Chapter Text
Schlatt was in the hero tower with his supposed boss that runs the entire place. Mother f*cker was a weird cretin. Honestly Schlatt only got hired because he was the owner of Golden Apple. A high end bar restaurant in the middle of upper and lower districts and also a small bar in the middle to lower districts. Being a villain is expensive but having a kid is as well. Kinda helps when your boss tips you like a high end whor* to be his squeeze toy. It doesn't matter to him. He’s getting paid. Tubbo is happy techno Nikki and their kids are safe. Gotta steal the money first before they can start rebuilding. Of course Schlatt would never let the man go any further however-
“Sir, Are you listening to me?” Schlatt asked, getting the man’s eyes to look up at him from his chest. “I am listening. It’s just. My wife doesn’t get my love for cute animals. Like you.” The man hugs his arms around Schlatts waist and squeezes his ass, and talks. It’s annoying as hell. How Technoblade talked him into taking this position he has no idea, while being sober. But three years of this. He is totally making sure technoblade gets him another building. Doesn’t matter now. Techno will know as soon as he takes a sip of alcohol because of his blood deal. It’s keeping him alive and the reward of Tubbo calling him dad again. Of course the urge to kill this man and bomb the entire building sits heavy in his mind.
But technoblade has been laying out full chunks of bread out for the heros and finally hearing them sing.
Oh what he wouldn’t give to see his little kid go all out and annihilate everything. It will draw near. And soon they will be free.
Schlatt glances over at the computer with the news of “blood gods” arrest and the many casualties. The villain sacrificed many of the goons sent in to help dragon him and Nemesis. And a few citizens. 75 in total. They don’t call him blood god for nothing. There’s always a blood bath when he comes to play. He’s more of an Athena than Ares. He strategically kills. Those that had died were spies and backstabbers. Those who had gone behind their backs. But to the citizens. High end people who were involved against them. And all their money is going back into the city or to the next holder. They must be ruthless to them and honestly it feels empowering. Schlatt grins.
“Why are you smiling my plush assistant?” The boss man spoke. Schlatt scoots off the man’s lap “just thought of something. I have work to do. Sorry about your wife. If you hate her so much why not just take some time away from her? Stick your dick in a peanut butter jar or something.”
“Ah. Right. You say the strangest things sometimes.” The older man sits back. “Go on. Check on our spy and see how he’s doing. I’ll get you my “monthly subscription.”” He says teasingly. Schlatt grins at the creepy old man “thank you.” He says leaving the room. It doesn’t matter what the heros do. Everything is bound to fall.
Schlatt makes his way through the hall and rides the elevators down to the health and research floor. Upon walking out he spots both the dream team and the sand duo. How they came up with a stupid pair name, Schlatt was definitely not going to ask. There was of course, Punz who looked heavily confused with his face still massively swollen. “I still don’t understand. Your heros? And Im a hero?”
”no. Well.” Blaze spoke not sure how to word it. Schlatt walks up “you aren’t a hero. You got caught in some cross fire with a terrible villain.” Schlatt said plainly.
”oh… that makes sense. But they said I was a villain?” Punz points to the heros. “Am I? I’m sorry.” The blonde remorsefully apologized without a clear explanation.
schlatt nods “you’re not, you were a thief but not exactly a villain. So just rest. Heros. A word?” Schlatt moves away from the bed with the heros. He held his hands behind his back “do not rush punz, healing process. How are you all feeling?”
”We are okay. Healing slowly. They aren’t giving us a full heal to force us to take till christmas off. The blood god is in the basem*nt, the city is safe, for now… but we do have a solid reason to believe that Lady death is somehow involved and possibly others.” Dream says “but for now, Imma chill. The smaller heros can have a turn. I need a break.”
Phil nods “yea. I know we just got here this year, but a vacation sounds good. Wil?”
Siren just nods still seemingly tired “yea… I would like to not die again and regain my blood loss.” He says. Schlatt chuckles “go, take some time. Clean up and do some shopping. Do something fun. Technoblade, Tommy, and purple are currently hibernating so you won’t spot the three of them out. But go for a flight. Go talk to a girl, get laid. World knows you heros deserve it. you know my restaurant is open for you guys if you so choose to head down there for drinks and to celebrate. Golden apple? I'll even give you a discount. Bring a date with you.”
