Dawn of 16'th (1)
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In which you and Quackity have the power
of god and anime on your side... Well, sorta
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-heinzdraws on twitter (Sad-ist redraw)

Fighting in a war was something a person should only have to experience once. At that point, it was figured a person would have about enough trauma in their life. But right now, you and your friends were headed head-first into your second one, shitting on that unspoken rule. And no one had any regrets.

You were all currently running through the forest as fast as your new, heavy armor would allow you to. You were all absolutely stacked due to the overpowered gear Techno had just provided you with, and the adrenaline running through each of your bodies made everyone overly confident.

You weren't an exception. Your inventory was filled with everything you could possibly end up needing in a war, and even more so. The set of netherite armor that Quackity had so specifically picked out for you, had some very impressive enchantments on. Even some you didn't even know what did. But it sure looked very cool and shiny on your body, despite the fact you constantly had to pull down your purple shirt underneath the chestplate.

This war was as good as won. At least that was what Tommy and Quackity kept yelling as they chased each other through the forest, for the sake of having a little fun before everything went down. And they right. Pogtopia was in the majority, and you wouldn't be surprised if you had out-geared Manburg thanks to Techno. A huge grin appeared on your face just by the thought.

It was quite satisfying to finally be on the winning side of a war. Back when you had fought for L'manburg, things hadn't looked as good as they had now. This time Dream was going down. But most importantly, this was the day you'd finally get your revenge. The day Schlatt was going to die. For good.

It felt surreal. This was the day everyone had prepared so long for, the day you had looked forward to ever since Dream's little visit in Techno's house. It was happening now, and you couldn't believe it. And yet somehow, you managed to stay calm.

It didn't take more than half an hour's running, before the forest finally began to thin out, the trees getting scarcer before stopping completely and opened onto the plains of Manburg. You began seeing the outlines of the familiar towers and buildings, and all of your friends slowed down. You walked the rest of the way very carefully, you Techno and Wilbur in the lead.

You weren't the only ones who had prepared for battle. Schlatt knows about the war too, and you wouldn't be surprised if his men lurked in the shadows, ready to attack at any second.

You continued to eye your surroundings very carefully, on the lookout for just the slightest movement. Your friends held their breath behind you, trying to blend in with nature so they wouldn't get noticed either.

Techno nudged your shoulder. "Up there." He said, pointing to the nearest tower. You followed his gaze and saw three men standing on top of it. It was hard to see, but you were pretty sure they each held a bow.

"Fall back," Wilbur whispered and retrieved to the forest. He gathered everyone in a circle.

"Okay, this is good. Everything is going as expected," Wilbur was overjoyed and his face folded into a huge smile. "They've split up, exactly like we predicted they would. God, they're so stupid. Does everyone remember the plan?"

Tommy nodded. "Tubbo, Techno, and I will head for the minority - the ones at the tower. You guys will head to the center of Manburg, trying to locate and fight Schlatt, along with the rest of his men. We'll meet up near the van, once my team is done."

"And remember to be careful." You reminded sternly, making sure the message sunk in. "You and Tubbo are on your last life. If you find yourselves in a situation you don't think you can win, don't hesitate to-"

"-to enderpearl away and hide in the forest." Tubbo rolled his eyes, but couldn't hide his smile. "Yeah, yeah, we know, (Y/n)".

You pointed at Techno. "And you're going to keep them safe, okay? At any cost."

Techno nodded, and you allowed yourself to relax a little. The boys' safety was your top priority... Or well, maybe second priority. Killing Schlatt came first.

"This is it, guys." Wilbur smiled, eyes as wide as ever. "This is the day we've waited for. The day of justice. We need to be alarmed all the time, okay? We're not losing anyone today. And remember, we don't need to kill anyone, just knock them out."

Anyone except Schlatt, you added in your mind and nodded along with everyone else.

"Well then... Let's take Manburg back." Fundy smiled, taking out his sword. He held it high, and the rest of you followed his actions. You all broke into laughter and cheers. Everyone's confidence truly was admirable.

