Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

They called him crazy. He couldn’t help it. The voices in his head called for blood, begging him for it. He tried to deny their demands, and most times it worked. Except when it didn’t. The voices would grow from silly chatter to overwhelming pressure in the blink of an eye.

The voices were at it again. Asking for their daily dose of blood like it was a drug. Not surprisingly, Techno had come home late through his bedroom window. Two beds, both empty. One had been empty for days on end. Well not completely, some nights Techno would ‘accidentally’ sleep underneath the blanket of his twin instead of his own. 

Their dad had offered them their own rooms, but they both quickly denied it after finding out Wilbur was sick. Techno sat on the wooden floor by a small shrine. Placing down his sacrifice carefully on the desk. With a few drops of blood, Techno used an old water bottle. Reduce, reuse, recycle was what Phil had said.

It was only the blood of a naked mole rat. The actual animal was alive and healthy. Techno hadn’t gone completely insane on the innocent creature. He had learned the best way to get blood from animals without hurting them too much. He even learned how to pack up their wounds after an unfortunate incident. 

“Blood God, I bring you another offer. Take this blood in return. I wish only for your strength to help my dear brother, Wilbur. Thank you.”

Blood for the blood god! 

Blood! 

Potato King!

Anything for Wilbur!

Technobro!

E.

The voices joined in, somewhat.

Techno had been a follower of the Blood God for years, practically his whole life. He knew what his god liked and what he didn’t. Phil didn’t care too much for it, Wilbur on the other hand hated the idea of praying to someone who didn’t even know if they existed. 

But he knew the Blood God existed. His gifts were usually gone in the morning. Techno had harvested everything from the blood to the fresh fruits he had cultivated in the backyard. Techno’s phone rang. An annoying tone play, Wilbur has changed it to match his. Pig stomp or something like that is what Wilbur has called it. Techno called it copyright hell. 

“Hullo?” 

His father had made it a habit to call Techno at the same time every night when he worked late. 

“Hey bud. I’m just calling to check up on you… did you eat yet? If not I got taken out with me. I'm almost home.” 

“I hadn’t.” That was all Techno said. 

“Great! We can eat together before I have to go back to work.”

Oh, he wasn’t staying. 

That made more sense. Bills were expensive, especially medical ones. Techno understood why even when he wished he didn’t. He knew they needed money to live. Gosh, Techno wished he could at least think of something selfish. 

“I’m just about there. I’ll see you when I get home.” 

“Bye.”

Techno hung up the phone without another word. Tossing the technology aside. He flung himself off the comfort of his blankets. Accidentally he kicked over a plush blue sheep. He scooped the poor thing up, cradling it as if it was a small child. He sat the toy back down on the neatly folded blanket. 

“Wilbur will be home soon… don’t worry Friend.” He patted the sheep on the head. Right between the horns. Friend was soft, Techno noted. Friend's soft fur had red fingerprints over it. Techno had forgotten to wear gloves yet again. Oh well. He had learned how to clean up the blood with ease.

Techno went to the bathroom. He dipped his hands in the cold tap water that had not turned warm. He rubbed his fingers with soap as if he was starting a fire. He dried his hands with the hanging mini towel. He grabbed a bottle of hydrogen peroxide from underneath the sink. He was ready to clean Wilbur’s sheep up. With clean hands and the materials, Techno picked up the plush toy. Techno dapped Friend up with the wet towel until he was spotless. 

“There. All better.  " After a job well done, Techno nodded to himself. He hurried down the stairwell. Phil had planned to bring food home, so he took a seat at the island table. On one of the bar stools, he spun around once. Techno preferred to sit on the bar stools to regular chairs at the dining table.

He wasn't hungry, at least not for food. Not with his father coming home to smother him in adoration and affection. He wasn't needy, but he was still a human being. And humans require attention. So Techno sat and waited. He was curious about what his father would bring home. Maybe Chinese food or McDonald's? 

Techno checked the clock. He'd been waiting there for almost 30 minutes. His lids are thick. He was drawn in closer and closer by sleep. He closed his eyes completely, giving in to his body's desires. Before giving in, he waited for the sun to shine through the window.

Phil wasn't coming home. 

Techno head ached. In fact, his entire body ached. His eyes opened briefly. He hadn't slept in his or Wilbur's bed the night before. Rather, the island table's firm marble.

Why had he slept there, again? 

Food. 

Dadza is home!

Phil brought something for you! 

Oh. 

Phil had said he would drop by with some food. But he never did. Techno wanted to be mad at him for lying to him, but it wasn’t like his father to go back on his word. When he says he’ll do something, it means it. Perhaps he got caught in traffic… but it would be the middle of the night, and that wouldn’t make sense. 

Techno scrambled his head for reasons why his father might not have shown up last night. He came empty-handed, nothing made much sense. Techno decided the best course of action would be to just call him. He reached for his bedside table. And oh his phone wasn’t there. He had already forgotten he spent last night in the kitchen. Techno sigh. He’ll just have to take the long hike up to his room. He stood tall, his red eyes flickered a few times, getting used to the bright lighting of the sun. 

Oh, how Wilbur loved the sunrise. He would begin techno, which quickly turned into forcing him to watch the sunrise with him early in the morning. Techno didn’t mind in the end, no matter how much complain about getting up at 6am. He enjoyed most of the time he got to spend with Wilbur. Especially now that Wil was sick. 

“What up, big man!” A boy popped up in a Techno line of sight. Techno looks like that boy is confused. What the hell was this kid saying? More importantly, who was this random orphan, and why was he in his house? 

“Fuckin’ finally snapped out of it, huh?” 

“Bruh. Who are you?” Techno questioned, his gaze drawn to a small boy with blond hair. With strikingly identical blue eyes to Phil. He resembled a little version of the man.

It’s him! 

E.

Blood for the Blood God.

The voices were muddled together. Tommy reappeared in Techno's face. The voices chanted nonsense that Techno couldn't comprehend. Almost like they were speaking another language.

Him!

It’s been so long!

⟒.

He is shut⏁⟟⋏☌ ⎍⌇ ⍜⎍⏁!

⏚⌰⍜⍜⎅ ⎎⍜⍀ ⏁⊑⟒ ⏚⌰⍜⍜⎅ ☌⍜⎅ 

⊑⟒⌰⌿ ⎍⌇

Then they all went silent. Techno had no idea what had happened, but he was relieved that they were silent.

“I’m glad you asked! I’m Big Man Tommy, Innit!”  The boy pointed to himself. Did he hit his head? Was he dreaming? What the actual hell was going on? 

“You must be the Blade?” Tommy pointed straight at him. 

“I— heh?” 

“You got pink hair! Is it natural?” Tommy lifted Techno’s messy ponytail. “Wait, are those minecraft slippers? Do you play? I bet you’re trash!” 

Blood God, please give me strength to not knock this kid out.

Tommy shut up and made a sour face. 

“Oh, there you are!” The two turned to see Phil. Dark bags dug underneath his blue eyes. His blond hair was unkempt. 

“Where were you?” 

“I was just setting up Tommy’s room. I figured that the spare room could finally be put to good use.” 

“No, I meant last night.” Techno wanted to roll his eyes. 

“Oh… sorry about that bud. Long story short, I found Tommy on my way home. He was in a terrible state…” 

Tommy tucked himself away. He obviously didn't want anyone else to know. Tommy's head was patted by Phil.

“He’ll be living with us until we find his parents. He says he has bad memories. I know this is completely out of nowhere. But please don’t shut him out.” 

He dosen't shut people out…

“Okay.” It was all Techno said before turning away and going back into the kitchen. 

“Is he always like that?” Tommy asked from behind. 

“Yup. That's just Techno being Techno.” Phil laughed. 

Techno rolled his eyes heavily. He was sure Phil could feel his dislike of the comment. He let go a sigh and placed a pot of water on the stove. His stomach roared for food. The acid bubble popped into his gut. 

He tossed a few fresh potatoes into the pot of now boiling water. Techno went through the steps of making his salad. He prepared all the other ingredients, while his potatoes became soft and tender, ready to be mashed. Hard-boiled eggs he had made from yesterday's lunch and a salad dressing he found online that he tweaked to add his own little spin. Blond hair peeked up from over the island. 

“What are you doing?” Techno asked in his oh-so-famous monotone voice. 

“Nothing… What are you doing?” Tommy fully popped up from the table, propping up his elbows. 

“Cooking.” 

“What are you making?”

“Food.”

Tommy rolled his eyes. “You could be more specific, you know.” 

“Gosh, I had no idea.” 

“You’re such a dickhead.” Tommy folded his arms. About ready to walk away and leave him be. 

Be the bigger person, Techno . That's what Phil would tell him. 

“Fine. I’m making potato salad. If you don’t want to be in the way, mash the potatoes for me.” 

Techno passes the masher to Tommy. He took the boiled potatoes off the stove top and onto the normal countertop. 

“Alright big man!” Tommy pounded the potatoes harshly, getting mush everywhere. 

“Chill out!” Techno grabbed Tommy's arm, stopping him. “Like this.” Techno demonstrated the best method of mashing up delicate vegetables. 

Gentle and slow, the polar opposite of both his and Tommy's personalities. Techno silently handed the tool back to Tommy. Who meticulously imitated his teacher's actions. Techno nodded, pleased with Tommy's fresh accomplishments. He wasn't considered a great sensei by many, but he could still teach anyone who was willing to listen.

“Dad! Lunch is ready!” Techno called for his father after sitting down at the last plate of food.  

Phil burst through the door. Phil wasn't known for being a great cook, so whenever his son prepared dinner, he made sure to devour every last crumb. Techno recognized the value of his abilities and expertise. Phil sat down in his usual chair. There are four seats, each with a serving of wonderful potato salad.

“Thanks for the meal!” Phil placed his palms in a praying motion.

Tommy took a bite into it. “This is so good!” The child continued to scoop up bite after bite.

“Techno is amazing at making potato dishes! When he was younger, I couldn’t get huh to eat anything else!”

Tommy laughed, before looking at Wilbur's chair. 

