Phil's mind was going 200 miles a second.

He woke up this morning feeling off, more tired and sluggish than usual. His wings dragging behind him almost lifeless when he walked into the small kitchen, yawn after yawn hidden behind his hand. It was odd, considering he and the kids went to bed earlier than usual after their hours long gardening work yesterday. The weather wasn't helping either, heavy clouds covering the sky and rain pouring down onto the island. The sounds of rain hitting the roof only made him more tired to the point where he walked into the wall opposite of the door he meant to walk through.

Maybe they could have a lazy day today, depending on the quests they'll be given. Lazy days would be perfect for people like him or Fit, who were taking care of their children as single parents and were constantly stressed over completing all the tasks in time. Fit had the terrible luck of getting an irresponsible partner that didn't care much for their child, with Spreen having left after a few days and just never returned. He was doing pretty good for someone who never raised a child before though, considering his past and all. Phil never actually expected Fit to be a great parent. An okay one that would keep his kid safe, but griefers are just a special kind of people so...

Then there were people like Quackity, Bad and now Wilbur too, who just didn't have a partner at all that could help them. They had been alone from the beginning and have to rely on friends to babysit if anything ever came up. At this point only the couples of Foolish and Vegetta and Jaiden and Roier were actually raising their kids together. Everyone else was pretty much alone or... not needed as parents anymore.

Phil was lucky with Missa, who cared a lot about Chayanne and messaged him every day asking how their little warrior was doing. His partner has been gone for the past two weeks now for an important trip he had already planned long before they received their children. And Phil could understand that, could understand wanting to meet up with old friends, something he had planned for a long time. At least Missa still cared enough to check in on them. He even promised to bring back a bunch of gifts for both of them, having said in his last message that he already bought a bunch of sweets and snacks to bring home. Chayanne was very excited when hearing about the possible treats he might get soon. And the return of his father, of course.

Still, taking care of Chayanne every day and now Tallulah on top of that was exhausting. Usually he would be fine with being a single parent, he loved these kids dearly, they stole his heart on day one. And he had raised Wilbur all by himself after all, with Kristin not able to spend a lot of time outside of her realm. But back then he wasn't pressured into daily tasks, to practically run everywhere to complete them in only one day. This version of raising kids was sure to break through his immortality and finally give him gray hairs. Well... actual gray hairs and not just the white streak he now carries after the 'nightmare'.

But when he opened the quest log while waiting for his coffee (even though he hates coffee, but the caffeine was badly needed now), he was surprised to see that it still showed yesterday's tasks. They were all green and checked off, since he and Fit had spent most the day together to make sure all of them were done. Odd... Usually it updates only a few minutes after midnight. Maybe his wish for a lazy day has been granted, that the entities that control this place have pity for the multiple single parents. Or his quest log is glitched, which would be a horrible thing considering the time limit... there is only one way to find out.

He shot a quick message to Fit, asking about the quests for the day and decided to make breakfast while he waits for an answer. Downing most of the still hot coffee in one go, he got to work. Since it seems like he has time today, he chose to surprise his kids with pancakes. Usually Missa makes them after some special recipe and has only made them twice so far, but it can't be that hard. Chayanne and Tallulah will surely appreciate the snack, he has no idea how they haven't grown sick of the avocado toast Phil usually gives them.

While gathering all the ingredients, he quickly popped into Chayanne's room to check on his son. A smile settled on his lips when seeing the small lump curled up under the blanket, his armor and beloved duck floaty sitting right beside the bed, together with the little paper crown Tallulah made for him. He must be just as tired if their usual energetic bundle of energy sleeps in like this. It was incredibly rare in itself that Phil woke up before his son, since he usually wakes to an excited dragonling bouncing on his bed, asking about what adventures they'll go on today.

Deciding to let him get a few more minutes of sleep, Phil went back to preparing breakfast. Three plates with pancakes, since he'll be picking up Tallulah as soon as Chayanne is awake and eating. She hasn't used her brand new communicator to tell him she's awake yet, so he'll wait a bit longer. Wilbur had given it to her so he can send messages to her while away on tour, but Phil also uses it so she can always call for him if she can't sleep. She had been very persistent on sleeping in her room instead of staying at Phil's house, which is fine. As long as she stays safe, she can stay at Wilbur's place for the night.

He placed the last pancake on the plate when a little ping notified him of a new message. Fit seems to be tired as well if it takes him that long to respond. That, or Ramón was already dragging him around for adventure.

