Two Sides of a Story (SBI AU)

Chapter 9- Wanted Dead or Alive

Phil POV

"Bless you sir." an older woman gave him a bright smile. She held the small pouch of coins close to her heart like it was a reason to go on. Phil smiled back, always wishing he could do more.

Phil had been on that corner for most of the day, dispersing the money they had. Techno and Wilbur roamed the streets as well, helping everyone they could. This had always been the man's favorite thing. Seeing the hope return to people's faces. It was the only reward he could ever ask for.

He could only find relief as he found he had given the last of his money away. A successful day. Phil put up his hood, making sure to cover his face as he headed towards one of the darker alleys.

Wilbur and Techno were already there, chatting away at the days events. They couldn't help but grin at the sight of Phil. Nothing ever felt better than being together again.

"So boys, how did it go?" Phil questioned, leaning against the wall.

Techno shrugged, "The same as usual." Simple and sweet as always.

Wilbur always had a different story and today was no different. "There was a musician playing in the street! Music I had never even heard of before! And he even made money doing it!" he exclaimed, his eyes bright.

"Have you never seen a street performer before?" Techno raised an eyebrow.

Wilbur shook his head. "I didn't grow up around here. Where I come from the streets as deserted most of the time." His face fell a bit before he spotted something against the wall. "Wanted dead or alive." he read.

Phil turned, following his line of sight. There hung a poster of someone they had rarely seen before. But Phil could recognize those blue eyes anywhere. "Prince Thomas." he murmured.

Techno couldn't help but huff. "I can't believe Dream actually went through with it."

But Phil was focused on something else entirely. "For having lost a son, the king isn't trying very hard to find him. This is the first poster I've seen all day. No one would find it even if they came down here."

"And wouldn't they want him alive?" Wilbur commented, stepping closer. "He's younger than I pictured." He took the poster down, studying the prince's face.

Techno sighed, ripping the paper out of his brother's hands. "We're staying out it, remember? Dream's business is his own." He balled the poster in his fist before tossing it to the ground. "Besides, one less royal to deal with."

Phil stared at the crinkled paper, shaking his head. "He's the only decent one."

The pinkette turned towards him. "What do you mean? What royal has ever been decent?"

"Him." Phil knelt down, picking up the paper. "He was there the night that Rivers Hollow burnt down. Arrived just after the guards. He knew I was an outlaw, I know he did. And he could have easily arrested me, probably all of us. But instead he focused on the people who needed help. Even after we had helped everyone, he never even tried to capture us." 

Techno and Wilbur exchanged looks. "There's no such thing as a decent royal, at least not under this king's rule." the pinkette insisted.

Phil bit his lip, wishing he could ignore the voice that was urging him to check up on the boy. "We should visit Dream-"

"Phil-" Wilbur began, leaning on Techno's side.

"He's just a kid!"

"It's not our business." Techno stated. "Besides, Dream won't hurt him. And even if he does, we have no part in it. It's not our problem." He began walking towards the center of the town, pausing to look back at his family. "Are we going to go home or what? I'm hungry."

Wilbur chuckled, chasing after him.

But Phil paused, unfolding the paper in his hands. Why did he feel like it was his problem?

Shaking his head, he hung it up on the wall before following his sons.

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Hope you liked it!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

-Snowy