“Hey, why is there another plate?” 

Techno coughed awkwardly before asphyxiation on a piece of an egg. He gulped it down completely. He takes a look at the plate in front of Wilbur's chair. He did it again, he prepared an additional dish of supper for his brother. Techno sighs and turns to face his father.  Who didn't mention anything about the topic at hand? Perhaps he didn't see anything wrong with the extra food, or perhaps he believed it would be immoral not to include Wilbur. 

“I guess I forgot he wasn’t here anymore…” Techno spoke up. 

“Who?” Tommy asked innocently, like a small child who didn’t know any better.

“My brother. He doesn’t live with us anymore.” 

It wasn’t a lie. Just not the full truth. It wasn't like it was any of this random kid’s business. Techno had no reason to feel guilty, and so he didn’t. 

“Techno! Sorry about him. Wilbur does live with us. He's just in the hospital right now.” Phil explained. 

“Oh…” Tommy went back to his meal. Thankfully the kid had some sort of conscience and didn’t ask any further. 

As the three continued eating, Phil opened a conversation about crows with the two, and Techno opted to stay silent, concentrating only on what he was eating. 

“Phil said to take me with you!” 

“Nooo! Get off!” Techno shook his leg, trying to get the devil child that attacked itself to him. 

“Phillllllllllll!” 

Techno clapped a hand over Tommy’s lips. “Okay! Okay! Shut up—-did you just lick my hand?” 

“POG! Where is the big man?” 

“The library. Wait didn’t D-Phil—“

“Cool! Do you go there to pick up hot women?”

“What? No. It is a place with books, and you have to be quiet. Basically be the opposite of you.” 

Techno couldn’t believe he had to explain what a library was. Especially the horrors of one. Most days the libraries could be chill, but if you make them mad, you won’t see the light of day. Not even the Blood God could keep him safe. 

Tommy’s eyes widened for a split second. “So um random question… do you—“

“No.”

“I haven’t even asked it yet!”

“The answer is still no.” 

Surprisingly, Tommy dropped the subject. The walk to the library was mostly quiet. Tommy focused on the surrounding area rather than talking to Techno. 

“Here.” Techno opened the door, holding it for the younger one of the two. 

“Wow.” Tommy's mouth hung open. His sight ran over all the books and people. Techno led Tommy over to a small table in the back. He took a random book off one of the many shelves in the history section. 

“You believe in Gods?” Tommy asked.

“Somewhat, yeah.” Techno flipped through the pages of history. 

Tommy smiled at that. “Who is your favorite… if you were to pick?” 

“The Blood God, without a doubt. Like that isn’t even a question.”

Tommy smiled and grew even wider.  He looked up to the ceiling. “You heard that, idiots? I’m his favourite!” 

Techno slapped a hand over his mouth. “Keep wailing nonsense, and I’ll never bring you out again!” 

Tommy nodded and sat down. A picture book sat on the table. He picked it up and skimmed across the pages, wordless. Techno felt at peace for all of those two seconds. 

"Techno, I need the bathroom!” Tommy shouted out of nowhere. 

And there goes his peaceful afternoon. 

“It’s right by the front desk.” Techno didn’t spare a glance at the boy across from him. He was far too invested in the story of Oizys. 

“Take me!” 

Techno sighed. “Fine.” No point in arguing over something so small. Especially when Tommy was far too stubborn. 

The two stand-up. Techno left the book he was reading on the table. No one would take their spot. A thud of an object hit the ground. Techno and Tommy peek over a bookshelf. Books scattered around the floor and through the air. One passed by Techno, just about an inch away. 

Thanks, Blood God. Techno said in his head. Tommy smirked for some random reason. 

“Get moving, moron!” A voice yelled. That of a child, Techno thought. 

“What a freak.” Another voice yelled. 

Techno stepped out from behind the bookcase. With Tommy following him close behind. Three boys. One way too tall for his own good. The other two didn’t have many recognizable feasters, just two average white teenagers who think they’re hot shit.  Wilbur has always said he carried a frightening present with him. Techno doesn’t see it, but maybe he’ll be able to help someone in need. 

“Bullying is cringe.” Techno spoke up. His monotone voice felt heavy with fake anger. “I suggested you leave him alone.”

“Why don’t you mind your own business?” One of them said Techno lost all that little respect for the guy, the dude had snapped back on backwards. 

I didn’t want to do this… but by blood god, you left me no choice. 

“Do what?” Tommy questioned. 

“Look, I get you’re going through your tough guy I don’t give a shit about anything or anyone, phase, but this kid got nothing to do with your bad home life. I bet he doesn’t know your parents are abusing you, huh?” 

Everyone's faces lit up in shock. 

“What the actual fuck, man?” 

“This is too much, let's leave these freaks.” The two backed down, walking away as if nothing happened. 

“Are you okay—“ Techno started before being cut off.

“Wow, you’re tall as shit!” Tommy shouted.  

The boy seemed uncomfortable. Or not, it was hard to tell when he wore a mask and sunglasses. Techno pulled Tommy back with the hood of his hoodie.

“Sorry about him.” 

“I— it's okay. Thanks. I got to go now…” The boy darted off, leaving his books scattered on the floor. Techno plucked one up. The floor wasn’t going to clean itself. 

“The will of the Blood God.” His face shifted into confusion. What would a mere child want with a God? As Tommy heard the title, he physically cringed. The damn thing seems to make him uncomfortable. 

“Don’t like the blood god or something?”

“No, it's not that! He is the coolest god out there! I just don’t like how history tells his story… he is not a bloodthirsty demon.” 

“And how would you know that?” Techno raised an eyebrow. 

Panic gripped Tommy as he swivelled into himself. “I— well, he doesn’t seem like that kind of guy?” 

“Uh-huh.” That was all Techno said. Clearly not falling for Tommy stuttered with lies. 

“There is no such thing as a bad person; we’re all just people who sometimes do bad things… Plus, we don't know his side of the story. ” 

Techno shrugged. He couldn’t really agree with that line of thinking. No one ever does only good or bad things in their lifetime. Everyone can be selfish and caring. Everyone can do great things, but can also make mistakes. Hell, even if he wouldn’t say he is an all-good person, that doesn’t mean he is evil.  

Like everyone else, he was just a human being.

Chapter Text

“Thanks, dad,” Techno verbalized as he closed the car door. 

Phil had been nice enough to drop off both Tommy and Techno at school. Phil had spent the last few days getting Tom in the system. They hadn’t expected it to take as long as it did. 

“So this is a school?” Tommy wowed at the building. It was pretty new. 

“I—- yeah? Do you not know what a school is?” Techno was questioning Tommy more and more each day they spent together. Tommy couldn’t stand it. 

“Of course I do! I just have never gone to one for as long as I lived.” He added a nervous laugh at the end. 

“Let’s go!” Tommy pulled Techno along with him towards the building.

Tommy pushed the front door open. Many students walked the halls. Some stood by their lockers, having random conversations. Well, others vape out in the open. 

The blond caught a whiff of smoke and coughed out his lungs. “That shit is awful!” 

“Welcome to hell,” Techno’ voice came out flat and boring as he walked away from him. 

“Where are you going?” Tommy frowned. 

“Survival of the fittest!” Techno laughed before running off in a completely different direction than Tommy. 

They eat him up alive.  Techno laughed to himself. 

Tommy sighed. No use in following him. He had to get to class. Which is a place children go to learn about whatever an adult is teaching. It all sounded so amazing to him. He couldn’t wait to try it out. 

“It sucks what happened to Wilbur.” 

Looking towards a group of three boys. A male ripped down a red piece of paper with a cat on it. Actually, the cat was being crushed by an anvil. Tommy wondered if the person who made it hated cats. 

“We could always get another singer for Lovejoy…” 

Tommy had heard the name Wilbur before. He hadn’t had the chance to ask Phil or Techno what happened to him. Maybe this was his chance to find out what really happened. 

“Hey!”

The three boys turned to Tommy. He froze, not knowing what to say for a moment. 

“I— you guys are talking about Wilbur, right? Do you know what happened to him?” 

“Yeah… who are you again?” A guy with a beanie and golden glasses asked Tommy. Which honestly he should’ve expected. 

“Oh. My name is Tommy, I’m Wilbur and Techno's younger brother.” 

Bullshit.

Tell me pretty lies~ 

Bullshit.

Looking in face~

Bullshit. 

Stop singing!

Lies! 

e.

Shut up!   It had been a mistake for Tommy to take these stupid voices from Techno. But they almost gave away his identity. 

“Really? How come Wilbur never mentioned you?” The one with a guitar hung around his back told. 

“I actually haven’t met him yet! Phil just adopted me…” 

“Oh… look, Timmy, was it? We got to go…” The guys looked at each other, before answering. “ We all have band practice right now because I said so!” 

The three-speed walked away, getting far away from Tommy. 

Idiot. 

We told you so! 

And stop being weird!

Big E.

Shut up! Why are you guys so much meaner to me, than you are to Techno? 

We love him and he likes us! 

Cause, why’d you have to kill my cat?

He listens to us.

He even sometimes enjoys our company!

Only because you guys don’t stop talking! You practically forced him to do your bidding. 

We can not deny or agree to that statement.

Techno desires blood as much as we do!

Just like you once did. 

Oh, how Tommy wished the voices didn’t exist. Had he not gained a following in the first place, then they wouldn’t be nagging him in his head right now.

The loyalty of his old followers grew more irritating with each word that echoed through his head. He’ll have to give them back to Techno since they love him oh so much. Not like he’ll miss them. They can’t offer him anything in this life like they once did when they were alive. 

“Talk to him, Boo!’

“I–I can’t… what if he thinks I'm weird?” 

Tommy turned to the voice. It was the kids he and techno saved at the library the other day. He never did get his name. He was talking to a shorter boy, their height difference was comical.

“Hi?” 

“Oh hello…”

“You were the one at the library, I’m Tommy, Techno and Wilbur’s brother.” 

“Wilbur? How come we never heard of you?” The shorter one asked. 

“Tubbo! That is none of our business!”

Tubbox!

