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It had been 3 months.
3 long, devastating months.
He had tried all he could think of to get Haiper back. He’d spied, searched, fought, and each time, all he'd done was lost.
Ash released a trembling sigh, staring down at his shaking hands that were currently cradling a bottle of alcohol. He felt sick to his stomach, not only at the thought of what Haiper was going through, but also at the fact that he hadn't been able to make a mere dent in whatever plans Multi appeared to have for his poor boy. Another nonfeasance at the hands of Ashswag. It was impossible to be surprised, at this point. He had already failed his brother so many times that even if Haiper was in there, watching him through his radiated vessels eyes, he would have probably lost hope for himself long ago.
The dark brown liquid inside the bottle swirled around with the motions of his wrist, the wounds that sat on his forearm stinging slightly with the action. Over the past few weeks, he had been considering a choice that he knew wouldn't end well, not for him or Haiper, and if he was to guess, the entire populace of The Regime as well. But he was desperate, so very desperate.
He just wants his brother back.
Tubbo had already tried to communicate rationally with Multi a while back, and it had gotten them nowhere. In fact, it pushed them back, as after their interaction, Multi had almost completely barred Haiper from interacting with Tubbo or himself. Multi was the complete opposite of rational. So, really, wouldn't his irrational decision-making have a better result? (Ash purposefully ignored his many previous spontaneous and unreasonable attempts, all of which were made up entirely of violence.)
Ash took a quick swig out of the bottle, alcohol burning the back of his throat with a familiar sting. The bottle was sat down onto his quartz desk with a sharp thud, his hands quivering as he reached down to one of the desk drawers and unlocked it.
The pills.
His thoughts drifted back to Haiper, the books he had written to him mere weeks ago, the note that was basically his will, his brothers desired last words to him. He thought about the pain he must be going through, the embarrassment of being controlled by something that he wasn't even aware of.
‘He must be so scared right now.’
Tears started to well up in his eyes, obscured by the black and purple glitches that sat restlessly in front of his face. Plans flew through his brain relentlessly, all ones he had already tried and failed to bring to fruition.
Suddenly, a different thought finally emerged, something new.
If he couldn't save Haiper by himself, maybe it was time to result to more desperate, shameful measures.
He wouldn't– couldn't– let his brother lose himself completely, not before he wrung out every single opportunity, no matter how unlikely they were to help.
No matter how likely they were to ruin him.
…
Leaves crunched beneath Ash’s feet as walked through the wooded paths surrounding Camp Fatal, grounding him as he traversed to what could very well be his end. Usually, he wouldn't be so dramatic, but when it comes to interacting with Multi, it’s a bit different.
The man is unstable, first of all. He speaks nonsense, wording his phrases so carefully as to not give away any true information. Multi quite literally has a nuclear reactor. There's no telling what exactly is going on in the scientist's brain, nor what he does around the server at all, really. All Ash’s interactions with Multi ever since the second week of their arrival have been mostly arranged beforehand and placed in a carefully selected environment, so there was close to no real way for him to know what the crazed man was up to, other than what Haiper and Ewron had been able to tell him.
Furthermore, their meetings were always in a setting that they were both familiar with in some way, but this one was different.
Multi had chosen to meet with him at random coordinates in the forest near Camp Fatal, around 600 blocks away from the main campsite, and by extension, the waystone that would allow him to travel home if the worst were to happen. It was very unsafe to attend, that Ash knew, but it was different now. Haiper was already in danger, death could come for him at any moment. So, who was he to be so selfish as to not risk his life for the one who had done the same for him time and time again?
Ash gulped loudly as he approached the coordinates Multi had given to him, legs feeling slightly weak with fear anticipation.
“Multi,” His voice rang out through the area, echoing back to him and causing him to cringe at the sound. He sounded so weak. “I know you're here, asshole.”
