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Tommy has had lots of names over the time of being a villain. Wife haver, the one he personally chose, for some reason though it didn't stick. He went by Avian for a while, people thought he and a big shot villain Angel were related, blond hair winged person, Tommy could see the resemblance especially because the two of them were big men. Then, one of Angels partners called Thanatos called Tommy Theseus, probably due to the fact the man didn't like Tommy being associated with them.
Finally, Tommy decided that he was going to be called Red. One because it was his favorite color, and two because it was the color his ability glowed when activated.
Despite being named by one of the members, Tommy hadn't actually ever met the Syndicate. Everyone knew they were dangerous, and made the news practically everyday, Tommy had made the news once before, back when he helped a cat out of a tree and got the crap beaten out of him by it's claws.
The cats name is Clementine, and she is now Tommy's pet. A tough owner needed a fighting companion after all.
On this particular day though, it was cold, snowing even. Tommy had just stolen a sandwich from a food truck about two blocks over when he saw the fight. Tommy got up on a building and unwrapped the sandwich.
Thanatos, verses, Dream. Everyone knew these two were nemesis, prime examples of villains and heroes, day and nigh, light and dark. Every hero wanted to be Dream, and every villain feared Thanatos. Honestly, Tommy was happy he got a front row seat, peak entertainment too watch while eating his lunch.
He heard a helicopter above, looking up, it was a news channel. Tommy quickly scrambled to make sure his domino mask was still on. Thankfully, it was. Tommy sighed in relief and fluttered his wings a bit to get more comfortable for the show.
"Surrender now, Thanatos. Or suffer the consequences." Dream said, people found it admirable that even how big of a villain Thanatos was, Dream still gave him the chance to surrender peacefully. Tommy just thought it was annoying.
"Nah, I'm good, can't go to prison today, gotta go feed my dog." Thanatos said sarcastically, unclipping his axe from his back. Tommy always loved that axe, it was so shiny, every time he saw it, he had to tell his instincts that no way was he getting close enough to Thanatos to steal it.
"So be it." Dream said, unsheathing his less cool sword. Sure, it was shiny and Tommy wanted it, but Tommy preferred the axe.
They stood still for a moment, and Tommy just kept chewing his sandwich, looking between the two. Honestly, it was something out of an anime! He wonders if they've ever watched The Adventures Of Karl the Time Traveler.
The wind blew, sweeping up Thanatos's cape and Dreams robe, making it look more cinematic. In an instant, when the wind stopped blowing, they both charged forward, clashing the two weapons upon each other. Dream's free hand started to glow, and golden chains came out from no where.
Dreams ability, no doubt. Tommy could hear Thanatos's chuckle as the chains dispersed as quick as they were made.
Thanatos's ability made it so no ability can affect or touch him. It was perfect for a one on one situation.
Thanatos raised the axe above his head, swinging down at Dream. Tommy would guess the villain was trying to end this quickly. Dream swiftly dodged, stepping back and away from the villain, probably to catch his breath and think of a plan.
The two have been fighting for years now, surely Dream didn't think using his ability would work after the 100th time?
"You're getting slow, Dream." Thanatos teased. "Might be time to think of retirement."
"And what? Let you terrorize the Essempi? No thanks." Dream remarked, going into a stance that read I'm going to charge in again. "I'll retire when you're dead or in Pandora." And again, Dream charged forward, swinging his blade at Thanatos, who easily blocked it. Dream went to sweep the villains feet, but Thanatos's stance stayed firm.
Thanatos was a piglin, and Dream was a sheep hybrid. Of course the villain would win in terms of raw strength. Though, Captain, Dreams rumored mom, was also a sheep and gave plenty of villains trouble with her strength. Captain is retired now however, shame really, Tommy was a big fan.
It hit Tommy though, Dream was doing these things he knew didn't work. Was he stalling? Maybe waiting for backup?
Thanatos stomped down onto Dreams leg, and Tommy cringed as he swears he could hear a crack. Dream screamed out for a moment, before rolling away from the villain. He got off the floor and Tommy could tell his stance was off. The leg was definitely broken.
"Dream!" Tommy heard someone shout, Tommy looked towards the other end of the street, 404.
"You're done Thanatos." Another voiced called from the opposite side. Blaze. This was a trap, a set up for Thanatos, Tommy couldn't help but eat his sandwich a tad slower now. He was now in the middle between an ambush, none of them knew he was here. Was Tommy that unimportant?
Thanatos scoffed, "Set up a surprise party for me Dream? How thoughtful." Dream chuckled.
"You're villain days are done Thanatos. I gave you plenty of chances to turn yourself in." Dream announced, probably for the helicopter overhead to hear. "We checked, none of your allies are here today. When they do arrive, the fight will be over. Good always wins Thanatos."
Tommy couldn't help but silently scoff, where does this guy get such cheesy lines? No way he doesn't watch rom cons. or some shit.
"I wont go down without a fight, Dream. I can take out two of you, and I can't promise if one of the two will be alive by the end of this." Thanatos said, Tommy could hear the change in tone. Once sarcastic and cocky, turned into cold and calculating.
"We're prepared to make that sacrifice." Dream said.
