Tommy presses his face to the window. The buildings pass by quickly, giving him seconds to read the signs hanging above the doors or the billboards. Tommy's lips twitch with an excited smile. He turns his attention to the person sitting beside him. He points at a random building. His lips part, ready to drag Wilbur's attention to the bright-colored mural painted on a brick wall he saw. His lips fall shut as he notices the tense expression on Wilbur's face. His arms are crossed over his chest, his foot taps against the floor, and his eyebrows are knit together above his narrowed eyes. He seems anxious, but Tommy doesn't comprehend why in the slightest. Tommy nudges Wilbur's arm with his own. Wilbur hurriedly glances up from the windows on the opposite side of the train car. His eyes land on Tommy, and a faint, wobbling smile pulls across his face. When Wilbur looks away, satisfied that he reassured Tommy, his nervous expression returns.

Tommy huffs unamusedly. He slides his legs out of the plastic chair, facing the same direction Wilbur is looking in. Tommy shuffles closer, letting their shoulders bump together as the train rolls across the tracks. Tommy could say that he doesn't understand Wilbur's anxiety, but that isn't exactly true. They are heading deep into Syndicate territory. As far as Wilbur is aware, Tommy has no connections to the Syndicate. If they accidentally met one of the members, Tommy wouldn't be looked at favorably considering his status as a human rather than a hybrid. In fact, even the average citizen might look down on Tommy for his traitlessness.

Despite knowing all about this, Tommy agreed to join Wilbur at the festival happening in Origins. Wilbur went over a million times why Tommy should refuse, but he also swore that Tommy would be fine if he stuck with Wilbur and the others. Tommy was inclined to trust Wilbur even if the brunette didn't seem to trust himself. While the festival is appealing, Tommy is more excited for another reason. If Wilbur is this worried yet still allowed Tommy to come with him, he must finally be ready to reveal the truth about his hybrid status to Tommy. This is a huge milestone. Tommy feels like they will finally be family when Wilbur comes clean, especially if Wilbur becomes comfortable enough to be himself around Tommy. The blonde is trying to temper his emotions to ensure that Wilbur doesn't get spooked, but it is extremely difficult when Tommy is an excitable person by nature.

The train eases to a stop at the station. Several people rise to their feet, looking around to double-check their belongings or location. Tommy is one of the first to stand. He turns around immediately. He grabs onto Wilbur's forearm to drag the man onto his feet. Wilbur's face brightens with amusement. He doesn't fight it as Tommy pulls him through the crowd onto the station. Tommy takes a deep breath, buzzing with excitement. He has never been to Origins before. It's basically its own village on the island. Hybrids are welcomed here; humans, not so much. The Syndicate also operates from here, and Tommy is eager to see the location the Syndicate has vowed to protect and maintain for decades.

Wilbur takes the lead as they exit the station's gates. He steps into the wide streets. Dozens of vehicles park along the edges of the street beside the sidewalk. Signs rise up from the ground to direct traffic and name stations. An electronic one even shows the bus' timetable. There are more than a few murals or graffiti art pieces spray painted across the various surfaces that combine to form a busy street. Tommy stares at everything with keen interest, comparing and contrasting it to the cityscape he has known all his life. There isn't nearly as much artwork over there, but there are also minor differences in the architecture that Tommy notices even if he couldn't identify each minute change and how it holds up to the city.

Tommy's reverie is cut short by a person with pink hair. Techno leans against a car with his arms folded over his chest. The pedestrians give him a wide berth. He doesn't pay them any mind with a completely neutral face. When he notices Wilbur and Tommy, he pushes off the car to face them directly. He uncrosses his arm, gesturing to the car. Tommy skips ahead of Wilbur with a shit-eating grin spreading across his face. He stops right in front of Techno, rocking on his heels. He glances over his shoulder at Wilbur, hooking a thumb at Techno. "Look, we have our own personal chauffeur."

"Make your jokes in the car," Techno gruffs, opening the passenger side door for Tommy. The blonde nods thankfully at Techno, only half-jokingly. Before Tommy can slip inside, Wilbur grabs both of Tommy's shoulders. He pulls the blonde away from the open door. He nudges Tommy out of his way. He drops into the passenger seat. His smirk is the last thing Tommy sees as Techno closes the door for Wilbur. Tommy grumbles, glaring at Wilbur through the tinted window. He can barely see Wilbur's face, but he thinks they are giving each other increasingly ugly expressions instead of audibly bickering with each other.

