Pandemonium | Dream SMP

23. What's got your panties in a twist?

"Get 'em out of here! They're no longer welcome!" Schlatt hollers down the microphone, a finger pointing down and directly at the two horror-struck males. They're frozen in place, pale-faced and confused as cries of disbelief ring out through the crowd.

Those that are on their new president's side snap their heads in the direction of Tommy and Wilbur, determination blazing in their eyes. Some over-enthusiastic citizen draws out a bow and cocks it, letting an arrow fly in their direction.

The arrow misses, but the damage has already been done.

All at once everyone jumps to their feet, drawing out numerous blades and weapons with an ear-splitting 'shing'. The noise has Wilbur and Tommy snap out of their stupor and leap to their feet, knocking back chairs as they go sprinting in unison across the podium grounds, dodging swords and arrows as they run. Even from up on the stage I can hear their yells of fear, calling out to each other to run. To hurry. To not look back.

I turn away, biting my lip. I can't watch. I don't want to watch. I don't understand why I feel this way. I've never batted an eye at violence before. I've never so much as gagged at the sight of blood and gore. But this sight right now. Why does it make me feel so sick?

But even more so, why didn't I see it coming? This is perfectly within Schlatt's character. I should have anticipated this event.

"Ahh, that was too easy." Schlatt sighs into the microphone, watching the crowd run wild in their search for Wilbur and Tommy. Only a few remain seated now, watching Schlatt. The ones unwilling to chase down their former leader. I see with mild relief that Niki is amongst them, her expression tight and eyes narrowed as she glares up at the horned man. At least she hasn't turned to violence. I don't want her to have to experience such an ugly thing.

The sky rumbles lowly as if chuckling, a sprinkle of rain splattering across my skin. It's light, a simple taste of the storm brewing over the horizon. Of the dark clouds gathering.

Under the pretence of rain, Schlatt's new followers begin filing back to their seats, blades propped against their shoulders. It seems Wilbur and Tommy have escaped for the moment, probably hidden somewhere within L'Manburg.

"Until further notice," Schlatt's cool voice hums through the speakers once enough of his followers have gathered, "Wilbur Soot and Tommy Innit are merely a memory of L'Manburg. A relic of the past. A reminder of the darkest era this country has ever seen, and I guarantee you all dear citizens, tonight that changes. We are entering into a new period of L'Manburg. A period of prosperity. Of strength. Of unity. Can we give it up for no more Wilbur Soot and Tommy Innit?!"

The crowd roars, some raising their weapons along with their voices. An army. Schlatt's army. Just how long will he be able to keep them under check?

"Yeah! That's right!" He hollers, working the crowd into a tizzy, "Who wants lower taxes?! Let me hear you! I'm gonna fill every fountain with Hawaiian punch!"

I sweatdrop.

And there he goes drunk on power. That didn't take long at all.

"This is going to be hilarious," George comments, clapping along with the crowd.

"Oh, you have no idea," I mutter in response, raising my own hands to clap too. I'm Schlatt's companion. I should be seen supporting him.

Quackity, who up till now had been laughing and cheering along with every word of Schlatt's, leans up and says something into his ear. It has Schlatt blink, and a large, cruel grin spread across his face.

"That's right, I almost forgot. Has anyone seen Tubbo? I need Tubbo."

My clapping slows as worry springs up into my chest. What does Schlatt want with Tubbo?