Now, Tommy has options here now that he's done with his sandwich. One, he could help Thanatos, maybe get capture or killed in the process which is a big no no. Two, he could help Dream, hopefully get a smaller sentence and not get thrown in pandora with Thanatos or even worse, share a cell with him. Or three, run away and probably die because the other members of the Syndicate definitely can see him on the news coverage, and something tells Tommy they wont be so happy if Thanatos dies or gets captured.
It all comes down to two major things, does he want to get on the heroes bad side, or the villains bad side. Personally, Tommy thinks the choice is easy, one kills more than the other.
Tommy looked back down at the fight at hand. The heroes were getting an upper hand, Dream was mostly sitting out due to his broken leg, but was still getting cheap shots in with a bow when Thanatos is distracted by the other two.
Tommy surely could help here and there right? They're main focus is Thanatos anyway.
Tommy raise his right hand and concentrated, his hand glowed red as Blaze, who was currently in the sky with his fire, about to jump down onto Thanatos, was suddenly pulled to the ground with a massive red string.
Blaze landed on his stomach with a grunt. Tommy's eyes went wide under his mask, he didn't mean to make it super obvious that he was here. Tommy turned and locked eyes with Thanatos. Shit, well they know he's here now.
An arrow was shot at Tommy, but Tommy easily grabbed the arrow midair with his power, crushing it in half. Tommy's ability was energy manipulation, only bad thing was it used Tommy's own energy, good thing though, Tommy just ate a foot long sandwich in record speed and needed to burn some calories anyway.
Tommy clasped his hands together, red strings appeared on all three of the Dream Team, Tommy threw them all against a wall. Now Tommy felt like throwing up.
Tommy blinked and suddenly Thanatos was on top of the building Tommy was on, grabbing him by the scruff of his hoodie and pulling Tommy so that they were running together. All this movement was not sitting well with Tommy's stomach, that was for sure.
Once they were about three blocks away, Tommy swatted the villains hand away and ran over to the nearest dumpster, puking up his sandwich.
"Gross." Thanatos remarked, Tommy flipped him off before puking again. "How long were you up there?" Tommy gasped, trying to collect his breath before turning to the villain.
"The whole time." Tommy said, wiping his face with his sleeve. Thanatos gave him a look, "What? I was going to wash it anyway."
"You were up there, the whole time?" Tommy could hear the judgment.
"I was eating, then you fuckers came and gave me a show in person." Tommy explained, "So really, you invaded my day with you're rivalry bullshit." Thanatos stared for a moment before slowly nodding.
"Do I know you? Like have we met? Or is a random child just playing villain for fun?"
"First of all, fuck you not a child, second of all this random villain just saved your ass." Tommy pointed, Thanatos scoffed.
"I had it covered."
"Didn't seem like it."
"Well, you're a child so, you don't get a say." Thanatos took a step closet to Tommy, it made Tommy realize that this was Thanatos, top villain. Tommy took a step back. It was silent, Tommy blinked at the villain, and Tommy assumes the villain was blinking at Tommy.
In a millisecond, Tommy took off running, not bothering to look back as he swerved the streets he grew up on. Tommy was convinced no one knew this part of town better than him. Tommy decides to take a long route, it's basically one big circle but with big detours that make it annoying to follow or keep up with someone.
When he goes back to the road he left Thanatos on, it was empty. Tommy sighed in relief in knowing he didn't come back to the villain. That would've been awkward.
Tommy walked now, deciding to go back to his apartment. He still decided to go an out of the way route home, just in case. He sticks his hands into his hoodie jacket, his wings shivering slightly at the cold and the excitement of the day. No way he's living this down, he'll probably get boosted like, three ranks. He'll probably also make the news, random bad ass villain beats Dream and his teams shit, saves Thanatos and proves that he's superior to the piglin.
Maybe not the last part, Tommy would need to get the axe to be superior.
Tommy unlocks his apartment, collapsing on the dusty couch that Tommy totally didn't find near a dumpster. There was holes all over it, and it was a rustic kinda brown. Tommy actually spilled stuff on it one time, when he was cleaning it he saw the couch was actually a velvet color and not originally brown. Tommy still gags at the thought, once he becomes a top Villain and ears the big bucks, he'll clean this couch, but for now, the squeaky springs will have to do.
Clementine in all her glory came over to Tommy, jumping up on the couch and sitting on Tommy's back, massaging it with her paws. It was just close enough to his wings that Tommy could feel the tension releasing from his feathers.
"Clementine, you are the best." Tommy coo'd at the cat, Clementine just purred happily. "Tell you what, when I go out tomorrow, I'll get you the good cat food, like the shit in a can stuff." Tommy thinks he has enough for that plus his groceries, cupped noodle section at his local store hate to see Tommy coming.
Tommy decides to attempt to reach for the TV remote that's on the coffee table across him without disturbing Clementine. Unsurprisingly, he succeeds, but that also might be that Clementine is used to Tommy. He scrolls through the channels before clicking on the news station, Tommy didn't plan to actually watch the news, that's old people shit, but he did want white noise in the background as he tries to sleep.