Techno opens the backseat for Tommy. He doesn't stick around to close it, however. He moves around the back of the car, dropping into the driver's side seat. Tommy crawls into the backseat. He settles into the middle seat, leaning over to close the door. It slams shut, and Tommy repositions himself in the center. He puts his hands on the shoulders beside Techno and Wilbur's headrests. He leans forward, sitting on the edge of his seat. He puts himself almost even with Techno and Wilbur, feeling part of the conversation. Techno ignores him as he pulls into his street.

"Put your seatbelt on," Wilbur orders him, tapping the back of his fingers against Tommy's forehead. It is a futile effort since there is no strength in it to push Tommy back, but Tommy understands what Wilbur is trying to get at.

"If he wants to kill himself, let him," Techno adds, voice quiet as he focuses on the road. The festival is causing thick traffic, and Techno breathes evenly to steady his emotions. Road rage isn't going to get them there faster, after all.

"I would like to have more faith in your driving than that," Tommy pokes Techno's shoulder. Wilbur tells him to stop that and reminds him to put his seatbelt back on. The three continue arguing from there. Eventually, Tommy does put his seatbelt on. He didn't do it because Wilbur told him to or Techno threatened to crash the car, but because he wanted to. Regardless, they are still arguing even when Tommy gives in to their demands. They bounce around from topic to topic. No matter what they debate, however, tensions never run high. Tommy laughs as much as he talks. Wilbur laughs with him. Techno cracks a smile a few times, telling them to stop distracting him. They almost crash when Wilbur and Tommy make it their mission to thoroughly annoy Techno. The pink-haired man blames the two of them. Tommy, in turn, blames Techno. Wilbur remains in the middle, thinking they are all at fault.

Techno turns into a parking garage. He pays for a few hours, riding his car to the nearest parking spot on the second floor. Tommy's eyes are wide and bright as he leaves the backseat. He spins around in the concrete structure, listening to his giggling echo around him. Techno raises an eyebrow at Tommy, partially amused and mostly confused. Wilbur, on the other hand, looks anxious again. He wrings his hands, eyes moving across the parking garage. There isn't anyone else around them— At least, no one who isn't still in their vehicle. They are fine, but Wilbur insists on saying, "Be careful, Toms."

Tommy rolls his eyes. Wilbur has brought Tommy along to several places. He has never once been this anxious about it. Tommy doesn't understand what makes Origins any different from anywhere else. Tommy's likelihood of getting killed is high in every sector of the island. The reasoning behind it doesn't matter in the slightest. Tommy crosses his arms over his chest, falling into step with Wilbur. "I'll be fine, Wil! What the fuck are you so worried about? I already promised I wouldn't break any laws. Even if I do, we have Techno here. He'll just beat up the cops."

Wilbur doesn't answer. He looks away from Tommy, tenser than the prior moment. Tommy reaches a hesitant hand to touch Wilbur's arm. Before he can reveal that Wilbur's worry is worrying him, Techno inputs that he won't be saving Tommy should the blonde break any laws. Tommy's jaw sets, and he decides to leave Wilbur to whatever is plaguing him. He will come clean eventually. He probably hasn't said anything because it's Tommy. The blonde doesn't let that thought sting as he moves to Techno's side, arguing some terms for their contract about when Techno will come to save him. The terms aren't favorable for Tommy in the least, but his laugh echoes in the parking garage as they step into the warm sunlight outside.

Tommy's excitement boils over as he flits around the street. He interacts with everyone, showing kind smiles and waving his hand. He looks at all the random trinkets being sold in celebration of the festival. He considers buying a few, but he doesn't find anything that he thinks would suit his friends and family. His gaze is always attracted to the many details proving they are in Origins, nowhere else. Tommy is sure that he looks as much like a tourist as he feels. He glances over his shoulder. Techno and Wilbur are decidedly less mystified by everything. Tommy continues smiling as he casually asks, "Did you two grow up in Origins?"

