Chapter Text
It took a whole hour for Tommy to finally calm down enough to permiss Kristin calling up the rest of the family.
When they arrived, Kristin keeping a comforting hold on his hand the entire time, he was met with teary eyes and open arms.
Love and warmth in each embrace, in each kiss to his head and forehead.
Forgiveness.
He learned of Kristin being a goddess while the rest of his family was around, even all of his friends with him as well.
The room was much too crowded, and Tommy was so shocked he couldn’t say anything for an entire minute, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Not when he had his loved ones surrounding him.
After that, Tommy was put on potions for another week and forced to remain in bed. But it was more bearable to remain there when there was always at least one person with him at all times.
His friends kept him company with laughter and energy, promising things they could do once Tommy was feeling better.
His brothers would come in, trying to catch up in all the years they missed, trading perspectives and experiences as they snuggled Tommy as close as they could when he would allow it.
Then his parents would find time from their upper duties every day, just to say hello and see how Tommy was doing. Asking him what he had done in the day and if he needed anything before they would simply sit and chatter with him about anything and everything, filling the silence with either boring recounts of their busy days or retelling stories that would make Tommy snort as they talked shit about snooty upperclass people and other royals in the world that were pains in the ass to deal with.
Of course, not everything was work talk, plenty of it was exposing Techno, Wilbur, and Ranboo for doing dumb things and not getting away with them. Embarrassing recounts filled with fondness and love.
Though not everything lasts forever. Change is always bound to happen.
“You’re leaving?” Tommy asked weakly, a lump in his throat as he clutched a cup of juice and potion mixed together.
Ranboo had dropped the news on everyone after three days of Tommy being awake. He had gathered everyone within Tommy’s room, letting them all converse with one another as he nervously shuffled on foot to foot.
Ranboo nodded, “I have to. I can’t leave the End City in the hands of the General. He’s not fit to rule, and the kingdom is rightfully mine. If I leave… that’s risking 500,000 lives being snuffed out. Mine included.”
He had told them all about the end city and what he knew and went though in the time Tommy had been out of it, then he retold it all to Tommy once he woke up.
They knew he had to make a choice.
“I- I’m afraid to mess everything up, I don’t know how to be a king…” Ranboo admitted quietly, “but I need to try. I know that much.”
“Then I’ll help you.” Wilbur spoke up, sending a gentle smile to his brother. “I am quite good at navigating royal talk and conversations. Since Techno and I are twins and unsure who is technically older, we’ve both been learning how to be kings since we were adopted.”
“But you can’t just leave home!” Ranboo protested, “what about mom and dad? What about Techno?”
“Calm down Ran,” Wilbur eased, gesturing the same with his hands. “I’m not saying that I’ll up and leave the empire behind, I just mean I’ll pop in once or twice a week and give you some lessons before heading home again”
“It’s almost a four day journey on horseback Wil, you’d be traveling non-stop.” Ranboo pointed out as he crossed his arms.
Wilbur shrugged, “okay, once every two weeks then, and I’ll stay for a day or two before heading back here.” He held up a finger, “though the End City is quite a mystery. Maybe there’s a way to shorten the distance there and back?”
“Maybe? I have to figure things out from scratch. I’m sure the General will know some stuff, but I don’t really trust him.” Ranboo said, clenching his fist as he snuck a glance at Tommy. “He hurt Tommy badly.”
“Hey, I’ll have you know that the burns have almost fully healed from the amount of potions I’ve been given.” Tommy pointed out, trying to add a more teasing tone to lighten the mood.
“Maybe from the parts you can see, but your back is completely fucked up. The burns are especially brutal there.” Purpled added, sending a light glare at him. “No potion can completely fix bigger wounds like that. You’re extremely lucky your arms and face healed so well.”
“That’ll happen when someone tosses water on you then proceeds to grind their foot into your back.” Tommy said blatantly.
Ranboo winced in sympathy, “that’s exactly why I don’t want to listen to him. In fact, I might either banish him, or take away his rank and make him a citizen. Maybe put him on house arrest so I can keep an eye on him.”
Phil nodded, sending his son a gentle smile, “you’ll make a wonderful king, Ranboo. Since Wilbur needs to go over, I can come along with him some days to visit and also give you a couple lessons in kingship. I need an excuse to get out of here some days, and what better than leaving to help a kingdom in need?”
Ranboo smiled, “thanks dad, I’d appreciate it. Any help I can get is absolutely wonderful.”
“Then I’ll take on training your guards.” Techno joined in, “I’m sure Purpled, Tommy, and myself can whip them into shape and form a decent army to protect you until we find a captain for them.” He scratched his head, “I feel a bit bad, but we did happen to kill quite a bit of them in the fight. There wasn’t really a choice. But I saw more than a few running off to hide instead of fight. We didn’t pursue them, so I’m sure they’re still alive.”
“I believe a lot of them are simply loyal to their king because he was their only guarantee of safety. The General told me that most of them were not huge fans of Gwyar.”