Fit: No, my tasks are the same as yesterday too. Is Chayanne with you right now? Because I can't find Ramón anywhere and he's not answering me. I'm getting worried. I thought maybe he used the Waystone and went over to you guys without telling me.

Ph1LzA: Chayanne is still sleeping, I just checked on him. Ramón isn't with us, no. I just woke up myself. When did you last see him? Are his things still in his room?

Fit: Yes his stuff his here. His weapons and his armor. Everything. That's what worries me. Even his glock, he never puts that thing away.

Ph1LzA: I'll get the kids ready and come over to help you search for him. We'll find him.

BadBoyHalo: Dapper is gone too. I just went into his room to wake him up, but there was only a pillow under his blanket. Are you sure Chayanne is with you? Did you actually see him?

Phil's heart dropped. Ramón was very independent and seeking danger. It wouldn't be that surprising if he snuck out at night. But Dapper was very attached to his father and Bad made sure his son was always in his line of sight. He wouldn't just leave out of nowhere.

His communicator continued pinging as it laid forgotten on the table while he ran to his son's room, slamming the door open in his panic. The lump on the bed did not move at the sound. He shakes as he gripped the blanket and pulled, revealing only two pillows, not his precious child. Chayanne would never sneak out. Especially without his gear, without his new crown that he treasured so much.

Oh god.

Oh god please no.

Not again.

"Chayanne! Chayanne where are you?!" He practically ripped the house apart, looking everywhere despite knowing deep down that his son was probably wherever the other kids were. Why the fuck was this happening again?! Wasn't the last kidnapping enough?! He had worked so hard to make the whole house practically unbreakable, how could someone even get in?!

Shaking with both worry and rage, Phil retrieved his communicator from the kitchen and left the house to check if Tallulah was gone too. The rain poured heavy, soaking him through immediately, especially with his hat and cloak forgotten in the house. Leaping from the wall, he flew down to Wilbur's home, landing on Tallulah's little balcony. He didn't need to enter, her windows were wide open and her bed empty, her communicator still on the little nightstand.

He began typing a new message, not bothering to read the messages that came in while he was away. One look at the names said enough, the other parents confirming their children were gone as well.

Ph1LzA: Tallulah and Chayanne are gone. I have no idea how, my house should be pretty much unbreakable, but they are gone.

Jaidenhere: We'll find them. We did last time and we'll do it now. Let's meet up somewhere and try to figure this out.

Fit: Where is everyone? I am at Phil's right now. Whatever spot is closest for you guys.

FoolishG: On my way. Can be at Phil's in a minute.

iRoier: We can come too. Wall is pretty safe and good look out point

BadBoyHalo: Alright give me two minutes

Phil pocketed his communicator and carefully shut Tallulah's window so the rain won't fully flood everything. Then he spread his wings and took off, wings beating hard against the downpour. It felt like little stones being thrown against his skin, making it harder to breathe. He already despised flying in regular storms, but this was another level of rain. Something not natural. When he finally reached the top he could already spot Fit standing underneath one of the trees, seeking shelter from the weather. Foolish was also just arriving, his partner Vegetta in tow, sharing one of his way too large cloaks to try and keep dry.

The Elytrian landed near the group, beating his wings hard to get as much water off as he could before joining them underneath the cover of leafs. "I was wondering where you are." Fit offered him a towel he pulled from his backpack, but Phil declined, not really caring about the water soaking him through. "I'm guessing you also have no clue on where the kids went? No hints or anything?" He only received shaking heads as answers.

"I checked the adoption center on my way here! They aren't there either!" Bad ran through the rain to join them, holding his shield over his head as cover. "They have to be somewhere around here. They can't just disappear into thin air." Vegetta tried his best to wrap his arm around Foolish, who shrunk in on himself more at the news, a little red baseball cap clutched in his hands. "We'll find her el amado. Estará bien." "I hope so..."

"What if we check the spot they were brought to last time? That underground temple? Maybe there will be at least a clue to where they are?" Bad looked expectantly into the group, waiting for either agreement or other ideas. "Why would they put them into the same place twice? And last time we got a clue and a task that said free the children." "Phil's got a point, that spot is miles away from here and we already know where it is. Whoever is doing this doesn't want us to find them at all this time." Foolish made a wounded noise, clutching the cap tighter. Fit immediately looked panicked and raised his hands defensively at Vegetta's glare "That doesn't mean we won't find them anyways! Sorry, wording."

