Purpled/SMP

I'm so ready for my ranboo cosplay this year

Cosplaying is so fun

I might do a purpled cosplay idk yet

Anyways how's life for you?

Me?

Ship them?

No I would never

Maybe

Anyways my birthday is soon

Gotta blast :∆ byea

Gonna add green ears and get a purple hoodie 😋😋😋so excited

I think im addicted to cosplaying and making stuff now

My socks look so good :]

Like when it's quiet in class and you got everything done, you have a pencil and notebook in front of you...and your like "hey! I wanna doodle!"

And you do and it turns out so perfect like how 😭😭😭

(please tell me what to call this dumb edgy ghost au)

philza - shot himself

slimecicle - strangledd (he can only make "throat noises" like dream)

antfrost - poisonedd

punz - chokedd on food

fundy - infectedd paper cut

purpled - drank expiredd milk on purpose (i dont use my typing quirk on characters/people)

connor - bitten by a wolf

Hello

If you're a returning reader who needs a refresher or you're new to the series, here's the link to the Wattpad book (still WIP ofc):

https://www.wattpad.com/story/338220134-the-icarus-theory

If you have oneshot suggestions, ideas/requests for me, drop a comment on my user page or the post!

https://dreamteam.fandom.com/f/p/4400000000000096073

Thanks for reading :D

﹊꒷꒥꒷˚꒷﹊

Trigger Warnings: Caps

Chapter name from "Pompeii" by Bastille

﹊꒷꒥꒷˚꒷﹊

Chapter Eleven: And the Walls (Kept Tumbling Down)

﹊꒷꒥꒷˚꒷﹊

Slimecicle knew how to use words. He could understand them, and he could speak. But sometimes, he felt like words were... too small.

Too small to truly capture a moment, a feeling. After all, words were just words. Letters are combined to make sounds, the sounds used to describe things.

So many words, but not enough to truly shed light. A sunset, for example, could be described as majestic, colorful, or glowing, but those were just words. Sounds. What noise can you possibly make that captures the moment of release? The glory of the sun, setting the stage for the moon and her children?

Silver, peaceful, serene, mysterious was the moon. Dazzling, hypnotizing, argent, lovely. Charlie had taught Slimecicle many words. But what use were they?

Sure, they could help you visualize a scene, yet you'd never experience the truth. Slimecicle could say he felt happy, staring at the moon. Or blissful, calm, or content. But could you ever feel what he was feeling, just based on those words? No.

So many words, all meaning the same thing, yet none of them make a difference.

The way you spoke was part of your personality. Tommy was loud, brash, and open. His sharp tongue and quick wit made him enjoyable. Ranboo was shy and calm, someone who patiently listened to you. Purpled was quiet and only spoke when necessary. He always got the point across.

In all the words they use, in all their tones of speaking, they were only expressing their thoughts and nothing more. So, how does the way you speak give other people an understanding of you?

Slimecicle was confused by words. He didn't feel they were necessary. But what would life be like without them? Without a way to express yourself?

﹊꒷꒥꒷˚꒷﹊

A loud thud stabbed the calm in the library.

"TUBBO! Oh fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck— Oh my GODS." Tommy's cackle rang out, startling Ranboo.

Slimecicle nervously glanced towards Callahan and Purpled at the table. They were both staring at the scene.

"PURPLED'S GONNA MURDER US!" Tommy shrieked hysterically.

"He wouldn't have found out if you hadn't screamed like that," Tubbo grumbled.

Too late. Purpled was already approaching, with Callahan at his heels. He scowled at Tommy. "What happened here?" His violet gaze shifted from Tubbo's guilty face to Tommy cackling, to Ranboo trembling. A large bluish crystal lay on the carpeted floor.

"Tubbo of Snowchester knocked it over," Slimecicle smiles innocently.

Purpled sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He leaned down to pick up the stone, exasperation written across his face.

Callahan grinned and signed something with his hands.

Purpled sighed again. "I know, right?"

"We're sorry," Tommy smiled sweetly.

"For knocking over your stuff," Tubbo added angelically.

Callahan petted Tommy on the head and waved to him. "It's okay, we were done anyway. Come talk to me," Purpled translated.

"Uh, okay," Tommy shrugged and followed Callahan away. Purpled watched Callahan take out a piece of paper and a quill, and, sighing again, turned away and approached a bookshelf.

Slimecicle noticed how Tubbo and Ranboo sat down on the carpet together, They whispered to each other, foreheads nearly touching. He looked again at Purpled, selecting a thick volume from the shelf, and decided to socialize.

"Hello."

Purpled looked up from his book, blinked in acknowledgment, and resumed.

"What are you reading?" Slime slid into the seat next to him, trying to peek over his shoulder.

"Greek mythology," Purpled replies. Slimecicle stared, confused by the jumble of symbols. They looked like the ones on his List, back at the lab in L'Manberg.

"What do these symbols mean?" Slime asked, pointing to the scrawls of ink on the paper.

"Those symbols are letters. Letters, when put together, make words," Charlie explained patiently.

"What do my words say?"

"Eight fifty-nine, test one, subject's reactions to substances."

The only times Slimecicle had seen words before were on his schedule and on signs he passed in the laboratory. Charlie had told him what they all meant. Now, here he was, with a group of people he's only known for a week or two, staring at a volume of Greek mythology.

"Want me to read some to you?" Purpled offers calmly. Slimecicle pauses, startled. Did he actually just—

At Slimecicle's bewilderment, Purpled tilts his head. "You don't have to, you know. Go off and do what you do."

"Please read me some," Slimecicle said sincerely.

Purpled blinks. "Alright." He flips to a random page and reads the title as "The Boy Who Flew Too Close. The story of Icarus; he's one of Tommy's favorites."

Slimecicle points to an image on the page. It showed a beautiful brunet-blond boy soaring in the cloudless sky, massive black wings stretched behind him. The picture's sun was a glowing halo around his head. "Is he Tommy of L'Manberg?"

"Maybe at some point, he was," Purpled replied mysteriously.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Tommy's theory. He calls it 'the Icarus Theory,' ironically." Purpled shrugged. "It's just an idea."

"Tell me more." Slimecicle leaned forward, intrigued.

"Tommy believes our existences are too complicated to be a coincidence. I believe it too. His theory explains how people you look up to were extensions of yourself, living in a different life." Purpled frowned, searching for the right words. "Like, your lifetimes are all connected and always lead to the same ending, and there is no escaping it."

"Whoa. That's deep," Slimecicle commented.

"It's not proven yet. It's just a thought," Purpled shrugged. "Now, do you want to hear the story?"

Slimecicle nodded, and Purpled began.

﹊꒷꒥꒷˚꒷﹊

@Demonics.co @NoodleNotFound @Avalon2009 @YourFriendlyNoob3712

@BrookiePoo @Jasper's Demise @WINGS O' FIRE cereal @AVAfan12

﹊꒷꒥꒷˚꒷﹊

Next update Sunday

Hello

If you're a returning reader who needs a refresher or you're new to the series, here's the link to the Wattpad book (still WIP ofc):

https://www.wattpad.com/story/338220134-the-icarus-theory

Hint: There's another fanfiction coming out soon :0

Thanks for reading :D

-- ｡°✩ ☾⋆｡°✩ ˚・--

Trigger Warnings: Slight panicking, mentions of mental illnesses, mention of weapons

Chapter name from "Alkaline" by Timeflies

-- ｡°✩ ☾⋆｡°✩ ˚・--

Chapter Ten: If Only to Find (You Start to Believe)

-- ｡°✩ ☾⋆｡°✩ ˚・--

"No reason," Purpled shrugged casually. "Just thought he sounded a little familiar."

"Yeah, a lot of people have heard of me," Áspro said in a low monotone voice, eyes narrowed.

Purpled met the gaze evenly. "Hmm."

"Sorry to interrupt," Eret grinned apologetically. "But I'll have to leave now. Ponk, Tubbo, will you two bring them to Callahan?"

"Yeah, sure," Tubbo mumbled.

Eret turned with a swish of rainbows and strode confidently away with Áspro flanking them. Purpled watched them leave, suspicion growing in his gut. Then he looked at Ponk. "Are we done here?"

"Still straight to the point like always, huh?" Ponk winked at him before rounding up the other boys like a shepherd. Ranboo and Tubbo were awkwardly sneaking glances at each other, while Tommy told Slimecicle about Tubbo.

"How long have you been doing this work?" Ponk asked as he led them up a grand marble staircase.

Purpled focused on the clack of shoes against stone as he answered "Three years. How long have you guys been with Eret?"

"Áspro's been here for about four years. This is my second year, and Tubbo joined a little while after I did. I kind of deal with plants and medicines around the place. Tubbo is a pretty popular diplomat. Callahan sometimes goes to meetings with Tubbo, but he's mainly the royal advisor."

"Callahan? That's a good choice."

"I know! Callahan's pretty awesome, and even if he's mute, he gives the best advice."

