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Phil had truly thought his years of fatherhood were behind him. Techno was all grown up now. Sure he would always be his son, he would always guide him and give them any advice he would need. However, he thought the actual raising part was over and done with. He were part of the Syndicate now, along with himself and his wife Kristin and other friends - child raising was all done with.
He thought wrong.
It had all started with a vigilante who had declared himself the nemesis of the Syndicate, which was humorous to them all because they did not even count the Heroes as true nemesis - just bugs in their way - let alone a small-time vigilante who only has small time crimes under his heroic belt.
Then, he started to show up everywhere. At every heist, takedown and planned expedition. He would arrive, just before the heroes, and do his best to take them out. Even if the odds were not in his favour.
While it was annoying - they did their best not to hurt him too badly - they assumed he was a young vigilante, maybe late teens. He was on his own and was overall harmless. Honestly, Phil had started to look forward to seeing him, he was quick-witted and funny, amusing the group massively. He was like a pet they kept around for fun. Plus, he was doing something about the crime in the poorer areas - unlike the upstart heroes who were too scared to get their shoes dirty. He had their respect for that too. Sparks was a vigilante to watch out for.
However, everything changed in a single night.
It was a normal night - no heists had been planned. Phil, or Corvid, had simply been flying around when he felt something headed his way, diving down in time to just miss a streak of electricity - glancing down gave him the visual of where it had come from - not that he could not have guessed.
"Really mate? While I'm in the air?" Corvid shouted down - his voice changer kicking in pitching his voice deeper.
"I'm gonna be honest, I was aiming next to you to scare you - I just missed"
He couldn't help but swoop down, landing in front of Sparks -spreading his wings wide
"You missed by nearly hitting me?"
"...Yes"
"...You're full of shit-"
"I AM NOT!" Sparks immediately started getting defensive, causing Phil to crack a smile he knew the guy couldn't see.
"What do you want, Sparks?"
It was like the question threw him off momentarily, before he lifted his fists "To fight, obviously. It's time to take you out once and for all!"
"And how has that worked out for you in the past?"
"I'm better and stronger than that now! I know I can take you out"
This time, Phil snorted "Yeah, sure mate. A gust of wind could knock you over" As if to prove a point - Phil raised his hand and sent a current of wind Sparks way.
Despite what he thought - Sparks kept standing - but something much worse happened.
He would later find out that the mask had been tied in a hurry - the vigilante not double knotting as he usually did. That would change their lives forever.
The wind knocked the mask flying - and both of their eyes went wide.
Sparks visibly looked panicked, not being able to move out of shock.
Corvid felt sick. Spark was a child. His height made him look older - like a late teen - his face gave everything away. He couldn't be older than 15 - curly blonde hair and bright blue eyes - he almost took a step back at how familiar he looked.
"Sparks-"
"You're going to kill me now, aren't you?" The boy's voice quivered.
"What?" All air had left Corvid's lungs.
"You know who I am now, the game is over. I know you guys kept me around for fun-"
"I'm not going to kill you - you're a child! You shouldn't be out here in the first place, where are your parents? What makes you think it's okay to be out at this time at your age?" He felt like he was telling his boys off all over again.
"Wha- I don't have parents you prick. Wait - I shouldn't have said that. Fuck you! You're not the boss of me!" His voice was trying to come out strong - but the fear was thick.
"Kid-"
"I'm not a kid!"
"But you are. We have been hurting a child this whole time, oh my god" Corvid put a hand over his heart, feeling worse by the minute.
"Well...What now?" Sparks shifted on his feet - seemingly confused by Corvids in action following the accidental face reveal "You unmasked me and-"
"First off-" Corvid cut in - finally able to think coherently "That was not my intention. We don't unmask people - that's just fucked up. Two - there is no 'What now' - You're going home and you're going to stop this vigilante shit! Carry on with your regular life!"
"Wha- you can't tell me what to do!" He could see the boy growing angry - but he didn't care. Children should never be fighting crime.
"Oh yes, I can! If I see you fighting crime I'll put you away myself!"
"You're not my dad!"
Not yet, but he could be. He hadn't meant to have that thought - but he couldn't help it. A young boy with no parents fighting crime? Someone had to step up.
"Don't take that tone with me" He scolded, causing genuine shock and confusion on Sparks' side.
The boy picked up his mask - reattaching it. "I'm going home, but not because you told me to! Weird old geezer!"
He held up a middle finger - and waited a few beats for any retaliation, before sprinting away.
Giving the boy a few minutes headstart - and himself time to recover from whatever the fuck that all was, he shot back up into the sky and discreetly followed the boy home. He knew that was wrong, but he figured this transcended any ethics codes - he was a child fighting crime, and Phil was allowed to make sure he got home.
The no-parents thing turned out to be the truth, as he watched Sparks clamber up some old shed and climb through a window of Clara's Home for Displaced Children.
An Orphan vigilante.
As much as he tried to ignore it, he knew a plan was brewing in the back of his mind as he flew back to base. One he would have to sit down and talk about with his wife.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When he got back to base - after circling it a few times to get his thoughts in order - he was confronted by Tubbo almost immediately.
"Where have you been?"
"Out - flying, look Tubbo can you get your laptop for me?"
Tubbo looked confused nodding "Yeah of course, Why?"
"You're a really good hacker right?"
"Well yes, obviously- why? what are you up to?"
"I can't say much right now - I just need you and I need Kristin."
He didn't push further - noticing the state Phil had gotten himself in. He turned and headed down the corridor where he and Sunny lived - a kid he had taken under his wing.
Phil kept heading straight for the common area of their base - his eyes zoning in on Kristin who looked startled at his appearance.
"I expected you to be out much lat- Phil what happened?" She had always been able to pick up on his emotions quickly. He walked over and wrapped her in a tight hug - keeping her close.
"Phil?"
"We need to talk," He whispered lightly.
"Okay, we can talk." She whispered back, reaching up to stroke his hair before pulling away. They ignored the glances everyone else shot at them, only stepping away once Tubbo entered the room.
"Right, got my laptop, what is it that you wanted me to do?" He sounded confused, which was about right because it was rare for Phil to ask for him to hack due to his age.
"Tubbo, come with me and Kristin - you're not in trouble. I need your help."
He could feel the rest of the Syndicate's eyes now boring into them - but none of them asked questions - they knew they would have answers freely given to them in due time.
Once the door shut, he turned to Kristin and Tubbo "What I'm about to say cannot leave this room yet, okay?" The pair nodded, and Phil continued.
"After a brief confrontation today - Sparks mask came off on accident," They both gasped, Kristin covering her mouth and Tubbo blinking. "With that I discovered something horrifying. Sparks… he's a child."
"Where are his parents?" Kristin Exclaimed, pulling at her black hair "Are they not watching him?"
"That's the thing, he's an Orphan. He's living in a group home - that's where you come in Tubbo."
"Let me guess, you want me to find out exactly who he is?" He sounded sceptical.
"Whatever for? We have rules Phil we can't-"
He placed his hands on his wife's shoulders, smiling slightly at her "I know my love. I don't intend to hurt him… but it's why we need to talk."
Kristin, always quick to put things together, gaped at him "Are- are you serious?"
"I am deadly serious. He won't stop otherwise. He's a child he should be at school and playing with friends - not stopping crime in the middle of the night! And there is only one way to stop that…"
"What will Techno say?" She sounded worried, but Phil could tell she had already been thinking the same thing.