The circle broke, and you were all set for going in. Right before you split into two groups and went separate ways, you, Techno and Wilbur shared a knowing look. You nodded to each other, as to remind yourselves of your true intentions. To destroy Manburg. To kill Schlatt.

Then Tommy, Tubbo, and Techno turned on their heels and headed for the tower. They had their shields and axes drawn, prepared for when the archers noticed them. You watched them disappear into the distance, hoping for their well-being.

Quackity placed a warm hand on your shoulder. He sent you an assuring smile, to which you returned one. Wilbur, Niki, and Fundy began walking straight forward and the two of you followed, looking out if any enemies were preparing to attack you from behind.

That turned out to be unnecessary, cause no one did. When you had officially entered the land of Manburg, you looked around to see that the land was missing its people. It's soldiers. And it was quiet. Too quiet.

Manburg was usually a very pretty and joyful place to be in. But now, even though the sun was strong, it looked like the country was cut out from a horror film. It looked dead, and a threatening tension was hanging around in the air. You felt like all of the buildings were alive, every window watching your every move. It probably had something to do with the fact you were in the middle of a war.

You placed an arrow on your bow and kept keeping an eye on every little thing that seemed out of place. But nothing changed. There was no one here.

You walked down the wooden-path, observing every building you passed by. You even went inside some of them, but they were all just as empty as Manburg itself.

"Maybe we should go help the others," Niki suggested after another five minutes of looking. She and Fundy looked at each other and Fundy nodded.

You felt panic rise inside of you. No, Schlatt had to be around somewhere, right? He couldn't be hiding. Not on a day like this.

"Maybe we were wrong." Wilbur agreed hesitantly. "Maybe Techno and the others are fighting everyone right now. Maybe we mistook the number of people at the tower."

He was right. He had a point, and you knew that. If there weren't any enemies near you, that meant they were at the tower, fighting your three friends who then were at disadvantage because of their number... But you were just so sure that Schlatt was close around. It was like you could feel him. And you needed to be the first one to find him, no matter what.

"You guys go." You then said determinedly. "You go help Techno. I'll keep looking around here, and then you guys come back when you've beaten them."

Niki nearly lost her balance. "Absolutely not, (Y/n)! We're not leaving you alone! They could be hiding for all we know and attack you when we leave! You wouldn't last a minute if you're backed into a corner!"

You appreciated her concern, but you just waved your hand. "Don't worry, I'm a bad bitch, they can't kill me."

Niki didn't find your joke or confidence any comforting. She crossed her arms, stumping her foot, and refused to leave your side.

"I'll stay with her." Quackity then suggested, placing an arm around your shoulder. "You three can go back and help the others. Even if someone is lurking in the shadows right now and plan on attacking us when you leave, (Y/n) and I will have the power of friendship and defeat them on the spot, no sweat! Right (Y/n)?"

You smiled at his goofiness and nodded. And this was surprisingly enough to convince the paranoid Niki. It was the possibility of Tommy and Tubbo being in danger that did the trick. She hugged you and made you promise to be careful. You said the same thing to her.

"We'll be back in a bit," Fundy promised and smiled at you. Then he, Niki, and Wilbur wandered off in the same direction your other friends had disappeared in.

You and Quackity shared a smile once they were completely gone. You continued to follow the wooden path, Quackity looking for any enemies in general, and you looking for Schlatt.

You had made a deal with Wilbur. You'd knock Schlatt out once you found him, bring him to a hill where you'd wait until he woke up. That's why you had to find him before everyone else. And then, you'd signal to Techno, who'd signal for Wilbur to press the button, and then Manburg would blow up right for his eyes. First, then you'd kill him.

There were many holes in that plan, you were fully aware of that. What if some of your friends were in Manburg when Schlatt woke up, making them in danger for the explosion? And could you even manage to carry Schlatt's unconscious body to a random hill, without some of his men would stop you? Well, you hoped you could do it while Pogtopia or Manburg were fighting. That way, no one would notice you. But in the end, only time could answer your questions. You were certain everything was going to work out, though. It simply had to.

