Chapter 21

Quackity was not in a good mood. Phil had tricked him! After days in the nest. After days of playing the good fledgling, of asking politely for help when his wings started bothering him. Of doing those stupid stretches, Phil had left him alone! Had claimed he had to go to the village for some shit or something! Not once not twice, but three times, he had left him alone in the house with Technoblade; He wasn't sure where Wilbur was. But he was very aware that Techno was around, seeing as the Pig Hybrid's heavy footsteps downstairs. How dare Phil leave him alone, and with Techno of all people. Sure he had a bunch of crows sitting in the rafters of the nest, but what were they going to do if Techno came stomping in? Peck him to death?!

This was the Fucking Blood God! The Blade! For Prime Sake!

And Phil left him there alone with him! The bird in Quackity's brain had gotten louder the longer he was around Phil and even the his instinct didn't like the idea of Phil leaving him alone. Phil had said something before each time he left about trusting other flock members or some bullshit like that. Quackity hadn't really paid attention, after he was told Phil was leaving. All that work being a good fledgling and Phil leaves.

And to make matters worst, Techno would call Quackity downstairs. Though Quackity never went. But he knew it was only a matter of time until Techno got tired of being ignored and stepped into the nest. So yes, Quackity was plotting the Crow hybrids demise after feeling the need to hoard everything that smelt like Phil close to him that is. He was going to rip feathers out on purpose this time.

"Hey." Techno called from the door.

"Stay away from me!" Quackity hissed out, his wings mantling up behind him. It seemed Techno had got tired of being ignored this time and Quackity was ready.

"I'm not even standing in the door. I'm literally outside of it." Techno huffed, with a roll of his eyes. The pig hybrid was only in his white poets shirt, pants and boots. The red cape and crown had been delivered to the nest by the crows and Quackity enjoyed sleeping on it every night know Techno was missing something vital to his overall appearance.

"What do you want?" Quackity demanded.

"I was going to go check on the hounds." Techno said, crossing his arms over his chest.

"So." What was the Blade up to now? A trap maybe?

"I figured you'd like to come and help feed them. Phil's been keeping you cooped up in here, and I bet you would love a shower right about now." He stated. "But if not, then stay here. You got five minutes to make your decision, before the offer is off the table." And with that Techno left going back down the stairs.

Quackity glared at spot where Techno had stood, before letting his eyes drift tot he red cape in the nest. Techno hadn't asked for it back and was offering to take him out of the nest and even better out of the house again. Things didn't turn out to good last time Techno took him out. However, Quackity was so fucking sick of the nest, and the stupid crows that kept bothering him there. Even if his instincts called for Philza and to stay, Quackity didn't want to, he'd go crazy if he stayed indoors any longer. So, why couldn't he make himself move?

The bird in his brain screamed that the nest was safer.

But Quackity couldn't stay here. He couldn't stay and let Phil continue doing whatever the hell he was doing that was making his instincts stronger. He eyed the red cape again. Techno hadn't asked for it back. The man said he was going to go feed his hounds. They were outside. Why hadn't he demanded it back? He gripped the red fabric, and glanced up to the rafters where the poor imitations of Ranger sat and cawed and screech at each other. He couldn't stand them. His instincts screamed impostures as he looked at them. Mind made up Quackity stood bring the cape with him. He wasn't going to stand for mind games. Techno was going to demand his cape and Quackity was going to rub it in his face, that it was his, because 'he' said so, not because his instincts scream his. And he was going to stomp on it out of spite. He was going to leave this stupid room, and slam the door so those stupid crows could not follow, because he wasn't a fledgling. He wasn't a child. He was an adult and he didn't need a babysitter.

And that is just what he did, and smiled as the crows within screeched in protest when he locked them inside. He quickly made his downstairs, making sure to drag the red cape on the floor behind him, where Techno was waiting, with Quackity's shoes, out in front of the door.

"Huh, Almost thought you weren't going to be able to make yourself leave the nest. But then we both know you're more stubborn than people give you credit for." Techno said, and Quackity could tell if it was taunt or a praise with how monotoned the words were said. But what really bothered Quackity was that Techno was standing there ready to go outside already donning another red cape with white fox fur. "Good thing you brought that." He pointed out, to the red cape Quackity had planned on stomping on to show his hatred. "Its cold outside, your going to want to wear that." He stated, arms crossed over his chest as he waited for Quackity to slip on his shoes.