”What, taxes off?” Dream crossed his arms
”nah. 65%. You guys did bring in Blood god. So please. Have dinner and enjoy” Schlatt gives a wink. Sapnap and George beam with full please eyes at their leader to not lose a 65% deal from golden apple. The place has a reservation fee and a wait list that has to be an entire year in advance, even then reservations could be pushed back.
“We’ll take you up on that offer.” Dream says. Schlatt nods “sure. Table for tomorrow, 7:30pm? But if you want to travel to my club at any time. You’ll be able to skip the line. But you buy your own drinks.”
the hero excitedly nodded.
Wilbur giggles ”dad, you can ask Kristian to come.”
”what!?” Phil’s cheeks go pink and he chirps out nervously.
Dream steps in ”Schlatt do you know when technoblade is going to wake up? We kinda need to ask if he is willing to work with us with blood god. The villain isn’t budging or talking. And because we don’t know much about piglin culture we could use a translator. Ares is using traditional piglin instead of spoken piglin.” Dream asked.
Schlatt hums, smoothing his beard and mustache “hmm. I think he should be awake in a week. Maybe a week n half. He was late to sleep due to Tommy and purple being sick from the stress of… everything. So it might be a little while. I will bring techno as soon as he is able to. In the meantime. About 67 sidekicks have been able to pass our expectations. Goat attacked and many handled it well and there were no casualties until Blood god and his executives attacked the gala. With more heroes we will be able to cover more ground, although none can take patrols alone. But we are grouping and pairing them up. Hopefully they will show promise in the future. The other 45 will need a boot camp and you know how expensive technoblade is so you guys will have to train them.”
“What?!” The Dream team groans.
“Of course it’s not without reward. You’ll get vacation time in summer.” Schlatt says. “If their performance improves.”
Dream shrugs “alright. Are we breaking them all into groups?”
Schlatt smiles “we will. You’ll get your rookies when we know you have recovered. For now, go sleep, and relax. If you really wanna work. Catch up on paperwork, or finally do the work out your personal trainer has left you.” Schlatt said, turning with a smile as the assistant left the hospital wing. The heros are annoying to deal with. But he practically runs the place He heads to the elevator when he hears “Schlatt! Wait!” Wilbur had called out running out the door. Schlatt turns towards the tall hero chasing after him.
“Siren, need something?”
“Y-yea. Uh. I wanted to ask you, About techno. He uh. Told me to look after Tommy. If he died. Said that, dad couldn’t. I have to do it. Why would he trust Tommy with me? I’m a not-“ Schlatt blinks and zones out with Wilbur’s concern. Yes the hero and techno were dying. But techno had many actions planned out specifically to confuse the heros. Them going after Tommy wasn’t planned. But it made sense he would entrust Tommy with Wilbur rather than Phil. Wilbur is good with kids, he’s played with Tommy, talked to him. Phil has yet to do that with tommy.
”alright. Alright.” Schlatt holds up a hand to stop the hero from his crazy rant. “Kid. You're not… paying attention to the big picture. Tommy is a special kid. Raccoon and avian. Let's say that techno didn’t make it, leaving tommy. If techno entrusted Tommy to you and not Phil, there must be something that you did to build that trust, it was something that phil has yet to do with tommy.” Schlatt explains to the hero.
Wilbur’s eyes glance down while thinking “like what?”
Schlatt sighs “think back to how you interact with Tommy, versus phil, versus techno. Why does Phil truly want Tommy back? Why suddenly force your way into their lives? Ya see kid, they are both very resistant to change because you're not giving them a choice. Techno barely had choice or consistency while growing up. Tommy had techno, techno was Tommy's consistency, just like how Phil is yours. Techno made the choice to raise Tommy as his son. That was his choice. Now you and Phil are fighting to take that away. So he’s fighting back to keep that consistency in Tommy’s life. You gave him no choice but to fight. Tommy reacts to techno’s body language because he’s the parent. He is the cool brother. Tommy doesn’t understand those two roles being separated, it’s instinct. Doesn’t help that you and Phil neglected Tommy the entire time he was with you.”
