{Page 18}

Part 5
Chapter 7 - The world is cruel

"W..wait..are you...Techno?!!" Tommy screamed out the last bit, getting some attention from passing people.

"Kind of under cover right now so lower it down." His voice was deep and the "royal" red robe, coat thing he was wearing wasn't doing such a good job on trying to hide him from the crowd.

"Not a good outfit choice then." Tommy mocked at Techno. Rolling his eyes and trying to suppress his smile, he pushed Tommy, him nearly falling off the horse.

"Oi! What the fuck was that for?!!" Tommy had a mini heart attack and instead jumped off the horse and angrily glared at Techno.
Techno found this amusing.

"A symbol to show that I missed you."

Tommy pushed Techno back playfully, the way Techno said sounded was way too mushy for him.

"Hey, not even a happy or sentimental greeting?"
Techno teased Tommy making him laugh.

"Oh shut up!"
Tommy responded chuckling. He barely knew the person, however they just instantly clicked, similar to how he met Wilbur.

"How rude."
Techno grabbed his red cape dramatically and acted as if he were crying.
Techno eventually stopped the playful act and looked at Tommy dead in the eye.

"But out of all seriousness, I really did miss you bud."
Tommy saddened when he didn't remember a single piece of Technos existence until recently.
He decided to avoid all personal matters for the meantime.

"...anyways, do you know any leaders here? I want to warn them about-"

"Tommy they already know, trust me."
Techno cut him off, taking a sip from his drink.

Tommy raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

"..then how come the locals here don't?"
Tommy probed, wanting to know more.

"Simple, Tethoris doesn't want their reputation to drop so our so called leaders decided to lie about our current situation with the dragon."
Techno shrugs, however Tommy knows well he was clearly pissed off.

"But that doesn't make any sense!"
Tommy objected, Techno nodding along side him.

"Royals am I right?"
Techno sarcastically said looking around the place.
"We should go to a more secluded place, follow me."

Techno walked away, expecting Tommy to follow him which he did.

Tommy had forgotten about Spark, having a small panic attack.

But Spark sat peacefully and patiently looking at Tommy.
"I really am terrible at animals..."

"Tommy!?"

"Yup!"
He ran ahead to where Techno was standing, waiting for him.

He hopped onto the horse and did a final check to see if he had everything.

