Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a dreary night in November when Tommy was awoken from his sleep. The wind screeched outside and stray branches from the old oak tree crashed against his window. He could hear pacing footsteps from somewhere in the manor. He grabbed his stuffed cow Henry for security as he slipped out of bed. He shoved his feet into soft, fluffy slippers to avoid the icy floor. Tommy wandered to the window and peered through the gap in the curtains. It was dark outside. Not even the stars could break through the inky expanse of the sky, clouds dimming the faint light of the moon. He was met with an involuntary shudder, whether it was from the cold or the feeling of something wrong , he didn’t know. Tommy padded towards the door, his steps slow to avoid tripping. It creaked open and he stepped outside. The hallway seemed… darker … as he stumbled out into it. He knew deep down that something was wrong, the darkness wasn’t simply in the absence of the light. He was never usually awake at this time, he didn’t know what time he meant exactly but it looked late. Usually maids would be scurrying around the halls and oil lamps would be brightly glowing. The manor had never seemed so empty. The footsteps seemed to be coming from his mother’s office. He crept down the hall. The walls stretched taller than usual, all the portraits seemed to turn their eyes to follow him. In the shadows he could see figures, they were tall with flowing cloaks and Tommy knew that if they opened their mouths he would see sharp fangs. He held Henry tighter to his chest as if the toy could protect him from the monsters in the shadows. Tommy had to stand on his tiptoes to pull the door handle of the office down. The door opened.

“Momma?”

The office was dark but he could see the figure of his mother in the shadows. There was a single candle lit on the desk. Clementine was packing a bag. The dark circles under her eyes were only accentuated by the dim lighting. She looked… determined? He couldn’t quite tell but it was the expression he had always seen before she left for a hunt. In her arms she held some stakes that she slipped into the bag. Technically, he was too young to know anything about being a hunter but growing up in a hunter family meant that his earliest lessons were in the history of the hunters or the art of carving stakes. Clementine created new stakes before every hunt, she told him that they dulled if reused or the handles would splinter. She also informed him of the intention behind it. To put in the effort of creating a stake was a conscious choice to fight against vampires and protect people. She hadn’t made new stakes this time. She must be in a hurry. Tommy knew something was wrong. Something had felt off for a while now.

“Toms?” Clementine paused and turned to him. “Hey bud, you should be asleep.” She dropped the stakes into her bag and zipped it tight. She scooped Tommy up into her arms, resting the kid on her hip. Her parents had tried to argue that seven was far too old to continue picking him up all the time, but Tommy enjoyed it so she continued to do it. He rested his head against her shoulder and she kissed his hair. 

“Where are you going?” He asked with all the decorum of a young child. He was too young to notice the anxious tells in Clementine’s posture, the way she held him like he held his toy for comfort. There was a small tremble in her hand and voice.

“I have to go to work, Toms.” 

“But it’s really late.” He stated in a matter of fact tone. “How will you get anywhere when it’s so dark?” One of his slippers fell off his foot. 

“I don’t know.” Her tone had a slight snap to it and even the usually chatty Tommy knew to quiet. 

She had just arrived back recently from work so he didn’t understand why she had to go again. It wasn’t fair. He knew what she had to do was important but seven year olds are allowed to be selfish about their parents. They should be allowed to whine about them leaving for work and simply visiting home rather than living at it. 

“Let’s get you back to bed.”

Okay then…

She adjusted her hold on him. She adjusted her bag onto the shoulder that Tommy wasn’t leaning against. She left the office and brought him back to his room. The shadows did not retreat at the sight of her. They simply persisted, stronger than ever.  His room was cold when they entered. There had been a little warmth in the office from the candle and now he was no longer used to the temperature. He kicked off his other slipper and she put him down. He crawled into bed, pulling the blankets up as far as he could. All Clementine could see when he was done was blond curls and bright blue eyes. 

She stroked his hair and a strained smile crossed her face. “Alright sweetheart, I have to go.” Clementine leant down to kiss him on the forehead. “I love you Toms.”

“Love you too, momma.”

She lingered at the door for a moment, hesitant to leave. She had to go. She had to go for him. Clementine couldn’t pretend that she wasn’t scared. Whether or not she was going to return was uncertain. It was only a tipoff on a vampire coven but she had a bad feeling about it. Deep down she feared for her future. But she had to try.

For Tommy.

Chapter Text

At sixteen years old, Tommy Ives was the youngest vampire hunter in Delphia. At fifteen, he wouldn’t have been but that had… changed. It was a very volatile workforce. Tommy didn’t know the girl that well but he had seen her around town. It felt weird that she was gone now. He had seen her parents, still in mourning clothes a year later. He couldn’t help but notice them, the dark colours stood out against the mossy greens and earthy browns of everyone else’s clothing. It was the same reason people noticed Tommy and his scarlet jumper. 

He ducked under the punch and kicked his leg under the younger boy’s feet, knocking him to the floor.

A smile broke across Tommy’s face. “You alright there, Tubbo?” 

“You killed me.” Tubbo flopped back onto the floor. “I'm dead and it's your fault.”

“I'm just that awesome, can't help it.” Tommy joined Tubbo on the floor - the rational decision, why would he help the other up? That would just be silly. “You’re improving though so that’s pretty cool. You won’t be as good as me but you'll be alright.”

“I’ll be more than alright once I’m finally allowed to properly train.” His tone was pleasant but there was an underlying bitterness in his voice.

There was a faint moo from a nearby field. The only place they could train without interruption was by the forest at the outskirts of town. Sure, the farm animals in the fields would judge them but there would be no one else out there. They definitely weren’t meant to be there. The forest was a big no go and while they were technically still in town, they would be in serious trouble if discovered. They knew they would not be found though, no one wanted to come out here. While Tommy could train anywhere, Tubbo’s family had taken a different approach to being a vampire hunter. Tommy’s mothers had taken the opportunity to teach him about it while Tubbo’s father was a lot more protective, even with Tubbo’s sister being a hunter. Tommy was raised on the knowledge that he was going to be a vampire hunter while Tubbo was warned against starting too young. While Tommy was thirteen, he was able to begin his studies, but Tubbo at fourteen was still barred from even the exams. Of course, that never stopped him, he simply became secretive about it. 

Tommy all but bounced to his feet and bounded over to the cows before leaning against the fence. One of the calves wandered towards him and he crouched down and took a handful of grass into his hand. The calf made a soft mooing noise before gently eating the grass from his palm. Tubbo stood beside him, leaning back against the fence. 

“What type is she?” Tubbo asked, fully aware of what he was about to cause. 

“She's a Holstein Friesian. They make up about, uhm, 75% of cows here.” He gently stroked the calf’s face and a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “This one likely isn't too old. Due to location, I'm assuming her herd’s dairy products wouldn't go too far. Might go to Cyberville or Station coast at the furthest.” 

“You always know so much about them.” Tubbo remarked. 

“Well first of all, you asked. And second of all, look at them! How could I not? Anyways, you're worse?”

“I am nothing like that!” Tubbo replied, aghast at the accusation that he would develop an ongoing fascination with something to the point that he would only be able to sit still if he was in the library reading about it. Tubbo would never do such a thing. 

“When was the Saint-Malo trial again?” Tommy asked, a grin on his face. 

Tubbo paused and his face flushed with the embarrassment of being called out. “I don't like you very much.” He turned his head to disguise the matching grin on his face.

“Love ya too, Tubso.” He groaned at the sight of the slowly darkening sky. “Your dad may murder me if we’re not back soon.”

Tubbo glanced at the sky as well. “Correction, my dad will murder me if you’re not home. He loves you.”

Tommy faked contemplation before sprinting off. “Race you!” He shouted back to Tubbo.

“Cheater!” Tubbo shrieked before running after him. 

People glanced at them as they ran through the town. Tommy darted between sides of the street to avoid crashing into anyone. Tubbo followed closely behind. While they were both fast, Tommy’s headstart was what he needed to take the lead. He darted past the shops and into the housing centre. Their shoes pounded against the ground as the two boys sprinted up to the house. Tommy slammed his hand against the porch fence. He tried not to wince at the sudden flash of pain through his palm. It wasn’t overly sore, just uncomfortable.

“I win. I win.” He gasped out.

A few moments later, Tubbo slowed to a stop. He used Tommy as a support as he attempted to catch his breath. “You’re nothing but a cheater Tommy Ives.” 

“Yeah but I still won, didn’t I?”

The two stumbled up the steps to the door and slipped inside. 