You shook your head, interrupting your thought-stream. Thinking too much could weaken your senses. You had to save your intense thinking to when you actually stood in front of Schlatt. Now you needed to focus on finding him.

The wooden path you were walking on eventually came to an end. You turned to look at Quackity who crossed his arms.

"Should we go back or leave the path?" He asked as you ran a hand through your hair.

You were about to suggest that you'd go back and turn left instead of right at the nearest corner when all oxygen got sucked out of the air around you. You and Quackity, who had felt it too, held your breaths as everything turned cold. Quackity tightened his grip around his sword.

"Well, well, well. You two are quite the pair." A way too familiar voice sung from behind you. You and Quackity slowly turned around in sync, only to be met by two arrows aimed at your heads, held by none other than Punz and Sapnap.

You heard Qackity curse under his breath as he slowly began to pull his sword out of his scabbard. You, yourself began to aim your bow when Sapnap stopped you in the act. "I wouldn't move if I were you."

Your heart picked up its pace and your eyes flickered between the two boys. This sure hadn't been a part of the plan. "It's nice to see you again, Gentlemen."

A dangerous, almost mocking laugh escaped their lips as they took a step closer. They were both wearing netherite armor, but as far as you could tell, it wasn't enchanted. Not to mention how your bow was far better than both of theirs combined. You and Quackity had a huge advantage gear-wise. If only you hadn't had an arrow for your head, you would have no problem taking them on.

"You made quite the exit at the festival, (Y/n)," Punz smirked. His usual necklace was hanging around his neck, and you could see glimpses of his blonde hair under the helmet. "Your little stunt really set a mark in history. People wouldn't stop talking about it."

Your eyes flickered around, trying to think of something to distract them with. But for now, you would just have to waste their time, talking. "Uh, yeah. What can I say, I like to leave an impression on people."

"Guys, come on, man." Quackity tried, pearls of sweat dancing down his forehead. "Lower that bow, won't you? Uh, for old friendship's sake?"

"Oh, you don't get to speak." Sapnap hissed and narrowed his eyes at your friend. His hands were threatening to let go of his arrow. "You're right, we were friends. Until you decided to kill our president and turn your back on us. Filthy traitor."

"Hey, don't speak to him like that!" You stepped an angry step forward, and Punz lifted his pinkie finger around his arrow as a warning. "Didn't you see how Schlatt was treating him? Is that seriously a president worth supporting?"

"Schlatt wants the best for this country. Even if his way of achieving things is a little off sometimes." Punz defended.

Quackity rolled his eyes. "You guys are only defending him out of loyalty. It's drowning out your common sense. Come on, Sappy-nappy, you're better than this. Get that arrow out of my face. You too, Punz. There's still time to-"

"Shut up!" They snarled in unison.

"Guys, please." Quackity's voice betrayed him by cracking.

"You two are coming with us! Right now. Schlatt will be pleased to see you."

And this caught your interest. Your eyes stopped searching for possible escape routes and fell on Sapnap instead, whose face was just as fiery as the icon on his shirt. "Schlatt? Where is he?"

"Hiding," Punz replied, not answering your question at all.

"And he's not happy, let me just say that." Sapnap smiled. "It's a shame really. I would have loved to kill you both myself."

"Watch your mouth, Sapnap," you warned, daring to return his smile. "That black eye I gave you at the festival looks a little lonely."

"That's it," He furiously said, walking toward you with an expression that made you regret running your mouth. The look in his eyes even made you regret ever being born. Threatening a guy that was one lift of a finger away from killing you might've not been the best idea. But even so, the smug smile refused to leave your face. It was tempting Sapnap, and you knew that, but your defiant nature simply refused to let him know you were scared.

Whether that would be the death of you, you'll have to find out in the next chapter, cause your author got lazy.

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This was the last "boring" chapter for a while. In the next five, you're in for a wild ride. Make sure to bring tissues and popcorn.
:)