The forest fell into a peaceful silence after that, broken only by the chirping of nearby birds and the air that disturbed the leaves above him. He knew Multi was here, he could feel his presence nearby. He could almost hear the mans radiated body humming, traveling through his body and making his teeth ache. Disgusting. He was disgusting.
“Well, Ash. It is nice to see you again, my friend!” The familiar voice rang out from behind him, making him jump and pull out his sword before actually turning around. “I can guess what you're wanting to talk about. Haiper again, yes?”
The first thing Ash noticed about Multi was his skin. It was virtually grey, a sickly green tint covering his entire body and seeping into his clothes, which were now tattered and worn. His eyes, which had once been a beautiful blue, were now a desaturated cyan. He almost felt bad for the man for a second, before remembering what he'd done. What he himself was about to do.
A deep, nervous breath left his mouth as he began to fiddle with the cuffs of his sleeves, “Yes. I don't want to– I’m tired of fighting, Multi. I truly am. I just want my boy back. My boys.” His voice trailed off, teary eyes averting to instead stare at his boots. “I’m tired. Please. Please, Multi– I can't do this anymore. I have to watch my Haiper, my brother, decay in front of me every day, and I’ve done everything I could think of, and I still wasn't able to stop it. I’ve lost so much, and I just keep losing. I need my boy back.”
A rare, shocked look appeared on Multis face, becoming more amused as Ash rambled on. The stench of alcohol was heavy on the man, not to mention his pitiful appearance. He looked truly, truly miserable, even with the glitches obscuring his entire expression.
Seeing Ash like this felt better than how Multi imagined he’d feel after watching him die.
Realising Ash had finished speaking, Multi let out a small chuckle, shaking his head in what seemed to be a sick form of satisfaction. “You… You are so interesting, Ashswag. I hope you know that.” He stepped forward, torn lab coat dragging against the ground. His pale hand reached out and grabbed Ash’s chin, tilting his head around as if attempting to inspect him. “It's a little amusing, you know? To see you like this, all pitiful. You look like a stray puppy. You are kind of acting like one right now, too!”
Ash let Multi roll his head around with his fingers, putting up no fight. He didn't have the energy to argue, and the chance of losing any “high ground” he might have gained was too high for comfort. Also, he would never admit it, but it felt nice. As a kid, he'd never been allowed this kind of attention. Not that it was common for him to receive it now, but it felt special, in a way, when it came from someone who usually tried to aurafarm at all moments. God, maybe he was sick in the head too.
“Please,” Ash mumbled, eyes falling closed as his head fell limp into Multis grasp, “I just– this one thing, please. Multi…” He continued begging under his breath, more desperate than he'd ever been. He had gotten so far– he just needed Multi to agree, to take pity on him and do something, anything–
“Alright, then.”
His eyes shot open, tears immediately beginning to well up from the sudden burst of air. “What? Wait- really? You're– “
Multi finally released his chin and stepped back, brushing his hands off on his dirty coat. “I’m not saying I’ll cure the fox. It's too late for that. However, we can make a deal,” the scientist explained, voice taking on a slightly condescending tone, “I can let you see Haiper. I know where he is, and he's not wanted visitors, but since you want him so badly, I'm sure I can convince him.”
One of Ash’s hands shot out to grab Multi’s sleeve, startling him. The glitch was beaming; he could gather that even through the blocks obstructing his view of his face. He noticed that there was a tear sitting on the bottom of his chin. How cute.
“Really? You’d do that? You know where he is? I- “
Ash was cut off by a finger pressing lightly against his lips, still parted. For some odd reason, he felt his face get hot as Multi continued to speak, “Ah ah ah, Ash. I’m not done explaining our deal yet. Your end of the deal is simple, really.” He paused for a moment, feeding into dramatics, “All you need to do is obey me. An easy task, yes? Surely it can't be too difficult for a Supreme Leader such as yourself.”
