Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dream can run faster than before. They run straight through the building without looking back, George stuck to Dream's back like a koala. Nobody can look at them twice, and by the time other gang members notice it's them, they are too late.

George doesn't think Dream knows where he is going, but that is the last thing on his mind. He would rather get lost than be fed to his boyfriend like a snack. He shivers involuntarily, and Dream holds him tighter. They have been running for what is possibly miles. George feels as though he is in a minecart pushed along with only powered rails, the wind biting at the top of his head, whilst his nose is tucked into Dreams neck.

George can't help but notice that his lover is not out of breath. It's a cold reminder to what Dream now is in the eyes of everyone else. A vampire. A beast. A monster. To George though, he is still Dream. Protective and warm with the right amount of cockiness and charm to make him competitive but fun.

He feels them slow down.

"I think I recognise this place." Dream says almost under his breath. But he's barely breathing. George remembers that he isn't breathing at all.

"Where are we?" George mumbles, but he doesn't get a reply before Dream is legging it through the birch forest they ended up, weaving through trees as though his life depends on it, and perhaps it does.

They are out of the birch forest before they know it, and in front of them, as George peeks over Dream's shoulder, he can see a faint light in the swamps opposite. It's hidden behind masses of daunting oak trees shrouded in vines which are submerged in murky waters at the bottom. Lilly pads surround every stray piece of land and George can faintly see giant slimes, hopping aimlessly in no particular direction. George slides himself off of Dream's back, who reluctantly lets him go.

"Are we going over there?" George asks, eyeing the long stretch of water between the birch forest and the swamp.

Dream nods, not looking George in the eyes. Actually, he hasn't looked George in the eyes for quite some time. George knows it's because Dream is ashamed. They have been able to read each other since before they got together, and it pains George beyond belief to know that his man, his rock, his everything has had to go through such a dramatic change. He can't even comprehend the pain Dream felt, being chained up like an animal and forced to kill, treated like a killing machine.

Without realising it, Dream has left George's side, and is already hacking away at a tree with his bare fists. It doesn't take long before the birch falls to the side, and Dream to collect all the wood he can before making a crafting table. George can't see what else he is making, as Dream has his back to him, but once his boyfriend turns around, a boat is revealed before him.

"I know who lives over there, but only through other connections. I'm hoping he can let us stay the night, or at least give us shelter."

"Who?"

"His name is Slimecicle."

"And how do you know him?"

"He's an old friend of Wilbur's."

Oh, Wilbur. Dream and Wilbur often have a love-hate relationship, with Dream picking on Wilbur's younger brother, Tommy, for fun, and Wilbur getting all over protective and serious. Dream often has a better relationship with Wilbur's other brother, Technoblade, but in recent times, their relationship became strained. George doesn't know why. He guesses it was a personality clash, as both are competitive. George wonders if Slimecicle knows anything about Dream, or even if he would accept the pair.

Dream gets in the boat once it's in the water, and George sits behind him. Despite not doing any of the work, he is tired. As they move towards the new biome, George can feel himself doze off, head resting on Dream's back.

"You still awake back there?"

George just hums in response and forces his eyes open. He can feel the change in the air as they reach the swamp. It's muggy and warm. He feels his forehead start to sweat in the sticky heat, and subtly he wipes it off on Dream's back.

Dream laughs. "If you're doing what I think you're doing, then stop, I don't have a change of clothes and I don't wanna stink of your sweat."

"You don't usually mind." George murmurs but there's no bite to the comment and he can feel Dream's shoulders move as he chuckles.

"Look alive sunshine, we're near the end."

George looks up, and the lights he saw earlier are much more clear and bright. They are torches, seemly guiding them through the oak trees, and a dotted cobblestone path roughly marks the way. He stumbles out of the boat, balancing carefully as Dream holds his hand.

The sun dips lower in the sky, and the low gurgle of zombies echo's in the wind that blows through the trees. George keeps his hand in Dream's, worried that for whatever reason the younger boy will let go. They follow the torches, hoping that the mobs nearby stay away. The cobblestone is slippery with moss, and George leans on Dream's side as they both stumble their way through the forest.

"Slime's place should be close." Dream mumbles, and sure enough, more light appears in their view, and George can see lanterns hung in the windows of a small dark oak house, hidden in the leaves of trees that lean low and slouched. "Bingo."

George snickers, and they walk faster towards the front door, desperate to get away from the mobs. George can hear the clunking of skeleton bones, and the taunting hiss of spiders, but as they approach the house, he can hear the faint sound of music. He doesn't recognise the tune straight away, but as Dream knocks on the door, and it swings open, the tune is distinctly Cat. A tune that George has always associated with relief and safety. A tune he often associated with Dream when they went out walking together. It has been so long since they walked through their town with Sapnap, and the nostalgia hits him like a wave.

He's too caught up in his memories to notice the man stood in the doorway, with bright green eyes that are amplified by his rectangular glasses, and drips of slime, sliding off of his shoulders and mouse brown hair.

The words "I am bones" snaps George out of his trance, and his eyes fall on the guy in front of him. He is taller than George but smaller than Dream. His skin is the same tone as George's, but the drops of slime give him a greenish glow. George wonders how Wilbur, a man of class and style, knows Slimecicle... a man of...a man?

"Um, hi. I'm Dream and this is George."

"Hello Dream and George. I'm Slimecicle, you can call me Slime, and I have bones."

Nobody speaks for a moment, and although the silence only lasts a few seconds, it seems to drag.

"That's great Slimecicle, Slime, who has bones. Um...we were just passing by, and wondered if you could let us stay the night? We know Wilbur..."

Slime's face lights up, and he gestures for the pair to follow him inside.

"Wilbur is a good friend of mine. I haven't seen him in so long. What brings you guys here?"

Slime leads them to his living room, which feels humid, much like the air outside. It's uncomfortably sticky, and George can tell Dream is thinking the same, as he looks around the room with a grimace.

"Like Dream said, we were just passing through and need shelter from mobs." George speaks up.

Slime nods in understanding and sits himself down.

"Well any friend of Wilbur's is a friend of mine. I only have one room, so you'll have to sleep down here. I'm actually really tired myself, so I'm going to bed...to rest my skull...because skull is bones and I definitely have bones."

"Oh. Okay. Goodnight." Dream waves Slime off as the man (which is heavily debated in George's head) goes up to his room.

Dream sighs heavily and flops down against cushions, pulling George on top of him.

"We can leave in the morning," he grumbles. "This Slime guy seems weird, but at least for now, we're safe." George just nods into Dreams chest, and it doesn't take long for the pair to be consumed by sleep.

George dreams of vast lands and intricate builds. He dreams of Sapnap and Dream, running through fields and meadows, not a care in the world. His dream takes a sudden turn, though, when Sapnap and Dream run ahead of him, leaving him behind. His legs feel heavy like lead, and his torso feels like jelly as he seemingly folds in on himself, face planting the floor... and though he knows it's a dream, and he doesn't feel pain, the darkness he sees doesn't startle him awake. Instead of jumping awake, he stays still on the ground. He feels his body move on its own, hands grabbing at his shoulders, back and head. He hears Sapnap scream, and Dream scream but he doesn't scream because he can't. He wants to wake up, he doesn't know where he's going, he's being picked up, flung over someone's shoulder. He wants to wake up. He want to wake up. He wants...

"George."

He wants to wake up.

"George."

He wants to wake up.

"GEORGE!"

He jumps awake, arms flailing in the air as he rolls off of Dream's chest and onto the hardwood floor. Dream tries to catch him, but he's too late. The younger man laughs but it's concerned and awkward.

"Shit, George, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Bad dream." Dream helps him back up, and they return to their previous position.

There's a comfortable silence and George is listening to his own steady breathing. He sure as hell can't listen to Dream's...

There's creaking coming from the outside of the house, and neither think anything of it. The creaking gets louder and Dream's head turns toward the window in which there is no curtain covering it. George knows it's not his imagination when he sees a flash of light outside, and it's not the torches on the path. Dream's arm tightens around his shoulders, and George wishes this was part of the dream. Someone is outside.

"We should tell Slime." Dream whispers, and George makes a move to get off Dream and go upstairs. A torch shines through the window, and George moves his head in time to see Dream fling himself behind the sofa and hide.

"Slime?" George whisper-shouts as he pulls himself up the stairs and into Slime's room. "Slime!?"

There's an abrupt thud at the door and George grits his teeth as he urges Slime to wake the hell up. George's heart stops momentarily as every goes silent, before all hell breaks loose. He barges into Slime's room just as the thudding turns to something louder and he ignores the trails of goo that are spread across the floor. Slime is seemingly fast asleep in his bed, on top of the covers, chest rising and falling as though their lives aren't currently in danger.

"SLIME!" George screeches as the noises downstairs grow louder. He doesn't have to look at the front door to know that someone is attacking it with an axe. George hopes Dream has hidden somewhere else besides the back of the sofa. George shakes Slime's shoulder and the latter jolts at the contact.

"I am skin and bones!" The man (again...very debatable) shoots up and stares at George, eyes wide a panicked.

"Slime, listen, there are people trying to get in the house, we need to go NOW!"

They have no time to lose, as the door is almost down, almost reduced to splinters, yet the people behind it have yet to enter the house. The pair rush down the stairs, Slime grabbing his glasses from his bedside table on the way.

"I know where to go!" Slime says, rushing through the house, George hot on his heels. He feels a hand press against his back and flinches, worried that someone got in. He turns his head quickly, relieved to see it's just Dream.

"I saw them, they aren't the smallest guys, that's why they haven't gotten in yet. We can probably outrun them." Dream murmurs into his ear, trying to be quiet as both the grunting outside and the hacking of the door gets louder.

Slime takes them to the kitchen, and George sees a back door.

"We're running out there? What if people see us?" Slime shakes his head, throwing the back door open despite the confused faces of both Dream and George. "This is a distraction, but we'll actually escape...through this..."

Slime slides under the wooden table that stands in the middle of the room, and pulls back the floorboards, revealing a spiralling staircase.

"We have to be quick!" Dream and George, both slide under the table on their knees just as the front door is completely broken down, and a rush of men flood the house. George quickly slides the floorboards back over his head, and the decent to darkness begins.

George clutches Dream's hand and feels along the walls with the other. It's dark, and the the only sounds George is processing is the thudding above them, and his own shallow breaths.

"Years ago," Slime begins, "I lived in an isolated village with my family, far from any other civilisation. We were fine y'know. It was fun. We did the same things everyday, we had seasonal celebrations, holidays...it was nice..."

"Slime-" Dream starts but gets cut off.

"We were attacked. We never saw it coming. Everyone was just...wiped out...out of nowhere. I was small, so I ran and ran, I had no clue where I was going, all I knew was I had to get out..."