Techno and Wilbur share an indecipherable look. Tommy's eyes narrow slightly. It should be an easy question. Technically, there are a few humans that live in Origins, so that crosses out their hesitancy in revealing they are close to hybrids. Even if they were, Tommy was certain they were going to reveal the truth today. What better time to do it than now when it's just the three of them? Unless they want Kristin here, too, since Tommy's sure she's a hybrid, too. There might be others in their social group, too. They might want to tell him altogether, but then again, they could ease him into knowing by starting with where they grew up, planting the idea in his head.

"Something like that," Techno eventually decides. Tommy nods slowly, taking that answer at face value. He could read into it, but he won't. Today is an important day, after all. Origins is having a festival. He gets to spend time with his family and friends. The truth is going to be set free. All of these are worth keeping a smile on his face for.

Wilbur takes the lead once an awkward moment has passed. He grabs Tommy's wrist as he pushes past the blonde. He tugs Tommy along, and the blonde's smile only grows as he follows behind Wilbur. He throws his other hand back. It doesn't take long for Techno to get the message, slipping his hand into Tommy's awaiting palm. They navigate the street three in a row like ducklings searching for their mother duck. It makes Tommy chuckle under his breath.

The others are already huddled together around a street corner. Tubbo notices them first. He breaks away from the crowd to hug Tommy. The blonde accepts the affection, releasing Wilbur and Techno's hands. Tubbo keeps an arm around Tommy's shoulders as he nudges him to the others. Kristin gives him another hug. Sneeg ruffles his hair. Tommy slaps his hand away, and Jack accidentally gets hit in the nose. Tommy chuckles apologetically. Jack throws Tommy into a headlock, and Tubbo joins Tommy to disentangle Tommy and Jack. As Tommy slips away from Jack, he nearly trips into Niki. She catches him, her forearms sliding underneath his armpits. He leans back, and she smiles at him. Shelby leans in close to stick a flower onto his shirt. Tommy thanks both of them as he's put back onto his feet. Charlie bounds over, throwing both arms around Tommy. He would have dropped to the ground if Quackity and Jaiden hadn't worked to pull Charlie away. Philza steps up last, bumping shoulders with Tommy. The blonde initiates this hug, putting his face in the crook of Philza's face.

When the greetings are issued, the group starts to navigate the festival together. Smaller groups will sometimes break away, but they always return with souvenirs, food, or funny stories about what they saw. Tommy actively wants to try everything, so he never says no when someone wants him to check something out with them. Tommy has never been to a festival before, and he's never been to Origins before, and both of these facts combine to make Tommy extremely curious and excitable. He feels like a little kid as he eats delicious treats he never would have thought to try for himself or plays games with rules he hardly comprehends, especially when the people with him have conflicting strategies for winning.

When the group goes to rest in the shade, Tommy stands with Philza with a water bottle in his hand. He watches over the other festivalgoers. He sees a wide variety of hybrids. None of them are ashamed of who they are. None of them are scared that the Binary Killer will strike. They have complete faith in the Syndicate, and Tommy feels like he's seeing a whole new side of the organization despite none of the members being with him. Tommy wears a half-smile. He wants to ask Azrael about this the next time he sees him. Tommy turns to look at Philza, having a few questions for the man with him rather than the supervillain somewhere far from him. "What's this festival even for?"

Philza's eyes widen in surprise. He barks out a laugh, shaking his head and waving his hand. "Sorry, I thought someone already told you. It's a celebration of Origin's founding. Well, not its actual founding, but more like, the day it officially became what it is today. The Federation used to relocate hybrids into this valley to collect resources. When the Syndicate moved into the area, they were able to make this into a safe haven for hybrids. This celebration is in response to that, to show how grateful they are to the Syndicate and prove that they have one united identity as the people of Origins, not mere hybrids."

Tommy looks over the people again. As beautiful as the thought is, Tommy knows that Origins' unified identity just makes them a target for the Federation. When the war starts, it will be heroes vs. villains— the Federation vs. Origins. Tommy knows it will be more complex than that, of course. There are more factions that might remain neutral or cause this war to split into more directions than one. There are also more reasons why the heroes might be fighting against the villains other than location, unification, or hybrid status. Tommy doesn't know nearly enough to make any calls. He just knows enough to say that this battle is going to happen many times.

