"It's hard to be done a favor by a man you hate. It's hard to hate him so much afterwards. Losing an enemy can be worse than losing a friend, if you've had him for long enough."
― Joe Abercrombie

Techno plops down on the couch, releasing a breath as the furniture starts supporting his weight. He moves his shoulders, kneading a place for himself on the cushion. He tilts his head up, staring at the ceiling. The dull light flickers as his eyes pass over it, but it springs back to full brightness when he focuses on the intersecting lines. He grabs a pillow from the back of the couch, lifting his head up enough to put the pillow beneath his hair. He lies down, letting his eyes drift shut slowly. He continues to maneuver his body around until he finds a suitable position. It isn't that he's uncomfortable; it's that he's too comfortable. He needs to be ready to jump to alertness the moment he hears an unusual sound. He cannot risk falling too deeply into sleep.

Although Techno knew exactly where Wilbur and Vendetta would be staying, this was his first time visiting. The interior immediately reminded him of his brother. After a rough childhood, Wilbur gravitated towards simple comforts. He wanted what he was never allowed to have. Techno was fine in whatever circumstances he found himself in as long as Phil and Wilbur were there, but he wasn't going to begrudge his brother for his luxuriousness, especially when he concedes that the couch is tantalizingly comfortable. When Wilbur returns, Techno is going to force him to keep watch while Techno gets some well-deserved deep sleep.

For now, however, Techno will keep watch. Vendetta is asleep in the other room, and with the potency of the alcoholic smell coming off of him, he should be pretty deep under.

Techno was forced to clean up Wilbur's mess. He left Vendetta alone in Las Nevadas with his jacket, communicator, and wallet because he had some problems he needed to deal with that couldn't wait. Vendetta was kind enough not to mess with Wilbur's stuff, but Techno knows just how valuable that sort of information would be to anyone else. Even worse, Vendetta was fairly drunk when Techno found him. He was ranting about random things, and he looked to be crying when Techno finally found him down the street from where he was supposed to be in some garden. Techno knows how terrible Vendetta's mental state is. With recent events and the inclusion of alcohol, Techno felt pangs of worry course through him when he entered into an empty club. If Techno didn't unleash his inherited powers on some waitress, Techno fears he wouldn't have found Vendetta at all.

Techno is slowly learning that Vendetta has no idea what his true worth is. He is one of the few people who survived the bombing of L'Manberg. He is the only known person to ever garner an intense reaction from Reverie, a villain notorious for being completely apathetic. He was made a hero on the recommendation of the Hero Guild's master. He defeated Minotaur in a fight, dragging down the so-called President of Manberg to Pandora's Vault. He forged a stable connection with Croupier, and Jack's mission report shows that he has an enviable relationship with even the coldest and least corruptible Aces. Jack's report also implies that Vendetta has some sort of quasi-friendship with Tempestarius, and Techno finds it difficult to admit she isn't a good acquaintance to have. To top it all off, Vendetta has a rather powerful esper ability and a tenacity unmatched by anyone Techno has ever met. If someone got their hands on Vendetta- convinced him they were his ticket to getting revenge- Techno knows that Vendetta will become a difficult opponent to face. He could beat Vendetta in a fight, yes, but Techno has seen Vendetta beat enemies much stronger than him. Techno doesn't like uncertainties, and Vendetta is the very variable Techno is trying his damnedest to solve.

Techno groans, running a hand over his face. His fingers catch on his mask, and he lets hand fall to his side. The people Techno is subconsciously worrying about is the Red Army. The Cult of Erythr, specifically, the specialized unit that has been somehow convinced by a figure called Crimson that they have their best interests at heart. If Crimson is as good as it seems, it won't take too much conversation to bring Vendetta over to his side. With Reaper part of the Cult of Erythr, Crimson needs only to have him summon Vendetta's dead family to do the convincing for him. Maybe Reaper could conjure an illusion of them to say exactly what Crimson wants them to say.

Techno shakes his head. It will do him little good to worry about this. Vendetta has a deal with the Syndicate right now. He won't go back on that. Even if this arrangement isn't providing him with the information he wants, it is too valuable to Vendetta to be entirely discarded.

Techno folds his hands over his stomach. What he needs is sleep, not more contemplation. He can think about all of this in the morning, not the dead of night. This is all because Wilbur can't plan his outings more accordingly.

—

Whispering. A thousand hushed whispers snake through his ears, wrapping around his mind as if it were prey. Light is shrouded in thick blackness, darkness crawling over one another to reach him. Techno opens his eyes a tiny bit, enough to notice the unstable forms of shadows reaching out for him. Techno shifts, knowing that the shadows are warning him of something. They woke him up, and although they cannot directly tell him what for, they seem increasingly urgent.

