Archive of Our Own

Foolish was always looking for the next fun thing.

Whatever that was drugs shared with him, a new dangerous mob, or even a place to jump off the edge of the world, there wasn’t anything he was afraid to do. Living as long as he had, life had a tendency to get boring, thus his time turned into a constant race for the next new thing.

Then he got trapped on an island, and worse than that, he found himself attached.

A rule he’d set, only to break it within the first week, because a man had an infectious giggle and abs that rivaled his own. A rule he further broke when he didn’t kill the egg child they were given on that first day. A rule he further ruined when he adopted a son, and then got far too involved with his family too.

He couldn’t count on one hand all the people he now looked out for.

It was why the badge hidden in his pocket felt so heavy now as he sat in a secluded room in the prison. With little to no warning, all of the islanders who remained were locked up, their children too. At first of course he’d been ecstatic at the change of pace, to the other’s dismay, but then once they’d gotten to the prison…

“Missa?!” Philza’s voice cracked and Foolish had never heard the man sound so broken. He didn’t understand why he was saying that name until he looked over the shorter man’s shoulder to peer into a cell. Sure enough, Philza’s partner was inside, but not awake. Missa was laid in a bed, a shackle attached to a dangling wrist but his body was otherwise comatose.

Philza’s hands gripped the bars, before he turned to Foolish, his brows narrowed, “Were you a part of this?”

Although the two had bonded during Purgatory, Foolish hadn’t exactly been subtle that he was still an officer of the Federation. Much of the good he’d finally fostered with the man, all it seemed to crumble at the sight of Missa in chains.

“No, why would I-” Foolish started to say, but Philza sneered and looked away.

The old man twisted around towards the faceless guards around them, “Let him out, now!” Philza roared, gesturing at Missa.

The guards wasted no time.

Philza was on the ground after the taser went off.

“Papa!” Tallulah cried, running to her father. Chayanne was close behind, arms raised defensively when the guards pointed the taser at his sister.

Foolish took a step back, eyes wide as the prison erupted into chaos. Fit and Pac ran to cover the children while Etoiles started to laugh as he jumped into the fray. Bagi stood in front of Tina trying to protect her when a guard turned to face her. Even Slime was trying to duke it out with the guards but with little to no success.

Normally he’d jump in too, finding the fight another fun time, but he couldn’t help wondering where his kids were.

He caught sight of Richas next to Mike, holding his own thankfully, but Pepito and-

A voice in the back of his mind told him to turn around, like a whisper from a man he hadn’t seen in months, so he followed and was met with his beloved daughter sitting before a cell.

Foolish didn’t have to be close to know it was Vegetta lying in that bed, as comatose as Missa was, shackles attached to his wrists. His face serene and more terrifyingly, lifeless.

However, before he could take a step towards Leo, to comfort his child in the face of such cruelty, there was a sudden tight grip on his arm. A guard with plaid pants, Agent 18, started to push him along away from the fighting, away from Leo.

“Wait, I need to-”

“Your presence was requested.” Agent 18 said, tone more monotone then he’d ever heard it before, until after they left the main hall his voice softened as he said, “I’m sorry, Jabberjaw.”

And that was the last thing he heard before being shoved into the secluded room he sat in now. All he had to play with was a boring table with two boring chairs and a somehow far more boring light. If it flickered at least he could be annoyed with it, but noooo, it had to be pristine and perfect like the rest of the Federation.

There was the badge in his pocket. It had been the one thing that hadn’t been confiscated when they were thrown in here, but again, it felt far too heavy to even look at right now.

Not when Vegetta’s wrists looked so red from those shackles.

“Am I going to be talked to today?” Foolish asked, leaning back in his chair with crossed arms. “You know the longer I’m gone the more suspicious it’ll be.”

As though they were listening to him, the door finally swung open. Not surprisingly, Cucurucho was there, its hands behind its back as it entered. However instead of sitting in the chair opposite Foolish, it walked around the table to stand over him instead, looming over him like a disappointed parent.

The irony was not lost on him.

“Can I help you?” He forced an easy grin. Can’t let it know how unnerving it was.

“W0039, you have a new assignment.” 

“I did such a good job solving those murders, huh?” He said, leaning forward in his chair as he stared up at Cucurucho. Its beady eyes were still as creepy as ever. “Let me guess, I get to run this place?” It would be ideal, he could have some fun messing with people, but also protecting them where he could.

“Negative.”

Well there went that fun plan.

“Ah, I see, a guard. Excellent idea-”

“W0039, you will report suspicious activity.” Cucurucho’s head tilted as it leaned in, “Rebellions are not tolerated.”

Foolish nodded quickly, “Of course, naturally.” He leaned away, but the bear only got closer in response, “But if I’m a prisoner how am I supposed to report back?”

“WB18 will be your contact.”

“Right, right.” Foolish cowered a bit as his mind whirled trying to find a way around this. The whole point of joining the Federation was to get a bit more power, because with power came leverage, something he could use to protect. “But have you considered the others are already suspicious?” He let out an awkward laugh, pulling out the badge they’d left him, “I’m not going to be a great spy at this point.” He could lie rather well, but it was hard to earn trust back.

It was also harder for him to stomach working for the Feds again after when he saw, but he also knew mentioning Vegetta would only reveal how much he was attached to the man.

“You are correct. This complication will be rectified.” Cucurucho snatched the badge off his fingers, then finally backed off, letting Foolish let out a sigh of relief. “Despite precious actions, the subjects are simple people.” It said as it neared the door, “Empathy is malleable.”

“What?” He raised his brows, but the doors to the room opened. Two faceless guards, thankfully not Agent 18, entered.

More concerningly, they had batons with them.

“Leave W0039 unconscious.”

“Now what a second!” Foolish stood up, knocking the chair over, “Cucurucho!” He cried out, but the door had already closed. His eyes landed on the two guards before him and he realized he had no choice.

He got on his knees as they approached, batons raised. If he resisted, he’d lose any last shred of power he had left. At least playing along he had Agent 18’s ear, and maybe, just maybe that would be enough to free-

They hadn’t knocked him out quick enough.

He groaned, his head felt like it was cracking in two.

No hope.

He blinked, shaking his head, “What?”

“Pa?” Small voice, familiar. Protect.

“He’ll be alright, Leo. He’s a tough guy.” Deeper, much deeper, safety.

“Oh ya, he looked way worse in Purgatory.” High-pitched, energetic- oh.

Leo, Fit and Tubbo.

“What hit me?” He joked, finally managing to pull himself up off the prison bed’s horrifically uncomfortable mattress. “Fit, was it you?” He pointed at the man, his hand shaking.

“Pa!” Leo cried, and he didn’t get a chance to see Fit’s reaction before she was on top of him, hugging him and thus shoving him back on the awful creaky bed. “¿Qué pasó?” What happened? She pulled on his shirt, shaking him.

“Hey, easy there Leo, he’s still pretty black and blue.” Fit walked over, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Fit was right, as Foolish took the distraction to examine himself. He couldn’t see the damage under his uniform, but his arms were in plain sight with the ripped off sleeves and the bruises were countless. One of his eyes also ached, the vision in it impaired enough to tell him he had a black eye too. 

“It does look like a truck hit you, backed up, then hit you again.” Tubbo said, “And maybe a train too. Not mine though, bossman, promise.” He put his hands up.

Leo glared at him, but Foolish chuckled, “I believe you.”

“Funny as Tubbo is- what happened?” Fit asked, brows furrowed.

Leo nodded, turning back to her father, “¿A quién tengo que matar?” Who do I have to kill?

“Woah, Leo, let’s not jump to that.” Not in this instance at least. “It was nothing. I’m fine, that’s all that matters!” He sat up again, grunting a bit as pain from the beating radiated across his body. Foolish shifted her so she was sitting beside him on the bed instead.

“Foolish, you disappeared during that riot and came back on death’s door. That isn’t nothing.” Fit said, “You got all us wondering who’s next.”

Ideally, none of them, but that did mean he’d have to approach this carefully.

“Look,” He raised a hand before Tubbo jumped in, “All you need to know is I’m not a Fed favorite anymore.” 

“Really?” Tubbo grinned from ear to ear, “Hell yeah, I hope you told them off big time! I mean prison, really?” He gestured around them.

Thank you, Tubbo. “After what happened with Philza, I tried to see if I could talk to Cucurucho, maybe get us out of here. I mean this has to be a misunderstanding.” He turned to Fit, “No luck.”

Fit nodded slowly, “It’s good you tried, but to beat you senseless? That’s concerning.”

“You don’t think they’ll continue to…?” Tubbo trailed off, looking up at Fit who shrugged helplessly. Foolish was sure both of them were thinking about their kids.

Leo tugged on his shirt again, so he refocused on her. “Estaba tan preocupada.” I was so worried. She sniffled, then whispered, “Papá Vegetta había vuelto, pero tú te habías ido.” Papa Vegetta had returned, but you were gone.