"It isn't time for a history lesson. It's time to have fun!" Sneeg bounds over, throwing one arm around Tommy's shoulders and another one around Philza's shoulders. He steps between them, shoving them apart. His arms slide across their shoulders as he joins the reforming group. Philza rolls his eyes fondly. He nudges Tommy's shoulder with a smile. Tommy returns the grin, running ahead to rejoin Tubbo. Philza goes to his wife, and Tommy and Tubbo make fun of the loving couple in whispers to each other.

Sneeg's words are like a prophecy as they continue walking around the festival grounds. They continue much of their earlier activities of doing whatever catches their eye in smaller groups. Tommy spends time with nearly every member of the group as they drag him along to participate in all the activities he never got to try when he was younger. His excitement is infectious, and everyone is laughing with him as he tries to make the most of the precious few hours in the day. He bobs for apples in a water container with Tubbo. He buys flower crowns with Shelby. He goes through a haunted house with Jack. Niki helps him pick out the best treats to eat. Sneeg slides ice down Tommy's shirt, and the blonde takes every opportunity to get revenge in the same way. Charlie pulls him toward a bounce house, and Jaiden and Quackity argue with the festival worker as Tommy and Charlie sneak out of the area. They run away, landing in Philza's company. It is totally Charlie's idea that they run away from Quackity and Jaiden, playing an odd game of tag or hide-and-seek. When they are caught, Tommy is grounded to Techno's side, and he complains the entire time they move through the tables set up with books. Wilbur rescues him. They sit at a picnic table. They listen to street performers for the rest of the evening, cooling off and giggling together.

When the day finishes, everyone splits off to return to their vehicles. Tommy hugs everyone goodbye, lingering the longest in Kristin's embrace. She promises to see him again as soon as they pull away. Tommy agrees. He hurries to Wilbur's side, following the brunette through the streets since Techno has to handle a few matters with Philza that Tommy is not privy to. Tommy would be upset if he wasn't so pleasantly exhausted, like he went through a good workout.

Tommy and Wilbur wait by the car. The backseat door is open. Tommy sits sideways in the chair, feet on the concrete ground. He leans against the doorframe. Wilbur stands at the tire, leaning against the car's back. His arms are crossed over his chest, and he looks pensive as he waits for Techno to return. Tommy closes his eyes, enjoying the cool breath that blows through the shaded garage. He could fall asleep like this. When they start driving to the train, Tommy will probably nap for a few minutes. Wilbur will surely wake him up in time.

Tommy could ask if he can stay with the family today. He doesn't have anything to do tomorrow. It wouldn't be the first time he spent the night with them. They feel like family— he's actively told Wilbur that they are, hasn't he?

Wilbur asks a question before Tommy can. "Why did you come today?"

Tommy keeps his eyes shut. He frowns at the question, letting the words themselves and the tone used to say them linger in his mind. Out of all the questions Wilbur could have asked, that was not one Tommy had prepared answers for. "The fuck are you on? You're the one that invited me."

"I know that, I just... I didn't think you would agree, that's all," Wilbur says simply. Tommy's eyes flutter open. He pushes the side of his head on the doorframe. He sits upright, glancing over at Wilbur. He isn't looking at Tommy, only at the glass-less windows on the other side of the garage. Tommy doesn't understand his words in the slightest. Wilbur speaks so matter-of-fact that Tommy feels like he missed an entire paragraph. Why would Wilbur ask him if he didn't expect Tommy to say yes? Did he not actually want Tommy to come, or is the blonde completely misreading the situation as Wilbur presents it?

"You know, I think I've made it pretty clear that I like spending time with everyone. I think I've laughed more today than I have in my entire fucking life. That has to mean something. And if it's about being in Syndicate territory, I don't care. I mean, I care, of course, I fucking do, but you know, it's... manageable. I don't have records, Wil, so I'm in trouble no matter where I go," Tommy explains as best he can. He doesn't add that he also has certain skills and abilities that put him in trouble alongside his lack of records.

