Voices - DSMP

Philza PoV: Questions and Answers (An amusing situation)

If finding out that the government we were supposed to be disposing of was already disposed of by a new group of anarchists, who knew exactly who we were wasn't weird enough, the organiser of this group was supposedly an ex-Voice.

".... What?"

Looking over at Niki, I could tell that her confusion mirrored my own. I noticed Techno seemed a little uncomfortable but not like an immense bomb had been dropped on him. So ... she had probably told him before this. It was a little suspicious in all honesty.

"No offence Chynea, but that is a very wild claim - do you have any proof? How do you even know Techno has voices in his head?"

"I am not offended at all, you have valid questions and speculations. So, ask me a question that only you, either as the Syndicate would know, or as Techno's longest friend. Though I won't know anything before 10 years ago."

I nodded, accepting her terms. It would need to be a very good question. While surface discussions carried on, I tried to think of the best question or questions that only a Voice, Techno and myself would know. Pondering this, I found myself entering into discussion with the other elytrian - Altair. As much as my instincts wanted to celebrate, I held back. It wouldn't do if he turned out to be an enemy - no matter how few of our kind were left. But maybe... I could get some information about their little operation here. Instincts are hard to manage - especially when you're young. Questions were subtle, innocent, hidden behind a smile. Between Techno and myself, I had always been a bit more 'diplomatic'.

"What's your name mate? I didn't quite catch it before with all this." I gestured vaguely, hinting at the number difference between the Khupashai and the Syndicate. It would make him overconfident. And overconfidence is a death sentence.

"My name is Altair."

"Well, Altair, I apologise if I had hurt you, it was a bit of a tense situation - no hard feelings I hope." Smiling, I pull it off with a subtle croon - it would lower his guard further.

For a split second, his feathers puffed - but that was all the victory I got as in the next instance I was held with a glare that could rival Techno's blood stare.

Altair, however, seemed rather unbothered by the transaction - as if it was just a normal day.

"With all due respect Philza, you are no threat to me. I know of your prowess in battle and 'diplomacy' as well as your use of manipulating instincts when it suits you. I commend you for that, but it will not work on me. Those instincts have long since been severed from me."

Before I could reply, Altair stood up announcing that he wished to survey the perimeter and left without another word. I sat in silence from there, thinking over what Altair had said. It takes a massive amount of stress, pain and trauma to cut off those instincts - especially ones so prominent for our species. Maybe I was wrong about them... I was still going to test Chynea, that's a whole other can of worms. But maybe the Khupashai really are who they say they are.

The rest of the evening was a blur. Background discussion mixed with laughter and cheers as stories and accomplishments were traded between the groups. I listen carefully, both impressed and taking stock of abilities and threat levels. Even if they are allies it's always good to be cautious. Comradery can be fickle and it is often rare to find it unconditional and without hidden motives.

Despite my wariness towards Chynea and the Khupashai, I somehow managed to space out, attention drawn to the design of the castle and fond memories of adventures with myself and Techno. Grateful that we do have a bond without hidden motives. Hand placed on my shoulder I am surprised to see that the rest of the Khupashai and Niki had gone, leaving Chynea alone with Techno and myself. Something I was honestly impressed with... Though Niki was technically in the same situation now.

I stretched my wings, acting as casual as possible, directing my question to Chynea. "Where are the rest of the Khupashai?"

"They have headed off to rest, train or scout depending on their preference. I thought that you wouldn't want them privy to the answer of any question you might ask."

I chuckled. "You seem pretty confident that you will get the answer right."

"I am very confident."

"Very well then, let's see if you know this: who is the secret member of the Syndicate? Both code name and real name and what is their relation to us?"

"I was expecting a different question but alright. His code name is Harpocrates and his real name is Skeppy. He is a long term friend of Technoblade. He is more into mischief making than flat out violence and anarchy but he is an anarchist. He is the third - and secret - member of the Syndicate known only to you two." She paused, smiling cheekily, "As well as us voices."

I stared. Quite astonished. The two of them just waiting for me to process the information... Harpocrates was a relatively easy name to guess, Niki and Ranboo had known of the secret member. But to accurately guess his real name, relation to Technoblade and his personality as an anarchist - that takes someone close to know. A Voice to know. I laughed at the absolute gobsmacked unbelievability of it. "So you really are a Voice. I honestly wasn't expecting that."

Beside me Techno grunted, the first sound he'd made in a while. "The Voices recognise her too - they were very excited when they realised it was ... her."

I paused for a moment, catching the implications he meant before laughing all over again. You mean to tell me that she's not just a Voice, she's the voice that was removed those months ago that set the others off in a riot?"

Two nods of confirmation and I am shaking to suppress my laughter. "What are the chances of that?"

Chynea grins, her smile much the same as mine. "Indeed."

I am so sorry this took so long to update, I've been swamped with Uni assessments and lack of motivation so it's taken much longer than I thought to update this. I tried to make it a bit longer to make up for the month long hiatus ....

 I hope you enjoyed.

(Disclaimer: I don't know if Skeppy is actually the secret member of the Syndicate or not but for this story I thought it would be cool)

Always remember you are loved <3

Stay happy and safe,

Melza ^^