The news lady seems to be talking about the fight that had happened earlier that night, talking nonsense about things that didn't happen. Like they had the nerve to say Dream had almost gotten Thanatos, which is fair, if Tommy wasn't there Thanatos probably would've gotten caught or at least barely escape. But Tommy was there, so that statement it complete bullshit.
"The latest gossip of today is for the Villain that helped Thanatos escape! Sources say he's been a villain for a while now, going by numerous names. One of which connecting him back to The Syndicate! Is he a new member we haven't seen?" The lady says, turning to the man.
"I'm more concerned with how such a powerful villain evaded detection! The Hero agency says it's some kind of energy manipulation," They figured that out already? "Abilities like that are rare!"
"Now going by Red, the hero agency says stay clear and contact the heroes if you see him! once a nobody is now ranked 18th in the whole Essempi!" Tommy turned off the TV.
"Fuck." He says, the breath now out of his lungs, he feels like he's suffocating even though he's breathing in and out right now. Granted the breaths are shallow and fast, but he's still breathing!
He figured he would climb the ranks after helping Thanatos, but jumping to 18th? The hero agency really are either underestimating him, or they're snipping his villain arc in the bud.
Tommy doesn't get much sleep that night.
.
.
.
The next time Tommy see's the Syndicate, it's his first outing in a week. He's tried to lay low, let the attention leave him and go on someone else.
Thankfully, the day prior had done just that, when the Syndicate had attacked the hero tower. All the news stations were talking about that now, and all the important heroes were taking care of rebuilding the tower.
"Heeeyyyy, Jack, can I get uhhh." Tommy said, leaning against the fried chicken food truck. This was not the same food truck Tommy had stolen from, he knows better than to steal from Jack. Plus, Jack has a tab system that Tommy was not planning to pay back.
"A spicy chicken wrap with extra ranch?" Jack says, "I know, you get the same thing every time." Tommy rolls his eyes.
"Can I get that, with a coke to drink please?" Tommy smiled, Jack narrowed his eyes.
"I should call the heroes, you never pay your tab, and you are a public nuisance." Jack says, going to make the wrap. "And now you're a big villain right? Can just say, hey red from the Syndicate is asking for a chicken wrap."
"Not apart of Syndicate big man, just rumored." Tommy said, taking the plastic cup Jack was handing him, sipping it.
"Yeah, like they would hire you. Too annoying." Jack said, finishing up the wrap and handing the wrapped food to Tommy. Tommy ripped open the tinfoil and bit into the wrap, humming happily.
"I'd agree with that." A voice came from behind Tommy, it sounded familiar and cold. He watched as Jack quickly shut the shutter to his food truck. Tommy slowly turned around to see Thanatos.
"hey, big maaan." Tommy said awkwardly while chewing his food. Thanatos did not look impressed.
"You're a hard one to track down." Thanatos said, putting his hand on Tommy's shoulder. Tommy did his best not to flinch, he did not succeed.
"I try my best." Tommy sarcastically stated, taking another bite of his food.
"You ran last time." Thanatos stated, Tommy hummed and nodded. "Why?"
"I don't know big T, might be you're just that scary." Tommy admitted, Thanatos didn't seem like the type to tell people. Thanatos nodded, letting go of Tommy and sitting down on a nearby bench.
Tommy questions if he should run or not. He decides to eat his food, then run once he didn't have any use for being here.
"Energy manipulation." Thanatos said, turning and looking at Tommy. "Pretty rare." Tommy shrugs.
"Of course it's rare, wouldn't settle for any less." Tommy exclaimed, it gets a chuckle out the villain. Tommy hesitantly goes and sits next to the villain, eating his wrap.
"You're that villain who everyone thought was Angels son." Thanatos stated, Tommy nodded, fluffing up his wings.
"Weird that a bird with blond hair always gets assumed to be Angel's fledgling." Tommy deadpanned. "Then you called me Theseus and the media went crazy."
"Forgot I did that." Thanatos said, looking down at Tommy's wrap, then back up at the food truck.
"Want one?" Tommy asked, looking over to Jacks food truck.
"I can live without-" Tommy jumped up off the bench and knocked on the food truck shutters.
"Jack, Big T wants a…" Tommy turns to Thanatos. "What-cha want?"
"You sure he's still in there?"
"Oh he's in there." Tommy says, "Big T wants the same as me!"
"Red go away! We're closed." Jack says, Tommy can imagine him huddled under a counter.
"No." Tommy says, he holds up his hands and presses it against the shutter, his hand glows red and the shutter swings up. Jack is in fact huddled under something, not a counter, a table. "Can I get another wrap?"
"You are a menace, better off in Pandora." Jack mutters, turning his stove back on. Thanatos comes and stands next to Tommy, watching Jack cook.
"Shouldn't be terrorizing civilians Red." Thanatos puts a hand on Tommy's head, it makes Tommy hesitate before turning to the villain.
"Jack is hardly a civilian, he's my food supplier." Tommy explains, attempting to swat Thanatos's hand away to no avail. "Bitch." Tommy mutters, finally giving up.
Jack holds out a wrap, Thanatos takes it with his free hand, allowing jack to shut his shutters again before letting Tommy go.