They reach the end of the staircase, and torches decorated the wall, lighting up Slime's sad face in a warm glow.

"I met Wilbur. He's the reason I have this place, and the first person I had trusted outside of my family. It took a long time for me to fully trust him, but once he suggested building this, I knew he had my best interest at heart. He's my best friend...and I hope that after we get out of here, I can call you guys the same..."

Before, George often struggled expressing how he really felt. Often times, it meant recieving bad news and reacting with a simple "okay" and carrying on with his day. However, seeing Slime's sad eyes in the orange light, makes him want to cry. He knows what it's like to lose everything. He knows how it feels, and he wouldn't wish it upon anyone.

"The minute we escape these guys, Slime, you can stay with us. We seriously cannot thank you enough for this." Dream says with nothing but sincerity in his voice. Their green eyes meet each other, and Slime smiles slightly. It's a delicate moment, one that George doesn't want to ever break.

"Come on, this way, the tunnel goes pretty deep, it leads all the way to the ocean and underneath it. Wilbur and I spent months making it incase of an emergency...they wont find us."

Slime was definitely right about the length of the tunnel. It takes them twenty turns and a whole hour and a half before they reach the end. George is being carried on Dream's back, and even Slime is using Dream as a crutch as he leans heavily onto his side. There's no sign of the gang, nor no noise to suggest they followed. George may be tired out of his mind, but he'd rather be tired and safe, than anything else right now.

A wonky ladder is at the end of their path, and Slime is the first to clime up it, treading carefully with each step as it creaks. Dream pushes George up the ladder, and follows close behind. At the top is a trapdoor, and as Slime uses all his force to open it, clumps of dirt falls onto their faces and a dead leaves settle in their hair.

George inhales the air he didn't know he missed, and is relieved when he sees the warm glow of sunrise.

"Well we are out." Slime sighs as he lays on the grass in exhaustion. "I know of a town close by if you need a place to stay...or you can go, I don't mind."

George and Dream stare at Slime.

"Slime, I told you," Dream says gently, "you're a friend now, you protected us and you barely know us... you can stay with us."

Slime looks up, his eyes wide and vulnerable. "You really meant it?"

"Why wouldn't I? I don't say things I don't mean."

Slime cheers like a child, and in his tired state, George laughs bright and loud.

"We should get moving." Everyone agrees with Dream and the make their way through the oak forest they had appeared at.

Slime admits the town is a few hours away, and George wants to cry at the confession, but nonetheless, they trek through the long grass.

The sun rises higher, and George can't help but notice Dream hunch over himself. He hisses suddenly as the walk through a patch of sun which was otherwise blocked by the leaves above.

"Dream?" Slime looks over to where Dream suddenly hunches over himself, and George's arm flings over his chest in an attempt to keep him upright.

Dream's knees suddenly buckle, his weight pulling George down with him.

"Dream, talk to me!" George urges. "Dream please."

Dream just hisses, and it's that moment when George suddenly remembers...

"SHIT!" He uses his body to shield the sun, and Slime reacts fast by doing the same. "Dream, you gotta talk to us, what are you feeling?"

"Really fucking sore..." he replies, his eyes scrunched up tight. "The sun...I think it's the sun."

Alright that makes sense...

"The trees, we need to get him to the shade."

Together, Slime and George help Dream over to a shaded patch, with Dream's arms over each of their shoulders. He's dead weight (which George knows isn't funny, but even as he makes the joke in his head, there's a sadistic part of his mind that laughs.)

Dream grips his head as he curls in on himself under the tree he is slumped against. Despite being in the shade, Dream is still in agony.

"We were travelling in the sun earlier," George remembers suddenly, "Dream it can't be the sun."

Dream doesn't respond. He just grips his head tighter.

Slime doesn't know what to do, and seems to look around him, as though the bark on the trees or the overgrown grass holds the answer.

George starts hitting his own head with the mantra of "think, think, think" on repeat. His boyfriend is in pain, he needs to do something fast.

Suddenly it hits him.

"Dream, when was the last time you ate?" Dream shakes his whole body from side to side as though he doesn't know the answer whilst also trying to reduce the pain he feels.

George just crouches beside him, tentatively removing the hands that grip onto Dream's hair.

"Dream, I need to know, what can you eat?"

Dream whines, and George knows the answer. Slime also seems to know the answer as his eyes meet George's, and his mouth opens in shock.

Blood.

Dream needs blood.

How the hell will this work?

"Dream, do you think you can drink my blood?" George asks, and rolls up his sleeve, offering a wrist to his boyfriend.

"I...can't..." Dream cries.

"Dream, you have to." George insists, urging his wrist closer to Dream's face.

"I...can't...you're not my type..."

George scoffs.

"What do you need then? Slime's?"

"I HAVE BLOOD!" Slime shouts, pulling up his sleeve, even as Dream shakes again.

"Slime doesn't have blood. I need the blood to be the same type as my own...I'll get worse otherwise."

"What the hell is your blood type? I don't even know my own."

"If...I...smell it...I know."

"Slime, is there a town closer to us? Or at least a village, a building, anything?!"

Slime scratches his head in thought.

"Wilbur and I passed a wreck when we went exploring. It was a weird metal-looking building; rounded, but it looked buried in the ground. I remember hearing a dog, but I don't know if the building had anyone inside. We turned back after that, and went another way."

"We can try. How far is it, and where?"

"About a fifteen minute walk that way," he says, pointing east.

"That's not far, you think you can hold up until then?" George asks Dream, whose nod is weak.

Together, once again, Slime and George have an arm of Dream's each, slung over their shoulders. Even though they know it isn't the sun, the pair make an effort to stay in shade as much as possible, especially seeing as Dream tries to keep his pain quiet as he bites his lip, and tenses his muscles.

Wading their way through the long grass is easier than George thought it would be. Dream seems to be floating in and out of consciousness. Slime is stronger than George, taking most of the weight as though it doesn't bother him. Maybe it doesn't.

After what feels like hours of walking, George sees something. It's a building just like how Slime described. It's round, like a disc, and it looks more like iron than the typical cheap metal he had pictured in his head. There appears to be a purple glass dome on the roof of it, and as he looks closer, the exterior is decorated with broken light...hang on a minute.

"Slime, this looks like a UFO."

Slime takes a look at the building in front of them.

"I guess it does. But I've never seen a UFO before, so I wouldn't know."

Dream stirs from where his head is resting on George's shoulder.

"Someone is in there..." He whispers. The pair holding him up have no choice but to take his word for it. "I'm...sure...they can...help."

Walking up to the UFO, George feels a twinge of anxiety. It was not even a day ago they were being chased by the gang's hunters in Slime's own home. Hell, it doesn't feel like that long ago since he was snatched from Sapnap's base...goodness, he misses that boy. But he can worry about Sapnap later...right now Dream needs help, and urgently.

There's no clear entrance to the building, but they don't need to worry about that, since a giant, fluffy white dog charges towards them, barking manically and showing off it's sharp teeth.

The trio flinch back, and stumble over each others feet, trying to get away from the beast whilst simultaneously trying to keep Dream as up-right as possible. George tries to use his body to shield Dream, even as the trio fall to the floor in a panic and the dog sprints closer and closer and closer...

"DOGCHAMP, STOP!" A voice shouts, and the dog stops to halt. George hesitantly looks up from the floor, panting hard, he looks behind the scruffy dog, and sees...a boy.

He's tall, probably taller than George, but his face is soft and young (which is really saying something, considering George is famous for 'being baby' as Sapnap would put it). He's wearing torn black jeans, and a dark purple hoodie, which despite his surroundings, seem perfectly clean.
His hair is a dusty blonde, similar to Dream's, and as he walks closer, George can see the faint shade of purple in his eyes and his face is drawn and reserved. He isn't a threat. Merely a boy protecting his territory.

"What is your business here?" He demands.

"Dr- my boyfriend. He needs help." George says, standing up and brushing dust off his trousers. He eyes the dog wearily, but the hound doesn't seem too bothered about their presence anymore. Instead, it trots back to it's owner who rubs its back in praise.

"What kind of help?" The boy questions, and only now, George notices the netherite dagger tight in his fist. George has only seen netherite once before, and that's when Technoblade had worn a netherite pendant, gifted to him anonymously. He remembers everyone was in awe of the jewellery, some people even trying to grab at the chain, but Techno soon beat them down with a swing of his fist.

"He needs blood!" Slime exclaims before George can even process the question.

"Blood?"

Before Slime can answer that question, George speaks up first.

"He didn't mean blood," he tries to bargain, "he meant...food."

From where he is slumped face first in the ground, Dream still manages to snort.

"Do you think I'm stupid?" The kid asks, tilting his head in disbelief, even the dog looks over to George as though he is an idiot. "I've got regeneration pots and healing. No blood. But they may help hold him up for a while. They tend to work for most...creatures...anyway."

Nobody makes a move; mostly because Dream can't, George is too stunned at the kids sincerity and Slime is embarrassed by his earlier outburst.

"Do you want help or not?" The kid asks as he turns around to his UFO and heads inside, followed by the dog.

George and Slime practically drag Dream behind them as they follow the kid into his building.

The entrance is around the back, sheltered by overgrown vines and prickly bushes. It's hard trying to heave Dream over stray branches so he doesn't fall, but as soon as they get inside, it's worth it.

The UFO is very spacious, and despite there being no real wall divide between rooms, each space is clearly its own. The kitchen is neatly tucked away to one side with a table for two nearby. There are two beds pushed at the far back of the giant room, one purple the other white. George can see them peeking through delicate dividers. Next to the purple bed, is a big pillow, presumably a dog bed. There's a simple seating area, a storage area and George can even see stands of armour and weapons hung on the walls. Despite only being a kid, everything seems neat and in order. Not only that, but the kid doesn't live alone. And George isn't just thinking of the dog.

The kid hands George the pots, who gently puts the glass to Dream's lips. Dream drinks it like he has never drank before, and already he starts to gain his strength back.

"You don't have to tell me yours," the kid begins, "but I'm Purpled. This is Dogchamp."

"I'm Slime! I have bones!" Slime speaks up, waving his hands at himself like a child. Purpled nods like he understands, but the strange set of his eyebrows suggests he is judging Slime. George doesn't blame him, but he still feels protective over his new friend and doesn't appreciate the kid's judgement.

"I'm George...this is Dream."

Purpled nods and doesn't make a move to shake anyone's hand...not that George had his own hand out ready.

"He'll need at least three more pots of both to fully heal, and I wouldn't recommend taking them all at once. He can probably have one every twelve hours, but I'm no doctor."

