- What the fuck- that was the first thing Tommy said uppon entering the house. Techo was sitting on the couch, seeable, looking at the boy with mixed feelings.

- Believe me, I’m just as confused as you are- he stated finally, trying to avoid his slightly menacing and disappointed gaze.

- I don’t think that's the appropriate word to describe how I feel- Tommy huffed, actually feeling kinda betrayed. Just when he was out Techno decided to materialize? That’s so unfair...

- Then think about the description over the sink, washing your hands- suddenly the boy was swooped towards the bathroom by one of Phil's wings, trying to balance after the sudden movement.- Dinner is getting colder- there was no point in arguing with the man, so Tommy just followed orders, despite being rather upset. He hoped to be there when all of them would become visible. But it looked like it wasn’t meant to be. He wondered if it was as spectacular as uncle’s. Well, he hoped it wasn’t as PAINFUL as his, but Techno did look a little stiffened, something sad hiding in his eyes. Tommy knew that feeling, loss and sadness, being absolutely helpless. Was it how they felt watching their memories?

- I didn’t plan this going this way- Techno stood in the door, peacefully watching the boy struggle with the soap bar that he was squeezing to hard do to being lost in thoughts.

- I don’t blame you for it- Tommy sighed, giving up with the block and just finally turning off water. He went quiet for a little bit, staring at the towel, but finally spoke up hesitantly.- It’s not like you chose that moment…but… did it hurt?- at first the ghost was thrown off by the question, but it made sense, remembering the process his dad had to go through.

- Yes. But at the same time I regained a piece of me, a promise that I made- Techno smiled a little, placing one hand on his heart. He really did remember something important, didn’t he...

- Which is?- Tommy frowned, the words making no sense, which made the man laugh.

- I’ll tell you later. First is dinner, because dad will kill us otherwise- 

- Take a stance- Techno weighted the sword in his hands once again, placing his feet in the correct places mindlessly.

- I don’t think this is a good idea…- Tommy stuttered, sweating. He might be courageous, well, rather irrational, but even he knew sparring with Techno was a REALLY bad idea. Even if this was only supposed to be a lesson.

- Best learning is through practice and the best practice is actually sparring- he stated, pointing at the boy with the tip of his blade. Let’s see now what he’s really worth. He started slowly, not minding the faulty first position, attacking with basic movements and blocking, trying to test what he had learned. Correction was a must, some comments and advice were given, blade sometimes pushing teenager’s limbs into their rightful place. Techno was calm this whole time, seeing determination on Tommy’s face. Good. No matter how powerful the opponent is one must stay strong, trying despite the obvious disadvantage, a gap between them. Seeing him in actual duel made Techno hopeful, realizing that the boy had more in him than just learning everything by heart. He tried to think, his gaze lusturing his opponent’s movement and the man found him being quicker and quicker with responses. He was advancing even in such a peaceful duel.

- Keep your guard higher- Tommy immediately corrected himself, trying to focus even more than he already was. He had ever been this focused in his entire life than he was now. Despite the half slow tempo Techno’s movements were swift, without any defects, but repeatable. He was doing it on purpose and Tommy knew about that. But this didn’t mean that he wouldn’t try at least touching him, trying to break through his defence. He saw him shift his footing which meant that the attack would come from the left… Techno grinned widely as the blades met in a pair. He moved slightly closer, putting more pressure into it, starting enjoying this little training. It was far from perfect but the kid had a lot of potential. And his going to explore it to the furthest extent.

- Do you remember what I told you earlier in the bathroom?- he couldn’t hold himself back anymore, wildness growing in his chest, clouding his thoughts as he screamed.

- Yeah, you made a promise- Tommy huffed, struggling to keep his position. Suddenly the sword parted, slightly throwing the boy off, but Techno twisted, attacking again, faster. The teenager barely blocked it, not expecting a sudden contratack.

- Yes. I promised to protect my family. To be their knight, their sword!- with every word Tommy could feel Techno becoming stronger, his movements so quick that he could barely respond. There was a dangerous glimpse in his eyes...

- That’s nice!- Tommy shrieked, backing down, defending himself, careful not to get sliced. 

- I can’t keep that promise anymore, not like I was supposed to- Techno yelled, laughing maniacally. His promise, his rightful path, now gone with death. But no, he’s not going to let it all go, just give up. No. He will fulfill his promise. Either him or his successor.- That’s why I’m going to train you, Theseus! You will be the next sword, the knight! You will protect our family!- our family. Those two words rang in Tommy’s mind, his heart suddenly stopping. Our family. Yeah. His family. Tubbo, Techno, Phil, Wilbur… They were his family. And he’s going to protect them at all cost.

Techno grinned, seeing the spark in the boy’s eyes. It’s time for real training to begin.