(DISCONTINUED) When the Crocuses Bloom

Chapter 43

Winter’s POV:

I was silent the entire walk back to Pogtopia, seething at Techno.

When I got back into the ravine, Tommy was already shouting at Techno.

“WHY WOULD YOU KILL TUBBO?!”

“I WAS PEER PRESSURED.” Techno yelled back.

“Techno.” I spoke with calm anger. Everyone in the stone room froze and looked at me.

I walked towards the pigman. “You, me, the pit.” I pointed to the hole in the ground Wil had dug out. The murmurs of the now expanded Pogtopia, filled the dull space.

The sound of hooves on stone filled the ravine as Demetria came towards me. I turned to her to see her arm wrapped in a white bandage.

She placed a hand on my shoulder and looked me in the eyes.

“Winter, please don’t do this..” she said quietly. I reached up and put my hand over hers. “I’m sorry, I have to do this for you and Niki.”

Wilbur spoke up, climbing out of the pit he’d mined. “Tommy, Winter, you will go against Technoblade one after the other. First to lose consciousness or to tap out loses.” he said, dusting off his trenchcoat.

“Got it?” Tommy and I both nodded as I turned to him.

“Tommy, you go first.” Wilbur said, ushering him into the pit with a grin on his face.

Wilbur started to count them in. I turned back to Demetria and Niki.

“Are you both okay?” I asked, worried for them.

Niki nodded, focused on the two males beating each other to a pulp.

“I’m fine, just a burn on my arm.” Demetria answered my question. I sighed and reached up to brush my knuckles across her cheek.

“You sure?” I tried to reassure myself.

“Yes, I’m sure Winter,” she tried to ease my worries.     “Now we let’s pay attention.” she finished, recentring my attention on the pit.

“-you try to use words, Tommy but you have to understand that the only universal language is violence.” Techno was crouched in front of Tommy’s nearly passed out body.

“I’m done.” Techno said, standing up and pulling himself out of the pit. Wilbur was grinning like a maniac.

“Techno!” I shout, stepping in front of him, blocking his path.

“I said I’m done, Winter.” he said, stepping around me.

He walked out of Pogtopia, as I scowled. I walked back towards where I’d put all my stuff. I packed up the very little stuff I’d brought.

I didn’t take the packed bag with me as I walked back to the expanded group of people.

I walked up to Wilbur.

“Wilbur.” I said, looking him in the eyes, which almost lacked all sanity.

“Winter!” he said with a grin, patting my shoulder. I sighed.

“I just want you to know that I’ll be here for you, no matter what happens.” I wrapped my arms around him and brought him into a forcible hug.

Before he could hug back I walked away.

I sighed as I went to where I stashed my bag. I picked it up and leaned against the wall, tired of the whole world.

I knew how heavy the bags under my eye probably were. I hadn’t slept properly in a few days, prioritising preparations over my own self.

I slung my bag onto my shoulders and picked up my violin case. I needed to get out of here.

I lingered at the staircase out of Pogtopia.

Is there anything else? Will I need anything else?

All I knew was that I needed a different place than this. I wouldn’t make anywhere permanent, just somewhere away from people.
I walked up the jagged staircase and looked around the dimly lit forest. I sighed and walked into the forest.

“Winter?” I heard Demetria’s voice behind me. I turned to see her at the exit of Pogtopia. I looked to the forest floor, sad to be leaving her.

“I can’t stay here anymore Demetria…” I said, blinking back the tears forming in my eyes.

Demetria walked towards me and leaned down to look me in the eyes.

“Let me come with you,” she said, face completely serious. “Please.” she added.

I smiled and a tear went down my cheek.

“Of course,” said, smiling and putting arms around her neck, burying my face in her shoulder.

Demetria hugged me back, squeezing me hard.

“I’ll go grab my stuff.” she said, rushing back into Pogtopia to collect her small array of items.

I looked up to the sky and felt the pain and sadness in my bones.

I’d thought I’d escaped this.

Guess it never really goes away, huh?

I shrugged, trying to ignore the feelings overwhelming my mind.

Demetria came back out of Pogtopia with her messenger bag over her upper body.

“I’ve let Niki know we’re leaving.” I smiled knowing that Niki would be grateful for the heads up.

We held hands and walked into the twilight lit forest.

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•818 words•

I'm going to sleep now.

Goodnight.

Love y'all.

-nom <3

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