Tommy follows the villain back to the bench, sitting beside him more confidently now. He bites into his wrap one last time before throwing the trash away. Thanatos just holds the wrap, staring at it.
"You gonna eat that?" Tommy asked, Thanatos chuckled and pointed at his mask.
"Can't. Then I would have to kidnap you for seeing my face." Tommy hummed.
"That ugly huh?" Thanatos held out the wrap towards Tommy, he took it generously unwrapping the tinfoil and biting into it.
"You eat a lot." Thanatos observed.
"You calling me fat?" Tommy raised an eyebrow, Tommy knew he wasn't fat, he could barely get passed the 100 mark on the scale since his power makes him eat himself unless he has food.
"I'm just saying, for someone who looks criminally skinny, you eat a lot." Thanatos held up his hands in surrender. "Didn't mean it to be offensive." God this guy was awkward, couldn't even take a joke?
"My power kinda eats me if I don't." Tommy explains, Thanatos nods.
"So is it a calorie kind of thing?"
"Nah, just my power uses my own energy to do stuff. If I don't eat a lot then it's like I'm starving myself." Tommy says, chewing the last bite of the wrap. He stands up, stretching a little, about time he ditches this guy. Tommy feels Thanatos's hand grab his arm, Tommy turns to the man.
"We should talk somewhere more private." The villain says, is this it? Is he going to kill Tommy now? Tommy can do nothing but nod as Thanatos drags him into an alleyway. "You should join us."
"Join who? The Syndicate? No thanks boss man, I kinda work solo." Tommy tries to brush the offer off.
"It's not safe for you to run around anymore. The heroes think you're already working with us and because of that they'll come after you." Thanatos explained, he was fiddling his fingers as if Tommy was the one making the offer. "I'm not the best at recruiting people, I said Angel or Ecto should be the one here instead of me. But they insisted since I already knew you-"
"We talked maybe three sentences."
"right, but that's three more than they've talked with you." Thanatos deadpanned, Tommy rolled his eyes even though he knew the villain couldn't see it through his domino mask. "They'll especially go after you since they think you're new and stuff. Not to mention your ability." Tommy scoffs and Thanatos gets closer. "I'm serious Red."
Tommy holds up his hands, "I know you're serious! I just don't want to join your shitty team!" Tommy explained.
"Bruh, we're literally the number one villain team."
"Not in my heart though, Thanatos, in my heart you guys are bitches and…" Tommy thinks for a second. "I'll join if I get your axe."
"Not happening." Thanatos said, almost instinctively. Someone close probably also wants the axe, too bad though, Tommy's called dibs.
"Come on! It's so cool and shiny, well taken care of that's for sure."
"Exactly why it's mine. I take care of it. Do you even know how to use an axe? You seem more like a Ecto fighting style." Thanatos asked.
"The fuck that mean bitch?" Tommy takes offense. Ectoplasm is his least favorite member, he always came off as rude and a prick who thinks he's above everything.
"I just mean you seem like you use your ability more than a weapon." Thanatos explained, Tommy hated how he was right.
"No deal then." Tommy says, crossing his arms with a huff, Thanatos makes an annoyed noise. "What? I stated my terms and you denied. Therefore I am not joining your shitty team." Thanatos pinched his mask where Tommy would assume the bridge of his nose was located.
"You are a child, or at least acting like one. You do know that right?" Thanatos said, Tommy just huffs again.
"You are acting like a prick, cause that's what you are."
"We're literally trying to keep you safe-"
"Mememe, I'm Thanatos and I think I'm hot shit just because I'm the number one villain and think I can defeat anyone."
"I am number one villain, and I can beat anyone."
"Oh, My, God, You are a bitch." The shouting seemed to attract attention, cause at the entrance to the alley, a shadow was cast over the two villains. Tommy blinked at the figure, Warden.
"Interesting conversation you two are having, surely you can have it in a cell at Pandora, gentlemen." Warden tried to intimidate, Tommy looked over to the fire escape, then over at Thanatos who was staring at Warden.
Warden started walking closer to the two villains, he presses a button on hist vest. Probably to call backup.
"Thanatos." Tommy warned, his voice low and in a whisper. They shouldn't take this fight. Thanatos didn't seem to be listening though, raising his arm to grab the hilt of his axe. Tommy sighs, getting ready to fight. The axe really should have a better owner, one who actually thinks before fighting.
"I can handle this, Red." Thanatos said, Tommy nodded in agreement.
"I know, just making sure no other heroes jump out of nowhere." Tommy explained, his hands glowed red, a red vail encased the area around the alleyway, a shield to keep unwanted company out, and keep the hero inside. "Make it quick." Thanatos nodded, charging at the hero.
Thanatos swung his blade at Warden, who blocked it with his trident. Tommy felt something touch his vail, it was bigger than a bird, it almost felt like a hand testing the strength of the shield. Tommy rolled his eyes and imagined a spike shooting out of the shield, the energy obeyed and Tommy knew he hit something.
there was liquid on the shield now, blood. Tommy drew back the spike, maintaining that shape was both exhausting and painful, his stomach ached a little. Those wraps didn't last long, but then again Tommy isn't used to making something this big for this long.