“Won’t happen again.” He said, pulling her into a side-hug. He smiled, but her’s was strained, the worry still too strong.

“Speaking of Vegetta…” Fit brought up, and Foolish panicked internally. He hadn’t addressed what Leo had said on purpose. “He’s here, just like Missa. Even Mariana and the others who went missing.”

“Not Spreen or Dan though. They are dead, dead.” Tubbo said, “Nice to be officially single, huh, Fit?” He leered over at the older man, “ Totally single.”

Fit ignored him, not taking the bait as he looked back at him, “Are you, alright?”

“I already said I was.” Foolish said, not liking the sudden concern, or was that pity, Fit had for him. It reminded him a lot of the act he put on after he had been trapped in the Nether. Protective of him, only to change his mind months later.

Then again, this would help if he wanted to worm his way back into the islander’s good graces…

“Maybe later.” Foolish said, glancing at Leo.

Fit’s eyes widened, “Right, right. Tubbo, why don’t you take Leo to go play with the other kids for a bit? I’m sure Sunny misses you too.”

Tubbo blinked rapidly, “What? But Sunny and Leo hate each other.”

“No me voy.” I don’t want to go. Leo frowned, clinging onto her father harder.

“I’ll be alright, promise.” Foolish said, running his fingers through the back of his hair. He wasn’t great at comforting her, never was, but he did feel her relax a bit in his arms. “Fit’s just going to help me with some of the pain and I rather you not see it.” 

“Pero…” But… She pouted, but he shook his head. Leo huffed, and surprisingly, she actually listened to him and got off the bed. A very confused Tubbo was left behind as she marched out of the cell on her own.

“Tubbo, could you…?” Foolish gestured at where his daughter had disappeared to.

“Oh! Right, right. My bad.” The young man rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly before chasing after her. “Leo!” He called out, and then he was gone.

“Didn’t think I’d see the day she listens to you.” Fit joked, crossing his arms as a fond smile crossed his face.

“Neither did I.” Foolish snorted, knowing full well she was perfect regardless. He also had a sinking suspicion that when he would go find her later, it would simply be sitting in front of Vegetta’s cell. Her little hands clutched along the bars, a sight he wasn’t sure he could handle seeing again.

“Federation fired you, huh?” Fit’s voice broke the dreadful image, thankfully.

“That’s one way to phrase it.” Not a lie, right? He was demoted at least wearing this orange jumpsuit. “I thought I was deeper than I really was.” Foolish sighed.

“Brutal assault aside, I am glad I can trust you again.” Fit said, and it was like the man knew exactly what he wanted to hear. “After what happened with Philza, we started making some plans, and uh, a lot of us didn’t think we could include you.”

Oh, come on, did Fit have to make it this easy? Or maybe Cucurucho was right, and its little beat the daylight out of him plan really was this effective.

“And by a lot of us, I assume mainly Phil.” Foolish said, tilting his head to one side, “Come on, you can’t hurt my feelings.” He was too numb to the other islander’s actions towards him at this point.

“Ya… a bit…” Fit looked away, “You gotta look at it from our perspective, Foolish. You’ve been an absolute fanboy of the Feds from day one!”

“And I was part of the Theory Bros who were trying to figure them out, then Ordo Theoritas where I got intel for Cellbit and helped break him out with my wand.” He could list off a few more, this was enough, “I think Fit, you guys never looked at the bigger picture, but since my route’s been blocked now, there’s no point hiding it.” He shrugged.

In a way, Foolish wasn’t really lying about his overall plan. Perhaps there were some details missing, but he never wanted the power of the Federation to hurt the others. It was all just a bit of fun and a bit of a defensive play. He was shocked he was the only one who thought of it, save for maybe Cellbit, though he certainly had screwed that up.

Fit had to pick up his jaw off the floor, “You’re kidding.” 

“I kid about a lot, but not this.” Foolish said, “It’s too bad I finally burnt that bridge.”

“Philza will be happy to hear this. He assumed the worst.” Fit said, “Especially after what you all went through together, it had been hitting him rather hard.” The man frowned.

Foolish paused, pursing his lips together as a horrid pit settled in his stomach. He truly respected Philza, perhaps the most on the island, but he wasn’t stupid. He knew the man didn’t forgive easily, and the way he so easily blamed him today- or yesterday, it didn’t feel all that reassuring.

“Can’t believe how little everyone thinks of me.” He meant to think that, at least whisper it, but his voice had other plans, saying it in front of Fit so openly. He tried to recover, quickly sputtering out, “I had no idea what a great actor I am!”

But Fit was still looking at him in that odd pitying way.

“I remember how you were when Leo was gone.”

He flinched, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Fit took a step towards him, then sat on the bed beside him, “You’re acting the same way now, it’s Vegetta isn’t it?”

Foolish avoided his gaze, “Vegetta’s been gone for months.” He said simply, “I’m ecstatic to see he’s safe.”

“He’s not exactly safe though, is he?”

Foolish turned back to Fit, “Do you have an escape plan or not?”

Fit snorted, “Ya, ya, change the topic. Gods, you’re worse than Tubbo.”

“Now that’s uncalled for, Tubbo’s great.” Foolish grinned, “Now what was that plan again?”

“Not here.” Fit said, “Not now. I’ll explain what happened to you to the others and then we’ll meet up again later.” He stood, “But, Foolish…if you ever stop being stubborn for one second, I’m here.”

“Got it.” He shot him with finger guns, trying to look as unbothered as ever.

Fit gave him another little sad look before leaving the cell and thus him alone.

Foolish couldn’t have manipulated the situation better, it was like the other islanders were the most gullible people on the planet. He was going to get back into their good graces, learn of their escape plan, tell Agent 18 and then of course be promptly promoted back to his previous rank. And with that promotion, came the power to protect them.

Yes, everything was going according to plan, a plan that Fit ironically knew about now, just not the full extent of it. He hoped the man would understand it was for his own good when the time came and he had to betray them all. It wouldn’t be a real betrayal after all.

Foolish could protect them all, otherwise, there was no hope.

He relaxed backward into the bed, his body screaming at him for all the little movements he’d made during that conversation. Thankfully his totem physiology would make short work of the bruises soon enough, something he briefly wondered if Cucurucho was aware of. As much as another part of him wanted to go find Leo, his body had other plans as he drifted off into darkness.

It was lunch time, and all the prisoners had been gathered together in the messhall. Foolish had only been awake for a few minutes before he was dragged out of his cell and into the row of inmates into the large space. Leo had been rudely awakened too, having been snuggled up next to him. She was giving all the guards a stink face until a plate of food was placed in her hands.

Then it was the gruel that was considered edible that received the stink face.

Foolish ate, not happily of course, but he knew he’d need his strength back for his mission. Leo managed to gain enough courage to poke at it, but when it jiggled too much, she shoved it away, shaking her head. “Preferiría morirme de hambre.” I’d rather starve to death.

“Go ahead.” He said, snorted a little. “You’ll let Sunny win.” Foolish nodded towards the younger girl's table. She sat with most of the other islanders, the Brazilians, the French and of course, Fit and her father. It was rather cramped, two tables had been shoved together so their kids sat with them too, and he couldn’t help but wonder if they could make his family feel like an outsider more.

Leo pouted, “Okay.” She muttered softly, finally taking an angry bite of her food.

He was an awesome parent.

The pair ate in relative quiet after that. The unease of the last day still lingering between the two and Foolish was all too happy to put that conversation off not another day but forever hopefully. Unfortunately, anytime he groaned or grunted at one of the aches his body still had, Leo would glared at him like she wanted to ask.

She finally opened her mouth when her plate was cleared-

“Wait- Pepito!” Sunny’s voice broke her concentration and the pair turned to see Pepito running towards them. He wasn’t holding a plate of food, so Foolish hoped he’d simply finished his meal before running over.

He stopped before them, suddenly looking down at his shoes as he asked quietly, “¿Puedo sentarme aquí, awelo?” Can I sit here, grandfather? His glasses made his eyes look larger somehow, and the way his jumpsuit was far too big for his body made Foolish’s heart squeeze.

Damn, the kid was adorable. Against his better judgement, he nodded, “Come on, kiddo.”

Pepito wasted no time, squeezing right in between Foolish and Leo as he beamed up at both of them. “¡Gracias!” Thank you!

“Got sick of that cramped table?” He asked his grandson, not missing the flash of annoyance Leo had across her face. He was aware it wasn’t against Pepito this time.

“Si, demasiado ruidoso.” Yes, too loud. Pepito said, covering his ears a bit. 

Leo patted his back sympathetically, “Tan cierto” So true.

Foolish shook his head a bit, looking at them fondly as the two launched into a conversation with each other. He couldn’t enjoy them for longer however as Fit’s eyes met his near the exit. The man nodded once before slipping back into the hall that would lead to the main cells again.

