the moment, today is when I am responsible for her.”
Ramon walks to his sister’s side with an encouraging expression, standing beside her as she holds out a tiny hand. Taking it gently, Technoblade shakes it. He observes how in tune with others Fit’s clever dragon boy is, sticking nearby in case she needs him while their parents catch up.
Soon enough it's midday and Philza claps his hands together, breaking the conversation up. “It’s hitting that time I said we would meet Etoiles, Niki we are going to have a picnic shortly if you wish to join us. It will be in the meadow between my home and Cellbit’s, you don’t have to bring anything to join us.”
Niki waves it off, a challenge in her azure eyes. “Unfortunately for you Em and I have been baking since dawn, you are about to be fed well.”
Philza laughs, replying. “Well we are about to have quite the ratio of desserts to food as the Town of Fobo also promised to bring sweets.”
“I wouldn’t be upset with this development.” Technoblade muses, his sweet tooth showing as Phil sighs with an unserious tone.
“I’ll send out some messages and see who else wants to come meet you, hopefully they can bring something of sustenance.”
“I think we have plenty.”
“No matter how many times we have this disagreement, you will never concede that sweet treats aren’t actual food.”
“They are better.” All nearby start to laugh at the old friend’s arguing, eventually reaching a draw as they gather on Niki’s threshold.
Both her and Em wave them off, promising to be by soon once they have packaged up some goods to bring over. Taking the boat across with everyone, they arrive in front of Phil’s house where the two children the piglin heard about the most waited.
Be strong and hold my hand
Time, it comes for us, you'll understand
We'll say goodbye today, and I'm sorry how it ends this way
If you promise not to cry
Then I'll tell you just what I would say
Chayanne’s mouth drops open, his blonde colouring immediately alluding to being of Phil’s blood besides the reaper mask pressed against his skin. Technoblade knew this little warrior well, having appeared in his visions during slumber to offer his wisdom when the leader of the dragons needed it. Having only met in the dreamscape, Technoblade realised just how tiny both of Phil’s hatchlings were.
Lullah peeks from behind her brother with an axe at the ready, the piglin admiring her practiced hold as she waits for Philza to explain. Her eyes glowed with vibrant purple hues as her abilities associated with her bloodline awoke as she grew older, the Death Goddess especially interested in what she would achieve.
“Chay, Lullah, tio Technoblade is here to vis–” He says calmly, interrupted by Chay launching himself into the piglin’s embrace with a bright smile. “Saw that coming.”
Lullah follows suit after her brother, Techno nearly falls over in a dramatic fashion under the excited children. Holding one in each arm he admires Phil’s children, proud of his best friend. He saw the paranoid old crow’s mannerisms among the kid’s own unique spirits, unbelievably happy to have this memory forever of these two specific souls.
He could try and put up a tough front but he melted under the smallest amount of pressure in the right circumstances, these two adorable souls being that perfect recipe. They drag him around the home Phil had built upon this island, admiring the view off the end of the dock into the horizon. The crow watches as the boy and girl rush him around, explaining on signs they trade between them after Techno reads the replies.
Phil, Fit and Pac work together in the kitchen to gather together the items needed for sandwiches, packing them in a basket waiting in the middle of the table. Ramon stayed across the lake with Niki and Em to help them. Slowly all take turns to haul items out to the grass fields with various patches of flowers beyond the treeline that protected the Death Family’s home.
Blinking against the bright overhead sun, he follows Phil’s hatchlings out to where they would be gathering.
Spreading out the large checkered blankets Niki brought over, the children searched for stones to place on each corner so the wind didn’t steal the fabric away. Etoiles, Foolish, Tubbo and their kids appeared shortly after midday alongside a few more various members of the population. A brunette with a snow white streak walked up from the southern part of the island with a bounding brunette with a rose-red cow hat. A smaller boy followed clad in a gas mask alongside a handsome brunette in a hoodie. The small kids rushed off to join their siblings as they frolic across the grass, Pomme watching from a distance and keeping one hand on her weapon alongside Ramon.