“Boys?” 

“Hi dad!” Tubbo called and Tommy echoed his words. 

The two kicked off their dirt coated boots and hung up their mud stained coats on the coat racks. Tubbo’s father turned around the corner to see the boys. 

“Dinner will be soon. Tommy, you got a letter today.” 

Tommy shot a confused look to Tubbo who only shrugged in matched confusion. 

The two walked down the hall. All the lamps were lit, casting a warm glow across the hall. Portraits were hung on the wall. There were a few of a young Tubbo and some of Tubbo’s parents. The later ones showed both Tommy and Tubbo and led to the absence of Tubbo’s mother. The pair traipsed up the stairs together and into their room. Lying there, just like Tubbo’s father had said, was a letter. 

Tommy Ives

19 Emerald Lane

AE04 SBI

Delphia

Australian Isles

There was a wax seal over the envelope, a crest of a shield and a scale. His heart skipped a beat as he recognised it. It was the seal of the vampire hunters society. Immediately his head was overrun with questions. Why would they be contacting him? Was this good? Was he being dropped? He didn’t even get to go on his first mission yet!

“Open it!” Tubbo burst out. He had obviously recognised the sigil but had taken a very different approach to it. 

With a tremble in his hand, Tommy unfolded the letter. The wax seal cracked in two as he did so. 

‘ Dear Tommy Ives ’ The first words read. ‘ We are aware that you have recently completed your vampire hunter studies and undergone your induction ceremony and we would like to extend our congratulations to you. ‘

He glanced over at Tubbo from the nerves. The younger boy was trying to glance over at the words but Tommy held it away. 

‘As you have not yet been assigned a mentor hunter nearby, we would like to invite you to aid in an upcoming job to clear a vampire den. If you are to agree, you will be in Stronghold in two weeks time, all travel and accommodation expenses paid by us. Please pass on your answer to your local representative. 

Regards, 

Xisuma Void

Head hunter

Stronghold Quarters ’

He froze. Tubbo snatched the letter from his hands and read through himself. Tommy could see the moment he reached the end by his face. It was bright and proud and expectant like he already knew this would happen. He turned to Tommy when he was finished, expecting a matching expression but he was simply met with confusion. 

“You're going to be a real vampire hunter!” He stated, prompting Tommy to react. 

“I am…” Tommy's voice trailed off. He didn't know why he felt so lost . This had been what he wanted. Right? He took back the letter from Tubbo.

In a moment of maturity that stunned Tommy, Tubbo asked something. “Do you want to talk it over with my dad?” 

When did he get so grown up? Tommy felt old thinking that but it was true.

“Yeah, thanks.”

Tubbo left the room and Tommy could hear his footsteps on the stairs. He sat back on the bed, the letter held loosely in his hand. He wasn’t sure why he felt like this. He should be thrilled. Maybe it was the fact that it was in Stronghold . Ever since he had been taken in by Tubbo’s parents he hadn’t been away. He had stayed out for a few nights before with Junior Hunters but not for extended periods of time and then he hadn’t left Delphia… ever ! Tubbo’s parents had raised him for so long and even before, Tubbo was like his little brother. He didn’t want to just leave .

But he did…

He really wanted to be a vampire hunter. Growing up, he just wanted to be like his mothers.

Now he just wanted to avenge them.

He was snapped from his thoughts by a knock on the door. Tubbo’s father stood there. 

“Hey kiddo.”

“Hi…” Tommy’s voice was soft and immediately set off the alarms in Tubbo’s father’s head. He was usually loud and bold and anything but soft spoken and quiet. 

“Tubbo told me about your letter.” He said, more to prompt Tommy to speak than to speak himself. The mattress sank as he sat next to the boy. “Are you excited?”

“I don’t know how to feel.” Tommy confessed. “What do you think?”

“Well, I think you’re very young but, I also know you’ve been working very hard for this. They think you’re ready.” 

Tommy hummed in agreement. “Do you think I should do it?”

“I can’t make that decision for you, Tommy, and I think you know that.”

“If I do it, will I still be able to come back here in the end.”

“Of course.” He put his arm around Tommy and the blond boy leant against him. Tommy had never had a father but he thought if he were to have one, he would want one like Tubbo’s father. Someone who didn't tell him the answer but helped him figure it out instead. 

“I think I want to do it.”

Tommy wanted to be a vampire hunter. 

He really wanted it.

“Alright.” Tubbo’s father spoke in a way that made you feel you had made the right decision.

Tommy could see Tubbo stood at the door. He couldn’t quite decipher the younger boy’s expression. He turned his attention back to Tubbo’s father.

“Can you come with me to accept it?” Tommy’s voice was so young in that moment, it reminded Tubbo’s father of Tommy’s young age. 

“Of course I will, Toms.” He gave Tommy a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Let’s go finish up dinner.”

When Tommy looked back to the door, Tubbo was gone.

Chapter Text

Ever since he had decided to accept the job, everything had felt like it had moved so fast.

They had gone to the vampire hunters office together, the three of them. Tubbo trailed behind them while his father coached Tommy on what exactly to say. The building towered over him. Sure, it was a normal sized building but it came with so much prestige that it cast him into shadow. Tubbo and his father didn’t go in with him. They couldn’t. He had to go in alone. The inside was warm but cold looking. There was a fire roaring but the main room looked almost too clean. It seemed like someone had tried to make it comfortable but it ended up looking more like an icy castle in a costume than a friendly meeting space. There was a guy sat behind a desk, if one could call it that. It was turned slightly diagonal so that it didn’t stand between the two chairs but it was still there, like an invisible barrier between them. There was what looked to be a nameplate on the desk, Martyn Littlewood. Tommy made the assumption that the guy sitting in the chair was ‘Martyn’. He was blond and dressed in green. There was what looked like an underwater terrarium beside the nameplate, Tommy identified the object inside as some coral. If he was being honest, it looked a little dead.

“Hi, I would like to talk to Ren Dog please.” He had said perfectly rehearsed despite the feeling that his heart might explode as he handed over his letter to the guy at the front desk. 

Martyn looked up at him. There was a faint flicker of recognition, the kind that forms when you pass someone on the street a lot. Most people had it when looking at him. Tommy had seen Martyn before at the festival of Laura. He hadn’t known his name then.

“Alright, and what’s your name?”

“Tommy Ives.” 

“Oh.” Martyn seemed momentarily taken aback by that but composed himself to speak once more. “We were told you might be coming around.”

Maybe it was his age that confused Martyn. Tommy wasn't short by any means but his face still had the roundness of youth and he still held himself with a childish lack of grace. 

Martyn continued speaking, “It's just the room at the very end of the hall there.” 

Tommy looked and saw a door. He could only assume it led to the hall Martyn talked about. 

“Thank you.” 

He pushed through the door and saw it was in fact the hall. It had no windows so the candles cast flickering shadows against the walls. Tommy closed the door behind him before walking through the hall to the heavy looking door at the end. There was another nameplate on the door.

Ren Dog

Head Hunter

Tommy knocked on the door. The sound of his fist hitting the wood echoed across the empty hall. He stood in the uncomfortable silence for a few moments, fidgeting with the end of his jumper. The wool at the cuffs had begun to fray and his messing only made it worse. 

“Come in.”

The door was heavy, solid wood with metal handles. When Tommy looked in, he saw a guy sitting behind the desk. His hair was dark brown, messy in the way that seemed purposeful and tied into a small ponytail. There was some sort of necklace sitting over his shirt. They kind of reminded Tommy of the seashells he had seen at the beachy shores of Delphia. His mothers would take him all the time. There would be grains of sand hidden in his shoes for what felt like months afterwards but he always enjoyed it. He would wander around, eyes glued to the ground until he saw something. Tommy would pick up anything that caught his eye, all the shells and stones, and would gift them to his mothers with sand covered hands. He hadn’t been to the beach in a while.

“I’m Tommy, Tommy Ives.”

“Tommy,” Ren smiled, “We were hoping you would stop by. Take a seat.”

Tommy sat in the chair opposite Ren. The fabric was soft and Tommy sank back into the chair. 

“I was asked to come here.” he handed the letter to Ren.

Ren leaned forwards to take the letter and Tommy could finally make out what was on the necklace. They were… teeth- or rather fangs . Over fifty needle sharp vampire fangs hung from a rope in a mimicry of a necklace. Tommy involuntarily shivered at the sight of it. It was eerie to say the least. It was just what you had to do to become the head hunter of Delphia, Tommy reasoned. 

