Tyche | Technoblade x Reader

Chapter 33

Your parents always said that it's best to be prepared for anything, but how could anyone truly prepare for war? You can train your body, gather the largest armies, and arm your best soldiers, but nothing could brace you for the mental anguish and heartbreak that follows in the wake of death.

•••

The calm before the storm, that's what you'd call it. The fortress appeared lifeless from the outside, but within, it buzzed with frantic energy, like a beehive on the brink of chaos. The people of the Nether were preparing for the impending battle, dusting off long-forgotten weapons and bidding emotional farewells as their loved ones were rushed to safety.

Despite the rising tension, Techno seemed the most calm he had ever been. He moved with a practiced ease, barking orders to fortify certain parts of the fortress and set up defenses. It was clear that war was no stranger to him.

That's why you should trust him completely, right? Even if it meant waiting in a secluded room while others fought and died in a war sparked because of you?

Phil was escorting you and Tyche to the safe place, where all of the citizens who were not fighting would take refuge. Techno wanted you and Tyche safe, and you wanted nothing more than to protect Tyche. But as you distanced. But as you distanced yourself from the battlefield, guilt gnawed at your conscience.

After arriving at the refuge, you embraced Tyche tightly, planting a kiss on her forehead before turning back to the door. As you opened it, Phil's sharp gaze met yours in the hallway.

"I can't stay in here," You spoke, confident in your words. You knew exactly what you were getting into, and you were ready to face the consequences.

Phil stood in the hallway and stared at you, watching as you stared right back at him, not moving an inch. After a moment, he sighed and hung his head, knowing that there was nothing he could say that would make you change your mind. Techno would be furious, but it's better to have a plan than let you charge into danger unprepared.

"Follow me," Phil ordered, leading you swiftly to another room where Technoblade and his generals were gathered. Looking up from the map that you assumed was a map of the fortress, Techno's eyes widened, then narrowed coldly, piercing right through your soul.

"Why are you here?" Techno spoke with a stern tone, commanding an answer.

"I can't stay hidden," You replied, holding his gaze, "I can't pretend this war isn't my responsibility."

Techno laughed, though it was more of a scoff than an expression of approval, "You'll only make it worse."

"Techno," Phil warned, putting a hand in front of you as if he was protecting you from his son's wrath.

"No, I won't," You argued, "I have a plan."

"And what plan is that?"

You hesitated, taking a moment to consider if you were really willing to put yourself up to this. "Use me as bait–"

"Absolutely not," Techno immediately rejected, hitting his fist on the table to emphasize his disapproval.

"Listen, Techno," You pressed on, "The Greshams are using my name to fuel this war. They've painted me as a victim, so if I act as though I'm escaping back to them, it will expose their true intentions."

"That's too dangerous," Techno countered, "The Gresham's will kill you the moment they get their hands on you."

You continued despite his objection. "Once they have me, they'll think their mission is complete. The king will believe you've surrendered, and there will be peace between the Nether and the overworld. But the Greshams won't stop. Their goal is to seize control of both worlds. By threatening to end the war peacefully, we can force them to reveal their true colors."