Box boy!

Tubz. 

“No worries, mate. Phil found me in a box and adopted me.” Tommy lied. He would listen to his  followers  for once. 

“Cool! We always joke and say my dad found me in a box.” Tubbo laughed. Seems like the voices could be helpful once in a while.

“You’re new here, right? What’s your schedule?” Ranboo asked.

“Here.” Tommy handed Ranboo his schedule.

“Wow, you share a class with each of us for the whole day…”

“Cool. Who even are you guys, by the way?”

Beeduo! 

Tubox!

Ranboob!

I can’t escape that joke! 

Tubs!

I was asking them, not you!

“I’m Tubbo and the one with the mask is Ranboo.”

Tom nodded, happy to finally get an answer from the other boys. Which meant he wouldn’t be alone at all! Potentially this will work. 

Tommy had learned to hate school. OK, perhaps hate is a strong word, and he shouldn’t use it to describe his experience with school…. Yeah, actually no he definitely hates it. 

Tommy couldn’t do anything but sit in a freaking chair, writing down notes and listening to an adult talk about random shit. Stuff that he kind of already knew because he was alive for like  forever . 

He already knew the history of the world, learn it again? Seriously, humans are so dumb, except Techno, and maybe Phil too. 

Luckily, it was lunchtime. That time when you get to eat, and you don’t have to be at your desk, Tubbo had forced him to go to the cafeteria with him and Ranboo. He was so excited to eat all the yummy food. 

Tubbo had offered to go to save my feet since you brought his own lunch from home while Ranboo and Tommy had to go get their own food from some old lady. 

It didn’t go as expected. 

“Get out of my way, idiot!” 

A random kid pushed the two of them in the line. Tommy's head, so that could be for just the other day at the library. He didn’t understand why he was such a dick to Ranboo. Sure, Ranboo was tall as shit, but that didn’t warrant any of the bullying coming his way. 

Not that it matters, Ranboo was upset and ran away. Tommy had chosen to follow him. He found himself in the school gardens. Roses of plenty along with fresh veggies. 

“Ranboo? You out here, bud?” He had to end up losing sight of him. 

Tommy moved through the flowers, leaves pricked, his skin as light as a feather would dare to. Flowers were oh so gentle except for those that hid thorns in their neck, ready to attack anyone who dared pick it out from the Earth. 

His eyes landed on any roses, red, pink the ones you think of when you think about Valentine’s Day, one stood out of the crowd, a short yellow one, glowing in the sunlight. 

Tommy attempted to touch it before hearing a cry. The boy shook his head, he definitely didn’t get distracted by a golden rose. No, not him.

“Ran?” Tommy walked around the roses, trying not to get distracted again. Going different into the garden, was almost like a maze made out of flowers. 

He soon made it to the middle, and a beautiful water fountain started tall. Its small boy curled up into himself, and sat on the ring of it, holding a purple flower. 

“Ranboo? Are you okay?” 

Stupid question. 

He clearly is not.

Idiot.

How could you live so long and be so stupid? 

The voices were right, he didn’t know how to comfort somebody. What could he say? What should he do? He wished Techno was here or Phil. They would be a better fit to help Ranboo. 

“Sorry, that was dumb… look, you shouldn’t listen to what anyone says. You’re not a freak… and Tubbo and I like you the way you are…”

Ranboo looked past Tommy, not making eye contact. He shook his head. “If only that was true…”

Tommy wasn’t convinced. “Listen, if they ever bother you again I will, look at me.” He held Ranboo’s chin up. “I promise I will protect you, just call my name and I’ll come running.”

“Really? You don’t have to do that… not for  someone  like me…” 

The blond grabbed Ranboo’s shoulder. “I do though. I can’t stand to see one of my  friends  hurt like this. Especially someone so kind and undeserving…” 

Ranboo gave it some thought and then nodded.

“Here.” Ranboo handed an allium. “They symbolize good fortune.” 

Tommy sniffed the flower, and he quickly turned away from it, it smells like onions. Nevertheless, he was still glad he could be of help to his new friend. 

The last bell rang. The school day was over. The first time it rang, Tommy panicked, jumping out of his chair when he first heard it. He wasn’t used to the sudden sound. 

All Tommy heard were things about Wilbur. Apparently, he was the president of the student council. He was even part of a band called Lovejoy. He wanted to know what happened to him. Why was he in the hospital?

Nosyinnit.

Ask Techno.

Ranboo! 

Techno knows.

Tommy waved the voices away as if they were flies. He forgot he could shut them up with the wave of a hand.   It wasn’t like they were wrong, of course, Techno, Wilbur’s brother, would know. But they didn’t have to scream it at him. He was gonna ask Techno for information anyway. He just couldn’t find the right time. Techno is a clear loner, he prefers to be by himself and doesn’t open up easily.

“Hey freak!”

He looked up from his desk. He was sitting there thinking to himself. Gosh, ever since he took on the voices, he has been spacing out more. He’ll definitely need to give them back to Techno when he sees him. 

His last class had been shared with Ranboo. Math or something, he obviously did pay attention. Learning school subjects wasn’t the reason he was at school. 

“Ranboo?” 

No answer. But someone was talking nearby. Tommy stood up out of his seat. 

“Ran—“ Tommy paused.

An unknown person to Tommy held Ranboo up against a locker.

“Tommy?” 

Ranboo made eye contact with Tommy. Something he hadn’t done the entire day. Tommy didn’t think. He didn’t have to when his friend was in trouble.

Tommy stepped into the hallway fully. Two bullies, who looked didn’t matter, not when Ranboo was up against a locker. 

Tommy summoned an allium into his palm. He rubbed the stem of the flower between his fingers, and it turned into ashes. It wasn’t anything compared to what Techno gave him but it would do. It would be enough to power him up for one fight.

Techno didn’t think the kid could get any more annoying. The first day of school and he was already late. The two were supposed to walk home together, Phil had made sure Techno got the memo about not leaving with Tommy. So the two agreed to meet outside the main doors after the bell. 

Ten minutes passed and Tommy was nowhere to be seen. Techno was so tempted to just walk away from the building, but he couldn’t leave a child alone; they would rip his head off. Still, it wasn’t as if he had a compass to track the kid down. The kid didn’t even have a phone he could call. 

“Hey Techno. You haven’t seen Ranboo, have you?” 

“UMM, no.” 

What was his name again? Chat help me out—

Techno frown. As blood-demanding as they were, they were still his, and he cared for them, somewhat. He lived with them, his whole life having them not there, and didn’t feel right in the slightest. It felt almost taboo for not for them not to be talking over each other trying to get a word in any kind of missed them. As annoying as they were, he loves them.

Not having them there felt off. 

“It’s Tubbo. Anyway, Ranboo had his last class with Tommy so they're probably together.” 

“Right. What was their last class?” 

Techno knew Tubbo was familiar. He, Tubbo and someone named Eret saved Tubbo and Ranboo's class project. They teamed up to save a robotic fake baby for whatever reason. Techno couldn’t remember. 

“Math with Mr. Damen.” 

“All right, take me to the classroom.” 

The two walk to the classroom. It ended up being at the very end of the hallway. It's a bit of a pain to walk all that way. 

“Ahhhh!” A boy ran past the two, holding onto his nose. 

“Tommy? Ranboo?” Tubbo yelled. 

A tall guy wearing a mask and sunglasses walked out from where the other guy came from.

“Ranboo? Are you alright?” Tubbo asked. 

“No— I—- he isn’t normal!” Ranboo grabbed Tubbo’s arm, pulling him away. 

“… Okay. That could have gone better.” Techno whispered to himself.  

He continued on his way to where the Ranboo had come from. Tommy must’ve been in trouble if the others got hurt. 

“Tommy? Are you here—“ Techno couldn’t even finish his sentence to letting out a gasp. 

Tommy sat against the locker wall, his face buried in his hands.

Red .

Techno saw red dripping down from the small child. A colour so familiar to Techno yet looks taboo on the small boy in front of him. 

“Tommy… what did  you  do?” Techno asked.

Tommy looked up, and his eyes widened, for a moment there, Techno thought they were red then he blanked, and they were back sky blue. 

Techno stumbled forward. He didn’t fear many things. But the possibility of someone being like him, well, that scared him.

“Here. Covered up.” Techno threw Tommy his oversized hoodie. 

“What?” Tommy looked at the hoodie, not knowing what to do with it. 

“Let’s get you home to clean up. I won’t tell Phil.” Techno looked away. 

“You’re not gonna run away? I’m a monster…” Tommy looked down at his bloody hands. His fists clenched around the sweater. He pulled it over his head anyway, leaving fingerprints of blood. Which techno would just blame on paint from an art class he didn’t take. 

“You’re not. You did one bad thing. That doesn’t make you a villain. You said it yourself. No one is truly good.” Techno smirked back to the day at the library. The kid was rubbing off on him. 

Tommy’s mouth dropped. “I— you can’t use my own words against me!” 

“Too late loser! Now, are you coming home with me or what?” 

“I…”

“Well?” 

Tommy stood up, he wiggled himself inside the comfort of Techno’s sweater. “Yeah, t—thanks, big man.”

Cleaning up Tommy was a pain. He didn’t want to take off Techno's sweater for whatever reason. Still, Techno forced him to take it off and have a bubble bath. He, rather than the kid, had a shower, but the kid screamed as soon as the water came pouring down. After talking for a bit, Techno learned that Tommy had never had a shower in his life.

Thankfully, he knew what a bath was. So the two made a deal, Tommy could wear one of Techno’s hoodies if he took a bath. Adding in bubbles sweetened the deal. 

So there they were, Tommy playing with the bubbles, well Techno rushed around to get rid of the blood stains on the little devil’s clothes. 

“I—- Techno, this one is a bit large?”

Techno whirled to see Tommy, who was drowning in a hoodie that was far too big for him. Still, his curls remained damp.

“You look ridiculous.” Techno wanted to laugh, but he was the one who put him in this situation. “Here.”

Techno rolled up his sleeves, leaving the bottom how it was. There was no fixing the length of the body piece without making the blond look like a total goof. At least he could pick things up now. 

