Chapter Text
Arguing with Emperor Philza of the Antarctic Empire is much like arguing with an entrepreneur. Which is to say that somehow, he dodges and twists everything you use to tear him down, smiles far more than any human being ever should, and ultimately, there is no winning when you’re playing on his home field.
Techno is out of his depth here. All of his restraints might be gone and instead of being surrounded by guards and whoever the Emperor considers allies, he stands in the middle of the Emperor’s office, but he’s no less trapped. There’s an invisible chain stopping him from bolting and Emperor Philza holds it. He knows it too— smiles like he’s already won. Because he has. And with everything he had gone, Techno never had a chance.
Emperor Philza gestures to the cushioned chairs sitting in front of his desk. There’s an empty, polished teacup sitting on a small table in the middle of the two chairs. Techno thinks it mocks him, though he isn’t sure why.
Honestly it feels as though the whole room is mocking him. Reminding him just how far he’s fallen and questioning how far he’ll go. How long it’ll take until he hits rock bottom.
Techno didn’t know he could go much lower after he was betrayed, captured, and carted off to his execution. Of course it had to be Emperor Philza, the man who ruined his life, that would prove him wrong.
“You should sit down.” Emperor Philza tells him. Techno narrows his eyes.
“Is that a suggestion or a command?” It’s a stupid question. He knows the answer, whether or not he says it. The Emperor might be keeping up a good act but Techno knows better. He knows it’s temporary. That he wants something out of him, even if he hasn’t figured it out yet.
This whole situation doesn’t make sense. It’s a trap, no doubt. A complex one, but still a trap nonetheless. Techno will have to watch his step and be careful about applying too much pressure, no matter how badly he wants to get this over with.
Patience. Techno tells himself. You’re still alive, aren’t you? That means something. You can use that.
“A suggestion.” Emperor Philza claims. “You must be tired. Standing won’t help that.”
Tired doesn’t quite cut it. Techno is exhausted— dead on his feet and could feasibly pass out at any moment. Adrenaline might still be keeping him upright but as soon as it fades, Techno knows for a fact that he’ll crash. Sitting down does, in fact, sound fantastic.
And as much as he hates it, Techno has to show some cooperation. He doesn’t have to give into everything. Just enough to be useful or interesting— whatever he wants from him. Whatever it takes to live long enough to figure this all out and spin it in his favor somehow, if that's even still possible.
Stiffly, Techno takes a seat. Emperor Philza beams at that and Techno takes it as a win.
It’s the kind of chair that you sink into too. Techno had to stifle a sudden yawn that comes on and hopes that the Emperor doesn’t notice. He doesn’t need any more weaknesses or vulnerabilities on display. He’s had quite enough of that, thank you.
“The servants are preparing your room. They’re quick, it won’t be long. In the meantime, I thought this would be a good time to talk.” Emperor Philza weaves his fingers together neatly. “I’m sure you have questions. Big changes are being made.”
If Techno could quiet his head down for five seconds so it wasn’t just a flaming pile of garbage, maybe he could think of how to trick the Emperor into revealing what he was really planning. Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to happen so he had to stick to the basics. Understand whatever game he was playing and what Techno’s role was supposed to be.
“I’m staying here.” Techno starts with. “I don’t understand for what purpose. Or why I am in the first place. Am I being executed or not?”
“You’re not. I don’t harm kids.” Emperor Philza answers firmly. Either he’s a good liar or he believes what he’s saying is true. Techno isn’t sure which is worse. “I’m willing to do a lot of things for the sake of my kingdom, but I don’t believe kids should suffer. They have yet to learn who they are— they are the embodiment of change and life. Things my kingdom thrives on. Hurting them would only hurt my kingdom. Not to mention that I have a distaste for those who do, being a father of two. They have no place in the Antarctic Empire.
“As for your other question, since I don’t harm kids and clearly if I just let you go, someone else will pick up your puppet strings and use you to further their own means, you'll need a place to stay where neither will happen. Taking you on myself was the best choice."
The blow of his statement leaves Techno staggering. Before he can think better of it, he blurts out, “Puppet strings?” And immediately snaps his mouth shut when the Emperor’s eyes get dark.
“You said you’re sixteen and I have no doubt you’re being truthful from how young you look. And sixteen year olds should be in school or running around with their friends, not in charge of a terrorist organization. Which means someone put you up to this. And I’d like to know who.”
“Nobody put me up to this.”
Emperor Philza huffs. “You’re protecting them. That would be admirable if it wasn’t so obvious that they were using you as a means to an end. But I won’t force the answer out of you. We’ll discuss it another time.”