Thanatos swept Wardens foot, making the hero fall forward, The villain grabbed the heroes head and crushed it into the side of the building. Warden went limp.
"Someone is outside." Tommy informed, Thanatos nodded.
"Take the shield down." Thanatos ordered, Tommy stuck his tongue out but did as told. His stomach was hurting to much to argue. When Tommy's power evaporates, Tommy feels a weight off his stomach, he feels like throwing up though.
Tommy and Thanatos look up for any sign of life, a head pops up and looks down at them. The black wings on the side of the head, and the vail over their face tells Tommy this is Angel. Oh shit, did he spike Angel?
"You can make shields?" Angel asked. "Don't worry mate, you didn't hurt me, did spike Blaze though. I ran him off though so don't worry." He then turned to look at Thanatos, "Did you get him to join?"
"No, he refused." Thanatos deadpanned, Tommy could practically feel the disappointment and frown on Angel as he turned back to Tommy.
"I made demands, he refused." Tommy shrugged.
"You asked for my axe."
"I stand by what I wanted." Tommy said, sticking out his tongue again. Angel laughed.
"Is Ecto up there?" Thanatos asked, Angel shook his head.
"He refused to come." Angel explained, "still throwing a fit." Tommy can hear Thanatos sigh, shaking his head slightly. "Don't be like that mate, he's not arguing, just annoyed right now."
"He's acting like a child." Thanatos said, should Tommy be hearing this. "Reminds me of someone." Tommy flips him off.
Angel descended from the skies, his wings gliding him down to the ground. He looks at Thanatos, then at Red.
"Pleasure meeting you Red." Angel said, giving a little bow. Tommy tried not to fanboy too hard, he just gave Thanatos a look then turned back to Angel. "I'm sure you've heard it from Thanatos, but we'd like you to join us. At least for a little bit."
"You see, Angel, biggest man ever to ever live," Thanatos snorts, Angel chuckles, "I would be honored. However, I don't really do…Teams. For some reason whenever whenever I'm in one I feel the undesirable urge to kill myself." Tommy says dramatically. "So I'm going to have to pass."
"But you and Thanatos work so well together." Angel coo's, Thanatos huffs.
"What do you mean? I do all the work." Tommy scoffs.
"As if. What if I wasn't there when you got jumped by the whole hero agency?" Tommy pointed, Angel gave the other villain a look.
"He has a point mate." Angel said.
"And today? Warden literally pressed his panic button for backup, were you going to fight them all?" Tommy asked, waving his hands around to exaggerate. "You need to know when to run."
Thanatos makes a motion that signals he's rolling his eyes. "You run to much."
"Yeah? And theirs a reason every bitch ass hero want your head and not mine."
"Alright, alright." Angel says, making a calm down motion towards both villains. A slight playfulness in his voice. "You both are very important in fights." Angel chuckles, turning back to Tommy.
"Sleep on it yeah? Next time we meet I hope you join." Tommy could do nothing but nod and watch as the older villain dragged Thanatos away up the fire escape.
Tommy walks back home, thinking of the interaction, shaking his head slightly.
He has his work cut out for him.
.
.
.
Tommy is so fucked, he doesn't even know how he got in this situation! One minute, he was walking to his favorite Chinese restaurant, as Tommy not Red, and the next he was shoved into the back of a van where Dream is staring into his soul.
He opens his mouth to talk, to ask what the hell was happening, but dream held up a finger to shush him.
"We looked into you, Thomas innit." Dream said, holding out his hand, 404 places a file on his hand. Dream opens the file. "Elytrian hybrid, yellow wings and hair, and yet. You're file says you're normal. No ability." Dream explained, Tommy swears he can see the masks eyes narrow at him.
"Guess I got the short end of the stick innit?" Tommy awkwardly laughed, the heroes don't look impressed.
"You have the same build as a up and coming villain, Red. Did you know that?" Dream says, passing over a paper, it's a blurry photo of him as Red. Tommy tried to ignore the lump forming in his throat.
"Didn't know that." Tommy finally said, setting down the photo and passing it back to Dream.
"Bullshit and you know it!" Blaze said, turning his body around from the front passenger seat to look at Tommy. Dream holds his hand up towards the fire hero, Blaze grumbled a little and sat back down.
"Thomas-"
"Tommy."
"Tommy then, you do know that the Syndicate is a dangerous villain organization. They don't care about anything but themselves. We can't help you, if you don't want out yourself." Dream said, putting the folder down and clasping his hands, leaning forward a bit.
"Are you implying I'm Red?" Tommy asked.
"I'm implying you've gotten yourself into some trouble that you might need help out of." Tommy scoffs.
"Do you have a warrant? Or is this just kidnapping?" Tommy narrowed his eyes at the green man. Not surprisingly, Dream stayed quiet. "I think you should let me out before I press charges." The car suddenly stopped, the driver hitting the breaks.
"Bad?" Dream asked, Climbing up front so he could see the driver. Tommy heard a loud bang on the ceiling of the car, then the sound of walking. Dream cussed something and opened the side door to the van, turning to look at Tommy for a split second. "Stay inside, it's not safe." Tommy rolls his eyes, watching 404 go out with Dream and Blaze exit the car.
