After hours of tossing turning that same night, I gave up on sleep. I slipped on my dark cloak and boots while grabbing my sword. Ghost's ears pricked up, wagging his tail as he saw me getting ready to leave. I ran my hand over his white fur, calling him to my side.

I walked towards Dream's room, peeking my head into the silent room. Patches meowed quietly as I came over to the bed to talk to the man. I poked Dream, prompting him to wake from his sleep. He jerked awake, already looking around for a threat.

I rolled my eyes, smiling, "I can't sleep so I'm gonna go collect supplies." I whispered, keeping my voice soft.

He sat up slightly, mumbling, "I'll come with you." He tried to swing his feet out of the bed, but I stood in the way.

I gently pushed him back down, his eyes already closing again, "No, you need sleep. I'll be back later."

He nodded, mumbling a goodbye as he drifted off back to sleep. I scratched Patches' head before quietly walking back out the door. When I opened the front door, Ghost bounded out past me, excited to be going out.

A warm breeze brushed past me, rustling my light cloak. Summer was already on its way, with the rising temperatures and longer days. Soon there wouldn't be a need to wear a cloak. The summers in the SMP lands were stifling hot and sweat-inducing. I didn't mind it though, it was better than the harsh winters.

I didn't intend on collecting supplies at the moment, letting Ghost lead me with his sniffing nose. My mind had been wired since the meeting earlier that day, racing with thoughts of war plans and traitors.

I had gone over the options of the traitors several times, coming to the conclusion that it had to be a specific person. I didn't plan on telling anyone of my suspicions just yet. It would be better if they found out on their own.

Ghost stopped in front of me, staring off into the distance. I squinted, trying to make out what he was looking at in the low light. He whined as I walked past, getting closer. The dog hesitantly followed me, his movements tense.

There was a figure, sitting on a log in the plains ahead of me. The person was sharpening a sword, every now and then glancing at the sky. I smiled, noticing the brown horse grazing next to them. The person had probably already heard my near-silent steps as I got closer.

I plopped down on the fallen log, next to him. Ghost relaxed, laying down at my feet. I smirked at the man next to me, "Fancy seeing you here."

Techno turned, amusement sparkling in his eyes, "Hello, y/n." His mantle was wrapped around his shoulders, not bothering him at all. I wondered how he was able to wear such a heavy cloak in the rising heat. I was already warm in my thin cloak.

I pulled back my hood, letting the breeze kiss my cheeks. I closed my eyes for a moment, savoring it, "Couldn't sleep either?"

I heard him set his sword down, his head angled towards me, "No. I also wanted to get away from the group of people in my base." His monotone voice sounded annoyed, agitated at the people in his home.

I nodded, opening my eyes. I was about to say something when my words died in my mouth. I stared at the man in disbelief.

Techno's long flowing hair had been cut short, stopping just above his shoulders. The line of his hair was a bit jagged, probably cut by the sword he was just sharpening. It was long enough for a small pink ponytail.

I gaped at the man, him staring at me confused. I regained my composure, producing words, "What happened to your hair?"

He tilted his head, a strand falling in front of his face slightly. He looked at it, "I cut it. Short hair is more ideal in fighting. And considering we are about to have a war, I made it shorter." For a second I swear he looked sad about his new short hair, but it disappeared from his face too fast for me to be sure.

I nodded, "So they've told you about the traitor I assume?"

He nodded, staring up at the sky. The moonlight twinkled on his golden crown, making the gems on it shine slightly. He tucked his hair behind his pointed ears, "I have my suspicions." He turned to me, "Did Dream tell you who it is?"

I shook my head, "No. But I have a strong sense of who it is. The more obvious choice."

I had no doubts that it wasn't Techno, he wasn't truly working for the same cause as the rebellion. He had hopes that they wouldn't replace it with another government, but I knew that if they won there would be another president.

We were silent for a few minutes, I watched as Ghost ventured towards Carl. He sniffed at the horse curiously, making sure to be cautious. The horse raised its head lazily, peeking at the dog.

Techno broke the silence, not looking at me when he spoke, "I can sense a change in you."

I turned to him, confusion on my face, "What do you mean?" I laughed, "I haven't changed anything about my appearance."

The stars glinted in his eyes as he watched them, "I don't mean physically. Your presence feels... different as if you made a major decision recently."