“You’ll need an advisor Ranboob,” Tommy spoke up once more, “someone who is loyal and can get you information that’s both in and out of the castle.” He pointed to Aimsey, “I can’t think of anyone more qualified then Aimsey here.”
Aimsey widened their eyes, shocked at Tommy chucking them out into the open like this
He continued, “Aimsey is incredibly kind and smart. They know a lot about the end and can update you on their customs and rules from what they know. Plus, you can learn from their experience with the shit they went through and reform the laws of the land so that the enderians can be more open-minded and shit.”
Ranboo smiled, “I like that idea,” he turned to Aimsey, “what do you say? Will you do me the honor of being my royal advisor?”
For a moment Aimsey paused, clearly struck with what to even reply with. “I suppose I wouldn’t mind. But if we could talk more about it later so I can understand exactly what the job requires, then I’ll give you a more definite answer.”
“That’s alright, take your time, no rush really.” Ranboo assured, “from what I understand, you are basically paid to be my friend and give me advice about people and customs so I don’t mess things up, but I’m sure mom or dad have a better explanation then I do about it.”
“We’ll go over everything on our way to the End Kingdom. I’d like to accompany you there at the very least if you don’t mind.” Phil said, “I’m uneasy about you being on your own on the road without many guards around.”
“That’d be fine by me, I’ll need help finding the portal to get back up towards the kingdom anyway.” Ranboo admitted, pulling a weird green orb out of his pocket, “the General said that this will lead me there if I toss it up in the air, so I’m just going to have to trust him on that. If he lied, then you guys can just fly me up there, no big deal.”
Aimsey cleared their throat, sneaking over to Ranboo’s side and giving him a coded look. “While we’re all here, I think you should tell them about the thing we were talking about.”
“Really? Now?”
“Only if you’re ready.” Aimsey assured.
It was weird to watch two people have a conversation through looks and blatantly obvious coded language. Was this how others felt when Purpled and Tommy did the same?
Ranboo took a deep breath as though he was steeling himself.
“Aimsey and I have been talking a lot. About uh- what I’m about to say.” Ranboo started nervously, taking up the end of his tail in his hands and messing with the fluff.
Aimsey sent him a supportive thumbs up.
“We all refer to Aimsey with uh- by saying they and them instead of he or she or whatever. I think I'd like the same thing.” Ranboo admitted, biting their lip as silence filled the air.
It wasn’t a negative quiet, just a tad bit either shocked or contemplative.
“Whatever you wish dear.” Kristin said, a proud smile on her face, “you can go by anything you want. I’ll gladly listen and follow.”
“Now I can say I have two siblings instead of one!” Wilbur added, ignoring the funny looks sent his way.
Aimsey scoffed in an obviously amused way, “I already told you that I’m not getting adopted!”
“Don’t remember, didn’t happen.” Wilbur crossed his arms in a child-like way and pointed his tongue at them, “you are my honorary sibling, adopted or not.”
Apparently a lot had changed in the week Tommy had been out.
Turns out that everyone apparently bonded to a point where adoption was being threatened.
“Kristin has tried to adopt us many, many times.” Purpled explained to Tommy quietly, chuckling as he did so. “It’s more of a joke at this point after we said no the first time, but it was very sweet of her.”
“Purpled, you are literally my brother. You are technically adopted in this family.” Tommy pointed out bluntly, taking a sip of his potion juice. “From what I’ve heard this week, Techno and Wilbur already fully accept that you’re their brother, and mom already sees you as her own. You literally can’t deny that you don’t see them as family. I have listened to you rant about them for three days now.”
Techno snorted, pointing at Purpled teasingly, “I told you! Even Tommy knows that you’re family to us by this point, and he’s only been awake for three days!”
“I will kill you where you stand.” Purpled deadpanned, a dark red blush heating his cheeks. Then he looked to Tommy with a glare, “and I will kill you the second you’re well enough.”
“Okay everyone, settle down.” Kristin eased with a giggle, “let’s focus on Ranboo right now.”
She turned her attention back to them, a patient smile on her face. “Thank you for telling us Ranboo, we will all honor your wishes on how you are referred to. My apologies for changing the topic, but I am concerned about your education. I know that Smith was… horrid. But now that you’re a king, you can decide who’s best to teach you and if you want to kick them out or not. I’m sure that your friends and brothers will protect you from facing that same cruelty ever again. However, I will not push you to continue your education. But it would be a great help to know about other kingdoms and laws of their lands as well as etiquette and formalities. I’m afraid your father and brothers won’t have time to teach you everything you should know.”
“I think I have a solution for that…” Purpled muttered, gaining the attention of everyone, “Punz taught Tommy and I everything we know. From fighting to real life stuff we’d need to know. He’s far more educated on the outside of the kingdom than you’d think, but he didn’t teach too much of it to Tommy and I since we’d both get bored very quickly so he’d have to change the subject.” He explained, “and he’s also the one who trained us to fight, he’s more than qualified to teach Ranboo more self-defense and offense, as well as rules and customs.”