The other man nodded vigorously, before remembering exactly who he was and composing himself. He brought his other, unoccupied sleeve up to his chin, wiping away the wetness that sat there. It was unreal, he couldn't believe he'd done it. He’d finally gotten somewhere. Hope wasn't all lost.
Ash’s hand remained connected with Multi’s tattered sleeve as he stepped closer, coming to look him in the eyes as if to challenge him. “When can I see him?”
The question was met with an unreadable smile, and a simple command. “Let's start with a trust test, of sorts. Do what I say. I need to know that I can trust you to be good near my things, you know?” His voice was somehow soft and smug at the same time, and the whole sentence felt like it was ringing in Ash's brain, familiar in a dizzying, comforting way. It pained him to listen to, but the words felt right.
“I… Yes, yes. Okay. What do you need me to do?” The question escaped his mouth unreasonably meek, as if Multi was sone kind of wild animal, ready to snap if he took one step out of line.
For a few moments, Multi remained silent, staring blankly at where he imagined Ash’s eyes would be if his face wasn't covered in eye-straining glitches. This was a new side of Ash; one he hadn't seen before. He’s seen him drunk, depressed, and desperate before, abut never quite like this. If Ash wasn't so easy to read, he’d think that he was trying to manipulate him. Poorly, at that.
When he spoke, there was an undertone of pure compliance. It was so slight that he'd thought he was imagining it at first, that he was seeing only what he wanted to see, a new opportunity. But it seems like his lucky day, today. Maybe they could both stop at Ewron’s casino after their talk; he'd love to see the expression on his face when he saw Ash following him around like a sick puppy.
At last, Multi let out a puff of air, shaking Ash’s hand from his sleeve. “I want you to write a letter, resigning from your role as the Supreme Leader of The Regime,” he snickered, pausing to take in the others petrified expression, “Ah, but don't worry. It's not like you will be using it. This is just a trust test, remember?”
A cold, numb feeling engulfed Ash’s entire body as he processed the words.
This wasn't an… excellent idea. There was no way this could end well, writing such an important document and giving it to Multi, who was probably the most unstable being on the server. This could end him. Could end The Regime, even. The decision should've come easily to him.
…He grabbed the book and quill from Multi’s hands and began to write his official letter of resignation.
It left a sour taste in his mouth; just how little time it took for him to write it. Something like this felt like it should be treated as a serious decision, with care and attention, not as a random decision in the middle of some random woods. He hadn't even told Tubbo and Katie that he was leaving The Regime today, let alone doing something as reckless as this. It felt like a betrayal.
But it was for Haiper, his second-hand man.
Plus, it was only a trust test, right?
A stillness fell between them yet again, Ash watching as Multi took the signed book from him and shoved it into the inside of his lab coat, sealing his fate. “Huh, I didn't expect you to actually do it. Maybe you're better than I thought.” A revulsive warm feeling filled Ash’s chest with the slight praise; it was a reassurance, telling him that he was finally advancing in his research.
He cut off his thoughts as Multi began walking towards the campsite, gesturing for Ash to follow. “Come. Let's visit the casino before we visit Haiper, I have a… good feeling about today.”
…
The visit to the casino took longer than Ash would've liked.
They had been there for three hours– he was lucky Ewron wasn’t around today, he didn't want his blade to see him like this, so desperate as to follow along with his second-to-worst enemy. Not to mention that these were three hours he could've spent with Haiper. Three hours they lost, not through lack of trying to prevent it, though! He had been hinting towards leaving ever since the first hour passed, but Multi just wanted to keep playing– and losing, mind you– those stupid gambling games.
At least they were finally leaving now. His legs were beginning to ache.
As Ash went to press the waystone, Multi placed down a boat in front of him, sitting down before ordering him to do the same. He easily obeyed the command– who was he to argue with the radioactive man's weird quirks?
The familiar feeling of nausea rose within him as they teleported, letting out a little noise he no longer cared to hold back. He quickly regained his bearings, looking up towards what he expected to be the Polish Cave, instead met with a small office, different from the one he'd seen before. There were photos lining the walls, some of the other Polish islanders, a few of Haiper, and, unfortunately, a good amount that included that foul little federation egg.
