Chapter Text
Tommy wished he was a normal teenager. Don’t get him wrong, being a prince Isn’t nearly the worst thing in the world. You get fancy dinners, great education, lovely scenery, the power to destroy anything or anyone you want to, a huge library, who wouldn’t love this? People would kill to try and be a prince.
The issue is, these things always come with a catch. For some, it was the responsibility, for others, it was a hatred for politics, for Tommy, it was his healing abilities.
Yep that's right, healing. It started when he had been a toddler. He’d been playing with his brothers, Wilbur and Techno, when there had been an accident. Wil had tripped and fallen down the stairs. He’d ended up with a broken arm. Techno had gone to get someone to help and left Tommy with him.
Now according to Wilbur he’d gotten this sudden feeling of calm, like all the worries of the world had been washed away in seconds and everything in existence was at peace.
When the calm vanished, he began to panic again. Until he noticed two things, One there was a serious lack of pain in his leg that just seconds ago had been agonizing , Two Tommy's hands were glowing. A bright, golden shine that permeated the room.
Of Course, Tommy doesn't remember this, it was years ago and a toddler can only process so much. But it's the story he’s been told his whole life.
It had been told to the kingdom around 1000 times. And can you blame them? Being able to do something so extraordinary with nothing but your hands could be revolutionary. Sounds great right?
And for a while, it was.
***
Tommy liked wandering the garden, it was quiet. No stress, no responsibilities, no chaos, it was just him and a bunch of flowers.
…
It was so peaceful. He wondered what would ruin it.
“Theseus? we need you in the great hall.”
Ah, there it is
He sighs, Turning to face his steward, Ranboo
“How many times do I have to tell you that just Tommy is fine.”
“Oh but what would the public think of me using such a title?”
They wouldn't care. As long as they get their free healthcare.
“My dear friend, when have I ever given a fresh flying fuck about what the public thinks?”
At that Ranboo smiled. “I suppose never.”
Tommy laughed “alright enough of this polite professional shit, How are you Ran?”
“Well I’m a whole lot better than the kid in the great hal-”
“Theseus! Theseus We need your help!
Tommy winced at Ranboo apologetically, Ranboo just waved dismissively.
“We’ll catch up later okay?”
“Of Course Tommy, take it easy alright?”
“Sure thing big man” Tommy said, already turning around.
“Theseus!”
“Don’t worry I’m coming!” he shouted back, hurrying down to the great hall.
The woman calling him was cradling a boy who couldn’t have been older than five, he was pale and shaky, obviously sick.
He watched the child's chest slowly rise, put his hand right where the heart was, and concentrated.
He heard the gasps around him as his fingers began glowing. Why did they always gasp? It's not like it wasn’t common knowledge that he had powers.
Wait, something was wrong.
this wasn’t the normal warmth he felt from healing. Like sitting by a glowing fire
No, this hurt, like he was sticking his hand in the fire.
he bit his lip resisting the urge to scream. No one seemed to notice his anguish anyway, Too entranced with the glow of his hands.
The colour slowly returned to the child face, and they blinked their eyes open
Tommy let out a sigh of relief as he stopped healing
“Mom?” The child squeaked
The woman let out a wet laugh “Hey kiddo”
And they then left without another word. Leaving Tommy to his very panicked thoughts.
He peered down at his shaking hands, they still stung from the healing.
They were a different color. Not red, like you would expect from being burned, but grey. The color of ash.
He didn’t know anything about that. What he did know, was that his healing had hurt him
And that's… well, less than good.
It's probably just a one off thing. There is no reason to get others riled up. He’ll be fine.
Right?
***
Primes he wished it had just been a one off thing.
But it kept happening. He’d been healing an elderly woman when it happened again. A scorching pain spreading all the way to his forearms, it had been a miracle that he’d been able to cover it up.
Then it happened when he was healing a woman that had broken her arm, again when he’d healed a sick dog.
And on top of that his hands had become even more grey, almost white. Looking like burnt out coals.
Of course he wouldn’t tell anyone about it. The kingdom would only panic. And besides, this was the only thing he was really good for. And if he couldn’t do this anymore, then what use was he?
He could manage. He’d just have to grit and bear it.
And try to keep his power usage to a minimal. He’ll find some gloves to cover up the lack of color to his hands.
As long as he’s not hurting anyone it should be fine.
He’ll be fine.