"I don't know, but he doesn't live with us anymore. We will speak to him, of course, but we have been talking about what to do with the spare rooms for ages - at least we can fix one and help a child at the same time-"
A cough came beside them, Tubbo holding his laptop awkwardly. "Sorry to break up what I think is happening, I won't tell a soul don't worry, I need some information before I can find this kid."
"Oh, right. He's about your age if I had to guess Tubbo, Blonde hair - blue eyes… I think he lives at Clara's home for displaced children-"
"That's perfect. Just give me a few seconds… and… Oh"
Tubbo turned the computer around to face Phil - and he was staring into the same blue eyes as before.
"That's him…. Theseus Innit? That's a fancy name." He looked at his age, 15 just like he had thought. Same age as Tubbo and Ranboo. According to his file, he had been in and out of homes since he was dropped off as a toddler.
"Phil… He looks so much like you." Kristin teased, looking closer at the screen "He looks so sad-"
"There's one more thing-" Tubbo said awkwardly before tapping a few keys "He comes as a package deal…"
When he turns the screen around and they come face to face with another child. This one is much younger, around 7 years old. He had black hair cut to his shoulders and bright green eyes. He was cute, and from Kristin's expression, he knew she felt the same.
"It looks like they were in a foster home together - but were sent back to the Orphanage. Theseus has refused to be separated from him since and vice versa - stopping a lot of adoptions from happening. Say's here that a child psychologist strongly recommended against separating them." He handed the laptop over to Phil and gave him a small salute.
"I can kinda figure out what's potentially happening here… so I'm gonna go. I feel weird listening in. I'll keep my mouth shut!"
"Thank you Tubbo, tell Niki that I said you can buy anything you want on the Syndicate card."
That was enough for the young boy, who cheered in triumph and dove out the door shutting it securely behind him. He deserved to be rewarded after all.
He turned to his wife once Tubbo had gone "Two kids. Another two. What do you think?"
"Well, it would give us a leg up on Spark. He can't fight crime if he's grounded can he?" She joked, nudging him.
"That's true, I didn't even think of that part!"
"Of course, you didn't. You saw a kid putting himself in danger and freaked out. This is a big choice, Phil. Do you think we could raise them, do we tell them?" She looked worriedly back at the screen, flicking between the two pictures of the boys.
He thought for a second "I think we could do it. I think we did a great job with Techno. I think this kid is crying out for help in a destructive way - I don't want to ignore that. Telling them… yes. Maybe not the younger one just yet - but Theseus would deserve to know. I never lie to my children."
"What if he decides to hand us in once he knows? Do we have a contingency for that?"
"I think that's where trust comes in. We have to prove that despite the fact we are known as villains - they are safe here. That we won't hurt them and they can live normal lives with us." He reached out and grasped her hand "I want this - I didn't realize how much I hate having an empty nest until I thought about this."
She looked into his eyes for a few seconds, before closing her eyes and leaning onto his shoulder "Me too. I miss having children running around. What do we tell Techno?"
"The truth - all of it."
"I'm glad we agree on this, however, if they react badly -"
Phil kissed the top of her head, smiling "I don't think they will. Besides, I feel like we could win them on the idea."
Kristin's face broke out into a wide grin "So we are doing this then? Taking in two more sons?"
"Yes, Yes I think we are."
She pulled out her phone. "Well, I guess it's time to call our lawyer to get this process going." She clicked on a name and put it on speaker phone - it was only a few rings before the call was answered.
"Hello?"
"Quackity, we have a job for you."
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The silence was deafening as Techno stared at his parents. Phil and Kristin had just told him their plan to adopt two children - so maybe giving him a chance to process was best.
"Okay" Techno shrugged "I mean, it's not like they are living with us. I can get used to having two new brothers - just don't ask me to babysit."
They were expecting that kind of response from the pink-haired man. He lived in a studio apartment with his dog floof and always came over on the weekends for dinner. He wasn't the one they were worried about - Techno could adapt to anything.
"What?"
"Yeah, I mean - I noticed you two sending me sad looks whenever I went home. I figured you were dealing with empty nest syndrome. This is the best and easiest solution to fix that. I mean, you half-adopted Tallulah already. She was supposed to be with an adoption agency two years ago - now shes the Syndicates combined child."
"You're right, the house is so lonely now that you are gone. Theseus and Chayanne need a home, and we have two open rooms. Plus, Chayanne is Sunny and Tallulah's age - wouldn't it be nice for them to have another kid to play with that's their age? We have done the adoption thing before with you when you were barely older than Chayanne. It's not new to us."
"The situation sounds delicate just... make sure you know what you're doing with Sparks. He could be a flight risk..."
Kristin beamed at her eldest. "We will."
After a few seconds, he nodded "Fine. Let me know when they are coming so I don't turn up randomly and let me know when they are ready to meet us all. This is going to be harder than when you brought me home - the whole family are full-fledged villains, and it won't be easy to deal with."
Phil laughed "Oh we know - and we are prepared to take on the challenge."
"Enough sappiness - show me my new siblings will you?" Techno joked, and the tension lifted from the table.
Telling their son? Check
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next Step: The first meeting.
Claras turned out to be a half-decent home, that wanted potential parents to meet the children at least once before an adoption instead of just sending them off.
Kristin and Phil had dressed the part of their civilian personas - a rich couple who dealt in real estate. Phil's wings were bound uncomfortably behind his back - but sacrifices had to be made. Being rich in and out of the syndicate helped with almost everything - including adoption.
They were greeted by Clara herself at the door - who beamed while shaking their hand.
"Hello, Mr and Mrs Craft! It's a pleasure to meet you!"
"It's nice to meet you too!" Kristin took the lead.
"I'm so happy you have requested to meet both boys, so many people make a fuss when we refuse to separate the boys."
Phil frowned "Why do they try?"
She smiled sadly. "A lot of people want a cheerful little boy without the teenager, I'm afraid."
"Well, that's not us." Kristin confirmed, "We want them both."
"Music to my ears. Come along, they are in the pink room. That's the room where potential adoptees and adopters meet and talk. We won't be in the room, but there are cameras for the safety of the children. It records footage - but no audio. I trust that won't be an issue?"
Perfect, they could say what they liked. "No, there is no issue."
They walked down a bright corridor - covered in children's drawings and photos - Phil made a mental reminder to donate some funds to the place - it was rare to find a home so dedicated to looking after children.
After another minute, Clara leaves them in front of the door with the promise of coming back within an hour. After squeezing one another's hand, they enter the room together.
The Pink room lives up to its name, with more paintings covering the walls and toys covering the floor.
They spot Chayanne playing with a fake kitchen set, seemingly having a great time. Theseus was sitting nearby at a table, fidgeting with his hands. When the door opened, both heads turned to face them, but neither made a move - simply staring awkwardly.
Luckily - they planned for this. Kristin walked over to Chayanne, kneeling on the floor, and began to ask questions about what game he was playing. Phil headed over to Theseus, taking a seat opposite him.
"Hello, mate."
Something flashed in Theseus' eyes, causing him to sit up straighter - but his face hardened slightly.
"Fancied playing the hero?" The boy huffed "I have seen you rich types before, coming in here and taking children to do a 'good deed' - only to get bored and drop us back off later."
"Well, adoption is more permanent in my family. I and my wife have adopted a son before - this isn't new to us."
Theseus seemed to process this information. "Well, we come as a package deal. Chayanne is a cute kid, but you have to take me too - you know that right?"