Quackity glared at Techno. The bastard seemed to always be one step ahead in battle and out. But no matter his hatred toward Techno, it seemed his toughest enemy was his ticket to leaving the house and actually get some fresh air, so he put his shoes on. But Techno kept the door shut with his red eyes eyeing Quackity and then the cape. "What?" Quackity demanded.

"Put it on." Techno demanded. "Phil will not like you out there without something warm on." Red eyes narrowed slightly as if daring Quackity to fight him on this.

Quackity did not want to ruin his chance of going outside, of his chance that Techno might slip up and he could run. Could run and stop whatever Phil did to get his instincts all out of control. And forget about Ranger and Phil. So, Quackity begrudgingly put the cape on. Ignoring how the bird in his brain seemed to sing in happiness. And He was positive he only imagined Techno's lip quirk up before vanishing again, because those red eyes did not leave Quackity once, until the read cape was securely clasped on.

"Don't run." Techno ordered. Still not breaking eye contact. "You run, then I'll have to chase you. And we both know who will win in the end anyway." He warned, before turning his back and opened the door, not looking back, apparently content to let Quackity follow without being herded.

"'Don't run. 'Cause we both know, I can catch you.'" Quackity mocked, in a whispered mimic of Techno had just said. "Maldito cerdo!" He spat, loud enough to make sure he was heard.

Techno only looked over his shoulder with a grunt, but otherwise made no comment as he opened the barn door, revealing a large pack of hounds and a few polar bears that were all just laying around in the hay that covered the floor. There were even a few crows in the barn. Quackity paused when a few of the hounds ran towards them a few rubbing up against Techno and begging for attention while some ran out of the barn and began running around the property.

"Close the door. We're letting the heat out." Techno motioned with a hand while his other began petting the canines that were jumping up on their hind legs, until he petted them.

Quackity took a few steps to the door, then another. Could he run. Techno wasn't watching him. Deciding to take a chance Quackity turned his back to the barn and before he could take a running step was met with three growling hounds and a face full of crow as the little creature screeched and dived, and actually bit him on the nose. "ARGH! Ouch!" He shouted, feet taking him further into the barn as his hands came up to protect his face.

Techno the bastard was laughing at him, as he closed the door. Petting the three growling hounds as he closed the door, the mangy mutts turning back into happy go lucky dogs under their masters gaze. All the while the little crow screeched in Quackity's face, until his tripped over a polar bear, before settling on top of his head, looking very pleased with itself.

"I told you to close the door." Techno said nearing the end of his laughter.

Quackity just snarled as he tried to swat the attacking crow away. The little thing not giving up and even pulled at his hair. Talons snagging his wings, as he tried to get away from it. It was just the one and it just kept coming for him. "Make it stop!" He snapped, as he threw hay at it.

Techno seemed to snort with laughter as he came over and grabbed the crow gently from the air. "Thought you'd be happy to see your emotional support pet again." He smirked, holding the little loud crow as it wiggled in his hands.

Quackity went from glaring up at Techno to the now contained crow. "Ranger?" He asked. Eyes taking in the crow, that now was now quiet and giving Quackity a very judgmental look. He wasn't sure if he could trust Techno's words, but then without the bow, Quackity knew he wouldn't be able to tell Ranger apart from the other crows anyway. "You're telling me that's Ranger?" He clarified carefully, not letting himself get excited, because he was not excited, the bird in his brain was a liar.

"Brian brought all the young ones back, after Phil insisted you missed them." Techno shrugged. Eyes moving from Quackity to the little crow in his hand. "I told them you wouldn't know who they were without that bow." He stated, letting the little crow go, after it peck at his hands a few finale times.

Quackity watched as Ranger glided from Techno's hands, and landed, on the floor of the barn in front of him, and shaking out its feathers. It seemed to act like Ranger. But Techno had a point Quackity couldn't tell the crow apart by looks alone. And Ranger was taken once, who was to say Ranger wouldn't be taken away again? He wanted to scoop the little crow up, but not in front of Techno. "So you came back." He said, leaving as much emotion out of his tone. He wouldn't show Techno he was happy, he wouldn't show off a weakness.