Purpled moves around to his kitchen where George sees a brewing stand and a dozen glasses he didn't notice before. He glances to Dream who is now sat on the floor. He has more of his strength back, but is still weak.

"How do you know so much about potions?" Dream whispers.

George doesn't think Purpled had heard, but his shrug suggests otherwise.

"My brother taught me..."

"That doesn't really explain anything. You're probably fifteen. Potions take years to master, and gathering materials is expensive." George butts in.

"Actually, I'm seventeen. I'd rather not go into my past, the same as I'm not going to ask what happened to you guys. I just saved his life...or at least what's left of it. Let's just leave it at that."

Silence looms over the four of them and the only sound that remains is Purpled gathering and cleaning the glass pots, and Dogchamp's occasional huff.

"Thank you." Dream says quietly. "For saving me, that is."

Purpled shrugs.

"You guys can stay as long as you need. If you want to leave, I suggest taking the pots with you, but I wouldn't recommend travelling in your state. You'll use more energy. It's up to you...besides, you're the first guests I've ever had."

Purpled leaves the trio alone to ponder their thoughts, and even though the space in the UFO-like building is an open space, the teenager manages to respect their privacy.

"I think we should leave." George murmurs, loud enough for Slime and Dream to hear. "As much as I appreciate the help, I don't feel safe no matter where we stop."

"George, the kid said he has never had guests. He just saved my life. Trust me, I don't want either of you to get hurt, but I trust this guy. Call it a hunch."

Slime seems content with staying despite not saying anything. George ends up agreeing with Dream. He doesn't want to stay, but if Dream want to, then he will. Anything to make his man happy.

"Okay fine, alright, but only until you run out of pots."

It seems a fair agreement, and to seal the deal, Dream leans forward, and gently kisses George on the cheek.

"This is cute." Slime comments from where he is crouched over Dogchamp, and gently running his fingers through the dogs fur. Dogchamp, in turn, looks content with the attention despite its earlier display of aggression.

"I think so too. She was a gift from my brother" Purpled says, and walks back over to the trio, and Slime perks up.

"It's a girl?" He squeaks in excitement.

"Uh, yeah. My brother bought her for me."

Slime starts talking to the dog like she is a baby. Dogchamp rolls onto her back for Slime like a puppy. George admits it's cute, but he doesn't dare say anything out loud.

"Where is your brother?" Dream asks out of curiosity.

"Around. Doing a job. He'll be back in the early hours of the morning."

"What does he do?"

"That's his business."

"So you don't know?"

"I do know. Why all the questions?"

"I'm just curious."

"Curiosity killed the cat."

"Good job I'm not a cat."

Purpled huffs in defeat, but doesn't reveal anymore.

"George can you help me set up the beds?" He asks instead and George wants to groan like a child, but Dream is still weak, and Slime is the happiest he has looked since George first met him.

Purpled changes the sheets of his brothers bed, and gives the space to Dream despite protests from George.

"His bed is the most comfortable," he reasons, "I don't want your friend to feel discomforted whilst he is still healing. My brother won't mind."

The other two beds are set up close by in the empty space by the beds that are already there. Admittedly, they are not comfortable, but George can't complain.

The night soon comes, and after eating food, everyone settles down to sleep. Dream is out like a light, and even Slime falls asleep with ease.

George feels awake. He feels alert. He also feels safe. It's a weird mix of emotions that his brain can't seem to handle. Half of him wants flee and the other want him to stay put. Suddenly he feels a flush of heat, and his breath hitches. He kicks off his blankets abruptly, and holds his chest that seems to tighten. He needs air. He needs to get out. Everything is tight. He thinks he is going to die. He might die. He doesn't want to die. Is this what a heart attack is like? He can't smell burnt toast. Is that just a rumour? Don't die. Don't die. Don't die.

He practically runs out of the door, gasping at the cool air that hits him. His breathing is deep and panicked, but the slight breeze calms him down instantly. It takes a few minutes for him to calm down completely. It takes a whole twenty minutes for him to realise he isn't going to die, even as his breathing returns to normal and he isn't shaking. Eventually, he wipes at his sweaty forehead and retreats back into the building.

"Water?" George yelps, and jumps out of his skin. His fist moves without his consent, and as his arm flings out, it connects with soft fabric which is followed by a soft "oomph."

"Shit!" George exclaims when he realises what he has done. He tries to apologise, but Purpled waves him off.

"I shouldn't have snuck up you."

"I shouldn't have punched you!"

"It's okay, I'm fine. The question is, are you alright?"

"Purpled, I just winded you."

"If I was winded I wouldn't be breathing as easy. You're punch was incredibly weak."

George takes a moment to feel offended but upon seeing Purpled's smirk he can't help but laugh.

"Seriously, are you okay?" Purpled asks, handing George a glass off water that miraculously wasn't dropped when he was hit.

"I'm fine now... I don't know what that was..."

"Looked like a panic attack. I used to get them a lot." Purpled admits. "Dogchamp helps."

George takes the water. "I don't think I've ever had one before."

"They can be really scary at first. Come sit down." Purpled leads him to the sofas that are not too far from the beds. There's a lantern on a the coffee table next to George, and in the dim orange light, he can see Dogchamp stretch from her bed, and pad over to where her owner is sitting. Instead of jumping onto the seats, she gently lays herself across George's feet, as though she is protecting him.

"The first panic attack I had, was when Punz first left me home alone." Purpled speaks up after a moment of comfortable silence.

"Punz?" George questions, already guessing who the name belonged to, but not wanting to assume.

"My brother. He was out on his first job. I think I was ten at the time. He was fifteen. Dogchamp wasn't around at this point. I knew how to take care of myself, but he was gone for longer than usual. It started getting dark and suddenly I couldn't breathe. It came from nowhere. I thought I was going to die..."

"That must of been scary. Being so young."

Purpled just nods, his eyes vacant, not really looking anywhere. "It was. I walked laps around the place because Punz told me to never go outside when I was on my own, especially in the dark. We didn't live here at the time. I think it took me an hour before I calmed down...but I was still shaking when Punz came home in the morning."

"You two lived on your own?" George asks, realisation hitting him that Punz and Purpled were, at the time, just kids.

"We have for as long as I remember." Purpled shrugs like it doesn't matter. Maybe it doesn't. If Purpled was ten, and Punz was fifteen, and Purpled is now seventeen, that means Punz is now twenty-two...the same age as Dream. Twenty-two, in George's eyes, is still too young to raise a teenager, and if the brothers have been alone for as long as Purpled can remember, then that means that Punz was a child raising a child. It makes his heart ache.

"That must have been tough." George sympathises, but Purpled shrugs him off.

"It's whatever, y'know. Doesn't really matter." George takes a sip of his water, savouring the flavour. He never considered the taste of water. To him it is all the same, but the water Purpled has presented him is fresh, clean and clear. He likes it.

"It does matter. If you were both kids."

"We're not kids anymore though."

"Well...you still are."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Seventeen isn't a kid."

"I would've said the exact same thing...but I'm older than you, and you still are a kid."

Purpled just huffs and falls back into the sofa, crossing his arms like an angry toddler.

"Do you feel better now?" He asks after a comfortable moment.

"Yes. Thank you."

"Do you want to go back to bed?"

George ponders for a moment. "I think I might stay up for a while, if that's alright."

"Of course. If you need anything you know where I am, help yourself to anything in the kitchen. Dogchamp might stay with you, but she shouldn't be a bother."

"Thank you Purpled."

"No problem George."

Purpled heads back to his bed, and Dogchamp stays at George's feet. She huffs and rolls onto her side in her sleep, and George gently stokes at her side. It's therapeutic. So much so, that George doesn't feel himself fall over to the side, nor does he feel his eyes droop close, or his hand stilling in Dogchamp's soft fur.

George wakes up to the sound of murmurs in the kitchen and sunlight in his eyes. Dogchamp is no longer next to him, and his back aches ever so slightly from the awkward angle he fell asleep in.

He wipes at the dribble on his cheek and sits up, blinking the blurriness out of his eyes. The UFO looks different in this light. It looks cleaner and more welcoming as the sunlight paints the furniture. George feels as though he has been here forever.

There is a sudden burst of laughter, and George looks over to the kitchen where he can see Purpled wiping away at the counter. There is another person next to him. It's not Dream nor Slime. He deducts that this guy, who is slightly taller than Purpled, is Punz. He is wearing a stark white hoodie with black stripes on the sleeves. His hood is up and George can't see his face.

Purpled seems to notice that George is awake and smiles at him.

"Morning George." He says quietly. "Slime is outside with Dogchamp, and I think Dream is still asleep."

George croaks a "good morning" back and tries to get a view of Punz's face without making it obvious.

His plan fails, however, when Purpled notices him.

"Oh I forgot to introduce you. Punz this is George and George this is my brother Punz."

Punz turns towards George. He has the same light blonde hair as Purpled, his eyes, however, are bright icy blue, almost white. He wears a thick golden chain around his neck, but upon closer inspection, George can see it's more of a medallion.

"Nice to meet you." Punz speaks.

"Uh, you too," George says back, and thinks for a moment. "Sorry Dream took your bed."

"I don't mind at all. The dude looks totally out of it. Besides, I only got back two hours ago, I can sleep later."

George nods and gets up. He feels uncomfortable in his dirty clothes instead of the comfortable pyjamas he's used to. He listens closely to hear the faint sound of laughing coming from outside.

"You can go out to them." Purpled says. "Slime has been out there since before Punz came back, I have no clue how he's not worn out yet."

George glances over to Dream who is laying ever so still on the bed. His hands grip the top of the pillow and his nose is buried in his shoulder. George wishes he had a camera for blackmail, because Dream looks...dare he say...cute.

When George eventually tears his eyes away from Dream, and heads outside, Slime is throwing a ball for Dogchamp to fetch. He looks excited. Dogchamp loyally brings the ball back, sometimes catching it mid-air.

"George. Good morning!" He waves.

"Good morning Slime." George croaks, suddenly aware of how much he should have asked for some water.

"Do you want to play?" Slime asks, forcing the ball into George's hand without waiting for a reply.

Dogchamp stands in front of him, her tail wagging and stance on edge, ready to leap for the ball.

George swings his arm hard, ignoring the popping of his joints, and watches as the ball flies into overgrown bramble bushes. He groans in disappointment, but Dogchamp takes no notice of the thorns, and throws herself into the bushes, returning a mere few seconds later, ball in mouth. She gallops towards George, mirroring what she did yesterday, only this time it isn't threatening, but playful. The ball is dropped in front of him and George laughs when as she backs up a bit, ready for the next throw.

Slime and George take it in turns throwing the ball, sometimes even throwing it to each other teasingly.