"Hey guys!" Jaiden and Roier hurried towards them, those two actually smart enough to bring an umbrella, not that it mattered much anyways. Jaiden's wings were just as heavy and soaked as Phil's, even with the water repelling feathers. "Anything?" "Not yet. Still brainstorming where they could be. We already ruled out the adoption center and the underground temple from last time. You have any ideas?" Roier shrugged and Jaiden shook her head. "Somewhere hidden in the adoption center would have been my guess. But if you guys already looked there, then no. I got nothing." "Oh! What about the church? Where Charlie got to talk to Flippa?"

Phil barely listened to the others going over possible locations, busy staring at his house, at the window that let him see into his son's room. Usually the blinds would be down and give him privacy, but they were pulled completely up for some reason. Why were they up? He lifted a wing over his head and walked over to the widow, quickly spotting what was wrong. There were scratch marks on the outside, looking like they were huge animals marks, large and spread apart. His talons almost fit into them if he angles them awkwardly. For a second he swore he saw two white glowing dots in the reflection.

"Phil? You good?" Fit joined him, quickly taking shelter under the outstretched wing. The Elytrian didn't react to the touch, instead glaring at the scratched surface of the glass. This wasn't like being taken in your sleep. The kids were taken by force. But how didn't he hear any of this... he could have never slept that deep, right? Unless... he was oddly sluggish this morning... "Look at this. At the glass." Fit does just that, frowning when seeing the marks. "Isn't that supposed to be indestructible?" "It is. Charlie wasn't able to get through with his chainsaw and Chayanne shot it once on accident. Nothing should be able to scratch it up like that."

This wasn't a good sign in the slightest.

"How were you feeling this morning?" "What?" "How did you feel this morning? Before looking for Ramón?" Fit hummed, scratching his chin. "Well I was pretty tired, but I usually am when he wakes me up. Why?" "I was unnaturally tired, like completely exhausted, even my wings dragged behind me." The human blinked, shrugging. "And your point...?" "Fit I think we were drugged. I think all parents were knocked unconscious and the kids taken away. At first I thought maybe Quackity or Charlie did this, after their whole "lets kill all kids" bullshit. But this is beyond what they could do. This is something bigger."

Whatever Fit was about to respond got cut short by a loud crashing sound, almost sounding like an explosion or lightning hitting right on top of them, the wall shaking with the force of whatever happened. And then everyone screamed at once, creating a wall of shouted sentences. "Fucking hell what was that?" "Language!" "Let's go check it out!" "Where did it even come from?"

Phil went to the edge of the wall, trying to spot anything that could have caused the noise. All he could think about was that it could be related to the kids, to his Chayanne and Tallulah. Soon enough he began to see smoke rising from the shore near the train station. "Over there guys!" He didn't wait to see if they followed, already jumping off the wall and flying towards the smoke.

The closer he got, the more smoke he saw. Until he cleared the last hill and got a clear view of the ocean. A huge boat had crashed into the rocky shore of the island, fire and smoke coming from it, hissing in the heavy rainfall. Many shipping containers were scattered around in the sand and water, most of them dented and or broken.

Tugging in his wings, he dove down towards the wreckage, landing on some of the containers. "Hello?! Can anyone hear me?!" No sign of life anywhere. No captain or crew, no children. "Maybe someone is beneath the deck?" Fit landed next to him, paraglider still in his hands. Most of the others have followed him like that as well, some coming in on foot, including Quackity, Charlie and Mariana. "Let's spread out and look for any survivors. There had to be someone who steered the boat."

They fought their way through the destroyed corridors and blocked off doors, not finding anything, not even just the corpse of a crew member that didn't survive the crash. Nothing.

Until...

"Guys over here!" Quackity shouted and waved his arms at the other end of a large open area, which might have been some cargo hold. When Phil came closer, he could start hearing what the other avian had found. People shouting and screaming for help on the other side of the wall. The iron door leading into it was heavily dented, most definitely not able to be opened. Smoke was starting to leak out from beneath the door.

"We'll get you out! Don't worry! My friends and I are here to rescue you!" If Phil was in any better shape or mood, he would have argued that they weren't friends, but with people about to die, that might not be an appropriate time to argue. "Out of way amigos! I got this!" Vegetta cracked his knuckles before running shoulder first into the door, grunting as he threw his weight against the hot iron. It squeaked and creaked under the force, slowly bending more out of shape. Foolish went to help him almost immediately, pushing against the door, helping bend the metal out of the way.

