~(Five months later)~

Phil was getting ready to go on a supply run. He needed to get some wood, apples, a new bag for Tommy, fish (no salmon), a new brush for himself, a sword sharpener for Techno, chicken, more seeds for the garden, a compass for Wil, some winter coats, an emerald or 2 for Fundy, and spider food (whatever that might be) for Shroud. The past few months had been quite eventful. It turned out that Wilbur was pregnant and had given birth to a healthy baby boy fox hybrid named Fundy. As much as he loved Wilbur and Fundy Phil hoped he'd never have to help with something like that. Then Tommy had adopted a spider hybrid boy who was about 2 years old who according to Tommy walked right up to him and didn't have any parents saying as he was wandering around in the woods alone so Tommy scooped him up and took him home. Phil would be lying if he said he wasn't thrilled to have more kids in the house he adored the way their little hands grabbed at him and pulled at his feathers with curiosity he loved being a grandpa. But they did drive him a bit nuts, just the other day Shroud had gone missing for a full hour only for them to find him sleeping on the roof. And Fundy constantly wanted to be held and would scream and cry until his father would come and pick him up and sing him back to sleep. But Phil loved them either way. He loved watching his kids dote over their kids. He always smiled when they came begging for him to give them advice. Fundy was officially a month old, which brought a small smile to Phil's face. And let it be known that Techno loved his nephews too he loved spoiling them much to his brother's disapproval he was the one who showed Fundy his first Emerald and was teaching Shroud how to use a sword. Phil's attention was drawn by his door opening. Shroud happily walked over to his grandfather.

Is breakfast ready mate? Phil asked while picking the little spider up.

Mhm! Uncle Techno made waffles! Shroud said happily hugging Phil.

My favorite thing in the morning, bribery. Phil said with a smile.

Shroud looked confused.

I said waffles. Shroud corrected.

That fact that your Tommys son and still don't get sarcasm concerns me. Phil said shaking his head and putting his grandson down.

I'll be there in a second. Phil said as he shooed him off.

Phil started going through his potions when he came across one that wasn't labeled. Phil picked it up and looked at it. It was a medium-sized bottle with a misty white liquid in it. He picked up a potion of slow falling and compared them. They were almost identical except for the mystery bottle was lighter in color. Phil opened the bottle and smelled it, it smelled like a healing potion. Phil pondered over what it could be for a minute.

Could be expired. Phil muttered.

A lot of his early potions came out horrible they did what they were supposed to but often tasted miserable and would change colors and make him nauseous. But Phil decided to put it in his bag anyway just in case, if nothing else he could throw it at someone. He put a few more potions in his bag and then joined the rest of his family for breakfast. Wilbur was feeding Fundy a bottle of cow's milk (turns out cow's milk worked as a replacement for breast milk). Tommy and Shroud were scarfing down waffles. And Techno had a plate set aside for Phil. Phil walked over and shoved 1 in his mouth. It was light and fluffy and sweet Phil practically melted.

Techno when did you learn to bake like this? Phil asked with an enormous grin.

I just followed a recipe. Techno said while hiding his smile.

There amazing! Phil said ruffling his son's hair.

Tommy grunted his approval while shoving another pancake down his throat.

They're pretty good. Wilbur said with a smile taking away Fundy's bottle for a minute.

Fundy chirped in annoyance. Phil let out a small chirp of his own which immediately made Fundy confused. Fundy chirped again Phil chirped back. Even though Fundy was so young he was very smart, Fundy could tell the chirps sounded different. Phil walked over with a smile and chirped. Fundy looked as though the secrets of the universe had been revealed to him. Fundy had a big smile and started chirping like crazy. Phil just kept smiling and picked him up holding him close and watching as his little tail smacked against his arms. They all smiled while watching the two interact. After a few minutes, Phil put Fundy back in his father's arms.

I'll see you later this week. Phil said to all of them.

I'll get my boots. Techno said taking the last pancake off the stove.

No, you're staying here. Phil said.

Nope. Techno answered back.

Techno. No. You scare everyone. Phil said with a gentle but stern look.

Good. Techno answers sheathing his sword.

You're not letting me go alone, are you? Phil said more as a statement than a question.

Nope. Techno said putting on his red cape the gold holding it on his neck shined from being recently polished. And last but not least Techno put on his crown. His crown had been a gift from Phil for his 21st birthday which had only been a month ago and so far he wore it everywhere. It was of course gold with huge rubies in it all the way around and Techno adored it. Phil thought he might cry when he first gave it to him.