He knew what that was a signal for, but he also couldn’t leave the kids alone- Oh.

“Hey, Foolish.” Tina smiled at him, but it looked a little shifty. She was completely in on it and as usual, not able to hide it well. “Could I uh, bother you a second?”

“Actually, I was wondering if you could watch the kids for me?” He said, and said kids stopped talking to one another to look over at them. “Gotta go piss.”

“OH!” She practically squeaked, a wave of relief next as her shoulders sagged, “Yes! I love watching the babies.” She smiled over at Leo and Pepito. The younger one utterly unaware as he smiled back at her while Leo glared at her father instantly.

“Thanks, Tina.” He said, getting up. Leo didn’t hesitate to reach out for his arm and tug, sending him a bit sideways. “Woah, Leo-”

“Me lo cuentas todo cuando regreses.” You tell me everything when you get back. She frowned. 

He wanted to blow her request off, but then under all that anger, he finally saw what this really was. A little girl scared out of her mind, simply wanting the answers that everything would be alright.

“Alright, Leo. I will.” He said softly, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of her head.

She leaned into it, not quite smiling back, but certainly less angry.

Pepito whined a bit, gesturing to himself so Foolish rolled his eyes, but leaned down and did the same for him. Even if Richas was nearby he was grateful that grandson would rather die than get such sappy affection. He didn’t know how he raised such soft kids, but he wouldn’t change a thing.

“Good luck!” Tina said, sitting down where he’d been. She waved him off so he waved back before disappearing into the hall.

It was as stark and boring as that secluded room had been, the main hall with all the cells was certainly not better. Maybe after he ratted out the resistance, he could at least convince Cucurucho to let him redesign the place. If everyone had to be trapped here, it could at the least look nice.

Once he was back in the main hall, he was greeted with Fit leaning against Philza’s cell. He made his way there, purposefully ignoring a certain painful cell on the way. That was when he noticed most of the guards were stationed rather far from it. It was oddly perfect that Philza of all prisoners was there.

But of course, this was Cucurucho’s plan wasn’t it? He needed them to think they had a chance so when Foolish crushed it they would finally give up. It was brilliant really. Thankfully once he was promoted, the others wouldn’t have to worry about breaking out anyways.

He smiled at Fit, “The old man doing okay?”

Before Fit could answer, Philza did, “Ask me yourself.”

Foolish turned to look at him, eyes widened at the man. He was sitting on his bed, his wings clamped despite the horrid state of his feathers. Foolish realized he hadn’t seen him in the mess hall earlier, only his kids.

“Damn, Phil. They really hate you.” He joked, entering the cell. That’s when he noticed Etoiles and Bagi inside too, the former smiling at him while the latter looked ready to tear out his throat. He supposed he never did make proper amends with her after trying to throw her brother and his son-in-law in jail.

Now he just wished he knew where Cellbit was. Even Jaiden or Roier. None of them were in the comatose beds like the others. Maybe the Federation would tell him once he was done with this mission. Or maybe there was no hope of that.

Maybe they could release Veg-

“I wonder why.” Philza said flatly, leaning back on the bed as his wings shuffled a bit. The man cringed, making Foolish wonder how badly that taser hurt them. He knew how painful tasers were, but no clue what they did to something as delicate as a wing.

“Cut the crap, why are we bothering with him?” Bagi scowled, “He’s as trustworthy as El Quackity!” She gestured at him wildly.

“Oh, but Bagi- look at him. He couldn’t land a punch on me if he tried!” Etoiles practically cooed as he spoke, grinning from ear to ear.

“Quit it, both of you.” Philza ordered, and the man turned to Fit, “You’re absolutely sure about this?”

“Do you see him?” Fit raised a brow, eyes moving towards Foolish.

He was aware he still looked like crap, but it was a bit rude to point it out. “I’m fine.” He said preemptively, hands raised.

“I can see that.” Philza snorted, “You understand we’re in a delicate position. This is worse than Purgatory, we could fight there.”

“Here we’re just sitting ducks.” Fit agreed gruffly, crossing his arms. “There’s no respawn here like that accursed place. We screw this up, we’re dead.”

Even Etoiles’s grin faltered at the man’s words.

Foolish looked down, the words hitting him harder than he expected. His issues with the others aside, they were still at the end of the day, people he cared about. Even Bagi who seemed all too eager to toss him out the cell right then and there. So he looked up at her, “Do you honestly believe I want you all to die?”

She looked taken aback, but froze in the face of the question, before she muttered darkly, “I’m not sure, and that’s the problem, Foolish.”

He nodded, “Fair enough. I understand if I’m kept at arm’s length.” Don’t be suspicious, “But I know how the Federation works best. I might even have a few passcodes that still work.”

“Wouldn’t they have replaced them once you were fired?” She narrowed her eyes.

“The ones they knew I had.” He grinned, lying through his teeth. This was the point of Agent 18, get something from him to prove himself, get their plan, profit.

“That…” Philza spoke up, “That would be very helpful, actually.” He wasn’t sure he liked how surprised Phil was.

“Come on, did I ever let you down?” Foolish asked, and when the other man looked ready to answer he quickly added, “As Bolas?”

Philza rubbed his chin, “Well there was that one time-”

“Exactly!” Foolish tapped his forehead, “Come on, give me a chance to prove myself and we can all get out of here.” Then they can confess their plan and he would be able to save them all!

The others were rather quiet after his proclamation, which was a bit disappointing as he felt like he’d sold the pitch pretty well. Maybe he’d come across too strong? He tended to do that, what with the whole K.E.L.P campaign and all.

“He’s crazy, let’s do it.” Etoiles finally spoke up.

“You can’t be serious.” Bagi gaped at the Frenchman then gestured at Foolish, “Look at him!”

“I think he’s being sincere, Bagi.” Philza said, “Besides, our options are limited.” He moved to sit up, but gasped. Fit ran in, helping the man get on his feet. There was definitely something wrong with him after that brawl. 

With Fit’s help, Philza managed to stand before Foolish and reach up to grab his shirt. He tugged his down harshly, nearly spitting in Foolish’s face as he snarled out, “Betray us, risk our kids, and no amount of totem powers will heal what I do to you.”

What he thought would be an encouraging vote of confidence turned into a threat.

There was a brief moment of hesitation there, a stray thought that maybe he should reconsider helping the Feds. Maybe it would be better to simply help them all escape, and finally get on their good side once and for all.

But none of the other times he’d genuinely helped them seemed to matter in the long run. No, no, no, he needed to work on a more permanent solution to this issue.

He would have to betray them one last time so they’d know he really did care.

“Yes, sir.” Foolish finally said, and Philza let him go with a smile on his face.

“Great! Next meeting tomorrow. We’ll have more time to test those passcodes then.” Philza clapped his hands together, “Now get out of here.”

Foolish wasted no time leaving after that, but still tried to save a bit of face by saying goodbye as cheerfully as ever. He couldn’t let it show that the old man had actually made him waver for a moment. He had to stick to the plan.

For Leo, for Pepito, for Richas, for Roier, for Cellbit, for Jaiden, for V-

The cell was dark.

Foolish could still see him perfectly.

He didn’t know what possessed him to stand before the cell, hand laid across the cold bar like one would press their hand against a window. It was like he was waiting for the man to wake and press his hand against his.

That wasn’t going to happen though. There was no hope.

Not a single soul of the comatose had risen yet, and there was no sign they ever would. Even if they did, the shackles along their wrists made it seem like they wouldn’t be free to leave if they did. Or another sick thought, the shackles were there so they couldn’t bring any of them with them if they did happen to escape.

But they wouldn’t have to worry about that. Foolish was going to get promoted and make this prison into a home. He knew the first thing he’d have to do was make this dreadful cell far more purple than it was. Vegetta couldn’t wake up in an ugly room. That just wouldn’t do.

And that was because the Federation would wake Vegetta up if he asked. That was the least they could do, just waking up another prisoner. Then Leo wouldn’t be so angry, so scared.

Yes, yes, stick to the plan…

He was so much in his own mind, he didn’t notice Fit staring at him on the other side of the room.

“Passcodes?” Agent 18 was incredulous and Foolish did not understand why.

“Yes!” He said, again. This was the third time he’d had to explain himself to his partner, “I have to earn their trust, so I just need a few passcodes that get into a few places. Trust me, they won’t get far and if they get caught, it’d only prove how much I’m with them if we’re all punished together.” 

“But, that goes against the purpose of your mission doesn’t it?” Agent 18 tilted his head, “You’re only meant to report their plans, not help them.”

Foolish rolled his eyes, “I’m not helping them, I’m gaining their trust so I have something to report. Do you really want to upset Cucurucho by not doing your one job and helping me?”

Agent 18 shuffled on his feet, “I want to help you… I really do…” He looked away.