Phil smiled at the boy's protectiveness "We know - we want both of you. There isn't one we want more than the other."
His face scrunched up "Why? That makes no sense. No one takes a teenager just because they want to."
He shrugged "Maybe there is more to it - but the bottom line is that we want to give you and Chayanne a good home. One where you can come home and have three meals, a roof over your head, where you can have friends over and be a child."
Theseus scoffed "Who says we aren't being children right now? That's rather pre-sump-pious of you."
"Well, I would be shocked if you weren't secretly taking on more - you have that kind of spark in you"
He hoped at this point Tubbo had hacked the feed and had a video looping - as Theseus immediately straightened up and paled.
"I thought-"
"What? That I had forgotten?"
"Corvid-"
Phil placed a finger against his lips and shushed "It's Phil here mate. How about we calm down, yeah?"
The boy's eyes flashed to his brother, who was still happily playing with Kristin - unaware of the conversation going on behind him.
"I thought you didn't hurt kids - leave Chayanne out of it." His voice pleaded and Phil's heart broke. "I'll come with you and won't argue and take any punishment the syndicate wants to give me plea-"
Phil couldn't bear to hear anymore, reaching out and placing both hands on the boy's shoulders "Slow down. Nothing's going to happen to you and Chayanne."
"But you're villains"
"Villains, not monsters."
"Then why are you here? I could call for help, you just exposed your face to me I could tell everyone your identity!" It sounded like he was trying to bargain, to negotiate.
"But then you won't hear our offer. How about we talk calmly and civilly?"
Theseus said no more - but the anxiety came off him in waves. Phil suddenly wondered if Chaynne even knew about Theseus' powers - or if that was a well-guarded secret on his end.
"...Fine. I'll listen - and then I'll decide whether or not to call the police"
Funny kid - thinking they hadn't already bought out the police.
"A child your age should not be fighting crime. You are putting yourself at so much risk. You said I can't tell you what to do 'cause I'm not your dad - so really you gave me this idea. Now, I know you want to say no - having a villainous family probably isn't what you want as a heroic vigilante. Nor do you likely want to stop-" yet he thought " - However, I think above all that, you want to protect Chayanne and make sure he's happy. I'm not sure how you being a vigilante fits into that ideal - but we will get around to it I'm sure."
Phil smiled slightly before continuing. "We want to give you and Chayanne a good life. Pay for the best schools, best trips, best gifts - eventually pay for college. Me and Kristin have been right empty nesters since our eldest moved out."
Theseus looked conflicted, between almost glaring at Phil and sending sorrowful looks at his brother.
"You could be lying to me, this could all be a ploy to get me back. Hold my brother against me so I can't take you guys out once and for all. You're villains and you're evil. There is no reason for me to trust you."
"...Do you want me to be honest with you kid?"
"Yes."
"If we wanted you dead we would have killed you by now."
"Phil" Kristin hissed behind him - but he kept eye contact with Tommy the entire time.
"We wouldn't do all this if our end goal was to get rid of you, we would just do it. However - that isn't our goal. Our goal is to keep kids like you off the streets. Do you know how horrified I was to realize we have been fighting a child this entire time? How the rest of the syndicate were also horrified? We don't hurt kids" He stressed again.
"Okay - say if I believe you. You could have just told the police or the heroes - why try and adopt me and my brother? Control?"
"No, definitely not. I refuse to put a child in a situation like that - it's not for control either. Is it so hard to believe that we simply do not want a child fighting criminals?"
"Yes. You're Villains."
"Well maybe in due time you'll understand why we are. For now, you have about a week to think about it before the adoption goes through and you come home with us."
"And if I say no? And me and Chayanne stayed here?" A very challenging child - Tubbo was going to love him.
"Well, I guess every night I'm going to have to go out and manually keep you off the streets and you deprived yourself and your brother of a very good future." Or we just kidnap you, but that's Plan C.
"That's such- fuck you, man!"
"You have a foul mouth, don't you Theseus?"
"Tommy. Don't fucking call me Theseus."
"Okay, Tommy - remember to think about it okay?" Phil couldn't help but admit that even though Tommy Innit was stubborn, challenging, and a spit-fire - he was already as fond of him as when he was simply Sparks - if not more.
"...Fine."
"Oh, and don't bother going to the police - they won't believe you."
"Well, that figures."
As if like clockwork, Clara popped her head back in. "That's time up for today! Is everything alright here?" Her eyes went straight to Tommy, searching for something in his face.
"...Just peachy." He said through his teeth.
"But I didn't get to talk to Phil," Chayanne whines - looking up at the man. Phil felt himself melt under his big green eyes.
"Next time mate, I'm sure I'll see you again soon." He ruffled the boy's hair and he lit up. Oh yes, he's fond of this one too.
Kristin quickly walked over to Tommy - introducing herself to Tommy and telling him that she hopes to speak to him soon too before linking hands with Phil and walking through the door. Phil could feel burning blue eyes follow him out - only leaving him when the door shut.
They only make it a few steps before Clara turns to them "So?"
They smile at each other. "If they want to come with us, we would happily take them home."
He had never seen someone so happy in that moment than Clara.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It had been a few days since Phil and Kristin had been to the home and everything was moving ahead slowly. Tommy still had a few days to say no - but Phil had a good feeling.
Every night he had been out flying, keeping his eyes out for the boy playing hero - but was yet to spot him. Well, until that night anyway.
He was soaring above some warehouses when he spotted a familiar figure below - sitting on the rooftop and watching the horizon line. He immediately swooped down, his feet crunching on the gravel as he landed - Tommy didn't even turn to look.
"What? Can't a guy stargaze anymore?"
"Not if it's past your bedtime."
"You're not my dad" The same line as before - but there was a different tone to it this time. More solemn.
Phil walked slowly over, taking a seat next to Tommy and looking out at the stars too. "I don't have to be a dad. There's no obligation to call me that."
The boy scoffed, "I know that. Obviously."
"...You haven't no to Clara."
"You promised Chayanna a good life - I won't take that from him, but I won't leave him either."
"We promised you both a good life."
"I only care about Chayanne."
"Then we will care about you."
Tommy sniffed before wiping his nose with the back of his hand. "Chayannes is more important - I have to protect him."
There was something more going on - something Phil didn't know about. "What do you mean Tommy?"
"It doesn't matter-"
"Well if we are going to be looking after you and Chayanne - it probably does," He waited a few seconds, but Tommy stayed silent " Is it why you started all this? Running around being a hero?"
"...I had to train."
Phil placed a hand on the boy's shoulder "Why?"
"...Because Chayanne's dad is a villain too - and when he gets out he will want him back. Chayanne deserves better!"
"Did- did he hurt Chayanne?"
Tommy shook his head quickly "No! Nothing like that. Missa - he loved Chayanne! And me! But… he wasn't able to take care of us properly - he had to keep going away all the time and then he got arrested and - I can't let Chayanne get sick like that again."
Ah. It was like the puzzle pieces pulled themselves together in front of Phil. Phil knew of Missa - he was a con man/hit man and had worked with the syndicate many times before - he hadn't known he had a child.
Tommy became a vigilante to keep Chayanne from Missa - a heartbreaking idea.
"Then why consider letting us take Chayanne and yourself?"
"Well -you're rich. So he's going to be looked after in some way even if it's a nanny. Plus, you're stronger than Missa so he can't take Chayanne away if you are looking after him! Don't think I'm making things easy, I'm not going to roll over and become some perfect golden boy!"
