Runaways: A Dream SMP AU

Aaaaand now, the emotional rollercoaster you've all been waiting for!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Pogtopians were gathered.

Tommy stood on a table, taking charge. "If anyone has any extra resources, we have to use them now," he said. Then Techno stepped forward. "I have the resources. Everyone, follow me." He turned and started up one of the stone stairways.

Tommy considered not following, but curiosity got the better of him and he trailed after everyone. Techno led them out of Pogtopia, across the plains. Where is he taking us?

Techno stopped at a lake. "Everyone, down into the secret base." He swam under the water, and they all followed, swimming down a hatch into a tiny room that was cramped with everyone crammed inside. Bookshelves lined the walls. It didn't look like anything special.

Then Techno reached out and pulled a hidden lever. A hatch in the floor swung open, revealing a ladder leading downwards. "Now this," he said with relish as they all descended, "now this is the vault."

Tommy stepped off the ladder, skeptical. Then he saw what awaited them.

Suits of armor were assembled, ready for the taking. Chests of swords and supplies lined the walls. "I am ready for revolution, boys!" Techno crowed. His statement was a bit undermined by Tubbo racing by, his arms full of stolen emeralds.

"Is that necessary, Tubbo?" Techno asked. Tubbo nodded as he dumped all the vault's emeralds into his ender chest. "Completely necessary. Don't ask questions."

As everyone dressed in armor, Tommy sought out Tubbo. "How are you feeling, Big T?" he asked. Tubbo shrugged. "Nervous. Excited. Hopeful. Scared. Same as everyone else."

"Look, Tubbo. No matter what goes down today, this all started with us and the discs. If L'Manburg is blown up, if we lose everything today— it all comes back to me and you. Us against the world?" Tommy held out his hand.

"Us against the world," Tubbo agreed, taking Tommy's hand without hesitation. They shook on it, and then Tubbo pulled Tommy into a hug. "Don't die," Tubbo ordered.

Tommy gave him a grin with as much confidence as he could muster. "I don't plan on it," he responded. But Tubbo didn't look reassured. "No one plans on dying. Keep yourself safe. Please." "I will if you will," Tommy proposed. "Deal," Tubbo agreed.

They pulled out of their hug, and then Tommy had to leave his side to lead the group onto the battlefield.

Please, he thought. Please, universe, keep Tubbo safe today.

***

They met Manberg's forces head-on, the battle making its way to one of Eret's towers. Tommy and Tubbo fought side-by-side, their blades blocking every attack.

Glancing over at Tubbo, Tommy was surprised to see a glimpse of happiness, wild and fierce, flash across Tubbo's face. He's scared, but he knows he's doing the right thing. We're fighting for our country. There is some joy in that— and leave it to Tubbo to find it.

As the fighting raged on, suddenly Tommy found Tubbo was gone. He glanced around, panicked, but everyone looked the same at a glance— netherite armor and swords aimed to draw blood.

Suddenly Dream stepped up. His hood was pushed back, the tips of his blond hair stained red with blood. Based on his lack of scratches, it must've been someone else's blood. It could be Tubbo's, Tommy thought with a sickening pang.