”Schlatt we were-“
”You got busy.” Schlatt said “you didn’t take the time off you were supposed to, so you may bond with tommy. At least both of you could have taken turns working and being with Tommy, your license allows you to take solo missions. Even with you hurt, Phil should have been able to handle a needy baby and a sleeping avian. No avian pushes a baby out of the nest unless they think of them like an intruder.”
”that was an accident and I had died. Of course dad had been worried about me. We love Tommy, and want him to be with us. Dad was also hurt so I understand why his focus would also be on me. But Tommy is also part of my flock. He belongs with me and dad.” Wilbur said and narrowed his eyes.
”But is that what you want, Phil’s or Tommy’s want?” Schlatt asked, making the hero’s thoughts falter. “Here is another question for you wilbur. Are you prepared to become a monster to keep your baby brother safe? To throw away everything you worked for? To live for Tommy’s happiness? While dying, who did you think of?” He asked. Wilbur opened his mouth but couldn’t find the words. He had a job as a hero, his morals are to protect everyone. But Techno’s focus is those he’s closest to. If techno didn’t make it that night, could Wilbur have filled that role his brother chose? He’s always had his dad by his side and he could help. Then again Tommy didn’t respond well to Phil trying to get him to call the man dad. Wilbur didn’t really think about anyone other than his dad and the fact that techno was going to actually die. He didn’t think of tommy. Plus he did care that Tommy wasn’t in the nest.
The elevator dings Schlatt back into it “Wilbur.” Schlatt makes the hero look up at him “techno will be that monster, to keep Tommy safe. If he’s saying for you to take Tommy if he dies, before Tommy is old enough. you need to tell him if you’re willing to become that monster in his absence. Don’t f*ck up that trust. Goodbye wilbur. Enjoy your break” Schlatt said leaving the confused hero and letting out a sigh and groans. Hopefully these heros get their sh*t right. He feels as if they are dropping full candy bars while leading these people into traps. He really just needs to burn something down. Blow it up and destroy it. God almighty these heroes are going to be the death of him.
Taking care of a kid is no joke. Prime f*ck, phil can’t do it with Tommy if he can’t ever reconsile with Techno. This was going to be a very long week.
The elevator dings, opening its doors. Schlatt glances at the floor before a beautiful lady steps in with her brown hair and eyes. She was on the shorter side “hello, mr.Schlatt.” She smiled and stepped to his Side hitting the first level.
”hello, miss. Kristian, Lovely to see you.”
”likewise.” She spoke as the doors closed.
“Will you be working in a few days?” Schlatt asked her, she grins “I’m not sure. I very much like bird watching. There's been an interesting little crow lingering around recently. I've started to like feeding him my attention.”
“Perhaps your crow might like to dance with a pretty black raven this weekend. Don’t birds like bright, pretty things?” Schlatt asked. Kristian grins “yes. They do. They like to chase them too. My crow has a thing for jewels.”
“Oh? My raven likes emeralds. Although She’s been a bit lost recently. She Needs a flight partner.” Schlatt spoke.
“I believe we could try luring the two closer. Seeing how they do. Cute little tango of theirs” Kristian smiles as elevators open “good luck with your raven. She sounds a bit lonely. Throw her a little party with a new friend.” She steps out and walks away.
Schlatt has his answers. Oh how fun everything is going to be more interesting. Of course they need to wait a bit more. Technoblade will want to know what’s next. This is his show after all.
Wilbur had met up with his dad in their flat. Phil was looking around at the place examining how clean it was.
“Wil, did you clean? This place smells very clean. It is clean.” Phil says.
“I didn’t.” Wilbur says and glances around. “Uh, dad? Can we talk? I just spoke to Schlatt, and he said something.”
Phil stops fussing over the clean smart fridge to look at his son “Schlatt said something? What did that bastard say?!” Phil hissed out growing angry
”No! Dad. He didn’t say anything bad. He just asked me a few questions that made me think."Wilbur said, walking over to the counter island and sitting down. “He asked me if Tommy being a part of our flock was what we wanted, or something that Tommy wanted. Why do we want tommy?” Wilbur spoke, twiddling his thumbs and picking at his nails.