Foolish sighed, turning around, “I guess I have to find someone else to help me.” He took a few steps forward, away from his once-partner.

Thankfully the bear took the bait.

“Wait!” Agent 18 reached for him, spinning him around by his shoulders, “Fine, here’s a list of the prison’s codes, but only give them what you need and you can use the rest on your own to get tools for the mission.” He shoved a laminated slip into his hands, “Please use them responsibly.”

Foolish sometimes wondered if he should be concerned how easily people just wrapped themselves around his finger. Then he noticed the blush along Agent 18’s cheeks and a sudden rush of guilt instead of pride infected him. They were just work partners, nothing more.

“Thanks, Agent 18.” He said as politely as possible as he slowly backed up.

“Of course, Jabberjaw.” Although the bear had no face, his cheek still moved as though he was smiling at Foolish. He wasn’t going to pretend like it wasn’t the most unnerving thing he’d seen since Cucurucho, but unlike with that bear, this one was at least nice to him.

“I won’t let you down!” He called out, leaving the Agent behind as he left the hall they were talking in. The rest of the prisoners had been escorted to the yard rather suddenly after lunch, meaning what was meant to be a meeting in Philza’s room would no doubt turn into an outside rendezvous.

Thankfully his talk with 18 hadn’t been too long and he managed to blend in as the others started to split off. He noticed Etoiles going to the other Frenchmen instead of Philza, and even Fit was with Pac and the kids. He wondered if this was part of the plan to not draw to much attention to them all at once.

“Grandma!” Richas cried, and the next thing he knew he was on the ground. The boy was heavier than the last time he’d jumped on him. “Good catch, Vó.” He joked as Pac ran up to them with Fit predictably not far behind. Ramon seemed to have stayed back with Sunny and Tubbo.

“Oh, sorry about him. He’s a little, how do you say uh-” Pac looked around, landing on Fit.

“Full of pent up energy?” He offered.

“Yes, that, thank you Fitch.” Pac smiled at him.

Foolish groaned a bit. Although it had been two days and the bruises were mostly gone, there was still a tenderness to his body that was rather annoying. “It’s alright, comes with the grandparent trade.” He sat up once Richas had gotten off of him, but it was Fit who offered a hand to stand.

It was like when he’d lit up the titan, that same kind energy that he’d been fooled into believing once, but it wouldn’t help to be a brat about it now. Foolish took it, “Thanks.” He brushed himself off, trying to ignore Fit as he turned to Richas, “You holding up okay in here? Terrorizing the others enough?”

“You know it.” Richas winked, “We swindled a donut from Donut already. Next is a gun!” He threw his arms up in the air.

Pac chuckled nervously, “Mike’s idea, I think we need to work our way up to that.”

“A gun would be nice.” Fit added.

“We’re getting a gun.” Pac said immediately.

“Yay!” Richas cheered, “I’ll get it to you vó! You’re the sharpshooter!” He started pretending to shoot at the people around the yard. “Bam! Dead. Bam! Dead.”

Foolish nodded, “This sounds pretty good, but make sure you get ammo too. Don’t get conned while you’re conning.” He winked at Richas.

“Oh! Good idea!” He bounced on his feet then turned to Pac, “Come on we need to get vó a gun!” He dragged his father away, making Pac give a simple wave as a goodbye.

Fit lingered, and Foolish getting a bit sick of the man and his little looks.

“Are you-”

“I’m fine.”

“I saw you staring at Vegetta.”

He felt like a deer caught in headlights.

“You know it’s okay to be worried, right?” Fit asked, “We’ve all got people we care about, that we want nothing more to keep happy and healthy. I mean you seem to have no problem showing us how much you care about Leo, Pepito too. Hell, even Richas somehow.” He chuckled a bit, “If you’re worried we’ll leave him behind just because we don’t know him that well, don’t worry. We’ll get him out too.”

It was a lot to promise, and he had no hope Fit could keep it.

However, it was more than Cucurucho had ever said to him.

But he remembered Purgatory, remembered the distrust and the accusations, and as much as he wanted to believe Fit, there was something else gnawing on him preventing him from believing a word he said.

But he couldn’t let the man think that.

Foolish sighed, his shoulders slacking, “Thanks, Fit. I was really stressed about it.” He lied, or at least, it was meant to be a lie, but it also didn’t feel like it the moment it left his mouth.

“Not a problem at all.” Fit smiled, punching him in the shoulder playfully only to make him cry out a little, “Oh, right, still sore. Sorry about that.” He cringed at himself seemingly before quickly changing the subject, “Now, I think Philza and Bagi are waiting in that treeline over there.” He pointed across the yard. “Tina’s going to watch your kids again, don’t worry about them.”

“Now that’s impossible.” He joked, which made Fit laugh too before the pair went their separate ways.

Thankfully, or perhaps more of Cucurucho’s plan, there were no guards around the trees. He got to Philza and Bagi rather quickly, the laminated slip deep in his pockets. It was odd how much lighter it felt compared to the badge he’d once had.

“You’re here, good. We don’t have much time between the patrols.” Philza said. The man looked a bit better from yesterday, but there was still a pained expression from time to time. “Look over there, there’s a door that we think could lead to a garage. They have to supply us with food and more importantly, their guards with weapons. There could be crate in there with resources to get the fuck out of here.”

Bagi turned to him, “And if you can’t even open up a garage, you’re useless.”

“Oh, harsh.” He joked, to the amusement of neither of them.

Of course this little mission would be with the two people who trusted him the least.

“Alright, alright.” He put his hands up, “When’s the next patrol start?”

“Now.” Philza said, moving before there was another word spoken. Bagi moved in behind him and Foolish was last. This was perfect as it let Foolish tactically pull out the slip of paper and read the passcode he’d need.

Agent 18 had so wonderfully labeled them himself. Now he wondered if he’d done that beforehand somehow knowing Foolish would ask for them eventually or if the bear himself needed the labels too. He didn’t blame him, as the passcodes were absolute gibberish that Foolish wondered how anyone could ever memorize.

But he had until the walk to the door to memorize this one at least.

Philza stopped by the door, staying on the lookout for other guards as Bagi turned to him, whispering, “Well come on, get on with it!”

He punched it in as confidently as he could, praying he did remember it in the short walk from the trees to the door. It seemed it hadn’t for the first few seconds, and Bagi scowled, “I knew we couldn’t trust-”

But then the door opened, blissfully quiet like all the other doors of the Federation which was rather lucky.

Foolish grinned at Bagi, “You were saying?”

Her eye twitched, but then she shoved past him into the garage.

Philza paused by his side, “I’m impressed.” He nodded approvingly.

“It’s the least I could do.” So he could do so much more.

“It sure is.” Philza said, walking forward. That did sting a bit, but he reasoned, maybe he did deserve this. Especially as he was actively planning to betray them all the moment they revealed their plan.

Still, it was for the greater good. Otherwise there was no hope.

Bagi wasted no time gathering supplies from the garage and leaving with her arms full of boxes that had either ration bars, tasers or a few bullet-proof vests. How they would all hide them was a mystery to him, but that was why he was on this mission afterall. They’d tell him eventually and then-

“Fuck!” Philza said far louder than a whisper that this stealth mission definitely required. Foolish turned to him, eyes wide as the man was on the ground, the supplies sprawled out around him. He looked in pain, gripping his leg where Foolish remembered was where one of the tasers had hit him. Philza must be having a muscle spasm or-

There were guards slowly making their way back here soon.

They didn’t have time for this.

Foolish raced forward, helping Philza on his feet. The man resisted at first, and he hoped that was from the pain of it and not from Foolish himself. Thankfully the old man finally relaxed into his hold and took the help so the pair could hobble away before the guards came back.

They’d just made it to the trees when Philza let go and collapsed across the ground, still clutching his leg.

Bagi moved in, kneeling beside him with a distraught look towards Foolish, “What did you do to him?”

“Saved his life!” He answered, “He's having some sort of spasm in his leg.”

“The taser.” She muttered, “Aqueles malditos ursos.” Those damn bears.

Foolish went to help, “How do I-”

“Go get Fit.” Bagi said, “He’s the best equipped for this.” Foolish nodded, but as he turned to leave he heard Bagi again, “Wait.”

He turned back around, brow raised.

“Thank you.” She said simply, and finally Bagi’s eyes weren’t completely full of suspicion.

It was a little disappointing. On one hand this was much better for his overall goal, on the other, he hoped she of all people couldn’t be so easy to fool.

“Of course. We’re all on the same side.” Foolish smiled as he lied through his teeth.

By the time he’d gotten Fit, all the supplies Bagi had procured were gone. Hidden somewhere he didn’t wasn’t privy to. Fit managed to help Philza thankfully. His medical knowledge was surprisingly vast due to the ruthlessness of 2b2t. Shortly after they were all called back into the main hall, but this time they were greeted by the sight of Cucurucho.