“I can pass on your decision to Xisuma. If you accept, you’ll get another letter soon with further instructions and the boat ticket.”

“Ye-yeah I accept.” Tommy’s tongue stumbled over itself as he forced the answer out.

Ren seemed slightly surprised, maybe at the speed of which Tommy replied or even at his answer. He took some paper and a quill from one of his desk’s drawers and began to write. Tommy sat in the awkward silence waiting for Ren to explain what he was doing. It took a few moments before he slid the paper and quill towards Tommy.

‘ Xisuma Void. ’ It read. ‘ In regards to Tommy Ives, he has accepted your offer and will be awaiting further correspondence. ’

“I just need your signature on the letter.” He said.

Tommy took the quill and dipped it into the bottle of dark ink. A clumsy drop of ink splattered onto the letter. Tommy scrawled out his signature next to Ren’s. It looked empty next to the hunter’s.

‘ Sincerely

Ren Dog

Head Hunter

Delphia

Tommy Ives ’

Ren took the letter back, folding it to a third of itself. Tommy watched as he lit a small candle, putting a cube of wax into a spoon and held it over the flame until it melted. Ren poured the melted wax over the letter and stamped it. When the stamp was removed, he blew out the candle and, after flipping the letter over, wrote an address before passing the letter to Tommy. The seal wasn’t a perfect circle, it was slightly misshapen, but the image was clear. A shield and a scale. 

“Can you give this to Martyn when you leave?” Ren asked.

Tommy stood up, the letter clutched in his hand, “Okay, yeah.”

Ren spoke once more when Tommy opened the door. “Good luck.” His voice seemed hesitant.

“Thanks.”

He left the letter on Martyn’s desk before going back outside to Tubbo and his father.

It was late when they were walking home. The sky had darkened, save a few stars, and the streetlamps were being lit. The moon was bright in the sky, casting blue against the streetlamp’s orange. The air had the slightest chill to it. He tried to convince himself something wasn’t up with Tubbo as they walked back in silence. 

He didn’t know if he could succeed in it.

Chapter Text

He had received the instructions and ticket within the week. Tommy read over the names of the people he would be joined with; Gem, Jimmy and Scar on the boat there and then they would meet Grian and Mumbo at Stronghold. He recognised some of the names, Grian he had met and Gem he had seen before. He didn’t know the others though. He wasn’t sure if he was excited or not.

The night he got the second letter, Tubbo appeared at his door. He had been… quiet in the lead up. Tommy would have been overwhelmed with worry for the younger boy if he wasn’t already with an anxious weight over his chest. 

“I'll miss you.” Tubbo had said as the two shared the bed like they did when they were kids. For as long as they could remember, they were all but attached at the hip. It was a sort of habit between the two, with Tubbo’s father and mother having been vampire hunters, they were gone at night a lot. At the start, Niki was still there but later when she too left, it was just them alone. When one would have a night terror or the effects of an empty home would get to them they would go into the other’s room to seek comfort. It usually resulted in the brothers falling asleep together, comforted by each other's presence. Tommy couldn't remember the last time they had done it though, it had surely been years. Though, for that night at least, the two slept comforted by each other’s presence. 

Tubbo sat on the bed as Tommy piled the last of his stuff into a trunk. He was leaving the next day. He didn’t want to think about that. The heavy wooden lid of the trunk was still dusty and the hinges creaked from a lack of use. The lid thudded shut as Tommy closed it for the final time. Tubbo was watching him as he packed. Well, he was watching him and the giant spider in the terrarium. Shroud was chill but Tubbo didn’t believe it. 

“-and you're sure I have to feed him?” 

Tommy playfully rolled his eyes. “Yes Tubbo. Shroud needs to be fed when I'm not here and I trust you to get it done.” 

Tubbo made a noise that Tommy could only describe as a plea for the death of oneself and their brother. 

“I hate you. You know that, right?”

“Yeah, yeah. You despise me.” He snapped the clasp of the trunk closed. He had been putting off packing for a while, it was nothing but a reminder of what was to happen. He would leave Tubbo and he would be gone for a long time. Tommy would leave his home. 

And he may never return. 

Tommy didn't want to think about that possibility. Looking across at his younger brother, he wanted to preserve the safety of home. The knowledge that, at the end of his travels, he would be returning to the same place he had always been. 

“Tommy, are you only now finished packing?” The voice was accusatory in a fond way.

The two looked to the door to see Tubbo’s dad. Tommy shot him a guilty smile. Tommy and Tubbo were already prepared for bed, they had been for a while before the harsh reality of Tommy leaving the next morning hit them and Tommy had to frantically try to fit everything in his trunk. 

“Nope.” He replied with a grin. “I'm all done.” 

“Well then, if you're all done, I suppose you two should be heading to bed. Tom’s got an early morning tomorrow.” 

The two brothers groaned in unison. “Okaaayyy.” 

Tommy pushed the trunk from the middle of his room as Tubbo left for his own room. 

“Night, Tommy.” He hesitated before speaking again. “You'll be great as a vampire hunter.” 

That night it was Tommy who sought comfort in his brother. And as the two lay next to one another, Tommy feared what was about to come. Would he get to return? He had worked his whole life for this yet he didn’t know if he was excited. He studied the ceiling, even planks of dark wood laying side by side. There was the faintest blue glow across the room from the moonlight peeking through the curtains. Small branches tapped against the window, the rhythm keeping him from falling asleep. Tommy turned away from the window. At first, he had lain on the side of the bed not tight to the wall in a subconscious imitation of his mothers. When he was very small and had a nightmare, they would let him sleep in their bed. He had always gone in the middle of them to ensure he didn't roll off the bed in his sleep. When he grew older and began to live with Tubbo, he mirrored the action. Now, in the blue tinged room, Tubbo didn't need someone to stop him falling but Tommy kept doing it. Tubbo was turned to the wall so all Tommy could see was the faint outline of the back of his head. The younger boy had fallen asleep fairly quickly but Tommy still lay in turmoil. When he couldn’t bear to look at the younger brother he was about to leave for any longer, he turned back to the window.

It was only when the room turned from blue to orange and the branches had cast shadows into the room through the gap in the curtain that Tommy realised he hadn't slept at all.

Chapter Text

For the first time in his years of living there, breakfast was silent.

Usually there was some noise. The sound of sizzling breakfast, the sound of cutlery clattering against plates, the sound of sibling bickering. That morning was different. Everyone seemed to fear speaking, as if mentioning what was about to happen would make it real. If they pretended nothing was different then nothing had to change. They tried to avoid it during breakfast, they tried to avoid it as they put the trunk onto the wagon, they tried to avoid it as the house disappeared into the distance. Tommy had sat beside his trunk, watching as the house shrank until it was no more. Tubbo watched ahead as the shore grew bigger and bigger.

But despite their attempts to ignore it, Tommy still stood at the docks waiting to board the ship that would take him away.

His trunk was already stored on the boat between two others. Both were branded with the insignia of the vampire hunter. His still dusty trunk looked out of place next to them. They looked almost brand new with only the lightest touch of use. He saw two people already onboard and was safe to assume it was them. A tall blond and a shorter redhead. Priority boarding, Tommy hadn’t wanted to invoke it, much preferring to stand on the shore for a short while longer. 

His steps were unsteady as he walked along the plank leading up to the boat. Fear and regret coursed through his mind as he leant against the railings. He leant over the side of the boat to speak with Tubbo. 

“You’ll write, right?” Tubbo asked. He was stood on his tiptoes so the two could brush fingertips in an attempt to hold hands. 

“Every day.” Tommy said. “Then when I return, I’ll convince your dad to let you train as a hunter and we can go on missions together.

Tubbo’s eyes shone with the beginning of tears. “Remember, you have to come back.” 

Tommy paused at his words. He could hear the sound of the steps being removed from the ship and the bustle of crew readying the boat to set sail. There was something he had concealed from Tubbo. He was scared- petrified really. He wasn’t ready to die. It was scary to think about. He put on a brave face for Tubbo, he was only fourteen and didn’t need to be more worried about his older brother than he already was. If he had declined the offer, he didn’t know when he’d be offered to become a vampire hunter next. What if he never was? He had been working towards this his whole life. He had to take this offer. He had to leave.

“I’ll come back, Tubbo.”

He had to try, for Tubbo.

Tommy and Tubbo watched as the crew removed the boarding plank. Tubbo’s father, who had previously stood behind his son, stepped forward.