Phil walks over and hugs his fledgling “Wilbur, Tommy belongs with us, he is family.”
”and what about my twin?” Wilbur asked. Phil sighs, pulling away to hold Wilbur’s face “it’s complicated Wilbur. I don’t wanna focus on that. It’s a messy situation you don’t need to worry about. It will be handled. And you will have a little brother. For now let's focus on healing. That stuff will work out later.”
Wilbur sighs and groans as his father smiles softly yet also sad “fine. But after our break you're explaining things to me.”
“Sure mate. Just go rest or do something fun. I’m gonna take a nap.” Phil ruffles Wilbur’s head before heading for his room. He flops onto the bed and groans. Why the hell does this f*cking thing have to be so damn hard? It’s only morning. Wilbur can't just lay around. He got up from his bed and looked around the room which was kinda a mess still. He starts cleaning and putting away his own laundry in his room. When he comes across a piece of paper. Techno’s list of exercises for them. He has to get stronger. Wilbur changes into work out clothes and a jacket and heads out to at least get started on the sheet of paper. He has to try.
Wilbur spends the next few hours, huffing and puffing and groaning chugging water as he attempts to do half the sheet. “Heheh, are you okay?” Quackity walks over to Wilbur and pats his back but makes a disgusted noise from the touch of a sweat soaked back.
”h-how does…. My brother…come up with this sh*t?” Wilbur groans and lays on his back. “I can’t…. Do half of this.” Wilbur shakily holds up the paper. Quackity snatched it taking a look, the lawyer whistled at the long sheet. “This is…. Gruesome. He is setting high expectations for you. However, you shouldn’t be starting with half.” Quackity takes a pen and draws a line cutting the list into quarters. “There. Now. Focus on each section, one section for each day, one day in between for recovery. You have to work up to doing more. If you jump right in you’ll end up hurting yourself.”
Quackity said take Wilbur’s water bottle “and add electrolytes to your water so your body doesn’t die before it builds.” He hands a packet to wilbur. The avian takes it from the short duck. “Thanks.” He had groaned and sat on the floor sore from moving his body so strangely. “Maybe I should look into yoga instead of this nightmare.” Wilbur tucks the paper away. the lawyer laughs “well. That nightmare is the hard work out at his gym. A challenge workout for those that have a membership at his gym. If they can get it all within a day, they earn an invitation to an exclusive party…. Uh… some big party in the lower districts. Person who uh hosts… what was his name…. Puta, Pluto. Meh, some dude. Techno is the only person I can think of that can do this challenge. Sapnap got three quarters of the way before nearly dying from pain.”
”I am going to die.” Wilbur said but stopped “is the name of the host some Greek god?”
”Meh, not sure.” Quackity shrugs and sits with wilbur. “You need to stop talking and get laid…. Hey, I heard there was a new hero who just got licensed. She’s cute, and in the pool room about now. Usually goes there on her time off. Feisty.”
Wilbur shakes his head, “nah, my dad might be trying to get me a new mom. And he isn’t telling me why he’s trying to take tommy, and there's so many questions that I don’t know of. I don’t think I want a change. I like being the only kid. I was his focus, plus I don’t even think we can take care of-“
Quackity shrugs cutting him off “she’s a redhead”
Wilbur turns his head at the duck “you said… pool right?”
quackity smiled and got up. “Come on, there’s spare towels there.” Quackity spoke, helping the sweaty hero up. The two were walking through the hall and headed to the lower floors where the pool was. They step into the empty pool space. A huge pool in a dark room. The lights were off but no one was around.
”so-“
”shhh. Clothes off.” Quackity hushes him and walks over to the pool, Wilbur follows, stripping off his shirt and removing items from his pockets to walk over to the edge of the pool but he looks down at the pretty blue waters that reflected along the dark walls. The empty pool. Quackity slaps some goggles onto Wilbur’s head “wait why would”
”Hey come meet, siren.” Quackity said to absolutely nobody around and pushed the avian.