Somehow he knew it did not look happy.

“Greetings, islanders.” It began, arms outstretched, “It has come to our attention that supplies were stolen during recess.” It shook its head. “This is disappointing as there was a gift planned for the day.”

“A gift?” Tubbo asked, “I love gifts! Ow!” Fit had elbowed him.

“Is it a fight?!” Etoiles cried out, getting elbowed by Bagi this time.

“Please, be drugs! No prison is complete with them!” Foolish added, a mix of blending in with the crowd and honest wish fulfillment.

Tina elbowed him.

“No, none of that.” Cucurucho said, “Before the gift, there must be a punishment. If the ones responsible confess now and return the supplies, all will be spared. If not, all will feel our wrath.”

Leo and Pepito were in front of him, and he couldn’t help clutching them at the threat. He wondered briefly if this was meant to be a sign for him to reveal to Cucurucho what he knew so far, but it was too early, he didn’t know enough!

Maybe Cucurucho thought he would know more, and this was a sign he was failing.

“We’re not afraid of you.” Philza ground out, stepping in front of his children. Despite the issue with his leg, he was as brave as ever, literally spitting in Cucurucho’s direction.

“Oh, he’s so dead.” Tubbo said, earning another jab from Fit.

No hope.

“Very well.”

Above their heads, a metallic sphere descended from the ceiling.

“No.” He whispered just as it activated.

Everyone screamed as electricity struck them all at once.

Foolish tried to cover his kids, but it was no use, the current too strong. His heart was beating so painfully fast that he feared his chest would explode before this torture was over. Imagining his kids suffering that same pain only caused a mental and emotional anguish alongside the rest.

Thankfully as soon as it’d started, it ended and the metallic sphere disappeared back into the ceiling.

No one had been left standing. Not battle-hardened Etoiles, nor stubborn Philza.

They were all the same at the end of the day, all in this hell together.

“Act in rebellion again, and the Federation will not be so forgiving.” Cucurucho said, before clapping its hands together, “Now for your gift, two of your missing companions will be waking now.”

“What?” Foolish’s brows furrowed, it couldn’t possibly mean-

“Missa?”

“Philza?!”

The islanders were all still struggling to stand, but the sudden outcry from Missa made them all look in their direction. Sure enough, Missa was finally awake, helping Philza to his feet before doting on the children immediately.

Cucurucho however was staring at Philza, “Now say thank you.”

Philza paused in his tearful reunion to glare at Cucurucho, “You put him in that position, so fuck off.”

Cucurucho shook its head, “Improper manners will not be tolerated further.” It pointed up.

Sure enough, the sphere was peeking out of the ceiling.

The islanders scrambled, trying to get away from the center of the room, but there were so many guards they were pushed back.

Missa was confused, asking loudly, “What’s going on?!”

Foolish simply held onto his kids as they shivered in his arms.

When he looked over at Philza, he’d never seen the man so heartbroken.

He grit his teeth before he uttered painfully, “Thank you.”

“Very good.” Cucurucho’s voice was always monotone but he swore there was glee in that tone somewhere. “Enjoy your gifts.” It said before leaving them at last, most of the guards leaving with it.

Philza returned to speaking to Missa shortly after that, but Foolish had a burning desire that was stronger than the pain from the electricity. He pick up both Leo and Pepito in his arms and pushed through the crowds towards a cell that was so painful, but hopefully soon to be empty.

Leo seemed to gather the same idea and she said, “Papa Vegetta es un regalo.” Papa Vegetta is a gift.

“¿Mi otro awelo?” My other grandfather? Pepito whispered.

Foolish nodded, only to freeze before the cell.

Vegetta lied there, as still as before.

He collapsed on his knees as Leo and Pepito scrambled off of him. His kids both pulled him into a hug immediately. Nothing had to be said between them.

“Oh fuck, not my bitch of a wife.” Slime’s voice was louder and more grating than normal, something Foolish chalked up to the immeasurable disappointment he was suffering from.

“Aye, shut up! I don’t care about you!” And sure enough the owner of the voice stepped into view, “Foolish, you’re looking as sexy as always.”

He blinked at him, confused at first because he didn’t recall them being on good terms the last time they’d seen each other but after the shock of the electricity and the worse shock that Vegetta was still comatose, he wasn’t sure he could trust his memories anymore.

“¡Vete! ¡Hombre estúpido!” Go away! You stupid man! Leo yelled, running up to him and smackign him over and over again.

“¡Woah chica, calma, calma!” Mariana said, trying to block her strikes.

“Stop it, Leo.” Foolish said, with not much passion behind the command. Leo predictively, paid it no mind and continued to fight Mariana.

That was when Mariana finally noticed who they were all standing by, “Oh, Vegetta! Hey Vegetta! Could you wake up and call off your pequeña perra?!” He was basically screaming into the cell.

Foolish stood, and before Mariana could even turn around as he started to laugh to himself, he was already in his face. He wasn’t thinking straight, not when he grabbed the man, not when he shoved him into the bars and certainly not when he punched him square in the jaw.

Foolish let go, satisfied when a bit of blood pooled in the other man’s mouth.

He heard gasps behind him from some of the other islanders, a cheer from Slime, but he didn’t really care right now. Instead he picked up his kids and he left for his cell back upstairs without a single look back.

The trio were all in bed immediately, mainly because it was all Foolish could manage as he collapsed again. His body was screaming at him, pleading for a moment of rest and wasn;t one to argue with it.

But Leo had other plans as she rubbed at his face until his eyes opened again. “Háblame.” Talk to me.

Foolish whispered back, “Not now.”

“Quiero ayudar.” I want to help.

“You already have.” He replied, then pulled her into a hug, pulling in Pepito too who was rather confused, the poor kid.

Leo grumbled into his side, “Te quiero mucho.”

“Te quiero mucho.” He whispered back.

Pepito also whispered, “Creo que ese era uno de mis papás.” I think that was one of my dads.

There was no hope that Foolish wasn’t going to wake up with a headache tomorrow.

The torture and his horrid ex reappearing aside, yesterday had been a massive breakthrough in garnering trust with the resistance. They even showed him the hole with the supplies they’d scavengered. Unfortunately, still no trust for their plan of escape. Philza had also barred them from any more supply trips, so they had to work with what they got the first time.

The included two bulletproof vests, about four tasers and a box of ration bars.

It wasn’t all that much in the grand scheme of the prison and Foolish really wasn’t sure how Philza was going to pull this off.

“I don’t know how we’re going to pull this off.” Philza complained. It had been a few days since the torture incident and the old man had been forced on bed rest. 

In the meantime, Foolish and the other three in the resistance had taken turns scouting out the prison in pairs. With Foolish’s codes, they’d managed to draw out a rather nice map.

On toilet paper.

“Work smarter not harder.” Fit had said when he’d pulled out a roll. They’d had no access to any other paper in all their sneaking around, but Foolish did manage to yoink a pen off of Agent 18 when he wasn’t looking. It wasn’t perfect, but it was the best they could do.

Philza was sat on the ground, staring at the map. At this point they’d had the whole place mapped out. After the supply run, the yard was watched a lot more carefully eliminating any chance to escape that way, thus they’d turned to the building itself. When Foolish and Etoiles came back one day reporting a hanger, Philza’s eyes lit up.

“Where there’s a hanger, there’s a plane.”

So now Foolish know the plan, at least the end goal. They would bust out and steal a plane. Short and simple, ingenious really. All he’d had to do now was go report them to Agent 18. He’d met up with the Agent plenty over the last week, asking for one thing or another to get the resistance’s trust.

But going and tattling? That just seemed so boring.

He wanted to have a bit of fun with this. Betray them at the last hour.

It would all work out in the end anyway so it would be fine.

But right now, Philza was looking perplexed instead of like the brilliant leader he normally was. “I just don’t see how we can get everyone there safely.”

“Plus an unconscious man.” Fit grumbled, scratching his chin. Oddly enough, Fit was continuing to insist they bring Vegetta along. Foolish knew the two had spoken a few times before, and then Fit was so convinced Foolish wouldn’t leave without him (Fit was right). However, because Foolish knew he would betray them ultimately, he realized bringing Vegetta along would only reveal to the Federation how much Foolish cared about him.

They’d already harmed his children, and they already took the rest of his family, at least Vegetta was unharmed in that state. However there was a part of him that hated how after that first wave of disappointment, he’d instead become so relieved Vegetta was still like that.

It was easier this way.

Yet so much harder at the same time.

“We’re just going to have to go for it.” Etoiles said, “It’s our only chance.”

“At least do it at night. Catch them off guard.” Bagi inputted, “I’ve noticed there are also less guards since they lock us in our cells.”

Philza frowned, “But how do we leave the cells?”

Foolish leaned back and grinned, “How do you think?”

“Foolish has the cell key too. He will unlock his then do the others.” Bagi said.

