Techno groaned as he was pulled up to his feet, his arms secured behind his back by what he assumed to be one of the hybrids that lived here. From the quick glance he was able to get, it reminded him of an Enderman. But it had mismatched eyes, one green and one red. It also had horns and a tail, but the rest matched the typical Enderman. Someone else had been there too, but they had disappeared before he could see them. Probably following the order of what the Enderman had said.

Suddenly he began to feel weird and the air became freezing cold. He had to close his eyes as a sudden wave of nausea hit him. The ground beneath his feet disappeared for a second, the only thing holding him upright was the strong grip of the Enderman. He opened his eyes again when his feet hit the floor and was greeted by the inside of a house. The Enderman must have teleported him in here... he never knew that they can do that. Yes, they can transport patches of dirt or sand, but he never heard of Enderman moving alive beings.

It was a single big room, decorated with plants, chest and what looked like a small bar? Or just a counter... it had a brewing stand and cauldron on it. Right across from the entrance was a large balcony with a roof over it and to his right a room with what looked like a lava pool. On his left was an... aquarium? It was open at the top... and pretty large for an aquarium. From what he can tell by the balcony view, this must be the large house on top of the floating island.

A noise to his left caught his attention. There was movement in the aquarium... wait... is that a mermaid? He had heard of these creatures by sailors who hunt dolphins and aquatic hybrids. Footsteps came from the door and soon two more hybrids entered the room. One was shorter and it's arms turned a mix of yellow and orange, small flames dancing around its skin. A blaze hybrid, he had never heard of one before.

The other was a tiny bit taller and had green skin. A slime, perhaps? Another two hybrids appeared soon after. One had blue and white wings and glowing green eyes. It's skin was also a mix of blue and grey. A phantom. Right behind him was a much younger looking hybrid with tiny white wings and feather ears, like the winged hybrid he had met. It looked similar to him... blonde hair, blue eyes, wings and feathers. Maybe this is his child?

More and more hybrids started to filter into the room, all of them keeping their eyes on Techno, who was still being held on his knees by the Enderman. He could see a bee, a really tiny one that he just couldn't identify, one that looked like it was literally made out of Stardust. The thing that shocked Techno the most was just how human they all looked, with the exception of the Enderman. But the winged hybrid he had been looking for was nowhere in sight.

The Enderman began to talk again, probably telling the others about how he found Techno. He may not be able to understand Enderspeak, but he sure as hell knows that this hybrid sounds pissed. Perhaps it's a leader? Or just angry that a human managed to infiltrate their home. The small winged hybrid soon nodded frantically at something the Enderman said, chirping just like the older hybrid. The Phantom nodded as well and more gestures of agreement came from the others.

If only he could understand what they were talking about!

Soon the star-hybrid stepped forward and knelt down in front of Techno. It's eyes glowed like actually stars, his hair flowing and glittering like the night sky. "How did you get in here? How did you find this place?" It can speak English! Oh thank Prime!

"I walked over the stone path in the river. A crow led me here." "A crow?" "Yes. It spent the last day with me... I was looking for someone." The hybrid stared at him for a moment, confusion written all over it's face. "Could it be... that this person is a hybrid? Perhaps with dark wings and blonde hair? Chirps like a bird?" "Yes! That's him! Does he live here?" Glowing eyes scanned his face, as if searching for something.

"Why do you want to see him? You're a hunter. We saw your weapons." Right... that. He should have figured that they thought he was here to kill or capture them all. "He saved my life... I just wanted to thank him. Maybe try and somehow figure out how to talk to him so I can ask some questions. I'm not here to hurt anyone."

The hybrid turned to the others and spoke in a language he couldn't understand. It sounded weird... like Enderspeak but without the screech in it and it had a slight reverb to it. Angry responses rose from the group, probably not believing that Techno was friendly. Not that he blames them.

"How were you able to cross the river? The stone path shouldn't be able to be crossed by humans. The guardians make sure of that."  "I... it was weird... they did take the stones away, but then one of them shot me with a weird light beam. I saw some old memories, then it disappeared and I was allowed to cross." The hybrid nodded and turned back to the others. Maybe this shows them he's friendly? Their guardians allowed him to pass, so that must be a sign of trust on their side, right?

Nope. Only more angry shouts and shrieks.

The Phantom hybrid drew a sword and screeched. Shouts of agreement emitted from the group as he stepped closer to where Techno was being held down. They were going to execute him! The star hybrid stepped away, sighing. "Sorry... but I was out-voted. Nothing personal."  "No wait. Hold on." Techno began to squirm in the Enderman's grasp, trying to somehow get away from the Phantom that now raised his sword.

A loud shriek made them all freeze.

The winged hybrid he had been looking for landed on the balcony and ran towards where the Phantom was about to kill him, a crow following close behind. He chirped and trilled at the hybrid, most likely asking him not to kill Techno. Or at least he hopes so. The Phantom screeched back, but was only met with a screech from the winged hybrid.