George jumps when a hand grabs his shoulder out of nowhere. He spins quick, fist ready to punch whatever is behind him, but when he sees the laughing face of his boyfriend, he relaxes.

"You guys having fun?" He asks, his voice deep with sleep. He seems in much better form, and George can smell the lingering sweetness of the pots Purpled made him take.

"Great fun. Dogchamp isn't as scary as I thought he was."

"Hello Dream!" Slime greets. "Do you want to throw the ball?"

Dream doesn't have a say as Slime slips the ball in his hand. His throw is much more powerful than George's and Slime's combined. The pair watch as Dream lobs the ball far into the air, further than it's been before. Even Dogchamp seems taken back by the whizz of the ball, before she springs into action, dodging trees and bushes to get to the ball that hasn't even landed yet.

"You've got quite a throw." A voice says from behind them. It's Punz.

"Thanks." Dream says, trying to break the awkward aura.

"Can I ask you guys something?" Punz says. He doesn't look threatening, only curious, however, there is a protective stance about him. George knows he is only protecting his brother, the same way he would for Dream or Slime...or Sapnap.

"Go ahead, not sure if I'll answer though."

"Okay that's fair...I know what you are, by the way...I just want to know, who did it. Who did this to you?"

There's a beat. Then there is two. And then there is a silence that is deafening.

Dream gulps audibly.

"I don't know what you mean."

"You do. Born vampires have red eyes. Only a turned vampire will keep their human eye colour. The eyes of a turned vampire tend to look dull, as yours do. Also the fangs are a give away. Most people don't notice because they assume a vampires fangs are long and sharp, but a turned vampire will only have sharp fangs, not long. Turned vampires are alright in the sun, but you'll get tired of you stay out too long, kind of like mild heatstroke. Turned vampires get very sick if they are hungry, and you are hungry...so I ask again, who did this to you?"

"How do you know so much?" Dream asks.

"I know more. If you have any more you want to know, I guarantee I can help. Let's just say it comes with the job."

"I don't quite understand." Dream admits.

"We should probably talk inside."

The three of them follow Punz back inside the UFO, Dogchamp running after them.

George doesn't feel dread at the upcoming conversation. Punz is a calm guy, and if he is anything like his brother...then George can trust him.

Purpled looks up at them puzzled as they sit around the small table; Dream, George and Slime take a seat whilst Punz actually sits on top of the table, kegs crossed. Purpled stands at the end of the table, sending disapproving glances at his brother.

"What are we doing?" The youngest questions.

"We should tell them the truth." Punz admits, and George's stomach drops. Are they working for the gang?

"You trust them already?" Purpled asks as they they aren't all sat around the same table.

"Dream is a turned vampire. If anything, this is going to help them."

"What did you want to talk about?" Dream speaks up. He looks like he's trying to be brave, but under his valiant façade, George can sense his worry. He known the younger for years after all.

"I work with a group of hunters to protect hybrids, interdimensional beings, turned and other creatures. We hunt the 'bad guys' in order to protect those who are vulnerable, confused or just need safety. We usually get a job done within forty eight hours. We give these people, the bad guys, what they deserve. I beg you to tell me who you are running from so we can help."

"Who is we?" Slime speaks up.

"There's me, Ant who is a cat hybrid, Sam who is a creeper hybrid, Foolish who is a totem shark hybrid, Ponk who is human and Puffy who is a sheep hybrid."

"How do we know you're not lying? What if you just sell us out to the gang?" George bursts.

"The gang? Is that what you're calling them?" Punz's eyes are on George, and he looks intrigued.

"We don't know the name," Dream butts in, "I think I killed a bunch of them when we escaped, I don't even know who the leader is."

"Just give me a location and we can work it out from there."

Dream does his best to describe the building he was held in as well as the location. It makes George feel sick. Purpled gently nudges him, noticing George's vacant eyes.

"Water?" He whispers, and George doesn't have the strength to reply before a glass of water is gently slid in front of him.

As Dream describes the exact actions of the gang that were forced upon him, George feels his chest tighten and his wrists ache.

He wishes this wasn't real and any moment know he is going to wake up. He is going to wake up from the nightmare and everything will be fine. He'll Wake up next to Dream. It will be fine. He just has to wake up. Any second now...or now...

"George?"

Or now...

"George?"

Or now...

"George!"

Any second...

"GEORGE!"

He flinches back only to face Dream who's eyes are filled with worry. His cold hands gently hold George's face, their eyes locking. George knows that this is the harsh reality, and everything is real. He hates it.

"Everyone is outside. Purpled said that this is a panic attack and you had one last night. I'm sorry I didn't know."

"It's not your fault."

"I should've been there."

"It's okay, I promise."

Dream gently kisses him as though he is made of glass. Maybe he is.

"Punz said his friends are coming down tonight. We'll get to meet them. He said Puffy keeps a file of every case they have, and with permission, she's going to show us a few."

George just nods.

"Do you want a nap?" Dream asks and George nods. They head over to the bed that was set up for George. Dream is the big spoon, holding George close, hand over his heart. George supposes he misses it. The heart beat.

The sound of his own breathing lulls George to sleep.

He wakes up to the sound of loud laughing; voices he hasn't heard before.

He feels on guard for a moment before relaxing as Dream tightens his arm around his waist. He remembers where he is and why he is here. He also remembers what Punz said. Perhaps his friends are here now.

"We should get up." Dream croaks, and pulls George up. Glancing around the room, George can see Slime talking to someone he has never seen before.

Carefully they make there way to where everyone is gathered around.

Punz waves them over

"Dream, George, meet Ponk and Sam, they're a couple too! They are also two of the best fighters we have, both crazy intelligent."

The man in the yellow and red ski mask laughs.

"Punz you are too kind. Hi I'm Ponk, and this handsome fellow is Sam." He gestures to the creeper hybrid who has green scales crawling up his neck and framing his face. His eyes are also jet black and his hair is dark green. He looks intimidating at first glance, giving his impossible height, but his expression softens when Ponk looks at him. George wonders if Dream looks at him like that.

"It's nice to meet you both." Dream says for the two of them.

"That's Puffy over there," Sam points, "Punz said you may be interested in some of our past cases so she brought a few files."

Puffy is a sheep hybrid, which is evident is her woolly hair and sheep ears. She's wearing what looks like a sea captains coat and hat, as well as dark sunglasses. She has a folder in one hand and is gesturing dramatically with the other one to the tall man opposite her.

"That's Foolish next to her. He's her son. He's the best builder for miles and probably the nicest guy you'll ever meet, but he gets very protective, and his abilities should never be underestimated."

Foolish is taller than Sam. He has golden skin that almost seems reflective, and as he smiles, George can see he has sharp teeth that glint in the light.

"Hi, I'm Ant." Comes a voice from behind them and George turns to see a cat hybrid, with friendly, bright blue eyes and warm smile. "Puffy bought some files, we can go over them now if you want?"

"Yeah sure...sorry I should introduce myself, I'm George, this is Dream."

Puffy notices Ant and smiles as she walks over to the group.

"Shall we go over these files, I bought three with me, all with permission of course."

The pair nod, and Dream and George sit at the table opposite Puffy and Ant. Puffy places three yellow folders in front of them and opens the one on top. There is no image, only a name and a couple of paragraphs of writing.

"This file belongs to Karl Jacobs. He is a shape shifting time traveller who is classified as an interdimensional being. He came to us on accident fleeing what we assume is a faceless God, who used drawings and messages to taunt him. We managed to help him by giving him shields in which the God cannot identify. These shields are are invisible forcefields which can last decades, but they are incredibly difficult to craft and it took a long time to find the right enchantments... nonetheless he is safe now."

George tries to wrap his head around this new world. Invisible shields? Faceless God's? It's a lot to take in, even as Puffy opens the next folder.

"Quackity is our next case. He's an avian. Avians are pretty common, however, Quackity has duck wings which are rare. He was being hunted for sport, like a fox. He contacted us himself after years of abuse. Luckily, we were able to get him out with help from everyone here after we tracked the hunters, and Quackity is able to walk outside his new home safely."

She opens the last folder.

"This last one is Tubbo. He happens to be son of the hunter who hunted Quackity. He's a ram hybrid. Unfortunately, when we tracked Tubbo's father, we found he was abusing his son. We were able to rescue him as well, and he now resides with Quackity."

George notices that Puffy never goes into detail about the cases. He does feel bad for the Tubbo kid, but at least he is safe. George hopes they can be safe again soon.

"We need to come up with a plan," Ant begins, "as soon as Dream has finished the pots, we can make a move."

"Why can't we make a move now?" Dream asks, curious.

"Purpled told us you're still on pots. You may feel as though you are back to full health, but it's better to be safe than sorry."

"Wait a minute," George realises, "Dream isn't fighting."

Dream puts an arm around George's shoulder in an attempt to comfort him.

"I'm a lot stronger now George. I want to help."

"But...they'll hurt you again...I don't need that to happen again Dream."

"George...I want to help them...please."

Dream's eyes are silently pleading, and as much as George hates it, he knows Dream has a point. He's strong. He's so strong. Stronger than he has ever been before, and George remembers all too well the way Dream ripped apart gang members as they made their escape from the hell hole.

"Okay, alright, I suppose I see what you're saying...we should probably start planning."

After Dream tells them the exact location of where he was kept, Sam is able to plan a route to their base.

"It's likely that most of them are still there, even if they've sent people out to find you. It's a possibility that they are keeping other people at their base, if this turns into a rescue mission then we must prepare for it."

Sam already has a satellite image of the base printed out, and is circling different parts of the map

"I've found several openings, but if you look closely to this image, you can see that people seem to only be using one. I'm guessing this is their main entrance. We'll be lucky if the other doors are even available to us, they may be locked, but we have to consider that the entrance they are using could be our only way in."

Ant steps up to the map that is laid out on the table.

"We have no knowledge of the inside layout, but Dream, if you're able to relay your route, it would be helpful, otherwise we'll have to head to a library and fig through old records."

Dream nods. "I remember it. We came through the main way after following fire exit signs. It was pretty straight forward, but if there are other people being held...I want to help them too."

Puffy steps up. So, we could take this entrance." She points to one of the entrances that Sam circled, which is close to the main entrance. "That way Dream is able to still guide us around, but we are out of sight of the guards."

"I can make invisibility potions for us." Purpled says from nowhere, and Punz looks up shocked.

"You're not coming with us." He exclaims, mimicking the argument George had with Dream not so long ago.

"Why not? You expect me to stay here? Like you always do?"

"Don't guilt me, I'm not dragging you with us Purp, you could get killed!"

"Oh, and you can't? We can bring Dogchamp, she's trained to fight, as long as I have her I'll be safe."