Techno feels a cold wind ripple across his body. His eyes snap open, and he sits up on the couch. He looks around for the intruder. Since he feels wind, he looks immediately towards the balcony. He reaches for his knife, but his fingers hesitate inches from the hilt. The shadows pool back into the one behind him, content that he finally understands what they woke him up for. They weren't trying to save his life. They were trying to save Vendetta's. The hero is standing on the railing of the balcony. His body is slumped, content and apathetic, while his head is held up so he can see the rising sun over the cerulean waves.

Techno practically falls off the couch as he gracelessly scrambles forward. He reaches his arms out, eyes widening when Vendetta's body begins to tip forward. Techno grabs Vendetta's waist, yanking back immediately. Vendetta's body falls weightlessly on his chest. His knees buckle together, but Techno holds him upright. Techno breathes heavily, taking a few steps backward to help him get his bearings. He crosses the threshold of the apartment, landing back in the conditioned air of the apartment. The cold wind nips at him occasionally, carrying the scent of salt and not of blood.

"Why the hell-" Techno demands, but Vendetta continues to show no reaction. Techno reaches a hand up to Vendetta's throat. He finds a heartbeat, but it is too slow for Vendetta to be conscious. Techno brings them both to the ground, keeping Vendetta against his chest and in his lap. Vendetta's head lolls back against Techno's shoulder. Techno calms down slowly, pushing away his tumultuous instincts.

Wilbur mentioned Vendetta was a sleep-walker. Techno witnessed him sleep-walking two nights ago. There was nothing more to it. Techno didn't believe for a second that there would be anything more to it. Why would Vendetta sleep-walk to the railing? Why would he tip over? Is this a new thing? No, it can't be. But if it isn't, why didn't Wilbur mention this in any of his reports? Did Wilbur know? He must have if they were living so close together. Unless Vendetta doesn't sleep often... Techno already knows the kind of stuff he eats. It wouldn't surprise Techno that Vendetta cheated his way out of other healthy functions.

Vendetta murmurs in his sleep, his body twisting more into Techno's hold. The hybrid exhales heavily. He lifts Vendetta up, placing him on the couch where Techno had been dozing. Vendetta turns onto his side, facing Techno with parted lips and quiet breaths. Techno sits on his knees beside Vendetta. He stares at the golden hair as his mind spirals. Either Vendetta sleep-walks into dangerous or suicidal situations. If Techno works by that fact, it makes Vendetta's visit to him and Niki a lot more sinister. Techno knew Vendetta would harbor guilt, but would it be bad enough that he subconsciously thought Techno and Niki were going to kill him? Did he want that?

Techno sighs into his hands. He didn't think Vendetta could get more complex than he already was. It seems that the cost for power and importance is a heavy burden to bear. Techno frowns. Why do the other Syndicate members have to pick the most unstable person to grow attached to? As Techno's shadow peers over his shoulder, he realizes that he's made the same mistake they all did.

Techno hears a groan. He lifts his head up from his hands. Vendetta's face shifts as awareness begins to overtake him. He falls onto his back, lifting a hand up to his face. He pinches the place between his eyes through the blindfold he had been wearing when Techno picked him up from Las Nevadas. Techno looks at the hero unimpressed. "Are you hungover?"

Vendetta groans louder instead of verbally answering. Techno huffs something not dissimilar to a laugh. Techno glances at the kitchen, speaking slowly. "I'll make you something for your hangover if you tell me why you were on the railing."

"The fuck? Railing?" Vendetta mutters with a groggy voice, lifting his hand away from his face. He searches the room for an explanation, and his eyes land on the balcony. Vendetta lets his head fall back on the pillow. Vendetta frowns at Techno, "Did you put the chain on?"

"Chain?" Techno asks, immediately whipping his head back to Vendetta.

"And here I thought Serenade couldn't keep his damn mouth shut. I guess he didn't spill these beans even if these beans don't fucking matter," Vendetta laughs slowly. He lifts up his hand, pulling down his sleeve to show the faded scars running along the skin. Techno can tell that some are older than others, but they all seem to have been caused by the same weapon. Vendetta also stares at his wrist as he explains, "I sleep-walk into dangerous situations. I usually wake up before I fucking kill myself. If I need sleep, which isn't fucking often, I chain myself to the bed to make sure I don't finally jump of the roof this time... or drown in the ocean... or breath in the smog. It's fucking depressing. Serenade has taken to watching over me while I sleep these days so I guess... Well, I suppose I freaked you out, didn't I? Serenade was just as spooked when I told him."

