Through It All ~ Dream Team SMP ✅

->Twenty-Four<-

I avoided Tubbo's gaze, his harrowed eyes providing a heartbreaking window to his shattered soul. He'd tried to convince me not to do this, and as much as it hurt to see him weeping over me, I couldn't back down.

I couldn't hear the exchange between Dream, George, and Sap on the other end of the bridge. The three men were cramped together, whispering quietly. Eret was also there, standing to the side, not quite a part of the group. His face was solemn. There was no sound to be heard, save the wind.

I shared a look with Wilbur. We didn't need words to understand what it meant. The brunette tried to smile, but the tears welling in his broken eyes betrayed him.

The first rays of the morning sun filtered over the peak of the hills on the horizon. It was nearly time. Wilbur placed a comforting hand on my shoulder as he placed his own bow in my grip. He'd insisted I use his. I put on a brave face.

"Thank you. For everything." The revolutionary pulled me into a quick hug, ruffling my hair slightly.

"No. Thank you. Now go kick his arse, kid." Wilbur wiped his eyes furiously, determined not to cry. I turned to Fundy next.

"Good luck." The younger Soot wished me, sticking a hand out.

"If I should fail... Look after Tubbo. He'll need you." I requested quietly.

"There was never any question as to that." The brunette assured me. This calmed me. At least Tubbo would be safe. I turned to my best friend last. I couldn't quite bring myself to meet his eyes. I couldn't bear to see the haunting fear that clouded them. It would be my undoing.

It took all my strength not to break as the smaller boy wrapped his arms around me, crying into my chest. I returned the gesture almost immediately. I saw Wilbur look on with sorrowful eyes as we parted.

"You look after yourself, okay?" I implored.

"It doesn't matter if we don't win. I just can't stand you dying. I need you, Tommy! I can't lose you too..." I placed my hands on his shoulder.

"Hey, hey, look at me. Look at me. You're gonna be okay." It felt more like I was assuring myself than him.

"It's not me I'm worried about-"

"This isn't goodbye, Tubbs. It's just... See you later, alligator." It took all my strength to plaster on a smile. For him.

"In a while... Crocodile..." He sniffed.

"I'll be back before you know it."

I turned away, walked down the path to the middle of the bridge, meeting Dream, my enemy, my opponent, my obstacle, in the centre.

"I will count up, and you will turn, taking ten paces. When I have given the command, you turn and fire. Good luck." Wilbur instructed, raising his hand to the air.

I watched as Dream methodically fiddled with his arrow, slotting it into his bowstring as if it was the most natural thing in the world. I gripped the mahogany weapon tighter, doing the same. The King's mask taunted me, it's black eyes boring into my very soul.

"May the best man win," Dream uttered haughtily, sticking out a hand. I took it.

"May the best man win." I confirmed. I spun on my heel as the count began.

"One!"

I saw my breath mist in the air.

"Two!"

Would Dream think twice about killing me?

"Three!"

Did his hands shake like mine?

"Four!"

Did his heart pound?

"Five!"

Did the fear well up inside him like a hungry beast, devouring him from within?

"Six!"

Another step.

"Seven!"

One foot in front of the other.

"Eight."

I pulled the string tight.

"Nine."

I hope they'll forgive me.

"Ten paces, fire!"

Wilbur's hand fell.

I wheeled around aiming straight for the man's chest. Time seemed to slow.

Do what your heart says you should.

I blinked slowly. My heart didn't want this. I saw Dream let go of his bowstring. I had a fraction of a second. This is where death gets me. On my feet, several feet ahead of me. I had no legacy to protect, nothing to lose. I hope they remember me. The young boy who took a stand with pride. Phil, Niki, Scott, Shelby, Deo. They're all on the other side. I let my heart guide me.

"I'm sorry..." I breathe.

I shift my direction milliseconds before the arrow reaches me. I aim for the sky and let my projectile sail through the air, whistling like a flint bird.

Then the impact of Dream's desire strikes my right between the ribs.

I fall back off the bridge.

I am aware of the pounding of the river and nothing else.

I'm bleeding.

I do nothing, simply close my eyes and let the current take me, as I hear a terrible scream.

It might be mine, I'm not sure.

It's full of heartache, and it's my name.

"TOMMY!"