"Thank god for that"
"I'm going to be loud and annoying-"
"Of course."
"-and I'm going to keep fighting crime-"
"Debatable."
"-and I will not become a villain!"
"Well, not every child has to join the family business"
"Why are you so weird?"
Phil threw back his head and laughed. "I'm not sure - maybe you will be able to tell me?"
Tommy huffed. Standing back up. "I'm going back to Clara's. See you Friday old man."
"See you Friday" Phil nodded, and he watched Tommy take off. He waited for a few beats before following him - making sure he did return to Claras. The instinct of wanting to make sure your children are safe never goes away.
Phil started his flight home, already planning on buying a van in preparation for a trip to IKEA.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moving in day had been an… experience.
Both children had been picked up at 9 am sharp - suitcases in hand that Phil and Kirstin had bought for them. They had brought them straight to the house to drop the cases off and show them their rooms before carting them straight off to Ikea.
The Ikea trip had been… eventual. Chaynne seemed to think the whole place was a hide-and-seek play area - causing the other three to scramble around opening every cupboard and trying to find him. It eventually resorted to Phil piggybacking Chayanne around - both to entertain him and keep him close by.
(Phil could have sworn he saw Tommy's mouth move into a smile and whisper words to his brother followed by Chaynne making a run for it.)
The trip was… exhausting.
Chayanne was more than happy to pick furniture out - immediately picking a fake kitchenette like they had seen back at the home, a bed with a ladder and many other pieces of furniture with various themes. There was no rhyme or rhythm with what he chose - no one style he stuck to. It was a mishmash of everything the kid liked and that was fine with them - it was his room after all.
Tommy was another story - getting him to choose anything was like pulling out teeth. He didn't ask for a thing, always having to be convinced to choose something. He looked a little too long at a Blahaj and Phil dove for it and shoved it in the cart.
Eventually, they had everything they needed and were heading to the checkout before going to the cafeteria when Phil noticed Tommy was staring at something. When he followed his gaze, he saw the boy was staring at the plant section - with an odd look in his eyes.
He turned to his wife and spoke softly "Hold on, I think I finally found something Tommy wants. Think you'll be able to keep Chayanne distracted for a few minutes?"
She also looked over to where Tommy was staring before nodding "Of course - the candles are just over there. I'm sure I could make a game out of it" She took the cart and Chayanne's hand and headed the opposite way.
Phil could see Tommy turn to follow and shake his head "Come on mate - let's look at the plants."
"What - no we don't have to"
"But I want to - and I think you do too."
"Well it's not necessary-"
"Not everything has to be necessary or has to have a purpose. Some things you do just for fun - that's just a hobby. If everything had to have a reason more than 'it's fun' then that would be boring."
Tommy looked at him like he had spoken another language before nodding slowly "...Right."
"Look at it this way - Chayanne has gone ham with what he wants -which is perfectly fine - but you have been… not so crazy. How about we make up the difference here and liven your room up with plants?"
"... I don't know-"
"I will randomly start picking things up."
"Fine! I'll pick a few things out."
Phil couldn't stop the grin on his face. They walked around the area - Tommy picking up various succulents, spider plants, a venus flytrap, flowers - each time looking at Phil's face waiting for… Phil didn't really know what. He had found a trolley abandoned and had unloaded all the plants into one.
"Anything else?"
"Phil - I have a small garden in that trolley. Why didn't you say no?"
"No to what? Plants? Why would I say no to plants?"
"Well I picked up so many-"
"Kid- it's the first thing you have wanted all day. I would have bought a small greenhouse if you had wanted. Actually - that's not a bad shout." He turned around with Trolley and headed towards them - Tommy trailing after him, trying to convince him it was a bad idea.
By the time they had paid for everything and sat down in the canteen with Swedish meatballs - Phil had bought every plant Tommy had put in the trolley for his room, plus a small greenhouse, pots, soil, tools, seeds - anything Tommy would need to start a small garden.
Phil had to admit - he was rather pleased with himself (Even Kristin was surprised with how much he had bought - but told Tommy the greenhouse would look beautiful next to their koi pond.)
Tommy seemed to be in a state of shock - slowly eating his meatballs and looking at his collection of plants. While he could see the boy's apprehension a mile away - he could also see something else in his gaze - something that let Phil know he had done a good job.
After finishing their meals (And buying Chayanne some of the Swedish sweets they always put at the very end) They headed back to the house.
It was about 2 pm once they got back and had unloaded the van - Chayanne had started to get tired - so Phil had put him down for a nap in their bedroom. An hour should be enough so he could still sleep through the night.
He headed downstairs and spotted Kristin and Tommy - sipping hot drinks at the table. It was quiet - but not tense, which was a relief.
The issue was - there was so much furniture to put together that it would take the three of them hours to put it together. Phil had been hoping to invite some of the others to come around to help. Only, however, if Tommy felt comfortable.
He approached the situation like he knew Tommy would appreciate it - no dancing around it.
"Since there are so many boxes, I was thinking of inviting some of the family to come over to help put it together. Would that be okay with you, or would you rather it just be us?"
Tommy looked up surprised, "I thought I would be putting it up?"
"Why would you be putting it up alone?"
"Because it's mine?"
Kristin blinked "We will deconstruct that thought process another time. We thought we could invite our other son and some friends over to make sure it got done today and then have dinner. That way you get to meet everyone. However, it's down to you with what you're comfortable with. It has been a long day for you."
"Uh - I…" It was like he was struggling to comprehend what Kristin was saying.
"How about." She started again "We tell you everyone we want to invite and you decide then - would that be easier for you? We can ask Chayanne too when he wakes up."
"...That would be easier," Tommy admitted sheepishly.
"Well, We would invite Techno - that is our other son and he's been wanting to meet you both. Tallulah would also be coming, she prefers to live in a... different building with everyone else, but she may move in here at some point too - she's about Chayanne's age. Then, Niki and Jack, are some close friends of ours and are very good at putting things together. They would probably bring along Tubbo and Ranboo - who are maybe a year older than yourself! That is everyone we would invite. What do you think about that?"
"Are they all in the Syndicate too?"
Phil was surprised it had taken Tommy so long to ask a Syndicate-based question. "Yes, they are. Well - except the children. Tallulah is far too young, Tubbo is interning with another member right now but is not officially a member and Ranboo is Niki's brother. We don't take on anyone under 18"
"So you have some morals then?"
"A handful."
He knew Tommy's leg was bouncing - but did not look at it. He assumed it was a nervous tic of some kind.
"I think they all seem…fine. I have to meet them anyway, so I might as well get it over and done with now. At least that way I have names to faces when I hand you over to the police."
Phil choked on the drink he had made himself, but Kristin smiled and nodded.
"That sounds perfectly reasonable to me."
Phil put the mug down "Well then, I'll get to calling around"
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Everyone was available to come around - and after checking with Chayanne (Who seemed overjoyed when Tallulah was mentioned) - the time was set for 4 pm that afternoon.
It was just after 3 when Phil went in search of Tommy - finding him outside looking at the instructions to the greenhouse. He had dragged it outside next to the koi pond -right where Kristin had suggested.
He walked slowly over, Tommy becoming aware of his presence, and kneeled next to the boy - also looking over the instructions.
"Trying to get a head start?"
"No - trying to clear my head."
He looked at the boy worried "If you're not ready we can cancel-"
"It's - It's not that for fucks sake."
