But all of that leads to where they are now. Theseus grew up, primarily being cared for by his brother, Wilbur, not really knowing his father that closely. Tubbo grew up, raised by Schlatt who he had come to know as a father and Puffy, who he saw as his aunt. And Ranboo. Well. His situation was probably the most intriguing.
Due to his royal status and his mother's Godhood, Ranboo was not raised by Elisaria. But rather, by castle servants until he was 12 years old when he got sent to live in L'manburg's Ender Castle alongside his eldest brother, Prince Bad. And that's where he lived until he was 18, because on his 18th birthday, things took another turn. Ever since he was sent to Ender Castle, Prince Bad had insisted that Ranboo stay indoors. After all, he was an Enderian Prince, what if something were to happen to him? It was always the same excuse. The same reasoning. The same explanation of why he couldn't go out. And it's not like Ranboo could do anything at that point.
Prince Bad was older than him. Much older, in fact. And he was his brother. There was no way Ranboo could rebel against him, go against his word and final decisions. But now, Ranboo was 18. He was no longer 12 years old. Prince Bad couldn't control him. Prince Bad couldn't tell him what to do. Prince Bad-
"No." he answered. His tone firm as he stared coldly at Ranboo. Ranboo stuttered, was he being serious? Even after six years, his answer was still no? "I-" "If that's all, then you're dismissed, Prince Ranboo. I have work to get to." Prince Bad spoke, waving his hand as if he was dismissing no more than a mere servant. Ranboo clenched his fist, but then released it. He was mad, but he wouldn't stoop as low as to actually hit him. "Prince Bad," he said.
Prince Bad didn't answer. He didn't even look at him. Yet his body language suggested that he was listening, so Ranboo continued. "I'm 18 now. You can't keep me in here forever. Not anymore." Those words seemed to catch Bad's attention as he paused in his movement, slowly turning his head to look at Ranboo. Not letting go of his resolve, Ranboo continued once more- "All I want is to go outside, explore, make friends.. Something! Anything would be better than being stuck here all day!"
A cold, deafening silence fell over the room as Ranboo realized what he'd just done. But before he could take it back, Prince Bad stood from his seat. His eyes, despite being endless white voids, blazed with anger. Prince Ranboo tensed and shut his eyes tight, half expecting to be berated, half expecting to be hit. But neither came. It was… quiet. So quiet that it felt like a heavy weight on his shoulders that he just couldn't shake off. Why wasn't Prince Bad shouting? Why wasn't Prince Bad hitting?
After what felt like a painful eternity, Prince Ranboo finally opened his eyes. Prince Bad was still staring at him, nothing but cold ice now remained in that white void. "Fine," said Bad. "What?" Ranboo questioned. Bad closed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest, "I said, fine. You can go out. Just don't cause trouble." Without another moment's hesitation, Ranboo quickly turned and left with a "Thanks, Bad!"
Prince Bad watched as the younger Prince scampered off. His impassive frown turned to a devious smirk, "..Just don't blame me if the outside World isn't what you were expecting.."
Prince Ranboo rushed down the corridors, ignoring the way servants and guards called out at him to slow down. How could he even consider slowing down with all the excitement in his chest? Prince Bad had finally given him permission to leave the Castle, and Ranboo had no intention of wasting another second inside. Not when he could be out there in the sunlight.
The moment Prince Ranboo stepped outside, he paused. Just to take everything in. The cool breeze that indicated spring was coming. The warmth of the sunlight on his skin. The smell of the fresh air and flowers planted around the paths. Ranboo only had one thought on his mind; 'This is awesome..'
The day had started out as an average morning. Tommy woke up, got ready for the day, ignored Phil and Techno's absence, and said good morning to Wilbur, then left. It was the same routine, one he'd adapted into over the last three years. Tommy didn't do much on these little outings of his. Sometimes he'd just walk. Take in the scenery, explore L'manburg. But what more could he do? The Avian didn't have many friends. And it's not like he could bring his brother along, Wilbur would burn.
That was one thing Tommy disliked about his mismatched family. Unlike his father and brothers, Tommy couldn't fly while they could. Wilbur and Techno couldn't go outside unless it was dark or rainy weather, or else they'd burn due to being Phantoms. And Tommy and Phil weren't exactly fond of rainy weather, wet feathers were not fun to deal with. As for going out in the dark, Tommy didn't mind personally, but-
Never mind. Phil didn't actually care if it was Tommy who went out at night. But Monarch-forbid it be one of the twins who do without supervision. That never made any sense to Tommy. He was the youngest, yet Phil always fretted over his brothers who were both in their twenties and were natural nocturnal creatures. It came with some perks, being able to do whatever he wanted. But it was also… lonely… sad… to know that his own father didn't care for him as much as his brothers.