"You were the one who planted the cherry blossoms, right?"

Ponk nodded happily. "You realized?"

"They're beautiful."

––˙𓆩𓂁𓂄𓆪˙––

Ranboo decided to break the silence between him and Tubbo. "So uh, Tubbo, right?"

"Yes? May I help you?" Tubbo said professionally.

Ranboo blushed. "I just want to get to know you."

"Oh, okay. Yeah, I'm Tubbo. I am dyslexic, though, so I apologise for some errors I might make while speaking."

"That's okay. So, Tubbo, where are you from?"

"Well, I was born in L'Manberg, but I grew up in New Pogtopia."

Ranboo was startled. I was also from New Pogtopia.

"At some point when I was thirteen or so, I moved to Snowchester with my friend for a few months. We fell apart, though, and I went back to L'Manberg. That's where I met Tommy." Tubbo grinned affectionately at the loud blond in front of them.

"Tommy says you're gay," Ranboo blurted. He mentally cursed himself for that.

Tubbo blinked, surprised. Then he burst out laughing. "Ah, he says that a lot. I am actually interested in boys, though."

"That's cool, so am I," Ranboo grinned. "So, what happened to your other friend? The one you moved to Snowchester with?"

"He, uh, he has some mental illnesses. Dementia, depression, and some Intriguer guy who keeps possessing him and some shit." Tubbo looked away sadly. "Whenever his 'voice' took control of him, he would start doing dangerous things."

There was a tightness in Ranboo's chest, and he felt dizzy. "Like what?" he choked out.

"He would hurt himself sometimes, he would yell about the universe breaking, about how Dream Exdi was destroying the world, something about how every life was connected or some shit. He called it 'Theseus's theory.'"

"Theseus? Theseus is Tommy's chosen name."

"That's interesting..."

"What happened then?"

"One day, it was really bad. We were in Snowchester, and the Puppetmaster got to him again. He attacked me with a kitchen knife and stabbed my hand before snapping out of it." Tubbo blinked away tears. "He told me to leave and to never come back. I knew he was trying to protect me, but it still hurt like hell."

"I'm sorry." Ranboo felt suffocated.

Tell him. Ask him. You know the answer.

"Dream, no," Ranboo whispered.

"Sorry, did you say something?" Tubbo asked. Ranboo shook his head.

Ask him. You know who he's talking about.

"What was your friend's name?"

"I'm not sure, I think it was Ronbur? Ranbii? No, it wasn't... I called him Boo sometimes..." Suddenly Tubbo froze. "Wait, what?"

-- ｡°✩ ☾⋆｡°✩ ˚・--

@Demonics.co @NoodleNotFound @Avalon2009 @YourFriendlyNoob3712

@BrookiePoo @Jasper's Demise @WINGS O' FIRE cereal @AVAfan12

-- ｡°✩ ☾⋆｡°✩ ˚・--

Next update Monday

Hello

If you're a returning reader who needs a refresher or you're new to the series, here's the link to the Wattpad book (still WIP):

https://www.wattpad.com/story/338220134-the-icarus-theory

Hint: There's another fanfiction coming out soon :0

Thanks for reading :D

-- ｡°✩ ☾⋆｡°✩ ˚・--

Trigger Warnings: None :)

Chapter name from "Alkaline" by Timeflies

-- ｡°✩ ☾⋆｡°✩ ˚・--

Chapter Ten: If Only to Find (You Start to Believe)

-- ｡°✩ ☾⋆｡°✩ ˚・--

Purpled didn't have many friends. What was the point of friends, anyway?

They were only going to end up leaving you. They offer you happiness, hope, and second chances, and before you know it, it all comes crashing down. No matter how strong the foundations, every castle falls.

"Remember my rules, Purpled?"

"...Humans are assholes. Make no emotional attachments. Everything gets destroyed..."

"Very good. Now, always follow those rules for your own good. Remember that."

People were like flowers. They sprout, they grow, they die. Flowers don't last long,

There were a few good blossoms. Purpled had allies and people he could count on. He had a little Syndicate garden. There was Daphne, Quackity's sister who always looked out for him. Artemis, protective and sweet, who he could count on as a partner. Astraeus, who was a bit weird but also smart and kind.

But really, in the end, who could he trust? Who could he always rely on?

No one. No one but himself.

Friends were like the picked flowers. You see them, you take them home, you take care of them, you give them love. And what happens in the end?

They die.

There was no point in having friends when in the end, you'd be the only one getting hurt. Sure, they're pretty while they last. But flowers don't last forever.

He wished he could change that, but he was out of sunshine.

He wished he could find someone to love, but he couldn't find his heart.

He wished he could discover something more, be something more, but he was out of second chances.

And on the last page of every story, the only person Purpled knew he could rely on was himself.

-- ｡°✩ ☾⋆｡°✩ ˚・--

"Tubbo! How've you been?"

Purpled examined the shorter boy as he approached them. Short brown hair, cream-white ram horns, and a large scar splattered across his face. So this was Tubbo.

"Err, hi," Tubbo greeted awkwardly. "Hey, guys. I've been good, I guess."

Purpled noticed he was looking at Ranboo as he spoke.

"So, Tubbo, right?" Ranboo asked nervously. Tubbo nodded. Ranboo cleared his throat. "Uh, hi, I'm Ranboo."

"Ranboo?" Tubbo scrunched up his face. "Do I know you?"

"I'm not sure, Tommy talks about you a lot, though." Ranboo blushed. "Sorry, my memory's bad."

"Oh, that's cool..." Tubbo frowned.

"So, what's your name?" Slimecicle decided to break the tension by calling out to the other male.

The fencer was a man in his early twenties, with a shock of white anime hair kept up with a red and orange headband. He had dark eyes and umber-brown skin, mouth and nose covered with a mask that had a matching design with his headband.

His voice was muffled and accented when he spoke. "Hi, I'm Ponk." Then he caught sight of Purpled. "Oh my gods, Purpled?"

"Hi Ponk," Purpled replied casually. "How are you?"

"Oh wow, I've been great! It's been years since I last saw you!" Pink happily threw his arms around Purpled's neck, having to reach up to do so. "You're tall, man." Purpled smiled, being nearly a whole foot taller than him.

"So, you guys know each other?" Tommy fidgeted.

"Purpled helped me plant my lemon tree, and we visited often a few years ago," Ponk explained.

"Your Majesty?"

The guard from earlier arrived and bowed briefly. "Your Majesty, Eternal has arrived at the Palace. He's waiting for you." As the knight spoke, his eyes locked with Purpled's. A strange sense of electricity set Purpled's nerves tingling.

"Thank you, Áspro," said Eret.

Purpled narrowed his eyes. Áspro, huh? "Áspro's your knight?"

"Yes, he's also the castle assassin," Eret replied casually. "Why do you ask?"

--

"Can you handle another one?" Quackity peered hesitantly at Purpled.

"Sure."

"He goes by Áspro. Non-binary male, 6 feet tall, pale, blond, blue eyes. He's about 24 years old. This one was from the Puppetmaster himself." Quackity paused. "It's alright if you don't want to take a mission from the person you're after."

"I'll try my best. A job's a job, right?"

"That's what I want to hear." Quackity grinned, but then his smile fell. "Be careful, Purpled. They're both very dangerous."

"I know how to take care of myself."

"I trust that you do."

--

"No reason," Purpled shrugged casually. "Just thought he sounded a little familiar."

"Yeah, a lot of people have heard of me," Áspro said in a low monotone voice, eyes narrowed.

Purpled met the gaze evenly. "Hmm."

-- ｡°✩ ☾⋆｡°✩ ˚・--

@Demonics.co @NoodleNotFound @Avalon2009 @YourFriendlyNoob3712

@BrookiePoo @Jasper's Demise @WINGS O' FIRE cereal @AVAfan12

-- ｡°✩ ☾⋆｡°✩ ˚・--

Tension 👀

The knight is not tagged cuz you don't need to know who Áspro is until like chapter 20

Making theories in comments is ok but I'll only respond with "maybe"

Next update Friday

Sup everyone, it's me, Milk, I've been revived. Hope y'all are doing ok :)

If you're a returning reader who needs a refresher or you're new to the series, here's the link to the Wattpad book (still WIP):

https://www.wattpad.com/story/338220134-the-icarus-theory

Hint: There's another fanfiction coming out soon :0

Thanks for reading :D

––˙𓆩𓂁𓂄𓆪˙––

Trigger Warnings: None :)

––˙𓆩𓂁𓂄𓆪˙––

Chapter Nine: Chasing Our Demons (Down an Empty Road)

––˙𓆩𓂁𓂄𓆪˙––

“Are we almost there?” Slimecicle asked buoyantly.

“Yeah, Caln Eret of the Greater Dream Essempi is expecting us in about an hour. Apparently, they’re going to introduce us to our guides,” Purpled replied.

“I can’t wait to meet the ruler themself!” Tommy cheered, ecstatic. “Ooh, look, a butterfly!” He clung around poor Purpled like a leech, jabbering about butterflies and random fun facts about flowers.