Techno has seen those scars on Vendetta before. He thought they came from the Hunters, like the scars on his jaw did. Techno didn't stop to think further into the matter. The idea that they were self-inflicted never crossed his mind, not even as a shapeless worry he couldn't quite name. Techno looks down, wondering what else he doesn't know about Vendetta. "You fulfilled your side of the bargain."

Techno walks into the kitchen. He begins pulling out ingredients to make a home-made remedy for hangovers. It isn't foolproof, but Jack and Wilbur have assured Techno that it alleviates the worst of their symptoms. Jack was even tempted to start selling it as his bar, but Techno refuses to hand over the recipe. Techno only knows this remedy because one of the previous owners of his powers was a drunkard that hated the morning headache. They tried everything to make this remedy, though Techno refuses to access their memories of the trial-and-error process. He only pays attention to the end results.

Techno frowns as he works, letting his thoughts rise back to the surface. Before working with him, Techno had an image of Vendetta in his mind. He researched the necessary facts about the hero- his connections and powers. Techno thought that was all he needed to know. Since knowing Vendetta, however, Techno is learning a lot more crucial details. He never knew how close Vendetta was with the Deck of Las Nevadas. He never knew about Vendetta's strained relationship with the guild. He never knew what emotions were pounding in Vendetta's heart when he took down Minotaur. He never knew how terrible Vendetta's mental state was. This information isn't important to defeating Vendetta, but it does paint a more complete image of Vendetta in Techno's mind.

When Techno was younger, he didn't have anyone. He was a Piglin hybrid who illegally wandered from the Nether to the Overworld. He was despised by everyone until he stumbled upon another Piglin hybrid bleeding in an alleyway. Techno was given that man's powers, inheriting them merely because he was the only person around. Techno lost a lot of time trying to reclaim his identity and sanity in the madness that is dozens of people's powers consolidating together.

Fortunately, Techno stumbled upon another boy with tears constantly in his eyes. Techno would have killed that boy if he didn't use his esper abilities to control Techno. Under the esper's command, Techno found his personality again. Techno swore to protect Wilbur if he would keep Techno in control. Over time, Techno learned to control his new powers without Wilbur's help, but Techno couldn't abandon Wilbur- not when his instincts latched onto the esper. The only other person Techno's instincts latched onto was Phil. Despite his friendships with other Syndicate members, he would sacrifice anything to keep Phil and Wilbur safe.

Techno glances over at Vendetta. He frowns while looking away. His instincts have not latched onto the rude hero, even if they no longer acknowledge him as any sort of threat. Techno only fears that they will find some excuse to bring Vendetta close, and Techno cannot afford that weakness. Vendetta is, simply put, a problem. He is reckless, stubborn, and a danger to everyone around him- especially himself. Vendetta is irrational and chaotic, everything Techno despises. Techno has no obligation to the hero. He should hate him because of how often he says he will kill Azrael. The fact that he doesn't hate Vendetta doesn't bode well for the future.

"Will you please make me some breakfast, Ravager? There's some gray packets on the counter in a box," Vendetta asks, drawing Techno away from his worrisome thoughts. Techno waves his hand, thankful for something to do even if he doesn't like doing favors for Vendetta. He supposes he is just feeling nice because Vendetta could have been a bloody pile on the sidewalk if Techno had not intervened. Techno shudders at the thought, already hearing Ranboo's screams in his ears. Surprisingly, Techno knows that more members of the Syndicate will grieve... Techno wonders what kind of reaction he would have if he had been even a second too late.

Techno lifts a packet from the box. He frowns at it, flipping it over to read the instructions. He was meant to pour the powder into a bowl of lukewarm water, stirring until it condensed into a porridge-like consistency. Techno's eyes trail down to the ingredients. He throws the packet back into the box, ignoring Vendetta's wounded noise. "No one is eating that today."

Techno searches the kitchen for ingredients. Although he isn't as good as Niki, Techno is one of the few members of the Syndicate that knows how to cook. His speciality is potatoes. He especially likes using the ones from his personal garden. Alas, the others do not share his love for the simple but delicious vegetable. Techno decides to make his best potato breakfast dish. If he sways Vendetta, he might be able to get Wilbur on his side. Even if Wilbur doesn't fall, having someone else in the potato corner will make it easier to get approved when he wants to bring potato-based dishes to Syndicate gatherings.