Techno doesn’t like the sound of that. Nor does he believe that he’ll keep his promise about not forcing the answer out of him.
Hypothetically, he could give out his mentor’s name. It wouldn’t matter— the Emperor killed him anyway— but Techno doesn’t want to hear his name in his mouth. He doesn’t want to hear his mentor being dragged through the dirt after everything he did for Techno.
He swallows his anger down and as calmly as he can, adds, “You didn’t finish telling me why I’m here or what I’ll be doing.”
Emperor Philza eases. “As I was saying before, you’ll be staying here in the castle with me and my sons. Officially, you will be rehabilitated. Unlearning whatever you were taught that led you to attempting to tear down the keystone that keeps our kingdom together. You’re still young, you can still change.”
His mouth goes dry. “And unofficially?”
Emperor Philza smiles far too wide for comfort. “Unofficially, I will be raising you as one of my own. As another son.”
It’s as if someone just took his brain out of his head, crushed it to bits, then put it back. “I don’t understand.” Techno breathes, attempting to ignore how the walls are closing in on him with each second that passes.
“It’s really quite simple.” It isn’t. “I’d be willing to bet money that you don’t have any parents or guardians in your life. And if you do, you won’t be going back to them after what I’ve seen. So I’ll be taking care of you.” Why? “It’ll be a sudden change— you’ll need time to adjust, I know. I’m a patient man, you can have all the time you need. We’ll introduce you to it all as slowly as we can, yeah?” It still doesn’t explain anything other than the fact that apparently you figured out I have nobody else to turn to.
“Why?” Techno chokes out without thinking. He shouldn’t ask, shouldn’t push it, shouldn’t show him just how scared and confused he is but Techno has to know. He needs to know— it still doesn’t add up— why is his apparent role being the Emperor’s son? What kind of twisted game is this?
“Why?” Emperor Philza repeats with a cocked head. It’s the most bird-like thing Techno has seen him do. “Why what?”
“Why— why your son?”
“Ah.” He chuckles. “I’ve always had a soft spot for kids. I have two of my own after all. And, well, I think Wilbur and Tommy would love another brother. Tommy has been asking about it recently. Who am I to deny him a shot at getting another?”
He doesn’t sound like he’s lying. He likely thinks he can convert Techno to be on his side because he’s young and naive— turn Techno against a cause he once rallied for.
Techno can use that. He won’t be turning against his cause but if he can slowly get the Emperor to think he has, he can spin that to his advantage somehow.
He’s not quite at rock bottom yet.
“I’m still… Confused.” Techno says carefully, deliberately slow. “But it makes a little more sense now.”
“I’m glad.” Emperor Philza purrs. “It’ll be nice to have new blood in the castle. I’m interested in getting to know you.”
“And I you, Emperor Philza.”
A short laugh escapes him. “Please, it’s Phil. You’ll be staying here after all, it’s only fair.”
There’s a dark glint in his eye when he mentions Techno staying. He doesn’t like it— he knows both of them know he won’t be leaving. And he sure doesn’t feel like calling him Phil.
But… He’s sick of the ‘Emperor’ title. It’s meant to hold both power and respect in its very name and Techno doesn’t want to give him either. Philza will do.
There’s a knock at the door. Philza calls for them to enter and someone Techno doesn’t recognize pokes their head through the door. Judging from the uniform, nice but plain, Techno can deduct that they’re likely a servant.
“The room is ready, your majesty.” They bow their head.
Philza’s wings flutter. “Excellent.” He stands, making his way around the desk to stop in front of Techno. He’s quick to get up— even if he isn’t terribly tall, Techno still can’t help but feel small when standing next to Philza. He thinks it’s the wings— dark and imposing. A symbol of death in their own right.
“Follow me.” Philza tells him. Any thoughts of attempting to run as they head to the room are squashed with it and Techno sucks in a breath and nods. His heart pounds in his chest as they exit, Techno walking side by side with him.
Dark wings curl around his shoulders. It feels like a reminder that there is nowhere he can run that Philza cannot follow.
—
The room that’s meant to be his is… Nicer than he was expecting.
The bed is queen sized with plenty of pillows and blankets supplied. The floors have been cleaned, there’s a decent sized window with decorative patterns, and it’s been furnished. Nightstands, a bedroom bench, a bookshelf, an armoire— there isn’t a whole lot of specifics but it’s… A bedroom. One that looks like it belongs to a prince.
Techno swallows thickly at the thought. This isn’t him.
Philza lays his hands on Techno’s shoulders, standing behind him. Techno tenses, waiting for something to happen, but nothing does. He squeezes gently— not nearly enough to hurt— and Techno doesn’t know what to make of it.