“Thanks. I’m gonna go to my room.” Tommy walked out of the bathroom, almost running into a nearby plant. 

“Okay. I’ll call you down for supper.” Techno smiled to himself. It felt good to take care of someone  again . 

“Tommy! I said food been—-  what  are you doing?” 

Tommy remained silent. He was too absorbed in arranging the sacrifices that Techno had offered to the Blood God.

“I— why the hell do you have those?” 

This whole time, Techno had thought his sacrifices had been taken by that actual blood god, not the kid found on the street. 

“Cause they're mine.” Tommy stated as he finished setting them up. “Aren’t they lovely?” 

Tommy placed a carrot next to an old ring Techno had found. He had placed all the blood-god items on the dresser Phil had bought him.

“Sure bud…” They were for the blood god, but I’m sure he won’t mind. “Food done, you know.” 

“Oh okay.”

The two left the room. Techno went towards his room. 

“You aren’t eating?” Tommy asked, his body twisted to look at Techno. 

“I already ate. There is a plate made for you on the table.” Techno explained before going into his room. 

“Why do you have a plate of food with you, then?”

"For the blood god." Techno shut the door. 

Techno wanted to make sure Tommy didn’t take any more items out of his room. He couldn’t have his dearest blood god get mad at him. 

Techno placed the food onto the floor. He closed his eyelashes and clasped his hands together.

“I pray to you, blood god in hope that you might gift Wilbur strength to get well, please take this meal to nourish yourself—”

“Don’t mind if I do!” Tommy shouted. 

Techno’s eyes flickered open. 

Tommy had taken the plate of food into his own hands. He had already taken a bite out of the fish. 

“Bruh,” Techno expressed, before trying to take back the food. Tommy ducked out of the way. “Why are you in my room?” 

“You called, didn't you?” Tommy asked back. 

“No. Now give that back! It is for the blood god, not you! Beside yours is downstairs.”

“I ate that already.” 

Techno sighed. Of course, the child would not only touch the blood god’s food but also eat it too.

“You just ate a god’s food. You have to make up for it.” Techno grabbed Tommy's hands, placing them together. “Here place your hands like, then close your eyes and don't talk.”

“But—”

“Shh” Techno brought his finger to Tommy’s lips, stopping him from talking. “Just talk when I tell you to.”

“Okay.” Tommy rolled his eyes and then closed them. 

At least he was willing to do what Techno asked of him. His father would never pray with him, he was far too busy with work. As for Wilbur, well he wouldn’t even be in the same room if he knew Techno was doing it. 

Oh well, Techno would show Wilbur that the blood god is real. Especially after the blood god helps cure Wilbur’s illness. 

“Please accept my sincere apologies for what Tommy has done. As a thank you for everything you've done, I give you this plate of food and this tube of blood. “ Techno finished. He placed a rat blood tube next to the plate and looked over at Tommy. “Express your regret.”

“Sorry, all powerful blood god who is definitely the poggest god in every way possible. Oh, and is undoubtedly the second-biggest man ever! Amen.”

“Uh Huh. Okay. It will suffice… Now get out. Techno shoved the kid out of his room. He slumped back on his bed. He enjoyed the peace and quiet but seeing Wilbur's bed unoccupied was wrong.

The teen should be sitting on plush blankets, playing his guitar and singing loudly to irritate Techno, who would be snuggled up in his bed, reading a book.

Tommy was obnoxious. The kid was earsplitting loud, to say the very least. Tommy did however resemble Wilbur's chaotic nature. But it didn't fill the void left by his sibling. Techno had a big enough heart to treasure both of them.

It scared him. To love so freely, what if Tommy gets hurt as well and Techno can’t protect him? Techno needed to continue putting up his walls, he can’t let someone else get hurt. 

“Oh, by the way, you can have 'em back.” Tommy stated outside the closed door. 

Have what back? 

Techno held his head. The voices were back and noisier than ever. A headache stormed in his mind from all the talking. He couldn’t understand what any of them were saying when they all talked at once. 

“Chill out! I can’t understand you!” 

The voices settle down somewhat. 

Hello! 

We’re back!

Did you miss us?

E for everyone is here!

We missed you! 

Techno's eyebrows rose, and the voices came back. How could Tommy have known about them? 

His heart drummed faster in his chest. He didn’t want Tommy to think he was crazy like everyone else did. 

Techno threw open the door. He needed to know who Tommy Innit really was. Only His family knows, and it wasn’t like Phil to just tell anyone about his son's problems. 

Standing in the doorway was none other than Tommy. He had yet to leave. He held a cardboard box in his arms before pushing it into Techno's hands. 

Techno looked down. It was the things he saw in Tommy’s bedroom earlier. Techno’s heart slowed down. Tommy didn’t know about the voices at all. He was just talking about the items he stole. He was righting a wrong. Not only that, but he had nothing to worry about.

Chapter Text

Techno didn’t like a lot of things, hospitals being one of those things. They reeked of old people and dying children, among other things. They also reminded him of Wilbur’s current situation. Life is unfair for most people, only the rich survive by feeding off the unhealthy. Still, Techno had to see his brother. Lucky for him, the hospital Wilbur was in was different. This visit was different. He had Tommy by his side. He wouldn’t be completely alone with Wilbur. Phil wouldn’t visit Wilbur too much, he didn’t have the time, always busy with work. The bills had to be paid somehow. Today was one of those days. 

“Ah. Technoblade Watson, it has been a while. Here to see your brother, I assume.”

“Yes.” Techno nodded. 

“ Allll right, you are all set to head to his room—” the lady said, turning to Tommy. Techno knew the kid was done for. “Oh my gosh, who is this little cutie?!” 

“What can I say, big man? All the ladies love me!” Tommy smirked. 

Oh, boy, was he going to eat his words. 

“Tommy. He’s—” My younger brother, Techno, wanted to say, but that would be a distasteful lie. “An orphan.”

The lady climbed over her desk, practically jumping over it. Techno backed away from her, and well, Tommy froze. The woman pinched Tommy’s cheeks like a grandma in a book would. “Aren’t you just the cutest thing?”

“I'll see you later.” Techno waved, walking down towards Wilbur’s room. He needed to talk to Wilbur alone for a minute anyway. He can’t let Wilbur meet Tommy just yet. 

“Wait!” 

“Too late.” Techno laughed lightly as he made his way to Wilbur’s room. 

Techno had taken the same stroll to the room all by himself. Missy, the front desk lady, would — typically have a nurse walk him down. But he now essentially lives here. The majority of the psychologists and nurses recognized him.

Before his brother moved, the trip was shorter, just a few doors down from the receptionist.

  It wasn't always that Wilbur's room was so far from the main entrance. He had attempted to flee several times. Techno wasn't allowed to visit him for a long time during that time, but thankfully Wilbur's recovery was getting better. enough for Techno to visit anyway.

Techno knocked on the door. 

“Coming! Just a second!” A short lady with almost white as snow hair. “Ah, good morning, Techno! Long time no see!”

Niki, a good friend to both Wilbur and Techno. She was also training to become a nurse. 

“Morning,” Techno muttered. “Where’s Wilbur?” 

“Oh! Inside. I’ll go, so you can talk to your brother alone.”

“Thanks.” 

Niki nodded before leaving the room. Techno walked inside, the room was mostly bare. No posters or even colourful paint on the wall. Wilbur sat on a bed, one not too cozy. Techno bet the blanket would feel like paper brushing up against his skin, well, his one pillow was as flat as a pancake. 

“Tell them I don’t want the stupid socks, Niki! ” Wilbur shouted, without looking away from the wall. He spent so much time looking at walls for no reason, it worried Techno. 

“Wilbur.” was all Techno said. 

“Techno?!” Wilbur jumped up and rushed over to his older brother, pulling him into a hug. Techno didn’t bother fighting it. He wasn’t a person who liked human contact, but his brother was different. Besides, even if he hated hugs, Wilbur wouldn’t let him out of his hold. 

“I know it's been awhile. Things have been busy. Big news, Dad adopted another son.” Techno broke the glass early on. He knew Wilbur had no idea about Tommy at all, and didn’t want to surprise him. Wilbur likes to be in the know about things. 

“Oh, to replace me, right? Cause I been gone for so long…” 

“No! He would never, he loves you and misses you a lot.”

Phil may not have always been the best at expressing his affection, but that didn't change the fact that Wilbur was loved by his entire family. Plus Tommy now.

“Then why doesn’t he visit me?” Wilbur rolled his eyes. “Beside, we both know you’re the favourite.”

“That not true… if it was, then Phil wouldn’t be working all those extra hours to pay for your medical bills…”

Techno hoped that Wilbur still didn’t feel like he was being replaced. 

The two sat in silence for a few minutes. Techno certainly experienced it in that way. 

“What’s up motherfuckers!”

Techno whirled around to see the child enter the space covertly. 

“Tommy! Why are you here? How did you even get away from Missy?!” Techno wanted to scream, but he needed to keep his cool, especially around Wilbur, if they both lost their shit everything will go to hell, again . 

“Wilbur let out a laugh. “It’s fine, Techno. The kid seems alright.” 

Tommy and Techno looked over. Wilbur sat his guitar on his lap. One of the few things he was allowed to have other than his clothes. 

“How about a song?” Wilbur asked, but didn't wait for an answer, playing a few notes of a song. 

Techno tunes out most of the song. He can tell Tommy is attempting to sing somewhat with Wilbur, but it isn’t with Techno, so it doesn’t matter. 

“I'll stay next to you and look out for you. It's all right, I'll look out for you~” Wilbur finished singing. 

Tommy clapped along. “Wow! You’re amazing!”

“Ah, you're too kind.” Wilbur said. “But go on! I’ll take all the compliments.”

“Your voice is so angelic! The gods would be so jealous of you!” 

“Aw stop—“

“Seriously, stop complaining about him, you’re giving him a bigger ego than he already has.” Techno chipped in. 