Vendetta turns on the television. He turns the volume down immediately, but one of Techno's abilities is enhanced senses. He can hear the television easily. Vendetta is watching the news. It's a popular channel, so turning down the volume must be for the sake of his hangover and not because he has something to hide from Techno. The pinkette starts cutting up a potato, glancing up at the news segment Vendetta is watching. Techno hums curiously as the anchors start talking about an upcoming event in the city. It's a yearly festival celebrating what makes Essempei a great city. Although it is catered towards the rich, everyone in the city seems to enjoy the festival. People usually go in costumes, spending most of the day at booths before joining together on the main street in Prime Heights to watch a parade that takes up most of the afternoon.

"You know, Ravager, I always wanted to go to the festival," Vendetta says, his voice unusually quiet as he clutches the remote between both of his hands. He wears a frown on his face.

"Why don't you?" Techno asks, moving to put the diced potatoes in the awaiting skillet. The oil sizzles and pops as it accepts the potatoes as one of its own. Techno reaches for a spatula to help him move the chunks around. He needs them to cook evenly and thoroughly. He's trying to convince Vendetta to love potatoes, after all.

Vendetta startles, an aborted word falling from his lips. Techno watches from the corner of his eye as Vendetta shifts on the couch uncomfortably. Techno frowns. Did Vendetta not expect him to ask about it? Vendetta was the one who called his name, was he not expecting a conversation to follow?

Vendetta stares at the television again, ignoring Techno's silent stare. "It's a fucking waste of time, innit? Everyone is dressed up in costumes so it's difficult as shit to recognize anyone. You can blend into the crowd that way. The parade is also so fucking long. Rather unnecessary, too. Some of the floats are fucking epic, but most are just heroes standing on a trailer and waving. Monarch asked me if I wanted to ride a float this year. I told him to fuck off, obviously. I am not a fucking spectacle. I don't do shit for the public image of the Hero's Guild. They wouldn't want me as a poster boy, anyway."

Vendetta sighs heavily. The television switches to show people shopping for costumes together, and Techno can hear laughter in the background as he sprinkles spices into the skillet. "Plus, I don't have anyone to go with. I'm not wandering the city for fucking hours by myself."

"You could always come with the Syndicate. Since we all wear new costumes, we wouldn't see each other's identities," Techno says. The festival was something Wilbur got them in the habit of doing, actually. Wilbur dragged Phil, Sneeg, and Techno to it. Jack and Niki were forced to come along when they joined the Syndicate. Puffy thought it was a magnificent idea, so she brought her nephew, Tubbo, with her along with Tubbo's adopted father and her foster brother, Jordan. It was because of these festivals that Jordan became an ally of the Syndicate, and it was one of the first times Techno met Ranboo.

"I don't want to ruin the festival for you guys," Vendetta explains with a faint smile on his lips. Techno folds a paper towel on top of a plastic plate. He starts to move the potatoes from the skillet to the paper towel, mindful of the oil. Techno sets the skillet back on the stove, telling himself that he'll wash it later.

"You won't. We could have fun together," Techno admits. He turns his attention to the hangover remedy that he made for Vendetta. It has some of the ingredients required to make a potion, so it is basically a watered down version of one of those. It should work well, though.

"We could," Vendetta laughs slightly without agreeing. Techno doesn't comment on this as he makes a plate for both himself and Vendetta. He balances the plates on his arm, using his other hand to hold the glass of remedy. Nothing tips over as he walks from the kitchen to the living room. He sets the glass down on the coffee table first, and then he places the plate belonging to Vendetta down. He drops the fork on top of the cooked potatoes. Techno leans back to sit on the shorter part of the couch. Vendetta sits up, no longer lying down. He sips it, staring back at the television.

There's a new segment on right now. Apparently, the Guardians- a hero group Techno is aware of- is waging war against the gangs of Empires. They have been able to dismantle most of the smaller gangs, but the four major ones are still running around. It will take some time to topple the Kites, Kestrels, Nightingales, and Herons since they have been around since the creation of the city. Rumor has it that each gang was originally a band of pirates that tried claiming Prime Heights' predecessor for themselves. They settled down, adapting with the rest of the city until they became gangs vying for control and power in Empires. Techno doesn't like heroes, but he does appreciate the work the Guardians are putting in for him. He really doesn't want to deal with Empires' gangs.

"This isn't the gray powder," Vendetta remarks, moving his fork out of the way to look at the plate. He moves the potatoes around as if he would find his gray powder underneath them.

"No, it isn't," Techno confirms. Vendetta stares at him for a long moment before sighing. He picks the fork up, bringing the plate into his lap. He leans back against the couch. Techno approves when Vendetta starts eating the potatoes without making another comment. They watch the news in silence. Techno wonders what the festival will be like this year with Vendetta with them. He smiles softly. He knows it will be interesting, and he dares say it will be a lot of fun.