The little crow chirped, flapping its wings and flying itself around him, coming and nuzzling his cheek before joining another group of crows and that's when Quackity lost sight again of Ranger. He hadn't realized that his wings had drooped until Techno came up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder, to which had Quackity spinning around with a punch already in coming. Techno easily dodged back from the attack, hand held half up in surrender, which was a laugh in a half for Quackity; Techno never surrendered, he massacred.

"Whoa! Easy." He warned, red eyes boring into Quackity's.

Quakcity knew he wouldn't win a fight here and now with Techno, not with the heavy and red cape hanging from his shoulders. And he wanted to rip it off so to have better movement, but the bird in his brain screamed that it was warm and smelled familiar. That it was his. It belonged in his nest. "What are you playing Blade?!" Quackity demanded, fists up. It was too much. He couldn't take all this waiting and not fighting and not knowing why Ranger was being given back! What kind of mind game were these bastards playing at?!

Techno hummed. "Okay." He said, taking a step back and mirrored Quackity's fighting stance. "Let's do this then." Techno said, motioning for Quackity to strike first.

And Quackity did, he aimed for the Blood God's nose. Only for Techno to parry the punch and pushing Quackity back a step. Returning to his first position. "Fuck!" Quackity snarled, trying not to step on the red cape, and to right his footing again. He had expected Techno to retaliate, but the attack never came.

"Again." Techno demanded. Looking like bored red eyes trained on him, taking in all his movements.

The animals in the barn had quieted and those that had been laying in the middle of the floor had moved to get out of the way. Quackity didn't know why? Why he just felt so enraged at this moment, other than the fact that all this was Techno's fault! If Techno hadn't brought him here, he wouldn't be trapped in a room with Phil, where his instinct were getting triggered every second he stayed there.

"Can I even trust you to lead our army to battle, Quackity? With you going all bird, I bet the first thing you do is try to fly away from the battle."Schlatt accused.

"I'm a good fighter Schlatt! You're making a mistake if you don't put me out there! This is our Country!" Quackity argued.

"Yeah sure. File these documents on your way out the door." Schlatt dismissed.

Quackity charged forward, fists swing but not meeting their mark as Techno blocked and parried, not falter from his stance, feet planted firmly on the ground. Quackity was a good fighter he knew he was a good fighter. He wasn't meant to be like this! Trapped in the hands of his enemy and they weren't meant to pity him. And Techno was the one at fault!

"Again." Techno barked, still not fazed, still red eyes trained on Quackity in a way that made his skin crawl. And it just made him madder. Techno was not acting like the Blood God he had seen in battle!

"Fight back you damn coward!" Quackity shouted, picking up a shovel that was within reach and swung, with all his might. This time Techno moved, stepping to the side while grabbing the shovel and ripping it from Quackity's hands. Grunting when Quackity managed to land a hit to the gut, but proceeded to return to blocking and parrying the rest of Quackity's blows. It was when Quackity started began wheezing that Techno chose to really strike. Grabbing Quackity by the wrist and tossing him into the nearest hay pile.

Quackity clawed his way back upright, pushing away snouts from curious hounds and waving away crows that had been disturbed by his landing. "That's enough. You're done." Techno stated, dusting his hands together, like he just got done doing a dirty job.

"No, we're not!" Quackity hissed, getting to his feet and stepping forward. Waving away at a little crow that was pulling at his clothes, so he suspected that it was Ranger attempting to intercept him.

"Yes. We are." Techno huffed, going to a barrel and tipping it over, letting the dog food within to spill out for the hounds to come and eat. "I'm not fighting you." He stated, already walking to the door after petting a few of the hounds as he went.

"Well, I'm fighting you!" Quackity spat, charging again.

Techno turned in time to move out of the way and pushed Quackity tot he ground. Barely breathing hard having bare been moved throughout the encounter, while Quackity who had been the one constantly moving, gasped for his. "Its over." Techno reiterated.

"Why? Why then taunt me?!" Quackity accused.