“Good luck, Tommy.” He said, seemingly knowing to keep his words short as to not make homesickness strike Tommy too soon.

“Thank you.” Tommy spoke, barely louder than a breath.

“I’ll miss you, Tom.”

“I’ll miss you too, Tubs.”

Tommy was the first to turn away. Tears pricked at his eyes. He was going to miss them. Tubbo’s father had raised him for thirteen years, he had been Tubbo’s brother since the other was barely a year old. He didn’t know when he’d be home. There were rumours of missions going on for years on end. Then there were all the people who never returned. He might not go home. 

He wanted to go home already.

Tommy watched as the sea grew closer and closer until he felt he could look back. There was nothing but sea, Delphia had disappeared into the ocean. It happened so easily. He thought it would have been more difficult for it to leave like that. 

He must have looked lost for the redhead came up to him.

“You’re Tommy Ives, right? The new guy.” She seemed ever so slightly confused when she saw him. He supposed he would have to get used to it, the questioning looks, at least until he got older.

“Yeah, I’m Tommy.” His voice came out as more of a mumble.

Tubbo would probably laugh if he saw him acting like this, so different from usual. He was always loud and ever so slightly annoying with the people that he was close to that some assumed he would be the same in front of people he didn't know that well. But sue him, he was sixteen and maybe going to die soon, he was allowed to be a little quieter. 

“I’m Gem,” she announced. “It’s nice to meet you… do you want to come sit with me and Jimmy?”

“Yeah, sure.”

He followed the redhead- Gem- across the boat. It was tipped gently from side to side as it sailed so he had to fight to keep his balance. There was the taste of salt in the air and he felt more awake than ever. The waves brushed against the sides of the boat, the sound pervading the entire boat, even the lower layers. Gem led him through the door and down the staircase to the bottom level of the boat. There were a few trunks but also some comfortable looking chairs. The blond guy Tommy had seen earlier was sitting in one and Gem’s coat was slung over another. There were what looked like notes strewn across a small table. It looked cosy. 

“Jimmy,” Gem greeted and the blond guy looked up. “This is Tommy Ives, he’s the new kid.”

New kid .

Gem sat on the chair with her coat and Tommy sat on the remaining one. At a closer look, the notes were about vampires. Biology, tactics, information.

“Hi,” was all Tommy said.

Jimmy smiled at him in response. “Ives… right?”

“Yep, Tommy Ives.”

Jimmy had another stack of notes balanced on his lap, there were scribbled notes next to the words, three different handwritings. One of them Tommy recognised as Xisuma’s so he assumed the other two were Gem and Jimmy’s.

They let Tommy read the notes as the boat sailed. They were quite detailed and he didn’t quite know what to add. When he had been joking around with Tubbo, they had been doing this. He was kind of jealous of their work already. Xisuma had written the basic information and they had gone and annotated and theorised and analysed everything. The place they were going was a little way out from Stronghold. A possible coven of around two vampires Jimmy had noted, nothing too difficult apparently. Just a routine nest clearing in the area. 

It was around another hour on the boat before it stopped. There was noise on the deck but Gem and Jimmy didn’t seem eager to move so he assumed it was just a stop at another dock. He knew there was another hunter who was supposed to be on the boat so there had to be at least one stop. If they weren’t joining them anymore, Gem or Jimmy would have likely mentioned.

“I’m going to go up and see Scar,” Gem announced before going up the stairs and onto the deck, leaving Tommy and Jimmy alone.

“Is this your first mission?”

Tommy was surprised by the question. While he did expect them to be polite, he assumed the other (other!!) vampire hunters would mostly keep to themselves.

“Yeah.”

“This is my first one in a while so I’m a little nervous.”

“Oh. Why?” Tommy mentally chastised himself. Yeah sure just ask maybe super personal questions off of the guy you met not that long ago, way to go! “If you're okay with saying that is…” He trailed off. 

“There was a… uhm…” He paused as if to think of how to phrase his sentence. “ Incident with the hunter I was with, Tango . Everything's… fine… now but I just took a break and now I’m back.” 

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright. Anyways, it’s in the past.” 

There was noise on the stairs and the two looked over to see Gem and one of the sailors helping to carry a wheelchair down. When the wheels touched the ground, Gem stepped back to give the guy space and the sailor went upstairs again. 

The new person saw Tommy, “Hey, you’re Tommy right? I’m Scar, Scar Goodtimes.”

Tommy stood out of politeness. “Nice to meet you.”

Scar wheeled his chair next to the others and Gem took up her seat again.

Scar was just as nice as the other two. It was nice having people to talk to. It was really nice. Gem seemed sweet and relatively harmless at a first glance but, at a closer look at the muscle in her arms and the mischievous glint in her eyes, he mentally warned himself against ending up on her bad side. Scar also seemed nice but he had the same mischievous glint as Gem. In barely any time he had reverted to his usual chatty self. He was definitely less stressed out hearing about everyone else’s first missions. He glanced over to see Jimmy as Scar talked of defeating vampires. The older blond’s expression was cold, a difference from the cheery persona Tommy had met. There was only one question running through Tommy’s mind about his new friend.

What had happened to him?

Chapter Text

Tommy had almost begun to drift off when he heard the shout that the boat had reached the final dock. Stronghold. All four of them had been sat sprawled across the chairs, notes all but abandoned. Tommy’s legs were thrown across one arm of his chair and his back was propped against the other. He stretched, one of his shoes brushing against the back of Gem’s chair. The older girl stirred. She hadn’t been asleep but Tommy had noticed her head begin to drop. It was an uneven pattern, her head would begin to slip before she caught herself once more, her red curls bouncing at every jolt. Jimmy stretched like a cat and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Scar seemed far too awake for this. Tommy was glad they had gathered all the notes together earlier. He didn’t want to have to try and blearily shove them all into trunks and ensure none were left behind. Four deckhands descended down the staircase, all raising their hands in hello to the quartet. In pairs, they began to bring the trunks up. The others didn’t move so neither did Tommy. He knew hunters tended to stay on a little longer just to allow for their trunks to be delivered to the carriage safely. The deckhands took several trips, carrying up the trunks. Tommy saw his own being carried with a care he almost envied. It was once the last trunk had been brought up that Gem and Jimmy got to their feet. Tommy joined them as two deckhands came down to help Scar with his chair. The trio followed after. Their footsteps echoing on the old wooden steps. 

The salty air stung at Tommy’s eyes as they went back above deck. He looked out across everything. Station didn’t look too different to Delphia, maybe a little busier. He could see buildings lining the coast, kept close to each other with thin, winding streets in between. There was a near constant hustle and bustle, a stark contrast to the wide, empty streets of Delphia. The fashion was dull in Delphia, shades of brown and beige yet not that far away in Station were shades of marigold and clover, beautiful skirts that swirled with colour and coats the colours of rainbows. Gem moved to stand next to him.

“It’s nice, right?” She gave him a smile. “I’ve had missions at Station a few times.”

“Yeah.” He breathed out. “It's nice.”

The deckhands helped them off, one even offering a hand to Tommy for support stepping off the blank. It made him feel fancy in a way, important. Tommy wasn't prone to seasickness but he much preferred his feet to be firmly on the ground. His feet almost skid on the icy ground. Delphia didn't get as much snow as Stronghold though when it did it was often only a light brush of frost on the grass and very few patches of ice so he had little experience walking in it. At least he was used to the chilly temperatures. Tommy barely had time to take in his surroundings as a participant rather than watching from afar before they were hurried into a carriage. It was a heavy looking thing, drawn by four steeds. They huffed at the idea of work though they were soon calmed by the driver’s offered sugar cubes. He marvelled at the plush cushions and the intricate designs carved into the wood. It wasn’t that Delphia wasn’t well off, Tubbo’s family alone were better than well off, but such frivolous luxuries always left him in awe. The idea of buying these beautiful objects just because you could was fascinating. He had never experienced such things. It was quite nice to be spoiled in such a way. Though, he could not ignore it. That feeling deep inside. The feeling that caused his stomach to turn when he looked at the other people in the carriage. They were joking around with each other, anyone could tell they were dear friends. While he wanted to be happy that he was in a group with such pleasant people, he couldn't help but consider what would happen after. The possible losses. They could lose their friends just as he had lost his parents. 

Though time paused for few and Tommy was not one of those few so the carriage eventually had to come to a stop. Tommy and Gem, who had been sat beside him, both lurched forward. He had often preferred walking to carriages. While it was more exhausting, it was far more relaxing. Plus, you did not need to worry about sudden stops. 