Phil was confused "Okay - then what is it?"
Tommy just looked at him blankly "Are you serious?"
"... I'm growing more confused"
"UGH!" He grabbed one of the Allen Keys and threw it on the floor.
"Okay mate, calm down. Use your words-"
"This- this is just not what I was expecting and it's freaking me the fuck out."
"How about you tell me what you were expecting? Because I'm trying to make sure I understand you-"
"THAT! What you're doing right there! The comforting, the calm words, and patience! It's fucking weird! You're villains - why aren't you acting like it? I should be locked in my room or a cell being punished for going against you - not being given plants and choices! It- I'm so -"
"Is it confusing you, Tommy?" Phil asked softly, "That we aren't treating you horribly?"
He nodded "I thought - that's what we agreed-"
"No. That's what you expected. We never agreed or planned to treat you that way. Listen to me, alright?"
Tommy turned to him - tears forming in his eyes - confusion and panic evident.
"There was never a plan to get back at you or punish you. That was never in the cards - especially when I found out you were a child. When we found out you had no family but Chayanne we knew we wanted to take care of you. Not just because you're a kid, but because Spark was so reckless we considered taking you in back then because we were worried."
He took a breath before continuing "You are under our care - which means we look after the both of you. Not one or the other - both. You will get 3 meals a day, any snack you want. Anything you ask for you will more than likely get. You'll get new clothes, you'll go to school and you will build your own life without having to worry about anyone else. That was our plan the whole time."
"But-"
"I know the whole Villains thing is throwing you off - since you only ever knew us when we were being the syndicate - but we have rules. Certain morals we follow. We go against the government and the hero association because of how corrupt they are - not because we like chaos and destruction like they try to push. In due time maybe you'll understand that. For now - all that I care about is that you recognize you're safe here. We won't hurt you - if that takes time for you to understand, then that's okay. We can wait."
Tommy was freely crying now, wiping away his tears furiously. Phil wanted to bring him close and comfort him, but that may be too much for the boy right now. Instead, he stayed kneeled next to him - offering his presence as some form of comfort. Once the other blonde had finished wiping his tears away - he looked at Phil with a new look.
"...Will you help me build the greenhouse before anyone else arrives? I want to at least put the plants in here so they don't get in the way…"
"Of course kid. How about you tell me what to do, I'll follow your steps." He hid a double meaning in his words and knew Tommy had picked it up when a small smile appeared on his face.
"Okay - well, we need to start with this piece…"
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By the time people started to arrive, Tommy and Phil had somehow, miraculously, put the greenhouse up. It had been confusing - and at one point Phil had been tempted to join the fish - but they had managed it.
It wasn't a big greenhouse - no bigger than a shed - but the joy in Tommy's eyes was all worth it. The smaller plants like the succulents would stay in Tommy's room - while the plants he planned to grow and the larger ones would be placed in the greenhouse.
Tommy had just placed the last pot in the greenhouse when the doorbell went - as if on queue.
"You ready?"
"I'm not scared of some second-rate villains" Tommy rolled his eyes, his attitude much different than earlier.
"Alright mate - if you say so. Let's head inside."
The two made their way to the living room - where Chayanne had already dragged Tallulah into doing a puzzle with him. His heart warmed at the sight of the two getting along almost instantly.
Techno and Niki chatted away to Kristin, keeping an eye on the kids. Phil coughed to get their attention and opened his mouth to speak - but didn't have a chance to as Niki cut in from behind.
"Oh my god is this him? Look at him Techno he's such a baby"
Oh god - here they go.
"AYE! I'm not a fuckin baby. I'm 15, I'm basically an adult!"
"In what world are you an adult?" Techno spoke - joining in on the teasing.
Tommy turned to him "I hate your other son, Phil, I think you should get rid of him."
Other son. That made Phil smile "Sorry mate, but we need to extort as much labor out of him as we can first."
"Then we can get rid of him?"
"Yes of course"
"Phil!" Niki interrupted - looking betrayed. "I'll take Tallulah home-"
"No, you won't, I haven't even seen her yet" Phil turned around and went over to the younger children and knelt, brushing Tallulahs back. "You're not gonna say hi to you abuelito?"
She whipped around, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Hello, Abuelito! I'm doing this puzzle with Chayanne! Look!"
He did indeed have a look, recognizing it as one of the ones Chayanne had picked out while shopping.
"Very nice. Have you met Tommy yet, Tallulah?"
She shook her head "No, you just came inside with him."
"Would you like to?"
She nodded and he turned around to get Tommy's attention - only to realize he was arguing with Techno. He panicked for a second - thinking it was becoming heated - when he noticed the two smiling as they bickered. Play Fighting - like actual siblings.
He knew Techno and Tommy would get along far too well. Niki looked on, already tired of the two's antics.
"Oi! You little shits. Stop arguing." The duo looked over at him. "Tallulah would like to meet Tommy."
Tommy immediately snapped out of his arguing stance, looking at the little girl and smiling. It was clear Tommy was used to dealing with children, as he walked over slowly and kneeled.
"Hello there," He said softer than Phil had ever heard him - shocking even him. Kristin giggled behind the rim of her cup. "My name is Tommy. I like your skirt, it's very pretty!"
She clambered out of Phil's hold and walked over to stand in front of the boy - her smile shy. She looked up to Niki who gave her a nod before meeting Tommy's gaze.
"Thank you, Tio! My Papa got it for me. Are you going to be staying here forever?"
Tommy blinked at her straightforwardness "Uh - We haven't decided yet."
"I hope you do. I like playing with Chayanne. I want to play with you too!"
Phil knew she had captured Tommy's heart already.
"Well, once we have finished putting the furniture together, I'll play with you, how's that?"
She grinned wide, launching into the boy's arms "Thank you Thank you!" She pulled back and raced back over to Chayanne, rejoining the puzzle task.
Niki looked at him with a shit-eating grin. "Tio huh?"
"Oh fuck off-"
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tommy meeting Tubbo and Ranboo for the first time was like putting three golden retrievers in one room and they have to figure out which one is actually a terrier - so they all stand staring at each other in apprehension.
(Spoiler - the terrier is definitely Tubbo)
Surprisingly - It was Ranboo who broke the weird energy surrounding the three. Ranboo had bet Tommy he couldn't put up the wardrobe before Ranboo did the desk resulting in a race Tubbo had decided to referee. The adults had left the room to put together Chayanne's bed and dressers - only to return to Tommy strapped to the desk chair they had bought and was being spun around yelling to go 'faster'.
So, Phil could confidently say they got along like a house on fire. (Which he was glad about, considering Tommy was enrolled in the same school as them.)
While Tommy took a shine to Niki almost automatically - he immediately insulted Jack when he arrived. With each new interaction, he could see Tommy grow more confident, and more sure of his words. Each laugh he got from someone seemed to boost him tenfold
- it made Phil happy to see.
Every now and then the boy got a strange look on his face, but before Phil could question it he was pulled away for something else.
They took turns watching Chayanne and Tallulah downstairs while the rest arduously put together the furniture for both rooms and it wasn't until 7:30 that they were done and nobody felt like cooking. Phil had put in an order for pizzas before anyone said a word - ordering 4 random ones and hanging up.
Niki had put on a film, one about a doll who escapes doll land or something, and everyone crowded on the couch to watch it while waiting for the food to arrive.
Well, almost everyone.