“So,” Slimecicle started, moving to fall in step with Ranboo. “Are you excited to visit the Neutral Lands?”

The Dream Essempi was divided into four main parts. The foursome were from Minor Essempi, a collection of the smaller nations taking up a fourth of the map, including L’Manberg, Las Nevadas, Snowchester, New Pogtopia, the islands of Logstedshire, and a few other smaller factions. Kinoko Kingdom was a nation bordering the Minor Essempi, still part of the Dream Essempi but acting independently from the Minor Essempi.

The Neutral Lands are officially known as Dreamcatcher. Like the name suggests, the large area takes up a third of the entire Dream Essempi and is completely neutral, if off limits to most people. It’s where the castle resides.

The Badlands was a mysterious faction that the Minor Essempi had virtually no information about. Rumors say the Badlanders are cold, cruel fighters, with demons and otherworldly beings reigning terror throughout the nation. But those were just rumors, even if no one dared to visit them. People say Daemon of the Dream Team is the founder of the Badlands.

“Not really. Barely anyone has been to Dreamcatcher before, and not a lot of people visit the Badlands,” Ranboo pointed out.

"Did you know that flowers can generate heat to attract bees?" Tommy asked Purpled. He received no reply, unsurprisingly.

“If all goes well, we won’t visit the Badlands,” Slime said. “But aren’t you curious to see what it’s like?”

“I guess, sure.”

"Butterflies have a liquid diet!"

Purpled sighed.

“What do you think we’ll do once we get to the castle?” Slime wondered aloud. “Do you think their Majesty is nice?”

“I hope so. We’re hopefully not going to do something super drastic,” Ranboo said.

“We’re arriving at the Neutral Lands,” Purpled called from the front.

“I’m so excited!” Tommy bounced around, hyper. Slimecicle also looked very enthusiastic to be entering a new area. In the distance, Ranboo saw a tall medieval-style wall of stone, adorned with colorful ribbons and rainbow banners. On a sign nearby read the words Welcome to Dreamcatcher.

Dreamcatcher.

Why was everything named after Dream Exdi? Even that son of a biscuit Dream named himself after Exdi! I don’t see the big deal.

The forest path opened up gradually until the rough sand transformed into tiny, smooth white pebbles, and the overwhelming weeds and grasses blanketing the way faded into a soft, neatly-trimmed carpet bordering them. Dreamcatcher wasn’t as bad as what Ranboo thought it’d be like.

The small group passed the stone gates after a guard allowed them. The guard was dressed in white armor and carried a netherite axe on his back. A white mask with black stripes on the side covered his lower face, and messy light blond hair flopped across his eye.

Although definitely not as tall as Ranboo, and most likely non-gifted, the knight’s icy eyes seemed to burn right through Ranboo’s soul. Ranboo did not have a good feeling about this guy.

The knight stiffened upon seeing Purpled. Purpled, too, seemed to hesitate for a heartbeat. “Let’s go,” he then ordered firmly.

As the foursome entered Dreamcatcher, an airy sense of comfort and bliss seemed to settle over them. They faced a smooth path winding over lush hills, with small towns dotted on the horizon. Not too far away stood a massive castle of white stone, and colorful banners and flags hung from the walls. A glittering fountain stood in front of the castle, where the path spiraled into a circle and pink blossoms lined the way.

“Are those trees real?” Slime asked no one in particular, staring in awe at the brilliant palace.

“Yeah. Caln Eret has a mage who deals mainly in plants,” Purpled said, also looking impressed.

As they traveled across the beautiful scenery, Ranboo felt very peaceful. The distant splash of running water blended with passerine duets, and the air was floral with cherry blossoms.

“Well, here we are. We’re going in now,” Purpled announced as they faced the wooden drawbridge leading them to the palace. Before they even stepped onto the bridge, however, Ranboo noticed a figure crossing, hurrying towards them while uncharacteristically hiking up their gown.

The person appeared to be in their mid-twenties, with warm brown shoulder-length curls framing a handsome face. Wide, colorful round shades matched the swirling rainbow skirt they wore. Ranboo was relieved to see the ruler was tall, only a little shorter than himself. Finally, someone I don’t have to kneel to look at.

“Purpled! So great to see you again!” Caln Eret squealed as he enveloped Purpled in a hug. Purpled smiled and allowed himself to be squeezed.

“It’s nice to see you too, Your Majesty.” Purpled bowed politely after Eret released him.

“Please, no formalities. Just Eret.” Eret grinned. Ranboo decided they were a nice person. “You must be Tommy, Slimecicle and Ranboo.”

“Uh, honour to meet you, Your Highness,” Tommy began awkwardly.

“I said Eret was fine,” the ruler said cheerfully. “Come on inside!”

They followed Eret down a long hallway. The inside of the castle was as radiant as the outside, Stained-glass windows painted soft colors on the carpets, and banners, flags, paintings and tapestries lined the walls. Ranboo recognized a few portraits of legendary figures such as Wilbur Soot and Dream Exdi, and some of the places and scenes he’s heard of before. Finally, Eret brought them to the entrance to a courtyard.

A large marble pavilion stood as the centerpiece, surrounded by small blossoming trees. Two young men were fencing, dancing fluidly under the dome. Their breathless chatting was accented by clashes and shrieks of steel and occasional shouts.

Suddenly, the shorter of the boys called for the other to stop. He turned towards Eret and the group, taking off his helmet and waving. “Hello!”

The other boy took off his helmet as well, and grinned. “Tommy! Big Man! Hey guys!”

Then his eyes met Ranboo’s, and a flood of déjà vu washed over the hybrid. Deep brown eyes, beige ram horns and scars across his face. He looked so familiar… Do I know him? The ram-hybrid frowned when he saw Ranboo, seemingly having the same reaction.

Tommy beamed widely. “Tubbo! How’ve you been?”

––˙𓆩𓂁𓂄𓆪˙––

[Word Count: 2854]

––˙𓆩𓂁𓂄𓆪˙––

@Demonics.co @NoodleNotFound @Avalon2009 @YourFriendlyNoob3712

@BrookiePoo @Jasper's Demise @WINGS O' FIRE cereal @AVAfan12

––˙𓆩𓂁𓂄𓆪˙––

Next update Wednesday with shorter chapters

Sup everyone, it's me, Milk, I've been revived. Hope y'all are doing ok :)

I don't want to talk too much like last time, so I'll just start, yk...

After a long-ish break, I'm continuing in the Icarus Theory. If you're a returning reader who needs a refresher or you're new to the series, here's the link to the Wattpad book (still WIP ofc):

https://www.wattpad.com/story/338220134-the-icarus-theory

And for the other wiki fanfictions I've been pinged for, I'll try to catch up ASAP.

Thanks for reading :D

––˙𓆩𓂁𓂄𓆪˙––

Trigger Warnings: Depression, 5u1cid3 attempt, mentions of abuse, mentions of alcohol/drug abuse

Chapter name is from Different World by Alan Walker

––˙𓆩𓂁𓂄𓆪˙––

Chapter Nine: Chasing Our Demons (Down an Empty Road)

––˙𓆩𓂁𓂄𓆪˙––

"What are you doing?"

Ranboo turned and saw Tubbo, eyeing him with fear. He realized how bad it looked. He was alone, standing on the edge of a bridge, the sea far below him. "Ranboo? What are you doing?"

"Tubbo, I'm sorry, I can't. I can't do it anymore."

"Get down from there right now!"

Ranboo wasn't sure how it happened, but in a blink, he was away from the ledge and crumpled on the ground, trembling in Tubbo's arms. "I'm sorry," he repeated over and over. Tubbo said nothing,

Ranboo gazed into Tubbo's big brown eyes. While only a child, Tubbo had enough scars to last a lifetime. A ragged gash ran through his face from a broken bottle. Old and new cuts littered his hands, gripping Ranboo's tightly.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, Don't give up yet, Big Man," Tubbo ordered firmly.

"It's so pointless... I-I don't even know who I am sometimes. I don't know why I'm still here." Ranboo felt tears pooling in his eyes. Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry...

"Hey, it's okay to lose yourself sometimes," Tubbo assured. "It's okay! If you ever forget yourself, you can ask me who you are, because I'll always know you, right?"

Ranboo nodded, not saying anything.

"You're here because I need you, and I'm here because you need me," Tubbo pointed out. "We help each other, because that's what friends are for, right?"

Ranboo nodded again. "Tubbo... I don't know what I would do without you," he whispered.

Tubbo giggled and kissed Ranboo's cheek lightly. Trembling, Ranboo hugged his friend tightly, a tear slipping down his cheek. He felt the water burn his face, due to being part Enderman. It scored a trail of burning pain. "Ow..."

"Oh good gods, Ranboo, don't cry!" Tubbo reached up and swiped at Ranboo's face, wiping away the tears. "See, you're gonna have another mark on your beautiful face! It's ugly now!"

