The new power I had discovered didn't seem to have a name. Essentially I could shape invisible strings that sewed the world together and enter someone's mind. I couldn't read their thoughts but I could sense their emotions, and therefore shape the way they are feeling.

Fire brought warmth and light, creating happiness. Plants brought the essence of life, brightening a person's features. Wind gave the person energy, while water didn't seem to have any effect.

I was messing around with the power, on top of the castle's roof. The rain had cleared away, fluffy white clouds now filled the sky. The boys were inside resting, replenishing their energy. There had been no word from L'manburg recently, even the darkness seemed to step away.

The feeling from the kiss still lingered, placing a smile on my face. So much for waiting after the war.

There was still the pressing matter of the gods and the voices in Dream's mind. The light I tunneled into his mind was only a temporary fix, the voices would return soon at the right moment. But I wasn't sure how to totally destroy them. They didn't seem like they had any intent on leaving soon.

I sighed, gazing out at the clouds. I tried and failed to think of something to do.

As if sensing my thoughts, Tubbo came creeping through the gates. He looked around warily, searching for someone. I whistled, causing him to go completely still. He looked upwards, relief showing on his features.

I stood, crawling back down the ladder, into the castle. I walked out the front doors, passing through the gates. Tubbo stood on the other side, looking around.

"Hey Tubbo, how's Tommy?"

His features brightened at the mention of his friend, "He's doing a lot better. He can walk now. Leading to the reason I am here."

I nodded, a sign for him to continue.

"Well, um, Wilbur sent me here to find you. He was hoping that you could pass a message along, to Dream." He seemed to hesitate at Dream's name, "That is if he is feeling better."

"Yes he is, and I will pass the message along. I'm assuming it has to do with your independence?"

He nodded, "Wil said that as soon as you all are ready, we are ready to discuss the situation. We are ready to surrender." He frowned a little bit, a sadness creeping back.

I took his hand in mine, squeezing it, "I'll tell them. I'm sorry Tubbo." He nodded, plastering a smile back on his face. It didn't reach his eyes though.

We nodded our goodbyes, I headed back into the castle. There was some commotion upstairs, near the bedrooms. I walked into Dream's room to see George and Sapnap in there as well. I walked in on them battling with wooden swords, laughing.

They all seemed so happy again. I laughed as George was ganged up on, causing him to fall backward.

He spotted me, making a run to get behind me, "Protect me y/n!" He cowered behind me, "Be my human shield!"

I laughed, putting on a menacing face, "Don't even think about touching George." I said to Dream and Sapnap who now stood facing me. "I thought you all were meant to be resting?"

"We weren't tired anymore." Dream simply said, his bags noticeably less visible. In fact, all of them looked much more lively.

"Well I hate to interrupt your fight but I have a message to pass along." I paused, watching as they set down their swords. "L'manburg wants to meet with us when we are ready to negotiate a surrender."

Dream nodded, becoming lost in thought, "Then let's go meet with them."

-

Once again, we stood outside the L'manburg walls, with the group standing inside. Tommy was walking, but seemed to favor one side over the other and leaning slightly on Tubbo. He seemed lively though, stringing a few select words at Dream when they arrived.

Dream took the words, not saying much. He was waiting for Wilbur to begin.

"I believe we are ready to surrender," Wilbur said solemnly. Tubbo and Fundy frowned slightly, but Tommy just sighed. It was a loud enough sigh that every head turned to him.

"Dream, y/n, may I speak with you for a moment?" We nodded, walking away from the rest of the group. I walked beside Tommy, in case he needed any support. He seemed to notice this, "I'm fine, woman. I don't need no one's help."

I laughed, happy to see him getting back to normal.

Tommy started when we were out of earshot from the group, "I am willing to offer up something if you ensure our independence." He paused, watching as Dream nodded, "I will give up both of my discs."

A shocked silence followed his words. The discs were one of Tommy's most prized possessions, even causing fights with Dream before this war.

"Wait." Dream said, processing what he said.

"Cat and Mellohi." Tommy nodded, looking at me. He seemed proud, hope glimmering in his eyes. I realized that he had wanted me over here for this conversation in case Dream disagreed. He knew I could be a buffer between the two.

"That is a very interesting deal. And that is very selfless of you, those are your discs."

"Yeah, well it's for L'manburg. For Wilbur, for Tubbo. Definitely not for Eret though." Disgust dripped from his last words.

Coming to a conclusion, Dream said, "I will grant you a technical independence."

Tommy smiled slightly, trying to contain his excitement. He reached into his back pocket, pulling out green and purple discs. He seemed hesitant to let them go, looking at them longingly for a second. He handed them over to Dream, who quickly pocketed them.

"Good day." Dream nodded, jerking his chin towards where the rest of our crew stood. Tommy turned towards his friends, looking over his shoulder before he reached them. He smiled at me, his blue eyes clear. I smiled back, watching as the group cheered for their new independence.

And that was that. L'manburg now stood as an independent nation, free of Dream's rule.

Yet, the chaos seemed far from over.

-

After the meeting, the four of us ventured towards our old home. It was an empty shell now, only a few walls remained. It was a sad sight.

We stood in silence before it, no words coming to anyone's minds.

"I think we should try and rebuild it." George's voice rang out, breaking the silence.

"We would first have to take down this one." Dream said.

"You know, I love fire so much, but I did not like this fire." Sapnap said, sadness slightly in his eyes.

I nodded, trying to figure out how to take down this building. An idea struck me suddenly.

Without saying a word, I raised my hands, calling my magic. First I lit another fire, crumpling the remaining walls. We watched as the bright flames licked at the remains, burning them away. The flames were ruby-colored, mixed with streaks of yellow and orange. It was a beautiful sight.

After there were no walls left, only the charred ground, I called wind. I let it whip the ashes up into the night sky, carrying them away.

All that was left was black ground, dead but sturdy. It would be able to hold a new house, a new chapter.

"Well, we better get building boys." I smiled at them, walking towards the dark oak forest to gather some supplies. We had no building plan, just letting our imagination take us.

-

We had the first floor and part of the second floor finished by the first streaks of color painted the sky, marking morning. It was built very similar to their first house, bearing many windows and plants.

The boys settled down outside the house, sleeping. I wasn't tired so I continued to gather wood for the house. I had Ghost by my side, walking through the forest.

I chopped down a tree, replacing the ground with saplings. I turned to walk back towards the house, hesitating at my hair raising on the back of my neck. Even Ghost seemed to pause, going still.

I turned, eyes searching through the dark forest. There were no eyes peering back as I suspected, but still, I froze.

I blinked, and now the horned man was in front of me. He smirked at the surprise that now appeared on my face. "Hello, darling."

I tried to step back, but he grabbed my arm. Ghost began to growl, ready to attack.

"Get off of me," I growled at him, trying to shake him off. His grip was steel though, locking me in place.

He lowered his face to mine, close enough that I could feel his breath. An evil glint was in his dark eyes, "It will be soon my darling. You will see me again."

I tried reaching for my sword but he grabbed my other arm. Ghost had enough, lunging at the man's arm.

Before the dog could latch onto him, the man disappeared.

All that was left was a ripple of black mist.

~~~~

jschlatt has joined the game hehe

i don't know how I feel about this chapter :( but hope you enjoyed! Have a lovely day, ily all!