”Hey!” Wilbur steps out holding his breath as the wet cold pool envelops him in a crystal blue. He moves his wings and kicks trying to get to the surface but the water feels thick and heavy. Going up wasn’t happening, he was sinking. Sinking and drowning.
“The more you struggle. The worse it gets.” A woman spoke clearly to him. His head turns around the place before someone grabs onto his head. Gorgeous green eyes. Bright fiery red curls and dusted sparkled freckles. Pale. Gorgeous. She blows a bubble through her plump pink lips. She’s so close to him. The bubble wraps around his nose and mouth.
“Hello, siren. I’m the rookie hero, red tail.” She swims around him but Wilbur breaths in a gasp pushing to follow after her. “Now why would a big pretty bird like you be in a pool? I don’t think song birds are aquatic.”
Wilbur blinks and opens his mouth “uh. W-we aren’t. Um. Or I’m not. You are but I’m not. But you're a-.” He looks over at her. Beautiful. Fit. And a f*cking mermaid.
“You’re a-….” He gets cut off with a chirp. He swings his wings around to move away from her. She chuckles swimming around him. Her tail rubs up against his legs. Smooth and warm. Gentle but she was gorgeous.
She swam up to his face placing her hands on his chest. “H-“ Wilbur chirps out again, embarrassed that he was chirping up a storm in front of a beautiful water goddess.
”hehe, you are very cute Mr.siren”
”w-wilbur, just wilbur is fine.”
”Well, just wilbur. Im sally.” She says and blows bubbles into his face. She takes his hand “swim with me for a bit? Perhaps you can take me for a flight another day?”
”s-sure, uh… I have a plus one, a golden apple with a few friends and my dad. Would you like to?”
”yes!” She says quickly before backing away “uh, well yes, I've always wanted to dine there. I bet the food tastes even better now that I have a cute date. I do like dancing as well.” She giggles and swims him around the pool happily.
Above the surface Quackity rolled his eyes “too easy.” He whispers, turning on his heels and leaving. time to find Schlatt, which isn’t hard since he is probably playing with a squeeze toy in the boss's office. Quackity grumbles and heads through the halls and takes the elevator to the top dog’s office.
The tower is a huge building. Like the entire size of a small college campus. But it does have a court yard and even smaller buildings for mail, security, and also daycare or pet care. But the main building is still huge with most of the workers. 168 floors. Due to high security all employees who are not hero’s must be escorted past level 35 unless expressed permission from the very nice front desk lady head assistant, the boss man or heads of departments. Once they have passed that floor. They may go to any floor they wish due to them being on resident floor sections. If it passes down 35 the authorization needs to be presented in the elevator. The hero tower was called District Zero. Or the hero’s tower. Egotistical pricks had to have their own damn district.
Quackity was going to the top office on floor 35. The elevator dings and he steps through the opening doors allowing space for the next person. He walks the hall ignoring the busy people and those rushing to get work done. He marches around and goes to the office door just as Schlatt was instructing another on how to do their job.
“How’s the job?” Quackity asked as the worker ran away.
“Hello sugar pumpkin. Stressful as always.” He opens the door for his ducky friend. Quackity pays no mind as he walks in. Like always, On the couch was their big boss. Fast asleep. They meet like this due to the fact that Schlatt has control of the room and easy enough to go under, Quackity was helping with papers. The boss man never wakes up anyway.
“So. How is everyone?” Schlatt asked, sitting at the desk and working through the paperwork. “It’s good. They are. Resting and distracting themselves from work.”
“Good… I want them distracted. Easier to rattle.” Schlatt whispers. Quackity crossed his arms and helps the assistant with the work. “What do you have planned?”
“The hero’s want to question the blood god but the thing is unresponsive. So. We showed them ares. They know that death is involved. So. Ares set our stage. Now we need to remove a few screws and let it slowly collapse.”
“Question is, which screw?” Quackity asked.
“Well I want a break…. How about-“ he glances at the guy on the couch. The dude was still asleep “let’s hold a banquet. We can decide as soon as this sh*t is over.”
“Sounds interesting. Can’t wait.” Quackity can feel his feathers ruffle with mischief.
