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Tommy doesn’t remember how he was born or even where he came from. One day he didn’t exist, the next he did. All he remembers is the majestic voice who told him his job.
“This is your Well little one. Your mission is to grant the wishes of those who drop a gift in this Well. There are some rules however: you cannot grant a wish for the death of someone else, you cannot make someone like someone else, you cannot give someone more wishes, and you cannot wish for something yourself. However, once every century, you get to make one wish, though the rules still apply.”
“And I get to wish for anything I want?” he asked eagerly. “Yes, the wish only lasts for one week. Afterward, you come back to the Well and continue your duties,” the godly voice replied. “How far away can I go from the Well?” the young blond questioned. “There is a barrier around the Well so you can’t wander far, maybe 2 meters at most.”
The boy nodded, unsure of what a meter was, “What’s my name?” “That’s for you to decide, little one.” “Um, okay. I think I’ll be Tommy!” he cheered. “That sounds wonderful, there’s one more thing I need to tell you. Currently, your body is the age of a five-year-old human boy. Although, you age one year every time you get your wish. Consider it your ‘birthday.’”
“Wow so I will grow up and make a wish every … wait, what's a birthday?” The voice chuckled, “A birthday is when humans grow one year older and make their own wish. Your birthday happens every 100 years or century.”
“Okay, so after 100 years, I get to grow up and make a wish.” “Yes Tommy, any more questions.” “Nope,” the blond boy replied cheerfully. “Then good luck my little Well boy.”
Tommy never heard the voice again. Instead, he went on to grant wishes for all the travelers that set foot near his Wishing Well. Tommy received visitors once or twice a month. Most of them didn’t stay for long either, asking for something and then disappearing back towards the way they came. The few that did though became his favorites. He couldn’t grant a person more than one wish, but the company he received was wonderful.
A masked man who wanted a cure for his sister's illness, a man with weird glasses who wished to see colors naturally, and a black and white-haired boy with memory issues were just a few of those cases. People who were overjoyed at his magic, came back to see him as a thank you.
It was people like that who made his job worth it in some ways. However, most of the time Tommy was alone, with his Well and the nearby animals to keep him company. The only way to leave became his birthday, his 100 year wish.
The first one was spent so he could leave the ring of the Well, free to explore as far as he could walk. He found he didn’t need to eat, drink, or sleep like a normal human during that time either. He assumed it was due to him being a spirit and not a mortal. In addition, he would teleport back to the Well if he was in danger such as when a town attacked him when they found out his secret, (he also made sure to never tell anyone the truth afterward for his own safety).
His birthdays became a chance to be free from the Well, to live a normal, human life for one week. It's why he started to hate his job as he got older. The crippling loneliness wasn’t worth it by the time he was reaching 16.
He grew jealous of how happy others were of his powers, his curse. The smiles of joy that once brought him pleasure now fueled his inner rage. Why do they get to be happy at the expense of my own?
The question plagued his mind until a new visitor appeared.
The man had platinum blonde hair, a shade lighter than his own. His icy blue eyes were also similar to his ocean blue ones. They could have been father and son had Tommy been born a human. The biggest difference was the large wings on his back, a sign of being a hybrid. He’s met a few before, the one with goat horns from when he was 126 being a frequent visitor. It made him wonder if he would ever meet him again.
“Well what do we have here?” the man asked Tommy. The boy himself had light blond hair, the ends of his curls floating up and down. His body was somewhat see-through, not quite a ghost, nor human either. His clothes are also a perfectly cleaned pale red and white suit.
“Hello there, toss a gift into this Well and I’ll grant any wish you have,” Tommy announced, trying his best to sound cheery. “I see, and you are?” He pondered back. “Tommy, my name is Tommy sir.” “Ah, call me Phil mate, it's a pleasure to meet you.”
The two were silent for a moment, it made Tommy anxious. “So what are you anyway?” Phil asked. “I’m a spirit, one made to answer wishes for the Well.” Phil nodded, “And I could wish for anything?” “Well, I can’t kill or make someone like you. Oh, and you can’t get more wishes either. Only one,” Tommy replied, emphasizing the last part.
“Makes sense, how about you?” “Me?” Phil chuckled, “it's not every day I get to talk to a Well spirit.” It made Tommy notice how the man was rather nice. Most visitors only ask about the Well, never him.
“I guess ... I don't really have much to talk about. What about you Phil, what’s your life like?” Tommy sat down on the grass, Phil sitting across from him. “Well, I’m a traveler and I live in this small town called L’manburg with my two sons.”
The duo talked for hours, Tommy learning more about Phil and his family while Phil learned more about the boy's time granting wishes.