It's going to be a 4-week trip there and back, y'know. Phil said, giving his son one last warning.

Okay. Techno answered shortly.

Phil sighed with a smile.

We'll be back soon alright? Phil said, giving his grandkids and sons one last look.

Bye! Shroud yelled happily.

Bye, dad, be careful. Tommy said getting up and hugging his dad.

Wilbur looked at Techno and mouthed out, Watch him don't let anything happen.

Techno crossed his heart.

Phil ruffled Tommy's hair one last time.

Bye dadza see you in a bit. Wilbur said.

Fundy chirped, having no clue what was going on but wanting to be a part of it. And with that Phil and Techno walked out the door. They climbed down the stairs and walked over to the horse pen where there were two horses saddled and ready to go.

Phil raised an eyebrow.

Did really you think you were leaving alone? Techno said almost smiling.

Phil shook his head smiling and climbed onto a chestnut-colored horse named butter. Techno climbed onto the black horse named night rider. And with that, they rode. (Old show reference go burr)

~(Later that night)~

Techno and Phil had set up a small camp for the night. And they happily talked to each other.

I think Tommy's been acting much more mature with Shroud around. Phil said with a smile.

Eh, I guess. Techno said shrugging his shoulders.

He hasn't been taking my stuff as often, he's almost like a raccoon. Techno said.

Yeah, I could see it. Phil said chuckling.

They suddenly heard a stick snap.

They both went dead silent. Techno stood up silently and pulled his sword from its sheath. Phil stood up as well brandishing his own sword. Techno gave Phil a strong glare. But Phil continued to survey his surroundings. They heard footsteps coming closer from behind Phil. Phil flipped around to face whatever was coming close. Techno yanked Phil behind him and made absolutely sure that whatever was approaching would have to go through him before it even remotely touched a hair on Phil's head.

Come out whoever you are. Techno said in a deadly serious voice with just a hint of excitement.

Phil lifted his enormous black wings making himself and techno seem even bigger. Suddenly a pure white foal came hurtling towards them and stopped happily in front of Techno pushing his nose into Techno's fist.

Heh? Techno responded, scratching the foals head and re-sheathing his sword.

Phil groaned, Ghost not again! Ghost was their 3rd and final horse he was also an escape artist.

Well too late to go back now. Phil said sitting back down.

Ghost rolled into Phil's lap demanding he be the center of attention.

Techno poked Phil in the back of the head.

Yes, Techno? Phil said while stroking the young foal.

Next time stay behind me. Techno said grumpily.

Techno- Phil was quickly cut off.

Don't Techno me dad I'm not a kid anymore. I owe you everything without you I would be dead now it's my turn to take care of you plus you already died. Phil rolled his eyes at his son's heroic speech.

He understood that his kids wanted to protect him but he didn't want them worrying about him all the time, he wasn't crippled or something.

Listen, mate, I know you want to protect me but you don't have to fight the whole world in the process plus I'm more than capable of taking care of myself. Phil said reassuringly.

Techno gave a hmf and turned his head.

Oh, so you think that cause your taller than me now that your the boss? Phil said with a mischievous grin.

Techno looked at him with a hint of fear and childish joy.

No. Phil absolutely not. Dad. Dad! DAD NOOOoooo. Techno's yelling was cut off by his hysterical laughter.

Phil had moved ghost, yanked Techno into his lap, pinned Techno down, and tickled him mercilessly.

What's wrong Techno? Bird got your tongue? Phil asked with a big grin.

DAD Ple-HAHA- PLEASE SPARe-HAHAHA- DAD! Techno was yelling with laughter furiously trying to get his father off. Phil finally let Techno up. Techno sat up gasping for air. Techno flopped back down in his father's lap. Phil started brushing his son's hair out.

You- Techno was rudely cut off by his own yawn.

Tired? Phil asked.

I'm not sleeping till you sleep. Techno said trying to sound firm it was a bit tricky with the voices echoing in his head. Dadza! Ticklish Technoblade lol. Best dad ever. Can Phil be my dad? Ask Phil if he knows what 2+Fish is.

Phil just smiled and started braiding his son's hair. Techno was doing his best to stay up but Phil brushing and braiding his hair calmed him down so much he was slowly falling asleep. Phil finished the braid and smiled at his sleeping son. He loved his sons he really did and these moments were worth more than diamonds to him. He kissed his son's forehead, tied ghost to the log with a lead, and fell asleep blissfully unaware of the doom in his bag just waiting to be used.