Through the tears, Ranboo smiled. He petted Tubbo's hair gingerly as the ram hybrid fussed over him.

Ranboo didn't remember when it happened, or how it happened. Did it come down in a crash, through shouts and tears? Or did it crumble slowly, a missed word here, a broken promise there, until the ties were broken?

Ranboo could not remember how they fell apart.

Why couldn't he remember?

––˙𓆩𓂁𓂄𓆪˙––

"This mission isn't actually my mission, nor is it Ranboo's, or Slime's. It's yours."

"What?!" Tommy gasped. "What am I supposed to do?!"

Ranboo stared at Purpled, too surprised to say anything.

"You have to kill Dream."

"What? But how–"

Suddenly Purpled stiffened. "Shh!"

He slapped a hand over Tommy's mouth and dragged the angry blond off the path, towards the trees. Slime glanced at Ranboo before darting after them. Only then did Ranboo hear the quiet scuff of boots on gravel. He hastily followed.

"Oi! B!tch–" Tommy started.

"Hush!" Purpled hissed, pressing a finger against Tommy's lips. He drew a small blade and stood up. "Keep him here," he instructed Slimecicle. Slime nodded, eyes wide, solemn for once.

Purpled stood in the center of the path, waiting. GeorgeNotFound came into view a few seconds later. Glitched. "Hullo, Grayson. Where are your friends?"

Purpled flinched. "Don't call me that."

Grayson, Grayson, Grayson, Dream giggled.

Dream.

Dream?

"Oh no," Ranboo whispered. He truly thought... He thought Dream was gone.

He thought it had ended.

Silly Ranboo. I was here the whole time! Haha.

Get the fuck out of my head, Ranboo thought.

"Grayson," Glitched repeated. "Grayson Wood. I know your real name! Haha."

"I said, don't call me that!" Purpled snapped, grip tightening on his weapon.

"Why, what's the matter? Brings up bad memories?"

"Shut up."

"Your name reminds you of ℘ภ↯չ, doesn't it? You're still upset he left you."

Strangely, one of Glitched's words was distorted. Instead of what he said, Ranboo could only hear a warbly, broken sound. But it seemed Purpled understood perfectly. Ranboo's view from the cover of leaves fogged up with a pale blue. "Stop," Ranboo heard Purpled growl. "You don't get to talk about my family!"

"You loved him and you trusted him. But in the end, what happens?"

The blue fog was becoming thicker and spreading, and some of it reached Ranboo, Slime and Tommy's hiding spot. Ranboo was overcome by a heavy despair. Then he noticed someone watching him, a few feet behind.

"Tubbo?"

Through the fog that had settled over his mind, Ranboo couldn't see Tubbo's face. He could see, however, a green flannel, ram horns, and the shape of a boy sitting cross-legged a few feet away. He looked... older.

"Ranboo!" Ranboo heard his name, uttered through the lips of a friend he once knew. "Hey, Big Man!"

"I—"

"Sorry, gotta go, my dad's waiting," Tubbo apologized. No! Don't go! Show me your face!

"Bye!"

Tubbo! No, stop! Ranboo opened his mouth to shout. "Tub—"

Slimecicle slapped his hand over Ranboo's mouth. "C'mon, Ranboo, stop. It's not real!" he hissed. Ranboo tried to pull Slime's hand off, but the humanoid was relentless. "Snap out of it!"

"Punz?" From the corner of his eye, Ranboo watched Purpled stare into an empty space. Horrified, Ranboo realized it was all an illusion. "Punz! What are you doing?" Purpled started to move forward and grabbed at something in the mist only he could see. "Stop! Come back!"

Ranboo watched, perplexed, as Slimecicle raised his hand to touch the fog. Immediately, it splashed down as a silver-blue water, poofing into nothing but air as it hit the ground.

"Sh!t!" Glitched cussed, turning towards Slimecicle. The illusion-creating Gifted drew his dagger as he approached Ranboo, Slime and Tommy. Ranboo's hand dropped to the small combat knife on his belt. Purpled had insisted everyone carried at least three weapons at all times, and Ranboo now understood why.

Glitched's eyes flickered between Ranboo and Slime, settling on Tommy. He smiled dangerously. "Theseus."

A moment of hesitation. Suddenly, Glitched whirled around. An ethereal clash of netherite on diamond rang out as Purpled pushed the blade further. "Back away from Tommy," Purpled growled. Glitched slid his knife sideways and slashed at Purpled's feet. The young mercenary slipped out of reach and spun around to deliver more force into his blows.

Up until this point, Purpled had been nothing more than Iris, a calm, cold mercenary who killed unsuspecting victims for money. He was young too. Now, Ranboo was surprised by Purpled's skill in combat. It was very unsettling.

Purpled's thin knife swished through the air, slashing Glitched's hoodie. Glitched glanced down at the gash and scowled. He danced forwards, blades colliding. In the same movement, Glitched pulled out another knife from his belt and lashed out.

The weapon froze as Slimecicle grabbed it with his bare hand, meanwhile fluidly twisting Glitched's arm back out of instinct. The second knife evaporated. Purpled used the opportunity to slam Glitched over the head. The Dream Team member crumpled onto the path.

Purpled gave a nod of gratitude to Slime, before hastily retreating to Tommy and Ranboo. "Come on, get up. We have to go, now." Tommy stood up, looking shaken. He saw something. The fog made him see something, and it scared him.

After a while, Purpled asked them to stop for a break and led the little group into the trees. Ranboo watched as Purpled tore a strip of bandage with his teeth, wrapping it tightly around Slimecicle's hand, which was oozing green slime from a deep cut from when he grabbed Glitched's blade.

The foursome continued in silence, but it was clear what they all were thinking about.

––˙𓆩𓂁𓂄𓆪˙––

Night fell gradually; the path was fully washed over with silver by the time they stopped.

It was natural for Tommy to break the hush. "I'm tired..."

Purpled nodded, and they started to set up. The only sounds were the hums of insects and the rare hunter birds. "I'll stay up for the night," Ranboo offered. The others shot him grateful looks, and no one disagreed.

Tommy passed out immediately upon entering his cocoon. "He's going to wake up and become a beautiful butterfly," Slime joked.

"What is he now, an ugly caterpillar?" Purpled smiled thinly.

"Mhm," Slime answered, turning over and falling asleep himself.

"I don't think he's that ugly," Purpled shrugged before removing his mask for the night and sipping some water.

Soon, Tommy's snores overpowered all sounds in the camp, and Slimecicle laid comfortably still. Purpled was scratching away in a notebook.

"Can't sleep?" Ranboo asked.

"Wouldn't be able to if I tried." Purpled paused, before offering a small smile.

"You can ask questions, I don't bite."

"Does George really work for Dream?"

Purpled scoffed. "They're practically married."

"What are they after?"

"The Book of Revival. It's real, and there's nothing in the world Dream wants more. If he gets it, everything will be destroyed."

"Then why are they chasing us? None of us have the book, right?"

"Tommy's father has it. Dream, he's very sadistic. But he's a coward, too; he knows Zephyrus's abilities are divine, so instead, he's after Zephyrus's son."

"That's so evil."

"The world's not a pretty place, Ranboo."

Ranboo didn't reply, wanting to deny the statement yet at the same time knowing it was true. The world really wasn't a pretty place.

"So uh, you're pretty good at this stuff," Ranboo complimented, trying to break the silence. "Who taught you?"

"My brother. I only changed his techniques a bit."

Agh, I forgot! Ranboo mentally cussed himself. "I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thanks. I really hope he's dead, though."

Ranboo's mouth formed an O. He wasn't sure what to say. "If he wasn't... If you met him again, what would you do?"

"I wouldn't like that. I'd slap him, I guess."

"Why?"

"You're very curious, aren't you?"

"You said I could ask."

"Cheeky," Purpled took another sip of water. "A few years after we were orphaned, he trained himself to become an assassin for a living. He kept us going, just barely. I regret not asking him how. One day he left. I found out about his job. I kept waiting for him to come back, so we could talk it over and I could forgive him; he never did. It's been years, he's as good as dead."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

"So, what's your story?"

And Ranboo spilled. He spilled everything that night. He told Purpled everything, about his unknown parentage, about Tubbo, about how Dream has always haunted him, about his depression and dementia, about everything.

He might regret saying all that one day. But tonight, he didn't care.

When he was finished, the night was deep. The whole time, Purpled had said nothing, only nodded along, smiled or frowned, or looked at him questioningly. Ranboo stopped to take a deep breath. "So, yeah. That's it, up until this point. Um, thank you for letting me ramble..."

"No problem. Hey, are you okay with staying up?"

"Yeah, of course. You should go rest."

Purpled yawned, as if confirming his exhaustion. Ranboo remembered he hadn't had a good sleep in days. "Thanks."

