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I know it's dark here, you know what I'm scared too
For some reason right now, of everything but you
And right now you're all that I recognise
You know I came here when I needed your soft voice
Snow fell over the once ruler of these great lands, the Dream SMP, where the tall elegant being stood whispering to a star-dusted crow with nether purple eyes. The former Ruler shivered in the cool air as they spoke quietly to the night-black bird, both from the cold temperature and the death they were trying to arrange.
Their floor-length rose red robe was dotted with white precipitation, some flakes melting against their exposed skin as they took a breather outside to arrange an assassination. Dressed in their very best clothes, the crown they wore now signified nothing as their power was just removed from their grasp by the one who controlled it all anyways. Long black slacks covered their legs from winter’s bite, a casual blue button up shirt on top. Within their castle they often took their armour off but today it still encased their body, over their clothes, preferred the safety of having it on.
“Technoblade, I need you to come kill the man who has taken my throne.” The traitorous words fell from their full lips to only the fowl perched on their cape covered shoulder. “Or should I say the man who was appointed in my place after I was thrown from the palace I built.”
Eret reflected on what had become of the position they had sold their soul to the devil for, throwing away many treasured friendships for a peace they realised would never come. All the former Ruler ever amounted to was another figurehead for Dream to puppeteer in the ways he desired, the seat nothing more than a place for his latest pawn to sit. Upon a golden throne stained with previous allies' blood, their haunted stares following Eret even into their nightmares and waking regrets.
The overthrowing still stung, Eret had always done their best to keep the harmony between all factions that rose and fell on this disorderly server. It was a place they had given up their old life for, signed away their friend’s lives to be in, something that was a lot less powerful than the bargain they struck. The guilt they held deep within their stomach felt like heavy stones most days, it hurt most in the dead of night when things came knocking on the door they locked it all behind in their mind.
“Damnit.” Eret cursed, shivering, snow sliding off the roof of their huge castle to conveniently, right down their long neck. The crow cawed at having their perch taken from them, hovering before the being with pearlescent white eyes and a golden crown that now meant nothing. “Go straight to Technoblade for me and we can arrange a place to meet to work out the terms, thank you Goddess.”
The crow chirped before flying high into the night sky, their colouring mixing with the blackness that coated the server. Eret watched it leave, wondering if this was truly the best plan to entangle themselves in.
As they returned indoors, the rage roared once more in their chest seeing George lounge about on the chair they had sat in for years. Eret’s heart felt certain then that the contract they were about to bargain for was worth their return to ruling. The brunette didn’t trust George as far as they could throw them, the statuesque brunette was so enthralled with Dream he would do whatever the green bastard desired.
I needed to hear something that sounded like an answer
Now I wait here and sometimes I get one
And it's nothing I'll forget when the moon gets tired
Cool blue water lapped against the dock they stood on, awaiting the piglin hybrid’s arrival. George’s official coronation was in a few days in front of invited server members, Eret had been through such a range of emotions since they initially sent the crow begging help from someone who had been kind to them in the past.
From guilt about being upset over losing a throne won by the death of their closest companions all the way to happiness they were free from Dream’s choking strings. How could they still want a position where their choices were illusions? When all opposition was met with a deadly promise of sharp metal pressed to their unscarred throat, threatening them into silence?
Maybe it was the small choices they could enforce while still under Dream’s thumb, the tiny rulings they could shift for the benefit of all. George would only think of what he and Dream wanted, not consider those others who declared independence from the first person to walk the server.
If Eret wanted anything attached to their name besides betrayer, kingship is what they wanted most. Even if everyday they walked back into that throne room to face down Dream and his threats, they would do that. They dedicated their undeserved life to the crown for the betterment of all, but for that to happen they had to remove the current King and establish themselves once more.
“Hullo, Eret!” Technoblade’s booming voice broke through their thoughts, drawing them back to the dock they stood on.
The pair had arranged to meet away from the main trails of the server, Eret not wanting to be spotted meeting Techno in case word got back to Dream. The piglin strode towards the tall being with a wide smile, Eret couldn’t help but return the expression. Sure, the pink-haired man’s reputation preceded him; ruthless with a dislike of government and the best at combat on the server, few chose to cross blades with him.
Specifically between the crown-wearing pair that were on the dock, no conflicts lay unresolved. In fact, Eret had always been fond of the piglin in his brutal yet upfront ways. Behind Techno’s cold walls, a small bit of affection had been shown to the former Ruler before. Often the piglin vouched for them when all others wouldn’t, Eret felt akin to the dangerous man at their side. Glancing at their reflection and similar choices of dressing, another similarity lay upon the water's surface.