Tommy quickly shut his mouth. Surprised with the sudden order. He couldn’t handle Wilbur getting the all this attention from his—-Tommy. Why does he care so much about Tommy’s opinion so much? They only met a few weeks ago. 

He shouldn’t care this much. He can’t afford to. A phone alarm went off, interrupting their conversation. Which Techno was very thankful for. The door flew open, and Niki rushed in with a bright orange bottle. 

“Time up, boys. Thanks for visiting.” 

Techno nodded. “Thanks for taking care of my idiotic brother.”

Niki smiled and waved the boys out of the room. She closed the door lightly. Leaving the boys by themselves outside in the hallway. 

“So that's your older brother?” Tommy asked. He was still starstruck.

“Not even close. He is my younger twin. By two minutes.” 

“He's so coool! His voice is amazing! I’ll have to get him to sing for me again!” Tommy cheered. He hopped up and down. 

Chill dude.  

He wasn’t that good. Techno wanted to say, but it would be a lie. Wilbur was the main singer of a whole ass band. Plus, he was the student president, could he get any cooler than that?

“You do know I’m just as cool, if not cooler, than him, right?” Techno give tongue to. He wouldn’t be one up by Wilbur.

Tommy looked up to the pink hair male. 

“Can Wilbur do this?” Techno stood on a huge rock. A set of rocks lined up. Techno hopped from each of flawless. 

“Holy shit! You still got it!” Tommy cheered. He ran beside the rocks, following Techno. 

The two soon made it home. A frame of wood wrapped around their backyard. A few old boxes sat by, acting as a staircase Wilbur and Techno would use when they were younger. Or just when they would be grounded. 

“That was so cool, big man!” 

"That's not the only thing I can do.” 

“Oh?”

Techno tossed Tommy a foil, fencing sword, while keeping the other one for himself.

“Swords!” Tommy started to immediately play with his. 

“Fencing. Phil forced Wilbur and me to choose an after school activity.” 

“Wow! So that's why you’re never around in the afternoon!” 

“Exactly. Anyway, I’ll show you my skills. I would suggest trying to hit my torso with the tip of your sword.” 

“Easy!” Tommy jumped into action. His movements were clumsy and all over the place. 

Techno was able to overcome each of the younger attacks with ease. Then he lunged towards the blond, stunning him in the upper chest, right through the heart. 

“Wow! That was so cool, big man!” 

“I—it's nothing.” Techno shy away. His pride flashes across his face in shades of pink hues. 

Tommy rolled his eyes. “Nah, that shit was impressive! Just like way back when!”

“Way back when?” Techno repeated. The question dwelled on his tongue. He had no clue what the boy intended. 

“I—um—sorry I confused you for someone else…”

“Oh.” was all Techno, uttered.

“Hey d—Phil?”

Techno found himself outside his father's door.  A quiet knock to let Phil know he wanted to speak with him. 

It was late at night, and Techno, well, he couldn’t fall asleep. Not when all he could think about was Tommy. Since day one, Tommy has weirded him out. The more Techno thought about the boy, the more he saw how out-of-the-way Tommy acted. He imagined that Phil would be able to assist. 

“Yeah Tech? What did you need?” Phil sounded tired, like he was also having a hard time sleeping, or maybe it was the fact that his kid woke him up in the middle of the night.

“Can I come in?”

“Sure bud.”

Techno enter upon the room. A king-size bed took up most of the room. It was the most noticeable thing in his father’s room. Phil messy curls covered his forehead. 

“Can’t fall asleep? Are the voices acting up again?”

Techno took a position on the bed, partially collapsing into the mattress. 

“No.” Techno shook his head. The voices have been fairly good lately, ever since Tommy came around. They didn’t say much most days, which was another odd thing to do with Tommy.

“It’s Tommy… he—well—-you know, not normal .”

Phil sat up. “How so?”

“I think he knows more than he's letting on…”

“Like?”

“Like he knew me before we met!” Techno pointed to himself. 

“I’ll have a sit down with him tomorrow if it’s bugging you that much.” 

That is not what Techno wanted.

“M’k.” Techno said before leaving his father to sleep. He closed the door with ease, making sure not to make too much noise. 

Techno didn’t bother waiting for daylight to talk to Tommy. No, instead Techno knocked on Tommy's door after speaking with Phil, which in all honesty didn't accomplish much. The sound of giggles coming from behind the door assured him that he wasn't waking up the younger child. 

“Tommy?” 

The laughter stop. 

“Tommy, I know you’re awake.” Techno knocked again. “I can hear you laughing.” 

“Tommy isn’t awake. Leave a message after the snore.” Tommy emitted a blatant imitation of snoring. 

“I’m coming in, you better be decent.” Techno pushed open the door; the guest room didn’t have a lock on it, thankfully. 

Tommy screamed at the sight of Techno, he hid underneath his blanket, taking something with him. 

“What are you hiding?”

“Nothing, even if I were, it’s none of your business!”

Tommy tried to sound tough, but to Techno he was just a child, and an annoying one at that. 

“I thought you were supposed to be asleep?” Techno raised an eyebrow and approached the lump on the bed. 

“I am—-ahhhhh!” 

Techno grabbed onto the blanket, forcing it off the child. 

“Got you now—-is that what I think it is?” 

“No! It’s definitely not embarrassing baby pictures! If that's what you're thinking!” 

Tommy held the book up high. Which did nothing, but it made Techno laugh. Techno easily took the book from Tommy. 

“I wait—“

Techno flipped through the pages. Pictures of him and his family back when his mum was still around. He grinned at the happy moments, before flipping to photos of both him and Wilbur after their birth. 

“Why is your hair pink in this picture? Did your parents dye it back then?”

“It—I was born like that…” 

No use lying to the kid, fully at least. Techno thought. 

Tommy's eyes widened. 

“It's a normal thing. The doctors said that I’m a red head, it lighter only because I got a lot of sunlight growing up.”

Tommy nodded. “I guess that makes sense, yeah.”

He knows.

And I know he knows~

Stop singing!

E.

Never! 

No point in lying to him, he knows. 

Tommy knows, something about me that I don’t even know... Techno thought to himself. Tommy must’ve noticed Techno acting off; the younger spoke up.

“Anyway… about your brother—-Wilbur, I want to help him…”

Techno was caught off guard. Tommy had one conversation with the guy and now feel obliged to help him. Not that he could help Wilbur, the doctors are doing everything they can, Wilbur isn’t coming home anytime soon, sadly. Besides, Techno had already asked the blood god to assist his brother, he couldn’t ask a child too. 

“You can't, so don't worry about it.” 

Tommy appeared to be hiding something as he lowered his gaze to his hands. 

“It’s late, I'm heading to bed.” Techno said.

“Yeah, okay. Night.”

“Night…” And with that, Techno went off to his room. 

Arrows were flying across the sky as the wind howled. The battlefield was full of howls and swords clashing. The once green grass was now stained red. He looked to two figures in the middle of the field. Everyone else was blurry, techno couldn’t make any of them out, not even the two in the middle were fully clear, at least not their faces. 

One held the other in his arms. Techno ran over to see what happened. 

“You can’t die on me! I won’t let you!” One yelled, it sounded just like Tommy.

“Heh, blood for my dearest blood god.” Techno heard his own voice come from someone else.

Techno blinked, and his sight cleared up enough to see the two male hair.

He stumbled backward, held his chest. Red liquid dripped down his fingers.

Golden locks, just like Tommy… and pink like his own. There was no mistaking it, it was them. But why would Techno dream about himself dying? Especially from an outsider’s perspective? Things were adding up to him. 

He had to talk to Tommy… 

“You can’t.”

“Chat?”

The voices leaked into his dream world, they had never done that before!  As faceless people? Talking to him, telling him things he couldn’t understand. 

“You are not who you are.”

“Tommy lied to you!”

“He is no longer there.”

Oh, how Techno just wanted to go back to his normal life. But nothing will ever be the same. Not after Tommy came around, but even before him… Wilbur had missed things up. No! He couldn’t blame Wilbur, his brother was ill, he couldn’t help it.

Still, everyone were dealing with his consequences he made, and that isn’t fair to Techno or Phil and definitely not Tommy. 

“Talk to Tommy before it too late!”

Eyes snap open, Techno felt as if he was still covered in blood, he looked at him lower body, only his own cold sweat replace where the blood had been a second ago. 

Like every morning, Techno wanted to sleep the day away, or at least the first half. He didn’t care for breakfast like most people. Not as if it matters today, the voices woke him up, screaming for him to talk to Tommy.

Focused Techno!

Go find Tommy!

Techno lifted himself out of bed, throwing his blanket onto the floor. He stumbled into the hallway, down to Tommy’s room. 

One knock. 

“Tommy?” 

Another knock, this time louder. 

We already told you!

He ain’t home!

“What? Chat, what are you guys saying?” Techno asked out loud. 

Wilbur.

He’s gone to see Wilbur! 

Techno eyes widened. Tommy had said just the day earlier that he wanted to help Wilbur. But Techno shut that whole idea down, so why did he go? 

Right now, it didn't matter; all Techno needed to do was speak with him. 

It's a good thing he can drive, somewhat. Okay, Techno never actually got his driver's license, but he did know how to drive, just not illegally. 

Techno grabbed his father’s car keys off the dining room table, and Phil never really did keep his keys on his person.

Time for a drive chat! Don’t get sick!

The drive wasn’t too long. Techno rushed through the hospital doors. Techno dashed up to the desk lady, while Missy stood behind, scribbling something that didn't matter to Techno. 

“Oh. Hello, Techno. Did you come to see your brother so soon?” The front lady asked. A smirk spread across her face. 

“No, Missy! Have you seen Tommy?” Techno's own face was in clear distress.

“That adorable blond you came with last time?” 

Techno sighed, yet answered. “Yes, that one.” 

“Yup! He came to see Wilbur, but just left a few minutes ago.”

“Oh okay… Do you know where he went?”

She thought for a moment, bringing her hand up to her chin. “I think he said something about the librarby?”

“You mean the library?” 

“Nope, I said what I said.”