Ranboo watched as Purpled curled up in a ball near Tommy, too tired to do anything else. Pale violet eyes closed, and within moments, Purpled was asleep. Ranboo sighed, staring into the sky. The moon glowed, only half complete. Ranboo felt like the moon, and bit by bit, the other three were filling him up again. But there would always be a piece missing.

Where are you now?

Another dream...

––˙𓆩𓂁𓂄𓆪˙––

@Demonics.co @NoodleNotFound @Avalon2009 @YourFriendlyNoob3712

@BrookiePoo @Jasper's Demise @WINGS O' FIRE cereal @AVAfan12

@Alexloveswolves

––˙𓆩𓂁𓂄𓆪˙––

Next update Saturday, ft. Eret >:)

Hi, DTeam Wiki! It's me, Milk/CantThink/Alister and I have an announcement.

I'm leaving later today on a vacation with @YourFriendlyNoob3712. We'll be returning in about a month, and until then, The Icarus Theory will be postponed. I'm not quitting it, though, and if you've lost interest during the month, you can ask to be unpinged :)

If I'm pinged in any other posts, (fanfiction, fanart, etc...) keep pinging me, I'll do some catching up when I get back.

I'll miss you guys :D

Sincerely, Milk

––•꒰ঌ ꨄ︎ ໒꒱•––

Long chapter

The public parts are now PUBLISHED on Wattpad! Read it here:

https://www.wattpad.com/story/338220134-the-icarus-theory

TWs for the chapter: brief mentions of death

Chapter Eight: Fire Beneath My Feet (is Burnin' Bright)

––•꒰ঌ ꨄ︎ ໒꒱•––

"Hello!"

A surprisingly young man greeted them at the entrance to Kinoko Kingdom. Tommy had to admit, the powerful nation was actually very cute. Set in grassy plains, with stone paths, charming mushroom cottages organised cosily, and a large mushroom mansion in the centre, bordered by all sorts of strangely-designed buildings, Kinoko Kingdom looked like something out of a fairytale.

Karl Jacobs himself was the one to greet the foursome. He was rather pretty, having soft brown eyes, light freckles, and a warm smile, cinnamon brown curls framing his pale face.

Karl's attire, however, was... fascinating, to say the least. He wore a neat sweatshirt with bold colours; the sleeves clashed orange and cyan against a happy purple torso. An unfamiliar lime green spiral stood loudly on the front, sparking an interest in Tommy. Coloured goggles perched on Karl's head; it made him look like a science geek.

"Welcome to Kinoko Kingdom! We've been expecting you."

"We?" Tommy echoed.

Karl laughed awkwardly. "We're still waiting for Sapnap."

As he finished explaining, another person ran up to them. "Sorry I'm late." Sapnap grinned sheepishly, messing with his fluffy black hair. A white scarf served as a headband and kept his hair out of his eyes.

Tommy scanned him up and down. Piercings and finger rings gave Sapnap an edgy look. Black long-sleeve underneath a white tee that had a small flame symbol in the centre. Black pants and chequered shoes for running. A mid-length white cape had flame–patterned edges, and it barely covered the sword and knives strapped to his waist.

This was not a man to be messed with.

Sapnap slid his fiery-red eyes to Tommy. For a moment, the blues of Eden met the embers of Hell.

Embers of Hell...

Tommy snapped his gaze away and smiled warily. Sapnap offered an open, honest grin in return. Tommy knew better than to trust it.

"You must be Iris."

Karl's warm, welcoming voice brought Tommy back to the situation; He watched Purpled tense and nod crisply.

"And you three must be Theseus, Proteus, and—" Karl paused before Ranboo: "Lethe."

Tommy found it very suspicious that Karl knew what they were referred to as. Only a few hours ago, Purpled had told them to assume false identities for the sake of "their mission." How could Karl have known about them?

"Sapnap will show you around," Karl instructed them. "I'll be at a meeting with Iris. See you guys later!"

Purpled's eyes betrayed nothing as Tommy waved goodbye. He watched as Purpled and Karl left, talking in hushed tones. Then he turned to catch up with "Proteus," "Lethe" and Sapnap.

He had to be careful.

"Welcome, guys, to Kinoko, I guess. 'Kinoko' means mushroom, and we kinda have that little theme going on."

"Are they real mushrooms?" Slimecicle asked, eyeing the giant red and white toadstools.

"Yes, they are all real, courtesy of a friend of ours."

"Hey, Sapnap!"

A brunette girl waved at them from a few metres away. As she got closer, Tommy assumed she was a cat-hybrid from the small white cat-ear shapes on top of her head and the thin white tail behind her. "Hi, Tina," Sapnap greeted.

"Who are your little friends?" Tina was very cute and had a fittingly sweet voice. Wide brown eyes peered curiously at the trio.

"Hi, I'm Proteus, these are my friends Lethe and Theseus," Slimecicle piped up.

Tina smiled kindly at them. "Nice to meet you guys! I'm Tina Kitin. Are you travelers?"

"Are we travellers?" Tommy whispered to Ranboo.

"Yeah, we are," Ranboo replied for Tina. "We're just stopping by for our friend Iris to visit Mr. Jacobs."

Tina giggled. "Please call him Karl. He's only twenty-three, and 'mister' makes him sound old. We're not ones for formalities here."

Tommy decided Tina was nice. Still, there was something slightly off about Kinoko Kingdom. He pretended nothing was wrong as Sapnap's eyes bore into the back of Tommy's skull and continued chatting with Tina.

––

Tommy learned many things today, thanks to Ranboo's calm, persuasive manners, although it worried Tommy how easily Ranboo could lie.

Tina wasn't a Gifted; she was a normal being. She wasn't a cat hybrid either: Tina's "cat ears" were actually white demon horns covered with cotton to prevent them from hurting people by mistake. Her tail was a demon tail, and the features were white because she was an Edenvian, not a Voidling, explaining her sweet personality and angelic looks. She was one of the first citizens of Kinoko.

Kinoko Kingdom was a refuge for people during the chaos. Karl was the founder and started the nation as a tiny community centred around a library. It grew quickly during a "situation" in the Badlands. After the issue was resolved, many Badlands citizens chose to remain in Kinoko. Many travellers and tourists often stop by as well; Kinoko was known for its hospitality and intricate structures.

The whole while, Tommy was lost in his train of thought. This whole place seemed very suspicious, and so did Ranboo.

His suspicions were soon proven correct.

-- ｡°✩ ☾⋆｡°✩ ˚・--

Purpled and Karl walked in silence through the grass, until the latter pulled them to a stop underneath an old, argent willow. "Thank you for coming," Karl murmured gravely. "There's a lot we have to go over."

"Have any other Dream Team members been involved?"

"No, only Dream, as far as I know. Did anyone else besides Ember and Daemon show up unannounced at the Syndicate?"

"At around seven p.m., Zephyrus brought in his son Wilbur, referred to as Orpheus, to wait for the youngest sibling. I took in Tommy a little later. At around eleven p.m., Slimecicle and Ranboo arrived. Then Ember and Daemon came at around midnight."

"All four of you were at the Syndicate?"

"For half an hour. Tommy ran off and the Dream Team got inside a few seconds later. They've definitely come for us specifically."

A dark look was on Karl's face. "Do you believe what Callahan said? About Tommy and the others?"

"I have never doubted his judgment. But if it were to be true, we can't stop the inevitable, can we?" Purpled grimaced. "The Dream Team will catch up eventually. What I don't understand is what Tommy has that they want so badly."

"The Book of Revival."

Purpled's breathing stopped. "What? I didn't know it was real! And why would Tommy have it?"

The Book of Revival was the most powerful object in the universe. It's said the book connected mortals to gods and could grant the simplest non-Gifteds the divinity of Dream Exdi. The Book of Revival, true to its name, allowed one to bring others back from the dead. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could destroy the world.

"Tommy doesn't have it, his father does."

"Zephyrus has the Book of Revival? Why don't Dream take the book from him instead?"

Karl smiled sadly. "Zephyrus is the Angel of Death. He's much too powerful for Dream, or even for the entire Dream Team."

"But what about Ranboo and Slimecicle? What do they have to do with this?"

"Their job is to bring you two to the end. Your job is to keep Tommy safe. Remember what Callahan told you?"

Yes, I remember. And he hated it, but it was his job. "Thanks, Karl."

Purpled knew what he had to do, and like always, he hated it, but he lived by Quackity's rules. Rule number three was to create no emotional attachments, because of rule four.

Everything gets destroyed.

But as he and Karl returned to the trio, he couldn't help but wonder if it was really that bad to break a few rules now and then.

––•꒰ঌ ꨄ︎ ໒꒱•––

"Hello? Sapnap? Tina?"

A young man in his twenties approached them with curiosity. He had a small frame, wrapped in a red cloak that clashed vibrantly with his pale blue shirt. A mushroom beret capped short brown hair. Clout glasses fashionably dangled from his belt. One of his eyes was blue, the other one brown. He didn't look pleased to see them.

"Hey, George!" Tina squealed. "Theseus, Lethe, Proteus, meet GeorgeNotFound! He was the first citizen of Kinoko Kingdom."