Tommy was the first out of the carriage, almost tripping down the steps. He stood to the side to allow everyone to get off and gawked at the building in front of him. It was tall, taller than any average building, and made of dark wood and stone. The manor was rather eerie. It was encased in trees but the tallest floor peeked over the thick canopy. In the carriage, Tommy had thought the lack of light was just from the sun setting, but outside he could see the sun was still high in the sky but the trees were casting the entire area into shadow. As soon as all four of them and their luggage were out, the carriage left, only a thin cloud of dust in its wake. There was another trunk beside where theirs were placed and evidence of another. 

Scar went in first, pushing open the heavy looking door. The three abandoned their trunks for the time being and joined Scar. Tommy stepped inside and… oh.

The inside was just as creepy as the exterior. There was a faded red carpet leading to a steep staircase made of rough stone. The stairs curved up to the next floor. Cobwebs hung from the walls to the wooden bannister. There was a constant dimness to the room despite the rows of flaming torches and he shivered. Even with the too many candles, it seemed gloomy and cold. It reminded Tommy of the stories his mothers had told him about vampire castles. Cold like their skin, dusty like their bones, hollow like their coffins. He could still recall sitting around fire pits at junior hunters, clutching the edges of the blanket he had wrapped around his shoulders as the leaders recalled scary stories of vampires in the night. He didn’t have nightmares because he knew his mothers would protect him but some of the other kids had. He was awoken to their shrieks in the other tents before. The leaders were always being chastised for scaring the junior hunters. Tommy could think of nothing but those stories. He did not immediately see any spiders but he knew they could not be completely absent. Tommy wasn’t scared of spiders by any means but even he got spooked when surprised by them. The staircase itself spiralled into darkness, he couldn’t see the top even when he looked up the entire flight. He gawked at the room. Surely this couldn’t be the place. Everything so far had looked so fancy but this place looked haunted. Tommy wouldn’t be surprised if the vampires were already here, the place definitely looked the part of a vampire manor. They heard the sound of footsteps from the dark hall. Two people emerged from the shadows. Their faces shone with sweat and their breaths were uneven. Tommy recognised one of the people.

Grian. 

– - – - – 

Tommy stumbled after Clementine in his too big boots. They were brand new, stiff brown leather that hindered his walking more than they helped. Though they were an improvement from the pinching of his old boots. It was one of Delphia’s many festivals but at only four he didn’t really understand what was going on. It was later in life that he learnt it was the festival of Laura, a celebration of the vampire hunter who had first arrived in Delphia to clear the vampires. Due to Laura’s efforts, Delphia had become the city where most vampire hunters hailed from. For that reason, it was important to his mothers. Tubbo had been ill that day though, even if he had been there, at two years old he was hardly an adequate play mate. He was often too brash for any of the other kids to enjoy running around with him so he resorted to shadowing Clementine for the day. As a member of Delphia’s own vampire hunters, Clementine was welcoming some of the visiting hunters. They were from Stronghold and had been helping out in the neighbouring village to start their training.

Tommy almost crashed into Clementine as she suddenly stopped in front of a group of people. They looked young, maybe in their teen years. He didn't remember all their names but he remembered one. The sandy haired Grian. It was a miracle. Tommy no longer needed to follow his mother around and could instead follow after Grian like a duckling. The other festival goers chuckled as they saw little Tommy waddle after Grian.

Despite his own parents being vampire hunters, that was one of the first moments he could recall wanting to be one. Seeing the older male he was struck with how cool he was! 

– - – - –

If Tommy could tell his younger self that he was working with the Grian, he knew he wouldn't believe it. Nor would Tubbo.

The other person wasn’t someone he knew. He was tall, taller than Tommy himself, with dark hair and a moustache. He was impeccably dressed but his shirt sleeves had been pushed up to his elbows revealing a wrist watch.

“Hey G, hey Mumbo.” Scar greeted, obviously familiar with the duo.

The two- Grian and who Tommy assumed must be ‘Mumbo’- greeted Scar and the other two hunters.

“Tommy, hi.”

Tommy was taken aback by Grian mentioning his name. Sure, he had been told but he had also made the choice to greet him.

“You two have met?” Mumbo’s voice was inquisitive.

“Yeah, we hung out at my first festival in Delphia.”

He remembered ! Tubbo would not be able to believe this! Tommy couldn’t wait until he was able to write and tell the younger boy all of this. 

Gem seemed to pick up on the exhaustion of the two new members of the group. “We can grab the other trunks if you two need to rest.” 

“That would be great, thanks Gem, Grian packed way too much stuff.”
“I was making sure no one, scar , forgot anything.”

“Grian, you thought about me.” Scar seemed to conveniently ignore the implication that he was going to be forgetful and only focused on the complimentary side of the statement.

Grian fondly rolled his eyes and Tommy followed Gem and Jimmy back outside. 

“Can you two grab Mumbo’s? We can just put them in the entrance until everyone gets their rooms.” She crouched down and picked up her trunk with only a small grunt of effort. She turned her head to flick her hair over her shoulder before moving back towards the manor. 

The duo picked up one of the other trunks, staggering at the weight. They readjusted their hold on the trunk and shuffled back into the manor. By the time they had reached the door, Gem was already returning. She stood back and held open the door so that they could pass through. The trunk was placed in the entrance with a thump. They paused to catch their breaths before going back out again. It didn’t take long for all the trunks to end up in a neat row in the entrance but it was exhausting work. The trio rested against the trunks while they waited for the other three to return from whatever they had been doing. When they returned, they revealed where all the rooms were and together they moved the trunks to their respective rooms before retiring to the sitting room of the place. There was fresh food in the fridge so they cooked dinner and ate in comfy chairs and spoke with one another. It was nice.

Tommy slept late that night.

He was lain on the tough mattress, the moth bitten blankets pulled over him. The only light in the room was the wax candle he had lit. Tommy was leant across so that he could lean the paper on the wooden bedside table to write. He scribbled down his letter for Tubbo. He wanted to tell him everything! About the boat and the being under the deck and the carriage and the mansion and everything! He just had to know everything about this. Despite his previous worry, Tommy was glad he took this opportunity. He was glad he was here.

He folded over the letter and blew out the candle. He would have it delivered as soon as all of this was over.

Chapter Text

For a week they trained. Under the sun, they fought. Under the moon, they read. Tommy could tell he was very underprepared for this. The others were all in sync. He felt so behind already. They were nice about it but Tommy felt as though he were weighing them down. He was nervous to mess something up. Though the week gave him at least some preparation so at least he had that .

Each night he wrote to Tubbo, he could post them to him after. 

The final day crept up on them. The day they had to check the place out. They had received a tip that on that day, a small coven would be passing through the forest and resting in a nearby home. Tommy woke up jittery and even by the time he was washed and dressed, he was still all but bouncing off the walls. He entered the study to see everyone and…

“I think Tommy should stay here.”

“I agree.”

Tommy deflated. He could see why Jimmy had suggested it and Gem had agreed but it didn’t mean he had to like it. He wouldn’t be alone, Scar would be with him and also it would be kind of weird to just leave someone alone, but he still wanted to be involved. Scar had contributed with all the plans but Tommy hadn’t had the chance to do anything yet.

No matter his own protestations, Tommy was left behind.

“It’s not bad staying back.” Scar said.

The two were sitting in the study together. Scar was showing Tommy some old stuff, past assignments and a few cat photos and some sketches. 

“I know but… y’know?” He didn’t quite know what to say. Of course he had to stay back, he would have been surprised otherwise.

“It’s only your first assignment. I wasn’t even allowed to go to the base on mine, just watched everyone plan before.”

There was a sound downstairs. Tommy, assuming it was just everyone coming back, stood to go downstairs and greet them but Scar grabbed him by the sleeve. He was silent. Listening. His hand tightened on Tommy’s sleeve and Tommy finally realised why. 

“Don’t try to be a hero.” Was all Scar said to him before shoving him towards a cupboard and taking a letter opener from on top of the desk, clutching it in his hand. 

Tommy watched Scar push himself out of his chair, pushing it to roll away from him before hiding behind the desk. The desk had a solid back so Scar could barely be seen from the door. If the intruder were to walk around, they would see him but it was the only place to go. There were footsteps on the stairs, determined ones. Tommy folded up his long limbs to hide in the cupboard. It was, thankfully, mostly empty save a few candles that Tommy shoved to the side. He pulled the doors shut just in time for the office door to open. He stayed perfectly still, scared to even breathe too loudly. He worried for Scar who was barely hidden. He worried for the four who had left, he didn’t know when they would return and he could only hope it wouldn't be soon. He hoped they would stay away as long as possible. 