Techno looked thoughtful for a minute before answering. "You've been stressed lately. This." He indicated to the barn the animals with, to the little crow that had to be Ranger, who was trying to find somewhere to perch on Quacktiy. "Seemed like something you needed."

Quackity couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You let me hit you, to help me. Your enemy, who wants you dead, so you could help me relieve stress?" He asked slowly. "You expect me to believe that?!" He snarled.

"I personally don't care what you believe." Techno huffed, pushing the barn door open. "But I know you want to go back tot he nest now." He stated, turning to Quackity. Red eyes piercing. "Tell me I'm wrong." He challenged, tone still even in its monotone cadence.

The bird in Quackity's brain did want to go back to the nest. He was tired now. He was upset and his instincts wanted him to go somewhere calming. But instead of telling Techno he was right Quackity, just looked away, eyes focusing on the little crow still flying around him.

"Yeah. That's what I thought." Techno grunted. "Back to the nest."

"I don't need the nest." Quackity finally spat.

"Sure. And I don't have voices in my head. Stop trying to fight Quackity, you need rest now." Techno said, waiting for Quackity to move to the house. Quackity wasn't going to move, at least that was until Ranger, or the crow Techno claimed to be Ranger flew on ahead, waiting at the door. However, Quackity wasn't going to just follow Techno's orders like a foot-soldier. Which Techno seemed to understand that after a moment and they were still in the same spot. "So, you don't need the nest, huh?" Techno repeated, looking at Quackity like he was acting like a child. "You sure about that? Phil knows what he's talking about when it comes to avains you know. He wouldn't keep you here in that nest without a good reason. You need your instincts. You need to learn wing care. If you don't then your as good as dead."

"As if you hadn't tried to kill me before." Quackity countered.

"Only because you hunted me down." Techno reminded. "I'll say it. We both don't want this. But I know Phil is right. However if you want to prove him wrong. I'll let you go. Right here. Right now. You got a good hour before Phil and Wilbur return. One hour to prove you don't need to Phil. That you don't need a to be an avain."

Quackity looked Techno over, trying to find the lie. But Techno looked serious. So Quackity took a few steps to where the gates opened out to from the property. And Techno didn't make a move to stop him. "Your serious?" He asked.

"If you don't need the nest or Phil then you should have no trouble walking away at this point. So, leave. I'll keep Phil for om following when he gets back." Techno said, turning from Quackity and going back to the house. Not even looking back.

Quackity found himself rooted in place. Techno was letting him go...It was almost too good to be true, but he wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. So, why couldn't he get his feet to mov and start running? Techno said he had one hour to get away, he couldn't waster it just standing there. But the bird in his head really wanted to go back to the nest. The door to the house closed, signaling that Techno had indeed went back in without Quackity, leaving him alone outside. Not was the perfect time.

He took way too long getting himself to turn from the house and start running. His wings flapping uselessly behind him to to give himself an extra boost. He wasn't sure if it was helping or not, but it felt good to run, despite the urge to run back to the house and get back into the nest before Phil found out, because something within him wanted that nest and Phil, but he was not going to go back. This was his chance to run and never look back and possibly throw away whatever Phil had done to his instincts.

There was the sound of smaller wings flapping behind him; catching up with him easily. When he looked back to see who was following him, it was the little crow Techno had claimed was Ranger. He didn't say anything to the creature. If it was Ranger then it would continue to follow, because that was what Ranger had done, no matter where Quackity went, even in his last escape attempt. He ran for as long as he could until his legs gave out on him. The little crow that had stayed close, landing on the ground next to where Quackity sat.

"I...I guess you really are Ranger then." He huffed, getting his breath back.

The crow bobbed his head and flapped its wings, happily jumping around in a circle.