“It's getting late, there’s an Inn you can stay at in the nearby village,” Tommy said as he helped Phil to his feet. “It was nice meeting you mate, perhaps I’ll come by again tomorrow,” Phil replied, making Tommy nod. As the birdman walked away, Tommy was hopeful he would return, and thankfully he did.
Phil visited for an entire week before he had to leave back to his hometown. It made Tommy sad. Phil was the first guest in decades that made him somewhat happy. He liked how kind the man was and the stories he told were the best he’d heard. The man fought dragons, visited abandoned temples, and even other realms. Plus, his sons sounded interesting, one being a musician and the other a swordsman.
The immortal teen almost cried when Phil had to leave. “Do you have to go?” “Sorry mate, I’d love to stay longer but I can’t.” You could though, Tommy thought, you still haven’t made a wish yet. “Then, at least let me grant your wish,” Tommy offered. Phil only laughed, “But I have nothing to wish for.” “What do you mean you don’t have anything to wish for, EVERYONE has something to wish for.” “Then I’ll be the first one.” “But … you,” Tommy groaned, “You're really frustrating Phil.”
“I’m gonna miss you, Tommy,” Phil said. “I’m gonna miss you too,” Tommy replied. Phil pulled him into a hug, and Tommy blinked away his tears. “Goodbye Phil,” Tommy says as the elder leaves into the forest for the final time, “May your wishes be Well.”
Tommy thought a lot about Phil after that, more than any visitor prior. Then a month passed, and his birthday came. Tommy watched the sunset before making his wish as he did every century. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and tossed a rock into the Well.
“I wish ... to become Philza Craft’s third son, and to live with his family for the entire week.”
Tommy woke up in a warm bed with the sun shining directly on his face. This is a first, Tommy thought as he got out of bed. He was also wearing plaid pajamas, with a pair of clean clothes on a nearby desk.
Most of his wishes have his outfit changed to clothes to fit in as his Well clothes aren’t really … normal. His hair turns more of a golden blonde and he lacks his transparency. I look human, he thought as he changed into a short-sleeved red and white shirt and khakis.
He climbed down a ladder, noting how his current bedroom is an attic before heading downstairs. He smiled at the pictures along the halls, each one having him in the picture as if he was actually a part of the family.
“Tommy, good to see you're finally awake,” Phil greeted as he set the table. “Good morning Phil,” Tommy replied back, faking a yawn to make him seem a bit sleepy. “Want to go wake up your brothers?” Phil offered.
“Actually we're right here.” The curly brown hair piglin hybrid said, his pink-haired monotone brother following close behind. “Then in that case have a seat, I just finished making pancakes,” Phil said as he sauntered back into the kitchen. Wilbur and Techno sat across from Tommy, the seat to his left saved for Phil. “Sleep alright Toms?” brown twin Wil asked. “Yep,” he lied with a smile, trying not to gush at the nickname.
The whole meal was sweet in Tommy’s opinion. He didn’t have much to go off of, hell he didn’t even think the wish would work. All his prior ones were just “Take me to somewhere new and exciting.” He knew it wasn’t breaking any rules either, rather going around them like a loophole. He wished himself a family with no guarantee that they would like him. Tommy didn’t mind however, content with the domesticated scene and feeling as though he was one of them the whole time.
The first day was spent mostly observing and adapting. He learned how to perfectly play off of Wilbur’s humor (and annoy him), mastered socializing with Technoblade (and learned a bit more about the Greek gods), and how to preen Phil’s feathers. Everything was perfect and the Crafts were oblivious to the truth, that the fourth and final member of their family was a mere fake.
“What did you think of the song?” Wilbur asked. The two were sitting on his bed, the elder asking Tommy for his opinion on a new song. “That was incredible Will!” he exclaimed. Tommy didn’t get to hear much music by the Well, Wilbur being one of the few to play for him.
The brunette blush, “It was just a little song, you act like you haven’t heard music in years.” It's true though, the boy thought, the last bard was about 61 years ago. “Well maybe I just like your music, Wilby.”
Tommy froze as the elder turned pink. “Did you call me Wilby Toms?” Wilbur cooed, placing his guitar against the wall “Uh, no … Why?” He rebuttal, a tad embarrassed. “You can call me whatever you want Sunshine.” “I … Okay,” Tommy replied before hiding his pink face in his shoulder.
Tommy glanced at Wilbur, unsure of what to do next. The elder must have noticed as he scooted towards him. Tom felt Wil wrap him in a hug, his chin resting in his golden curls. “Everything alright?” he asked, pulling his brother closer. “Yeah … I’m just a little tired.” “Take a nap bubs, I’ll wake you up for dinner.”
Tommy snuggled deeper into Wilbur's hold, closing his eyes and resting as a human would. The warm radiating of the brunette was that of the sun. He wanted to sit in the warmth forever.
