Chapter Text
Tommy hated being human. He knew that even if he was the most common or useless hybrid it would still be better than his present state. Maybe if he wasn’t Wilbur’s right-hand man and one of the leaders of the revolution things could be different. Tommy would have been able to not care about how his actions impacted how hybrids viewed humans. But that option disappeared the second he joined Wilbur’s cause and Tommy didn’t regret it for a second. Deep down he knew they would have never made it this far if him and Wilbur hadn’t worked together. Knowing this didn't make it any easier to ignore the pressure that came with it. It didn’t make it easier to ignore the looks on their allies' faces once they realized what he was. It didn’t make the whispers and glances that followed him any quieter. Maybe that’s why he was here today. To prove to his allies that humans and hybrids could get along and fight on the same side. Wilbur had been strictly against it but eventually gave in, understanding that it was the only way Tommy could earn their respect. Even if he died in the process.
“It’s not too late to back down you know,” Wilbur said, wringing his hands anxiously as they waited, his form flickering slightly. “I could take your place which would make sense considering I have more experience with a bow.” He turned to look at Tommy, eyes flashing with desperation and poorly hidden fear.
“You’re wrong Wil,” Tommy looked down, avoiding his gaze. Anyone else probably wouldn’t have picked up on how badly Wilbur was doing which was likely a good thing considering how readily their enemies would exploit any signs of weakness. Yet Tommy could see the bags under his eyes and the slight puffiness that shouldn’t be noticeable to the naked eye but to Tommy stuck out like a sore thumb. He had heard the muffled sobs that continued into the early hours of the morning through the walls of their makeshift base. Tommy shook himself out of those thoughts. He had to focus, there was no time for worrying about Wilbur’s mental state now. All he had to do was win then it would take away the main stressor. “This is the only way and you know it. Worst case scenario I die. You’ll find another way to negotiate L’manberg’s independence, I just know you could do it. Then at least everyone else would see that a human can be willing to die for a hybrid cause. They would be more willing to work with humans in the future, it would open their minds. Plus I think you’re forgetting that we’re literally in the middle of a fucking field. If the sun comes out during the duel it’s not like you could hold your umbrella while you shoot.” Tommy snorted, tearing his sight off of the spider he had been watching crawl through the grass they stood on and turned to meet Wilbur’s eyes, which were shining with tears.
Wilbur sighed, “I know Tommy I just think-”
Tommy rolled his eyes, raising his voice slightly, “Shut the fuck up and listen to me for once! This is our best chance of uniting L’manberg and you know it. If I don’t do this they will never respect me or you for that matter. You can’t let your emotions get in the way of this. You just can’t.” Tommy scowled to himself hoping that he had made his point and that Wilbur didn’t force him off the field. That would be so fucking embarrassing, Tubbo would never let him hear the end of it.
As the sun came out from behind a once cloudy sky, Wilbur grabbed his umbrella, opening it swiftly before he started burning. He smiled sadly to himself. Tommy was so determined to prove himself, to defend not just his honor but that of humanity as a whole. A task that would be overwhelming for anyone, he couldn’t fathom how Tommy handled it so well at only 16. Despite how terribly he had suffered at the hands of both species growing up he hadn’t given up on either. No matter how hard their own allies pushed Tommy away, unable to believe he was truly on their side even after he had fought for them from the beginning, it was clear he didn’t hold it against them. It was obvious to him that Tommy cared deeply about the people of L’manberg and Wilbur would never understand how no one else saw that. Well minus Tubbo of course. To be fair Tommy did save his life but from the start, Tubbo had never hated Tommy the way some of the others had. Maybe it was because they were the same age. Or maybe Tubbo was just somehow more mature than the rest of L’manberg put together. Either way, Wilbur was relieved that Tommy had someone other than him to talk to. Some of the others tolerated him somewhat but when it came down to it they were clearly uncomfortable being around him. He just hoped that Tommy’s stubbornness wouldn’t get him killed. Meeting his glare Wilbur finally conceded, “I’m just worried for you Tommy. I don’t want to lose you. It may be selfish of me but I don’t want to lose anyone else.” He hoped that Tommy couldn't see the tears forming in his eyes. Stupid tear ducts always screwing him over when he needed to look strong.