“Scar, Tommy? We’re back.”

Tommy had to clasp a hand over his mouth to stop himself from calling out to the four, warning them. There were murmurs downstairs. 

Gem’s voice and footsteps got closer. 

“The tip was nothing, there were no vampires.” Her tone was lighthearted with the slightest tinge of annoyance. 

The door creaked open.

“Scar? Tommy?”

There was a scream as, Tommy could only assume, she was attacked by surprise. A thud could be heard. 

“Gem?” Mumbo’s voice was panicked as he shouted up the stairs. It was accompanied by hurried footsteps. 

Tommy wanted to scream at them to leave. To go before they could get hurt. Tears were beginning to sting at his eyes. He couldn’t help. There were snarls from the vampires and Tommy heard a whimper of pain before silence, Gem’s silence. The footsteps got closer. Grian echoed Mumbo’s previous words, calling for Gem. He wouldn’t be getting a response. They got to the door, Tommy could tell by the sharp gasp. There was the sound of a fight. Tommy heard the thump of furniture. 

His heart pounded in his chest. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t completely terrified. 

He heard something hit the floor. Tommy couldn’t see out of the gap between the cupboard doors so he was forced to only listen. He didn’t know who was winning but he didn’t think it was them.

He heard a human sound of pain.

He wasn’t thinking.

Tommy threw open the door and lunged at the intruder. He shoved them off Grian but the vampire turned on him, pushing him to the floor. He winced as he hit his head on the hard wooden floor. The desk was overturned. There was blood on it. Mumbo was struggling against a vampire. Grian was on the floor. The vampire snarled. His head hurt. There was a noise and he turned his head to the door. Even in the panic, he froze. 

Jimmy was standing there. He wasn’t panicking. He wasn’t fighting. He wasn’t protecting. He wasn’t being attacked.

He wasn’t being attacked…

The vampires were looking right at him and they did nothing and oh god did he tell them and was this all him and was Tommy going to die because he trusted him and he came here and he promised Tubbo he would return home and he was going to die.

Oh god. 

He was going to die.

He was going to die. 

He was going to die. 

Tommy may have frozen but the vampires hadn’t. There was a sharp pain in his forearm and he kicked out at the vampire. They stumbled away, cursing him. His head hurt and his arm hurt. Tommy’s ears rang with static and his vision blurred. 

He didn’t want to cry.

A sob caught in his throat. Tears fell across his face, he wouldn’t have been able to stop them. He couldn’t stop them. He could barely think straight. He just wanted to go home. Why did he do this? 

He wasn’t ready to die.

There was a blur of red above him.

“Gem?” He murmured as he tried to blink the blurriness away. His voice was weak, a barely there whisper that he had to struggle to force out. If the wind had decided to pass through the forest at that moment, there was a chance his voice would have been swept away. 

He didn’t know why he called out Gem’s name. It couldn’t be Gem. Gem was collapsed on the floor next to him. If he were to turn his head, he would see her, her red hair stained darker than normal, her chest perfectly still. 

And then he was gone. His chest stopped moving and his body went cold. 

He was gone. 

He was gone.

Chapter Text

Tommy was six again, sitting on the staircase of his childhood home. He could hear his mothers arguing. It was about another assignment. They had been going out more recently. Clementine hadn’t wanted any more. Juliette still went. 

He could see them. Juliette looked tired. He wanted to go down. He didn’t normally. He didn’t go when he was six and sitting on the stairs. 

This time, he went downstairs.

His mothers turned to him. They looked disgusted. They looked at him like they didn’t recognise him. Like he wasn’t their Tommy. Like he was a monster. His teeth hurt. He didn’t know why they wouldn’t look at him.

Tommy was… stuck. 

There was a deep tiredness washing over him. He curled up tight to reject the ice of the room, fighting to keep his warmth. But it was to no avail. The cold persevered. There was a static ringing in his ears and clouding his brains. His eyelids were glued together and it took a great effort to open them. He squinted at the bright light invading his vision. The shapes blurred together. Was that the ceiling or the floor? A threat or safety? He didn’t know. His mouth felt dry. His head hurt. He needed water but he knew he couldn’t keep down water. Tommy didn’t know how he knew that. He just did. He tried to push himself to sit up. It was more difficult than he expected, his hand sinking into softness so he only managed to partially sit up. His head hurt. His eyes hurt. His bottom lip hurt. There was a blanket pulled over him. It was wool, thick and a little scratchy. Heavy curtains were drawn across the windows and bright oil lamps lit up the room. The room was nice, maybe a little expensive but nice. It was the same focus on luxury that he had seen in the carriage. Tommy himself had certainly never even seen a room like this, let alone slept in one. Was he at a hunter office? Was this the Stronghold office? There was a persistent sting in his cheeks and eyes, the sting of ice cold temperatures. The blankets, the curtains, the oil lamps. He should be warm, he should be too warm. He should be kicking blankets away and pulling off coats and jumpers. He should be throwing the curtains open and cracking open every window possible. He should be fanning at a reddened face and bursting with the urge to go outside, to swim in lakes and drink cool drinks. 

He was really thirsty.

Tommy focused on the cold because he had to. If he didn’t he would have to focus on… that. The hunger lying under the surface. The desire for something . Something deep inside him knew what it was and it made his stomach turn. He had thought he was going to die and maybe, knowing what he craved, what he knew he would kill for, that would have been for the best. He would try to push it down, he would try to ignore it. He had to ignore it. There was no other option. There was blood on his lip. It was his attempts of avoidance that led him to notice the other person in the room.

There was a strange quality to the other man. He looked young, maybe mid twenties, but he appeared to carry the burden of more years. A tiredness overshadowed his features. Red hair curled just past his shoulders and often fell across his eyes. Despite his young looking face, there was a streak of grey through the red. Tommy opted to avoid looking at his face too much, a glance at his eyes left the younger boy with a barely repressed shudder. They seemed to glare through Tommy, cold and distant. In avoiding them, Tommy saw the man’s neck. A scar dripped, for there was no better descriptor, down his neck. Within the scarred flesh, Tommy could make out what looked like an eerily human-but-not bite. He was dressed simply. Plain trousers, ivory shirt, crimson waistcoat, and heavy looking boots. An outfit too formal to be sitting at home. His posture was rigid and uncomfortable, looking as if he'd much prefer to slouch and curl into himself but something, be it image or some other thing, prevented him from doing so. Between the cold eyes and awkward body language, Tommy didn't quite know how to react towards him. He was holding a clear bag full of liquid. Tommy wanted that bag. The static in his brain grew stronger as locked his eyes on the bag.

“Who are you supposed to be?” Tommy’s voice was hoarse from a lack of use. His tone was sharp, a sword cutting through the silence in the room. Underlining his harsh tone was an easily recognisable fear, a natural anxiety of the stranger in front of him.

Tommy was so thirsty .

He didn’t really care for the stranger’s answer.

Tommy lunged at the stranger, barely wincing as he hit his knee. The chair tipped over and the two crashed to the floor. The stranger seemed momentarily stunned before shoving the bag towards Tommy and pushing himself back from him and against the wall. Tommy’s breath stayed even throughout it. The stranger watched Tommy with wide eyes.

From the moment Tommy held the bag in his hands, it was as if nothing else existed. No other thing in the world. The cold did not affect him, its previously overwhelming bite weak, barely there. The man he had been fearful of mere moments ago was irrelevant to him. 

Nothing mattered more than this bag he clutched in his hands.

It was as if he were possessed. His nails scratched at the bag. Inside was a familiar crimson liquid. So familiar, if he had been conscious of his actions, he would be disgusted with it. Previously flat teeth were sharper than usual, they previously pricked at his lip but now he used them to rip open the bag like an animal. Blood spilled from the tears and Tommy brought the bag to his mouth, gulping down the liquid. Some trickled down his chin. When he could finally pull the bag from his teeth, he was hit with a wave of disgust. How could he have done this? Guilt weighed at him, despite his horror, the hunger was satiated. Tears pricked at his eyes and he tossed the bag back at the stranger. Tommy refused to make eye contact with him. Didn’t want to admit that he didn’t despise it. Didn’t want anyone to know he would do it again. 

Vampire. He was a vampire. He would do it again and he knew it. 