Techno’s attention is drawn back to Etoiles who joins him where he is observing, standing underneath a strange blue tree that lets off a slight glow. “Too much excitement?”
He rubs his arms, laughing nervously being called out by someone he met mere hours ago. “How can you tell?”
“Same face as me in social situations, I get it my friend.”
“You’ve raised a protective girl.” Techno comments, Etoiles watching his daughter with a proud yet sorrowful expression.
“She is a survivor, as much as we wanted her to simply be a child she was forced into the battlefields far too young.”
“All the strongest warriors are.” Techno’s memories attempt to clamber back to his own youth before finding only bloody fog.
“Want a distraction?” The piglin had a feeling his conversation partner was asking for himself as much as he was questioning Techno, the pink-haired man nodding. “Let’s spar.”
Rolling his shoulders with a smirk, he removes a bone clip from his inventory to pin his hair into a low bun for easier movement as well as tightening any loose clothing. Etoiles removes a polished wooden staff for himself and one for his companion, tossing it to the piglin who catches it with a flourish.
Phil’s loud laugh draws everyone's attention to the warriors facing off, asking above the murmurs. “Really? Before you eat food you are determined to settle who is the best warrior?”
“What’s a healthy spar between new friends?” Techno eyes Etoiles stance, light on his feet while learning the balance of his current weapon.
“If this lasts even long enough to be considered a spar.” Etoiles taunts, Techno narrowing his eyes.
“Oh you are going to wish you never challenged the Blood God.” As the last words leave his lips he whirls and attempts to strike Etoiles, the man barely catching it with a loud grunt and then chuckling.
“For someone so large, you move quite fast.” He comments, shoving him back a few steps and returning with his strike Techno caught on the flat of his arm with a bruising thwack.
Cheers sound as supporters gather on each side, Philza firmly in the middle observing the two warriors battle. Techno is pleasantly surprised with how Etoiles is matching and surpassing his skills in certain ways, pushing back against any advantage the piglin warrior gains. Sweat coats both of them, Techno enjoying the burn of the workout this man provided him with a lot of technical skill to back up his confidence.
The match goes on for several minutes, Etoiles' endurance speaking for itself before eventually Techno gains the upper hand and makes him stumble. Driving him to the ground he places the end of his staff to his throat and taps once, Etoiles knocking the ground with a closed fist.
Maneuvering the staff behind his back, he offers his spare hand and helps his formidable opponent stand with a nod of respect. Etoiles laughs in delight, clapping Techno on the back as Phil walks forth with an expression filled with pride.
“Well, now that my best friend has proved his greatness, shall we eat?” He asks, both agreeing as Chay joins his father with a book for him to read aloud. “Can tio Techno teach us how to fight after lunch? That’s up to him.”
Techno kneels down to meet Chay’s blue gaze full of questions, agreeing with a gentle smile. “Sure kid, just do me a favour and go eat your fill then allow your food to settle. A great warrior needs to be well fed before they can fight.”
If I could be with you tonight
I would sing you to sleep
Never let them take the light behind your eyes
I'll fail and lose this fight
Never fade in the dark, just remember you will always burn as bright
They have lunch and spend most of the afternoon sparring in various groups on the grass after about an hour of lounging around and chatting. Technoblade meets the other family who joined them so far, turns out they were the ones who owned the castle south of Phil’s. Cellbit, Roier, Richarylson and Pepito all leave quite the impression, especially Richas with his excitable attitude that was apparent from the get go. Etoiles demands a rematch after lunch which he is the victor of, leaving them on a tie as they split up all who want to participate in training.
Etoiles takes the adults while Techno helps those children who stepped forth with youthful eyes full of determination; Chayanne, Lullah, Pomme, Dapper, Ramon and Empanada all hold various weapons. Dapper and his father Badboyhalo had shown up halfway through their meal and Techno was honestly happy to see the demon, he looked much happier here especially after being greeted by all the dragon children.
Chayanne matches his tio with a sword, Lullah clutching her axe, Pomme and Dapper both wielded glimmering scythes, Ramon with a giant hammer he taps against his shield and finally Empanada spinning a frying pan around.