Once again Tommy separated himself. He stood by the kitchen counter - deep in thought. Phil debated leaving him to it but decided to at least stand next to the boy - there to talk to if needed.
"... I don't think you guys understand how weird this is for me." He started "Just two weeks ago, the man sat on the couch poking his friend and has been arguing with me all night knocked me out, and left me in an alley. His friend threatened to cut off my fingers if I touched her weapon again, but today she ruffled my hair when I figured out what we were missing.
Rocket locked me in a freezer during a fight - but he's now offering to take me clothes shopping. You picked me up and dropped me from the air, before catching me and putting me in a dumpster- and now you're my legal guardian-"
Phil winced at that memory - in his defense, the Federation was shooting at him and he didn't really want Sparks getting caught in that.
"So all this," he gestured to the coach "Is super fucking weird. I hated you guys with everything in me. I was determined to take you all down, but now the head of the syndicate is taking me to school next week. I'm fucking confused man." Tommy ran his fingers through his hair, and slowly Phil stretched a wing to cover his back.
"I'm spilling my guts to my enemy and it's never been more confusing. You guys are Villains. Corvid is my enemy but Phil has adopted me - I don't know what to think anymore and it's been one day - how have you done this to me in one day?"
"It's okay. It's okay to be confused - it's okay to change your opinion on someone once you get to know them." He didn't initiate more contact, but he felt Tommy relax into the extended wing " The media and heroes drip-feed the public that all we are are monstrous villains who wreak havoc - something you believed and for good reason - but now you're getting to meet and understand the people behind the mask. Learning that not everything you knew is true - I'm not surprised you're having a spin. Learning monsters are human is disorientating. Take all the time you need, we don't intend on going anywhere. "
"Even if I decide to not be a villain" The boy jokes, the question hanging in the air.
"Mate, I never expected you to be one in the first place." Phil put all the honesty he could in his tone - hoping Tommy would believe it. Techno joined as his beliefs aligned with the Syndicates - it was never compulsory. "We also never meant to hurt you - we just wanted to make sure you didn't get injured worse in what we were doing. You have a way of getting into every little altercation."
Tommy opened his mouth to speak again, but the doorbell rang signaling the arrival of the food.
"I'll get it." He said instead, walking away from Phil.
It was going to be a long journey - but Phil looked at Kristin who smiled her beautiful smile and talked quietly to Chayanne and he knew they could do it.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was the day before the kid's first day at school that Tommy made his first attempt at going out on patrol. Honestly - Phil was impressed he had held out so long, while he knew the kid had only been going out for Chayanne - he knew it was never that easy to get up.
Phil had heard the boy scramble awake. He knew almost immediately what the boy was attempting to do and decided to head downstairs to make a cup of hot chocolate confrontation.
It was only a few minutes before Tommy skittered down the stairs - but once he caught sight of Phil he stopped like a deer in headlights. Honestly - Phil wouldn't let him go out dressed like that regardless - he had next to no protection gear on.
"Hello, Tommy."
"Hi Phil" He squeaked
"Where do you think you're going?"
"... for a walk."
"Dressed like that? At this time?"
"...yes."
"...Hmm I think not. It's a school night after all - it's your first day tomorrow. You need to be rested."
"But Phil, I know Niki is planning on robbing the bank tonight. I need to stop her"
"The Money is insured and the bank will get it back - money isn't real. What is real is that it's 1 am and what you need is to wake up in 5 hours to get ready for your first day. So, what you're going to do is drink this hot chocolate I have so lovingly prepared for you, go upstairs, get ready for bed, and sleep. You have a busy day tomorrow."
"But-"
"But?"
Tommy groaned loudly - stomping over and taking a seat - drinking angrily.
Phil counted that as a win.
The next time Tommy tried to go out as Sparks - Phil was waiting in the kitchen again. Honestly, he didn't know why Tommy hadn't gone out the window - maybe he didn't want to crush the petunias hanging from it.
"Phil-"
"I'm a bit disappointed Tommy. You promised Ranboo you would get plenty of rest tonight so you guys can go to the botanical gardens tomorrow with him and Tubbo."
"It's only 2 am! I can go out for an hour or two and be fine!"
"But if you get hurt you can't go out at all."
"Why are you not letting me do my job?"
"I'm not stopping you - I'm not stopping you this time, I'm just giving you sound logic on why it's not a good idea"
Tommy had no response - simply stomping over again and drinking the hot chocolate.
It happened again - Phil had hot chocolate and an excuse ready to go.
"Techno is planning on stealing from a government office!"
"And you have a maths test in the morning. I'm putting my foot down on this one, you studied too hard to fail on it because you're sleep-deprived."
"...You make a good point this time."
And again.
"Why? Why can't I go out this time?"
"You promised Tallulah and Chayanne you would take them to the park. You know Chayannes is going to want to go as early as possible and Kristin and Techno worked too hard on the picnic basket for it to go to waste."
"Fuckin - fine!"
And again.
"No - I have no school tomorrow and I made no plans. The syndicate has no plans tonight either, it's just a patrol. Why are you stopping me?"
"Because maybe I planned something for us tomorrow. It is your birthday Wednesday - you turn 16. Maybe I planned something for tomorrow instead."
Tommy looked surprised, raising an eyebrow "What? Are you teaching me 'How to interrogate your enemies 101?"
"No, but I'm not telling you either. If you go out tonight, you'll be far too tired to enjoy it."
"...If you're lying I'm going to be so pissed."
Phil pushed over the hot chocolate with a smile. "You'll have to see."
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phil had not been lying - he would never lie to Tommy about such a thing.
He woke everyone up at 8 am, called everyone else to make sure they were also awake, and got everyone into their car. Kristin of course knew what he had planned, inputting directions into the GPS.
Chayanne, after sleepily getting dressed and putting on his favorite duckie belt, had ceremoniously fallen asleep in the car, head laying on his brother's shoulder. Tommy on the other hand looked surprised as they pulled out - as if he had expected Phil to have been lying to not let him patrol the night before.
Every time one of the two asked him where they were going (When Chayanne woke up that is), he simply stayed quiet with a smile. It was only when they drove past the theme park and their youngest caught sight of a rather large rollercoaster that the two clicked on.
"Phil - are you serious?" Tommy said quietly, Phil looked in the rearview mirror and smiled wide.
"Happy birthday Tommy"
There was no jewel in the world more valuable than the smile his son gave him.
The day was one Phil knew he would remember for a long time. Tommy bounced between running off with Tubbo and Ranboo and coming back to do some rides with Chayanne - not that Chaynne minded too much. He was going on rides with Phil and Tallulah as Niki claimed she was motion sick.
Techno was good at the rigged claw machines - making sure nobody left without one of the plushies - though he was now banned from playing them.
They had lunch at one of the themed restaurants - based on a video game he knew Tommy liked. They had even got him a custom cake - and Phil could have sworn Tommy had teared up.
(Not that Phil could say much - he was on the edge of tears all day whenever he saw Tommy's happy face)
Before they had realised, it was time for the park to shut. Kristin had Chayanne asleep in her arms, chatting softly away to Niki - whom was carrying a sleepy Tallulah.
Tubbo, Ranboo, Jack and Techno walked together - chatting away about the day and their plans for their next crimes. They didn't seem to care if anybody could hear them.
That left Phil walking beside the sleepy birthday boy himself.
"Good day?" The older man teased
"Yeah. It was a really good day…" Tommy squeezed the toy Phil had bought for him at the shop "Thank you, Phil. I mean it… I was wrong about you guys."