Tommy sat outside watching Techno train, trying his best to read a book he left on the garden table. He wasn’t the best reader, not getting access to books or even a proper education due to the Well. He was taught centuries ago on one of his birthdays, having visited an old library. The knowledge was lost with time, however.
“You doing alright Tommy?” Techno asked, taking a seat beside him. “Uh yeah, it's just … hard to see from the sun.” “Right,” the pink one replied, resting in the shade with his brother. “You can have it back if you want, I … didn’t get very far in the story.” He handed the man the book, barely past the second page.
“Could you tell me a story again, one with the Gods?” Tommy mumbled, hoping Techno would drop any questions about the previous interaction. Techno eyed him as his pink hair blew with the wind, “Sure.” Tommy listened intently as he told the story of Theseus and the Minotaur.
“So wait, he just dies?” “Yep,” Techno replied, as monotone as ever. “But that's not fair,” Tom said with a pout. His brother chuckled and gave a small laugh, “Nothings truly fair, Theseus.” “That’s not my name.” The blond argued. “It is now.” Techno rebuttal making the younger squawk. “Fine, but your name is … Techie from now on.” Techno eyed him before giving a soft smile, “If you say so.”
Tommy continued chatting with Techno, absorbing every moment like the roots of a flower in wet soil. Eventually, Phil called them inside for dinner, Tommy following the elder inside. “You're right about one thing,” he thought, “Nothing in this world is fair, not even this.”
Tommy offered to help Phil with dinner the next day. “Are you sure mate, I know Techno and Wilbur are busy but you don’t have to,” Phil argued as he grabbed a big pot. “But I want to. Please Dad,” Tommy whined. His puppy dog eyes broke the man quickly, “Fine, but follow what I say alright.” “Yes Sir,” he said, giving him a mock salute.
Tommy realized quickly that he had no clue how to cook anything. He knew humans relied on food for nutrients and energy but making it was so much more complicated.
“First, we need to dice the vegetables. If you get a consistent rhythm as you cut, it's … pretty easy,” Phil explained as he cut a carrot. “Just … be careful not to cut yourself.” Tommy was slow and very cautious. He knew humans bleed when they get injured. He also knew that he didn’t.
Thankfully, Phil cut most of the vegetables so the father-son duo could move on. “Now, we need to add everything into the pot and let it cook.” As Tom was dumping the ingredients (along with some beef bits) in the pot, Phil whipped them up some tea.
His father took him outside to watch the sunset as they sipped on the fresh green tea. “Did you see the flowers I added,” Phil said. “Yeah, you need to add more water and fresh fertilizer to them.” Phil looked surprised and ruffled his hair, “When did you learn so much about planting?” “I … read a book about it,” he lied. Phil simply nodded and moved to a different topic.
Later, the duo finished the food and served it, the simple stew being the best meal he had yet. The only thing that could be better, was having the Crafts as an actual family, and not the illusion of one.
On the last day, Phil announced they would travel into town. Part of Tommy was excited to see the people his father and brothers talked about while another, much more rational part was worried. He knew the Crafts thought of him as part of their family but … would the rest of the town too? He wasn’t sure how many people his wish would affect.
In short, Tommy lasted pretty well until the bakery minutes. Most people didn’t ask or we’re too busy to ask. The last stop, the bakery, wasn’t however.
The place was quaint and the girl inside greeted them.“Hey guys, who’s the new kid with you? Did Phil find a stray?” Tommy was gonna reply, play it off as a joke but Wilbur beat him. “This is Tommy Niki, don’t you remember.” “No, is he your cousin?”
Phil went next, making Tommy even more anxious, “He’s my youngest, right after Techno and Wilbur.” Niki shook her head and handed them their order, “You never once mentioned having a younger son, at least not around me. I could have forgotten but you never had a third son at all.”
The room went silent and Tommy felt the spell break. All three of them realized that “Yes, you don’t have a third son/younger brother at all.” Tommy panicked as Techno quietly said, “Tommy,” unsure as ever. And … the Well boy did the first thing that came to his mind, he ran.
Tommy rushed into their house, stumbled into a room, and locked a door. He was caught, and just before sunset. “Tom, can we talk for a minute?” Phil asked from downstairs. He could hear the others whispering as they rushed upstairs. Had they all chased him home? Could he even call this place that anymore?” “You're not in trouble Toms, we just have a few questions?” Wilbur added.
He thought about going to the Well early. He wasn’t in danger, not yet, but he didn’t want to be here either.
His body moved before his mind, opening the door to the three of them. “I’m sorry … I just … I was lonely and … you were so nice to me.” Tommy cried, getting pulled into someone's arms. Tommy hid his face in Phil’s shoulder, Wilbur rubbing his back and Techno running his hand through his hair. The trio comforted Tommy for a bit, waiting for him to calm down.
