Silent Ruler [DNF]

Chapter 28: Ready, set, go!

Sneaking out of the kingdom was easier than expected. Exiting that horrible place and reentering the forest felt like returning to the surface for air and the energy returned like a flood.

Dream found one of the secret tunnels that led inside the cave. Being back brought him so much inner peace.

Almost everyone was sat around the fireplace. Before he could comprehend what was happening, he was tackled to the ground by Sapnap, Quackity and Karl. They then proceeded to cover him in some form of hug-pile. They must've looked ridiculous, four fully grown guys in a pile on the ground. But Dream had never been more thankful for the comfort from his friends. Living in the kingdom had his body acting on survival mode which was clearly highly draining.

Eventually the pile unraveled and Sapnap literally dragged him up from the ground and forced him to sit down by the fire. His friend had already explained the most vital parts. So, he just patched together the missing details. How he'd pretended to be George's royal guard. He told them how the prince was slowly poisoning the ground with aluminum, how the shield was in danger and that an army was approaching in less than an hour.

Everyone stilled at the revelation.

"But George's the king. Can't he call it off?" Tommy suddenly asked.

Dream's gaze dropped to the ground. Sapnap seemed to have informed everyone about George's true self.

"The title is his on paper. But he possesses no real power over the kingdom and its residents." Dream admitted.

"Where's George now?" Bad asked calmly.

Dream's eyes remained on the ground. It wasn't like George had given him much of a choice in leaving him behind. He had also promised that he knew how to defeat his brother and that they'd be reunited at some point. Still, it felt shameful to admit that he'd left the brunette behind.

George's command of cutting the water streams to the tree and securing some form of barricade around the forest reappeared in his mind. "He's destroying his brother's machine and told me return. Claiming that it was important to prepare for the attack and cut the water reaching the tree for some reason."

Carefully he lifted his gaze to look at Bad. The guy had a sorrow filled expression and Dream could sense that he knew more than he let on.

"I think it's best that we evacuate the youngest ones." Philza stated firmly.

Only then did it hit Dream just how much of a disadvantage they were in. Most people in the cave were barely adults. A few knew how to fight, but that was not even half of them. He glanced at Sapnap and the ravenette must've understood what Dream was thinking.

It was up to them.

Without another word, Dream got up and headed to the tree. Its glorious built had already dulled, indicating that the overdose on aluminum had began affecting its target. Leaves were falling and slowly floating in the water around the roots.

He placed his palm against the stem. Maybe it was a result of the many days trapped in the castle, but Dream could've sworn he felt a heartbeat. It awoke a rage like never before. Those fuckers had no right destroying this sanctuary.

A surge of energy rushed from his palm and spreading throughout his body. His veins even glow a faint green color.

Determinedly he stirred around and pointed at Karl and Quackity. "You two. Try to make sure that the water doesn't reach the tree." Then he turned to Sapnap. "And you and I got work to do at the surface."

He got eye contact with Philza who gave him a supportive glance before rising. "Rest of us will start by evacuating the cave. Make sure only to bring the most essential things with you. Those of us who can handle a weapon will then join the battle once we've evacuated."

The severity of everything struck every member of their group like a wave. Even Tommy, who never could remain serious had a strained expression on his face.

Dream wasted no time and sprinted towards the tunnel that led to the surface and heard Sapnap tagging along behind him. However, right before he was about to exit. Someone shouted his name and ran up to him.

With furrowed brows he saw Bad running his way. George's teacher put his hand on Dream's forearm and maintained eye contact as he whispered. "Your end will be their beginning." Tons of questions bubbled up in his brain but Bad hasted away.

So, Dream and Sapnap ran through the tunnel. Once on the surface they spotted the ominous, dark row in the distance, obviously awaiting orders to attack.

For my sister.

Dream began creating scars in the earth, making a moat around the forest. Fury both fueled and guided his actions. The moat turned out a lot deeper and wider than first anticipated but judging by the line of people preparing to attack, it seemed reasonable.

Usually such a stunt would've drained a good amount of his energy recourses. Yet now he only felt more empowered.

Sapnap grabbed his arm. "Put dry wood in the bottom and I'll make a never-ending fire." The ravenette ordered.

Dream nodded and let his mind wander to find and collect all dry and dead branches, leaves and easy burning material that filled then the moat. Sapnap must've sensed the boost in energy too as his hazel eyes flashed with red and orange before a colossal fire erupted all around them.

While the fire spread, Dream kneeled and pressed his hands at the soft grass. Every little movement, creature and living organism registered in his brain. He envisioned a fence made from trees where the branches created an almost solid surface.

The creaking sound of entire trees moving was heard from behind him. He was about to open his eyes but suddenly felt something else. It was as if the ground was in pain. Like someone was hurting it. Then he felt it. The death. The sensation of plants and animals dying all around him.

It could only mean one thing; Ethan had activated the machine.

Dream shot up. "The machine has been activated. That means it's only a matter of time before they'll be coming." Dream informed the ravenette through gritted teeth. Rage only worsening by every passing second.

Sapnap said nothing in return, but flames coated his balled fists.

The sound of a trumpet was heard across the open field that separated them from the army.

Dream noted that two people were heading towards them. By now, Dream had spent enough time with these people that even their footsteps were distinguishable. Therefore, he knew that it was Karl and Quackity.

And surely enough. Soon their two friends were standing by their side; Karl quickly clung to Sapnap burning arm and Quackity stationed himself on Dream's right side. Dream glanced around at his friends and saw the serious expressions– a blatant contrast to their usual joyful group chemistry.

He closed his eyes again and felt hundreds of people running towards them. Suddenly he was reminded by Bad's words: "Your end will be their beginning". What could that possible mean? His mind proceeded to drift away to George. Every fiber of his body wanted him near. He hoped that he'd found a way to disarm the machine and was currently making his back to them.

They needed him. Dream needed him.

He sighed and opened his eyes. People were approaching rapidly. The dancing flames in front of him caught him in some form of trance. This could be their last day alive. But if that was the case, then at least they died for something worth dying for.

The last thing Dream remembered wishing for was to be allowed to see George before his potential death. Then he could die peacefully.