Wilbur nods slowly. He doesn't say anything else. Tommy stares, waiting on bated breath for Wilbur to reveal the real reason. Tommy thinks it over, and he believes that Wilbur is assuming Tommy has something against hybrids. Tommy has never said anything negative about hybrids— not to Wilbur or anyone else— but it might be ingrained into Wilbur's psyche from childhood trauma. Tommy sighs, collecting all his nerves. He shifts entirely in his seat, staring at Wilbur until the man looks back into Tommy's eyes. He's scared he's going to vomit, but Tommy manages to speak instead of puke. "I don't mind hybrids, either, and that isn't just because you're one."

Wilbur visibly startles. His lips part wordlessly, and his fingers twitch at his side, hesitating to reach out for Tommy. The blonde laughs nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. He presses forth, realizing that Wilbur needs more reassurance. "What did you expect, Wil? I'm not fucking blind. I know that you, Techno, and Kristin. I wouldn't be surprised if anyone else in the group was. But it doesn't matter to me. I don't care what any of you are— human, hybrid, other. I don't have anything against hybrids. I wouldn't have anything against you, either, because you're my brother. That supersedes everything. I was hoping you would tell me yourself, but I thought, fuck it, someone's gotta say something about it, might as well be me."

"Does it matter who I am?" Wilbur whispers. He looks sorrowful. There aren't tears in his eyes, but Tommy feels like they are approaching. Tommy frowns. When he imagined how this conversation would go, he thought it would end in hugs and smiles. He thought they would reaffirm their familial view of each other. This heartbroken expression flitting across Wilbur's face isn't what Tommy thought would happen at all. He really doesn't like it.

"... what do you mean?"

"If I was someone else, would you care? Would our brotherhood be enough?" Wilbur repeats. He seems desperate. Tommy wishes he knew what to say to ease Wilbur's emotions, but he still doesn't really understand the question. Who else could Wilbur be? Is it a fake name? Did some strange creature kill and replace Wilbur somewhere in their relationship? Did Wilbur... have another identity?

"I would like to think so," Tommy says slowly, thoughtfully, carefully. He doesn't want Wilbur to misconstrue his words. He doesn't want to lie to Wilbur when the man seems intent on being vulnerable in all the ways Tommy never thought he would be. Tommy reaches his hand out, taking Wilbur's hand. He squeezes as he continues, steadily but no less cautiously. "I have my own secrets, too, you know. I hope you won't hate me for that, either. If you promise not to hate me, I promise not to hate you."

Wilbur sighs. He hesitates, eyes narrowing. He shakes his head. He squats in front of Tommy. He tilts his head up to maintain eye contact. Tommy's frown deepens. Is Wilbur going to beg him for forgiveness? Is he going to admit something he thinks will ruin their brotherhood? Tommy nods, more to himself than for Wilbur's benefit. He prepares himself for whatever Wilbur is going to say to him. "Look, I wanted to tell you for a while, but I'm actually—"

"What are you two doing?" Techno asks curiously, rounding the back of the car. A faint sheen of sweat glitters on his forehead, but he looks otherwise unfazed. This changes when Wilbur gives Techno a guilty look. Techno's eyes narrow. His voice is rougher as he stalks to the driver's side door, "Get in the car. We're leaving."

Wilbur moves away from Tommy. The blonde moves closer to the center of the backseat. He closes the door. The sound of the doors shutting is the last noise to exist within the car during this ride as Techno pulls out of the parking spot. The atmosphere is foul, and the silence is unbreakable. Wilbur leans his head against the window. Techno's knuckles are white as he grips onto the steering wheel. Tommy curls in on himself as he tries to ignore the tension in the car.

When they get to the station, Tommy starts getting out of the car. Techno's voice is emotionless as his eyes cut into Wilbur. "Do I need to ride the train with you?"

Wilbur looks apologetic as he shakes his head. Tommy's lips part to ask, but he doesn't manage to say anything as he follows Wilbur onto the empty train car, save for a handful of people here and there. They find seats for themselves. Tommy leans his head against Wilbur's shoulder, unconcerned with the passing city. Wilbur doesn't say anything as they ride back to the other side of the island. Tommy's mind travels back to the conversation. What was Wilbur going to say? Who is he? Why would Tommy reject his brother because of it? Tommy doesn't think there is anything Wilbur could tell him that would kill the brotherly love in his chest. Tommy has wanted a family so badly for so long that he doesn't want to give it up for anything. He might be surprised by whatever Wilbur tells him, but surely, he won't lose his family over it if they just tell him.