"Hi, George," Ranboo greeted shyly.

George scowled. "What are they doing here?" he asked accusingly, narrowing his eyes at Slimecicle and Ranboo.

"We, uh—"

"We're visitors," Tommy butted in quickly.

"Tommy, hi!" George's dark look melted away when he saw Tommy. "How've you been?"

"Hey George," Tommy replied happily. "I've been great, how about you?"

"I'd be better if I knew where the Book of Revival was," George shrugged casually. Tommy's subconsciousness screamed at him for help. A pale blue mist was settling around him, making it hard to breathe.

"The Book of Revival? I don't know where it is," Tommy answered honestly. "Might've seen it around before, though... Is it about to rain?"

"Maybe, the air's kind of heavy today," George agreed.

"Theseus!" Karl called, a few paces behind Purpled's brisk pace as the duo returned from their meeting.

Tommy snapped out of his stupor, confused. "Karl? Iris? What're you doing? Hey, this is my friend George! We were just chatting. He's cool!"

The expressionless calmness on Purpled's face gave way to anger when he saw George. "Karl! Why is he...?!" His eyes flicked between Tommy, Tina, Sapnap, and George. He marched up to Tommy and grabbed him by the wrist. "Let's go. We're leaving."

"You're hurting me," Tommy whimpered. Purpled said nothing as he led Tommy toward the exit.

"Purpled, wait," Sapnap started after them.

"I never told you my name!" Purpled snapped harshly.

"Purpled, let me go!" Tommy yelled, trying to yank his arm away. Purpled held on firmly, furious. Ranboo and Slime trailed behind helplessly. "Let go of me!" Tommy kept trying to break free, but Purpled didn't release until they were nearly half a kilometre away from Kinoko.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?!" Tommy shouted when Purpled let go. Purpled glared at him without saying a word. Tommy grabbed him by the sleeve. "Talk to me!"

"Tommy, do you have any idea who that was?"

Tommy hesitated. "Yes, they're George, Sapnap, and Tina, obviously!"

"You said you were chatting with George, What were you talking about?" Purpled challenged.

"That's none of your business!" Tommy retorted hotly.

"Answer me."

"We were talking about—" Tommy started. Then he paused. What were they talking about? Something about a book? "We were talking about..."

"What?"

Tommy's eyes widened. "Shit, I don't remember!"

"GeorgeNotFound is also known as Glitched. He can warp your mind! You could've been killed, or worse!"

"Why?! I didn't do anything wrong!"

Purpled exhaled, frustrated He took off his mask and locked eyes with Tommy, dead serious. "They want the Book of Revival. And you can help them get it. Without you, they'll never get the book."

"What? But, how..."

Purpled stared at him, anger melting into... sympathy? "This mission isn't actually my mission, nor is it Ranboo's, or Slime's. It's yours."

––•꒰ঌ ꨄ︎ ໒꒱•––

[Word Count: 2717]

––•꒰ঌ ꨄ︎ ໒꒱•––

@Demonics.co @NoodleNotFound @Avalon2009 @YourFriendlyNoob3712

@BrookiePoo @Jasper's Demise @WINGS O' FIRE cereal @AVAfan12

@Alexloveswolves

Thanks for so many pings :D

––•꒰ঌ ꨄ︎ ໒꒱•––

Next update when I get back

@Eggclaw @YourFriendlyNoob3712 @Wishsteel @NotReallyHailey @Sage butBetter @AVAfan12 @Gleam43 @Gacha xx Tuber @Percyjacksonlover9729 @Shark From The Depths @PlushyPusheen @NoodleNotFound

So, here's a peek into my trashcan, as I promised yesterday. An hour early 'cuz I said so. Be warned, you're going to need some bleach.

First, we have a doodle of Tommy. This took an embarrassingly long two hours. Not the best I've done, but his hair was alright :)

Sideways Tallulah (as a teenager), I'm too lazy to change it lol so that's what you get

Some cute blobs I made in ibisPaint X. There are like 20 more that I have no motivation to do, but I might post them someday lol

Ignore the message from "Ashlyn" and the concerning gc picture lol

I found this template somewhere and I use it when I have art block. Who should I do next (e.x. BBH b1, Ranboo a4, Schlatt b3...)?

FiLzAaAa miNeKwAaAfTtTtT

I was practicing wings lol so it looks a bit weird

I was reading TommyInnit's Clinic for Supervillains lol... and I had art block... and Jester was so frickin hot... HAHA it looks horrible XD

Anyways I have some Gen Loss fanart but it's not done yet

Lol anyways time to take out the trash—

The public parts are now PUBLISHED on Wattpad! Read it here:

https://www.wattpad.com/story/338220134-the-icarus-theory

Sorry if the editing is a little weird and rushed lol, I'm listening to T.I.'s Clinic for Supervillains

TWs for the chapter: brief mentions of death

Chapter Eight: Fire Beneath My Feet (is Burnin' Bright)

––•꒰ঌ ꨄ︎ ໒꒱•––

Why did he agree to this?

Tommy rolled upright in his sleeping bag and looked around. Beside him, Ranboo muttered something incomprehensible. Slimecicle was slumped against a tree, head drooped in some sort of resting position, also out cold. The moon was close to the horizon; it was the last hours of nighttime.

Tommy wondered what had convinced him to follow Purpled. He missed Wilbur. Who knows how long until he sees them again?

Are they hanging out alright? Does Dad care? Is Wilbur okay?

He suddenly had a terrible feeling in his gut. Will I ever see them again? The thought sickened him. He curled up in a ball, hugging his knees to his chest and trying his hardest not to cry.

"You okay?"

Tommy jumped at the voice. He looked up to see Purpled sitting casually against a tree, head slightly lowered but eyes lifted to stare at Tommy. He looked very intimidating, but Tommy wasn't afraid of him. There was no threat in Purpled's gaze nor his posture.

"I'm fine," Tommy mumbled.

"You sure?"

"No."

Purpled stood up and moved silently over to him. He sat down fluidly, almost catlike, next to Tommy, their sides a shift away from touching. Tommy felt a strange vulnerability with the mercenary.

Purpled's eyes were shining with sympathy. "You don't have to prove anything to anyone. You can back out from this. We're killing a rumored god. No one expects you to be a hero."

"But what if I want to? What if I want to be a hero?"

"Then I won't stop you."

"That's cool." Then Tommy smiled and pointed up at the night sky. "Look, it's Corona Borealis."

"Ariadne's crown?"

"Yeah. Do you read Greek mythology?"

"I know a few stories."

"Did I ever tell you guys about the Icarus Theory?"

Purpled shook his head. Tommy laughed softly, suddenly shy. "It's just something silly I made up," he whispered. "I believe in it though."

A warm breeze stroked the summer night, ruffling Purpled's pale blond hair. His face, though covered, was sincere and inviting, surprising Tommy. "Enlighten me."

Then Purpled reached up and pulled his mask off, bringing a water bottle to his lips with a shy smile. His face wasn't quite what Tommy expected. It was sharp but somewhat cute, with a natural boyish charm. He took a slow sip of the water.

"I believe that everyone, everything is connected in some way," Tommy confessed, not taking his eyes off Purpled's face. "Like, in some way, fate would always bring us all together. And in every life a person lives, there will always be something I think is kind of like a thread that ties them to the outcome of their life."

Purpled appeared thoughtful. "I agree with that," he admitted. "We can't escape our fates, but we can choose how we live it."

"Yeah," Tommy whispered. "Exactly like that."

As the world woke up, Tommy pondered the questions he had about all this. Who was I meant to be? What does my theory mean to me? To life? How do I become the person I need to be?

Tommy remembered a story Techno had told him. Theseus, a mortal king whose stories of adventure and bravery rivalled even those of the Original Gods. Theseus was called a hero.

The question is, what makes a hero?

––•꒰ঌ ꨄ︎ ໒꒱•––

Purpled didn't say much after they set out again, aside from "we'll be at Kinoko in a few hours," and something told Tommy not to press on the early morning's events. He decided to spend time chatting with Ranboo to take his mind off the stress of the situation.

"Heyyy," Tommy greeted as he sauntered up to the abnormally tall introvert.

"Hello."

Suddenly, Tommy realised he didn't know how to ignite conversation. "So, uh, what do you normally do around this time?"

"I'd be in my garden, doing whatever. You?"

Although the chat was awkward, Tommy didn't really mind. He felt very comfortable and happy with Ranboo. "I'd probably be asleep," he joked.

Ranboo smiled, careful to keep his mouth closed. "Are you from Camarvan, the capital of L'Manberg?"

Tommy nodded. "How about you?"

"Snowchester. Can you tell me about some people in L'Manberg? I've never been there before."

"Well, most of the people are... quite spirited." Tommy grinned. "There's this girl named Niki, she's a Sentiment—emotion control and sh!t. Sweetest girl ever, she's so awesome. She runs a bakery and makes the best tarts. Oh, and there's this guy named Jack, non-Gifted. He's a software engineer and a massive bald nerd."