"Yeah I'm coming!"

~~~

"So Techno, how did you recognise me straight away?"
Tommy asked the pink, braided hair man. With pointy ears that was highly interesting for the blonde.

The two were staying at a tavern, Tommy knowing he's underaged to drink he got apple cider while Techno asked for water.
Spark and the horse stayed outside enjoying their small batch of food.

"Well, You know Philza? Our dad?"
Techno started off.

"Yeah I've heard of him..why?"
Tommy winced at the mention of his family. He wanted to get back and know what their next course of action will be.

"He adores you, and of course all of us. You being the youngest, he wants to check up on you all the time. So he sometimes...spies.." Techno revealed, Tommy looked at him with pure disbelief.

"That's so creepy! So my own..father..is a stalker?!"
Tommy questioned him even more, he wants to see if his "family" is crazy.

"Well he just wants to see if you're alright, if you're handling your abilities alright and that stuff."
Techno tried to reassure him, taking another sip of his water.

"Still sounds weird.."
Tommy mummers, Techno nods, taking a sip from his drink.

"Well that's on him, not me. Talks about you everyday. I'm jealous."
Techno reassures, knitting together his brows when Tommys expression was still blank.

"Well some one craves attention."
Tommy taunted, drinking his apple cider.

"What ever, my point being is that we all missed you when you had to leave for your own good. For your safety actually."

"But I'm strong enough!"
Tommy protests, slightly and angrily taking a sip from his own drink.

He pouted at Techno who seemed disappointed.
"Back when you were little you weren't."

"W...well.."
Tommy tried to protest but the door of the tavern opened wide, with too much force.

In came two people, Tommy thought this wasn't important but to Techno it was.
"Tommy let's go."

Techno stood up, putting on his red, furry cape in a rush.

"Wait why?"
Tommy wanted an explanation, trying to finish his drink quickly.

"No time for explanations, I'll explain later but let's-"

"Well won't you look at this?!"
Tommy looked at the stranger, they had a suit and horns on their head, much alike to a goat.

"A traveler?! Welcome to Tethoris my friend!" The stranger smiled at him, making Tommy feel safe yet uneasy at the same time.

"Hello."
Tommy replied, trying not to be awkward. He did a side glance to Techno who was frowning at the man and glaring at him.

"I am the leader of Tethoris and I am so glad to see new people coming here! And you are...?"

"Tommy."
He replies discreetly, still side eyeing Techno was waiting impatiently for the conversation to end.

"Tommy!"
The stranger shook his hand happily, Tommy felt a bit uncomfortable but was relieved when Techno placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Sorry sir I'm afraid we're leaving now." Techno growled at the leader.
Tommy gave wide-eyes with shock and turned to the leader then at Techno.

"Oh come on now, you never see the leader often due to recent events..And no need to call me so formally, calling me Schlatt would make it all better."
Schlatt says with a slight tease at the edge, annoying Techno more than wanted.

"Now sir...when did you arrive to this city..?" Schlatts voice dropped surprisingly low, interrogating Techno.
Tommy shuddered at the sound and looked at Techno, he was still glaring.

"Just last night."
His response was brief. Making Schlatt, in Tommy's opinion, annoyed.

"I see."

Another man approached Schlatt, he wore a lime green hoodie and a mask..smile.

wait a minute.

"D...Dream?!"
Tommy blurted out, the masked mans head turned to Tommy.

"Ah well isn't this a coincidence?! I see you know Dream, my new bodyguard around here. Dream do you know him as well? And do you also know him...pig man?"
Schlatt mocked at Techno who forced a dangerous laugh.

But, Technos face darkened as soon as he heard that name. Tommy felt cold at the sudden tension right now.

"Don't you ever fucking call me that name again."
Techno snapped, taking a step towards Schlatt. Dream stood in front of Schlatt, as if protecting him.

"I would recommend to not get into a fight." Dream stated, staring at Techno darkly. Tommy saw Schlatt smirk but quickly covered it with his usual "happy" smile.

"No need to do this Dream! Let's go, and Tommy?"
He turned to see Schlatt smiling at him creepily.

"Something will be announced near evening, by the museum of legends it'll be held at." Schlatt said to Tommy, looking at Dream.

"Tommy and I are busy so I apologise-"
Techno says, however Schlatt raised his voice.

"It'll be about the Ender Dragon~"
that was enough for Tommy to be convinced to go. He looked at Techno, begging to go.

Techno groaned at Tommy.
"Fine."

"Right then! It'll be a pleasure to see you two at this! Till then."
Schlatt proceeded to walk out the door, Dream hesitant to follow.

"Dream?"
Tommy called out, looking at the masked man curiously.

"Don't worry Tommy, you're not in trouble."
He reassured, though Tommy wasn't fully happy.

"W..wait! When did you even arrive here?! And is Tubbo alright?!"
Tommy pleads once more before Dream walks out.

The masked man and Techno exchanged an uncertain glance with each other.

"I arrived just last night and yes they're all perfectly fine."
Dream then left, still leaving Tommy confused and Techno uneasy. Such a strange day.

"Tommy let's go, and wait for this...announcement..."
Techno tenses slightly, Tommy suppressing a smirk.

"Techno why do you seen so tense? Lighten up!"

"No such thing as tense, it's called being ready for anything...and this seems suspicious of Schlatt to do this.."
Techno grumbled, still quite angry about what happened earlier.

"Well if we get more information about this Dragon I'm sure we'll be alright!"
Tommy says with a positive attitude, awaiting Technos reply.

The man could only cringe at the sight and nod.
"Sure.."

Tommy skipped outside, Techno staying in the tavern for a bit longer.

~~~

Tommy was on his horse, to get a better view of course. Spark sat beside him, like a small bodyguard which made everyone back away from him.

Techno was all the way from the other side of where Tommy was, he could still see him but only his pink hair.

Techno had told them it's best to separate so they won't grab too much attention.
I mean, isn't it weird to just see a young, 16 year old boy on a horse with a kitsune beside a who knows what age pink haired pig man that has a huge red cape behind him?

Yeah, way too strange and suspicious so they agreed to depart and stay far from each other for the time being and meet up at the end.

Tommy waited until finally he heard whispers from the crowd and a smiling Schlatt above them all, smiling...creepy.

He saw Schlatt look at all of them and take a deep breath.

"Citizens of Tethoris!" Schlatt preached to them, looking at his small followers.

"As you may know, a danger lies here in Tethoris. It is my responsibility to inform you all."

Tommy suspected he's going to discuss the Dragon situation and he completely agrees, Tommy acted oblivious to blend into the crowd, well try to.

"The Ender Dragon has came and is right here in Tethoris!" Schlatt announced. Tommy saw the crowds shocked expressions and gasps.

"No need to fear my citizens, every generation the Ender Dragon was just, well a Dragon! But this generation, the Dragon is not only a Dragon, But a Human."

Tommy did a genuine gasp this time and even Spark seemed to be surprised with this information.
Tommy looked over to Techno who also seemed surprised.

"And I, have discovered who the undercover Ender Dragon is. Thanks to Dream of course." Schlatt looked at Dream who did a small wave to the crowd.

"My people, the Ender Dragon! Is none other than the dear old..." Schlatt went quiet to raise the suspension.

Who is the Ender Dragon?! And a human?! What?! Tommy pondered still looking at Techno then at Schlatt, scared.

"Technoblade!" Schlatt pointed at Techno who was shocked. Techno? Is the Ender Dragon?