It must have been quite the odd sight from an outside perspective of this giant piglin warrior covered in scars gently coaching beings a third of his size. Technoblade did always enjoy training new recruits, he admired the determination with which these children practiced.
He wondered what led them to fight so hard, seeing skilled movements already developing in their careful footwork and capable improvisation for the heat of battle. Especially Pomme, Ramon and Chayanne, those three long outlasting their sibling’s attention span. Dapper had been recruited to break up a disagreement between Foolish and Badboyhalo and Pepito came to steal away Empanada and Lullah to weave flower crowns.
Chayanne and Pomme had teamed up against one another as Technoblade guided Ramon with how to have more control with his strikes. The piglin found himself growing especially fond of these three, seeing the intelligence with which their eyes shone and the determination to keep fighting onwards.
Lullah eventually comes to steal away her brothers as they are the only children missing flower circlets besides Pomme, who waits for Techno to wave the others off before gesturing him to engage. Her ribcage is heaving, exhaustion heavy in her two-toned gaze when Techno softly shakes his head and kneels. In his gut he knows there is something else this sweet soul is fighting for, recognising mannerisms of dear friends within her spirit.
“Pomme?” He says her name with kindness, waiting for her to place her weapon in its place on her back before continuing. “You are clearly tired, kid. Go rest and play with the others for a bit.”
She shakes her head firmly, pulling out a leather bound book to write a response with beautiful cursive words she eventually faces towards him. “I need to learn all I can now and you have different skills than my Papa Etoiles. Please, just for a few more matches.”
Techno searches her gaze after reading the parchment, reaching a hand out to place it on her shoulder. “Pomme, you will have your whole life to learn how to fight but you only have limited time as a child.”
Her brow furrows, Techno inferring that he misspoke. “Why do you push yourself so hard? Is the Island that dangerous?”
He hated asking someone so young but she was clearly paranoid because of something, the Death Goddess mentioned scares here and there but he couldn’t believe another world had already fallen to harming children. “Many of my siblings lost one of their two chances to enemies or monsters prior to us moving here,and those were the lucky souls. Some of us didn’t make it–”
“I’m sorry, kid.” Techno speaks truthfully, the dragon girl watching him with curiosity. “I know it isn’t easy to lose people you consider family, depending how close you were, it's a wound that will never truly heal. But you must listen to me here, you have to take care of yourself first before you can save them.
“If all you ever do is work you will miss out on the joy that happens around you, fueling your strength to fight on.”
He points to where several of the other children are giggling, flowers aplenty strewn about in their enthusiasm. Richarylson has the largest amount of flowers woven through his wild curls, still being added too by a smiling Lullah and Empanada. Sunny is helping paint the nails of those who wanted her art, a few adults even waiting in line. Techno can’t help but snicker watching Fit be coaxed to be the next having artwork done as he finally holds out a hand with a content expression to the sunshine girl after Phil shows off his own proudly. Clearly, that girl had the entire island wrapped around her finger, a similar story to all the children here. Foolish’s child Leo is taking many, many photos of the various events unfolding around them with a careful eye.
“Go have some fun for a little bit, call it guarding them but go enjoy your youth. You have so many strong people around feeding your determination, let them see your sweetness too kid.” He offers kindly, Pomme’s eyes wide as a single tear drops from her right eye. “I know you want to better yourself but you must make time for fun too, burning yourself out is an endless cycle you don’t want to start. Make the memories while you can, often those will become the timber to your flames when you need that extra bit of strength. Listen to an old warrior who wishes he spent more time laughing and less time fighting, you need as much if not more love to balance out a stubborn will.”
A few heartbeats pass before she reaches up to clasp her hand atop Techno’s, giving the smallest smile and a nod. Mouthing thank you, he watches her turn and leaves to be with her siblings who greet her with open arms. Leaving her weapon where it is held tight against her back, Etoiles sidles up after he catches the sight while Techno straightens up.
“What did you say to her, if I may ask?” The snow haired man is perfectly polite, Techno still watching the scene with a fond expression.