Ranboo chucked, silently asking Tommy to go on.

"And there's my best buddy chum pal Toby Score, but he goes by Tubbo. He named himself after Tubbo Schlatt. I think I've mentioned him before." Tommy pointed to the embroidered bee on his bandanna.

"Tell me more about him, please."

"Why, are you interested or something? He's gay if you're wondering."

Tommy's unexpected joke surprised Ranboo. "What? No, I just feel like I know him."

"Hmm, I'm not sure, but I think he's mentioned one of his old friends once or twice who sounds kinda like you. 'Tall, hybrid, shy,' something along those lines."

"Does he have a Clydesdale horse named Spots?"

Tommy stared at him, startled. "What?" That was so random.

Ranboo shook his head. "No, nevermind, sorry. I don't know why I said that, I don't even know anyone with a horse—"

"Ranboo." Tommy stopped walking and looked dead serious. "Tubbo does have a Clydesdale. Named Spots."

Ranboo's eyes widened. "What? But how...?"

"We're reaching Kinoko," Slimecicle called from the front.

"Thanks," Ranboo responded, leaving the conversation behind and walking slower to fall back away from Tommy. Tommy trudged ahead, mind whirling.

He knows Tubbo, but he says he doesn't remember.

He knows exactly where I'm from, and I've never told anyone here.

Says he's never been to L'Manberg, but knows everything about it, coming from the countryside of Snowchester.

Who was he really?

––•꒰ঌ ꨄ︎ ໒꒱•––

I hope the pings still work lol

@Demonics.co @NoodleNotFound @Avalon2009 @YourFriendlyNoob3712

@BrookiePoo @Jasper's Demise @WINGS O' FIRE cereal @AVAfan12

@Alexloveswolves

Thanks for so many pings :D

––•꒰ঌ ꨄ︎ ໒꒱•––

Next update on Friday :L

The public parts are now PUBLISHED on Wattpad! Read it here:

https://www.wattpad.com/story/338220134-the-icarus-theory

TWs for the chapter: mentions of death

Chapter Seven: So Empty (Living Behind These Castle Walls)

﹊꒷꒥꒷˚꒷﹊

"I'm tired," Tommy whined for the twentieth time in the past half-hour. Thin clouds glided across the sun hanging overhead as the four traversed through tall grass, having finally exited the woods an hour ago.

"I'M TIRED," Tommy groaned again, louder.

"We can stop for a bit, just please, shut up Thomas," Iris muttered.

Tommy sank contently into the aureate green grass, bad mood instantly dissipating. "You know you can call me Tom or Tommy, right?"

"Yeah."

"Then how come you keep using my real name? It makes you sound so old."

Ranboo chuckled, sitting down criss-cross next to Slime. "They're so funny, I could watch them all day."

Slime laughed in agreement. Tommy had shown his true colors after warming up to the other three. It turned out he wasn't shy or hesitant at all. Tommy was a very loud and mischievous young man, intent on driving Iris insane with his upbeat energy.

Iris must be pretty patient, having dealt with Tommy for hours, Slime thought with a smile. Tommy's enough to drive even Charlie crazy.

I miss Charlie. I wonder if xyr watching me now. I hope xe's proud of me.

"I like to know people's real names because it makes me feel like they trust me," Iris explained impassively.

"Damn, that's deep. But your name isn't Iris, is it?" Tommy challenged, a spark in his clear blue eyes. "What is your real name?"

Iris returned Tommy's stare unflinchingly. "I go by Purpled around people I know. You'd have to earn the right to know my birth name."

"Ohhh. Purpled." Tommy paused, then suddenly grinned. "Imagine naming yourself after a colour."

"Shut it, Craft."

"Can I call you Purps?"

A strange, dark look flashed across Purpled's face, but he covered it up hastily with an expressionless stare. Not fast enough for it to slip by Slimecicle, though. The nickname probably brings up bad memories.

"Sure," Purpled coughed. "I don't really care."

Yeah right, totally. Still, Slimecicle knew better not to press on. "So, where are we going?" he asked, diverting the topic.

"To Dreamcatcher," Purpled stated casually. "We'll be doing a lot there, and also attending a 'private business meeting' with Their Majesty Caln Eret of the Greater Dream Essempi."

Tommy's eyes were practically bulging out. "We're going to the Dreamlands? THAT PLACE IS REAL?! And Caln Eret? The big goat himself?! What the hell, man, you could've told us!"

Slimecicle was stunned as well, but kept himself together far better than the previous. "What kind of 'business meeting?' And with Caln Eret? They're the ultimate ruler of the connected Essempi!"

"I know that," Purpled replied simply, disturbingly calm.

"Isn't it risky? From here we'll be passing through Klinkyco Kingdom or something, and then the Badlands," Ranboo added softly, eyes round and shiny with worry.

"Kinoko Kingdom is known to be friendly to visitors and passerby, and I was told I could find someone there." Purpled hesitated. "As for the Badlands, we'll try to get a good connection. We'll need all the help we can get in killing Dream."

"So, no crimes?" Tommy jokes.

Purpled glares at him. He stood up, brushing off his purple sweatshirt and ignoring the annoying blond. "C'mon, nap time's over. Get up." Slimecicle jumps to his feet, eager to set off again. Ranboo follows, gracefully rising without making a sound in the stalks. Tommy complained again, but begrudgingly got up as well.

It seemed the three had indirectly agreed on something; no nonsense with Purpled. Slimecicle wished the cold, unwelcoming boy would lighten up. But from what he's told Ranboo, it made sense why he didn't connect as easily.

But Slimecicle was definitely trying.

-- ｡°✩ ☾⋆｡°✩ ˚・--

A breeze ruffled Purpled's hair under a clear night sky. Crickets chirped a soft melody, harmonizing Tommy's horrible snoring.

Purpled sat legs crossed in the grass, facing Ranboo and Tommy sleeping by each other. Tommy was looking very comfortable in his old spare Syndicate sleeping bag, snoring like a chainsaw. Ranboo laid silently, occasionally mumbling a few incoherent words and soft Enderspeak.

Slimecicle sat next to Purpled, gazing upwards. When he saw Purpled watching, he smiled. "The moon looks strange tonight, doesn't it?"

"First quarter," Purpled murmured, not wanting to wake the other two. "Halfway to full."

"She looks like she's waiting for something—or someone—to complete her."

Purpled tilted his head a bit. "You have a very nice imagination."

"Thank you."

The sky was clear enough to see the stars as well. Millions upon millions of tiny, pure lights shone far away. It looked better than Purpled remembered—it'd been years since he had been out in the country like this, far away from the intoxicating fake lights of Las Nevadas.

"You know," he started quietly. Slimecicle looked at him imploringly. Purpled sighed before continuing. "You know, my brother was like that too."

"Like... what?"

"He had such a good imagination... He told the best stories about dragons and mermaids, gods and mortals. He was a very positive person, and always saw the light and life in everyone and everything." His voice caught, and he coughed. "He was all I had, and in a way, I was glad it was him and not anyone else."

Slimecicle was silent, and Purpled regretted spilling like that. Until Slime spoke.

"There was a scientist back at the laboratory I was from. Xyr name was Charlie. Xe was the only person who cared about me, and the only person I had a connection with. Xe were very optimistic too. They never seemed to be upset in any way, so I thought..." Slimecicle shook his head sadly and smiled at Purpled. "Xe died so that I could get away."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay... Xe was just so selfless like that. If I ever saw xem again, I'd slap xem."

Purpled looked up. "Hercules is by Vega." His beautiful violet eyes glistened in the darkness, reflecting the starlight. "Were you mad at xem? For leaving you?"

"Kind of, a bit. But knowing xe did it for me, it kind of brings a sense of closure and gratitude, you know? 'Cause no matter what, xyr gone. But xe allowed me to experience life, so I'm gonna do that, I'm gonna live in the moment, to the fullest, because I owe xem that."

Purpled gave a small smile. Although his face was obscured by a mask, his eyes turned upwards and sparkled. It was the first time he betrayed any emotion in front of Slime, and he wasn't actually too upset about it. "You sound a lot like Punz, you know?"

"Is that a good thing?"

"Good, most of the time."

Slimecicle laughed. Then his eyes met Purpled's. "You're prettier when you smile."

Purpled scoffed. "I'm always max-pretty."

The two lost boys continued their soft conversing till the sun came up, washing over the path to their Neverland. The walls Purpled built so carefully were being slowly torn down by these three strangers, trying to burrow their way into his heart. It felt good, in a weird way.

No. I can't let that happen, Purpled thought bitterly. No emotional attachments, or I'll be the one to pay.