The further it bent, the more smoke leaked out of the room. "Almost! Try ramming it again Vegetta!" Foolish moved out of the way as his partner took a few steps back, braced himself and then threw himself against the door once more. This time it gave way, breaking free from it's hinges and falling into the room. A wall of smoke emerged, together with very audible coughing. Fit went into the room without hesitation, Phil following close behind, beating his wings hard to try and clear the smoke.

It worked for the most part, pushing the smoke back enough for them to find the trapped people. They began pulling them out of the room, six in total, soot and burn marks littering their clothes. At least they were all conscious still. "Let's get you guys off the ship before more things start catching on fire."

They gathered outside the ship, climbing the hill up to the old train station to take shelter from the still raging storm. Despite how they almost died, the new people were very talkative, quickly introducing themselves and explaining how they had gotten tricked into getting trapped inside one of the containers. When they managed to get out of the container, they were already out on the ocean.

Phil really only half listened, distancing himself from the loud and chaotic group after introductions were over. There was still a more important task at hand: finding his kids. The new people can watch over themselves, especially after one of them referred to him as his sugar daddy for giving him basic tools and iron. He's never being generous again, if this is the response he gets.

He stares out into the rain, deciding where he should fly to first to start his search. Maybe the church was a good start, either to find their kids or that "angel" that could help. "So, where are we going?" Fit joined his side, now wearing his armor and looking determined as ever. "I was thinking church. Then maybe the underground temple, just to be sure. I want to do my own sweep of the adoption center as well, in case Bad missed anything. After that maybe-"

A little ping from his communicator made him stop.

QSMP: THE DRAGONLINGS HAVE BEEN RETURNED SAFELY TO THE ADOPTION CENTER! WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THE ISLAND

Phil never moved so fast in his life. He teleported to his home and immediately jumped off the wall again, diving down to the adoption center. It was dark and dusty, just like it had been the day before when he visited with Chayanne. Even the bike was still there. "CHAYANNE! TALLULAH! ARE YOU IN HERE?!" His cries echo off the walls without an answer. Fit and Bad entered the adoption center as well, calling for their kids. Then they heard rustling from above them.

While the logical thing to do would be to enter the attic using the ladder, Phil didn't have the nerves to wait the extra few seconds. So he took out a pickaxe and bashed a hole into the ceiling. There was more noise, then a small body dropped through the hole and into his arms. Bright blonde hair with a white stream, dark purple horns... "Chayanne!" Phil cradled his child close, unable to hold in the tears of relief as he finally got to hold his child. The little dragonling whimpered and wrapped his arms around his father's neck, pressing as close as he can. "Shhh it's okay, dad is here, dad got you..."

He heard how other parents found their kids, joyful cries and little whimpers as they were reunited. He pulled back from the hug just enough to press a kiss on his forehead, feelings his little claws dig into his shirt. "Did you see Tallulah up there? I can take you home once we have her." A little nod was the only answer as he still clung to his father, hiding his face in his neck.

Phil got up and walked towards the makeshift stairs leading up, one wing tightly wrapped around his child. Tallulah was curled up in the corner, hiding her face in her knees. "Tallulah? Hey... come here sweetheart..." Her head shot up as soon as she heard him speak. Then she bolted into his arms, wailing out 'Abuelito' as he wrapped his free arm around her, hiding her away in his feathers as soon as she was close enough to him.

He whispered little reassurances to the children as he carried them out of the attic, passing Foolish and Vegetta on the way out the door as they ran over to where Bad was sitting with the kids still waiting for their parents. "LEOOOO!" "LEONARDA!"

The rain was finally letting up as Phil flew up the wall, trying to cover the kids from the water as best as he could. He needs to properly clean them anyways, not wanting the little cuts on their bodies to get infected. Relief flooded his body as soon as the door locked behind him. His kids were finally safe again. They were with him, under his protection. He won't let anything happen to them, never again.

When he tried to place them on the bed so he could go get bandages, neither child would let go of him. It broke his heart, knowing how scared they were. "Shhh hey... I only need to get the bandages. It won't even take a minute to get them and I really need to treat your wounds so nothing will get infected." Chayanne only pressed closer and Tallulah cried into his neck. So with a defeated sigh, he instead laid down on the bed himself, keeping both of them close as he curled his wings around his family.