The piglin wore a long red cloak that nearly matched Eret’s over shimmering vibrant netherite armour. His lengthy pink strands were tied in their usual braid, brushing his lower back. The other bits of shiny on the hybrid were an amethyst necklace that glowed faintly and a gold-gilded emerald earring in his right ear. Eret always wondered why they had woken up with a similar piece, Techno had been uncharacteristically evasive when questioned about it so eventually they left it alone.
“How are you today, Techno?” They asked, their deep voice tired as Techno observed them with a critical eye.
“Clearly better than you.” The piglin teased, choosing to lean against a dock post with his scarred hand on a gleaming netherite sword handle. “I heard you have been dethroned.”
Straight to the point, as always. “You have heard correctly.”
“According to the message I received you wish for me to empty your throne once more?” Techno said casually, like they were discussing the weather and not murdering a man in cold blood. “Why?”
Eret hadn’t expected this question, taking a few moments to gather their thoughts before facing the piglin head on. His blood red eyes met Eret’s, not flinching as others had, Techno’s face reading a casual interest as he awaited their answer.
“Each day I walk into that room to see George on the throne I built, a little more of my decaying rotten soul flakes away. I paid with the blood of dear people to sit there and be able to speak out for my fellow men. Dream’s favourite won’t do that, all he cares about is the title and enacting his wants.” Taking a deep breath, they continue while leaning against the post opposite to Techno.
“The only thing Dream listens to is black and white consequences, if I can show I am willing to do anything towards keeping myself as Ruler he won’t try to dethrone me again. When I gain the position back I can mediate the treaties between factions once more, something George shows no interest in. This server has enough chaos, I only want to do my best in preventing all out wars once more.”
“I do not stand for governments, you know this.” Techno affirms, before sighing and shrugging, meeting Eret’s eyes once more. “Something about you is an exception though.”
Eret’s chest tightens, their beaten heart warm at the small affection the piglin gave. A few more minutes pass before Technoblade nods. “I’ll help your cause, an’ only your cause because somehow even the Voices scream their support of you.”
The Voices he spoke about were noise the Blood God constantly heard, part of the Death Goddess’s blessing for his ageless flesh. Often he consulted them for decisions, usually they screamed for death from what Eret had heard so they were surprised they vouched for him.
“His coronation is a few days out and for the biggest statement, I think we should plan for then.” Eret explained, Techno offering his agreement.
The pair traded a few more ideas for the plan before finalising the details, Techno summoning a crow with Philza’s help to stick close to the former Ruler. Day or night, the crow would reach the piglin if Eret needed his help any earlier. He would arrive on the day of celebration like he wished to congratulate the new King, Dream had invited the piglin after all. The two were on friendly terms but Techno could be persuaded otherwise, preferring a Ruler who would be neutral compared to one driven by selfish motivations.
“Take care of yourself, my Monarch.” Techno tipped his head in respect, leaving Eret stunned as he walked away.
My Monarch?
You are stuck to me everyday
Believe in what I am because it's all that I have today
And tomorrow who knows where we'll be
The former Ruler fidgets nervously where they stand, inside the throne room glaring at the chair they planned to take back today. George was nowhere in sight, probably sleeping in while his friends rushed around preparing for the day. Today they stood vulnerable with no armour, wanting Dream’s association to relax their guard around them.
Not even resisting as Dream ordered Eret around, he seemed more stressed than the future King who was still lazing around in bed. They went through the motions of cleaning the castle and helping with decorations, all the while cursing the green-eyed bastard out in their head. Dressed in their absolute best in a flowing robin egg blue blouse and easy to move in leggings, they waited out the hour hand on the clock. Their emerald earring bumped against their neck when they moved, a constant reminder to stay grounded.
The ceremony was set for mid-day, Techno had confirmed he would come about half an hour beforehand. He didn’t want to make small talk, more just blend into the background until the appointed time.
Eret worried more as the minutes ticked by until they spotted the familiar mane of lotus pink hair, Techno still wearing his armour as he walked in laughing about something Dream said. His golden crown was polished to perfection matching the piglin’s jewellery, Sapnap walking beside with an admiring expression as he listened to the piglin joke.
The former Ruler stood off towards the wall, pretty and the perfect subject as Dream basked in his element with George on his arm surrounded by other server members. Both held it above everyone’s heads, creating an impossible distance between rulership and subjects. Another thing they criticised the pair for heavily, the ruling class should immerse themselves around the ones they were trying to protect.
Eret caught Techno’s quick inquisitive look which gave the tiniest nod, straightening up to go to another room away from prying gazes. They reviewed the plan, Dream had walked him through the itinerary for the event, promising deadly consequences if they stepped out of line.