Tommy heard Dream shouting at someone as 404 closes the van door, then he heard a low deep voice that Tommy knew well. Thanatos. Were the Syndicate following Tommy? Was Tommy getting stalked? How else would the villains get here so fast?
The van door swings back open, Tommy is met with Ectoplasm looking at him.
"Ay yup." Tommy greets, Ectoplasm sighs.
"Come on." He says, Tommy debates ignoring him just because oof the attitude this villain just gave him. Tommy decides t listen though, he should probably play the scared civilian in front of the heroes. He steps out of the van, finding Angel was sitting on top of the van, watching Thanatos fight the whole Dream team alone.
"Hey mate." Angel greets.
"You didn't tell them anything did you?" Ectoplasm snaps, Tommy flips him off.
"No, I did threaten to sue though." Tommy shrugs, "Apparently the fuckers didn't have a warrant, so technically you guys are saving me from some creep ass kidnappers."
"Thanatos wasn't joking when he said you have a potty mouth." Ectoplasm remarks, Tommy narrows his eyes at the villain. Before he could say anything, Angel spoke up.
"They didn't hurt you did they?" Angel jumped off the van, checking Tommy over.
"No, I don't think so." Tommy says, his heart warms a little as the adult Elytrian checks him over. "Just a little hungry I suppose."
"Where are your wings?" Angel asks, eyeing Tommy's back.
"In a binder, if I had wings as a civilian it'd be pretty obvious who I was." Tommy explained, Angels shoulders slump a little.
"That's not good for them." Tommy shrugs.
"OK, Angel, you can be a father once we get the child out of the active war zone?" Ectoplasm says. Tommy counts that as strike three and kicks the villain in his shins, ectoplasm yelps and falls over onto his ass.
"Not a child dick face!" Tommy growls a little, Angels arms wrap around Tommy's shoulders.
"Mm, Ecto is right mate, we should get you out of here." Tommy turns to look at Thanatos.
"Is he going to be alright?" Tommy asks, Phil makes a noise that sounds an awful lot like a chirp. His instincts go wild, at the weird similarity.
"I'll make sure to tell him you care. But Ectoplasm will stay with Thanatos while I get you away." Angel explains, Tommy's face goes red.
"I don't care for that asshole." Tommy mutters, Ectoplasm scoffs, sending a look at Angel before running over to the fight.
"Come on mate." Angel says, almost corralling Tommy the opposite direction of the fight. "You said you were hungry right? Can't do much in the fight anyway. Best to stay safe."
"Can we go pick up my food? It's probably cold now but I was looking forward to actually eat a meal I paid for." Tommy asked, Angel hummed.
"I can go get it mate, once you're safe." Angel said, Tommy blinks, realizing his house is the complete opposite way they're going.
"So where we going?" Tommy asked, kicking a stone on the sidewalk.
"To the base." Tommy halts for a second, turning to Angel who is looking at him with a slight tilt in his head. Tommy narrows his eyes.
"The base?"
"Yeah, the Syndicate base."
"But I'm not a member."
"You are now."
"I didn't agree to that." Tommy deadpans.
"We can have this conversation later mate. But for now, you're a member wether you like it or not." Angel says, grabbing Tommy by the hood on his hoodie, dragging him along until Tommy decided to walk by himself.
Angel leads Tommy to a warehouse, down into a basement where there was a door. Angel opened it and the dusty warehouse interior switched to a more clean, stable interior.
Tommy is actually in an evil lair. He feels very important right now.
Instead of actually being able to explore the base, he's led into a room that has a million blankets all around. Sure, it's probably not actually a million blankets, but Tommy would say it's pretty close though.
Angel sits down in the center of all the blankets, patting in front of him for Tommy to sit. Tommy happily obliges, his instincts seem very happy with whatever is going on. It almost feels like Tommy is on drugs, but like the good drugs that make him sleepy and happy, not the weird shit that make him see things.
"You can let your wings out now mate." Angel says, eyeing Tommy's back. Tommy nods and reaches above his shirt to untie the binger around his wings. His gold wings unfold a little, Tommy stretches them a bit. "They're a little small for your age, no wonder we don't see you flying anywhere." Angel touches his wings with his fingertips, tracing Tommy's feathers.
Tommy resisted leaning into the touch, no matter how much his bird brain was telling him too.
"You get comfortable now, I'm going to go get us some food." Angel coo's, standing up and heading towards the door. "Anything in particular you want mate?"
"Chinese food." Tommy said, it came out as a little wobble, probably from the fact when he spoke, he had to hold down a chirp. Angel hummed, nodded, then headed out of the room. Tommy wonders if Clementine will be upset at him, he told her he would just leave for a second, just to get food and come back.
Tommy swears the cat can understand him sometimes.
Tommy falls forward with a plop, getting comfortable in the blanket nest, he thinks Angel made it for him. Were they always planning on taking Tommy, even if he said no? Tommy can't find the energy to get mad.