“You get used to it eventually.” The stranger said, the attempt at comfort clear. He seemed resigned to the diet, a reluctant acceptance of it. Would that be Tommy one day? Accepting of it? Did he want that to be him? He slouched against the wall, a lot more relaxed than before.

“Who are you? You didn't answer before. One might say it’s a bit suspicious you’re avoiding the question.” Tommy’s tone remained harsh. He knew the other man could tell his fear, the tone was little more than a shield.

“Techno Blade. Tommy Ives, right?” 

“How did you…” Tommy trailed off.

“Uh, you told me?” His response seemed like more of a question than an answer.

“No I didn’t.” Tommy hadn’t even seen him before this. He would remember… right?

“Listen, have you noticed what’s happened to you? Your memory won’t be the best, y’know?”

“Okay, I guess.” His voice trailed off. “Techno.” What kind of name was that? “What happened?”

Techno seemed almost hesitant to say it, reluctant to put into words what happened.

“You got bit, you’re a vampire.”

It was different than Tommy saying it. Someone else putting it into words made it real. He was a vampire.

How was he ever going to be able to go home after this?

Chapter Text

Tommy felt a jolt of panic as Techno moved from his chair. The two had been sitting in near silence for at least an hour. Tommy felt as though his face was flushed with shame and tears from his previous actions though, he knew that to be impossible. His cheeks stayed a sickly pale and Techno was not able to decipher how he was feeling, or maybe Tommy was obvious enough that he still could. He really didn’t want to try to unpack everything so he focused on what he had done. Tommy didn’t know what had overcome him. He didn’t know what had possessed him to try and attack someone. Was this his life now? Attacking people over blood ? 

He was a monster. 

He wasn’t too fond of looking at Techno. He was nothing like Tommy expected a vampire to be. Though, he had no view into the other’s thoughts, maybe he was just like Tommy had been. Maybe he was worse. He was probably worse. He seemed so normal. Not the bloodthirsty monster Tommy had been warned about. But this was how they caught you, they pretended to be normal so they could kill you and drain your blood. It’s what… he did. The vampires, they were monsters and now… Tommy was one too. 

After the whole thing , Tommy had moved back to sit on the bed. He had pulled the blankets over himself to try and ward off the cold. It didn’t work. He sat up straighter, his posture tense as Techno walked to and opened the heavy looking wooden door. He felt a jolt of panic and the overwhelming feeling of abandonment. The redhead turned back to him.

“Do you want to come with me?”

Tommy had thrown his legs over the side of the bed and stood to his feet before he had a chance to respond. His socks slid on the smooth floors as he moved to stand beside Techno. There was a tug in his chest that finally settled once the two were near each other once more. Tommy didn’t quite understand it. Did he even want to? No matter if he wanted to understand it or not, he knew he had to be by Techno’s side. He didn’t really want to be with the other, he was a vampire after all. Even if Tommy was one too, Tommy was still the same as he had been human. He had no idea what Techno was really like. But if Tommy wanted to get through this and go home, he would have to try to cooperate, at least a little. Pretend he was okay. Techno didn’t seem too bad so far, he hadn’t acted like Tommy himself had. Maybe he would be okay to be near for now. But it wasn’t just that. There was an innate need to be near him. Tommy had to be near him. 

“Sorry, forgot about that.” Techno murmured.

“About what?” 

Tommy had spent so long learning about vampires. To become a vampire hunter, you had to pass several written exams on vampires. He had passed, he had studied all of those textbooks, yet he was beginning to realise that he knew nothing. The vampires had entered the manor without so much as a knock, without permission. Or maybe they had permission but it wasn’t recent. He had gone out in the sun, he had been kind to Tommy. And he, Tommy… he wasn’t a monster. He was still himself , right? He was still Tommy. He wasn’t a soulless monster that would stop at nothing to tear out someone's throat. No one had taught him how terrifying it was to not breathe anymore. The sense of wrongness that it brought, the emptiness in his chest. No one taught him about how… peaceful it was. He wasn’t scared. It was like everything had drifted away and then he was awake. He didn’t know if he could feel the sadness to mourn yet. Maybe the others had ended up like him, maybe not. After the initial shock, he felt calm. That might be a bad sign. He should be worried. He should be freaking out and trying to leave. But… it wasn’t scary. It just was. All Tommy could hope was that Techno would at least help him a little.

“Nothing.” Techno dismissed. 

“No, what is it?” Someone actually knew this stuff and wouldn’t even tell him! If he found out this stuff, he could tell Tubbo and he could be the best vampire hunter. Oh god, Tubbo. He had promised he would return. He promised he would be okay and he had abandoned him. How was he ever going to be able to see him again? What would the hunters say? Would they tell them he died or would they tell them he was a monster now? Would Tubbo even want to see him? Tommy wouldn’t, if he were in Tubbo’s shoes. 

He hoped they would tell them he died, it would be kinder. 

“I need to get something.” Was all Techno said, ignoring Tommy’s question.

Tommy followed him out to the hall. The place was cold. Candles burnt but they couldn’t warm him. Heavy curtains were pulled across the windows to block out any light and it made the hall all that much dimmer. Tommy stayed close to Techno as they walked. There were a few portraits hung on the walls. One showed a dark haired woman and a blond man, the two were looking down at the bundle of blankets in the woman’s arms and Tommy could see painted curls concealed by it. He would have assumed the baby was Techno but where Techno’s hair was red, the baby’s looked blond. Maybe a sibling. The woman and man didn’t look like Techno though… did Techno even own this house? Did he steal a house? Dear god, Techno stole a house! He stole a house. Tommy was walking around with a house thief! Tommy looked at Techno, he didn’t seem concerned about the previous owners returning to their stolen house. Did he…

Tommy didn’t really want to think about that.

He followed Techno the house thief down two flights of stairs to a basement. The cold seemed to radiate off of the basement. The walls were a chalky concrete and each step creaked worryingly under the slightest of weight. Fluffy cobwebs stretched across the ceiling and bannister and tangled in Tommy’s hair. Techno wandered over to a box in the corner and Tommy awkwardly stood in the middle of the room glancing around at everything. There was an old looking baby bassinet shoved against the wall accompanied by a highchair. Both were covered in a thick layer of dust. The baby must have grown up a long time ago. From the box, Techno pulled out three bags. They were all full of a thick crimson liquid and Tommy’s appetite was both soured by disgust and sweetened by an innate desire for it. Techno just walked back to the creaky stairs and looked back at Tommy to indicate for him to follow. He did. He didn’t want to be in the basement anymore. Techno seemed hardly phased by the bags and Tommy was curious as to how long he had been a vampire. It must have been a while if he was okay eating people. Tommy wasn’t sure how he was going to be able to deal with this for the rest of his life. 

He kept following Techno like a lost puppy. Except he was more like a puppy that had been found on the street and was now not allowed to leave… and was also now a cannibal. 

They were in the kitchen now. The stove surprisingly looked used. Not just from age but it was clean. The whole kitchen was clean. Tommy had never read anything about vampires being able to eat food so he was nothing less than confused. 

Techno busied himself grabbing items from the cupboards and Tommy took the time to look outside.

The door was open and it was bright outside.

The door was open.

Tommy glanced towards Techno, he seemed distracted. He looked back to the open door and walked towards it. There was an emptiness in him that began to grow the further he got. He stepped out onto a patio. His steps were far too loud on the wood. The wind blew across his bloodless cheeks as he looked out to the forest at the door. The trees stood close together concealing the outside world but Tommy knew it could also conceal something in the trees. He could run. He could go. The patio was in shadow so he went closer to the steps and slowly reached out to the sun. He just wanted to feel it again on his skin. He was cold, he was oh so cold. He just wanted to be warm. The sun was bright. The grass around shone with the light. The wood of the supports was warm to the touch. In the sun he would be so warm.

He stretched his hand out further.

Tommy yanked his hand back from the warmth. His hand was burnt red and sore, the worst pain he had felt since he became this . But he was warm. He didn’t feel ice cold anymore. The pull in his chest disappeared.

“That’s not going to work.”

He turned to see Techno but ignored him and stretched his hand out again. 

“He’s not lying, mate.”

Tommy looked up to see a man and a kid. The man was blond from what Tommy could tell. Most of his face was hidden under a wide brimmed hat and he had a cloak over him. A bird with inky feathers rested on his shoulder. There was an emptiness about the man. It was the same emptiness that Tommy felt when he looked at Techno or himself. Tommy didn’t feel the same emptiness about the bird so he figured the man was a vampire. The kid had light curls, the same colour as the man, and looked around ten. He didn’t radiate the emptiness and Tommy knew he was alive. Techno started as if to move to greet the man but stopped himself before he passed the shade the patio was under. 