"Aww mate," He said softly, reaching out to ruffle Tommy's hair - only for the boy to reach out and hug Phil tight. He only hesitated for a second before hugging the boy back - feeling like he had won the lottery.
"Man, you haven't even seen your other gift yet."
Tommy looked up quickly "There's more?"
"Just one thing - I think you'll love it."
And Tommy did, he named the Jumping spider that Phil presented him with once they got home Shroud - and he was Tommy's favorite thing in the world.
Tommy slowly stopped trying to go out on patrol - Phil knew he still had his kit, but it was securely under his bed. Tommy's grades shot up, he made friends and went out with them. He came home and they had dinner as a family.
Chayanne settled in even better - even going on to call them Mum and Dad. (Phil refuses to admit he cried when Chayanne had first said it.)
It seemed to all be going so well when it went wrong.
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News broke of Missa escaping prison and it was like they lost all their progress with Tommy. He stopped hanging out with friends - constantly watching over Chayanne. He got snappier - angrier. He didn't open up as much. He didn't visit his greenhouse. He had been so painstakingly looking after since he had arrived.
Phil had taken to making sure the plants stayed alive at least.
It was like he had completely regressed to the sacred boy he was back in the home - to the point Phil was growing more and more concerned every day that the boy would do something reckless.
It's one of these following days that Phil catches Tommy trying to sneak out to patrol again. He is standing in the kitchen - hot chocolate at the ready - when Tommy comes in, a face like thunder.
"Mate-"
"Oh fuck off! It's your fault I'm sloppy - I should be better by now, Missa has broken out for fucks sake! But I've gotten weaker!"
The instant aggression threw Phil off for a second, before toughening his resolve "We already told you we would protect Chayanne - you don't need to be going out being reckless-"
"Reckless? I was doing just fine before you guys came along and sabotaged-"
Phil tried his best to remain cool "Tommy that's not fair we only want what's best for you."
"Best for me? You're not my dad Corvid. You're just some guy trying to be a hero to some sad kid he saw. Stop pretending you care and fuck off "
Phil was stunned, and a little hurt. Tommy took the opportunity to throw on his mask and storm out of the house- the door slamming bringing Phil to his senses. He started to move toward the door before an arm reached out to stop him.
"Let him go."
"Kristin, he - what if he gets hurt? Or in trouble?"
"Then we will help him, but chasing after him now will only aggravate him further. Let him have some time. He's… he's stressed."
Phil reluctantly nodded, pulling his wife close and kissing the top of her head. He could only hope Tommy was safe.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Spark, put your hands up, you're under arrest for vigilantism!"
"I haven't done anything wrong!"
"I said put your hands up! Don't even try to run, I have orders to shoot on sight. The federation has been desperate to get their hands on you."
"No, no - you can't-'' Tommy couldn't breathe - lost in his mind with fear as they pulled his arms behind his back and handcuffed him.
"I hope they make an example out of you boy, I'm sick of you guys running around thinking you're above the law"
Tommy couldn't respond - his mind repeating the argument from hours before.
They weren't going to come for him now.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phil and Kristin had gone to bed with the plan to speak to Tommy in the morning - but when the winged man knocked on the door to no response, he began to panic.
"Tommy? Tommy, are you in there? I'm coming in to check on you."
He opened the door slowly - his stomach dropping when the bed was still empty - no sign he had even returned home.
He didn't have the breath to speak, bolting down the stairs to turn the morning news on.
The newscaster appeared, shuffling papers. Her blonde hair was pulled back.
"Our top story this morning, Vigilantes Sparks was arrested last night after stopping a robbery in a local jewelry store. Witnesses say the vigilante did not cause any harm, yet was held at gunpoint. The Federation has released a statement claiming their officers did their duty - and Sparks will be unmasked live on TV this afternoon as a threat to other vigilantes - quit or we will make you.
What do you think? Call in and let us know-"
Phil shut the TV back off, turning around and coming face to face with a very angry Kristin.
"Call the Syndicate," She said slowly " We are getting our son back - no matter what it takes."
Phil knew better than to ignore his wife, the Goddess of Death.
Besides, he had his revenge to dish out.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The plan was simple - Techno would cause absolute havoc on the east side of town. Niki and Jack would cause mayhem on the west side. Kristin would act as a decoy and go for the Federation building as if that was their plan after all. Tubbo and Ranboo, who had muscled their way into the planning room, would be their guys in the chair - watching security and watching over the children. Their main mission was to help Phil.
Phil, whose goal was breaking into the Hero headquarters, and rescuing his son.
One by one, the groups were released. Techno immediately went for the warehouses, setting them alight left and right. Niki and Jack went for the rich - smashing their windows and pretty little fountains.
Police and Heroes were sent into a tizzy - dispatching left and right trying to stop the members on a warpath. The news talked about how oddly viscous the attack was, but for those within the syndicate, it was anger management.
Once a majority were distributed - Kristin made her way to the main building - sending shockwaves of wither everywhere she touched.
If they weren't panicking, they were panicking now. The goddess of death was on a rampage - she was all but a myth, most didn't believe she existed at all - now she was causing terror in the streets and the Heroes were not sure if they even had enough people to send her way.
When they were all but screaming at each other over their radios - that's when Tubbo gave him the go-to strike.
Honestly - Phil would be surprised if they even noticed. He did not go in with a bang, instead slipping in a side door Tubbo opened for him.
"Tubbo - do you know where they are holding him?"
"I can't get visuals, which is worrying, but according to their database, he's two floors down in the… in the interrogation rooms. Status: Alive and masked. They really wanted to make a performance out of him huh?"
Phil felt nauseous, staying quiet as he made his way to an elevator that opened automatically. He did not even have to press a button as it started to descend.
"How is everyone else?"
"Alive, safe and destructive. Jack and Niki are seriously messing up some houses Techno is causing thousands in damages."
"And Kristin?"
"A lot of dead cops."
"Good."
“ Knew you would think so. Now, once you get out of this hallway head straight down the corridor labelled ‘restricted’. I’m opening all the doors for you now as we speak. We need to be quick because as good as I am - at some point, they will notice they can’t access the building.”
Once the elevator opened, Phil broke into a run, passing through the doors and moving quickly through corridors. He followed Tubbo's directions carefully until he was pulled to a stop.
“Room 5. I have the door opened, Phil - go get him.”
Phil could not describe his emotions as he went to push the door open, relief? Hope? His stomach took a tumble as he heard Tommy speak as the door opened.
“Fuck you! Leave me alone, I'm not telling you shit! Leave me alone please.”
Oh, he was burning the hero commission and the federation to the ground.
“Sparks, it’s okay - it’s me. It's just me.” He moved forward quickly pulling out a knife to cut the ropes.
Tommy looked up, teary eyes meeting Phil’s - filled with terror and hope, even through the mask. “Dad? Dad, is it really you?”
Phil’s heart crumpled like a tin can, he had wanted to hear Tommy call him dad - he hadn’t wanted it like this. He brushed that aside, cutting the final rope he pulled his son into his arms and held him tight.
“It’s me, it’s me. I’m getting you out of here and then we are going home and then you are so grounded .” He added a joking tone, causing Tommy to laugh between his sobs.
“I yelled at you and I was horrible - I didn’t think you were going to come for me. I thought - I thought I was done for.”
He pulled away and held his son's face in his face - making sure his mask stayed on. “No matter what, no matter what you say to me - I will always come for you.”