“That would take too much time.” Fit frowned, “You should tell us the code and we all do it together. Spread word to the others too, under the radar.”

“It’s a really long code, super annoying.” Foolish said, “Probably best if only I know it.” if he gave away one code, they’d ask for the other codes. He couldn’t lose that leverage- that power.

“Relax, we can memorize a few codes.” Etoiles rolled his eyes, “I memorized the Code’s code, this is nothing.”

“But if it’s inputted wrong, it’ll set off an alarm.” Foolish actually wasn’t sure about that one, but it sounded good enough.

“Then we’ll write it down.” Bagi said.

“But-”

“Foolish.” It was that dangerous tone again, and his eyes met that of the Crow’s, “Is there something you’re not telling us?”

Foolish’s eyes widened as he felt like he wasn’t looking at Philza at all anymore. The temperature of the room plummeted and he worried he was going light-headed. “Of course not.”

“Then you’re going to write down those codes.” Even his pupils seemed more like slits than the warmer circles he’d gotten used to the last week.

“Yes sir.” He mumbled, sitting up straighter. Betraying him was going to be terrible, but it had to be done, it had to be done.

Like a light had been flipped, Philza’s demeanor changed, “Then we’ll just have to go out on a big hurrah. It’s all we got.”

“It’s better than dying in here.” Fit muttered and that meant something coming from the man of the wastelands.

The others left, but when Foolish went to leave, Philza cleared his throat.

He froze in the doorway, waiting.

“We’ve known each other long enough.” The crow, no, the Angel of Death, started. “I know how you are, always looking for the next thrill, the next drama.” He paused, “This isn’t another adventure for you to play with, these people, these children. I couldn’t even tell how much you truly cared about your own until I saw you falling apart in Purgatory.”

Foolish turned to face him, clearing his own throat this time.

“I will always do what I must to protect them, to protect us.”

He had to betray, he had to betray, there was no choice, no option, the Federation was too strong, he’d seen it all first hand. No hope, no hope-

“Is that what you tell yourself to sleep better at night?” Philza stood, his walk the most stable it had been all week. “Or are you just protecting yourself?”

The batons smashed against his back, and he cried out. But they were quickly forgotten as the guards took turns with their fists. Over and over and over again, his nose broken and twisted, his limbs mangled, golden blood smeared across the room. It felt like hours, and seconds all at once. He was so delirious, he started to speak to himself, garbled words and incoherent sentences until he finally understood the lesson Cucurucho was teaching him.

He would be loyal, he had to be loyal.

There was no choice.

Foolish gasped, shocked to find Philza’s hand bracing him as he struggled to regain his breath. There were no words spoken until his breathing had settled into a more even rhythm.

“You looked positively wretched when they brought you back that night.” Philza said, “I was bedridden myself, but I forced Fit to let me see what they had done. Leo was a mess, all the kids were. You’re their favorite Uncle Foolish.”

“I don’t have a choice.” He finally whispered.

“You always have a choice.”

If he allowed himself to believe that, it would only hurt more when reality set in.

“Go, sleep. Then write down those codes.” Philza said, “You are right about one thing.”

Foolish’s eyes widened, “What?”

“I don’t have a choice on bringing you with us. Bolas stick together, no matter what.” He said, but added, “I hope you remember that when the time calls for it.”

Foolish’s brows furrowed, “I’ll do what will protect us all.”

“I’m sure you will.” Philza said, “Now get out of here. I’m fucking exhausted.”

Foolish let out a short, tight laugh, “Old man.”

Philza scowled, “You’re barely younger than me at this point.”

“Oh yes, a few thousand off.”

“Get out!”

Foolish let out a more earnest laugh this time, and he knew he heard Philza do the same. It was a moment of levity he needed to drag him out the awful mental headspace he’d fallen into. He didn’t realize how much of that first night he’d blocked out, how much damage he’d actually taken from the bruises he’d woken up with.

How no one had really tried to pry into it until now.

Even worse, it explained why Leo had been so angry, so scared… seeing one father comatose one moment and the other a mangled mass of limbs the next.

His poor girl.

She would be returning from lunch soon, so he needed to prepare a proper explanation. It was the least she’d deserved after everything. He headed up to his room to do that, only to find the door half-open. None of the guards ever left a door half-open like that.

His alarm bells were ringing already, so he approached his room cautiously, his ears perked.

He didn’t expect an attack from behind.

“¡Puta Madre!” Mariana’s distinct voice cried as he was shoved forward, his chin slamming against the ground. In the next send there was a sharp pain in his side- a knife.

“You found a fucking knife?!” He yelled, then shoved at the ground, knocking the other man off his back.

Mariana fell on his ass, but got up quickly, bloody knife in hand, “¡Intentas robarme a mi hijo! ¡No lo permitiré!” You're trying to steal my son! I won't allow it!

“What?!” Foolish put up his fists and replied, “¡No puedo robar algo que nunca fue tuyo!” I can't steal something that was never your's!

Mariana gasped loudly, “I’ll- I’ll kill you!”

“Go ahead, try.” Foolish smirked.

Mariana charged, roaring as he did, but Foolish had been fighting for millenia. Sure Mariana had gotten the drop on him, ripped his jumpsuit and forced a bit of his blood to stain the floor, but that was going to be the only hit he landed.

In one easy move, he leaned over and flipped Mariana over him, making him land on his back and drop the knife. He didn’t hesitate to reach over and grab the knife, teasing Mariana with it in front of his face.

Which was when he noticed the tears streaming down the man’s face.

“Juanaflippa…” The man blubbered pathetically, and Foolish couldn’t believe what he was about to do.

Before anything, he slipped the knife into his pocket, thankful it was small enough to conceal, then he sat down next to the man who’d just stabbed him.

“There. There.” He said awkwardly, patting the man’s shoulder.

“I just want Juanaflippa back man…” Mariana muttered, “Then Slime would come back too.”

Foolish’s brows furrowed, “You want Slime back?”

“Yes! He’s so handsome, not like you.” Mariana grumbled, “ I was trying to make him jealous.”

He wasn’t sure if he should be offended or not.

Foolish did not want to be here, “And why can’t you two try to work it out now?”

“Because our daughter, our little daughter, she was what bond us together. Without Juanaflippa, what are we?” Mariana sobbed so loudly, it made Foolish wonder if Philza was purposefully ignoring them to stay out of this drama. He really couldn’t blame him.

“You know, when Vegetta went missing, my daughter was also very upset.” He said, “For the first couple of months, we’d simply hoped he’d be back. After purgatory I admit we both started to assume he was gone.” Dead. It felt shameful to admit with the man comatose downstairs and very much alive. 

“But we talked and we talked and we talked, until we were sick of talking and we focused on living.” Foolish pat his shoulder, “Stop trying to replace Juanaflippa.” Pepito was his. “Stop trying to make him jealous.” Leave me alone. “And go live.” Go away.

Mariana’s crying slowed down until finally it stopped, “You’re right.”

He couldn’t believe that worked.

“Gracias, feo.” Thanks, ugly.

“I hate you.” There was no hope for him.

Mariana didn’t reply to that, instead he saundered away with a confidence he hadn’t seen on the man since their last yelling match. It was an utterly baffling incident.

And Foolish was still bleeding, but he did have a knife now.

He got up and finally actually made it to his room, pulling off his shirt the next moment so he could try to see the damage in the small mirror they all had. It wasn’t too deep thankfully-

“Pa?!” Leo screamed.

“I’m-” He stopped as she barreled into him, sobbing.

He kneeled down to her level, reaching for her so he could cup her face around his hands, “Talk to me.” He whispered.

And so she did.

“¿Qué pasó? ¿Por qué te dolió tanto? ¿Por qué duerme Papá Vegetta? ¿Por qué te ausentas tanto? ¿Qué pasa? Solo quiero a mi papá, pero no te encuentro muy a menudo. Pepito también está preocupado, pero le dije que no se preocupara. Ese era mi trabajo. Necesito protegerte. Papá Vegetta me dijo que te protegiera. Eres tan chiquito.”

What happened? Why were you so hurt? Why is Papa Vegetta sleeping? Why are you gone so much? What is happening? I just want my pa, but I can't find you a lot. Pepito is worried too, but I told him not to worry. That was my job. I need to protect you. Papa Vegetta told me to protect you. You're so small.

Foolish smiled a bit at the end, shaking his head, “Of course he said that.” 

“Cuando te volví a ver, y te estabas desmoronando, sentí que había fracasado. Estabas herida y no te protegí. Entonces volvió a ocurrir.” When I saw you again, and you were cracking, I felt like I'd failed. You were hurt and I didn't protect you. Then it happened again.

“Leo, I want you to listen to me very carefully.” He kept his grip gentle around her face, “It’s not your job to protect me. It’s my job to protect you, okay?”

“No.”