He looked over at the TV over in the corner, there had to be a remote somewhere in here right? Unless Angel took it with him, which is likely. But that's fine, Tommy has worked with a TV with no remote before.
Tommy slid his hand over the side, top, and bottom, of the TV, before finally finding a little button. Tommy pressed it and the black screen turned on, showing the news channel.
Unsurprisingly, the news was covering Thanatos and Ectoplasm fighting the Dream Team. It was a big battle, apparently according to the news lady, they had closed down the block they were on.
Thanatos didn't seem to be going easy on Dream, shouting things that the camera didn't pick up.
The shot changed to in the sky, a helicopter.
"Sources say they spotted a blond teenager that exited the vehicle that The Dream Team exited. The Syndicate leader Angel was reported escorting the child out of the fight, no one has seen either since then. The Hero Agency said the hero team was attempting to keep the teen safe from the villain." The reporter says as Thanatos charges at Dream, swinging full force down on the green hero.
Tommy gasped a little when the axe crashed down, barely missing Dreams head. Dreams sword must've redirected it a smidge. Even if it missed his head, Dreams shoulder was wrecked, blood pouring out when Thanatos pulled his axe out. Tommy was kinda glad the feed didn't have audio. He wonders why Thanatos was so angry today, he seems more aggressive with little banter to Dream.
The camera cuts back to the news channel office. Probably to spare young viewer eyes from their number one hero getting destroyed. The two news people at the desk look shocked, Tommy could see the woman eyes turning red with tears and the man covered his mouth.
"U-Uhm. Turning back to the weather…" The man tried to begin, only to duck his head down into his hands.
The rooms door opens and Tommy turns to face…Angel? Tommy thinks it's Angel, but he doesn't have his mask or outfit on. Just comfortable clothing and his hair down. In his hand is a bag from what looks like a Chinese food.
"You found the remote? We've been trying to look for it forever now." Angel asked, sitting down next to Tommy and setting down two paper plates.
"No, just used the button to turn it on. It was already on the news." Tommy explained, taking a plate. Angel hummed and set down a box of rice and tubs of Chinese food. "Think Thanatos just ended the fight. They cut the cameras and everyone's crying." Tommy said, taking some rice and chow mein, then he puts some teriyaki steak on top of everything. He takes a bite happily, his instincts happy that the older bird is keeping him fed.
"He wasn't too happy when I told him Dream had shoved you into a van." Angel explained, taking his own portion and eating it.
"I was fine though?" Tommy said, looking at the news that has now cut to commercial break. "You think any news channel is still streaming the fight?"
"No, I think it's over. I saw a lot of ambulances and police cars heading that way. I'd be surprised if Dream is seen out in a while." Angel said, tapping Tommy's plate with his fork, reminding him to eat. "Thomas right? I'm Phil." Angel, Phil, said. Tommy eats another mouthful of food, nodding.
"Go by Tommy." Tommy said in between chews, Phil laughs.
"Chew before talking mate, don't want you to bite your tongue." Phil said before taking a bite of his own food. Tommy nodded and swallowed his food. "So what did Dream ask you about." Phil asked.
"I think he was trying to get me to confess being Red. Also saying stuff about how you guys were dangerous and only using me and stuff. I basically told him to fuck off and you guys came." Tommy explained before taking another mouthful, scrapping all that was left on his plate before getting another portion on his plate.
"Techno wasn't lying when he said you eat a lot." Phil chuckled, Tommy looked at him, noodle hanging out of his mouth.
"'ho's ech'o?" Tommy swallowed the food in his mouth. "Who's Techno?"
"Ah, right, Techno is Thanatos." Great, Tommy is just learning all the super-villains identities. Tommy hummed and nodded. "He explained you needed food for your ability, but not much else."
"My ability uses my own energy, I can't really manipulate others energy. I don't think anyway. But because of that it makes my metabolism work overtime. If I don't have food in my stomach I start eating whatever fat I have which is really uncomfortable." Tommy explained, Phil coo'd and put more food on Tommy's plate.
"Then you better eat your fill." Phil said before eating the rest of his own food. Tommy took in another mouthful before the room door swung open to reveal Ectoplasm.
"You got Chinese food? No fair you said we had to be healthy!" He whined, Tommy rolled his eyes an continued to eat. "Also, showing your face to the random teenager we don't know? What if he's a spy!"
"Wilbur, shut up." A voice grumbled, Tommy leaned back a little to see Thanatos behind Ectoplasm. The piglin shoved past the other villain and sat down. Phil offered his empty plate to the villain.
"Betrayed by my own brother, you guys are fraternizing with the enemy!" Ectoplasm, Wilbur? shouted, the other two in the room seemed to ignore him, so Tommy did the same.
"Saw you fight a little, looked pretty pog." Tommy complemented towards Thanatos, the villain took off his mask and took a portion of the Chinese food, eating it himself.
Wilbur grumbled something before sitting down.
"You'll have to get your own plate mate, I only brought two."
"Techno got a plate."
"I was done with my late so I gave it to him."
"Fine, child, give me your plate.
"Fuc' 'o." Tommy said, with his mouth full, Wilbur seemed to wince.
"Gross, swallow your food before talk." Tommy opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue with a bunch of food on it. Wilbur took off his mask and seemed to gag.