Eyes hardening Tommy stated confidently, “Well you won’t lose me, not that easily. I don’t care how strong that little bitch Dream is or how fucking impossible this victory seems. I’ll win this shit, easy as that.” Deep down Tommy knew that he was lying to himself but he had to look confident. He couldn’t let Wilbur or anyone else see how scared he was, how hopeless he felt. He didn’t want to die, not like this. But life wasn’t fair was it, he’d certainly learned that lesson already. Tommy wondered if his parents would be proud of what he was doing. Maybe if things went poorly he’d get to see them sooner than he thought. He smiled to himself. That wouldn’t be so bad.
“Tommy look,” Wilbur nodded towards a group approaching them from behind him, “I told you they’d come.” Wilbur smiled as shock filled Tommy’s eyes before he spun to see the rest of L’manberg following reluctantly behind an eager Tubbo who motioned for them to walk faster as he started running in their direction.
“Tommy!!,” Tubbo bleated at the top of his lungs before breaking into a gallop, ears flopping wildly in the wind. He could see some of the others roll their eyes at the display before reluctantly picking up their pace. Within seconds Tubbo had barreled his way to the two, practically knocking Tommy over with a crushing hug, head buried into his chest.
Tommy flinched at the impact, “Watch the horns, big man!”
Tubbo ignored his complaint, instead announcing proudly, “I don’t care what anyone else says, you're totally not gonna die!” Tubbo then turned to Wilbur with a smirk, “I told you I would get them to come here. They were already planning on watching, just at more of a distance originally.” A dark look took over Tubbo’s features for a moment as he continued his retelling, “But I changed their minds, don’t worry.” He turned to where the others were approaching from, smiling innocently at them and waving.
“Tubbo please don’t tell me you threatened our only allies,” Tommy groaned and rolled his eyes before suddenly glaring in Tubbo’s direction, “Wait a fucking minute which one of those pricks was saying I would die?”
Wilbur grimaced, “I’m sure Tubbo was just kidding Tommy they wouldn’t-”
“Oh, they all said that,” Tubbo interrupted bluntly, turning to Tommy with a mischievous grin, “Don’t worry though, I set them all straight.”
At that, Tommy nodded approvingly, albeit annoyed still, “Prime what pricks! I’m gonna win and make those assholes eat their words. I won’t fucking die.”
Tubbo’s face fell for a moment, ears twitching nervously as he said, “Tommy. Promise me you won’t die. It’s first to draw blood, not a deathmatch. Don’t let Dream turn this into something it’s not.”
With an obviously fake demeanor, Tommy turned to his friend and grinned, “Come on now you can’t possibly think I’d let someone as ugly as Dream kill me. I’m insulted that you think that little of me Tubso!” They ignored how badly his hands were shaking and how his voice cracked as he spoke.
From behind them, a loud laugh could be heard making the three waiting jump before turning to see the rest of L’manberg finally reaching them. Jack was doubled over, and upon closer inspection, a light steam could be seen wafting off of him. Desperately trying to quiet his laughter Jack said, “That remains to be seen. Personally, I’m betting you’ll shit yourself and make one of us take your place the second you see Dream.” The others laughed at that, ignoring the glares Wilbur sent their way. Jack pulled himself upright before catching up to Niki, Fundy, and Quackity who were stood leaned against a building nearby. The patch of grass he’d been standing on was burnt, ever so slightly.
Tommy ignored the sinking feeling in his stomach upon hearing their laughter. He couldn’t blame them though if he was being honest, he would probably laugh at himself too if he was in their place. Suddenly Tubbo slapped the back of Tommy’s head, he spun around ready to start shouting only to see Dream approaching them flanked by Sapnap and George, it was a pretty intimidating sight to behold. “Fuck’s sake man you could’ve just said something you dick,” Tommy huffed under his breath. He then proceeded to shove Tubbo towards where the rest of their group stood, “I’ll see you on the other side bossman!”