“I told her to enjoy her time as a child, she can only become better by nurturing other parts of her heart too.”
“I’ve been saying that for months, I hope she understands this all comes from a place of care.”
“She does.” Techno knows it for a fact, feeling akin to the small girl. “But sometimes the drive to become better turns into an inaccessible tier you will never reach, someone has to remind you that focusing on other parts of your life can be just as rewarding.”
As those words leave his lips Phil summons them both to help build a fire breaking the conversation apart, the sun settling towards the horizon as night slips over the land.
The light behind your eyes
The light behind your—
Sometimes, we must grow stronger
And you can't be stronger when I'm gone
When I'm here no longer
You must be stronger, and
One last face Techno knew well joined them as the sky above darkened, the piglin keeping a close eye on the moon’s position. Charlie Slimecicle is greeted by Tubbo and Sunny who screech with excitement, a blonde woman at his side with a mischievous smile. Introducing herself as Baghera, the last guest makes himself known approaching from Phil’s home with a cautious expression.
That is until Chayanne and Lullah spot him and rush to his side, grabbing each hand and walking him towards the fire. Pitch-black hair spilled around his mystic reaper mask, the skull giving away who this man was from what Lady Death had spoken about before. This was Phil’s partner in this world, Missa, the last member of the group known as the Death Family.
It seemed the rumours were true about music following his every step, Baghera and Charlie expressing their delight when this man sat down and pulled forth the guitar he wore strapped to his back. Strumming while he ponders, eventually settling on a request made by Lullah who accompanies with her flute.
Phil comes to sit at Techno’s side where he leans against a log, Etoiles and Pomme nearby helping clean sticks in preparation for the marshmallows Niki brought. The piglin leans into the crow unconsciously, enjoying how it feels to be in his mere presence again. No matter the century, they would always have each other and that constant was Techno’s lifeline.
“You have good people around you here.” The pink haired man comments, Philza by habit already picking apart Techno’s braid to do a more elaborate weave. It was a soothing action for them both, providing a grounding point they would treasure during the lonely nights ahead when they would be apart once more.
“Indeed, new and old faces surround me here.”
“Ancient wounds and fresh beginnings for all.” Techno says wistfully, unable to help himself from glancing at Pomme remembering their conversation earlier. “I know our Lady mentioned something about this being a new location for you all, is it because of what the children are scared of?”
Phil’s face sours when Techno turns to him, before it falls to sorrow. “Partially, the enemies here are dangerous alongside the organisation that runs this world. Everyone’s been affected by the thirteen moons we have been here, Pomme has always been the warrior of our children. She was the sole target of one of the creatures who took the most lives, she’s fucking deadly with both a bow and a scythe.”
“Why is it a common theme of the worlds we travel through to have children wielding weapons?”
Phil flinches as he finishes the second of the smaller braids down the side of Techno’s scalp, showing off his gold-gilded ear trimmed in an emerald and other precious jewels. A few heartbeats pass as people harmonise around the campfire, singing a song they all know as the pair of ageless warriors debate.
“I’d imagine the words coming to my mind are the same ones you comforting sweet Pomme with earlier.” Techno can only laugh in response, Phil chuckling. “We are far too alike my friend.”
“We have spent countless years together, it was bound to happen.” Techno agrees, Phil finishing his design of braids before moving to the hip-length tresses still free to draw them into one main weave. “It’s much easier to advise another soul than comfort my own.”
“That I can understand perfectly.” Phil reaches into his glowing inventory to locate his bone comb carved in a delicate scene of snow-covered pine trees with wolves lurking below their boughs. Untangling his strands, Phil works patiently as he formulates a response before eventually continuing after another song. “I think we can only do our best with each world we are placed upon to mentor the younger generation into becoming better people than we are. It’s impossible for them to pass a lifetime without conflict, we can only do our best to prepare them for it. But that does include times of comfort as well as ferocity, that is something we both know well. It’s much easier to win a war with trusted allies at your side, you must grow the bonds of friendship in times of travesty.”
“I miss you.” Techno’s deep voice is impossibly soft, only for the crow’s ears.