Once under the shade, the man took off his hat. It was the man from the portrait. Wait, was he going to fight them for stealing his house? It wasn’t Tommy’s fault, it was all Techno! Techno stole it! 

Tommy was too young to… die…

“Phil, hey… he’s awake.” Techno said.

‘Phil’ (what kind of name was Phil? ) let out a fond laugh. “Thanks, Tech, I couldn’t tell.”

If Techno could have flushed from embarrassment, Tommy knew he would have. Phil turned to Tommy.

“Hey, mate, I’m Phil Za. This one’s Chayanne.” He held out his hand to Tommy. The bird hopped down Phil’s arm and pecked at Tommy as he tried to shake the other’s hand. He yanked his hand back and held it to his chest.

“Sorry about him.”

Techno noticeably did not try to shake Phil’s hand but he did Chayanne's. It was the kind of handshake that Tommy could tell was enforced by the kid after seeing other’s do it. The name ‘Phil Za’ felt familiar to Tommy but he didn’t know why. He didn’t know any vampire names so he couldn’t think as to why. 

Wait…

“Phil Za as in Phil Za the vampire researcher?”

Phil let out a laugh. “The very one.”

He was a legend . So much of their information on vampires was from him. He managed to discover things others only dreamed of. He was the reason they knew anything about fledgling vampires. Vampires tended to be protective of their covens so no other researcher could examine the relationships between them. He had reports on vampire families and how they continued. He was incredible… and also apparently a vampire.

And Techno’s friend.

He should’ve thought of that before assuming Techno stole a house.

It wasn’t his brightest moment…

“But I thought you were a human.”

… This wasn’t either. That’s probably rude to ask.

“Well I wasn’t always.”

“Oh.” He felt quite bad now. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright.”

“I’m Chayanne. I’m not a vampire.”

Tommy looked down at the kid standing by Techno. “Uh, hello Chayanne.”

“I’m nine.”

He could see Techno laughing behind his hand. 

“Cool, Chayanne.”

What? He didn’t know how to deal with kids. The last time he had talked to a nine year old he was eleven and it was Tubbo.

“Let’s just get inside out of the sun.” Phil proposed. 

Chayanne wandered in first, followed by Phil and then Techno. Tommy glanced towards the sun again. His hand still twinged with pain but he couldn’t help but want to go out again. He just wanted to be in the sun again.

He went back inside.

Chapter Text

The vampires were nothing like Tommy had been told. By now, he had realised that despite spending so long learning about them, the information he had learned wasn’t exactly… accurate. He knew vampires acted like humans at times- how else would they blend in- but Phil and Techno hadn’t dropped the act. It was strange. 

Phil Za was extremely revered for his vampire research. All of it was revolutionary in the field, he discovered so many things that other researchers could only dream of. Despite this praise though, he was often thought of as… peculiar to be kind. There was almost an appreciation of vampires in the way he spoke of them. There was a quiet respect in how he described his research. The reason? Apparently he was a vampire.. Tommy wondered how long he had been one. It couldn't have been long- his date of birth was known- but he seemed used to it. He seemed content. 

Then there was Techno. Tommy had heard vague mentions of an assistant researcher, maybe that was who Techno was. Or maybe he was the vampire to turn Phil. It was hard to tell. With Phil, at least Tommy knew some things about him but Techno was a total enigma! Tommy didn’t even know his age. Sure, he looked early twenties but he was also a vampire. He could be two hundred and Tommy would have no idea. He didn’t seem two hundred though. Techno could be a master at adapting to the changing society but it seemed unlikely that he’d be that good. If Tommy had to guess, he’d assume that it was a fairly recent change. One hundred years ago at max. If only people spoke like those plays he sometimes saw at home; sharing every detail of their lives in a single conversation (or song depending on which play you saw). Instead Phil and Techno were sharing… small talk. 

Tommy expected being kidnapped by vampires to be more exciting.

Was he being kidnapped? Technically they hadn’t threatened him to stay here. The only reason he couldn’t leave was because of the sun. Or maybe that was why Techno hadn’t cared why he went near the door. This was all so confusing and if he thought about it too much he might tear up. He didn’t want to cry in front of the vampires.

Chayanne sat on one of the chairs opposite Tommy (Chayanne was another enigma), kicking his feet back and forth. He was shoving cereal into his mouth with each kick. Chayanne was apparently the reason the kitchen was in such a lovely condition. Every nook and cranny scrubbed clean, each shelf cleared of cobwebs, neat enough to live in- neat enough to raise a child in. Why was there a child?

Phil and Techno leant against the counters and sipped from wine glasses full of blood. Phil had offered Tommy one but despite how much he craved it, the idea still made his stomach turn. How were they so used to this? Were they used to this? Were they thinking the same things he was as they choked down the thing that kept them alive? Their body language seemed relaxed. A thousand questions swirled in his head and he wasn’t sure which one to ask first- if any.

“Who’s Chayanne?”

Maybe that wasn’t the best first question. There were certainly more important things to talk about. What was he doing here? Could he go home? But no, apparently who the little human child is was more important.

The two vampires turned their attention to Tommy. Two pairs of piercing blue eyes locked onto him. The vampires’ gazes were eerie to say the least. They seemed to bear right through him. 

Phil replied simply. “My son.”

“Oh.” Tommy couldn’t stop himself from further prying. “He’s human.” He really should be asking about the important things but it was interesting. They were so normal. Maybe it was because he was… no… Tommy didn’t want to think about that. The vampires weren’t defensive in front of him and he didn’t want to think too deeply about why. If he thought about it too much, he may break. He didn’t want to break in front of them.

“Astute observation.”

“Techno, be nice.” Phil gently nudged the redhead.

“I’m just pointing out something.” He shrugged. Techno dropped his now empty glass into the sink. “I’ll sort that out later.” He murmured, likely to Phil.

“It’s fine.” Was all Tommy replied.

Chayanne glanced over at Techno, offering his bowl and spoon over. They soon joined the glass in the sink.

Phil turned his attention back to Tommy. “He was already born when I was bit, just a baby at the time.”

“That’s recent.”

“Now you are unbelievable.”

“Techno.” Phil warned.

Oblivious to the current conversation, Chayanne chimed in. “Techno, can you continue the sword fighting lessons?

Techno softened when he addressed Chayanne. “It’s daytime.” There was almost a trace of mourning in his voice. He couldn’t go outside and yet he was awake, was it for Chayanne? Did he stay up so he could greet a child who was free to roam in the sun? If he did, it was sweet. Chayanne was young so he couldn’t be expected to stay up past the sun. The sun was bright and tempting and yet both Phil and Techno were awake.

“Oh.”

Techno chewed on his bottom lip. “We can go upstairs and you can show me how much you’ve been practising in one of the spare rooms.”

Chayanne seemed pleased by that answer. He got up from the table, bounding over to the door and turning back for Techno. He quickly followed after with a small smile as goodbye to Phil. He lingered in the doorway for a moment, glancing at Tommy, before he left. Tommy wanted to go with him. He didn’t know why. He didn’t go, looking to Phil for what to do. Phil’s glass was placed into the sink.

“Do you want to go watch?” He asked.

“Sure.”

Tommy ended up doing the dishes.

He hadn’t been asked, he just needed something to do. He had found a few buckets of water in the basement and after a short conversation with Phil learnt that they were from the well. Tommy had lugged one of them up to the kitchen to clean the dishes. The lukewarm water did nothing to warm his icy skin. He didn’t expect much from it but he wished that it could help a little. He was so cold. Was he going to get used to this? Did he want to get used to this?

The sink water was tinged pink with the remnants of the blood from the glasses. Even the look of it now turned Tommy. It disgusted him. It disgusted him to think that he had wanted that, that he had been so desperate for it. But also… in a way, it made him sad. How many people had been hurt because a vampire didn’t have someone to give them blood? He could have hurt someone. Water dripped down his arms as he put the first glass to the side. They were easy to clean but he was still thorough. It was the first time that day that he had been properly left alone with his thoughts. 

There were so many drifting around his head but out of every thought Tommy had, there was one that stood out the most to him.

How was Tubbo?

How was he ever going to explain this to Tubbo?

Could he ever explain this to Tubbo?

He missed him…

The sink was the only witness to Tommy’s tears.