Before he could walk away, Tubbo grabbed his arm with an anxious look in his eyes, “You better not die Tommy, or I’ll make your grave ugly as shit and blow your house up until it’s nothing but a crater.” Despite his light tone, it was obvious that he was worried. His grip on Tommy’s arm was painfully tight. It was like Tubbo wanted to drag him away before anything else could happen.
Laughing quietly, Tommy turned to Tubbo and said, “You better not do that you bitch! I’ll haunt you and make sure you never get a good night’s sleep for the rest of your life,” pulling his arm from Tubbo’s grasp, he walked away with Wilbur to where their opponents were waiting.
“Tommy! Wilbur! It’s nice to see you both despite the circumstances,” Dream said in a sickeningly sweet tone. Sapnap and George snickered from behind him.
Tommy rolled his eyes, what a load of bull, “Cut the shit Dream, we all know you’re a sick fuck who loves shit like this, you’ve probably been bouncing off the walls all day in anticipation. I bet you-”
“Tommy!,” Wilbur cut in sending Tommy a death glare, knuckles whitening around his umbrella. “My apologies gentlemen, my associate here is just a bit nervous. He means no disrespect.”
“What the fuck are you talking about! I never get nervous!” Tommy shouted to Wilbur, furious that he would make him look so weak in front of someone he was literally about to duel.
Sapnap snorted, “Spare us the theatrics, we all know Tommy’s just a little shit incapable of showing an ounce of respect for anyone .”
“I respect myself and that’s all that matters. Like I’d ever respect anyone as pathetic and lame as you anyways!” Tommy snarled, fists shaking with rage. He couldn’t let himself lose. Not to these assholes.
“Why you little -”
“Sapnap! I believe I’m the one here to duel Tommy today. Why don’t we get this show on the road?” Dream interjected, giving Sapnap a look that screamed calm the fuck down or else. Sapnap begrudgingly grabbed George’s wrist and pulled him to the side of the field where they stood directly across from L’manberg hybrids, with the duel to take place between the two.
Wilbur cleared his throat before starting, “I want a clean duel today, no dirty tricks or cheats. Everyone here should know how duels work. You two will turn back to back and start walking away from each other, I’ll count you out ten paces. Once you hear me shout fire, the duel begins. I’d like to remind you both that this is a first to draw blood duel. No one should be aiming to kill.”
“It’s not against the rules though, right? If I remember correctly at least,” Dream asked innocently.
Wilbur sighed, “You’re right, technically you can shoot to kill if you really want but that wo-”
“I know, I was just checking,” Dream interrupted.
“One last thing, once the duel ends no matter the outcome both sides leave here peacefully. We can talk at a later date after the losing side tends to their wounded and negotiate from there. Do you both understand?” Wilbur looked between Dream and Tommy as the two nodded their heads confidently. “Okay, why don’t you two get situated then.” Each pulled out their bows, making sure everything was in order before walking over to the center of the field. Both sides of onlookers quieted as Tommy and Dream stood back to back. “I’ll start counting you both in momentarily, if either of you needs to say anything, say it now or forever hold your peace.” Neither Dream nor Tommy said a word. The field was silent in those moments, not a gust of wind could be heard. It was almost as if nature itself was holding its breath. “Here we go then!” Wilbur shouted, “One!”
As Tommy took his first step, his knees felt like jelly. This was really happening.
“Two!”
As he took another step forward, Tommy realized he was going to die today. He could feel it in his bones. Dream wouldn’t have mercy on him, no way. He literally confirmed at the start that killing was allowed here.
“Three!”
Fuck. This was so stupid. He should have listened to Wilbur, and now he was going to die. He was only 16 and he was going to die.