He laid there for nearly an hour, slowly untangling brown and blonde curls with his talons as he whispered reassurances and promises of love to both of them, saying how strong both of them were and how none of it was their fault. They were just kids. Even the adults were beaten down by the island more often than not. And in return Chayanne whispered the same, broken and with hiccups. That none of it was his dad's fault, that he tried his best to protect them.

They laid there, comforting each other, until there was loud banging at his door.

Both children flinched and pressed closer, eyes wide with panic. Phil growled, talons flexing as he stared at the door, ready to take on the world to protect his kids. "Philza! I need to talk to you!"

Quackity.

And he sounds angry.

Phil growled louder.

He can take a wild guess what the avian wants from him, considering the past few days all the duck tried to do was take Tallulah from him and insert himself into her life by forcing Wilbur to interact with him. Well sucks for him, because Phil is not about to hand over his granddaughter to that maniac who abandoned her in the woods first chance he got and had planned to kill her as revenge for Tilin multiple times.

The knocking didn't stop and he yelled louder the longer Phil didn't answer the door. "I don't want to go with him abuelito..." Tallulah whispered, afraid Quackity might hear her if she spoke too loudly. Slowly, the Elytrian rose from the bed, much to the horror of the children. "It's gonna be okay. You two hide in here, it's safe. I'll deal with Quackity and come right back after, okay? I'll make him go away. Chayanne is here with you, you're not alone, and he won't take you. Not under my watch."

They nod and huddle together in the blankets. Phil quickly fetched his coat and wrapped it around them too, hiding them in the gray and white fabric. He also placed Chayanne's weapons on the little table next to the bed, just in case. Only after he made sure everything was secure and every door leading to the bedroom shut tightly does he open the door. Before Quackity could make a move he'll regret, Phil stepped outside and locked the door behind him, not giving the avian the chance to try and push past him into the house.

"What do you want?" "Where is Tallulah? I'm here to take her home." Phil crossed his arms and remained in front of the door, wings slightly spread in what is clearly supposed to be a threat display. With Quackity he could at least act full Elytrian, since the avian will most likely understand every wing gesture perfectly. "She is not going with you." Much smaller, yellow wings puffed out in anger.

"What do you mean?! Give me Tallulah!"

"No."

"I'm watching her! Hand her over!"

"No."

"She's my daughter!"

Now he was just getting on his nerves. Phil gripped his own biceps harder in an attempt to not immediately rip his head off, wings spreading out fully and baring his fangs as he snarled. "She is Wilbur's daughter and he is a single father. I am her grandfather and have been given explicit guardianship over her while he is on tour. You are not taking her anywhere. I'll give you one chance to leave without consequences. Only one."

Quackity tried to give his own threat, wings puffed up and feathers bristling. But an avian was nothing to an Elytrian. "You know better than to invade a territory that isn't yours. Especially a nest. Leave, or I'll make you regret ever coming to this island."

It seemed like he didn't know better after all.

He lunged at Phil, shrieking as he slashed out. Phil screeched and attacked right back, slashing his talons out at the younger bird. It only took two hits before he went down, cowering on the ground as he held his bleeding wounds, Phil standing over him with blood soaked talons. "You fucking bastard, you can't keep her from me, she's mine." The Elytrian looked down at him, almost bored looking. "I warned you."

He grabbed Quackity by the collar and dragged him over to the edge of the wall, checking for water at the bottom before throwing him over the edge. The avian screamed, wings flailing as he fell, but Phil couldn't care less. Quackity should count himself lucky that Phil didn't kill him.

He washed his hands in one of the many little ponds scattered about before entering his home again. When he entered his bedroom he found the kids just as he left them, except for Chayanne now holding his sword with slightly shaking hands. "It's okay now, he's gone." Phil barely managed to sit down on the bed before both kids were in his arms again, clinging to him. "I heard screeching! I thought you got hurt!"

The Elytrian cooed and carefully cupped Chayanne's cheek. "I'm fine sweetheart. Only Quackity got hurt. He should know when to back off." That at least made his son smiled a little bit. "I don't like Mister Quackity anymore..." "That's okay Tallulah, none of us do. I'll make sure to keep him away from you." She nuzzled closer, hiding her face in his chest.

It took a lot of coaxing and promised sweets to get the kids into cooperating to get their wounds cleaned.

After that was done, they cuddled together in Phil's bed.

And they stayed like that for the whole rest of the day and night.