"Purpled I don't want to lose you." Punz admits and there is a heavy silence. The pair are both out of breath and angry, and George can't help but feel sorry for them.

"Purpled... we've lost so much already, you know that...and I can't lose you too. What would I do then? I need to know that you're safe."

"If I stay with you, then I will be safe, I promise. And I have Dogchamp. I can brew just about any potion so even if something happens, I can quickly heal. Please Punz."

"Losing battle Punz." Foolish whispers, but doesn't quite whisper quiet enough as all eyes turn to him.

He holds his hands up in defence. "I'm just saying. I've seen you two train together, Purpled is stronger than he looks."

Puffy, Sam and Ant all seem to agree with Foolish as they nod along with his statement. Dream and George both hold there breath, and Slime, who is yet again outside with Dogchamp, can be heard laughing.

Punz seems to give in.

"Fine, but you must be with one of us at all times with Dogchamp at your side, and you have to be the one carrying the healing and regeneration pots."

Purpled groans but agrees. After all, George doubts he would disagree considering Punz is so reluctant to let him go at all.

"Sam and I have a whole weapon room back at our place. We can also supply armour too, I just need an enderchest to transport it." Ponk says, and George jumps at the sound of his voice, forgetting the other man was there at all.

"We will need to train up. All of us. There are going to be a lot of people here, and even though I'm fairly certain they are all human, there are only ten of us and a dog." Sam flips the pen in his hand eagerly and turns over the map.

"If we can list all the skills we have, we can make a plan based on who goes where. Ant is quiet and stealthy," he says as he writes Ant's name down, along with the two descriptive words, "he is also fast however, strength may not be his strongest skill, but he makes up for it in common sense and his crazy sense of direction. Foolish is probably one of the strongest but he isn't as fast. I think it's reasonable to suggest that you two stay together if we do split up, and it should also be you two to explore the base deeper if we do find that other people are being held captive."

Foolish and Ant both happily agree.

"Punz is skilled with almost every weapon we have. It's not unreasonable to suggest that he can take care of himself, with the advantage of all his past training and experiences. Ponk is also pretty much the same. You two have the most amount of kills between all of us. I think it's fair to say that you two should be the leaders of this pack."

Purpled looks sick at the suggestion of his brother being in the front lines of this fight, but he doesn't complain.

"Puffy, you and I work best as a team. If they are distracted by the others, we can attack from the back."

Puffy seems happy with the brief instruction, and it is George's understanding that this isn't their first fight. If it were him, he would need something more specific.

Slime walks in at that moment, out of breath but smiling.

"What are we doing?" He asks.

"Coming up with a plan to get rid of the guys who hurt Dream," Ant answers, "Sam is making a list of our skills and pairing us up. What can you do Slime?"

George doubts Slime can do anything. He doesn't want to offend the man (which George has come to a reasonable conclusion to doubt yet again), but Slime actually scrunches up his face in consideration.

"I can make myself really small." He says, proud, and it takes everyone by surprise.

"What?" George asks, sharp.

"I can make myself small?" He says again, this time questioning himself.

Out of all of them, Puffy looks the most intrigued, with a small shout of "show us!"

To George's surprise, Slime actually closes his eyes tight in concentration, and although it is done very slowly, Slime starts shrinking smaller and smaller and smaller, until he is the same size as an apple. He looks up at all their shocked faces, waiting for approval.

"Dude," Purpled is the first to speak, "that is so cool!"

Slime basks in the praise, and doesn't take notice of Dogchamp sniffing and snorting onto his head.

"Thank you!"

"Okay...since that is new..." Sam starts to write a couple of things down, "if Slime can shrink, he may be able to travel through vents. If any gang member is hiding, he can tell us their location. That way we can avoid a possible ambush."

As slow as he shrunk, Slime starts to grow back, scaring Dogchamp who starts to whine.

"Dream, you have new abilities, and you've fought these people before. If you are seen with us, you'll be the main target, so will George. For this reason, I want you two to stay out of the way as much as possible until we give you the signal to join. This way, hopefully, they are weak enough that they'll drop like flies. When you do join, Dream, I think it's best you fight, however, George, since I'm guessing you don't have as much experience, I want you to be our communication. If Slime spots a problem, it will be reported to you, and you will then report to us. Our communicators will go crazy if we receive messages from each other, all of us, which is why George will only report to one person per group, and that person should only get messages from George."

Purpled coughs and Sam rolls his eyes.

"I'm getting to you. Purpled, you are just as stealthy as Ant, and more than capable fighting on your own. However, you are going to be carrying the pots, which is why we need you to weave between groups in case something happens to one of us. Dogchamp has your back, but I'm sure you already know that."

Everyone is quiet, soaking up the information.

"Do we all understand what we are doing?" Sam asks, and everyone nod. Sam claps his hands together, making both George and Slime jump. "Great!"

When the evening comes, Sam and Ponk leave to go home to their base to collect weapons and armour. Their training starts in the morning and George knows he shouldn't be, but he is nervous. He lays in bed staring at the ceiling. He has been for the past couple of hours.

Dream is sharing his bed since Punz is home, and the younger is murmuring slightly in his sleep. The rest of Punz's friends are all piled on top of each other; Ant has his tail wrapped around himself as he purrs into his spot on the sofa. It's almost as though he is making himself as small as possible, and George, without seeing the obvious features, can tell that he is a cat hybrid. Foolish is laying straight on his back, hands clasped on his chest. It's the most unnatural sleeping position George has ever seen, and he finds it slightly funny. He also has wet flannels resting on the shark parts of his body, supposedly to keep him moist. George has never met someone is is hybrid with more than one creature, and he probably never will again. Puffy is the last. Instead of her usual Captain's coat, she is wearing only the shirt and leggings. She looks relaxed in a more comfortable sleeping position and George envies her momentarily before remembering the way she kissed everyone's forehead, including Slime's, Dream's and his own, before she went to bed. He can't forget the image of Purpled and Punz looking at her with adoration in their eyes as she did it.

George decides to get a drink, hoping that it will calm his nerves.

He notices Slime standing at the sink, staring at his own cup of water.

"Are you okay?" George whispers, gently putting his hand on Slime's shoulder as not to scare him too much.

Slime smiles, but even in the dark, George can see it is strained. "Just peachy."

"It's okay Slime." George reassures, although he is not entirely sure what he is reassuring Slime for.

"I forgot I could shrink," Slime admits, "I learned when I was really young, but since the passing of my parents...I guess I forgot."

"It's okay...to forget sometimes. We get caught up in the present all too often that we forget...what things used to be like. I know I do."

"How do you mean?" Slime wonders and George shrugs.

"I forgot until now that my favourite memory of me and Dream is when we first went fishing together. Dream threw the line back so hard that the rod flew out of his hands, and the momentum of the fish on the end, although it was tiny, was able to fling him back, and he fell hard on his bum."

Slime laughs quietly. "I bet that hurt a lot."

"Oh it did. He could only limp halfway back home before Sapnap found us as carried Dream over his shoulder. Dream complained the whole way but Sap and I were just laughing. When we got home, we listened to Cat, and drank smoothies."

"I love Cat." Slime admits quietly. "My cousin, who also lived in the village, had the record, and she played it for me all the time. She was much older than me and I always thought she was so cool."

The pair stay quiet. George doesn't mind the quiet, especially since it's been happening a lot recently. George then remembers that Cat is the first record he heard when he met Slime. In the future, George hopes he can listen to the record with more than just memories of a few years ago.

"Excited for training tomorrow?" George queries, and Slime nods.

"I don't have much experience with weapons, but I hope I can do well and my bones can take it." Slime flexes his arms.

"Don't you mean muscles?"

"Those too." Slime replies, not bothered.

"I think I'm going to head back to bed. Night Slime."

"Night George."

As George tucks himself under the cover and Dream's arm, he realises he forgot to get himself some water. It doesn't matter too much as he drifts off to sleep.

Sam and Ponk arrive back in the early hours of the morning, with only an enderchest in Sam's arms. Punz had woken them all up ready, much to everyone else's dismay. Puffy, Foolish, Ant and Dogchmap are out the front, soaking up the morning sun and warming themselves up. Dream washes his face in the sink and Purpled sorts through the weapons and armour he already has, ready for training. Slime, however, is leaning heavily against George, still in the process waking up. George can guarantee he is not doing much better.

When everyone is outside ready, George can see that multiple mannequins are set up in a row. Everyone but George is wearing armour, and Purpled haphazardly throws him full iron armour followed by a chipped stone sword.

"We're starting with our weaker weapons until you're strong enough to handle the heavier stuff."

George doesn't feel offended because he knows it's true.

Dream is over with Puffy and Foolish, training with them, whilst Sam is with Slime. Ponk and Punz are sparring with each other, and Ant is sat on the ground with a shiny purple book in his hands, and diamond sword in his lap. George guesses that he is enchanting, but he has never seen it done in person before. With all that, George is left with Purpled to train him.

"All I want you to do to start off with, is hit that mannequin with as many different attack positions and moves you know."

George obliges, and only manages to hit the stand four times.

"This is going to be a long day." He hears Purpled murmur. He secretly agrees.

George is pretty good with a bow and arrow, hitting a bullseye on almost every target. Even Dream turns to him surprised. Despite being good with a bow and arrow, Purpled decides it is not enough.

"It doesn't matter how good you are at something, there are always ways to improve. Nobody is ever truly the best at what they do."

He heads back inside, before quickly returning with two crossbows. George shudders at the sight of it. The weapon is heavier than the average bow, and they take longer to load, however, they have a higher accuracy when used properly, and they are more powerful with the advantage of speed. George has even heard of people replacing the arrows with fireworks.

"You're really good with the bow, however, it will be even better for us if you use one of these." He hands one to George.

"Before we shoot, we need to learn how to hold it properly. Keep it level with your shoulders and close to your body, but not too close as it may recoil." Purpled demonstrates and George copies his position.

"Next, you'll need to pull this rope back until it clicks into position." Again, George copies as he does, and hears the click of his crossbow.

"The last move is to pull the trigger, and after that we reload...of course we aren't going to do that just yet."

Purpled pulls the trigger and George is surprised by the recoil despite there being no arrow. George pulls the trigger of his own crossbow, and hits himself in the chest. Admittedly it hurts, but Purpled looks proud of him for his first time.

They practice that a dozen more times before Purpled bring out the arrows.

"Now that we've done that, we must put reloading into practice."

Purpled shows him how to do it, and George copies, mimicking his actions exactly.

Whilst the crossbow may have more accuracy than a normal bow, George misses the target several times, distracted by the recoil. He is able to reload fast, however, which impresses Purpled.

"It just takes practice. I think the others have gone in for dinner, but we can practice more tomorrow."