The star hybrid looked back at Techno. "Is that true? You set him free from a hunters trap?" Techno slowly nodded. "Yes... I cut the ropes that bound his wings together... he flew off almost immediately, but other hunters figured out I freed him and started to hunt me down. I'm considered a traitor to them."

The star hybrid nodded and looked back at the group, translating what he had said. This time, they weren't any shouts of protest or anger. Just silent stares of confusion and suprise. Only the Enderman and the Phantom seemed to still be angry.

The winged hybrid chimed in again, chirping just like a songbird, even if he looks more like a crow. Some hybrids started to nod, others still unsure.

Damn this stupid language barrier.

"Alright. We have a deal for you. You saved the life of a fellow hybrid, but that doesn't give you a free pass for everything. We still have rules here... and one of them is that if a human ever manages to enter the sanctuary, they are not allowed to leave." Alright... so he's basically a prisoner now. Great. "I don't really see the deal part yet..."

"We let you live, if you give us all your weapons and armor. You're not allowed to carry any with you unless we tell you to. Phil is willing to let you live in his house for a bit, but you have to stay by his side at all times. You do not leave his house without him. You will constantly be under the supervision of either him or me." Phil... so that's the winged hybrid's name. It's... oddly human. "So it's giving away all my gear and freedom temporarily to let me live?" "Basically."

Techno sighed and nodded. "Alright. If that's the only way." The star hybrid nodded and translated his answers for him. The winged hybrid, Phil, seemed happy with the answer and smiled. Others were still looking unsure and scared, while the Phantom and the Enderman just looked pissed.

With an annoyed huff, the tall hybrid let go of Techno's arms, allowing him to pull out his weapons and put them on the floor. He took of his armor and placed it there as well. The hybrids looked at each other before Phil eventually stepped forward and grabbed the first items. He turned to a nearby Enderchest and put the things away.

"Alright. Looks like you're good to go. Just stay out of everyone's way for now. No one really likes having you here." "I can tell..." "Give them some time. It'll be alright."

With that, he turned to the group and dismissed them from the meeting. Or at least he thinks he does, as the hybrids slowly started to filter out of the room. "My name is Scott, by the way. If you have any questions, just come find me. I'm outside most of the night." Techno nodded and watched as the hybrid, Scott, left the house.

Phil walked up to him and chirped happily, wings twitching behind him. Techno smiled a bit and bowed his head. He knows the hybrid sees this as a gesture for 'Thank you', so this is probably the best they will get right now. He seemed pleased enough and placed a hand on Techno's shoulder, grinning.

Before he could question what was happening, the hybrid had wrapped him in a tight hug and flapped his wings. Techno could feel the wind rushing by as the bird took off, flying out through the balcony and towards a large tree with a house in the crown. Leaves covered the roof and sides, but it still looked inviting and cozy.

Techno held on to the hybrid for dear life as he landed on a small porch, probably just a landing area for him. He let go of the shaking human, chirping and rubbing his back. "I'm fine... just... a warning next time." Techno didn't know if the hybrid understood him or not, but that didn't matter.

He grabbed his wrist and pulled him inside. It was a single room lit by a few lanterns. The usual things filled the space, some chests, a furnace, cauldron, workbench and what he asumed was some sort of bathroom area that was surrounded by a curtain for privacy. A small set of stairs let to a somewhat second story. It was only about half as big as the main room and held a singular large bed, or more like nest. It had pillows and all, but was surrounded by a circle of sticks and hay.

Phil hadn't stopped him when he started to look around, exploring the small space. He just sat on a chair and watched in amusement. Some crows entered the home as well and perched themselves on chests or his shoulder and head. So they do belong to him after all.

"This is a nice place. Very cozy..." Techno turned to the hybrid, curious if he understood him or not. Phil smiled and nodded, chirping again. "So you can understand me..." Another nod was his answer. "That's good... at least this makes it somewhat easier."

The bird nodded yet again and looked out the entrance of the house. It was getting dark, stars starting to appear in the sky. He got up and moved a large board in front of the circular entrance, locking it in place with two bolts. Looks like it's bed time.

When the door was shut he started to go through his chests and made a makeshift bed for Techno in the upstairs area. The mess of pillows and blankets may be comfortable for him, but the human was a bit skeptical about it. Oh well, better than sleeping on the floor without anything to keep him warm.

Once they were done preparing his bed, the bird stretched and yawned. Looks like it had been a long day for them both. "Thank you... you saved my life back at the river... and now, when the other hybrids wanted me dead." Phil just smiled and patted his head, trilling softly. It made Techno smile. It reminds him of how a parent would treat their child.

Both got comfortable in their beds and Techno had to admit, the weird nest bed was indeed comfortable. So comfortable, that he almost instantly fell asleep on it.