As if threatening someone with a want for death to atone for their sins was an effective method. But they kept reminding themself rather than running away, they should face the problems head on. Like a certain obsidian-headed piglin with a love for anarchy and a hidden golden heart always did with cheerful enthusiasm to roll with the punches thrown at him.
Brushing their long chestnut curls with nervous energy, staring at the crown that was to be given to the new King. Theirs felt like an imposter, as heavy as judgement while it sat on top of their long hair. Techno planned his arrival when the actual event would begin, soon Dream would be back here to collect the circlet he intended to award to the gorgeous boy who held his attention and a willing ear.
At that time, Eret was supposed to be waiting to walk up with Dream while he appoints George. Just to rub the salt in deeper to the wound that the first man to walk the world controlled all. Using a thin pale hand they adjusted their own mark of leadership, hoping and praying this was the best thing to do. Knowing in their gut this was the time to prove to Dream they could rule as an impartial party while refusing to roll over and surrender anymore.
Eret wonders if they perhaps should have called on some support for the future after it all died down, knowing Dream was immediately going to search for weak spots to force their compliance with.
“Are you ready, former King?” Dream’s voice curdled their insides, externally they slid a mask of indifference they had perfected on.
“Yes sire.” Eret hoped the hellfire that raged inside didn’t melt into their voice, trying their very best to act how Dream always wished.
A few steps behind Dream, like the emerald eyed blonde always dictated, they followed him out to the red carpet where George stood. The former Ruler found Techno’s face once more, a friendly ally among this pit of snakes who only seeked selfish power. Eret rapidly blinked tears away behind the sunglasses covering their ‘ghastly’ eyes, they only took them off in the presence of friends and those they trusted. Returning their attention to the front, George kneels as Dream says some grand speech they never got themselves.
A nightmare at play in front of them, it took all of Eret’s willpower to not say anything. Clenching their manicured nails deep into their palm’s flesh, Eret reminded their impulsive thoughts there was a plot in the works and they must stick to the plan. Feeling warmth well up they released the cutting pressure, wrapping them behind their corseted waist to hide beneath their fur lined cape.
“In the name of DreamXD I declare you, Georgenotfound, to be the new King of the Dream SMP.” The blonde announces, Eret clenching their hands once more before returning them to the front to clap. “Long live the King!”
Wincing at the tingles of pain the fresh wounds caused while applauding, they walked to their assigned side of the throne where Dream had instructed them to stand after. A place with the perfect view of all the well wishers as they swore their fealty to the new ruler, the man was a conniving maniac in driving his pawns to desperation.
“May I go first?” Techno surprised all but Eret, remembering the piglin explaining he would go first to really drop their defences. The major cause of disorder bowing to the ruling class? Unthinkable and wonderful for Dream’s cause.
Watching his mad emerald eyes sparkle at the concept, Dream waves his hand to George as he steps back with a flourish. “Be my guest.”
Techno steps up to before George, clearing his throat before placing one hand to his chest, other limp at his side near that deadly blade. “Long live the King? I agree, but my King is not George.”
Faster than all could blink, Techno drew his sword and cut directly through George’s chest, pinning him to the throne won through many people’s lives. Gasps of horror and shouts of anger rang out as crimson blood splashed down gold, the piglin facing the room once more. Using his free hand, he braces George’s corpse and pulls it out, blood dripping down the sharp metal to the floor beneath.
Eret’s stomach rolled at the violence before pulling out their own preferred weapon and levelling the bow on Dream’s chest, directly on his heart.
“Freeze.”
Dream’s mouth dropped open facing down a pissed off piglin and Ruler, both with weapons aimed towards whoever came too close. They watched Dream shake his head, barely contained anger licking in those emerald eyes as he faced down the ones who just committed treason.
“What the fuck are you doing, Eret and Technoblade?” Dream hissed, the room silent as they watched in morbid horror while George’s body was surrounded with purple particles behind the trio.
“Getting my throne back.” Eret spoke loudly, narrowing their eyes behind the panes of their darkened glasses. “You appointed me first, I am making my stand to get back what you wrongfully took from me.”
“A king should be impartial to factions an’ subjects, ruling with the greater good of everyone in mind.” Techno joined the discussion, wiping the blood from his sword on his cape before he wielded it standing at Eret’s side. “My Monarch, your seat.”
Techno made a show of pointing the blade just used to kill another towards the now empty throne, George’s body transported back to the Death Goddess for her to remove one chance. This server operated on a system of three, the number of members with their full amount dwindled by the day.
Swallowing heavily but committing, arranging their cape and shealthing their bow before sitting down upon the crimson stained chair. From this perspective they looked down upon the one who wanted too much. “I am Ruler of this server, I have sacrificed far too much for you to just hand it off to the one you prefer. I intend to mediate all land discussions and keep this world peaceful, but if you challenge my position again; well, you see who will come knocking.”