“Where are we?” Ash questioned without thinking, scanning the spruce floors and the brick walls. He sure did look comfortable stepping into what could very well be a trap, or, at the very least, his enemy's home. It was a bit cute, how quickly Ash had started to trust him when just a few weeks ago, he would have attacked him on sight. The Supreme Leader of The Regime, naïve and way too compliant. He's glad he got to him early, before he started putting his guard up.
Multi cleared his throat, resting his hands behind his back. “This is my house. I don't visit it often, so I allowed Haiper to stay here for the time being. This is my main office.” His eyes also began to scan the walls, taking in all the small accessories and accents he hadn't cared to pay attention to in so long. It was beginning to get dusty. He really should clean this place up sometime soon.
He averted his eyes back to Ash, who was still processing the room. The poor boy looked like he had cold water dumped onto his head, most likely shocked by the prospect of him having an actual home and not just underground bunker. He made sure to voice that theory, and Ash’s head snapped toward him, expression forced back into one of nonchalance.
“Whatever. Where's Haiper?” Ash huffed, exasperated and still a bit nervous. His mind was spinning between the natural instincts of trusting the other man and mauling him to death for even stepping foot towards his family in the first place. “You will keep up the end of your deal, right?”
His tone was sharp, threatening. If only Multi wasn't able to sense the fear hidden underneath.
“Yes, of course. Follow me.”
Before Ash could even look towards him, Multi had already opened a reinforced door, protected with a code Ash probably could have figured out had he not been too slow useless distracted. Stupid fucking Multi. Who needs to protect the doors of a house no one knows the location of anyways.
Nearly tripping over his own feet, Ash made his way to the door, walking in before Multi. It was similar to the nuclear bunker, apart from minimal items of comfort, making it look like a room you'd see in The North. A dresser in the corner was cracked open, revealing a variety of sweaters. Most notably, Haiper’s icon blue sweater hung there, hidden in-between two black ones.
“Haiper, are you here?” Multi called out, voice ringing against the metal walls. A small noise arose from the ground in the corner, muffled by a large mound of blankets and pillows. After a few seconds (though to Ash, it felt like hours), Haiper’s upper body emerged from the pile, hair and fur ruffled and messy from restless nights. His expression continuously morphed between confused, shock, anger, and what could only be described as longing as he sputtered, before looking over to Multi. “Why is- what is Ash doing here?”
This was going to be a long night.
…
Ash collapsed into his bed in the pantheon, head lolling to the right as he gazed at his clock.
3:54 am.
A weary sigh broke free from his chest. He was exhausted. Physically and emotionally.
Multi was… An interesting character.
He tortured Haiper, and by extension, the entire Regime, for months, but when Ash just simply asks to see his brother, he concedes at once? It makes no sense. He acted weird– more peculiar than he usually does– the entire time, the way he spoke to him, his body language, the way he looked at him. It was almost as if he was his next experiment.
Ash shivered at the thought, a feeling of repulsion rushed through him, immediately followed by a strong warmth, which he realised had become normal when he was around Multi. It was confusing. He was confusing.
Ash wanted to figure him out. Maybe this plan had been a good idea after all, since it had given him such a rare chance to spend more time with Multi. To “study” him, of course.
He was starting to look forwards to their next meeting.
…
For the next few weeks, Ash had been consistent in visiting Multi’s little house, spending more and more time there with every visit. It was great, he got to see Haiper nearly every day, and the only cost was spending time with Multi, doing tasks for him and the like. He was happier than he'd been in a long time.
He had become familiar with the feeling of the cold, hard, metal walls contrasting with the soft carpets, having slept there once or twice when he was having especially rough nights. Multi had even given him the passcode to the reinforced door that separated the little “apartment” from his office.