“I’ve missed you too, mate. There is no one else I want by my side but you know you are destined for something else this lifetime of mine. We will reunite at the end of the world.”
“As we always do.” Techno promises, Phil finishing up the braid with a bright purple ribbon.
Lullah comes forth after the lapse in conversation naturally happens, holding many various species of flowers left over from their crowns. Pomme, Pepito and Sunny join their sister, Lullah, holding out a sign posing the question they wished to ask.
“Tio Techno, can we decorate your hair?” He reads aloud, nodding much to their delight. “Sure kids, why not.”
He enjoys the scent of the fragrant blooms as these dragon children work, expertly placing the delicate strands within the rose-pink tresses. They work quickly together and Sunny brings over her crimson nail polish to paint the piglin’s outstretched hands.
Dreading as he watches the moon reach a quarter of the way up the starlit sky, the paint dries as Chay whips together a proper dinner with the help of his father and Niki. Techno absorbs the energy of being around friendly souls, feeling just a fraction of the love Phil experienced in his time in this world.
He admired watching his best friend work, Philza could claim until he was blue in the face he was a hermit but his natural charisma showed when he was around people he trusted. Missa, though clumsily, also tried to help while taking a break from playing his guitar and having leant it to Baghera. Lullah was playing her flute beside Charlie, her uncle beside her happily singing along to the tune the blonde woman strummed.
As the hours passed the gathering slowly shrunk, each family who left came to give their well wishes to Technoblade before they went home. Cellbit and his blood were the first, Roier cradling a slumbering Pepito. The piglin liked the family of brunettes and clearly so did Phil, secrets traded between gazes each time the blonde crow and Cellbit met eyes. The pink-haired warrior was happy to see the fact they relied on one another, despite his probably best efforts Phil’s natural friendliness drew many together.
Etoiles, Baghera and Charlie are gathering their items together to leave, Pomme joining the piglin where he sat on the log. He waits for the smart girl to say her piece, eventually handing over her leather-bound volume.
“I wanted to thank you for your kind words. Tio Phil has told us stories about you and I never thought we would have the chance to meet, let alone to receive lessons from you. As much as you taught me fighting, you reminded me how important love is too. Be well, tio Technoblade, you mean a lot to our dear crow.”
A tear drips down from his right crimson eye, reaching out to pat her head gently, careful not to mess up the soft fabric artfully draped around her. “Keep improving your fighting Pomme, you have quite a bit of natural talent that can be honed to a deadly edge. But keep laughing too, there are many good people here for you to learn other skills from. You are so strong for your determination now, I admire your drive.”
She opens her arms, Technoblade leaning forth to accept the embrace. The physical embodiment of familial love and loyalty was held within his arms, adding her name to the souls he would check in with later down the line. It was a rare occasion for him to dreamwalk but when he did he enjoyed checking in on people he liked, this little warrior had certainly earned that respect.
Etoiles joins them where they are, waiting for them to move apart and for the piglin to stand back to his full height. Reaching out his hand, Techno pulls him in for a quick hug before stepping back so they can meet each other's gazes.
“Next time we meet, we will have a rematch.” Leaving no mention of maybe, Techno can only chuckle and nod.
“Yes, I look forward to it.” Techno glances over to his blonde best friend, Etoiles following his gaze. “Can you do me a favour and keep an eye on my brethren in my absence.”
“His back is protected as long as my heart shall beat.” Etoiles presses a hand to his chest, Techno’s expression softening to one of being grateful.
“I know I can trust his safety with you.”
A few more words are exchanged before Phil walks the leaving group back to his waystone. The last hour they have is spent in a quieter fashion, exchanging stories as the children fall asleep one by one. Sunny and Empanada are the first, cuddled under a blanket with the sunshine girl’s father Tubbo who wears a tired yet fond expression. Ramon is close behind, leaning into Pac who is dozing against Fit.