Techno turned away from Missy, rolling his eyes as he did. It was weird for him not to visit Wilbur, but he needed to find Tommy. He headed for the library, thankful it wasn’t too far away. 

Gosh, the library, the same place they met Ranboo.  The same place they first talked about the blood god… Tommy always acted strangely when that subject came up. 

He is like you!

Blood for the blood god!

He is back to normal.

E.

They’re brothers, your honour!

Right now, Techno wanted to slap chat so hard. Their random yelling wasn't assisting him in finding answers. Finally, Techno made it to the library, he walked down the halls, to the place where the conflict happened with Ranboo. 

Tommy waited by the wall, head down. 

“Tommy! What are you doing here?!” Techno freaked, but happy to know his brother was safe, 

“You came.” Tommy said, still eyeing the floor. 

“I— Tommy, you can’t just leave!”

“Can we go home?” 

“Why? I came all this way—“

Tommy looked up, his right eye pitch-black. 

“What happened to you?!”

“I help Wilbur, for you!” 

Techno was dumbfounded. What was he supposed to say? The kid's eye has gone completely dark, with his pupil missing. That obviously wasn’t normal for any human. 

Tommy isn’t human!

He is different. 

Tommy isn’t a human!

Not anymore. 

Chat yelled more or less the same thing. 

Techno stumbled back, bumping into one of the many bookshelves. Books fell to the floor. Techno held his head in his hands. This couldn’t be happening! 

“Tech, it's okay.” Tommy stated, he held onto the man’s hand, bringing it down so that Techno could see Tommy’s face.

Blue eyes looked back at him. Had he imagined all that? That’s the only way it would make sense for what he saw.  

Right? 

Chapter Text

“I’m not paying you shit!” Tommy shouted from the other side of the table. 

The three boys had opted to put out one of their old board games for family time. Monopoly had been picked, a choice Techno regrets. 

“It's in the rules, and you know it!” Techno told him. Chat wanted Techno to flip the board, but he kept his and the voices’ wants under control. 

“You’re in jail! I’m not giving money to a criminal!” Tommy went on. He pointed to Techno’s piece in the corner of the board. 

Tommy's own piece, the top hat, sat on one of Techno’s properties, which just so happened to have multiple houses. Tommy owned him big time. 

Flipped the table over!

Fuck this game! 

We need our rent! 

It’s the rules!  

Phil let out a TSK. “Boys! We don’t shout at each other to solve our problems.” Phil turned to his oldest son with a knowing grin.  “Techno, if you would.” 

Techno turned to Tommy, with his fist over the palm of his hand. “Rock, paper, scissors.” 

Tommy’s eyebrows arched, yet he matched Techno’s pose. 

Choose rock!

No, go with scissors!

Paper for the win!!

“Shoot!” 

Phil eyed the two, and Techno went with his most obvious choice, rock. Tommy picked paper.

“Tom wins.” 

“Yess! Big man for the win!” Tommy smirked. 

You should have picked scissors!

Big L for Techno.

Get good!

Imagine losing against a child. 

Cringe.

Techno stood from his seat, accidentally knocking over his piece. “Shut up! It's not that big of a deal! 

“I didn’t know you were a sore loser!” Tommy laughed. He couldn’t heard the voices, he didn’t know why Techno had a sudden outburst. 

Losing the game wasn’t Techno's problem, god, that would be a nice problem to have. Only having to worry about being the richest while playing Monopoly would be a lot easier to deal with than the current situation he found himself in. 

“ I’m not.” Techno’s grit through his teeth. Truth be told, he wasn’t. He could take a loss here and there with no concern. Chat, on the other hand, is an entirely different story. 

“Sure.” Tommy rolled his eyes. That really ticks off the older one-off. He wasn’t salty over a silly game. 

“I’ll be right back.” 

Techno turned away from Tommy and his father. 

Phil stood up, walking over to his oldest son. He gently rested his hand on Techno's shoulder. "Are the voices at it again?" Phil asked quietly. I know they hate when you lose.” 

“Yes. They won’t stop.” 

Phil patted his son. “Let all have a break.” Phil switched his sights on Tommy. “How about some tea?” 

“Make it hot chocolate, Big P.” 

“I— sure. And don’t call me that, you little shit.” Phil went to the kitchen. The two others could hear the wheezing of their old kettle and the back-and-forth movement of their feet. Phil was mostly gathering the supplies for the drinks. 

Techno hummed as he picked up the silver dog, holding the small piece of token in the palm of his hand and cradling it between the five main lines.

Techno thought about the lines, and how people gave them meaning. The lifeline, love line, money line, headline, and even the marriage line. It was weird for him to have two love lines. 

Oooo, let's get your palm read! 

Yeah! 

Upvote for that idea!

That sounds stupid; it probably doesn’t mean anything.

E

Maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t.

In an attempt to drown out the voices, he shook his head. Though he had little hope that it would ever succeed. Not really paying attention to them all that much. 

Still, he wondered if they could really tell the truth about those things. Did these lines hold any weight for the things in his life? Who can say for sure? 

“Techno?” Tommy's fingers suddenly snapped in his direction, jolting Techno out of his reverie. “Earth to Techno!” 

Techno blinked a few times. His gaze was drawn to Tommy, who was sitting far too close for his introverted mind. Techno scooted back from the child. 

“Philza Minecraft bought out the goods!”

“Okay.” Sure enough, three mugs full of hot liquid were where the board once stood. Phil most likely cleaned it up while Techno was in his headspace. Tommy took his cup of hot cocoa and gently picked up one of the two. 

“Shit! That's hot!!” Tommy shouted before sprinting out of the room. The sink's running water hummed from the kitchen,  

Techno smirked as he held onto his hot cup of rosemary tea. The liquid is the perfect shade of golden brown, the same colour you expect a ring or a watch to be. Something a rich person would wear or someone who wants to seem that way at the very least anyway. 

His lips made an o shape, blowing on his tea lightly before taking a must needed sip. The brew flowed on top of his tongue, tickling down his throat and into his stomach. Tommy returned shortly after, seemingly unaffected by the whole burning chocolate-flavoured water thing. Suppose it wasn’t all that hot. 

Phil’s phone shook the table with the buzz of an old song, Techno, always heard when Phil got calls. Techno reached for it, then stopped. He wasn’t one for talking over the phone, not when it came to people he didn’t know. Besides, this person had called to speak with Phil, not him. 

“Phil! Come get your phone!”

Phil rushes into the living room. “I was wondering where I put it.”

“You're getting old.” Tommy added. 

Phil picked up the phone, walking back into the kitchen to have his private chat. 

“So… wanna lose at Crazy Eights?” Tommy asked. He played with a deck of cards, shuffling them up. 

Techno rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. “Sure, but I don’t plan on losing.” 

Techno didn’t have a hard time beating Tommy. After three games of Crazy Eights, the two moved on to War, a game based on luck. Techno didn't have the best luck in the world, but it was nothing in comparison to how bad Tommy's luck was in the early rounds. The kid's ego had to be hurt by loss after loss. The older one could almost swear he saw smoke coming from his ears. 

Madinnit!

e. 

We win these!

Dadza coming!

“Boys! Get your shoes on!” 

“What? Why?” 

“Wilbur. He's coming home today! We have to go pick him up! Come on!” 

Phil jumped for joy; Techno had never seen his father so happy. He drew the boys to the door and threw on his coat. It wasn’t all that chilly, so Techno didn’t bother getting one; his hoodie would do. As confused as Techno was, he grabbed his shoes—a pair of brown boots. Tommy put on his red sneakers, barely hiding his vivid yellow SpongeBob socks. 

“What?! How? Why?” Techno finally asked, still shocked. 

Tommy!

The Blood God helped him!

He answered your prayers. 

About time! 

“He’s better! I’m not sure what happened, but Niki said she'd never seen Wilbur, so... well!” 

“How do we know he isn’t faking? We shouldn’t get our hopes up.” Techno struggled to keep up with Phil’s fast pace. 

“I know— I know, that's why I want you both to come. To see him for ourselves.”

“I— okay. Sure whatever.” 

“Shotgun!” Tommy yelled, and he leaped to the front door. Techno followed behind, not caring where he sat. 

He simply sat in the back, behind the passenger’s seat. Slipping his seatbelt over his body, because you know safety first and all that. As soon as Tommy entered the car, he pumped his fists in excitement. 

“Alright, who's ready to go see Wilbur?” Phil asked. The question was for everyone, but he looked at Techno.

Was he ready to see his brother in good health? Could it be possible for Wilbur to be fine enough to come home? Did Techno even want to have his brother back? He loved Wilbur with all his heart. 

But it has just been so long since Wilbur lived at home... Everything changed. The car filled with silence on Techno’s end. His mind was too preoccupied with the rampant thoughts of his twin.

The hospital appeared unchanged from previous visits. In the main room, people were gathered together, playing board games, chatting, and laughing. Despite the number of people present, the atmosphere was calm and peaceful, making for a pleasant afternoon. The sitting room consistently provided a peaceful environment.

Except Wilbur was there, out and about. He spends most of his days alone in his room, Techno knew that from what Wilbur told him on his visits. He talked about how he saw his prison, a train station, but a train never came. 

Techno eyed his brother. He looked so happy. A huge smile crossed Wilbur’s face while he chatted up Niki. A grin with no malice behind it, a rare sight to see from him. The group headed towards the two. Phil was in front, with Tommy straight behind him. Techno stayed back, letting his gut niggle at his mind.

“Philza! Long time no see, Dad!” Wilbur pulled the old man into a bear-crushing hug. He was right, though, Phil never had time to visit the brunette, or never made time to. 

“I missed you so much, Wilbur!” Phil returned the hug. 

Wilbur pulled away from the hug after a long minute. He reached over to Tommy, patting his blond locks. “And Tommy! My main child!” 

Tommy was forced into a hug by Wilbur, who then dropped to a whisper and said something that Techno couldn't hear.

Tommy squeezed out, “I’m not a child! I’m a big man! The biggest!” 

“Sure, sure.” Wilbur laughed, his eyes glazing over his glasses. “Technoblade!” 