“This isn’t something to argue about.”

“Estas equivocado.” You’re wrong.

“Leonarda.” He felt his hands shaking, but the firm tone he’d wanted to use was lost to him as his daughter’s tears fell over his hands. “We’re all going to get out of here, and when we get home, you’ll never have to worry again.”

“¿Vas a casa?” Going home? Leo’s eyes lit up.

“Yes, princess.” He said and he leaned forward, letting her go so he could touch their foreheads together instead. “Lo siento mucho.” I’m so sorry.

“Está bien. Eres chiquito.” It’s okay. You’re small.

Foolish chuckled, but not before there was another droplet between them. At first he’d thought Leo was still crying, but she had backed up now and it was her little hands that reached forward now. She pressed down just under his eye, wiping away another tear that had threatened to fall.

“No llores, tonto.” Don’t cry, silly. Leo smiled despite her own red-rimmed eyes.

“Hypocrite.” He teased, suddenly going for her armpits and tickling her.

“No! Stop!” She cried out, giggling. Leo tried to get to his armpits too but he was too tall, “Not fair!” She whined, so he paused long enough for her to get to him. The two fell over onto the bed, fighting like children until they’d worn themselves out enough to finally relax in the bed.

They both looked up at the boring ceiling.

“Vegetta can’t wake up here, he’d hate it.”

“Si, muy feo.” Yes, very ugly.

Foolish still believed he had no choice in the matter, but there was a seed of doubt now. One forged that night dealing with three very different relationships in his life.

There was no hope that whatever he decided didn’t jeopardize the ones he cared for in one way or another.

It was time.

There had both been too much time and not enough time until the break out began.

Foolish had done as he was asked, all the codes. All of the codes had been written out on toilet paper. Fit had giggled to himself when he received his.

Then in the dead of night-

Doors across the cell block swung open.

There were still guards, but they’d already planned that one, all of them had been assigned one to take out and they hadn’t hesitated. Foolish had slit his guard’s throat, pulling his against the bars before his door had opened and cut without mercy.

There was a time he’d thought of them as people too. He couldn’t afford to think that way, not with the plan in motion. No hope for them.

Yes. Cucurucho’s plan- no, Philza’s- no it had to be the Federation- but they are so cruel- what about-

“Vó!” Richas was suddenly there, clutching onto his leg. Leo and Pepito were already by his side naturally, but it was nice to see all his kids in one place. “I have a present!”

“Oh?” This was unexpected.

Richas shoved a gun in his hands. With ammo.

“You’re my favorite grandson.” Foolish said without missing a beat. “Sorry Pepito.”

“I know.” Richas grinned.

Pepito mumbled, “It’s okay.”

Foolish ruffled both of their hairs, “I’m just kidding, you’re both rascals.”

“Además, soy la favorita.” Besides, I’m the favorite. Leo tossed her hair over her shoulder.

“You’re not even a grandson.” Richas said flatly.

“So?” She grinned.

“Everyone! We need to leave!” Philza cried out, breaking up the little reunion. Richas ran off back towards Pac.

Foolish pulled on his kids’ hands and they ran down the stairs, but pivoted to the cell containing Vegetta. Foolish didn’t even really think about it this time. He let the kids go so he could punch in the code. He was at Vegetta’s side when he finally hesitated, his hands hovering over his still form.

“Come on, Foolish, grab him! We gotta get going!” Fit cried out, shocking him back to himself.

He still found himself unable to move, until a small hand grabbed his wrist and moved his hand so it cupped Vegetta’s cheek. He looked over to see Leo smiling up at him.

“Home. Hogar.” She said simply.

Foolish let go, kneeling down so he could use his strength to break the chains off the man. Thankfully they were rusty, weak, and it was no issue. Placing his hands under Vegetta and holding him bridal style- that had been the heaviest burden of his life. Not that he was heavy, oh he’d be dead if the man had thought Foolish thought it was heavy-

The trio made it to the center of the room with the rest of the islander. Philza was by the exit, trying to punch in the code Foolish had given him. The door slid open and people started to pile out-

Then out of nowhere there was a shot of electricity and so many screams.

The fucking sphere!

“Shit!” He heard Philza say, but the man was out of the field.

Foolish was on his knees, but Vegetta was still in his arms, his body convulsing alongside the rest of them. He forced himself to get back on his feet, then he threw him.

Fit was there, and he caught the man in his arms. Then laid him back down again, “Another!”

Foolish didn’t think he had another throw in him, but he heard his kids crying around him- and saw Richas reaching out for Pac’s hand.

Richas…

Foolish reached down, gritting his teeth as he moved, but grabbed it. In as swift a motion as he could, he pointed it up at that accursed sphere and fired.

It shattered like glass, to the relief of all.

Foolish slumped over, breathing ragged from the exertion. His kids tried to help him up, but his vision was blurry. Then a strong brace and he blinked wearily until his eyes registered Philza by his side.

“Let’s go, mate.”

“Déjà vu.” He mumbled weakly.

“Sure.” Philza chuckled, “Come on, kids.” He said to Leo and Pepito and the pair nodded, following the pair out of the room.

Fit was holding Vegetta, though the man had thrown him over the shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Foolish may have glanced at his ass, but in his defense, it had been awhile and he was very out of it.

“Man, Fit, what’s that slab of meat you’re holding?” Totally out of it.

“At least we don’t need to worry about a betrayal now.” Bagi joked, jogging beside them. She was holding Empanada’s hand while Tina had the other.

Leo made an indignant noise, “¡¿Por qué?!”

Bagi’s eyes widened, “Ah, nothing.” She ran faster.

“Ah! Too fast!” Tina complained, but they didn’t have that luxury.

“Resistence is futile.” The voice echoed down the stairs, thankfully being nothing more than an intercom. 

“You suck!” Etoiles cried out joyfully. Being the only other person who’d seen the hanger, he was leading the charge, taking care of guards they passed on the way, “Pomme will kick your butt!”

“Père!” Father! Pomme gasped.

“What? What’s the problem? I’m right.” He laughed.

“There is no hope.”

He had to betray, he had to betray, there was no choice, no option, the Federation was too strong, he’d seen it all first hand. No hope, no hope-

“No hope…” He whispered, and was prompted smacked.

“None of that now.” Philza said, “We’re getting out of here, you understand?”

Foolish blinked wearily at him, but nodded slowly.

Thankfully they had all arrived at the hanger,

Unfortunately, the code wasn’t working.

“What is this shit?!” Etoiles complained, kicking at the door.

“I knew it.” Bagi’s eyes narrowed.

“I don’t understand… they should work…” Foolish’s head lulled to one side, his head pounding worse than it ever had before.

 No hope, no hope-

“We’re all going to die!” Pac screamed.

Bagi let go of her child and spun around to jab a finger in Foolish’s face, “I knew this was a trap!”

Leo shoved herself in front of her father, “No!”

“I’m sure there’s a reason for this. Maybe he just gave the wrong one?” Fit said, thankfully still holding onto Vegetta.

“But that was all of them.” Foolish massaged his forehead as a migraine set in.

No hope, no hope-

“ He was gone for three days!” Bagi cried out, “There’s no telling what those freaks did to him at that time!” Then her face softened, “This might not be his choice.”

“But we’re stuck here either way.” Tina said, walking forward to grab her girlfriend’s hand.

Three days? How had it been three-

“No hope.”

“No hope…?” Foolish muttered again.

Philza’s eyes widened, “What the-”

He drew the pistol and aimed right between the crow’s eyes.

Everyone froze, there was no one close enough to react, or strong enough as Leo stared up at her father.

“They never believed you could earnestly betray us.” Philza said, “A code phrase.”

“No hope.” He muttered again, his hands shaking. That wasn’t what was happening. It couldn’t be. He knew what happened that night- didn’t he? He recalled the beating at least, the pain- but there had been black outs hadn’t there? What was he missing? Wasn’t this a mission? A plan so he could rise in the ranks and finally protect them all with the power he’d gained?

He was choosing this, he wasn’t a puppet, he couldn’t be a puppet, he refused.

But all he could utter despite his racing thoughts was, “No hope.”

“Shoot me.” Philza pressed the gun tighter against his forehead, making his kids gasp. “Come on, Foolish. If you’re in control, do it. I know Cucurucho doesn’t actually want us dead. This is just a stalling tactic.”

But why would Foolish want him dead- if it was against Cucurucho and against Philza- what was the point? It wouldn’t solve anything, it wouldn’t prove-

Oh.

“No hope.”

He fired.

Tallulah, Chayanne and Missa all screamed the loudest in horror as Philza’s body crashed to the floor. Fit moved fast, dropping Vegetta in an instant to tackle Foolish. He slammed his head against the floor hard enough to crack bone, but Foolish would live.

“I trusted you!” Fit roared, his grip harsh and biting.