Tommy dove back into Phil’s arms - and Phil held him back never wanting to let go.
“...Sorry to ruin this touching moment - but you guys need to get out. Niki and Jack need to retreat, Techno is setting too many warehouses alight for the fire brigade to put out and we don’t hate fire marshals - just police, so we should wrap this up.”
“ What about Kristin? Is she okay?” Phil asked, pulling Tommy to his feet. He didn’t let go of the boy's hands as he left through the door.
“Oh, she’s perfectly fine. I think the mayor is shitting himself. Do you think Kristin would try to double whammy this and try to take him out at the same time?”
“She is resourceful like that - so I wouldn’t put it past her.”
Tommy couldn’t hear what Tubbo was saying - but he seemed to be too out of it care. It made Phil’s worry even worse.
As soon as they were back on the main floor and out the doors - Phil picked Tommy up into his arms and flew away - not sparing a minute. He had to get him home, where he belonged with the people who loved him.
And if Phil had turned on the gas and threw a match through a window - that was his business alone.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good Evening it is Baghera Jones here with our top story for tonight.
Syndicates wreak havoc across QCity. Nemesis and Rocket are estimated to have caused hundreds of thousands of pounds of damage alone. Ares himself has burnt down half the warehouse district - estimated to have cost businesses upwards of millions.
It should be noted that Ares specifically requested one of our reporters to state “Only corporate business - little businesses are safe from our wrath” - an odd thing to request, but understandably Etoiles did not push it.
A third attack was launched by the Goddess of Death - a figure previously thought to be a myth among the Syndicate. She launched her attack against the Mayor himself, leaving 67 dead and many more with lasting wither effects.
Several heroes were also lost during these battles today - The Hero Commission will be releasing a statement soon on their losses.
The Question on everyone's mind was, where was Corvid during all this? The previously thought leader of the syndicate was nowhere in sight - now investigators believe the villain was the perpetrator who set the Hero Commission Tower alight.
Most workers had already been evacuated due to the attack.
Tragically, the only person left in the building was Vigilante Sparks - who is thought to have perished in the fire. Sparks had been arrested the night before on Vigilante charges and was set for trial before losing his life.
The Loss has been felt hard in the communities he helped and patrolled in, with flowers and tributes appearing everywhere in the streets for their fallen hero. A vigil will be held in the town center for anyone wishing to pay their respects.
Now the debate begins - Was Sparks a casualty of a planned attack - or was he the target due to his frequent collisions with the villain group-
Sorry, I’m getting some new infor - Oh my god.
Um, it seems we have Corvid on the line. Corvid, what would you like to say to the people?
Are you claiming Sparks as your target?
No, the opposite really. I want to ensure the civilians Sparks was never our target. We were under the impression that the tower would be completely empty during the attack and that he would have been relocated. What happened to Sparks was due to the negligence of your heroes and government. As always.
So you do not claim fault for his demise?
Oh, I don’t believe I said I let him die.
He’s alive? Hello? Corvid?
Corvid just ended the call - You heard it here live folks. While we cannot confirm it - Sparks may live on.
Once again, this Beghera Jones live at five.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The days following the rescue were…busy. Not because they did anything else as the syndicate but because everyone had elected to stay over at the house to make sure Tommy was okay.
For the first day - the day they brought him home, it was difficult to pull him away from Phil.
Honestly - It was hard to pull Phil away from him too. Once Baghera Jones started to suggest he had done something to Tommy- Well, he just had to call to set the woman straight.
(he knew she was a reasonable woman, after all her daughter went to the same school as Chayanne.)
The first day was everyone coming together, watching movies and letting the relief flow over them.
Day two was damage control - on all different levels.
Kristin spent the day helping Tommy in his greenhouse - making sure he felt safe (And discussing maybe attending a therapy appointment or two. While Phil made sure that the Syndicate did not take any more blame than necessary.
Chayanne did not understand what had happened - and they did not want to upset him or Tallulah. They let the two carry on like normal - going to school.
Everyone else helped out with more logistics. It was a big attack - they couldn’t let anyone else figure out their intentions.
It was day three when Phil and Tommy finally talked about what had happened.
“I don’t want you doing vigilante work anymore.”
“But, Dad-” Tommy had taken to calling them mum and dad more often - but Phil could not let that soften his resolve now.
“No, Tommy it’s too dangerous. We could have lost you, we were terrified. Maybe you can be Spark again when you’re older - but right now I have to put my foot down.”
“But Missa is still out there!”
“If I sort out the Missa situation. Make it so he never takes Chayanne away from you - Will you stop? Let it be?”
“...I didn’t want to be a hero, I just wanted to protect Chayanne.”
“Then don’t worry about it anymore. All I want you to worry about is your homework, your friends, and your future. We will take care of the rest.” Phil ruffled Tommy’s hair softly, the boy leaning into it.
“He - he can visit Chayanne, he did love Chayanne… he just can’t take her. Okay?”
“Okay, mate. I’ll make sure.”
Phil stood up, pulling out his phone to make a few calls, when he felt Tommy pulling at his jumper.
“What’s up?”
Tommy shifted uncomfortably before looking away. “...Thanks Dad… love you.”
It was like Phil's world burst into song, but he knew if he made a big deal out of it Tommy would shy away.
“Love you too Toms.”
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Hello?”
“Hello, is this Missa?”
“Who’s asking?”
“Corvid.”
“Ahhh Corvid my friend! Unfortunately, I’m not for hire at the moment.”
“So I heard, congratulations on breaking out.”
“Something tells me that's not what you called for”
“You’re right. It’s not. I’ll cut to the chase.”
“That would be appreciated.”
“Recently my wife and I have taken in children as our own. After talking to the eldest, he is worried you will try to take back his brother.”
“...You have Tommy and Chayanne… If you hurt them-”
“Ah, this is where you are mistaken. We intend to love them as our own, this is your warning to not even attempt to take Chayanne from us. The thought is making Tommy anxious as it is - So I promised to make a formal warning.”
“You can’t keep my sons from me!”
“Ah - see wrong again. I don’t intend to do that either. Tommy assured me you did love Chayanne very much. So, I have a proposition for you.”
“...What is it?”
“Have you ever heard of visitation?”
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After the Missa ‘situation’ was sorted things got better.
Tommy agreed to not go out as Spark again, admitting he did not actually like vigilante work - and as time went on Spark never returned. More vigilantes appeared, taking his place, and people saw Spark as a martyr regardless if they knew he had passed or not.
One of the biggest, a young woman called Siren, directly spoke of how Spark inspired her.
(Tommy never let Phil forget it)
Instead of fighting crime, Tommy continued in school and excelled. He passed school and college with flying colours - eventually being accepted into a University Botany program. His dream? To work at the city botanical garden - though Kristin argued they basically had one in the back garden
He had sworn to never join the villains and stuck to it. Phil had to admit he was impressed. He was proud of his son and all his accomplishments, even if it wasn’t money laundering.
Their relationship only grew over the years - becoming stronger… Even if they did argue when Chayanne decided to join villainy.
(Little do they know the only person Chaynne listened to was Kristin, and she was all for it)
Techno became their brother, Niki and Jack their extended family.
Tubbo and Ranboo were Tommy's family too - even if they too chose the life of crime. (Tommy wasn't that surprised. It was Tubbo and Ranboo. Plus - he never had to pay for his school books. )
All in all, Life was mostly peaceful, well - as Peaceful as it could get... for now at least.