Wilbur pulled him into a hug, awkwardly, and Techno didn’t know where to put his arms or how tight he should hug.

“That had to be the worst hug anyone has ever given me!” A pattern of snickers from Wilbur follows his words. He always laughed at anything and everything. 

“Sorry.” Techno meant it too. He couldn’t help being awkward, especially when it came to physical contact.  

Wil! 

Twinduo! 

Let’s goooo!!!

Wilbur Soot is back! 

e!

4 out of 4! 

The room was filled with smiles and cheers as Wilbur, Techno's brother, returned home. Although Techno was unsure of how it happened, he was happy that Wilbur was back where he belonged. Wilbur got to sit in the front seat of the car, causing Tommy to whine about wanting it first.

However, Phil intervened and gave Wilbur the seat since he hadn't been on a drive in months. Techno ended up sitting in the back seat with Tommy, who bombarded Wilbur with questions during their chaotic second meeting.

“If a person owns a piece of land, do they own it all the way down to the core of the earth?”

Tommy turned to Wilbur, his head peeking from between the front seats. Each question made less sense than the last, Techno thought. 

“Where did you get all these questions?” 

“My brain, duh,” Tommy simply replied. “Anyway, how can everything come from nothing when nothing is something that has nothing to do with anything?"

“Okay, now that's just nonsense,” Phil added. 

The group laughed together, and Techno felt his cheeks starting to hurt from smiling so much. He hadn't experienced genuine joy in months, ever since Wilbur left. 

Techno turned to gaze out the window and noticed the rain had intensified, hitting the glass hard with a pitter-patter sound. The droplets slid down the window, one after the other, in a continuous cycle. Techno only noticed how late it was when he glanced up and saw a starless, dark sky. The only sources of light to lead them back home were the streetlights and the car's headlights.

Pitter-patter.

Techno took in the sound of the peaceful rain. 

“Coke or Pepsi?” Wilbur asked a question this time. Probably trying to get Tommy to stop his randomness. 

“Coke any day of the week!” Tommy answered. 

Pitter-patter!

“Do you have both your kidneys?” Tommy asked. 

“Yes… why? You're gonna sell them or something?” 

Pitter-Patter!

Techno tuned out the rest of the conversation, focusing more on how each raindrop covered the outside of the window.  His eyes opened a little wider, and a white burr came toward him. Another car swerved into the wrong lane. 

He sat up quickly. 

He saw the SUV coming milliseconds before it happened, but couldn’t do anything to stop it.

Crash! 

He fought to regain his breath when the vehicle slammed into the automobile.

The glass from his window smashed all over him, inflicting cuts and scrapes across his body.

“Techno!” He was not sure who yelled his name. Someone pulled him into their body, and his seatbelt burned into his stomach. 

The car slid on the wet road, causing screams to fill the air as it spun around.

“Shit shit shit!” Phil shouted. 

An airbag went off. 

His head spun on itself. 

Techno! 

Stay with us!

Nooo!

Don’t fall asleep! 

"Techno!" someone shouted, grabbing his attention. He saw a blur of yellow coming towards him. "We're losing him! Oh no! He's losing consciousness!"

Chapter Text

The voices overwhelmed Tommy, screaming at him. No matter how hard he tried to block them out, nothing worked. 

“Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!” Tommy yelled, holding onto his ears. That would not help him, though. 

Tommy clenched his fists, his voice cracking. "Techno... I need to be there for him. I can't lose him too."

The hospital corridor bustled with activity as doctors and nurses rushed back and forth. Tommy stood at the entrance, his heart heavy with worry. He tried to edge closer to the room where Techno was being treated, but a nurse blocked his way.

“I'm sorry, sir, but only authorized personnel are allowed inside," she said, her tone firm but sympathetic.

Tommy's frustration bubbled over, his voice was tinged with desperation. "But he's my brother! I need to be there!"

The nurse hesitated, then softened her gaze. "I understand, but they're doing everything they can. Let them work, and you can see him soon."

Tommy clenched his teeth, his eyes locked on the closed door. The voices echoed in his mind.

Techno! 

Techno never dies!

Have hope, Tommy!

He’ll be okay!

Technoblade never dies!

The hospital corridors felt suffocating as Tommy paced back and forth, his anxiety building to a crescendo. His heart pounded in his chest, and he could barely hold back the flood of emotions that threatened to overflow. He clenched his fists and exhaled in short, uneven gasps. He needed to get some fresh air. 

As if sensing Tommy's distress, Wilbur approached him with a concerned expression. "Tommy, hey. You okay?"

Tommy's gaze snapped to Wilbur, his eyes wide and frantic. "No, Wilbur, I'm not okay! Techno's in there, and I can't do anything! I can't be with him, I can't help him!"

Wilbur's presence was calming, a steadying force amidst the chaos. He placed a hand on Tommy's shoulder, his voice gentle yet firm. "Tommy, I know this is hard. But the doctors are doing their best. You being here won't change that."

Tommy's breath hitched, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. "I know, I know! But I can't just stand here, Wilbur!"

Wilbur held his gaze, his eyes were filled with understanding. "I get it, Tommy. I do. But sometimes, all we can do is wait and hope. Techno's strong, and he has the best care."

Tommy's shoulders trembled, a mixture of gratitude and frustration bubbling within him. "Thanks, Wilbur. I appreciate it. But you don't... You don't get it. You haven't lost as much as I have."

Wilbur's expression softened, his grip on Tommy's shoulder tightening. "Tommy, loss takes many forms. I may not have lost the same way you have, but I've known pain, too.”

Tommy's tears finally spilled over, and he pulled Wilbur into a tight hug. “Thanks, Wilbur. I mean it.”

Wilbur returned the embrace, his voice steady. "Anytime, little brat."

After a moment, Tommy released the hug and wiped at his eyes. "I... I just need some air."

Wilbur nodded, offering a small smile. "Take your time. I'll be here when you get back."

As Tommy stepped outside, the cool breeze brushed against his face, providing a momentary respite from the chaos inside. He leaned against the wall, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. And then, the voices within his head started to speak.

You were mean to Wilbur. 

You should apologize.

Tommy furrowed his brows, unsure of where the voices were coming from. "What? No, I'm not being mean. I'm just… frustrated."

There's no harm in saying sorry. 

He was looking out for you.

Say sorry.

E.

Tommy sighed, his inner turmoil intensifying. "Fine. Maybe I should. But I just... I don't know how to deal with all this."

You need to go to Techno!

He needs you too. 

Tommy hesitated, his thoughts a jumbled mess. "I... Yeah. You're right."

Tommy pushed himself off the wall and headed back into the hospital. He knew he had a lot to face, but he also knew he wasn't alone in this journey.

Wilbur's heart pounded in his chest as he strode down the hospital corridor, his steps purposeful and determined. He knew he had to see Techno, even if it meant bending the rules a little. He was family, after all, and family had to stick together in times like these.

He approached the nurses' station, his expression a mix of urgency and resolve. "Excuse me," he said, putting on his most charming smile. "I'm here to see my brother, Technoblade.” 

The nurse behind the desk checked her records, her brow furrowing slightly. "I'm sorry, sir, but only authorized personnel are allowed in the patient's room."

Wilbur leaned in, his tone lowering as he looked into her eyes. "Listen, I totally understand, but it's an emergency. He's family, and he needs me right now."

The nurse hesitated, her gaze softening. "I’m sorry, but I can’t allow it."

Wilbur wanted to slap his hands on the desk. “Fine. I understand. It's a shame I'll have to tell your boss about those acrylic nails.” 

Her eyes widened. “Room 215, on your left.” 

“Thank you.” 

Wilbur headed down the corridor toward Techno's room. He took a deep breath before entering, finding his older brother lying in the hospital bed, his expression a mix of exhaustion and pain.

"Techno!" Wilbur called softly, his heart aching at the sight. Techno’s eyes were closed in some type of coma. 

Wilbur approached the bed with a serious expression on his face. "I had to see you, Techno. Tommy's beside himself with worry.”

Wilbur's gaze grew more intense. “He's not normal, you know. The way he cares about people—about you—is not like how others do. He's not like us.”

Techno's smile faded; his gaze was thoughtful. 

The door swung open, and Phil burst into the room, followed by a couple of doctors. His eyes widened at the sight of two of his sons.

"Wilbur?" Phil exclaimed, a mix of shock and joy on his face.

Wilbur didn't miss a beat, maintaining his composure. "Hey, Phil. I was just checking up on Techno. I was actually invited in already."

Phil blinked, seemingly taken aback for a moment, before a relieved smile spread across his face. "Oh, thank goodness. I'm glad you're here."

Phil rushed over to Techno's side, offering a comforting embrace. Wilbur rolled his eyes subtly, his expression tinged with annoyance as he stepped back.

"Yeah, yeah, glad you're here, Phil," Wilbur muttered under his breath as he began to make his exit.

He slipped out of the room, leaving behind the heartfelt reunion. As he walked down the corridor, he couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and bitterness. He muttered to himself, "Typical Phil, always the favorite."

And with that, he disappeared around the corner, his thoughts, and emotions in turmoil as he grappled with the complexities of family dynamics.

Wilbur's steps echoed down the corridor as he navigated the hospital's maze-like hallways. He was lost in his own thoughts, trying to make sense of the tangled emotions swirling within him. He turned a corner, only to collide with someone, causing him to stumble back.

"Whoa, watch where you're going!" Wilbur grumbled, looking up to see Tommy's shocked expression.

Tommy's eyes widened in surprise as he took a step back, his breath catching. "Wilbur?"

Wilbur's eyes narrowed slightly, noticing something off in Tommy's demeanor. "Wait, Tommy?! Are you alright?"

Without a word, Tommy grabbed Wilbur's wrist and pulled him into a nearby janitor's closet, shutting the door behind them. The space was cramped and dimly lit by a single bulb overhead. Tommy's gaze was intense, his eyes reflecting something that made Wilbur's heart race.

"Tommy, what's going on?" Wilbur demanded, his concern growing by the second.