“What’s wrong with you?!” Missa cried, clutching Philza in his arms. The man had a clear hole through his skull, his eyes lifeless and dead as blood trailed down it.

“Pa…” Leo’s lip trembled in confusion and sadness.

He would apologize for it later, but he couldn’t help it.

Foolish laughed.

“He’s deranged.” Bagi sneered, “Beyond hope.”

“Surely there’s something we’re missing?” Tina whispered.

“Cheap shot.” Etoiles frowned.

But he was still laughing, “You old crow.” Foolish said, “You genius…”

“What are you going on about?!” Pac cried, covering Richas’s eyes, only for the boy to look anyway.

That’s when there was a cracking of bones, and Missa screamed, letting Philza go as the man rose. There was more cracking until the clamp on his wings shattered and he sketched them out, the feathers restored in full alongside the hole in his skull.

Philza took a deep shuddering breath before reopening his eyes.

“What the hell.” Fit muttered looking up at him.

“Can’t kill an Angel of Death.” Foolish said, “But it sure can help to break a command.”

Philza grinned, “You have no idea how grateful I am you pointed at me.”

“Likewise.” Foolish said, “So can I get up now or…?”

“No hope.”

Foolish flinched and Fit pressed down on him again.

But when he didn’t repeat the phrase, Philza nodded.

Unfortunately, that was when more guards had finally arrived.\

“Protect the kids!” Philze cried, wings flaring out behind him and rushed the nearest faceless bear.

They didn’t have time to process, being thrust back into battle. Pepito and Tallulah were wearing the bullet-proof vests, the other kids took turns with the tasers while the rest were scavenging weapons from the guards. Foolish had the knife and the gun, but his eyes landed on a baton briefly. He shook his hand and refocused on the next wave.

At this rate they were going to die in front of the hanger door.

That’s when Foolish spotted familiar plaid pants.

“Agent 18!” He cried, smiling as he raced towards his friend-

Only to have a baton in his face.

“Woah, easy there, partner.” He laughed it off, trying to gently push the baton away.

“You lied to me.” 18 said. “To all of us.”

“Pff, what? This is still the plan-”

“Stop it! Stop lying to me!” 18 clutched his head, “I loved you!”

Foolish blinked, processing this more than he did shooting Philza in the head only minutes ago. “You’re really a nice guy…”

“I hate that you don’t feel the same.” Agent 18 continues, “But… I can’t let you suffer again. I saw the tapes… so… I’m here to help.” He said, “Even if you don’t deserve it.”

Foolish’s mouth went dry, the damnation feeling too close to the thoughts that now felt so vile in his mind. He had been planning to betray his friends for a week now, and in turn betraying his family. If anything, no one would ever be aware how much he believed what Cucurucho fed him. He was guilty, so very, very guilty.

“Okay.” He said, brows furrowed in shame. “Thank you.”

“Can I ask one thing?” 18 looked up at him, “Did you ever care about me?”

“I care about all my friends.” Even if it’s warped and twisted how he did.

Going forward, he could change that.

18 nodded, “Okay, okay… One last mission than, Jabberjaw.” He grabbed Foolish’s hand, no doubt to make sure he wasn’t killed in the confusion, but Foolish suspected it was the man’s last chance to think there was something more than friendship.

He could allow him this one indulgence.

Agent 18 let go the moment they were at the door. He wasted no time typing in the code, pausing over the enter key with one last glance towards him, “That guy better treat you like a king when he wakes up.”

“He will.” He always had.

“Good.” He pressed enter, and the door swung open.

“The door’s open!” Etoiles cried out, and with that, the islanders piled inside.

Foolish stayed by the door as the others rushed in, staring at 18.

“You could come with us.”

Agent 18 shook his head, “No. No, I don't think I can.” He took a step back, “Goodbye, Jabberjaw.”

“Goodbye, partner.”

And then the Agent walked away.

“Come on, Foolish!” Etoiles pulled on his shoulder so he went with him, feeling a little hollower than he expected.

The islanders had already cracked open a plane, the mass of people piling in one after another. His eyes scanned for his kids, thankful to see them already aboard it.

Etoiles ran up ahead of him, joining Fit, Bagi and Philza-

“Where’s Vegetta?”

“Oh fuck- I left him in-” Fit said but he was interrupted as a lone figure stood in the doorway.

“W0039. You are malfunctioning.”

Foolish’s blood ran cold as he turned to face Cucurucho.

The others got into their battle stances behind him, but Cucurucho wasted no time, dashing forward. Foolish pulled out his gun and tried to shoot him, but it only bounced off the smooth curves of his metal plating.

Cold metallic hands wrapped around his wind pipes and he choked and gagged, as the robot squeezed. 

“Reconditioning is required.”

“Let him go!” The four people he’d been lying to all this time, now thinking they had to defend him. He didn’t deserve that, he didn’t- he was at fault too!

But… he didn’t rat them out right away, Foolish had claimed he wanted a thrill, something Cururucho would have never allowed. That had been his first piece of rebellion, who Foolish was at his core.

He smiled, suddenly feeling so much lighter.

There was horrid sound of metal being sliced in half, a horrific glitching cry and then he was falling- 

Into the arms that made him feel the lightest.

“Vegetta?”

Violet eyes that glistened with mischief, backed by a radiantly styled coif of black hair. It was like the man had never left, that easy, confident, comforting grin across his face.

“Mi amor.” Vegetta declared, not hesitating to pull him into a kiss that Foolish happily obligated with. In fact it would take a lot for him to let the man go, his brain wondering how long until he vanished again.

Stay, stay, stay-

“Papa!” Leo cried, having escaped the plane to crash into her parents, crying again but this time with happy tears no doubt.

When they settled down a bit, Vegetta looked around and said, “I think… I have missed a lot. Demasiado.”

“That’s one way to put it…” Fit said.

“As cute as this is, we need to go!” Bagi gestured to the plane.

“Ya, save the fucking for the plane!” Tubbo yelled from the doorway, making a disgusted face.

Vegetta blushed, “Oh, who is that? Espera, ¿era ese el niño pequeño con las fábricas?” Wait, was that the little boy with the factories? His brows furrowed, “Él es bastante ruidoso.” He’s rather loud.

“Él siempre lo es.” He always is. Leo sighed.

With that, the family were finally ushered onto the plane, sitting together of course, with Vegetta being very confused as Pepito, a total stranger, ran up and hugged him.

“Nieto?” Grandson? He asked, looking at Foolish for approval.

He nodded, amused as the boy jumped up and down excitably. Leo joined in and even Richas tackled Vegetta from behind. Thankfully Vegetta did remember that grandson, laughing with him and the others as the kids played with and mostly on him.

Foolish didn’t want to move a muscle.

But there was a tap on his shoulder.

Philza gestured for him to follow. He hesitated, looking back at Vegetta.

“We’re in the air. He’s not going anywhere.” Philza reassured.

Foolish sighed, then followed.

At first he expected to see the other three he worked alongside, but instead they were in a compartment by themselves. 

“Is this the part where I apologize for shooting you in the head?” Foolish looked around nervously, wondering if Fit was nearby to tackle him again, or worse, the wrath of Tallulah. He bet she could curse him or something.

“Not at all.” Philza said, “If anything I owe you a favor. It gave me a bit of a refresh.” He sketched out his wings a bit. “No, you're here for yourself.”

“Myself?” He raised a brow.

“The night you let Mariana talk, then Leo. I heard it all.” Philza leaned back, “So, Foolish…”

He laughed awkwardly, “If you’re bad at it, I’m way worse.”

“Then we can stumble around it together.” Philza waved off. “We’ve got a lone ride back home, and I’m not going to let you get out of this. Etoiles is blocking the door.” He grinned.

“I don’t see the point when we’re all safe now.” Foolish frowned.

“I thought about you, when you ran around talking about the Fed and then joined them.” Philza said, “I realized back then, sure we talked to you a lot, but we never actually… talked to you.” He paused, closing his eyes, “Then Bolas happened and even then, while you were literally crumbling before our very eyes, none of us stepped in.”

“But there was so much going on…” He chuckled, “None of us were in that position…”

“I talked to Jaiden, to Cellbit, to Baghera.”

“Ya and where are they now?”

Philza flinched and the room was quiet.

“When I have my family back. All of them. Then we can talk.” Foolish stood, “Now may I go enjoy who I have now?”

“I’m proud of you.” Philza said, looking up at him, “But you don’t have to shoulder the responsibility alone.”

Foolish sat back down, a sudden defeated expression across his face, like those were the words he’d been waiting for. So similar to what he’d told his daughter.

Philza leaned in, “Talk to me.”

So finally, after the pestering of a lifetime, Foolish finally turned to Philza and… they talked.

It allowed Foolish to leave that plane without a dark cloud over him, and he could finally talk to Vegetta too. The man was lost and confused, but he was the only thing Foolish really needed after his experience in prison.

Hope.