I thought for a moment when the obvious hit me right in the face. "Well, I mean I did decide to side with a literal god recently." Techno looked at me to continue, "I suppose he would've told you soon enough. When Dream made that deal, he was making a deal to become the God of Chaos."

Techno's face didn't change, no shock showing. I continued, "And he asked me to join him, to choose him and chaos. So I took his hand, deciding not to choose a side, but I chose him."

The man nodded, looking back up at the sky. I began to worry that I had upset him after several minutes of silence. But my worries disappeared when he spoke again, "Bia,"

"Huh?" I arced a brow, facing him.

A hint of a smile was on the man's lips, "Bia is the greek goddess of force and raw power. That's who you remind me of." I smiled, him continuing, "I would say you're a little nicer than her, but you radiate power."

I beamed at him, "I like it. So you're really into greek mythology, huh?"

He nodded, something sparkling in his eyes. He talked about history for a little bit, while I listened contently. When he spoke of it, a part of him seemed to come alive. I bit back on a smile, not wanting him to stop.

The moon was directly above us when he finished. Ghost gave up trying to befriend the horse, coming to lay down at my feet again. His white fur seemed to illuminate in the light, making him look like his name.

Carl moved closer to where I sat, nipping at the green grass. His fur seemed extremely soft with his diamond armor missing. I offered my hand to the horse for him to sniff. He lifted his head cautiously, bringing his nose inches from my hand. I bit down on a laugh as he breathed, his air tickling my fingers.

His eyes softened after a moment, stepping closer to me. I pressed my hand into his nose gently. I smiled warmly, rubbing his soft fur. I moved my hand up and down, slowly to not spook him.

I stood, scratching between his ears. He neighed softly, pushing his head into my arm. I laughed as the horse wrapped me in a makeshift hug. I felt Techno watching us, reaching down to pet my dog.

Techno's voice sounded amused when he spoke again, "I need to show you something."

I turned to him, seeing his cape swish as he stood. He grasped Carl's lead, waiting for me to follow him.

I called Ghost, walking next to Techno.

-

Techno led me to a mountain, a little away from Pogtopia. At first, I was confused as we paused in front of the mountain wall. Techno stared at the wall for a moment, before pulling out a pickaxe.

I was about to ask the man why we were here but a room began to reveal itself. Techno got rid of the rest of the mountain wall, a large stone room behind it. The man walked in, leaving Carl outside.

I glanced at my dog, telling him to stay as I entered. Techno led me deeper into the room, torches beginning to line the walls. As I got closer, I heard soft neighs. I smiled, quickening my pace.

Techno stopped, my movements following his. Stalls were built into the stone walls, horses of all different colors inside of them. Straw and dirt dusted the floor, my boots becoming dusty. I looked around at all the horses, smiling as they stuck their heads out over the stall doors.

I glanced at Techno, who was giving me a small smile. Amusement danced in his eyes, watching as I gaped at all the horses, "Techno, why do you have so many horses?"

He turned, walking up to one of the horses. He pet it's nose as he talked to me, "I bred and raced them to find a horse." He looked to where Carl was tied out front, "Carl wasn't the fastest but I got attached to him. So he's the main horse I use."

I nodded, walking over to offer my hand to a white horse. After a moment, I moved over to a gray horse that had white spots freckled across it's back. Its dark mane was smooth, flowing down its neck.

I pulled out an apple from the barrel on the ground, offering it to the horse. It happily took it, munching on it while I stroked its neck. Techno came over to where I stood, "She seems to like you."

I nodded, gently stilling my hand on her neck. Techno continued, "She was one of the fastest ones I bred. She's very sweet but has a brave heart." He paused, "You can keep her."

I turned to him, disbelief showing on my face, "Really?"

Techno smiled at my gaping mouth, "Yes. Just make sure to take care of her."

I laughed, throwing myself at the man. I wrapped my arms around him, shoving my face into his shoulder. He was stiff for a moment, not knowing what to do. My words were muffled as I talked into his cape, "Thank you!"

He hesitantly wrapped his arms around me, "You're welcome."

~~~~~

aw we got a horse

sorry, it's a shorter chapter! I'm saving all my writing juices for the big war hehe

have a wonderful day or night, and make sure to get something to drink! if its late where you are, get some sleep