George realises they are the only ones in the garden, and even Dogchamp seems to have disappeared inside.

Once the pair are inside themselves, George can smell the sweet scent of rabbit stew.

"We got lucky tonight guys," Ant says as he pours a bit into a bowl for George, "Dream and I went hunting whilst you guys were busy."

Dream looks immensely proud of himself and George smiles as he sits next to him, careful not to jostle the soup in his bowl.

"I hear you've been busy." George says.

"Well, I've SEEN you've been busy. You're a natural with that crossbow.

George blushes, and everyone finishes their meals in silent chatter. It doesn't take long for everyone to eventually head to bed. George feels his muscles start to ache, but in a good way. He feels like he has been working hard (and he knows he has), but as he faces the ceiling, with Dream's arm wrapped around his waist, he can't help but feel deserving of the relaxation he feels.

George sleeps the best he has done in a long time.

It only takes five whole days of training before Sam is confident enough for them to go forward with the plan.

Dream is fully healed. He's so much stronger than what he was previously...even when they were being held against their will. George remembers the way Dream tore the gang members apart. If that's what he could do whilst still fairly weak, George is scared to find out what he can do with his full strength.

"We are all aware of the plan?" Sam asks everyone. They are all huddled in a circle, kitted up to the max, with full enchanted netherite armour, supplied by Ponk and Sam, and weapons strapped around them.

George had his crossbow strapped to his back, and a whole stack of arrows. Purpled told him to be careful with which ones he selected, as he doused a few in weakness and harming. He also has a communicator on him, which he has never used before, but with a quick explanation from Ponk, he gets the hang of.

Purpled had all the potions, as well as a diamond sword. Even Dogchamp had her own armour as she is big enough to fit into that of a small horses.

Puffy had a cutlass in her belt which George has never seen before, but in her hand was a netherite sword anyway.

"The sword is stronger, but I'm more skilled with a cutlass." She explained when George asked.

Ant, Ponk and Punz all have their own swords, but they also have axes that look heavy and strong. The trio, probably without realising it, are stood together like the soldiers George used to admire in his old town when there was the yearly parade. He quickly gets the image out of his head...he can't afford to be nostalgic at this time.

Foolish and Sam are both dressed in full netherite armour, and hold enchanted netherite sword, however, both brand tridents that are much longer and sharper than George expected them to be.

Dream is dressed in borrowed diamond armour from Ponk, and is holding a sword borrowed from Puffy.

Slime and George are dressed the same, in diamond armour, however, George has his crossbow and arrows whilst Slime only has his communicator. George knows Slime is going to stay out of the fight and stay hidden in vents, but it still worries him that he is going to be left defenceless if an attack happens.

Dream holds George's hand as they all leave the UFO. Fortunately, they don't have to walk. Sam and Ponk brought back their horses with them, but there are only four.

It is silently agreed that the weaker members of their group with ride on the horses when the start to tire, which is why it's no surprise to George, that two hours into their journey, George is sat behind Charlie on a white and brown speckled horse nicknamed Frank.

He accidentally falls asleep with his forehead resting against Slime's back.

By the time he wakes up, it has been an hour, and he is resting against Dream in a makeshift tent.

"I see we have set up base." He grumbles.

"Yep, we should be there tomorrow afternoon, if we leave in the morning."

After listening to the crickets, and the occasional hoot of an owl, George speaks up.

"Are you scared?"

"Yes...but not for me."

George looks up at Dream only to notice his boyfriend staring off into the distance.

"What do you mean?"

"George...I don't want you to fight. I don't even want Slime to fight, he hasn't said anything the whole day. Purpled is a kid...and I know we haven't known him for long, and I've seen him train, it still worries me. I feel guilty for dragging Punz and his friends into this and maybe if we kept on travelling we would be safe..."

"Dream that's ridiculous."

"Is it though?"

"I mean...Purpled trained me, and I'm good. I'm sure Slime can handle himself, and Punz and his friends have done stuff like this before."

George knows Dream is right.

"Rest. We leave in the morning."

George grudgingly does so, and dreads the morning more than he has ever done before.

They travel early in the morning when the grass is dewy and the air is fresh.

Slime sticks close to George, probably without realising it. He hasn't spoken much, and his face is drawn and emotionless. It makes George feel sad.

He gently wraps his arm around the taller, and gives him a reassuring smile in which Slime returns.

"It's okay to be nervous," George whispers, "I am too."

Slime nods but doesn't say anything.

There is only minimal conversation made between the ten of them, and the sound of the horses hooves become rhythmic. It isn't long before Punz is tying up the horses.

George feels sick when he realises that this is it...

This is the moment they spent days training for. The professionals all know what they are doing as they check over their weapons, and tighten their armour. Slime and George stand off to the side, even as Ponk comes over to check their amour over.

George hates how natural Dream looks stood next to them all. He is strong and brave and everything George isn't. Dream laughs along at whatever Punz is saying and George can see how pale Dream really is in the sun. He can see how his eyes are still not the same as before, and that his chest moves out of habit rather than necessity. It's a painful reminder as to why they are doing this, and it hurts. It hurts so much.

"Are you two ready?" Ant asks, snapping George out of his trance. They nod in reply, but Slime looks sick.

"You'll be fine," Ant says, taking notice of the uneasiness between them, "we'll give you a signal when we want you to join. Ponk and Punz are taking lead of the fight, then in go Foolish and I, followed by Sam and Puffy. You guys have Purpled if you need to heal." Slime holds onto everything Ant says, nodding his head as though he is trying to shake the anxiety.

George checks his communicator with those who have one of their own, relieved when everyone else's works fine too.

From where they stand, they cannot see the building, although the land is mostly flat. It is hidden behind masses of trees, as they hide away from the main path that leads to the entrance.

Everyone seems calm. Even Dream who is still joking around. George jumps when something touches his hand, but relaxes when he realises it's only Slime, whose face is scrunched up in worry.

"We got this." George says, and doesn't protest when Slime holds his hand. Maybe, if it were a few months before, George would protest at such an action, but as of now, he needs to comfort Slime, and maybe he needs the comfort himself.

"I have a bad feeling." Slime admits.

"What do you mean?" George asks, turning to Slime with concern etched on his face.

"I don't know. Something bad is going to happen...It's the same feeling I felt when...when..."

"You don't have to finish Slime...I'll keep you safe."

Slime just nods, but his eyes don't meet George's, and his hand just tightens in his grip. Dream looks over to the pair, and gives George a sympathetic smile, which is gratefully returned.

"Times up." Ponk murmurs, before wielding his weapon onto his shoulder and kissing Sam on the cheek. Punz ruffles Purpled's hair, ignoring the noise of protest his younger brother makes.

The pair make their way through the trees, and George can see the way everyone looks at the youngest member of their team with sympathy and protection. Purpled doesn't look at anyone, and instead gives all his attention to Dogchamp.

Ant leaves shortly after, followed by Foolish. Slime seems to get more distant, and Dream stops joking around. Purpled still doesn't look at anyone and Sam is murmuring the plan to himself. Puffy seems to be the most calm out of all of them, even as George feigns his own tranquillity. She smiles at George whenever they make eye contact, but as Sam gets ready to go, he can't bring himself to return it.

"Dream and Purpled, you two are coming with us whilst George and Slime wait for the signal. You'll stay hidden until we wave you over." Sam says as he counts over the pots Purpled has.

Dream wraps his arms around George's shoulders, and kisses his head.

"Be safe." He whispers.

"We're doing this for you Dream." George reminds Dream, knowing all too well that Dream can sometimes get lost in his head. In their teenage years, Dream would doubt himself, occasionally believing he wasn't worthy of Sapnap's friendship or George's love. It was never enough to be damaging, but it still hurts George when he thinks back to the times Dream was particularly vulnerable on bad days.

"I know. I'm going to make them pay, George. I hate this-"

"Dream-"

"We've never talked about it, but I hate that I'm not the same person anymore. I don't even feel like a person...because I'm not."

"Dream. I love you. You're still the same to me."

"But I'm not-"

"Dream, Purp, time's up." Sam interrupts earning a growl from Dream and a groan from George.

"We can talk about this later," George says quietly so only Dream can hear, "go out there, and give 'em hell. For me."

They part with a kiss, and even Purpled, who has his hands gripped in Dogchamp's thick white fur, waves his goodbye at the two who remain behind.

"I am bones." George looks over to Slime who seems to be talking to himself. "I am bones. I have bones. I am bones. I have bones. I am bones."

"Slime?" George questions. "You good?" He turns away from where the others disappears into the distance.

"I have a bad feeling."

"You said that earlier. It'll be okay. You are surrounded by amazing fighters, and I'll be with you the whole time. You have a communicator, and I am only one message away."

Slime looks away.

"Hey, how about we play a game. Before we get given the signal."

"What kind of game."

"How about eye-spy? Have you played that before?"

Slime seems to light up with excitement.

"Wilbur and I used to play this all the time. I'll go first. I spy with my little eye, something beginning with tree!"

George laughs. "It's been a while since you've played."

"Yeah! How could you tell?" George just about dies.

George's anxiety doesn't ease when they play eye-spy (properly) for fifteen whole minutes. It peaks, however, when his communicator finally buzzes.

"GO GO GO!" It's a message from Sam.

"Slime, you gotta shrink, we have to go. It's our time to shine."

Slime's smile fades, and he slowly shrinks. It takes about a minute, and George bounces from one foot to another the whole time.

Once Slime is small, George scoops him up, and places him on his shoulder. Slime's tiny hands grip to George's hair, but the other man doesn't seem to mind. Even as there is a slight trail of green substance dripping from his shoulder.

His crossbow is strapped to his back, along with his arrows, but he keeps his bow in one hand, and communicator in the other.

He secretly prays to Prime as he makes his way through the trees, and weaves through the nettles and grass. The pair don't say a word.

As they get closer to the building, George can hear the sounds of shouting, and can faintly smell smoke. His job isn't to fight, unlike Dream, but to help anyone else that might be in the building.

When the building comes into view, it's nothing like George remembers.

Firstly, it's shrouded in grey and white smoke that lingers close to the destroyed grass and blows in the bitter wind.

George can also see dents in the walls from explosions.

He feels sick when he can't see Dream, but Slime distracts him by pulling at his hair and pointing to a door hidden in plain sight at the side of the building.

He bolts towards it, surprised when he pulls at the handle and it opens. That's probably not a good sign.

He sees nobody as he creeps into the building, but spots an air vent and quickly diverts in that direction. He shakes as he pulls out the screws with ease, and throws the metal plate onto the ground, flinching at the sound.

He nor Slime say a word, and Slime clambers into the vent and gives George a worried smile.

"You remember what we are doing?" George whispers, and Slime nods, waving his shrunken communicator in his hand. "Good."

