Is This A Simulation? [DreamTeam x Reader x Technoblade]

Chapter 17 - The Nether

Y/N POV

I couldn't tell anyone this but I feared even more now that my dream was definitely foreshadowing the future. In my dream, we spawned in a Crimson forest... well where are we now? A crimson forest. The panic was deeply setting in...

"Well enough standing around, let's locate a Bastion and loot that before we go to the Nether Fortress" Dream suggested. I felt a paralysing shiver rattle my spine from the words 'nether fortress'. Everyone began to walk forward but I just stood still. I couldn't move.

I can't move.

"Hey Y/N, keep up" Techno said looking back. His monotone expression dropping to a concerned look at me. "Come on Y/N don't be afraid, we got ya" a small smile caught at the side of his mouth, which comforted me slightly. 

Dream POV

As I was locating a Bastion to loot, I could tell that Y/N was struggling. "Come on Y/N don't be afraid, we got ya" I heard Techno say softly to her. What if her dream does become a reality. What do we do then? I don't know how to cure wither, does Techno? Maybe George or Sapnap know how to...

I look back at Y/N and Techno, "there's a bastion 300 blocks north east from here so we should go there first. Let's not worry about the Nether Fortress now. We'll take things one step at a time" I smiled, although no one could see my smile because of this dumb mask. I would take it off but I can't deal with the judgement. My damaged face. Battle scars and wounds beyond repair litter my face and it's just better to hide it. I just wish sometimes I could show people. Now is one of those times...

Y/N POV

I gently slid my hand into Techno's grasp, yearning for comfort and reassurance. 

I felt a wave of relaxation and confidence hit me when I realised we weren't following the steps that happened in my dream. We didn't visit a Bastion in my dream. Maybe this is where it ends and my dream goes away?

We all made our way to the Bastion: dodging flows of lava spewing out from the ceiling, winding in amongst the towering crimson trees, staying clear of the nasty Hoglins, taking occasional breaks to deal with the blistering heat of this place and to take in the unusual view here. 

It was vast...

Lava lakes the size of oceans. 

Trees the size of skyscrapers.

Ghasts floating around like hot air balloons in a clear blue sky.

Big black buildings...

Oh wait. I'd gotten so carried away trying to understand the nature of this place that we'd already gotten to the Bastion. There it is. In the midst of the lava lake, stands a tall black prison-like building. 

"Okay, we all need to stay together when we're in there and for gods sake have each other's backs." George began. "Yes the floor and ceilings are littered with holes that fall straight through to lava so have your wits about you. Piglin Brutes are similar to normal Piglins except they won't hesitate to kill you" Dream added as we all stood in a group.

"Since Sapnap has the builder skill, you can create a bridge over to the Bastion and we all keep guard whilst Sap is working, agreed?" We all nodded as Dream spoke. Once we're inside, loot every chest inside and find as much gold as you can" Techno suggested as we formulated our plan.

Sapnap began to build a bridge over a vast lake of lava whilst we all kept watch. We all followed single file behind Sap over the bridge. The searing heat from being in the close vicinity of the lava was breathtaking, I'd never experienced such an intense heat. It was uncomfortable due to the weight and heat of the armour we all had on. But we needed the armour to protect ourselves not only from the mobs but also the heat, without the armour we would burn to a crisp in a second.

After about 10 minutes of following Sap over the bridge, we'd finally made it to the entrance to the Bastion. My hands were quivering but my grip on my weapon grew every tighter and stronger. 

We entered the Bastion together, covering each other's backs as we advanced. We took it in turn to loot chests, I was up first. We located the first chest, I slowly opened the lid to the chest. Inside glowed golden. An enchanted golden sword, looting 1 - not bad I guess. 17 golden nuggets, a worn out crossbow and a golden apple - useful to keep!

We found the second chest and it was Dream's turn to open it. He did so whilst we covered him: a golden pickaxe enchanted with efficiency 3, 23 iron nuggets, 4 golden nuggets, and 2 pieces of basalt.

A short while afterwards we found the third chest. We'd already advanced up two floors, dodged ominous holes in the floor and killed two or three Brutes - they're brutal! It was Sapnap's turn to open the chest: one gold block, another pretty worn out crossbow, some cooked pork chops and an enchanted gold chest plate. "Hey Sap, what's the chest plate enchanted with?" I curiously asked as he began to put it on "Curse of Binding, I'm not sure what it does but it's almost full healt-" "Sapnap don't put that chest plate on!" George shrieked as he seized it off Sapnap and threw it into the lava. "Oi George, what was that for?" Sapnap retaliated, "It had Curse of Binding idiot, if you put it on, it ain't coming off again" George snapped back...

----------TIME SKIP----------

It took us nearly 2 hours to completely search the whole Bastion before we exited the building and ended up back on the land. We'd looted pretty successfully, only a few bruises and scratches obtained. 

Usually I have the ability to tell the exact time in the Overworld, but here I had no concept of the time. "Hey, does anyone have the time?" I questioned as Techno pulled out a pocket watch. "The hands on this watch are spinning like crazy, I guess time doesn't work the same down here as it does in the Overworld." He shrugged.

"So, what's our plan now?" George asked as we all came to a holt. "Well we need to go the Fortress at some point, it won't help keep putting it off so I suggest we head towards the Fortress" Dream said as Techno snaked an arm around my shoulder to provide me with some comfort. I guess I had to face my fear at some point, if not now then when will I ever be ready - I tried mentally convincing myself it would be okay...

~~~~~~~~~

1131 words

Hellooo, this is a bit of a shorter chapter. Kinda a filler chapter to build the storyline for the next chapter. 

When I wrote this it was Christmas Day so hope you all had a lovely day <3

Love you x

Ellzies out