“I suppose we’ll see if he’s interested.” Ranboo said, “I think I’d like to go back to learning, I kind of miss having something productive to do in my spare time.”
“Then that settles it.” Phil clapped his hands together, “we’ll ask him, and if he agrees we’ll set off as soon as possible to escort you to the end city.” He looked to Tommy, sending him an apologetic look, “though I’m afraid you need to stay here Tommy. You’re not fit for travel just yet, and I don’t want to risk your condition worsening if we can avoid it.”
Tommy sighed, slumping against the head of his bed with a pout but understanding their concern. “Fine. I’ll stay here for now, but the moment I get the all clear I’m heading towards the End City. I want to see what it looks like without fearing for my life.”
It didn’t take very long for them to gather supplies and be on their way.
Punz had agreed to teach Ranboo and would be joining the group, planning on visiting for half a month at a time before returning home for the rest of the month. It’d be a continuous cycle until Ranboo felt they had learned enough.
Kristin, Purpled, and Tubbo remained behind with Tommy, keeping him company and ensuring that he didn’t try to run off to make his own way to the end kingdom.
Though he really had no reason to, not when Purpled was by his side.
Ranboo traveled back to the End city on horseback with their smaller party, teleporting when they could since their powers were much stronger now that they were connected to the crystal and their hybrid traits were fully unleashed.
Because of it, it only took them two days to reach the kingdom.
Finding the portal was surprisingly easy, the eye leading them to a covered hole in the wall of a small cliff that led into a cavern of old ruins.
A portal filled with the same creepy eye orbs as the one that led them there, and once they pleaded the final eye in a slot left empty, the portal opened with a thunderous crack, creating that familiar inky black filled with stardust.
The General was pleased to see that Ranboo had returned, even when Ranboo flat out told the man that the General would no longer be working in a short while.
Even so, the man showed Ranboo around the castle, and gave them a list of all the remaining guards that survived the battle (Aimsey was quite relieved to find that Sniff was alright, immediately asking Ranboo to recruit them as a personal guard). He even handed Ranboo every one of his personal notebooks, filled with all sorts of information on the past king (whose body was disposed of by now) and even details on rules, customs, regulations, and the distant past of the kingdom, including the founding of it.
Tommy would eventually be fit for travel, and go back and forth between the two kingdoms, spending adequate time with the people he considered family.
Purpled would mostly accompany him, but there were many times were he would remain at either place for an extended period of time to help out where he could.
Ranboo found a way to move the portal within the ruins, moving the teleport point into the Antarctic kingdom so that it could be well protected while their kingdom slowly built itself back up.
For the first time in years, the enderians learned that their entire running system was ruled by a king, which was surprisingly accepted easily, and Ranboo made sure to make time to walk around their new city. Greeting citizens and hearing their complaints and stories to better improve the kingdom as time went on.
One of Ranboo’s first acts was having fences built on the walkways, ensuring more safety for clumsy children and preventing accidental deaths from people tripping off the ledges.
After that they added a public park filled with grass and flowers from the surface, and spent time revitalizing the crop that was specially produced in the end. Chorus fruit became a highly demanded commodity for neighboring kingdoms.
They rebuilt the kingdom brick by brick, creating a space that felt safe and homely for their citizens.
People were allowed to come and go as they pleased, and the portal was reopened to visitors once more.
Ranboo especially made sure to tear down the rules of “cross-breeding” as the king had disgustingly called it. And started to establish trade and relations with nearby kingdoms.
The End Kingdom went from a weak, unreachable city in the sky, to a fortible and desired destination of visit and strong relation.
Because of their relative connection between the Antarctic Empire, they had grown quite the impression of fear and strength. Fear only being a caution as the Antarctic was well known for wiping out an entire army in minutes.
Tommy wasn’t forced to pick back up his princely life. In fact, no one even expected him to.
In the eyes of the public, he remained Tommy, an adopted son of the Empire rulers. But he wasn’t a prince, he was just Tommy.
Even the guards who witnessed Purpled’s confession were sworn to secrecy.
Tommy.
A knight.
A guard.
A mere human who worked within the hustle and bustle of the castle.
He was finally home in a place he desperately missed, back with the people he loved, and the family he gained along the way.
With Ranboo as a rightful king, and Tommy remaining his calmer life of being a commoner, the two finally found themselves happier than before.
They had found comfort in finding their places in life. Like pieces of a puzzle slotting together with a satisfying click.
It was peaceful.
It was calm.
They were home.
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Special thanks to these two comments hidden within Wattpad, who gave me these suggestions! (I didn't put exact quotes, but these are the little bits I put in my notes while writing, which I thought were kinda silly and finding the quotes again was proving to be a bit of a challenge lol)
TechnaTheanimeweeb- PUNZ BEING RANBOOS TEACHER
L0_M1k0- Ranboo coming out as Non-Binary in the Epilogue!!!! HYPE