“I suppose I should explain,” he mumbled, hiding under Techno’s covers. The group had moved from the hallway to Techno’s room, the one he ran into. “It would be ideal,” Techno joked, Wilbur lightly shoving him as a result. Phil rolled his eyes and Tommy snorted.
“I met Phil about a month ago. At my Well.” the boy started as Phil gasped. “You’re … the Well boy.” Techno and Wilbur looked at their father confused. “Yes, I’m Tommy the Well spirit, one meant to grant the wishes of those who drop a gift in the Well. However, I get my own wish every 100 years. And …” “You wished to be a part of our family. Didn’t you mate?” Phil questioned while the twins processed the information.
“Yeah. I didn’t mean to lie to you, I just … you were so nice, all of you.” “Aw, Tommy,” Wilbur coos, hugging him. The blond boy nuzzled into the hold; “I wish I could stay forever,” he cried. “Of course, you can mate,” Phil announced. “Yeah, you don’t have to go anywhere Theseus,” Techno added.
“Actually … I can’t.” “What do you mean sweetheart?” Wil asked, gently brushing hair from his face. “My wish only lasts for one week, then I,” He quivered at the end. “You go back,” Techno finished, Tom giving him a small nod.
“Well, how do we stop it?” Wilbur cried, panic seeping into the room. “You can’t unless … You’d have to wish for it.
Tommy felt his soul get pulled, It was almost sunset. His body started to fade. “TOMMY!” Wilbur yelled, grabbing his fading hand. Techno grabbed the other, the stoic man looking just as worried. “Mate what,” Phil mumbled from in between them.
Tommy started to cry, “I have to go now. Techie, Wilby, thank you for making me feel human, and Dad,” Phil and his eyes linked, “You are … the best visitor I’ve ever had. I … I love you. May,” water flooded from his eyes, “may your wishes be Well.”
The last thing he saw was the birdman reaching towards him, tears falling from the pink ones eyes, and the curly brunette let out an earth-shattering cry.
Tommy went back to the Wishing Well and returned to his duties with one big difference. He was happy, content to go on from his time with the Crafts. The stars twinkled brighter than ever that night, the void in his heart somewhat filled.
Meanwhile, the Craft trio traveled to the Wishing Well. They were attached to their little Well boy and wanted him back. They wanted him free.
“Do you really think it will be that easy, I mean … he’s magic Dad,” Wilbur questioned, they had been traveling for almost a week now. “Yeah, aren’t their rules against it?” Techno added, moving a branch as they went further and further into the woods. “From what I remember, we can’t ask for someone to die, like you, or more wishes. Nothing about freeing him. Plus, I have yet to make my wish.” Phil answered as he led them.
The twins nodded as they reached the clearing, “Hello there I’m …” Tommy stopped when he saw all three of them. “You came back,” he mumbled, tears swelling in his eyes.
Wilbur was the first to act, sweeping the boy into a hug. “Oh Sunshine, I missed you so much.” Tommy clung to the man’s sweater, the familiar smell wafting into his nose. Techno slowly shuffled over, standing awkwardly to the side before getting pulled in. Phil was the last to join, wrapping them with his wings.
“I suppose you came to make a wish?” he chuckled wetly, whipping tears from his eyes. “We’re here to free you mate,” Phil replied, Techno and Wilbur nodding to his sides.
Tommy led them to the Well and explained what to do. “Drop a gift into the Well and I’ll grant it.” His voice was leaking with excitement. He was going to be free, free to leave and explore the world. Free to live like a normal person and not an immortal spirit.
“I, Philza Craft’s wish, for Tommy the Well spirit, to permanently become my third son, and the younger brother of Wilbur and Techno Craft.” Phil dropped a gold coin in the Well, the little “plonk” echoing to the top.
Tommy snapped his fingers, feeling a wave of nausea wash over him. His legs gave out as he tumbled to the floor. “Toms!” Wilbur exclaimed, moving next to him, “You okay?” Tommy leaned on his shoulder, “I think so?” The three of them noticed how Tommy’s form changed as he fell, turning him into the same boy who stayed at their home.
The blonde meanwhile felt three things for the very first time: hunger, dehydration, and tiredness. He stumbled off of his brother’s shoulder though and walked towards the barrier. He wanted to cross.
Tommy moved as close to it as he could and nervously poked his foot over the side. It … went through. Tommy rushed to the other side and laughed, “I’m free … I’m actually free!” “Yeah, you sure are mate,” Phil said, his voice having a sense of pride.
Tommy pulled them into another hug before finally falling unconscious. Someone lifted him into their arms and towards their chest, humming a soft melody as the group traveled home. Tommy didn’t know what would happen next, but he knew his family would be with him every step of the way.