If I could be with you tonight
I would sing you to sleep
Never let them take the light behind your eyes
I failed and lost this fight
Never fade in the dark, just remember you will always burn as bright
All too soon he has to stand up, watching the moon approach the time he dreaded. Phil watches from where he sits beside Missa, nodding to his husband who offers to take their children inside. Techno takes a moment to press a kiss to each of their foreheads before Missa carries them into their home. He observes the affectionate expression the pair of platonic husband’s share, knowing his best friend is in good hands here.
Phil makes his way over to Techno, his blue eyes filling with tears. “Is it time?”
Technoblade nods, Fit joining them where they stand alongside Niki. Tubbo and Pac promise to keep an eye on their children while they see the piglin off, tracing the steps the others walked to the farming fields beside Phil’s home. Niki reaches over to clasp Techno’s hand along the journey, the piglin looking over to see his dear friend attempting to maintain composure. He squeezes their grasp once, his voice low.
“I’ll put in a good word for us to spend a lifetime together soon.” He vows, Niki looking relieved. “When this world comes to an end I will be right by your side the moment your soul leaves this body, as I always have, dearest friend.”
The Blood God and Angel of Death kept their flesh as they moved through the worlds but it took a lot of energy donated by Lady Death through Her blessing to maintain, for others their memories would be preserved but their body would decay. But ever since he found this kind soul who shed blood and tears for this battle-scarred piglin, he would continue to be the one to harvest her soul and preserve her heart. It was a service the best friends gave those souls they grew close to, Niki was one such member of their family they adopted through several lifetimes.
Starting the boat with a roar that echoed across the ocean water he faced, all four climbed into the boat and made their way to the portal Techno would use to leave. Fit helps Phil get from the boat as Techno offers his hand to Niki, standing on the warm netherrack while facing each other.
Fit clears his throat and breaks the silence, offering out a handshake. “It was good to see you, maybe on another horizon we will make use of our allyship once more.”
“Happy Birthday, Techno.” Niki reaches up to kiss his cheek, Fit’s eyes widening.
“It was your birthday? That’s why you are here? You didn’t say a fucking thing to any of us.” He asks indignantly, Techno waving off the light-hearted banter. “Well then I am going to cut this goodbye short, stay outside the portal as long as you can! You stay safe, you hear?”
Rushing off and taking the boat without checking, the remaining three watch confused before Phil shrugs. “I don’t know what he is planning, but that doesn’t surprise me She let you come for this wonderful occasion. Fuck I even asked you then we got distracted after I realised.”
“I don’t like a big fanfare about the fact I am another year older with the thousands behind us, all I wanted was to see my best friend and had some bonus reunions along the way.” He explains, both agreeing as the portal behind them whooshes to life.
Niki removes her communicator to check the time, she knew their routine well at this point when they came to visit worlds they weren’t meant to be on. “Five minutes until midnight.”
Suddenly as Techno opens his mouth they are interrupted by a firework explosion from behind Phil’s home. The piglin gasps, watching the people who stayed behind give him a bright send off with a touched heart. They all laugh, filled with the whimsy of the shimmering lights as Quesadilla Island celebrates a birthday that wasn’t even an original member, simply a guest who wanted to see his friends. The whole rainbow of colours spreads above Phil’s home, painting colours of ash across a pitch canvas as chaotic fun.
Niki steps back after one last hug with the piglin, letting the two companions who faced cataclysmic destruction together say their goodbyes.
“No matter how many times we do this, it never gets easier.” Phil tries to cover his sorrow by laughing, Techno reaching out to hold his shoulder.
“It’s never a goodbye between us, only that I am waiting for you at the end of the world.” Techno promises, pressing his free hand to Phil’s chest over his heart. “Plus I am always here, rooting for you to accomplish more than you have with your bleeding heart intact. Keep teaching these people your stories, you old bastard, keep talking to those around you. People here rely on you, I can see it in every interaction and I will always be watching from above with our Goddess.”
“I’ll see you in the stars then?”
“Until we can be together once again, always.”
The light behind your eyes
The light behind your eyes
The light behind your eyes
The light behind your eyes
The light behind your eyes
The light behind your eyes
The light behind your eyes
The light behind your eyes
The light behind your eyes
The light behind your eyes