The train stops eventually. Tommy lethargically rises to his feet. He heads for the doors. Before he steps outside, he hears his name. Wilbur gives Tommy a half-smile. "You were right. I'm a phantom hybrid."

Tommy returns Wilbur's smile with a brighter one of his own. "Thank you for trusting me."

Wilbur's face falls, and he hurriedly looks away. The doors shut between them. Tommy's gut tightens around something heavy. He knows instinctively that Wilbur's status as a phantom hybrid isn't what he wants to tell Tommy in the parking garage. It isn't what upset Techno. But it is a step in the right direction. Tommy will take what he can get.

He turns away from the station, heading toward his shop. As he starts climbing the stairs, he realizes that someone is in the upstairs apartment. Tommy is cautious as he creeps across the last few steps. He nudges the door open, preparing to throw a punch immediately. His powers point him in the direction of the additional heartbeat. Someone is sitting in an armchair in the corner. She looks out the window, the pale light of the fading dawn falling upon her listless expression. Her eyes move toward Tommy as he stands in his apartment, the front door open behind him.

He knows who she is: Golem. She's one of the heroes. He doesn't know why she's here; she doesn't know how she found him. Tommy glances around the room. She hasn't stolen anything or ruined his apartment. She only snuck in through the open window beside her. She nods her chin at the window. "I know how to bypass the enchantments, but the technological alarm went off. I know it didn't call the police, but I only have a few suspicions as to who it did call here. We should handle business before whoever arrives, yeah?"

"What do you want?" Tommy grits, fists tight in front of him. Even with all his training with Techno, Tommy doubts he is going to win this fight. But, he thinks, he isn't going to let a hero walk all over him.

"Why else would I be here? I want a suit." Her expression is less depressed, but she doesn't exactly look any happier.

"When do you want your tuxedo by?" Tommy glares.

She laughs, a hollow sound that unnerves Tommy. "You don't need to lie to me. I know the truth. Don't worry, though, the others don't."

"I don't trust you."

She tilts her head to the side in understanding. "For what it's worth, I don't trust you, either. I just want to get a suit from the Underground Tailor."

"That's a shitty name."

"You have a lot of them. You need to pick one out for yourself before one of the shitty names sticks. Once people start calling you by something, it's hard to get them to stop," Golem admits, and it sounds like she's speaking from experience. "But I digress. I'm not here to give you advice. I'm just here to do business. I'll pay whatever fees you have. I'll sign a confidential contract, though we may have to remove the protection from the other heroes' clause. I won't touch you, and I can promise not to help them, but I can't hinder them, either. Additionally, I don't need a fancy suit with all the stops. I just have someone I want to protect, that's all. Plus, times are changing. Fashionable outfits are in. These lackluster suits are out."

Golem pulls at her collar. She wears a dark gray bodysuit without any decoration. The Federation's symbol is sewn into her shoulder, but there is nothing else about her suit that makes her stand out. She doesn't have any protective gear, either. It's expected since one of her powers includes turning her flesh into an iron-like substance, but still, Tommy thinks some knee pads aren't too much to ask for.

Golem rises to her feet. She sets a card down on the coffee table. She stands in front of Tommy. She's not too much taller than him. Her eyes are dark as she stares directly into Tommy's bright blues. The secret charm is weak, implying that Tommy has never once seen Golem outside her suit. But Golem's eyes sparkle with recognition. He stares at him like she knows someone who looks exactly like him. She sighs, looking away from him. "That's my card. Call me whenever you finish the suit. I know you're a busy man, and I'm in no hurry. I'll wait years if I have to, though I would ask to pay later if you take that much time. In any case, I promise not to tell the heroes about you if you don't report me for fraternizing with a villain accomplice."

Golem returns to the window. She slips outside, leaping onto the ground. Tommy remains stationary. His eyes move to her card left on the coffee table. He frowns at it, stunned by her appearance and her words and that strange look on her face.

Golem thought someone would rush to the shop, and she was right. Azrael is the one that lands on the windowsill. He climbs into the room, wings folded against his back. He looks around the living room for any signs of a break-in other than the window. "I got a message from the security system."

"It was a false alarm. I opened the window," Tommy smiles at Azrael. "We should get Pulverize to recheck the system."