But today, his walk was a little different. As he walked along that familiar park path, he spotted two figures up ahead. One was short with translucent wings out the back and fluffy brown hair, they also appeared to have what seemed to be… antennas atop their head? Was this person a Bumblebee? The other one, however- Tommy had no clue what they were. The other one was taller and seemed to be split down the middle, one half being black and the other white with horns and a tail and fluffy hair that matched their skin. There was also a noticeable crown atop their head. What exactly was this person?
But the two figures seemed to be engrossed in some odd conversation, one Tommy didn't feel like getting into the middle of. So he tried to continue walking past, until- "HEYY, SOOT BOY!"
Tommy paused in his steps and let out a groan. He instantly recognized the Bumblebee upon hearing that nickname and voice. There was only one person who ever called Tommy 'Soot Boy' and that was Tubbo, Schlatt's son. Tubbo was nice enough, if a bit loud and overexaggerated in his personality. Tommy just personally didn't like how Phil had forced him to hang out with Tubbo after Schlatt had become friends with Phil and Wilbur.
Tommy turned to face the shorter boy, "What do you want, Bee Boy? And stop calling me Soot Boy!" said Tommy, a hint of annoyance in his tone. "Never going to happen, Soot Boy. Anyway- I want you to meet someone." Tubbo smiled, excitedly gesturing to the walking lamppost beside him. Tommy gave the creature an up and down before saying- "Not interested, dunno what they are, don't wanna know them." The creature seemed to take a step back, seemingly startled by the way Tommy spoke. Then it said- "Uh.. My name is Ranboo.. I'm an Enderian.."
"Okay. Did I ask?" Tommy replied. The creature, now known as Ranboo and as being an Enderian, glared slightly at Tommy. "Well.. What even are you? You look like some kind of chicken. And why does Tubbo call you 'Soot Boy'?"
"'M NOT A CHICKEN-" "Be quiet, Soot Boy."
Tommy let out a sigh, reigning in his anger. "'m Theseus, Theseus Soot. From the grand ol' Soot Family, that's why Tubbo calls me that. And I'm not a chicken, I'm an Avian." Ranboo nodded slightly, seeming to understand before asking- "Um.. Who is the 'Soot Family'?" Tommy paused, "Uhh.. It's one of 'em families known for being mismatched. Made up of different origins n' such. My dad's an Elytrian while my brothers are Phantoms sorta thing." he explained.
Suddenly, Tubbo had that look on his face. The one that suggested he was going to cause more trouble than Tommy was ready for. "And the Soot Family has quite interesting members. Tell me, Toms, is Technoblade still refusing the Royal Guard's offer?" Tommy let out a sigh, "...Yes, he is. Even said something about swearing off violence, ain't that bullshit?" Ranboo had a look of confusion flash over his face, "Wait, what do you mean?" he asked.
"Toms here's brother has been personally scouted by the Royal Guard more than once due to his incredible fighting technique, they've literally offered him the position of Army Commander yet he keeps refusing. And then there's Philza, Theseus' dad and the Angel of Death, well known for his travels to other lands. And then Wilbur-" Tommy slapped his hand over Tubbo's mouth, "Alright, that's enough. Ranboob doesn't need to know everything about my family." "Okay okay.."
A few moments of silence ensued, all three of them unsure of what to say until Tubbo blurted out- "Oh! And did I mention that Theseus here is the only one in his family who can't fly?" he said, amusement dancing on his face. Tommy glared at Tubbo, while Ranboo only wore a look of confusion. "But.. He has wings?" Ranboo questioned, pointing on the pristine white feathers that protruded from Tommy's back.
Tommy stared at the Enderian, only now realizing just how sheltered he had to have been to not know what an Avian is. "Wings don't work, king. Avians used to be able to fly, but according to history, they lost their ability long ago." Tommy explained, "So.. My wings are just kinda there for decoration." Ranboo let out a small noise of understanding then nodded, then attempted to give Tommy a reassuring smile. "Eh.. Don't worry about it, Theseus. Um.. My mother can fly but neither me nor my brothers can."
The Avian and Bumblebee shared a look. It was common knowledge that Enderians couldn't fly, only the Ender Dragon could. So how could Ranboo's mother fly? Was he perhaps also from a mismatched family? The question burned in both their minds, desperate to ask. But Tommy held his tongue, Wilbur and Techno were always trying to sprout him nonsense about 'being respectful' and 'showing kindness'. Perhaps this would be the one time he apply it.
But clearly, Tubbo didn't share the same sentiment. "If you don't mind me asking, are you also from a mismatched family like Theseus and I?" Ranboo appeared visibly taken aback, clearly, the question had caught him off guard. But he answered nonetheless. "Um.. No. My mother is Queen Elisaria. You know.. The Ender Dragon?"
"...WHAT?!"