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."

Techno fell silent, his eyes reflecting an internal struggle. He knew that your plan might just work, that it may be better than fighting the war with massive bloodshed

Phil placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder, offering a subtle nod of support. "It's risky, but it might just work," He said, "We can fight all we want, but if we don't confront the root of this issue, there may be no end."

Techno sighed, his expression a mix of concern and reluctant admiration. "Alright, but you won't go alone. We'll have a team shadowing you every step of the way."

You smiled, bowing your head in gratitude.

•••

You stood at the fortress lookout, your satchel slung across your shoulder. Techno reluctantly agreed to take back the blade that he had given to you– it would be too suspicious for a prisoner to be armed. But he insisted you keep the satchel, which held your dagger that Techno put fire aspect on, and the fire resistance potion that Phil had gifted you before you entered the Nether with Tyche. Techno insisted that you took more potions, making an array of different ones that may come in handy, but you refused, telling him that it would only slow you down.

As you waited for the signal to run, the sound of shuffling footsteps on the stairs made you tense, hand instinctively reaching for the dagger in your satchel. Your heart raced as the noise grew louder. If someone had gotten close to the defenses, surely the signal would've been given by now.

You readied your blade, but quickly sheathed it when a familiar head of bubblegum pink hair appeared.

"Tyche," You hissed, trying to be quiet but feeling anger and fear rising in you, "What are you doing here?"

Tyche crouched low, staying beneath the half-walls. "I couldn't just sit there and do nothing," She whispered quickly, "I'm capable too, I need to fight. This is all my fault."

You shook your head in disbelief, and tried to reassure her, "No, Tyche, this isn't your fault. This would've happened even if you hadn't been taken. The best thing you can do is stay safe in the sanctum with the others."

Tyche bit her lip, looking conflicted.

"There's no time to argue," You whispered sternly, "Go back now."

Whoosh.

A white flare shot into the sky–that was your cue.

You exchanged a last look with Tyche before bolting down the stairs, praying she'd find safety. You steadied your breathing as you ran toward the planned exit, knowing that if this plan failed, it could be the end. You've faced death before, but it only takes one slip for it to be final.

You stumbled as you exited the fortress, caught off guard by the trembling ground. Glancing to your left, you saw soldiers charging toward the fortress, weapons in hand, Then, white flashes in the sky.

Whoosh. BOOM!

Fireworks?

You didn't have time to dwell on it, so you took off into the Nether, hoping that Techno's team was close behind.

"Help!" You cried out, waving your arms desperately, "Help me, please!"

You caught the eye of a soldier who immediately raised his bow. Quickly, you raised your hands in surrender, pleading with the man. "Wait, don't shoot! Please, I was let go from the fortress prison. My name is Y/N."

The soldier lowered his weapon, gripping your arm and leading you away from the battle.

"We must inform the king," He said urgently, "Are you injured?"

You shook your head, too winded to speak.

As the soldier led you to a secluded cliffside, you grew uneasy. You waited, the tension growing, until the sound of show clapping echoed from the shadows.

"We're so glad you were found," Young Gresham sneered as he stepped out from behind a wall of Netherrack.

You instinctively tried to pull away, but the soldier tightened his grip, holding you in place. Panic surged through you–this wasn't part of the plan. Where were Techno's soldiers?

"Why so scared?" Young Gresham taunted, his tone dripping with mockery, "I assure you, you're in safe hands now."

"Where's the king?" You demanded, struggling to keep your voice steady.

"You're looking at him," He smiled proudly, spreading his arms wide, "Maybe not officially yet, but after this is all over..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but you knew exactly what he meant.

"Kneel."

The soldier forced you to your knees before Young Gresham

"You'll die if you try to kill the king," You warned, hoping Techno's team was nearby.

"Why would you accuse me of such a thing?" Young Gresham grinned wickedly. "Imagine this: a young housekeeper kidnapped by monsters, igniting fear throughout the Overworld. The king, noble and brave, perished in the rescue attempt. The valiant young warrior, burdened by grief, returns victorious but determined to lead his kingdom to prosperity."

"You really think that will work?"

He chuckled darkly. "Why wouldn't it? The king's already dead."

Your heart pounded as dead set in. Why weren't Techno's soldiers acting?

"And now, it's time for you to join him," Young Gresham said, unsheathing his glowing blue blade.

You held your breath as he drew closer, raising his sword. You closed your eyes, bracing for the inevitable.

"Y/N!"

Your eyes snapped open at the sound of the shout. Tyche! You turned just in time to see the small girl kick Young Gresham's in the back of his knees, sending him crashing to the ground.

"Tyche," You gasped, half in disbelief.

The soldier's grip on your arm loosened as he swiped at Tyche. The action caused you to swing your hand around, striking the soldier in the nose. As he reeled back, pulled Tyche behind you, drawing your dagger from your satchel

"You little–" Young Gresham growled as he scrambled to his feet, sword in hand, fury blazing in his eyes. Without hesitation, he lunged at you.

You raised your dagger, prepared to defend yourself, but before the blades could clash, a blur of pink shielded your vision.

Sparks flew as the two blades collided, the sheer force sending Young Gresham staggering back in shock.

"Dad!" Tyche cheered from behind you as Techno stood fearlessly in front of you with his netherite blade.

"Oh, this is a new development," Young Gresham sneered at him before lunging again.

As Techno battled Young Young Gresham, you focused on shielding Tyche from any stray attacks. Unbeknownst to you, the soldier you'd hit earlier recovered and snuck up beside you. The next moment, you clutched your side as a sharp pain tore through you like wildfire. You gasped, clutching your wound as the soldier wrenched his blade free. Staggering back, you fought to keep Tyche close, but your vision was starting to blur from the pain.

"Y/N! Techno shouted, his voice filled with fury as he saw you falter.

With the last of your strength, you pushed Tyche away from the battle and away from the cliff's edge as the soldier grabbed you again. Quickly, you swung your dagger at him, striking him in the head.

The soldier started to fall backwards, nearing the edge of the cliff with your arm still in his grasp. You tried to pull free, but it was too late. Within a split second, the ground underneath you started to crumble.

For a moment, time seemed to slow as the realization hit– you were falling.

The wind whipped past you as you plummeted toward the vast expanse of lava. The heat radiating from the large pool was beginning to become unbearable, but in that split second, you remembered the fire resistance potion in your satchel.

With a desperate motion, you fumbled to uncork the vial and downed the fiery liquid just milliseconds before plunging into the red hot liquid.

You felt the liquid embrace you but instead of burning, it flowed around you like warm water. You didn't have the time to dwell on the searing pain in your side, so you kicked harshly, struggling to reach the surface

But no matter how hard you fought, the surface seemed impossibly far. The urge to cough became overwhelming, but you held it back as your vision darkened. Your limbs grew weaker, and as the last of your sight faded, dread washed over you.

If this was the end, at least you gave everything you had.