Pandemonium | Dream SMP

68. A wise man once told me that Manburg was like a lettuce.

"Now that was exciting," Schlatt smirks, clapping as he approaches. The crowd part around him like the red sea, sending nervous glances back and forth. A few start to inch away in search of less intimidating entertainment.

"I disappointed you, I'm sorry." I smile sadly, accepting my jacket back. Sam doesn't budge from my side. Unlike the rest of the crowd, he has no reason to fear the president.

"Nonsense. You did exactly as I expected of you -- You put on a good show."

I furrow my brows, unsure of his mood. He's taking my defeat surprisingly well, even if Techno was technically cheating.

"But I lost against Techno."

Schlatt chuckles and takes a hold of my braid, running his thumb over it like he used to always do. It's been a while since he's shown such calm affection. "I never expected you to win, hot stuff. Even I can tell from a glance that The Blade far outmatches you in strength. I just wanted to see you struggle in a fight you couldn't win. It's rare I get to see you on the losing side of a battle."

"I... I see. Then, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."

My words come out less enthusiastically than I'd hoped, but Schlatt doesn't seem to care. He just laughs and loops an arm across my waist, pulling me to his side.

"That's my girl. Always eager to please. I knew you'd understand; you always do. Now, I think it's about time for the main event, don't you?"

"Main event?" Sam questions, finally speaking up. He's giving Schlatt a look that suggests he's less than happy with the man. Is he angry on my behalf? He shouldn't be. This is exactly the sort of thing Schlatt likes to do.

"Oh, and who are you? A new resident?" Schlatt asks, grinning.

"Sure. So what do you mean by main event?" Sam repeats, crossing his arms.

"Follow me to the podium and you'll find out. You too, hot stuff. This is going to be a scene to remember."

I exchange a look with Sam. We both have no idea what Schlatt means. Regardless we follow him to the podium stage, his arm remaining firmly clamped around my middle the entire walk. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Quackity tailing us, staying out of Schlatt's sight.

Sam is left at the base of the stage as Schlatt and I climb the stairs, appearing moments later on the platform. I almost forgot how strange Schlatt's throne was, with its bone-white appendages looking more like a ribcage than ever. Were they always that sharp?

I'm ushered to the microphone where Schlatt grabs a hold of it, bringing it to his lips.

"Ladies and gentlemen! If you could all please make your way back to the stage, today's main event is about to start! And believe me, it is one you are not going to want to miss."

"Just what are you up to?" I ask, raising a brow.

"Ah, don't you worry your pretty little head about it." He muses, giving my side a pat. "You're tired from that fight, right? Why don't you go take a seat. This is going to be a good show."

Confused but curious, I obediently take a seat to the left of the throne. Below me, the crowd begins to regather, taking their previous seats with slight confusion. Apparently, this main event is just as much a surprise for them as it is for me. Did Schlatt plan this all by himself? I don't know if I should be worried or not.

When Quackity finally appears, he casts me a quick look, checking me over, before reluctantly taking a seat also. He seems too nervous to talk to me under the direct gaze of Schlatt.