“You have your own bathroom as well.” Philza nods at a door he hadn’t noticed before sitting in the corner. “All of this is now yours. Welcome to your new life, Techno.”
Techno doesn’t want a new life. He wants to turn back time and do it right this time— ensure his people’s loyalty, put off starting demonstrations for longer. Hell, he wants to turn back time far enough to stop Philza from killing his mentor and finish him right then and there.
But he’s stuck here, in a room that isn’t his and will never be his.
The hands leave. “How about I give you some time to adjust? There’s books for you to read and a few trinkets around for your leisure. Don’t be afraid to ask for snacks, otherwise food will be brought to you. Wouldn’t want to overwhelm you with a family dinner right away, hm?”
Techno soaks it all in but doesn’t reply. He does know how to.
“Farewell, Techno. I hope you enjoy it.” Philza doesn’t wait for an answer. Instead, the door closes behind him and a telltale click follows, locking him inside.
Techno immediately makes a beeline for the window the moment he can think to move. One touch is all he needs to figure out it's a dead end— it might’ve been molded to look fancy but there’s iron on his windows. He traces its curve and knows that no matter how elegant it may look, a cage is still a cage. His window has been barred to prevent him from escaping, there’s no getting around it. Even if he could break the glass, he wouldn’t be able to climb out. He doesn’t even think he could fit his whole arm through.
Window is out. Door is not only locked but most likely guarded. Techno doesn’t see any other openings he could use.
He knew it wouldn’t be that easy but he still had to look. It’s fine— he just has to work harder. Outsmart Philza by using his apparent ‘Soft spot for kids’ against him.
He can do that. Techno was trained to be better— just because he lost the battle and that he’s alone doesn’t mean the war is over. Philza has declared they play a new game— instead of Risk, it’s Chess. And Techno is the lone king piece on the board, only able to move one square at a time while Philza is an unholy mix of king and queen pieces, holding all the power and if he catches Techno straying too far, able to catch up to him in the blink of an eye.
Which means Techno not only has to move painfully slow, but can’t move too often without ending up right back where he started. He can figure this out, Techno just had to be patient. Figure out the game and play along while secretly making moves of his own.
Maybe he’s clinging too hard to hope but Techno needs it. He needs to know it isn’t over or— or he’ll have nothing. He’ll be nothing all over again and Techno is meant to have a purpose— he needs one like he needs to breathe.
Play the role Philza has given him. Gather information as he goes. Take it all in stride and act natural. Figure it out and play it by the ear.
That’s the plan. Techno has a plan now and he clings to it, reminding himself over and over again that he has purpose. Something he needs to do— something to be in charge of. It isn’t over until he says it’s over.
Techno can make this work. He has to.
—
Phil is well aware of how complicated integration will be. It’s already obvious to him that Techno has apprehensions and resistance towards the idea, and others will likely question his actions behind his back where they think he won’t hear them.
(They are fools. Phil has ears everywhere, in every corner, nook, and cranny in his kingdom. Techno did an admirable job for a sixteen year old kid in creating his little group but it was doomed from the start. Phil had several ins before they made their first public appearance and was well aware it was coming. Him raising the taxes was deliberate in order to drive them out of hiding for him to make his move.
Phil however, will have to have a talk with his informants about what qualifies as important information. They’ve always been good about not making their reports too long but apparently the fact that their leader was sixteen didn’t make the cut. Had Phil known sooner, it would’ve gone very differently. No chains needed— Phil would’ve shown up himself to greet and bring Techno back home.
But alas, it happened the way it happened and Phil will deal with the aftermath.)
There will be several steps Phil will need to take. Assuring the public that Techno is not a threat, instead painting him for what he truly is, a sixteen year old who was forced into a position he shouldn’t have been in; easing Techno into the life of being royalty to get him used to it as he will be a prince for the rest of his life; enough paperwork to drown in; and of course, introducing him to his sons.
There are plenty of other details to go over but those are his main issues. The ones he will prioritize over the rest.
When it comes to a matter of his sons, it will be a very different battle for each of them.
Tommy’s enthusiasm will serve both as his greatest strength and his great weakness. Phil has no doubt he will be ecstatic when he hears the news. He’s been begging Phil for another sibling for months now, to which Phil replied that he and Wilbur were chosen for a reason and he couldn’t pick up any kid off the street. Family was a special thing and if, not when, another joined their family, they had to have that spark in them.
(Wilbur’s spark was curious— he reached towards Phil and gently held his hand as if to tell him that he had chosen him, and Phil was locked in at that moment as his father.
Tommy’s spark was wild— like a living wildfire that couldn’t be put out. He was the one to find Phil and never let go. And in turn, Phil did the same.