"Arrest him! Warriors, soldiers, guards, after him!"
Schlatt said. Immediately, all the soldiers and guards came running through the crowd to Techno.

"Techno!!"
Tommy cried out, watching as Techno dodged the guards and run.

"From now on! Techno is now Exiled from Tethoris and everywhere! And whoever brings that pigs head to me will win a huge reward!" Schlatt declared watching happily as the guards run, trying to catch Techno.

Tommy stood still, staring at Techno with pity. His eyes glared to the stand where Schlatt was starting to exit calmly.
How dare he, he knows that Techno isn't the Dragon, he can't be!

"Let's chase after him, Cmon Spark!"
Tommy hit the reigns of the horse and they ran towards the direction of where Techno fled.

His horse and him galloped passed the fleet of soldiers who were also after Techno, luckily they thought Tommy was also after Techno so he easily followed the guards ahead who had a better lead where Techno was.

Tommy decided to do something dangerous, danger is his middle name and it will help him find Techno.

"Spark!"
He heard the kitsune's small squeak in response. Tommy smiled mischievously.

"Let Loose!"
Tommy turned the horse and saw a brilliant light. Fire. From Spark.

Luckily they weren't near any wood but the fire was strong and hot which made the soldiers back away immediately.
Spark continued spitting out fire onto the ground, he watched as it flared up into the air like a huge fire wall.

Tommmy took a quick look and saw one last soldier step into the forest, smiling to himself he followed.
Spark continued spitting out fire happily until Tommy told him to stop, in case they actually do injure someone.

Sparks ears dropped sadly, who knew a kitsune loves chaos?

Spark followed Tommy into the dark forest, occasionally hearing screams, shouts and cries.
Tommy winced at the sound but continued to chase the soldiers bravely, desperate to see if Techno is alright.

Sure he's only known that guy for a few hours but Techno has been really nice and caring towards him, looks intimidating but he's a gentle giant in Tommy's opinion!

He stopped abruptly when he saw the soldiers running the opposite direction, scared? How come? Questions flooded him when he heard a loud shriek that sounded not so human.

Tommy decided to venture into the forest further, ignoring the screams that repeatedly came.
He noticed that the screams became louder and a sudden urge in him wanted him to see this, so desperate.

He finally arrived, it was chaos.

A three headed monster that had the body like a skeleton torso. It had black particles surrounding it.
The three heads were staring at soldiers who were now running and screeching at them which was painful.

Tommy studied this monster. Tubbo showed him in his book.

A wither.

One of the few creatures that are near but not quite as powerful as The Ender Dragon.

Odd to see it in such a place like this, especially near a city that has a huge population!

Not many soldiers were here, but if there were they were running. Away from the wither.

Tommy didn't understand, how did a wither came upon Tethoris?!
Was it the people that angered it?! Did they do something wrong?! Is it after him?!

Then Tommy noticed something so peculiar, a small crown atop of the withers head.

Tommy remembered a small bit of information Techno had told him about himself. And a crown was one of the key points he had mentioned to him.

Of course the idea was bizarre, out of the question actually but it was worth trying.

"Techno!!" Tommy screamed at the Wither. Immediately, it's three heads had faced directly at him.

Tommy soon felt very light headed all of a sudden. Hearing voices.

"P̸l̸e̸a̸s̸e̸, d̸o̸n̸t̸ h̸u̸r̸t̸ m̸e̸"
(Please don't hurt me)

The voice in his head was weak, exhausted. He felt so guilty, why is he in so much pain? The world is cruel.

"I won't! Techno what's going on!!" Tommy shouted out, he noticed a group of soldiers heading their way.
Shit.

"Techno we gotta move! At least transform back or-?!" An arrow struck Technos chest, the wound wasn't bad as Techno recovered quickly.
This frightened the soldiers.

'D̸I̸E̸...D̸I̸E̸..D̸I̸E̸!'
(DIE...DIE..DIE)

Tommy watched in horror as Techno killed all the soldiers so effortlessly. With just a single wither head, he killed over 10 soldiers.

"Techno!" Tommy tried to reach out for him, but Techno brushed passed him, pushing him away.
Tommy fell and groaned in pain. The Wither was looking straight at him.

'B̸l̸o̸o̸d̸...B̸l̸o̸o̸d̸..'
(Blood...Blood..)

"Techno you're acting crazy! Stop this now!!"

The Wither was close, feeling odd. He started to feel pain for some reason. Tubbo informed this to him!

The Wither Effect!

The Wither stared at him, amused with him as he started to feel weak.

Tommy held out a hand, and placed it on Technos head, the middle one.

Tommy gave a small smile to Techno, he was going to die.
Yet a happy death?

"..Blood...for the...Blood God." Tommy managed to mutter out, his eyes began to close and a cloud of darkness shrouded him.

Though...the Wither was no more.

It was Technoblade.