"You little bastard." He chuckled watching the crow do its dance, before leaning its head up to look at the sky. He had Ranger back, and despite his instinct screaming to go back to the nest, having Ranger back seemed to settle them. Ranger apparently wanting Quackity gaze on them, decided to find themselves jumping into the air to land on his face. "Hey! Get off!" Quackity shooed, gently shoving the bird off his face, causing Ranger to squawk offended before taking to the air to glide in a circle above him. Watching the little bird gliding in circle, had Quackity remembering the day he had seen Phil fly with Tommy and Michael. They had looked so free up there, and it didn't make sense why remembering that day hurt. It hurt to remind himself that he couldn't even identify Ranger from the other crows without the bow. That his brain screamed for him to go back to Phil's nest. It was exhausting and he was tired. And even with him wearing Techno's spare cape , he was also cold. " Ranger. What did they do to me?" He asked, the little crow as it glided back down to the ground. He was having trouble holding back the emotions that threatened to make themselves known to the world. "I need to get out of the snow." He finally declared. "But i don't know where the village is." He admitted, eyeing the crow.

The little crow tilted its head, before jumping into the air again. Flying around Quackity's head before taking off in a direction to the left, perching on a branch when it got far enough away, seeming to be waiting on Quackity to follow. Screeching impatiently when he hesitated.

"Fine. But you better not get me lost." He warned, hoping the little crow was indeed taking him to the nearest village.

Ranger flew slow, landing on branches and just waiting for Quackity to catch up when it got too far ahead.

He wasn't sure how long he followed Ranger but it felt like hours and after a few more twists and turned, he was starting to think the snowy landscape around him was starting to look more familiar, which was soon confirmed when Techno's property came into view.

Quackity glared at Ranger, the little crow that was sitting on the fence post looking so innocent, like it hadn't just looped him around and back to Techno's. He had followed the little crow to sunset and this is where it brought him. Ranger just sat there looking proud of its actions. "You know what I take it back. You're not Ranger." He spat out kicking snow in its direction before turning on his heels before his instinct had him running onto the property and getting spotted. Of course with the number of crows around he was surprised they hadn't ratted him out yet.

The little crow squawked offended and flew to where Quackity almost walked into him.

"No. I don't want to go back." He hissed at the little bird. But the bird in his brain did.

The little crow made a hissing sound, that sounded like a scolding.

"I am not a fledgling!" Quackity bit out.

And the little crow went to his wings, talons gripping on some feathers and lightly pulled at them, before letting go, as Quackity whipped around. "Stop that!" He snapped bringing his wings in and trying to flatten them to his back, like before he got there. Only this time the action was unbearably uncomfortable, that he couldn't hold them in that position for too long anymore. Another reminder that Phil was changing him. Being around Phil wasn't a good thing.

"Quackity?" Phil's voice pulled his attention to the house, where the crow hybrid was standing on the porch. Techno was just behind him a hand on Phil's shoulder, with Wilbur standing in the doorway, looking mildly shocked and amused.

Instinctively without thinking Quackity found himself taking two steps forward before stopping himself. He wasn't gong back.

"Mate." Phil warbled, and damn did Quackity not like hearing those sad sounds anymore. That stupid bird in his brain didn't like making Phil sad, despite knowing that Phil would never be his. Phil was with Techno and Wilbur and Tommy. So Phil couldn't be his. So he couldn't go back into that house. He couldn't cross those fence posts.

"No…." He mumbled, mostly to himself. He wasn't going to toss away this freedom Techno had given him as a challenge. And Quackity hated losing to a challenge. But the bird in his brain hated being away from Phil and the nest.

The little crow that had been sitting there this whole time, made a disgruntle sound before making a louder one, and jumping in the air. Grabbing and pulling at Quackity's hair with its talons. "Ranger?! Stop it!" He hissed, hand up trying to wave the bird off. It was when the crow crossed the fence did Quackity lean too far forward in trying to catch the bird, before flew over to the porch and landed on the porch in front of Phil, with its chest poked out proudly. Quackity looked up from falling into the snow intending to give the little traitor a scathing glare, only to lock eyes with Phil, who's eyes were full blown.

"Fledgling…." Phil mumbled, as Techno's hands left his shoulder.

"See. I told you he'd come back." Techno said with a smirk, red eyes watching with a satisfied glint in them. Like he knew he was going to win; That Quackity was going to end up back on the property one way or another.

It was then Quackity noticed he had fell over the fence and back onto the property. Ranger really was traitor! "You stupid crow!" He hissed, and jumped to his feel when Phil bolted from the porch, hoping that he wouldn't follow if he hopped the fence and ran for the trees again.

TBC