-- ｡°✩ ☾⋆｡°✩ ˚・--

[Word Count: 2694]

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I hope the pings still work lol

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Thanks for so many pings :D

I have to thank you guys so much for all the support and enthusiasm for this "project." TBH I didn't expect to finish even the first two chapters lol. I appreciate the people who always read new parts, who give suggestions, who add OCs, and even just the people who comment. You guys gave me motivation to continue, so thank you 💜

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Next update on Friday :L

Full credit to @CantThinkOfUserRN for the best fanfic story I have ever read.

Chapters are linked to my user page!

The parts are going to be longer now :0

TWs for the chapter: :)

Late update sorry lol, I still have school

Chapter Seven: So Empty (Living Behind these Castle Walls)

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The world wasn't at all what Slimecicle expected it to be. In all honesty, he was pretty happy about experiencing it all and meeting Iris, Ranboo and Tommy. But something still felt... off.

Like something was missing.

Or someone.

The world's great, Slimecicle realized as he bounced along behind Iris, sporting a wide grin. He maintained his enthusiasm even as his heart felt like a black hole. It's great. Except not really.

It'd be better if people weren't so coldhearted, cruel, ignorant or selfish. Yeah, it'd be better if everyone loved each other.

Although very young, according to the Whitecoats of the L'Manberg Institute of Science and Skills, in a way, Slimecicle understood something when he met Iris, Ranboo and Tommy.

The world was beautiful. And it was a bad, bad place.

Slimecicle was good at reading people's emotions. It wasn't a Skill, or any kind of special ability. It was kind of just him as a being.

Iris was heartbroken. Slimecicle saw, when Iris thought no one was looking. Brief moments of hope and care. Flashes of a happy, loving boy in a cold, expressionless face. Dullness in the eyes of a flawless young man who was broken deep inside. Someone had loved him very much, but hurt him even more, so Iris built a fortress around his heart to prevent anyone from getting in again.

Tommy was tired. He appeared to be a carefree, optimistic, loud boy, quick to shout and quicker to smile. But Slimecicle noticed the lines of weariness edged his laughter, and sometimes when Tommy was alone his grin would fade. He was a bird whose feathers were soaked by pressure and expectations, doing his best to sing, trying his hardest to fly.

Ranboo was lonely. He was worried for the future, scared about his past. He needed a friend, someone to share the burden with, someone to hold and lean on. A simple enderhybrid feared by many for others' wrongdoings, just seeking compassion and companionship. He was falling without anyone to catch him.

All that from only a day of knowing these people, and they already have taken spots in Slimecicle's heart. It was all so obvious to him; is the world really so oblivious, so selfish, so stupid as to not notice?

Or even worse, not care?

Surely, surely there had to be someone like Slimecicle, someone out there who noticed and cared.

Like Charlie. Slimecicle missed Charlie. He missed xem so much. He wished xe was here to comfort him, to tell him what to do, to smile and encourage him.

Slimecicle missed Charlie, but what was the point?

It was fruitless. Charlie was gone.

But it might not be too late for the others, Slimecicle thought buoyantly. No, it's not too late. I will help them, as Charlie helped me. And we'll travel the world together.

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"Wow, that's so amazing!" Slimecicle gushed. Argent ivory seemed to drip from Tommy's onyx feathers, the wings spread gracefully. "Your wings are so pretty."

Tommy beamed. "Thanks." He looked like the living embodiment of Icarus; beautiful and golden.

Iris peered at the wings, mildly impressed. "Son of Zephyrus, Phillip Craft," he noted. "Elytra Avian, right?"

"Yep." As Tommy finished stretching, his wings folded down neatly against his back. "People don't see them often, b'cuz my dad taught me how to retract them using witchcraft, and they just kinda disappear."

"Witchcraft?" Slimecicle echoed. "What is that?"

Tommy grimaced, then sported a goofy grin. "Not actually witchcraft, but I don't really know what we use to retract our wings, so I call it like I see it."

"May I?" Ranboo asked shyly, gesturing to Tommy's back. He nodded, and Ranboo gingerly trailed his finger down the gleaming feathers. "They're very silky," Ranboo murmured.

"Thank you." Tommy smiled warmly at the hybrid boy, who turned away, flustered. "But we should probably get going." Tommy snuck a glance at Iris, who looked a bit impatient.

Slimecicle felt light inside as he watched the three teenagers. They were people he wanted to befriend. "Yeah, we should. Iris, will you lead us?"

Iris didn't reply, only nodded and turned around, starting to walk away from Las Nevadas into the forest. The black mask still covered his lower face. Slimecicle wanted to reach over and pull it off; it felt like a boundary, a wall keeping Iris away from trust.

With time, Slime thought positively. Hopefully with time, we'd become friends.

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As the four walked along, Iris kept in front, silent, while Tommy, Ranboo and Slimecicle dissolved into friendly conversation, getting to know one another.

The first thing Slimecicle noticed about the other three was the height differences. Slime, Tommy and Iris all stood at a wobbly line, with Iris being the tallest in the trio and Tommy a close second. However, Ranboo was freakishly tall, a few good, solid inches towering above them.

As Tommy cracked jokes about the heights, it seemed Ranboo was warming up to him. At one point, Ranboo picked an allium out of the grass and gave it to Tommy. The latter was a flustered, stuttering mess, causing Slime and Ranboo to tease him.

Through the new friendships, Slimecicle learned that Thomas Innit Craft had an older brother named Wilbur who played guitar, and his cousin was the one-and-only Technoblade. Tommy was very intrigued by Greek mythology, and his favorite hero was Theseus.

Ranboo didn't know much about his family or his past. He knew his mother was Enderman, which kind of explained his height and build, but didn't know who and what his father was. Surprisingly, Ranboo liked colors, and his favorite color was wisteria blue. He used to have a friend named Toby(?), but the two fell out of touch at some point.

"Iris? How about you?" Slime suddenly started.

Iris flinched, as if startled. He turned his head and stared at Slime with a surprised look. "Tell us a bit about yourself," Tommy agreed.

"I'm Iris," Iris replied, almost questioningly.

"Is that your real name? Do you have family members?" Slimecicle pressed.

"No, it's not my real name. My brother and I were orphaned when I was three. I don't know if he's alive or not since he went missing a few years ago."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Slimecicle murmured. Then the foursome walked in silence for a bit.

Ranboo coughed hesitantly. "What's your favorite color?"

"Purple."

"Do you play any instruments?"

"Yeah, I'm self-taught on the mandolin, and my brother taught me a bit of guitar."

"He sounds cool, what was he like, if you don't mind sharing?"

"His name is—was—Luke, but everyone called him Punz. He was a bit immature, but took care of me for years. He took me to Nevadas when our parents were killed." Iris paused, as if remembering something. "Punz wasn't really a spiritual person, but he did believe in the afterlife. Kinda taught me to believe in them too."

"I do too, a bit."

As Ranboo eased his way into conversation with Iris, Slimecicle watched, surprised. Iris hadn't appeared to be one to chat, but the two were now engaging in quiet small talk. Still, Iris appeared wary and cautious, even as Ranboo spoke warmly with him.

"So," Tommy started, breaking the ice between him and Slime. "You think we could get to know each other a little more?"

"Yeah!" Slime grinned. "What's your favorite color?"

"Red. I really like the color red," Tommy replied, hands shoved in his jacket.

"What's yours?"

"Green. Hey, speaking of green, why do you wear that bandanna? Is it something special?"

"Yeah, actually! It matches with my friend's," Tommy laughed and glanced down at the fern-green bandanna around his neck with pride. He reached behind his neck and untied the knot, showing Slime the little bee embroidered on a corner. "My good ol' chum pal Tubbo has a matching one. His is red with a small music disc design instead of a bee."

"Tubbo?" Ranboo slowed his step to walk alongside the two. Iris pulled ahead, falling into his own thoughts again. "Can you describe him?"

"His name is Tobias, but people call him Toby. Tubbo was the name he chose on his tenth birthday. He's kinda short, has brown hair and wears green shirts. Not quite as handsome as me, but a nice lil' boy. He doesn't have a nice dad though."

Ranboo took a long moment to process the description. "That sounds... familiar," he whispered, a distant look in his bicolored eyes. Then he cleared his throat. "I might've met him somewhere. My memory's not that good anyway."

Things started to quiet, and pretty soon, the quartet trudged along in complete silence. Rusty red rays of sunlight started filtering through the leaves, golden droplets creating a dancing pattern on the pine needle carpet. The solo melodies of a few early-waking songbirds slowly shifted into intricate harmonies as the forest woke up.

When the foursome stopped for a break, it surprised Slimecicle when Iris ignited conversation. "Those birds have mated." He nodded towards a tree, and Slimecicle strained his eyes to see. Two small birds were perched on a branch in the thick leaves, grooming each other.

"Northern cardinals are very loyal birds. Once a male wins over a female's trust, the two are together for life," Iris explained.

"That's really sweet, most songbird mates don't last long," Tommy commented. Iris nodded briefly and seemed to tune out the world again, sitting down and not speaking any further.

The question is, will he be loyal like those birds? Or are we gambling our lives with him?

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Next update on Wednesday :L