The office… Ash had become very familiar with that room as well.
As more days passed, Ash found himself unintentionally spending more time with Multi, chasing his twisted words of praise and the occasional gentle touch or warm expression. He despised the way his stomach would twist, feeling like he had been punched in the gut, but so soothing at the same time. He was eternally confused around the other man; conflicting emotions beat him down, which just kept him coming back for more.
It's not like he would acknowledge it, though. In fact, he barely even noticed. Multi made sure of that.
As Ash fell more into Multi’s grasp, the scientist became increasingly careful with his actions, choosing every word and action to get the exact reaction he needed. It was an addictive experience, taking the “Supreme Leader of The Regime”, known for being strong, unshakable, and turning him into a pitiable little thing. Ash was another experiment to him; however, he was so much different than the rest. Their connection was something emotional, not held together by some device.
It was so, so real. Exactly what he'd been yearning for for months on end. What he’d broken down over time and time again for. When he looked at Ash, he saw what he originally wanted Haiper to be. Family. Someone, something that trusted him with their whole being. At least, that what was Ash was quickly becoming. As it turned out, he didn't even need to bother with all the effort.
He had the perfect subject in front of him all along. His perfect experiment. His perfect companion.
And he would ensure that he stayed around.
…
“Ash, my friend!”
The familiar sight of Multi waiting for him met Ash’s eyes, warmth filling his chest and mixing with the routine heaviness of alcohol. Nobody really bothered to wait for him anymore. Not even Ewron. He’d long since pushed Ash away, telling him about how useless he’d become in their plans. It was only Multi now. (He never questioned how Multi knew he was going to visit, even when he forgot to tell him.)
“Multi, hello! Sorry for not asking before visiting, I was just feeling-“ He was cut off by Multi, a common occurrence nowadays, “Ah, don’t worry about it. It is always nice to see you, my Ash. It’s been a while since you’ve talked with me. I thought you decided to stop visiting! I was about to give up on you, you know?” He sighed out, head falling to rest on the back of the office chair he was sat on. Truly, it hadn’t been that long, only a few days, but Multi felt it was too fun to play with Ash— especially when he was all dazed like this.
A quick pang of panic banged against Ash’s chest with the words, the concept of Multi leaving him too was almost overwhelming to him right now. He stumbled towards where Multi sat, quick, quiet apologies making their way out of his throat, desperate to placate the scientist. “Nuh- No, Multi, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to ignore you, I was just busy with exploring and I got distracted, I’m sorry- “
Multi sat up and brought his hand up to rest softly on the glitching mans shoulder, silencing him. He pushed down lightly, bringing Ash to sit at his feet. It was eerily akin to what he used to do with Haiper, the only true difference was that Ash wasn’t chipped, wasn’t altered to do any actions other than what he wanted to do. It was empowering, delicious.
“Shh, I won’t leave you. I’m not like Ewron. I’m not like any of them, okay?”
Multi smiled, manipulative and fond. It was a common expression he found himself wearing with Ash when he was like this. The man was so eager to please, so obedient. Sensitive, even. It became oh so much more apparent after he’d been drinking. It was the main reason Multi had begun to keep alcohol in his office— just in case Ash started to revert back to his old, violent ways. He’d come so far, Multi wouldn’t let him fall back. For his own good.
A shiver ran down Ash’s spine at the words, and he dizzily dragged himself closer to Multi’s legs, resting his face in-between the scientist’s hard knees. “Hhh- Yeah, yyeah. You’re… You’re better. You understand me, right Multi?”
“Yes, Ash. You won’t need anyone else as long as I’m here.” As Multi gazed down at Ash, quickly falling asleep at his feet, a strong wave of avarice covered him, consuming his mind and body. He firmly grasped the hair he’d petting, careful to not disturb the sleeping man too badly. His eyes fell shut, voice quieting into a mere whisper.
“You’re mine, so you don’t have to worry about being alone anymore.”