“Four!”
Wait a minute, why was he giving up? It wasn’t like winning was impossible, just very unlikely. Like that makes it any better.
“Five!”
He couldn’t give up now, not after fighting so hard to get where he was. Tommy had to pull himself together, or he really would die here. He took a deep breath and tried to gather his thoughts coherently.
“Six!”
He knew that Dream probably didn't want to give him any chance at surviving this. An untreatable wound, that means he would be aiming for his head right? An arrow to the skull was instant death.
“Seven!”
If he was wrong, he’d die, but at this point what choice did he have. The second Wilbur said fire he’d have to shoot faster than he ever had before. He had to shoot before Dream did then hit the deck.
“Eight!”
Was that even possible? Not only that but he’d also have to make sure his arrow hit some part of Dream. It didn’t really matter where, it just had to draw blood.
“Nine!”
Suddenly something clicked in Tommy’s brain. For a moment it felt like time itself slowed down. He could feel his every heartbeat, his every breath. He could do this, he had a plan he just needed to execute it. Tommy was not going to die here today. No chance. He drew his bow back.
“Ten paces! Fire!”
In the mere seconds that followed, several things happened. As Tommy turned to face Dream, everything looked sharper. He felt like if he really tried, he could count all the freckles on Dream’s face. Not only that, but he realized that his adrenaline must be affecting him more than he thought. By the time he was fully facing his opponent, Dream was still turning. That didn’t make sense. Dream was a hybrid, it should be impossible for Tommy to move faster than him. Tommy quickly aimed for Dream’s left shoulder, wasting no time in releasing his arrow. After he fired, he threw his body to the ground without so much a glance at Dream. If he missed, then he was dead. He wouldn’t have time to aim again. As he waited on the ground, Tommy could have sworn that he could hear his own arrow flying through the air. He wondered if it was his imagination or if adrenaline was just that-
“Fuck!”
Tommy lifted his head and- Dream was hit? Dream had thrown his bow to the side and ripped Tommy’s arrow out of his shoulder. Tommy cringed, that looked like it really hurt, not to mention now Dream was bleeding profusely. None of this was making sense. Looking over to Wilbur, Tommy asked, voice shaking, “Wil? Did I just fucking win?”
Wilbur turned to Tommy, eyes filled with joyful tears that he didn’t bother trying to hide, “You won Tommy! You did it!” at that Wilbur burst into tears. Distantly he could hear Tubbo and the rest of L’manberg cheering, but it didn’t feel real. He looked back at where Dream had been standing.
Dream met his gaze with a look of thinly veiled shock and fury, “Tommy,” he snarled, “I didn’t even get the chance to release my arrow. What you did isn’t possible. I think we-
“Shut the fuck up man! I won, you lost. Don’t be a little bitch just because my adrenaline outmatched your shitty hybrid instincts or whatever.” Tommy clenched his fists, of course Dream would pull some stupid shit like this. Prime forbid Dream lose at something for once in his life.
The look Dream gave Tommy after he said that would have probably made any sane person shit their pants, “Tommy this isn’t a joke, I thought-”
“I think it’s time for you and your allies to leave. Do make sure to inform King Eret of our independence. Such a pity that he couldn’t have been here today, would’ve made things a lot easier,” Wilbur said coldly, making it clear that their conversation was over. After sending a few more scathing glances at Tommy, Dream stormed off back to the Greater Esempe, presumably to speak with King Eret, his allies following behind him talking quietly amongst themselves. After watching for a few minutes, Wilbur turned to Tommy, face once more lighting up with happiness, and pulled him into a tight one-armed hug under his umbrella, “You fucking did it Toms. You won us independence.”
Looking back, Tommy felt like that might have been the happiest moment of his life. After almost two years, he could still remember every detail like it was yesterday. He was pretty sure he’d do just about anything to be able to see Wilbur smile like that again. To see his face at all honestly. But just as he’d known it back then, he knew it even better now, life wasn’t fucking fair.