Techno gave a proud smirk through his piglin tusks, holding his free blood covered fist to his chest, other hand still holding his weapon at the ready. “If anyone is announced for this throne I give up my peaceful ways an’ will come to summon withers wherever I want. Of course if any governments prove themselves as dangerous I will come clear that up too.”
“After all, my dear friend has access to an undisclosed wither farm I built and he now has quite the collection, don’t you?” Eret crooned, leaning onto the throne arm closer to Techno who gave a deep chuckle.
“Oh I have a few here an’ there.” Anyone who took that to mean as the man had less than fifty was insane, Eret knew the level of preparations the piglin would go too.
“This is what you choose?” Dream choked out, axe shaking as his rage betrayed itself through his body language. “You dare sit on the throne I gave you after murdering someone for it?”
Looking to Techno now, he hissed out. “Why do you back them? I thought you hated any sort of ruling system.”
“I will only bow to one Ruler Dream, they are the only expectation.” Technoblade said firmly, his ruby red eyes steady.
The man seemed wholly unsure of what to do, picking a fight with the piglin would only lead to his demise. Try as he might no one could best the Blade in combat, least no one on this server had before. While the Blood God supported Monarch Eret, if anything happened to them they knew Technoblade would make good on every destruction filled promise he has ever made. Then probably invent some new ones, he was quite creative and had aeons of knowledge to draw on.
“Fine.” Dream said simply, not putting away his axe but shrugging. “I understand your terms.”
All gathered shared similar looks of awe and a few looked scared, Eret felt bad doing such drastic measures in front of others but this was the only way Dream would concede. For now.
The Monarch knew they weren’t safe forever, but glancing at the piglin who looked gleeful and supportive they knew they were cared for.
From here I can hardly see a thing
But I will follow anyone who brings me to you
For now, forever, for on and on and on
You know it starts here, outside waiting in the cold
The emerald-eyed bastard and his supporters cleared out fast after that, Dream biting out that he would be back to talk to Eret later. Technoblade helpfully reminded him of his demise if he got word the man had harmed the Ruler, getting a snarl he stormed off.
The night passed in celebration after that, most other members who were attending were doing so because they were scared of Dream. Since Eret established themselves on the throne of their own power, many visabley relaxed while partying away the evening.
Eret took a break from the festivities in the courtyard they had so carefully tended to over the years, filled with flowers and trees from all different biomes. Breathing in the fragrant air, the door to the castle creaked open.
“Can I join you?” Techno asked, Eret gesturing him in.
“Of course.” Eret invited, happy seeing the wonder on Techno’s weathered face glancing around the garden.
They shivered, the cool air biting their bare sweaty skin as they drew their cloak tighter to their slim body. Crickets chirped in the silence before Techno’s voice broke it, deep tones warm while he spoke.
“Today was a success, I am glad.”
Eret gives a wide and free smile, nodding. “Only thanks to you, you went above and beyond.”
“It’s true, you know.” Techno’s voice softened, uncharacteristic to the gruff warrior. “You are the only exception to my rules, you are unique an’ unbiased even when faced with the worst circumstances. Not many could stand up against their manipulator an’ demand the power imbalance to be undone.”
Eret’s eyes filled with tears, pulling their sunglasses off to wipe the water droplets before Techno offered a handkerchief. “I still feel bad that George had to die. He was lazy but not necessarily a bad person.”
“You let me bear that burden.” Techno states, holding up his palm to their muttered protests. “Sure it was your idea but you let me take that weight as I accepted the deal. You have too many skeletons an’ things you feel guilty over already, my Monarch.”
Eret glances between his pitch-black pupils before agreeing softly. “What did you want in return? We never discussed that?”
“Just leave me be in my base.” Techno asks, imploring them. “You can come visit anytime, this isn’t against you but I just want some quiet for a while. Do me a favour an’ throw everyone off my trail unless you need me.”
His blood red eyes glow briefly as he holds out a scarred hand, a star-dusted crow with purple eyes landing before cocking its head in the Ruler’s direction. “If you ever need me, use the crow. I will come as soon as I possibly can an’ if I am too late, I will avenge you tenfold. Stay strong the way I have seen you become, I sleep much better at night with you on the throne.”
“And I sleep much better knowing I have your protection.”
Both golden crowned beings bow to each other in the privacy of that floral sanctuary before Techno leaves with a wave. Eret watches the piglin whistle as he heads down the path, a smile on both their faces. The Monarch worried for what the consequences of this declaration would be but knew no matter the outcome, this was something that had to happen for harmony to be kept.