"You gonna stay here Thomas?" Techno asked Tommy, Tommy scrunched up his nose.
"Tommy, also, probably not." Before anyone could retaliate, he added "I have a cat who I need to take care of. She's probably not to happy I'm gone right now."
"You have a cat?" Phil asked, Tommy nodded.
"Clementine, she's a tuxedo cat, but I speculate that she's mixed with main coon. Her tail is so fluffy, she runs the apartment with style and grace." Tommy exaggerated, noting how Wilburs eyes seemed to sparkle at the talk of his cat.
"You could bring her here." Wilbur said, "bet she'd be happier here than whatever hellhole that apartment came out of." Tommy raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me, not all of us think robbing a bank is the peak of entertainment." Wilbur scoffed.
"We hardly rob banks."
"But you should bring her here Tommy, who knows whens the next time the heroes will attempt to kidnap you." Techno reasoned. "You're safer here. In fact, I'm sure Phil would be happy to swing by and grab her right now. Right Phil?" Phil gave a nod.
"Yeah, you do that and let me know how it goes." Tommy chuckled, Clementine took 2 years to warm up to Tommy, scratching him whenever he tried to even pet her. Phil would learn that the hard way.
"I think I can handle a cat mate." Phil said, puffing his chest out proudly before standing up and walking out of the room. Tommy blinked.
"Is he really going to go get my cat?"
"Yes." Both piglins said at the same time. Tommy shrugged and shoveled another mouthful of food into his mouth.
"Tommy, give me your plate. I'm hungry." Wilbur pleaded, sneaking a bit of chicken off of Technos plate.
"No." Tommy said, putting another portion onto his plate.
"How many helpings have you had?" Techno asked, Tommy held up three fingers. Wilbur screeched.
"You're going to eat it all!" Wilbur reached over and attempted to grab Tommys plate, Techno stopped him.
"Just go get your own plate. Tommy actually need calories for his power." Techno reasoned, Tommy nodded, looking straight at Wilbur as he took another forkful into his mouth. Wilbur narrowed his eyes.
"No, that's too much work, plus the kitchen is so far away."
"Bruh, it's only down the hall."
"Too far. I want Tommys plate."
"To bad bitch, it's mine!" Tommy, turned his food away from Wilbur. Wilbur only smirked a mischievous smile.
Tommy blinks and Wilbur lunges forward, Tommy screeches and ducks just in time. Wilbur lands on his face behind Tommy. Tommy quickly gets up and runs over behind Techno.
"Techno, respectfully. Your brother is a bitch and insane." Tommy says, Techno huffs out a chuckle.
"He is those things, yes." Techno agreed, Wilbur looks offended.
"Techno! you're supposed to be on my side! You're my brother after all." Wilbur said dramatically, Techno just stared at Wilbur.
"Long live the king." Techno deadpanned, Tommy snorted at the reference. Wilbur just grumbled.
"Fine, I'll go get a plate. Don't let the child eat it all while I'm gone." Wilbur left the room, leaving Techno and Tommy alone.
"So…Anything fun happen recently?" Techno asked awkwardly.
"So did you killed him? Dream I mean." Tommy asked, Techno huffed.
"Weren't you watching the news?" He asked, Tommy shook his head.
"No, they cut the feed after you almost took of Dreams arm." Techno scoffed.
"No, I almost killed him, but didn't" Techno explained, "Should've though, bastard would've deserved it." Tommy hummed, Techno raised his arm and ruffled Tommys hair. Tommy doesn't lean away from the touch. Techno seems to take that as an invitation to brush through Tommy's hair with his fingers, Tommy's wings fluff up and goosebumps run down his spine.
Wilbur comes back through the door, holding up his own plate like it was a victory.
"Now give me some food!" He said, sitting down and getting a mixture of everything and putting it on his place.
Soon after Phil came back, kitchen mittens on his hands and holding Clementine arms out. Tommy notices the scratches up Phil's arms. "Your cat is a demon." Phil says, slowly letting Clementine down onto the floor, she hisses before running up to Tommy, rubbing herself up against his leg.
"She's an angel, she's just got a dark past to her." Tommy says, letting Clementine sit on his lap, slowly petting her. "She doesn't trust strangers." Clementine looked at Techno before meowing. "Except for maybe Techno?"
"I'm more of a…dog, person." Techno says, scooting away slightly, the room goes silent.
"Are you afraid of cats?"
"Afraid is a strong word more like displeased at their presence."
"Oh my god, big bad Thanatos is afraid of my fucking cat!" Tommy Laughs, "Why did you suggest bringing her here? I can leave if you-"
"No-no I'm fine." Techno says, "I'm just fine, over here."
"Come on Techno, give the cat a big ol' kiss." Wilbur teases, Techno rolled his eyes.
"Don't that cat scratched the shit out of me." Phil warned, pushing Wilbur further from Clementine.
"Now that you have your cat, you'll stay. Right Toms?" Wilbur questions.
"I guess?" Tommy confirms, Phil makes a cooing noise that sounds almost like a purr.
Tommy couldn't help but melt at the sound.