Suddenly George hears footsteps to his right. The soft tap of steel-toe boots as though someone is trying to sneak up on him. He remembers the sound from the countless times Sapnap tried to sneak up on him, wearing his own heavy leather black boots; after many jump scares, George grew used to the noise. This time, it's different. The person trying to sneak up on him isn't Sapnap.

He acts before he can even think about what he's doing, drawing an arrow from the quiver bag on his back, and sliding the bow off of his shoulder. In mere seconds he loads the arrow up, drawing back the string. It happens in slow motion; he turns to his right, holding his stance strong just like Purpled taught him, and as he makes eye contact with a burly man, he releases the string. The man has no time to react as the arrow penetrates his neck, and falls over his own feet, fists clutching at his throat as he splutter and writhes on the ground.

George, lowers the bow, and doesn't see Slime make his way through the vent. Instead, his eyes are on the man, who is bleeding in the floor. He feels numbs, but it only lasts a a few moments before he feels a familiar buzz in his pocket.

He doesn't look away from the body as he pulls out the communicator. He glances down, seeing a message from Slime.

"I found someone." It reads.

George's heart stops.

Slime sends him the coordinates, and after stepping over the body (that is unfortunately taking a long time to die), he weaves his way through corridors on the tips of his toes as not to create noise.

The door he arrives at is a heavy metal. It looks bolted up like a safe would be, and George feels like crying but he's still numb from shooting someone in the neck for the first time.

He takes out his communicator messaging Slime; 'can you open the door?'

He immediately regrets the message, realising that of someone is in there...they are supposed to be in there...trapped.

'No', is the reply. Of course that is the reply.

Abruptly, he has an idea. He pulls out his communicator and messages the others.

'Any TNT?' He waits anxiously for the answer. He hopes Slime is able to comfort whoever is on the other side of the door.

'YES', is one reply, but George doesn't have time to see who sent it, as a hand grabs at his shoulder, and he doesn't have time to see by who before he is thrown back on the floor.

He is winded and his vision blurs as the figure stands over him, menacing a smile.

There is more than one, as a boot is aimed at his stomach, kicking him hard.

Everything feels like slow motion as he is kicked and hit by multiple people. His face is hit a couple of times and he feels his jaw lock momentarily before he forces it back into place with an agonising scream.

He thinks he is going to die as he struggles to breathe. Part of him wishes he would just die, as the pain becomes unbearable.

He can't hear anything, and his vision starts to fade, but he forces his eyes to stay open.

Slime is on the other side of that damn door. He is Slime's family now, and George probably won't ever admit it out loud, but he needs the strange boy. They need each other.

He thinks of Dream. His dazzling eyes. His charming smile. His loving nature. He misses it. He wants it and right now he needs it. Dream has always been his knight in shining armour; the bread to his butter.

He doesn't try to sit up as kicks are still being sent his way.

With all the will he has left, he wishes for someone to appear. Anyone.

Faintly, he hears a battle cry, maybe multiple...before his vision starts to blur, and the black takes over.

He is going to miss Dream.

"Come on...come on...wake up..." a voice whispers. "You can do it, just drink this it's okay...come on."

George feels a sweet liquid being poured down his throat. Someone is holding his head and a bottle to his lips.

"Come on George...open your eyes you can do it...please..."

George listens to the voice. He forces his eyes open and is immediately slapped with penetrating light. He shuts them again quickly, groaning.

"That's it, try again...come in George, try it again!"

George opens his eyes again, this time slower. He adjusts to the light more quickly and tilts his head back to see who is holding it.

His vision clears as he sees familiar light blonde, wavy hair, and dazzling green eyes.

Dream smiles as George does, and the moment is precious. He doesn't ever want to look away.

The moment is broken, however, when someone coughs awkwardly next to them.

George's head snaps round to see Purpled sitting on his knees next to them, empty potion bottles in his hands.

George realises that Purpled looks nothing like he did earlier.

The young boy has tear tracks leading down from his bloodshot eyes, to his chin, and he has a nasty looking cut on his hairline. The blood is dry. There are also scratches on his face and neck and his clothing is stained with ash, dirt and blood. He looks so tired. He looks so young.

George looks back at Dream, only now noticing the speckles of blood covering one side of his face and how a small patch of his hair seems to be missing as though it was pulled out. He looks better than Purpled, but seeing how hurt the younger boy is... George wishes that wasn't the case.

"What happened?" He croaks. He slowly sits up, shocked at the bodies that are laying face down in a mass pool of blood.

"What the fuck?" He whispers.

"We rounded the corner looking for you, and saw they were attacking you." Dream says quietly. "I'm lucky Purpled was with me otherwise you'd probably be dead."

George looks over to Purpled who has the same dead look in his eyes. He doesn't smile. He doesn't even acknowledge that George is looking at him.

Suddenly he remembers.

"Shit! Slime is behind that door, and he found someone. I need TNT to open the door."

Dream stands. "Don't worry... I think I got it."

George watches in horror as Dream grips the large, rounded metal handle and pulls with all his might. He braces himself with one foot on the wall and keeps pulling, gritting his teeth and continues to pull at the handle. It creaks, and there is a glimmer of hope.

Purpled is still on the floor, and George tentatively shuffles himself backwards, so he is leant against the wall next to the boy.

The door creeks even more and the handle moves. At the same time, George gently puts his arm around Purpled's shoulder. The door creeks again. Purpled's head gently falls onto George's shoulder. Creek. George feels hot tears fall into his neck.

Dream screams loud as his pulls with his last bit of effort, and the handle starts to pull with ease. The heavy door opens, and Dream cheers. George tries to ignore the flinch from the boy next to him.

Dream moves to the side as the doors opens all the way, so George can see what is inside.

Slime is his full size. He is kneeling next to the head of a body on the floor, with his back to the door. George can't see who the body belongs to, with both Slime being on the floor, and his general position of being seated.

"Slime?" Dream questions.

"I- he's still breathing, but he's beat up pretty bad." Slime doesn't turn to look at any of them.

Dream steps away from his position next to the door. Quietly, he stands behind Slime and leans over to see the person on the floor.

"FUCK!" Dream screams, and George swiftly moves himself away from Purpled to go stand next to Dream. His eyes widen in horror as he stares down at the body.

The body is male. He is pale, but that isn't the first thing George notices. Nor is it bruises on his face or the open wounds visible from under his white t-shirt that has accidentally been pulled up...it's the jet black hair pulled back by a white bandana that really causes a guttural scream to escape George's mouth.

"Shit...how long has he been here? He looks so skinny." Slime moves out of the way as Dream takes his place in cradling Sapnap's fragile head. The boy doesn't stir as he is jostled slightly.

"He must have been taken the same time I was," George sobs, "I wish I had known."

"You two know this person?" Purpled questions quietly. The boy places his hand on George's shoulder; this time he is the one doing the comforting.

"We've known each other since childhood." Dream sniffs, offering this as his only explanation.

"When Dream was taken, I hid in his base. I was afraid of being seen by anyone associated with the gang. Police officers and detectives went missing or were killed... I was worried I would become one of them. Sapnap has a base that he would use during raids so he let me hide there...one day, I was found. I don't remember much. Only the ceiling caving in, and rubble everywhere. It was loud... I woke up in a cell-"

"George stop." Dream looks at him with desperation in his eyes.

"What I'm trying to say is...he is a friend. An important friend. Shit, Dream, I don't remember him being at the base."

"It's okay, you wouldn't have known. It's not your fault. If anything this is all my fault-"

"We can blame each other later." Purpled speaks up. "Right now, I have more healing pots. If you want we can give Sampton-"

"Sapnap."

"-Sapnap... we can give him one. Then we have to dip."

"What about the bad guys?" Slime says, looking between everyone in the room with distress in his eyes.

"...The others have it handled. Most of them are dead. Sam and Puffy found who they think is the leader. I trust he isn't getting through those two alive."

"How are the others doing?" George asks, and Purpled looks away, tears forming in his purple eyes again.

"Puffy and Sam are still going strong. They've mostly avoided serious injuries. Foolish is part totem, he wont be getting hurt any time soon."

"What about Ant, Ponk and Punz?" Dream almost whispers, afraid of the answer.

"Ant and Ponk are outside...Ponk had a run in with the wrong person..."

"What does that mean?" George questions, eyes carefully focused on Purpled's facial expressions.

"...He was attacked. They-" Purpled chokes on a sob, "-they hacked off his arm."

George feels his stomach roll.

"I gave him most of the healing potions and tied it off so the bleeding would stop but...I couldn't do much else. He's also had regeneration...and one pot of strength, but that was only so he had the energy to make it out of the building..."

This time, it is Dream who comforts Purpled. Sapnap's head is gently rested on the floor as Dream stands up and pulls the boy into a tight hug. Even Slime has tears in his eyes.

"Punz?" Dream whispers.

Purpled shrugs as another sob escapes him.

"I haven't heard anything..." Dream holds him tighter.

"Dogchamp?" Slime asks in a whisper.

Purpled shakes his head slowly, face buried in Dream's chest as he refuses to look at anyone in the room.

"She's gone." They all hear him murmur. "She...she tried to protect me... and now she is...gone."

George has never participated in a dedicated moment of silence before.

This seems like an appropriate time to start.

"C'mon, let's get out of here." Dream let's go of Purpled and gently pushes him toward Slime who has tears in his eyes and misery written all over his face.

It's eerily quiet as Dream picks up Sapnap's body with ease and leads the rest of them through the corridors George remembers walking through not so long ago. Purpled and Slime lean against each other, and George, who is still very weak from having the shit knocked out of him, makes his way towards the two, and leans himself against their backs. The pair split and open their arms for George in the middle. They hold each other.

There is less smoke than before when they get outside, but the air is filled with the smell of metallic blood. George can see Dream flinch at the sudden scent, but he's strong, and doesn't turn his head away from the direction he is walking.

There is no sign of any gang members, nor is there any noise. George guesses most of them are dead, or long gone if they know what is good for them.

The walk back to where they were at the very start of this whole fight seems long, but they make it.

Ant and Ponk are together, sitting on the grass. The pair look unhurt, chatting idly as though PONK ISN'T MISSING A LEFT ARM.

"Who the hell is that?" Ant exclaims, staring at the body that Dream gently lays on the floor.

"A good friend of ours." Dream replies. "How are you doing Ponk?"

If Ponk were able to, he would probably shrug. "Honestly? I can't feel anything. At all. Pain wise. That's probably not a good thing, but Purp stopped the bleeding and Ant gave me this stuff and it's great because I'm distracted by the idea of not having an arm anymore because I feel incredibly sick, because of this stuff Ant gave me which is making me feel sick, but the bleeding has stopped because Purp fixed it and my arm is gone, but this stuff is making me feel sick and I don't feel anything pain wise but Ant gave me this and it's a distraction from the pain I should feel but Purp fixed me because I don't have an arm here anymore and I should, man I miss Sam, he has at least double the arms I have."