Techno’s spark however, was something new. Defiant, determined— strong for sure. And Phil knew better than to let him go after he saw that spark. It has never steered him wrong before.)
Tommy would be happy with a new brother. The issue came with his impatience that was guaranteed to follow. He would want to meet him right away and Phil knew Techno needed time to adjust. He could drag him to every event and family dinner if he really wanted but that would rather defeat the point.
Phil wanted Techno to stay. He wanted Techno to want to stay— to truly become a part of his family. He wouldn’t have a choice on that matter— Phil gave him nowhere to run after all— but if he pushed any further than he already did, something would shatter. And Phil didn’t want to break him. Techno needed to be molded— like dough. Phil was shaping him, he needed time to rest in order to rise.
Tommy could mess with that. Fortunately, Phil knew that Wilbur would not.
Wilbur was never much of a rule breaker when it came to things Phil was serious about. Even if he didn’t place a rule to give Techno a few days before doing the whole ‘Meet your new brothers’ thing, Phil has a feeling that Wilbur would need some himself.
He wasn’t happy at first when Tommy arrived. He avoided the kid like the plague— sometimes hiding out in Phil’s room or trying to get more time with him whenever he could. It was to be expected— he used to be an only child, after all, he was bound to react negatively to having to share his time with Phil instead of being the center of attention. But after plenty of talks with Phil about how he wasn’t being replaced or forgotten, a lot of time for just the two of them laid out, and a whole lot of brotherly bonding, they came around. Thicker than thieves now.
Wilbur was older this time around— only a couple months older than Techno from by his guess— and he knew how to deal with the jealousy better than he did before. It might take him a while but he’s strong. He’ll get through it. He’ll love Techno, just as the rest of them will. They’ll be one big, happy family.
Rapid footsteps approaching with a prolonged “Daaaaaaaaaad” attached makes him smile. He swivels his chair around to face the door just as it bursts open, revealing dialed blue eyes and a mouth full of sharp teeth.
“Dad!” Tommy shouts, arms wide. “Dad— Sam says I have a new brother! Is it true?”
Ah, Sam was the one to tell him. Phil should’ve known, he always had a weakness for Tommy’s puppy dog eyes. No matter, it’s nothing he wouldn’t have found out sooner or later. Tommy is too inquisitive for him to keep something like this a secret for long.
“It’s true.” Phil confirms. Tommy immediately squeals. “But,” he adds, “I need both you and Wilbur to give him some space for a few days while he settles in.”
“Of course, of course— I’m the best at giving space! I’ll stand alllll the way across the room from him!”
“Tommy.” Phil says, a little more stern. “I meant no visits until he’s settled in. None at all, not even checking in.”
Tommy slumps. “But Daaaaaaaad! I’ve been waiting forever to get a new brother!”
“I know you have. Which means you can wait a few more days.”
Tommy groans, loud and undignified. Phil can’t help but snort fondly. “You use that argument against me all the time! I’m sick of it— use something else!”
“Okay.” Phil hums. “How about ‘Because I said so’? Haven’t used that one in a while.”
“That one’s worse.”
“I know.” Phil’s smile fades. “But I’m being serious about this, Tommy. No visiting him, not yet. We’ll be having a family dinner with him soon enough, he’ll just need some time.”
Tommy grumbles. Knowing his son all too well, Phil opens his arms and seconds later, he’s resting his chin on Tommy’s head and gently rubbing his back. Instinctively, his wings curl around him, engulfing him.
Tommy’s clawed hands curl around his shirt, trying his best not to ruin it like he has to many. Not that it would be a big deal, Phil can replace it if he does, it wouldn’t be hard, but Tommy has been working on that recently. Phil is proud of him— he’s come a long way. He was young when he received his traits from Phil and since he didn't inherit wings like Phil and Wilbur did, it was a struggle to figure out what he needed. Phil was prepared for feathers, not fangs and claws. But they were getting better. They would figure it out as a family.
Phil wonders what Techno will inherit. It's a long way off but inevitable nonetheless. It's one of the main identifiers of the Royal Family after all, and Techno will need to fit the part.
“It won’t be long.” Phil assures him. “I understand your impatience— you’re like me in that aspect. Can’t help but cling a little too tightly. But our family is growing, that won’t change. And before you know it, you’ll have a new brother and he’ll be ours.”
“I wanna meet him.” Tommy says, muffled by the way he presses his face to Phil’s shoulder.
Phil chuckles and strokes his hair softly, sifting it through his fingers. “Soon. Just give him a little time. We have all the time in the world— he’s ours now. A part of our family.”