Tommy's voice was hushed, a mixture of urgency and fear. “Wilbur, you need to stop. You need to stop getting involved, stop trying to fix everything."

Wilbur's brow furrowed, his confusion deepening. "Tommy, what are you talking about?"

Tommy's eyes locked onto Wilbur's, and Wilbur felt a chill run down his spine. Tommy's usually bright blue eyes were now a deep shade of blood-red. 

"Tommy, your eyes..." Wilbur started, his voice barely a whisper. “They're the same as before."

Tommy's grip on Wilbur's wrist tightened, his voice desperate. "I told you, Wilbur, you need to stop. You don't understand what I am, what I can do."

Wilbur's gaze searched Tommy's, his voice steady. "Then tell me, Tommy. Who are you really?"

Tommy's lips parted as if he were about to reveal a secret that had been weighing him down for ages. “I… I'm the blo–”

Before Wilbur could react, the closet door creaked open, and a janitor walked in, pushing a mop bucket. He looked surprised to see Tommy and Wilbur inside.

“Uh, sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt anything,” the janitor stammered, his gaze shifting between them.

Tommy's eyes flicked back to their usual blue, the intensity vanishing. "No worries, mate. We were just leaving."

Tommy pushed past the janitor and stepped out of the closet, Wilbur following closely behind. The hallway was once again filled with the sounds of hospital activity, but Wilbur couldn't shake the weight of Tommy's words.

As they continued walking, Tommy's gaze was distant, and his voice was barely audible. "Wilbur, I know you won't believe me, but it's the truth. I'm not just a kid from a different world. I have powers, abilities beyond your understanding.”

Wilbur's mind raced, his heart torn between disbelief and concern for Tommy. Before he could respond, Tommy's voice dropped to a whisper, almost as if he were talking to himself. “I'm sorry, Wilbur. You're my brother, and you deserve to know the truth.”

Just as the two of them were about to delve deeper into the conversation, the sound of footsteps approached from around the corner. They both turned to see Phil walking toward them, a smile on his face.

"Wilbur, Tommy! There you are,” Phil exclaimed, his joy evident.

Tommy's eyes flicked back to their normal blue, the intensity fading once more. He managed a weak smile. "Hey, Phil."

Phil pulled them both into a tight hug, his eyes shining with relief. Wilbur glanced at Tommy, the weight of his confession still heavy on his mind. As Phil talked excitedly about Techno's progress, Wilbur's thoughts were a whirlwind. He couldn't ignore the look in Tommy's eyes, the truth he had shared. But with the janitor's interruption and the chaos of the hospital, it seemed like the moment had passed. Wilbur made a silent promise to himself. He would find out the truth, no matter what it took. Because if there was one thing he knew, it was that family secrets could be more dangerous than they seemed.

“Boys! He's awake!” Phil shouted.

"Hey," Tommy said softly, trying to break the ice.

Techno's eyes locked onto Tommy's, his expression distant and unreadable. Tommy's heart sank at the lack of recognition in his brother's gaze.

"Techno?" Tommy's voice wavered, uncertainty creeping in.

Techno's lips parted, and Tommy held his breath, waiting for some sign of recognition. And then, to Tommy's shock, Techno stood up from his bed and went down on one knee, bowing his head.

"My Lord," Techno's voice was filled with reverence, his words sending a shiver down Tommy's spine. Wilbur stared in disbelief, his eyes wide as he tried to make sense of the sudden change in Techno's behavior. Tommy's heart raced, his mind racing to understand what was happening, Techno remembered.

Chapter Text

"My Lord," Techno's voice was filled with reverence, his words sending a shiver down Tommy's spine. Wilbur stared in disbelief, his eyes wide as he tried to make sense of the sudden change in Techno's behaviour. Tommy's heart raced, his mind racing to understand what was happening, Techno remembered.

Phil rushed to Techno’s side, he eyed Tommy.

“What is he talking about?”

Tommy sighed his cover was blown.

“It’s a long story…”

A small boy stood in chains, a sacrifice to their god for protection from the harsh winter that would take more lives than one homeless orphan.

“Please! It’s hurts, I wanna go home!” He screamed out in pain from his wrists.

The villagers ignored his cries, singing their prayers. A red light flashed and wrapped around the boy.

A mask-wing creature appeared, floating down towards the small boy.

“You dare gift me one of my own?!” The god turned to the people around it. Pure white light shined, killing them one by one as the other screamed.

“Please! We didn’t know!”

“Spare us, XD!”

XD, ignore their comments. With a mere flick of his wrist, lightning bolts arced from his fingertips, incinerating dozens in an instant. He raised his other hand, and the ground trembled violently, opening fissures that swallowed entire crowds. His eyes glowed with an unearthly light, and with a single, piercing gaze, he turned hundreds to ash. The air around him shimmered with the raw power of his wrath, and his every movement brought death and destruction with an effortless grace.

XD turns to Tommy. “Your power will come in time, their blood will be your strength.”

In an instant he was god. No blood was spilled on the ground, it was as if the villagers were merely sleeping.

Tommy wasn’t sure what happened to him that day. However, he was sure that XD had saved him.

“But what about Techno? how does he know you as a lord?” Phil asked.

“Oh, well after a while me and him met when he was a prince. We quickly became friends. Until one day… he was killed.”

Phil nodded, wanting Tommy to continue his story.

“People of the Emerald Empire thought sacrificing me, the only survivor of my home village would gift them with eternal life….”

Tommy walked the earth looking for his life purpose. He stopped when his eyes landed on a castle.

“Stop! Stop this at once!” The prince of the kingdom shouted. The prince pushed through the crowd.

“Tommy?”

“Prince Blade!”

“If you step any closer we have permission to kill you.” One of the cult members said.

The prince paid no mind, he held his sword. “Let's dance then!”

“Can’t you see he was blessed by our god?!” Another said.

With each attack, the prince would simply avoid.

He stood alone. The first attacker lunged, Blade swung his body before, swinging his sword into their body. The next he simply disarmed.

The last attacker hesitated, Blade took this as an opening to hit a precise strike.

The prince soon made his way over to Tommy.

"Tommy! I’m here to save you," Prince Blade shouted, cutting through the chaos. He leapt into the fray, his sword a blur of silver. An enemy lunged, but Blade deflected the blow and countered with lethal precision. Another thug tried to flank him, but a swift kick sent the attacker sprawling.

Blade’s eyes locked onto Tommy tied and struggling.

“Hold on!" he yelled. A third opponent swung wildly, but Blade ducked and disarmed him in one fluid motion. With a final, decisive strike, he cleared the path and rushed to Tommy, cutting his bonds.

"You're safe now," Blade said, helping him to his feet. "Let's get out of here."

Tommy looked up to his hero.

Suddenly Prince Blade’s eyes widened as a loud bone-crushing scream echoed through the village.

The prince’s body fell into Tommy's. One of the cult followers was standing there, weapon, covered in blood.

“I’m sorry my dear son, but he is the key to long-lasting life for my kingdom.”The kind stood before him, crimson blood would surely stain his fingers.

“No!! No this can’t be happening! I won’t let you die, Blade! Not like this… not for me!” Tommy shouted. “How could you kill your own son?!”

The king’s once pure blue eyes turned into a chilling shade of icy blue full of hatred. “My goals are far too complicated for a simple child like you to understand. For him to understand.”

Tommy stood there he felt his heart heavy with the weight of the king's betrayal, a consuming rage enveloped him.

Suddenly power completely wrapped the boy. His eyes glow with rage, his blood dancing around him.

He took revenge, his power devastating as he unleashed his wrath upon the town that had once rejected him. Buildings crumbled, flames roared, and blood stained the streets. The very earth seemed to tremble beneath his fury.

And that was how the Blood God was born.
His form was drenched in the blood of those who had wronged him, and the name stuck. The people of the kingdom, those who survived, cowered in fear, spreading tales of the vengeful deity who had come from the heavens to wreak havoc.

“Once my rage was over, I cried and prayed until XD heard me. Originally he questioned me about my attachment to a human, I begged him to bring Techno back and he did… but without cursing him.”

“Cursing him?”

“As long as I’m alive, Techno will be reborn… without his memories of his past lives. I stopped telling him about his past lives, XD made one rule, I couldn’t tell him or else he would be gone forever.”

"I didn't mean for any of this, Phil. I didn't want Techno to suffer, to be trapped like this." Tommy's voice broke, tears streaming down his face. "I... I need you to understand."

“Well as crazy as your story sounds, I believe you.”

“Really?”

“Really. After all, I’m a part of your story, my Lord.” Phil bowed down to Tommy. “You are what gifted me eternal life.”

“What?!” Tommy’s eyes widened. Phil was

“King Philza at your service.”

“But how??!”

“Tommy when you went on a rampage and murdered my people, the goddess of death showed me mercy and gifted me immortality.”

“… You killed Techno in the past…”

“That I will forever regret, I hope to make up for my mistakes.”

“What? Is there someone in this family who can die?!”

“Wilbur…”

Phil said nothing else.

Tommy's heart sank. "Wilbur?" he whispered, glancing at the silent figure who had been listening all this time.

Wilbur stepped forward, his face etched with a mixture of shock and understanding.
"So, all this time, you've been carrying this burden alone, Tommy?"

Tommy nodded, tears streaming down his face.

"You've been through so much, and yet you're still here, fighting to make things right. That takes strength, Tommy." Wilbur placed a hand on Tommy's shoulder.

Techno, who had been silent, finally spoke. "So, you're telling me that every time I've been reborn, it's because of you?" His voice was filled with a mix of wonder and sorrow.

Tommy nodded again, unable to speak.

Techno stepped closer, his eyes filled with a newfound respect. "Then I owe you my life, multiple times over. And I swear I'll stand by you in this fight, no matter what."

“I know you will… every time you come back you protect me… with your life.” Tommy’s smile dropped.

Philza, still bowing, looked up with a determined gaze. "We are all in this together. We've faced gods and demons, and we'll face whatever comes next, as a family."

Tommy felt a warmth in his heart, a flicker of hope. "Thank you, all of you. We may have a complicated past, but together, we can build a better future."