Everyone stares at Ponk in confusion.

"What you said made no sen- IS THAT CATNIP?" Ant shrugs shyly at Dream's sudden outburst and realisation.

"It takes the edge off." He mumbles. He pulls himself up and away from Ponk who starts whispering something about Sam. He stares at the direction Dream, Sapnap, Purpled, Slime and George had just come from, his eyebrows pulled tight as though concentrating.

"Someone else is coming." Just as predicted, there is a rustle in the bushes and despite their multiple injuries and questionable mental states, everyone seems put on guard; Purpled holds onto a dagger George forgot he had, Dream has his fist around the handle of his sword ready, Ant has his own sword ready in his hand, Slime looks as though he is ready to shrink and run, George reaches for his crossbow, or at least his normal bow and some arrows before realising that they are all gone. He swears under his breath. Ponk is totally out of it.

"I don't know how much more fighting I can take." Dream whispers to himself, but George overhears him and silently agrees.

All weapons are raised higher when more than one shadowy figure emerges from the trees. None of them can make out the shapes of whoever is approaching. None of them want to attack first.

"Sam my beloved?" Ponk slurs, and before anyone can tell him to be quiet, the figures emerge and-

"Ponk?"

Sam. It's Sam, and close behind him is Puffy, but it isn't just the two of them. Although he is taller than both of them, Foolish is hunches over himself, and manages to hide behind the pair. His emerald eyes are cast downwards, and his arms are folded upwards...as though he is carrying something...or someone.

"Is everyone here?" Puffy asks, quietly. Foolish is still hid behind the pair.

"Yeah. Dream and George found their friend...Foolish, is everything okay?" Ant tries to look over the shoulders of Puffy and Sam, but the pair shuffle closer together.

"What are you hiding?" Purpled's voice is dangerously low. "Where is Punz?"

Suddenly, it clicks for George.

"WHERE THE FUCK IS PUNZ?" Purpled shouts, and everyone flinches back, especially as he raises his weapon threateningly.

Instead of fighting him, Puffy stands to the side, revealing what Foolish is holding.

In the arms of the shark-totem hybrid, is the bloodied body of Punz. His usual white hoodie is unrecognisable as it is stained red. His face is covered in dried blood and his blonde hair isn't much better. Even Sapnap looks as though he has more life than the other boy.

"..." Purpled is speechless.

"It's not as bad as it looks." Puffy tries to assure, but her words fall on deaf ears as everyone that isn't Foolish, Sam or Puffy silently agree that she is wrong.

"Then why were you so insistent on hiding him? What the fuck happened to him?" Purpled slowly walks towards Punz as though he is afraid his brother will break if even looked at the wrong way.

"Purpled listen, Puffy is right, he will be-"

"I really hate to be that person," Dream interrupts, "but you tried to hide the body of his brother and then revealed a bloody mess, and then try to assure he is fine? Hasn't the kid been through enough?"

Slime cowers behind George who, in return, stands in front of him, shielding his eyes from everything going on in front of them. George wouldn't say it out loud, but at this moment, he feels like a big brother.

"Look, Dream, you clearly-"

"CLEARLY WHAT? He has had to run all over the place playing doctor, he watched his dog BLOW THE FUCK UP and still tried to help us all! He helped your fucking boyfriend stop blood spewing out of his arm, because I don't know if you have realised it, but HE DOESN'T HAVE ONE ANYMORE!" Dream's chest is heaving, despite not having the ability to breathe anymore. His face is red. His eyes...almost glow in the anger he radiates.

For the first time, George is scared of Dream.

"We can argue later," Ant intervenes, "I take it everyone is dead."

Puffy nods, her eyes on the ground. "As far as we are aware. I had the TNT you wanted, but I left it in there. Foolish started a fire, it'll probably take a while to catch. We should head back to Purpled's place."

Sam scoops up an unconscious Ponk from the floor, wincing at the extent of his injuries. Foolish still holds Punz; he doesn't look at any of them. Dream picks up Sapnap; his eyes still glow. Puffy walks in front of all of them; her coat is stained red. Ant takes Purpled's bag of empty potion bottles away from him, and carries them himself. George holds Slime's hand, and slings his other around Purpled. The two are crying. They trail behind everyone else.

They walk like a herd of elephants through the same way they came. George wishes he could cry over everything he has lost in that building, but the reality is, he can't.

Dream is still with him. He's different now, but he's with George nonetheless. He also has Sapnap. When they first ran, he didn't know when he'd see his best friend again. It's unfortunate that they found the raven haired boy in these circumstances, but Sapnap looks to be in better condition than Punz and Ponk.

As they filter through the trees, Slime starts to whistle. It's quiet and wobbly, but a whistle all the same. Everyone has walked far ahead of them. Purpled cries silently and George holds them all together.

Slime whistles again. A new note. Lower. He whistles again. Even lower than before. Suddenly, he whistles higher, and then higher, and then slightly lower.

It feels familiar to George.

"Do that again." George is surprised when he isn't the one making the request. Instead, Purpled looks over to Slime with mild recognition and curiosity in his eyes.

Slime does so, repeating the same wobbly whistle he did before. This time he goes on for longer, adding to the fluctuating notes.

Very quietly, under his breath, Purpled mutters a silent "na na na na" following the whistle tune.

Suddenly, there is a specific point of the tune George recognises. His eyes light up in recognition.

The trio find themselves singing the same tune in various ways.

George's own "na na na's" get louder and so do Purpled's. Slime stops whistling and decides to use his vocals instead, mimicking the other two.

George can see Dream look back at them for a moment. He smirks as he looks away. It's not with malice, but with humour.

George can feel himself shake from side to side as Slime starts dancing. Purpled laughs bright and loud and copies him, and suddenly all three of them are dancing and singing.

George has always been a sucker for Cat.

In this moment everything feels okay. It's not perfect. Of course not. Their singing drowns the noise of the explosions from TNT Puffy left behind. There is no flinching, or crying, or whimpering in this moment. Just singing.

Although George doesn't see it, Sapnap stirs slightly in Dream's arms. Punz's eyes flutter before falling shut again. Sam kisses Ponk gently, whispering apologies.

And when the song is over, they sing it again.

They're not perfect. But they can work on that.

Chapter Text

"Hey... Sam and Ponk left this morning, at the crack of dawn. They didn't say goodbye but I didn't expect them to. Sam was working on a prosthetic prototype for Ponk. I saw some blueprints but he hasn't mentioned it to anyone, so technically I'm not supposed to know. I guess the next time we see Ponk he's gonna have a fancy arm that can do all sorts, but you have to promise to act surprised because I'm not supposed to know.

I told you Sapnap woke up last week right? He's actually pretty cool but I'm not gonna admit that to anyone else. He cooked for us this morning. I think he's trying to make a good impression on all of us, and it's working. He made omelette. Do you remember the last time we had one of those? You made it and it turned into something that definitely wasn't an omelette. I had the windows open for days afterwards you burnt it so bad.

Here's another thing you can't tell anyone, but Slime is growing on me. I know he's older than me, but he feels like a younger brother. I've always wanted one of those. He found Dogchamp's ball in the bushes and we played catch. He's alright at catching but has terrible aim...

Dogchamp's memorial stone fell over in the night, so Dream found some other rocks to stand it up properly. He did a good too, I think. It looks better than it did when it was just half buried in the ground. He also picked it up like it weighed nothing; his vampire powers are so cool, even if he is a changed. I also taught George a few things about vampires. The same things you taught me, that way he knows what to do if Dream ever gets tired or hungry.

George is scared, but he would never admit it out loud. He worries for Dream constantly. The other day I caught him scolding Dream like a child because he was out with Sapnap and forgot to tell the rest of us. It sounds funny, but looking back, it really wasn't. I would have been scared too.

Foolish and Puffy plan on leaving tomorrow since Puffy was given another call. A lot tamer than...well... She promises she'll come back, but George told her not to worry if she can't. When I first met George he seemed really rigid, and cold. I think he was scared back then though. I remember what it was like to not trust people too...but there was something about Slime and Dream and George...I don't know. I just felt like they were in it for the long run. I'm glad they stayed. I like this make-shift family.

Oh hey, you remember the guy that Ant met at Twitch rivals, the one we attended months ago? Well he managed to get in contact with Ant and they were texting each other over dinner. I don't know how the hell he got Ant's number but you should have seen him blush...and it's impossible for cats to blush! Puffy kept teasing him about 'young love' and how 'it was meant to be Antfrost, do you remember the way he looked at you?'

It's actually pretty late now, and I should probably go to sleep. George was lecturing me about my sleep schedule which felt embarrassing but then Sapnap called him out; apparently George used to sleep fourteen hours a day...during the day! Dream burst out laughing and George was spluttering, trying to defend himself, it was so funny. You should have seen how hard they were laughing, I joined in and Slime did too although he had no idea what was going on.

I think you'll like Sapnap. I can't wait for you to meet him. You'll get a proper introduction to him since he already looks much better than when we found him.

Well...I better get to bed. George promised we could do target practice in the morning, and Dream said he's gonna test out his new abilities properly to see how far he can take them.

Oh yeah, another thing... wake up soon Punz, it's been a few weeks and you're scaring me. I know you don't mean it, well obviously you don't, but I miss you a lot. It's been difficult without Dogchamp to keep me anchored, and despite having everyone here...it's not the same. Sometimes it feels like you're already gone. In my head, I've created scenarios...preparing myself to see you...gone. What if I walk in and you're not breathing? What do I do without you?

Punz, we've lost everyone, and I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I lost you too. I love you brother. So fucking much. And maybe I never told you enough. But here it is. I love you.

Wake up soon Punz."

Purpled gets up from where he was laying on Punz's bed. He straightens out the covers, making sure to tuck his brother in. Gently, he swipes some of Punz's hair out of his face. Puffy had been the one to clean the blood out, but she did it with great difficulty, and with Purpled watching her every move. Foolish had tried to clean his ruined clothes, but eventually they all agreed to destroy them, since it the blood stained them so bad, and Purpled shook every time he saw the destroyed articles of clothing.

Purpled quietly pulls the dividers so Punz has privacy from the rest of the open building. Just before he pulls back the last divider, his instincts tell him to look back...

He waits a few seconds, wondering why his mind is urging him to stay...suddenly it happens.

The sheets rustle slightly, and silver eyes meet purple.

Purpled smiles harder than he has ever smiled before.

And Punz smiles back.